The Christmas Locket

This is a short read, I read it on a leisurely Saturday morning. The plot is good. Caitlin and Zach have been married for six years. She lives in Washington while he is away in foreign lands reporting the latest news. The long absences have taken a toll on their marriage. Caitlin has inherited her late Aunt Sally's home. She goes to Virginia during Christmas break to clean up the house and try to make decisions about her future. Barbara has written a very thought provoking story. The first part of the story is Caitlin's point of view. She is lonely and misses her husband. She has decided to end their marriage. When Zach tracks her down at her Aunt Sally's house he doesn't get the reception he is expecting. We get to see things from Zach's perspective, and that perspective is very different from Caitlin's. We hear all the time "there are two sides to every story", but this story lets us see how very differently two people view the same incidents. We also see how two people react to the conflict between them. It is a very emotional story. I liked this story. I'm a little partial because I love Barbara McMahon's writing style and have yet to read a story by her that I didn't like. Romance readers that like a clean read will like this one. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Caitlin and Zach have been married for 6 years ... but they've only been together 2 years of that time. He's a reporter traveling to hot spots all over the world. She's a school teacher. It's Christmas and again Zach isn't going to make it home and she's tired of spending the holidays alone. She loves Zach and wants a family with him, but she's having to make a decision regarding their marriage. Her aunt died a few months ago; ironically that was the last time she saw Zach when he managed to get home for the funeral. She was left her aunt's house and she decides that is where she will spend Christmas. Meanwhile, Zach does make it home to surprise Caitlin, only to find that she isn't there. He also finds cheat-sheets on what she's going to say to Zach ... she's getting a divorce. Rushing to find his wife and wanting to save his marriage will be one of the hardest things either of them have done. This Christmas will be like no other. Secrets will see the light of day. Can their marriage survive? I know it's a little early for Christmas, but I've always loved getting presents before the holiday. When I got the opportunity to read a Barbara McMahon story, I grabbed it with both hands and didn't let go until I got to the very last page. This is a love story and I recommend keeping a box of tissues at hand. Maybe it's the Christmas season, maybe it's because it is just a well-written book with characters that come to life with a stroke of the author's pen, but I found this one tugging at my heart. Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

"The Christmas Locket" by Barbara McMahon is Caitlin and Zach's heartwarming story.  The couple is on the verge of a divorce.  
 Zach is an international reporter who is gone more than he is at home.  His job is very important to him.  Caitlin is a school teacher and tired of living months at a time without her husband.  I could feel the pain, frustrations, and joy that Caitlin and Zach experienced throughout the story.  At times they would stop and reflect on how the other one feels instead of how they felt.  But, is it too late for them to save their marriage?
 This story really stuck with me and reminded me of what is really important.  Life may not always line up the way we planned but sometimes it's better.  I also enjoyed the family history Caitlin discovered going through her aunts home. 
 Zach and Caitlin's story is a touching romance and I am glad I went along for the ride.   I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.