It Really IS a Wonderful Life by Linda Rondeau

If you want a Christmas novel that will leave you feeling warm inside, this one is a great choice.

Dorie's husband was killed in Afghanistan a year ago. Now she has moved to upper New York to be near her parents. She needs their support to raise her children. She also needs a job and circulating with her parents' senior citizen friends isn't exactly accomplishing it. She decides to take a role in the small town's production of It's a Wonderful Life. Perhaps she'll make some more contacts within the community.

Jamey is also in the play. His dream is to make it big on Broadway but now he is taking over his father's business and taking care of the elderly man.

Dr. Gabe is also in the play and he has eyes for Dorie. But is he the right man for her?

This is a well done romance. There are all kinds of conflicts that keep the right romance from happening. The conflicts are not over done, however. They fit right into the personalities of the people involved.

There is a fine parallel of the plot to the play being put on in the small town. Jamey wants to get out of town and has the opportunity to do so when he gets a call from his agent. He ultimately has to make the decision of where his most meaningful future lies.

I love Dorie's kids! Josh is a wonderful six year old, wise beyond his years.

The characters are Christians and their faith plays out well in the plot.

Grab a cup of tea and settle down with this heartwarming novel.

Linda Wood Rondeau is a native of Central New York. She moved to Northern New York where she met her husband and managed a career in human services before tackling professional writing. She and her husband now live in Florida. She is the mother of three and the grandmother of nine.

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, 206 pages.