The Christmas Swap

 

The Christmas Swap

By: Melody Carlson

176 Pages

$16.99

Summary:

Emma Daley's parents have been living in Africa for the last several years. So, rather than spend her Christmases alone, she's been spending them with her friend, Gillian Landers. This year, Emma is looking forward to a relaxing Christmas- away from the bickering of the Landers family and Mrs. Landers' constant complaining. Gillian, however, talks her into spending Christmas with them since her father has done a Christmas house swap. Instead of spending Christmas in Arizona, they're going to have a White Christmas in Colorado. Not ever having seen snow in person, Emma can't pass up the invitation.

West Prescott's family has decided to spend Christmas in the desert of Arizona. So, against his wishes, he swaps homes with  the Landers family. However, his vacation finds him home and discovering something he never thought he'd find.

This book is a quick, cute holiday read. I thought it would be reminiscent of The Holiday, but it really wasn't. West forgets something at his house that he goes back for, but isn't able to get away before the Landers family arrives for their stay. I had a hard time liking Mrs. Landers. She pretty much complained about everything from the start. Gillian is a spoiled product of a wealthy family, so she's used to getting what she wants. Emma is an awesome character with her head on her shoulders, but it's hard to understand why she's close enough to spend multiple Christmases with Gillian since they're complete opposites. The book does address this, but you still don't quite get it. 

I think the main issue I had with the book lies with Gillian. From early on in the book, you understand she's a pampered, privileged woman. Later in the book, she adds manipulator and liar simply to get what she wants. And she does this with her friend. I wasn't expecting her to be as conniving as she was and with who she was. 

Overall, this was a cute read. I wouldn't add it to my favorite holiday reads list, but it was a nice little read. I would recommend getting it from the library over buying it. I don't think it was worth the $17 price tag because I  don't see myself ever rereading this book.