The Gift by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
I have a complicated relationship with Richard Paul Evans. Some of his Christmas books I found very enjoyable (Like Mistletoe Inn, Lost December, and A Winter Dream), while others I was ambivalent towards (Mistletoe Secret) or downright detested (Grace shudder). This book joins the ranks of Mistletoe Secret as “not that great, but diverting for a few hours.”
The plot, like most of his books, is paper thin. You can tell where it’s going from the very beginning. When the book starts with the protagonist visiting a grave site, you know what the outcome is going to be, which leaves you just waiting for the death to happen. I guess I should be grateful that I wasn’t broadsided by the ending? The romance was super cheesy and rushed. Nathan’s in love with Addison after one night. Addison’s declaring her love for him after one week. I don’t buy it. There’s a really awkward massage scene that is supposed to be sexy but comes off cringe-worthy.
So why isn’t this book in my detestable pile? Firstly, I was interested in the information about Tourette’s Syndrome, and I liked the story line with Nathan’s job. But mostly, Collin is adorable, and I want to give him lots of hugs. He makes the book and saves it from a two star rating.
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