It’s the holiday season! It’s hard to believe 2022 is almost over. I must admit, I’ve been very stressed lately, so I’m always on the lookout for books that let me escape. That book for me lately was A Wingman for Christmas by Barbara Barth. This must-read book is set in Georgia in the midst of the holiday festivities and I couldn’t recommend a more perfect book this time of year.
First, here’s a bit about the book:
The annual Sweet Water, Georgia, Christmas parade is nearing but relationships are fractured on Wild Rose Lane. Antique dealer Cheryl Calloway’s holiday spirit has tanked. It’s been a horrible year with her divorce, her ex marrying younger and perkier Miriam across the street, and Mama moving into Cheryl’s Victorian cottage with her Amazon parrot right before Thanksgiving. A party girl in her eighties, Mama smokes up a storm, likes her nightly vodka, has a hankering for men, and now a wingman named Nigel. If that isn’t enough, the Historical Society wants Cheryl to clean up all the projects on her porch waiting to go to Spivey’s Antique Mall for their Christmas Open House. Her desire to work her booth is as dead as her marriage. Miriam, President of the Historical Society, chastises her, “If it ain’t pretty don’t put it on the porch.” Then there’s Alice, her strange neighbor with the six-foot fluorescent light bulb cross nailed to the huge Magnolia tree in the middle of her rose garden. Alice watches all the neighbors too closely. Just when Cheryl thinks things can’t get worse, an incident shakes her to the core, and a mystery follows revealing family secrets long forgotten. Cheryl wants to believe in miracles and love again, and Dr. James may just be the man of her dreams as he helps her and Mama sort things out.
Filled with quirky characters, mystery, family secrets, and sweet love, all set in a hot Georgia small town.
What I Thought
What a charming book this was! I’ve never wanted to visit Georgia more than I do now. Barbara sweeps me into the hot southern setting in the midst of the Christmas season. I loved Cheryl and her relationship with her mom and all the quirks that come with it. I loved the bird that came in and shook everything up for the whole neighborhood.
Another aspect I liked about this story is the underlying message of forgiveness and how it’s also never too late for love. I swear, finishing this book put a smile on my face and I hope to read another about this Georgia town.
The length was perfect too. The novella length let me finish it in a day, which felt amazing to me.
So, if you are looking for a fun read this holiday season, don’t miss A Wingman for Christmas by Barbara Barth.
Get your copy on Amazon.com today! Or add it to your GoodReads reading list.
About the Author
Barbara Barth turned to writing and adopting dogs to heal after her husband died fourteen years ago. Known as ‘Writer With Dogs’, Barth currently lives with four Chihuahuas in a charming town forty miles outside of Atlanta. She is Literary Arts Chair at a small art center where she promotes writing activities, author events, book launches, and hosts an online group Walton Writers. Inspired by the wonderful artists around her, Barth started painting and has won several awards with her whimsical art. Her books are available on Amazon. Visit her Instagram page Barbara Barth Studio.
Terrific review!
This book sounds delightful, great review!