
It’s not easy to combine a compelling legal drama with a rom-com and not have it feel like all the worst stereotypes of a Hallmark movie, but Michael Scott Clifton does it with style and a little bit of actual wand-waving in The New Year’s Man.

There’s something bittersweet about discovering a series just as it’s coming to an end. Lift and Let Die is the sixteenth and final installment in Helen Golden’s A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, and while I had no trouble following the mystery as a newcomer, I couldn’t help feeling that I’d arrived rather late to a very entertaining party.

I love a good RomCom. I especially love a good second-chance RomCom, or one featuring lead characters who are past their twenties. Even more, I love a good Christmas RomCom. So when I was offered a review copy of Stuck with You for Christmas by Jen Smith, well, obviously, I said yes.

I’m new to Liz Fenwick’s work, but based on my recent devouring of The Last Christmas, I’ve been missing out on some incredible storytelling.

But while Cole is the central character, this “novel in stories” is really about the women he encounters. Each is distinctly herself. There is no particular type, no interchangeable parade of romantic interests. Hale gives these women agency, personality, and histories of their own, while allowing us to experience Cole’s story through their eyes.
I love your description of art supplies, it’s so true!
I choose Royal Gala apples. Funny, I love art supplies too, even though I am fairly useless at it.
Annie Rocks. The music from the show is way better than the movie, but you can’t beat Carol Burnett. OR Bernadette PEters, Tim Curry, Ann Reinking. You can beat that annoying little Aileen Quinn who played Annie, and that horrible pick for Daddy Warbucks. (I always forget his name–he’s a fine actor, but he was just so wrong for that part.)
Avecados, I don’t care for as much.
Albert Finney. That’s his name. And it starts with an A.
What a wonderful list of items. As I read your list I nodded in agreement to almost every choice – I also adore alphabetizing, artichokes, arches, and art supplies. Although my list must include Aristotle accessories, and art galleries.
Oh yes, and the word ahh, which is a very handy word to have on hand.
We used to have an old Victorian house and the apples in the garden were Bramleys – first rate cookers, Ribston Pippins – divine and Worcester Pearmains – great!.. I have never tasted apples to beat these!
Michele says hi!