A Simply Enchanted Life

A Christmas Homecoming by MaryAnn Diorio

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Nothing says Christmas than a sitting down with a cup of hot cocoa, a couple cookies and a quick read from a Christmas novella. This is the first book that I’ve read by MaryAnn Diorio and I am so delighted that this is also my first blog tour with a fantastic review program called Litfuse! I am so honored to be involved with this fantastic program and I hope that this is the first of many reviews and tours that I have the pleasure of participating in! Having said that…Merry Christmas to all my readers and I hope you enjoy this review.

Seven years have passed since Jody left home. Sonia has had her heart broken—her daughter is missing, her husband has passed away and her son is becoming dangerously distant and bitter. Things are not going so well for Jody either. Now living clear across the world in Australia—Jody is now a single mother of twins and has lost her job. Jody has no one to turn to and prays that her parents will accept her after being gone for so long.

This was a quick read and filled with a resounding message of forgiveness. It was pretty short—even by novella standards but it was enjoyable nonetheless. My only complaint was that some of the storyline was lacking. We never found out a reason for Jody’s departure other than she wanted an adventure. It didn’t make much sense why a girl would secretly leave and refuse to call home for seven years—even after becoming a mother herself when her only reason for leaving was an adventure. She didn’t even tell her best friend? Something was very sketchy and lacking in the story there. The ending was also very rushed which was a little bit of a disappointment. Overall the story was pretty good and it had great potential. I think if it were expanded to a full on novella it would be a 5-star story!
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Dr. MaryAnn Diorio loves God, people, children, and dogs, in that order. She also is passionate about story and its power to transform the human heart. Dr. MaryAnn, as she is affectionately called, writes compelling fiction that deals with the deepest issues of life. She is Adjunct Online Professor of Fiction Writing for Regent University and coaches writers on their journey to publication. MaryAnn and her husband Dominic are the blessed parents of two wonderful daughters and a fantastic son-in-law.
Find out more about MaryAnn at http://maryanndiorio.com/.

I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. This giveaway is being sponsored by Litfuse
as part of a blog tour for A Christmas Homecoming. To view other reviews and learn more about this tour please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

Grab a copy of MaryAnn Diorio's "A Christmas Homecoming" for JUST .99! MaryAnn is celebrating by giving away a Paperwhite Kindle! Details below!

One "merry" winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• A Christmas Homecoming by MaryAnn Diorio

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 22nd. Winner will be announced on 12/23/12 at MaryAnn's Blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.