Since I've already admitted to being a Christmas ornament snob, I might as well come clean on a few other topics. I'm also a Christmas music snob, a Christmas movie snob, and a Christmas book snob. I don't like just anything. I need to be convinced that something is worth my attention.
Which is why I am happy to recommend to you the novella* "Blue Christmas," by our friend Mary Kay Andrews, because it meets several of my key criteria:
1. It is not heartwarming. I hate heartwarming. Which is not to say it's mean-spirited, or depressing. It's delightful. Happy but not sugary. I hate sugary, too.
2. It has interesting characters, humor, intrigue, romance and a window-decorating contest.
3. Oh, and it also has recipes at the end. That's always a good thing, especially when the recipes have funny introductions. I'm not going to disclose too much, but there's a punch recipe that hints at scandal.
4. There's a Christmas music playlist that even a Christmas music snob can endorse.
5. This is the most important thing, at least to me: great descriptions of vintage Christmas objects. Really great. Like "I've been at that same auction" great. Like "I got exactly the same box lot for seven dollars" great. Like even if you were someone who didn't like a good plot and charming characters you would keep reading in hopes of another mention of Shiny Brites - that kind of great.
(*novella, for those of you who may not have majored in English, is a short novel, otherwise known as "a book I may actually finish.")
Anyway, here's the good part: I have a copy of "Blue Christmas" to give away. Here's the other good part: To that book I will add a small but tasteful box of vintage Christmas decorations that would make Weezie Foley (the main character in the book) squeal with delight. And all you have to do is write a 500-word essay in which you ... no, no, no. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post sometime before Thursday morning. One winner will be chosen at random. And then I'll let you know who that is.
We've picked a winner ... thanks to everyone who left a comment!
I read MK's Summer Rental, well, this summer, and would be thrilled to move on to another Mary Kay title which would be all the sweeter (not sugary, though) with a small but tasteful box of vintage ornaments by my side.
Posted by: Into Vintage | December 12, 2011 at 12:49 AM
I love to read and I collect vintage ornaments so it would be a match made in heaven.
Posted by: Beth O | December 12, 2011 at 01:06 AM
You can count me in ! I could use a good read ... as well as a few of your vintage ornaments !
Posted by: Lisa W. | December 12, 2011 at 01:22 AM
I LOVE Mary Kay Andrews and I LOVE vintage ornaments, please enter my name! Thank you!!
Posted by: Sue@Serendipity | December 12, 2011 at 01:23 AM
Never read MK Andrews, sounds like something I would enjoy, and me too a Vintage Ornament Snob. Count me in!
Posted by: Diane | December 12, 2011 at 04:15 AM
me me!!! I have read all her books except this one! Janie
Posted by: janie | December 12, 2011 at 04:33 AM
You have me intrigued! May have to look it up at the library...that is if I don't just happen to come upon a copy somewhere through pure luck! ;)
Posted by: Gina | December 12, 2011 at 05:24 AM
Looks like what I would call a 'Good Beach Read' (aka novella...) hmm... maybe if I 'happen to win' a copy of the book - Santa will HAVE to come through with a trip to a WARM BEACH for me!?!!! (Do you think it works that way??)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBARA 8-)
Posted by: svelteSTUFF | December 12, 2011 at 06:21 AM
Ha! I wonder if tomorrow you're going to post a clarification (or even an apology) about how you didn't actually mean that you hate all things heartwarming.
Put me on the list -- I want that non-heartwarming book (and the ornaments).
Posted by: Martha | December 12, 2011 at 06:51 AM
I promise my heart will not me warmed if I win this book;-)
Posted by: Amy | December 12, 2011 at 08:22 AM
This is an amazing give away! Also, your description of a novella - "a book you may actually finish" - made me laugh out loud!
Posted by: Melissa's Antiques | December 12, 2011 at 08:47 AM
Hmm! I knew there was a reason that I loved blog. Wit, humor, reality...Mary Kay is that you? She writes books that aren't predictable. That's what I like. I haven't heard the word novella since college. Thank the good Lord they still print books. From one snob to another...Renee
Posted by: Renee | December 12, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Oh, yes please! I would even write the essay, if required. You should do more book reviews - I also veer from the heart-warming and romance stories so sweet they hurt my teeth (who talks that way, anyway?). Thanks for the recommendation! --cds
Posted by: Claudia | December 12, 2011 at 08:58 AM
I know this may sound like I am exaggerating! But I just finished Savannah Blues and now I am reading Deep Dish by this author! I fell in love with her fun Southern humor! I would love this book...I know! Thanks girlfriend! And happy holidays! ♥♥♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | December 12, 2011 at 09:11 AM
I love Mary Kay's books! I didn't realize she had a Christmas story out, but if it's anything like her other books, I know I'd love it!
Posted by: Heidi German | December 12, 2011 at 09:26 AM
I've never read this author, so it sounds like a good time to start. And ornaments, well, can never have too many of those.
Posted by: Mary Ann | December 12, 2011 at 09:39 AM
I'm also a holiday snob, so I was glad to read the book (and ornaments!) met your approval.
Posted by: Jamie Keller | December 12, 2011 at 09:40 AM
I love love vintage ornaments and MKA's books are always a delight. Please enter me in the giveaway!
PS I love your description of this book...:)
Linda
Posted by: Linda @ A La Carte | December 12, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I would be very happy to give these a very good home!
Posted by: Queen of Fifty Cents | December 12, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I've read other books by MK and am delighted to see that she has another one out!
Posted by: Poppy | December 12, 2011 at 11:08 AM