Reviewed by Ami
Title: Popcorn Garlands
Author: Ariel Tachna
Series: 2016 Advent Calendar – Bah Humbug
Heroes: Carlos Mendez/Ned Williams
Genre: MM Holiday
Length: 32 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2016
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Carlos Mendez spends all year working hard at his Houston-based landscaping business, and he sends every spare penny he earns back to his family in Mexico. By the time the holidays roll around, he doesn’t have much patience for the unadulterated greed and consumerism paraded past him. But a chance meeting with his neighbor, Ned Williams, and Ned’s cancer-stricken daughter, might help to remind him of the real meaning of the season—something beyond the gaudy lights and extravagant displays—something he wants to be a part of.
Review: A beginning to what could be a lovely relationship between a landscaping business owner and a single father with a five-year-old sweet girl, who has leukemia (sniff). Since the time span is really short, the HFN ending is perfect, in my opinion.
I was immediately gripped with Ned’s situation. Imagine being a single father and facing the fact that your only daughter has leukemia. It broke my heart. I could totally relate to what Carlos was feeling – wanting to help Ned in any way he can, even if only by giving something lovely for this year’s Christmas.
I felt that Carlos was close to his employee – but at the same time, his scenes with them kind of took away the quantity of time I wanted Carlos to spend with Ned and Sonia instead, in order to get to know the Williams better. Oh, well, I believe that it will continue even after the end though… and I am sure Sonia will be in remission. She has to.
Overall Impression: It was good
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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