An Informal Christmas by Heather Gray

• Series: Informal Romance
• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Ladybug Lit (March 8, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 069265349X
• ISBN-13: 978-0692653494

About the Book:

2016 SELAH AWARD WINNER

Rylie Durham is used to dealing with all sorts of people and situations in her role as a Child Life Specialist at a local hospital.Why, then, does Zach York bring out the worst in her? After all, he's there to donate toys to the children she loves.

Could it be that she sees a kindred spirit in him? Rylie knows a thing or two about hiding a bruised heart from the world... and the danger inherent in blaming God for the hurt.

With December's approach, Rylie enlists Zach's help for a special undertaking -- a Christmas formal for one of the pediatric units. As they work together on the project, she hopes to show him that, even when it's painful, love is worth the risk... 

My Thoughts:

I can already here you from my computer chair: "Why in the world are you reviewing a Christmas novel in APRIL??"  My answer to you would be simply, "Why NOT?"  Truthfully, I was asked to read and review another book by Heather Gray, and I was so impressed I went online and purchased the entire series!

I'm one of those book junkies that has to read the entire series in order even if it isn't necessary to the development of the stories, and her first book in Gray's Informal series is "An Informal Christmas".  But don't let the title of the book fool you.

This story is about way more than ornaments and gifts and lights.  It's about finding compassion in the unlikeliest of places.  About stepping outside of the comfort zone for the least of these around us.  And it's a story about how pediatric cancer doesn't just impact the patient...but the family, the staff, and anyone who'll allow the suffering of the little ones touch their lives.

We need more flesh and blood people like Rylie and Zach.  We need the events in this fictional tale to be everyday happenings in hospitals, treatment centers, shelters, and all of the places where a child can feel lost, forgotten, and suffers.

Throw in what looks like an impossible romance between Rylie of Christmastown and Zach Grinch and you have a winner of a book!  I'm very impressed with Gray's writing talent, and I'm eager to dive into the second novel (remember, I bought them ALL, even pre-ordered the books not yet released!).

For now, "An Informal Christmas" receives my "Oh, The Feels!" award, and I'm hoping after you devour this book that you'll find a way to give to someone in need the way Rylie and Zach have given.  And that you find love along the way.

Until the next book....

Mark Your Place,

Deena