Joyfully Retired

by Debbie Macomber

MIRA Books, 2009

My Rating: B

I think I’ve read almost all of Debbie Macomber’s stories. I get her newsletter and follow her website (especially the knitting section). So I guess you could call me a fan. It was a real treat when her publicist sent this Christmas book. Debbie always writes a Christmas story because it’s one of the most heartwarming times of the year. And, Debbie Macomber’s books, Christmas or otherwise, are always heartwarming. The Perfect Christmas is no different.

Cassie is a very bright young woman in her mid-thirties. She’s been successful in every way except finding a good man. She longs for a husband and children. When her best friend tells her about a very expensive, but reliable, matchmaker, Cassie goes for it. She believes this is her last hope.

The matchmaker, Simon, is a well-educated psychologist who has been very successful in bringing together what he calls suitable partners. He also offers a money-back guarantee so Cassie decides she has nothing to lose. Although the matchmaker’s manner is very off-putting to Cassie, she is confident he can find her the perfect husband in time for the perfect Christmas.

Simon does find a suitable match in John but he will not introduce Cassie and John until Cassie completes three tasks:

1. She must spend a morning ringing a bell for charity at the mall.
2. Cassie must don a an elf costume and descend from the ceiling of the mall to announce Santa, and then help with the children who want to visit with Santa.
3. And last, she must cook and host a dinner party for her very unfriendly neighbors.

All sorts of fun things happen to Cassie, some laugh-out-loud funny. There are also some touching moments leading up to Christmas. My one small complaint is that I didn’t like the matchmaker during most of the story. Overall, it’s a very good story with clean language and wholesome values. I’m passing this on to my youngest daughter and then my mother who also enjoys Debbie’s books. That should tell you what kind of book this is.

I’m counting this book as part of my Holiday Reading Challenge.

For other opinions on the book visit:

Tami and Dave at One More Thing