The Christmas Shoes

By Donna Van Liere

Dual stories of a happy family losing their mother, and a young family falling apart.  Eight year old Nathan's mother, Maggie, is slowly dying from cancer, and the whole family tries to enjoy their last Christmas together.  Meanwhile, Robert has become a workaholic, paying the bills but not paying much attention to his wife and two daughters. Nathan and Robert accidentally meet on Christmas Eve, and learn that small things can change lives.

This is a simple story, and slightly melodramatic, but it is a nice remembrance people should always be important.  I can't say I loved the story, but I did love the sentiment.

Politically Correct Holiday Stories: For An Enlightened Yuletide Season

By James Finn Garner

Garner tackles the need to correct traditions for modern times.  As usual, he pokes fun at the sanity of those who create a "offensive in-offending" holiday season.  Some stories were a bit heavy handed, but others shone. 

The book begins on a high note, with a correction of Twas the Night Before Christmas.  Santa meets a family that doesn't know how to enjoy anything -- no Santa, no presents, no treats, and the children try to "liberate" Santa's reindeer.  I laughed out loud at the last line, " Happy Christmas to all, but get over yourselves!"  The Christmas Carol parody drags a bit, but having Frosty the Persun of Snow march on Washington, and Rudolph forming a reindeer union were clever.

Candy Cane Murder

by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine, & Leslie Meier

Three stories involving the Christmas season & candy canes: Candy Cane Murder, The Dangers of Candy Canes, and Candy Canes of Christmas Past.  The first one featured a lying baker, the second a lying freelance writer, and the third a lying mother of a two year old.  I cannot believe anyone loved these stories; they were insipid, silly, and dull.  I kept waiting for anything exciting to happen, but it was the typical "I'm too fat, yet I stuff my face", " I want a real job, and I have a stupid name (Jaine Austen!)", and " I'm a big city girl trapped in a tiny podunk town".  Give me a break!  Plus, each one of them solved their mysteries almost instantly at the end.  I can't believe I read all three.  Thank goodness for 2 good cookie recipes, or I would be really mad at myself right now!