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Book Review of Christmas by the Book: A Novel

Christmas by the Book: A Novel
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LDS fiction

A Daring Christmas Charade Leads to Love

After six months as a hostage in South America, Simon Kent is ready for an old-fashioned Christmas-the king Laura Reynolds writes about in Today's Home, the magazine that Simon reads during his plane ride home. So appealing is Laura's column that Simon tells TV reporters, "If I had my way, I'd spend Christmas with Laura Reynolds as Spindrift Farm."

Amanda Richards, editor of the Salt Lake City-based magazine, is thrilled for the publicity. She knows Laura will welcome a Christmas guest-after all, she's Amanda's grandmother. A winter spill, however, puts Laura in the hospital. "Do it yourself," Laura tells Amanda. "Say you're me. He deserves a nice Christmas after what he's gone through."

Amanda borrows a farm in Idaho, rents a "husband," and adopts the role of Laura Reynolds, rural living expert and cook extraordinaire. The trouble is, Amanda's a city girl through and through who never cooks if she can avoid it!

Then a record-breaking snowstorm leaves Amanda completely on her own in Idaho-with a man she finds completely attractive! Simon is more drawn to "Laura Reynolds" than he had ever expected. His time in captivity has convinced him of the importance of religion and family, but unfortunately, Laura appears to be happily married.

The holiday festivities and surprises continue as each day brings them closer to both Christmas and to disaster. Will it also bring Amanda and Simon closer to love?