Christmas in Icicle Falls Book Review

I am still in my process of getting the huge list of reserves that I put on my library account because there were so many new releases.  This book showed up on my shelf as another surprise when I went to return books.  Christmas in Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts was the next book in the pile because I was trying to be better about reading the books as soon as I got them because I knew that I wouldn't be able to renew them.  It was a page turner so it didn't take very long to read this great story.

When Muriel Sterling released her new book, A Guide to Happy Holidays, she felt like the queen of Christmas. She’s thrilled when the new tree she ordered online arrives and is eager to show it off—until she gets it out of the box and realizes it’s a mangy dud. But rather than give up on the ugly tree, Muriel decides to make a project out of it. As she pretties up her tree, she realizes there’s a lesson to be learned: everything and everyone has potential. Maybe even her old friend Arnie, who’s loved her for years. Except, she’s not the only one seeing Arnie’s potential…

Meanwhile, Muriel’s ugly-tree project has also inspired her friends. Sienna Moreno is trying to bring out the best in the grouchy man next door, who hates noise, hates kids and hates his new neighbors. And while Olivia Claussen would love to send her obnoxious new daughter-in-law packing, she’s adjusting her attitude and trying to discover what her son sees in the girl. If these women can learn to see the beauty in the “ugly trees” in their lives, perhaps this might turn out to be the happiest holiday yet.

I thought that this was a good start to the Christmas season to try to get me over the Christmas funk.  It was super funny and filled with great stories when the person who throws the biggest holiday party can't get anything to replace the ugly tree she ordered online because the stores are sold out, she decides to make the most of it.  Inspiring everyone around her to make the most of their ugly things in their life.  Some might not like the message but there is always something not going right in our lives with horrible neighbors or new family members we don't get along with.  All the people in the town pull together with the help of the holiday spirit and being a better person.  My favorite parts were Muriel getting texts from her friends who went on a cruise that she passed on because she was having the hardest time being positive while she was telling everyone else to be positive.  Her jealous streak was strong but she tried to be happy for her friends.  I think that you will like how all the "ugly trees" turn out in this book but you have to pick it up to find out for yourself.  I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I did!  I hope that it helps you get into the Christmas spirit.