Book Review and Giveaway

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

I received this book from WaterBrook Maltnomah Publishers for the sole purpose of reading and doing this review.

This was a cute, whimsical story. The story begins with two lonely hearts that meet in a book store. Although, they work together they really don't know each other. They both receive a ticket to the Christmas ball. The Christmas ball is a magical ball designed to draw lonely hearts together and fall in love. I really enjoyed the story and found it a fun book to read. It is light hearted romance. I really like that in the story Simon, one of the two main characters, believes in courting and not dating. That is a nice aspect to the story. On the other hand, the author also portrayed wizards as being different from witches. It is kind of implied that witches are evil but that wizards are okay. I find this troubling and don't really agree with that interpretation.

A quote from the book (p. 108) "Of course I'm not in favor of witches and goblins and dealing with the dead. Actually, the Anglo-Saxon term 'wizard' simply refers to older, wise people, as in 'wizened.' So wizards are not closely associated with witches."

Hmmmm. I believe this is splitting hairs especially since in the book the wizards had the power of knowing things about people and events. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 it states "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord." God very broadly defines what is detestable to Him and while the exact term of wizard is not used it seems to me to fall into this category. In the book the wizards are good and are portrayed as doing God's work. I believe that angels are sent to do that job and not wizards.

Now while I will say that I draw this distinction, I do also recognize that there is much debate in the Christian world on this subject. Many Christians read and believe Harry Potter is okay and many others do not. My personal beliefs are that witches and wizards exist so I do not say that books shouldn't have them in the story. I just prefer for them to be shown in a negative or evil light instead of portraying them as something good. (My opinion.)

This book didn't bother me as much as some that have witchcraft in them as the wizards weren't really of this world and although they were shown to be 'good' (which I debate) at least the powers were more behind the scenes and not obvious. The main aspect of the story is the budding romance between Cora and Simon. And that is a wonderful, lovely romance. The romance is handled in a very tasteful light.

The story is well written. It really is a delightful read and an enjoyable story. I just wanted to be clear about the 'magic' aspect that is in the book.

I am giving away my copy of the book to one of my blog readers. I don't want my review to scare you away as it really is a delightful read. I just wanted to be clear that there is magic in the book. If you are interested in the book, leave me a comment about one of your most favorite Christmas traditions!

I will tell you one of mine --- I love to get a good book. I stay up late reading - wrapped in a blanket with the wonderful beauty of the Christmas tree lights on in the room. It is my special time and I just love the quiet time to enjoy the lights, a good book and a warm cup of herbal tea!

Giveaway ends December 17th. And please be sure to include your email so I have a way to contact you if you win!