Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donika K. Paul

This was a hard review for me to write. I really wanted to like this book . This is what the publisher’s web site says about it...

” Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?”

Can you blame me after that set up?  What I wasn’t prepared for was all the references to wizardry and magic. It’s obvious the author thought it might be a problem too since she describes a wizard as meaning old and wise, several times in the book.  Depending what dictionary you use, the definitions of wizard include, “ a wise man, one skilled in magic, a conjurer, enchanter, sorcerer.”  The Bible warns Christians to stay away from anything that might be connected to the occult.  I just couldn’t meld the two in my mind.  I think I would have enjoyed it more if it hadn’t been projected as Christian fiction, but rather as a fantasy.  The story, minus the “spooky” wizardriness, is basically a cute story. The disappearing streets, miraculously appearing tickets, etc. would have just seemed fairy tale-ish had the author not tried to wed it to Christianity.  While the book doesn’t go into all the details of wizardry, I can’t recommend it as Christian fiction.  That being said, it is a very easy read and the artwork on the dust cover is beautiful. The down-syndrome sister of the male main character is delightful and refreshing in her simplistic grasp of Christianity and there are many humorous incidents that leave you chuckling. 

You can read an experpt here:

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

You can make up your own mind, I rate this book a 2 out of 5 stars. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books and Waterbrook Press through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”