When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. I am a huge fan of Sharyn McCrumb's Ballad Novels, and I dearly love Appalachian fiction. Although this is a bit different from McCrumb's other novels, it is still a pretty good book. I LOVE that she goes into detail about how the original Appalachian people celebrated Christmas. (One thing I love about Sharyn McCrumb is that she values and celebrates the Appalachian culture.)I was expecting a great deal of suspense- McCrumb's other works keep you on the edge of your seat. This one was more easy going. It did point out the difference in the natives of Appalachia and the summer people. Their lack of appreciation and understanding of the native culture is well illustrated here. Mostly this book meanders slowly through two separate plots- a summer family has renovated a local mansion and feels that it is haunted. They seek Nora's psychic abilities to remedy the situation. Meanwhile, Sheriff Spencer Arrowwood and Deputy Joe LeDonne must serve a warrant on Christmas Eve in an area that is not known for its appreciation of the legal system.Fans of McCrumb will not find the usual suspense, but they will find familiar characters in a light-hearted novella. Read this book if...*You love Sharyn McCrumb's other works*You love southern fiction*You love Appalachian fiction*You love Christmas stories Sharyn McCrumb has written another Nora Bonesteel novel, with 2 parallel stories. One with the local sheriff looking to execute a warrant of arrest on Christmas Eve, the other with Nora helping a couple. who normally only stay in their home for the summer, try to figure out who is haunting their home. This novella is easy to read in one afternoon. She does not make this story overly sweet, but does include Appalachia and it's folklore and history. The 2 parallel stories never intersect, but McCrumb's characters, as with her description of the area, are enjoyable.
What do You think about Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past: A Ballad Novella (2014)?
Read in an afternoon. Meh. Two story line through the book which never came together.
—Aline
Another great book from Sharyn McCrumb!
—email0007
