Guatemala Paula Loves to Read: NBTM Virtual Tour & Giveaway: The Nick Before Christmas by K.L. Brady

The Nick Before Christmas

K.L. Brady

Romance / Romantic Comedy / Holiday-themed

Publisher; LadyLit Press

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

Page count: 272 pages

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SYNOPSIS:

Will an angel's dire warning, a quest to discover a second act by Christmas Eve, and a touch of Christmas Magic lead Nickie Wright back to the one that got away?

Nickie Wright is ready to celebrate the big 5-0 for Christmas in July, but a hot flash leads her to a sobering revelation: her life has hit rock bottom. Her successes--the home and the car--feel empty. Her vision board has been a waste of time, her job is unfulfilling, and she's mulling over a proposal from Smith, who she's not sure she likes.

The best day of her life spirals into the worst. During a near-death experience, a meeting with her guardian angel presents Nickie with an ultimatum - either go to heaven or return to Earth and find her second act by Christmas Eve. If she fails, her future's bleak -- her life will be filled with days no better than her worst.

Her second act sets her on a collision path with Evan Goodman, the man who makes her content, and Jordan Devlin, the first love who drives her crazy. She's torn between two worlds--contentment and safety, passion and excitement.

Time is running out for Nickie.

She only has from Christmas in July until Christmas Eve to find her calling, follow her dreams, and figure out which romantic interest will help Nickie embrace the best of herself.

The Nick Before Christmas is the perfect romantic comedy to help you find your calling and renew your faith. It delivers unforgettable moments of self-discovery and romance. It's an enchanting story to fill your heart with joy this Christmas.

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READ AN EXCERPT:

The voice and the name paralyzed her.

One person (in this world or any other) referred to her by that name.

It couldn’t be her.

“Nickie Boo?”

Her body stiffened. She was more shocked than afraid. Uncontrollable streams of tears flushed from her eyes. She glanced from side to side. No one. Nothing, but the faint hope of seeing her mother again after fate stole her only chance for goodbye. Nickie found out about her mother’s illness only six weeks before her death and thought she had more time.

“Mommy?”

Almost as soon as she called out to Nickie Boo once more, an angelic form descended from the sky in a dramatic drop; her arms were folded across her chest. Upon first look Nickie couldn’t discern the face, but her voice was exactly the same as she remembered.

The more the form came into view, the more visible the feathery wings appeared. But the face, she knew the face like her own. Same auburn skin, same bright eyes, same natural thick hair. Her mother’s eyes smiled but her lips didn’t, at least not at first.

“It’s me, Cupcake. Merry Birthday.”

An inexplicable calm washed over her…on the outside. Inside she was scared crapless. Nickie reached for the angel’s arm and pinched her, gently. “Are you real, or am I crazy?”

“Yes,” her mother replied, “and yes.”

Mom angel?

Nickie laughed. No one else could make her chuckle in the middle of paralyzing panic and fear.

REVIEW:

4 stars!

The main character is so relatable; this story is perfect for any time of the year.

In The Nick Before Christmas, author K.L. Brady introduces readers to one of the most relatable main characters I've ever encountered: Gale Domenic "Nickie" Wright. So many aspects of her tale will resonate with readers that this holiday-themed story is perfect reading throughout the year.

Nickie Wright has just reached the milestone birthday of 50, but instead of it being a day of celebration, it turns out to be a nightmare. Still grieving the loss of her mother with whom she had a very close relationship, after the day she's had, she's forced to question everything about her life and forge a new path ahead after an unexpected heart-to-heart with her guardian angel or suffer the consequences. Nickie is dealing with issues many readers can identify with: single and dating a man who isn't "The One," menopause and unending hot flashes, working at a company she's given her all to that isn't reciprocating, and at a job that isn't the vocation of her dreams. Instead of taking to the bed, Nickie picks herself up and goes to work. She has some realistic setbacks that make this character seem that much more genuine.

The author clearly conveys Nickie's relationships with the other characters (at least as clearly as Nickie understands them herself), especially with her mother. From the start, there is an authenticity to their relationship, so some of their scenes are emotionally touching. The dialogue between mother and daughter sparkles with love and humor.

The plot involves a compelling second-chance romance that creates and sustains a delicious tension between Nickie and Jordan. The suspense is very well done and kept me guessing how things would work out. It is nicely balanced with the humor of their reconnecting and working situation. I enjoyed how hunky "Dr. Feelgood's" story progressed as well. There is plenty of fun and flirty banter to enjoy.

However, the satisfying meat of the story is Nickie's journey within herself and her path to her "second act." The story may prompt some serious and thoughtful self-examination by engaged readers. I recommend THE NICK BEFORE CHRISTMAS to romance readers who enjoy humor in their stories, older protagonists, and second-chance romances.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today Bestselling author K. L. Brady is a D.C. native and award-winning author of 20 novels. She self-published her first book, THE BUM MAGNET, after an Oprah "live your best life" moment, which was picked up by Simon & Schuster in a two-book deal. She’s been publishing romantic comedies ever since.

K.L. is a Washington football fan and professed nerd-girl who loves all things Star Trek, Star Wars, and Big Bang Theory. She lives to write stories involving hilarious quirky characters looking for love. She's hard at work on her next several projects, including Sincerely, Santa, a heartfelt romantic comedy that also celebrates the special friendship between her late mother and grandmother.