Cora Crowder moved down Sage Street quickly, searching for the bookstore address she’d found on the Internet. She couldn’t help smiling when she thought of the series of events since then that made her feel the bookstore had found her instead of her finding it––romantic foolishness, she thought. She’d also been surprised to learn Sage Street’s antiquated “row of old-fashioned retailers,” was within walking distance of her work, which made it perfect for this lunchtime visit.
She read the dated shop signs overhead until she came to the bookstore and saw the soft glow of lights within. She pressed her nose against the glass and peered through the pane windows before she reached out to grasp the shiny old-fashioned doorknob. The handle wouldn’t budge no matter how many times she turned it. Determined not to waste her lunch hour she pulled instead. Suddenly a “gust of wind” blew her through the door where she found an odd little man sitting on a counter high stool reading.
Thus begins the tale of reserved Cora Crowder, her dysfunctional sister Zee, Cora’s boss Simon Derrick and Simon’s charming, but impaired younger sister, “Candy Sandy” who encouraged Cora “to be brave and try new things.”
Add a mysteriously pregnant kitty, charming kittens, disappearing streets, unplugged telephones, a sapphire blue gown fit for a fairy queen, shiny black limousines and the invitation only Wizard’s Ball and you have Donita K. Paul’s fantasy novella, Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball.
Paul weaves fantasy and romance with biblical truth to characterize four mischievous matchmakers, a special young girl, a shy young woman and a lonely man in this memorable Christmas-inspired romance with an underlying spiritual message of prayer and trust in the Heavenly Father.
Paul, author of the best-selling Dragon Keeper Chronicles series, offers a 2010 Christmas narrative sure to appeal to young and old alike. From Christmas past to Christmas present, Paul’s unique, magical tale offers a novella that speaks to why we celebrate the Christmas season!
