[Book Review] The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson

Title: The Christmas Wedding
Author: James Patterson, Richard DiLallo
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2011
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-446-58543-9
No. of Pages: 266
Category: Fiction
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Bought at: Periplus.com Price: IDR 49,000
Opening Sentence:
ONLY TWENTY-FOUR DAYS until Christmas, and this Christmas is going to be one you won’t forget.

The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill’s wedding. Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby’s four children have drifted apart, each consumed by the turbulence of their own lives. They haven’t celebrated Christmas together since their father’s death, but when Gaby announces that she’s getting married–and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day–she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.

But the wedding isn’t Gaby’s only surprise–she has one more gift for her children, and it could change all their lives forever. With deeply affecting characters and the emotional twists of a James Patterson thriller, The Christmas Wedding is a fresh look at family and the magic of the season.

I saw this book in Periplus, but somehow I didn’t pick it up. Then I remember that I wanted to read Christmas themed novels this month and, luckily, onread.com provides free copy to be read online. But, onread.com pissed me off. Every 3 pages there’s a sign “too many people are reading right now” and I had to go back to the beginning.
I decided to purchase this book online. Luckily, Periplus still had the copy. I’m so lucky that the cheap copies are sold out. I bought this book for IDR 49,000, so it’s like a small victory for me.
It’s a short, heartwarming novel about family reunion on Christmas eve.

Gaby, Summerhill, 44, a teacher, a mother of four, a widow for three years, sent a video message to all her children, announcing that she’d get married on Christmas. She didn’t reveal the groom, just expected her family to gather together on christmas. It’s been three years since their last reunion. Gaby wanted to do it again.

Claire, Gaby’s eldest daughter, had issues in her family. Hank was a pothead, and her son, Gus, was found drunk outside a mall. Hank slapped her face once when she said he’s an asshole. He was irresponsible and short-tempered, blaming it on the weed.
Gus did not do well at school. His grades are sliding down to the very bottom of the pit. He was getting friendly with the bad crowds. Claire taught remedial class. Sadly, Hank didn’t do anything to help.

Lizzie had to take care of Mike, her husband, due to serious illness. Emily’s a busy woman, and Seth was upset because his recent work was refused by his publisher, Knopf.

This book is sad and funny at the same time. I like Marty, Gaby’s brother in law. They had a thing. And there’s Jacob, a Jewish rabbi, who asked Gaby to marry him. Tom, who grew up with Gaby, was also interested to be Gaby’s second husband.

My favorite part is when Marty helped Gaby to teach remedial class. He taught the kids to love reading. I agree with Marty that we don’t have to like anything. Even the books that we hate can give something.

I love reading Christmas-themed books because they always give me a good feeling. I like this book, but I like Swimsuit better. I have tried reading other romance books by James Patterson. Not a huge fan though.

The Christmas Wedding is about one divorce and two weddings. The ending is sweet and touching.

If you don’t change, you’re stuck in a rut. (p. 8)

You can be the strongest person in the world and still make some bad decisions and have a pretty miserable life. (p. 27)

Be a giver, not a taker. (p. 34)

I read somewhere that cancer often disappears if you just sit very still. (p. 92)

Life is a temporary situation. (p. 116)

How can you read To Kill a Mockingbird or The Things They Carried and completely understand the book but not in any way feel the book? (p. 118)

If you’re not reading – with your heart as well as your brain – you will be one stupid grown-up. (p. 120)

Need a second opinion?

Annette’s Book Spot here

Kuroneko Book Club here

Until next time