Read of the Month Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews (HarperCollins Publishers, $14.95)
Sometimes it takes a blue Christmas to bring out true holiday cheer. At least that's the case for Weezie Foley, a Savannah antiques dealer determined to win her town's historic district seasonal decorating contest--and to spread Christmas spirit to her Scrooge-like boyfriend, Daniel.
In her fifth novel, Atlanta author Mary Kay Andrews brings back beloved characters from Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze. Despite fierce competition from neighborhood business rivals and vandalism of her first design, Weezie resolves to claim first prize. Inspired by an antique blue Christmas tree brooch and Elvis's tune, "Blue Christmas," Weezie wields blue tulle, metallic blue glass ornaments, and aluminum Christmas trees to create a vignette reminiscent of the 1950s.
After completing her first goal, Weezie moves on to infusing Christmas cheer in Daniel. He's distracted at this time of year by his hectic work schedule and painful family memories. Several mysterious robberies seem to further dampen Daniel's mood. In her quest to find the perfect present for him and to host a special dinner for their families, Weezie encounters a ghost of Christmas past who reminds her of the real meaning of the season. --Steele Thomas Marcoux
