“Santa & Company” by Fern Michaels is a winter tale that reunites old friends in Lake Tahoe, blending rekindled friendships, mystery, and heartwarming moments.
Length: 272 pages.
Genre: Romance
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From The Publisher:
When longtime friends Amy, Frankie, Rachael and Nina reunited for a holiday singles cruise, it not only deepened their bond, it changed their lives. Now they’re getting together for another adventure, and what better winter setting than a fabulous ski lodge? Crisp snow and fresh air by day, cozy fires and delicious food by night, capped off by meeting up with their significant others for a New Year’s Eve celebration—it’s perfect.
At least, it’s perfect until Frankie decides to go snowshoeing alone. When she twists her ankle right after losing her phone in the snow, Frankie wonders how she’ll be able to summon help—only to be rescued by a reclusive Grizzly Adams lookalike who lives nearby and introduces himself as Troy Manchester.
Troy saves the day by helping the injured Frankie back to the ski lodge, but in the process, encounters a part of the L.A. life he’s tried to leave behind. Nina, visiting the gift shop to buy magazines for a recuperating Frankie, is similarly shocked to glimpse someone to whom she was once connected.
Even in this unlikely spot, it seems there’s no way to avoid their pasts. And as the mischievous Rachael and her sidekick Amy go to great lengths to patch up old friendships and spread the spirit of the season, the New Year may contain all kinds of new beginnings. . .
My Thoughts:
“Santa & Company” by Fern Michaels is the second installment in the Santa’s Crew series, but it stands on its own as an engaging winter tale. The story follows the reuniting of four longtime friends, Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina, in the picturesque setting of Lake Tahoe, offering a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of their lives. The cozy feel of the hotel within the resort was particularly appealing.
One of the strengths of this book is the author’s skillful recap of events from the previous book, making it accessible for new readers. The setting in Lake Tahoe, with its crisp snow and cozy ski lodge, provides a perfect backdrop for the winter escapade. The concierge character’s commitment to making the women’s stay enjoyable adds a heartwarming touch to the narrative.
While “Santa & Company” has its merits, a couple of mysteries add intrigue to the plot but may not be as compelling as expected. Someone is leaving elves and mistletoe around the women’s hotel room and a blonde woman stalking Nina fell short in terms of suspense and level of interest leaving me somewhat disappointed.
It should also be noted that this book leans more towards a winter read than a full-blown Christmas story, which could potentially disappoint readers seeking a more holiday-centric plot. In comparison to the first book in the series, “Santa Cruise,” I found this book to be somewhat disappointing. While I enjoyed revisiting these characters in this cozy winter setting, I just didn’t connect with this storyline. Having said that, Fern Michaels’ storytelling prowess and the endearing characters would have me reading a third book in the series.
Other Books I’ve Reviewed in this Series:
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