Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More: Miss Kane's Christmas

http://www.clpblogtours.com/2013/10/miss-kanes-christmas-by-caroline.html

With Christmas only three days away, Carol Claus agrees to her father's request that she leave the North Pole on a mission to help save Christmas. Joining single father Ben Hanson and his children for the holidays seems an easy enough task until Santa informs her that Ben is the man behind the disturbing new book 'Beyond Bah Humbug: Why Lying to Your Children about Santa Claus is a Bad Idea'.

Posing as Miss Kane, the children's new nanny, Carol pulls out all the stops to show Ben how fun Christmas can be, all the while struggling to understand how one man could hate the holidays so much. How could she, Santa's only daughter, be so attracted to a man who refuses to believe her father exists?

Excerpt: Carol grabbed ahold of Tinsel’s shoulder and pulled him back into the kitchen by the scruff of his green felt collar. “Get in here,” she hissed. “Quick, before anyone sees you.”
“What?” Tinsel objected. “Why are you acting like this? We’re here to help you.”
“Well it won’t help me if you’re seen,” Carol shot back. She threw up her hands. “Look, Tinsel, please go back out to the garage and wait with Jolly until everyone has gone to bed.”
“Rapz is here with us too,” Tinsel said, his voice suddenly a stage whisper.
“What?” Carol sounded frantic and she knew it, but she couldn’t help it. The day had been long. She’d never lived in such a Christmas hostile environment. Acting casual about the holidays was proving to be exhausting. She closed her eyes for a second. Focus, Carol, she instructed herself. Breathe deeply. She was a seasoned professional who managed over twelve hundred elves, often under very hectic circumstances. She could handle this. “Rapz is a loose cannon. Why couldn’t he have just stayed in the wrapping department?”
“Nicholas said-”
“Nicholas?” Carol shook her head. So this was her brother’s doing, his idea of a joke. She should have known her father wouldn’t send a wrapper elf. Like all of Santa’s helpers, Rapz’s heart was in the right place. But he paid more attention to wearing just the right sun glasses and gold chains than he did to all the little details that were necessary to make Christmas magical. “Never mind what my brother said. I just need you three to stay out of sight until I can get everyone to sleep and the house is quiet.”
Tinsel winked, clearly finding the situation amusing. “Can do.”
“Miss Kane?” Ben’s voice called from the living room. “What’s going on in there?”
She cringed. Oh, holy holiday, had he heard Tinsel?
“I’ll be right there, Mr. Hanson,” she answered. She shooed Tinsel in the direction of the garage. “Just stay out of sight.” She turned back to the elf. “Go on. I’ll get them all upstairs and then I’ll come get you.”
As soon as Tinsel slipped into the garage, Carol headed toward the living room but she took only a few steps before she bumped straight into Ben Hanson.
“Owww.” Ben staggered backward and held up his good hand to keep Carol from coming any closer. “Who’s in the kitchen with you?”
“No one.” Carol reached out but he backed away.
“I heard voices.” Ben’s voice held an accusatory tone.
“Voices?” Carol shook her head. “The medicine must be playing tricks on you.” She tried to maneuver him back into the living room but he wouldn’t budge. “Do you want me to call the doctor?”
“No, I don’t want you to call the doctor.” He drew his brows together in an expression that was equal parts confusion and annoyance.
Ben’s frown, Carol decided, was rather attractive. She smiled. She couldn’t help herself.
“And just what is so funny?” Ben demanded.
“I always smile during the holidays,” Carol said. “Now, we really need to get you up to bed.” She gently turned him toward the staircase. “Let’s say goodnight to the children and then get you between the sheets.”

Interview with the author:

Tell us a bit about yourself. I live in southern Arizona with a husband who would give me the moon if he could and our four kids who make parenting a joy (98% of the time). As for how old I am…I graduated from high school when Madonna was new on the scene and hairspray was an absolute necessity.

What's your favorite thing about writing? I get to make things up – how cool is that?! Creating my own little universe is hugely fun to me.

What is your writing style? I just make things up as I go and only outline when I’ve written myself into a corner and need to backtrack.

Do you have a favorite spot where you like to write? I’ve turned my dining room into an office. Fortunately I have a beautiful mountain view from my office window. Zora, my German Shepherd, is always nearby while I write. It’s a great set-up.

What's the hardest thing about writing for you? Getting started. Every day I have to psych myself into starting. Once I settle in, I’m good.

What are some of your favorite books? One of the best chick lit titles I’ve read this year is Vacationista by Tara Simone. I highly recommend it. I don’t usually read much in the fantasy genre but author Frankie Robertson has a series called the Vinlanders Saga – great writing!

What inspired you to write Miss Kane’s Christmas? I really enjoy Christmas novellas and wanted to try my hand at writing one. I enjoyed writing it so much that I’ve written and just released another entitled ‘Mrs. Saint Nick’. It’s the story of Carol’s brother, Nick Claus as he finds his true love.

Do you prefer:
Sweet or Salty? Why choose? Salty pretzels covered in milk chocolate!
Cats or dogs? Dogs. I especially love German Shepherds.
Vanilla or chocolate? Both, and of course, rocky road, mint chocolate chip, butter pecan…I’m not picky!

Thank you, Nikki. Very happy holidays to you and your blog readers.

Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS

Review: This is a fun, enjoyable Christmas story that made me smile and laugh! Perfect for the holidays! You've got two very different people coming together for love in the most unexpected ways during the holidays. Couldn't ask for anything better!

Ben is a widower whose Christmas spirit it a bit shattered, and then comes in Carol, Santa's daughter.

Yes you heard me right. Santa's daughter. She's quirky, young, and fun! Carol shows Ben a little Christmas cheer, but there are a few surprises along the way. Absolutely had a blast with this story! Funny, heartwarming and a holiday read that shouldn't be missed.