In my last review, the one of Christmas On 4th Street by Susan Mallery, I said that as soon as I finished that book, I closed it and started A Fool’s Gold Christmas, the other Fool’s Gold book on my Kindle. You guys, that was an awesome life choice. As it turns out, I’ve been reading this series out of order. However, I actually ended up liking A Fool’s Gold Christmas more than Christmas On 4th Street. I am not sure how much this has to do with the characters or with my new found familiarity with the series now. Gather round, reader friends, and learn why I was so won over by this holiday romance.
A Fool’s Gold Christmas is about dancer Evie and lawyer Dante and how they eventually get together and stay together. Evie spent a few years of her unhappy childhood in Fool’s Gold. However, she went away to Juilliard at 17, left the school at 18 and was on her own. You see, she was not very happy as a kid and always felt apart from her family. She believed her mother resented her. Also, her brothers were all close to each other and had these traditions but left her out. Anyways, after an accident, Evie is brought back to Fool’s Gold to recover and also to run the local dance school. It turns out that Evie is going to be in charge of The Dance Of The Winter King which is a super big deal for the town. She also finds herself constantly being invited to participate in things. As a result, Evie is feeling stretched thin. Meanwhile, Dante’s office is under Evie’s studio and when he goes to yell at her about the clog dancing, he finds himself intensely attracted. And so, the two embark on a no-strings relationship of take out food and volunteering. BUT, Dante is not the staying type.
Oh you guys! I liked Evie! Then again, if you know me, you know that I will always, always love main characters who have just a bit of attitude and spark to them. Evie is spunky and awesome. Sure, she’s lacking in self confidence – not that she thinks she is ugly or anything but she consistently worries if people will like her or not and if she’s on the outside looking in. She also finds herself wanting a pet cat but does the responsible thing and really thinks about it before deciding to take on the cat in it’s forever home. I am sorry I just had to mention that because it made me like her about ten times more! Yay responsible pet ownership! Anyways, Evie is awesome and I loved her a tiny bit more than Noelle (from Christmas On 4th Street).
Dante, Evie’s lover boy, is alright. I mean, heh, he is not like my favorite character or anything. His backstory is kind of interesting but hard to believe. You see, he was in a gang at 15, lol. His mom was killed by a rival gang member. And now he is a lawyer? Sorry if I find that hard to swallow. Anyways, he is scared to fall in love and to be in a long term relationship because he’s afraid he will bring danger to the woman he loves. Let’s just say he is a commitment-o-phobe. He does some real jerk like things as well. BUT! He redeems himself, is all I will say.
Honestly, I think that these books are a bit paint by the numbers — like this book is very, very similar plot-wise to Christmas On 4th Street. There’s the same bits with family drama. There’s the same pitching in with all the events and festivals. The men both take off because they are scared of a relationship. The resolutions are also kind of similar. BUT I DO NOT CARE. You guys, sometimes I like books that are similar. Sometimes I like familiarity. I choose to look at these books like a comforting cup of coffee. I have one every morning. I know what to expect. It might change a bit based on the flavor of creamer I put in, but in the end, I still know exactly what’s going into my mouth. So with A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery, I know exactly what’s going to happen but you know, I am there for the different flavor and also for the ritual and the comfort.
On A Scale Of One To Clark Griswold, How Much Christmas Spirit Does This Book Have?
Total Clark Griswold – Evie is trying to choreograph a Nutcracker-esque dance for goodness sake! All the festivals are still there. Also, there is forgiveness and family and hope. Basically if you want books that will turn you into Buddy The Elf, READ THESE FOOL’S GOLD HOLIDAY ROMANCES!
Disclosure: Review Copy Provided By Publisher Via Netgalley
Other reviews of A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery:
The Brazen Bookworm – “Treacly, yes, but hey, it’s a Christmas novel”
Rather Be Reading – “a sweet romance sprinkled with just enough holiday cheer”
For Love And Books – “Today was one of those days, and as always? Susan was there!”
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This book seems like it would make a great read for the holidays! I love books set during Christmas, and this seems like a fun one to curl up with (along with a cup of something with peppermint in it).