Comfort and Joy

Comfort and Joy by Sandra Madden Reviewer: Pamela Ackerson, author of Home of the Braves trilogy So what happens when you find a gorgeous man ... unconscious, with amnesia, in an alley on the seedy side of town? Why you marry him, of course, which is exactly what Maeve O'Malley did. When Charles Rycroft's memory returns he, being a rich aristocrat from Boston society, finds himself appalled that he has married an Irish maid ... literally, a maid from one of societies households. Filled with passion and adventure, Ms. Madden has written a classic tale. Your fingers will fly through the pages.

I enjoy Christmas themed novels. "Comfort and Joy" contained so many good elements that the Christmas theme was a minor backdrop. Charles Rycroft, wealthy publisher, wakes up next to a beautiful stranger. In the chaos that ensues, he finds out that he was robbed and left for dead and the beautiful stranger (Maeve O'Malley) found him, was compromised by him, and is now his wife. Recovery from amnesia has driven that week's memories from him. This Boston blue-blood takes his new wife back to his home on Beacon Hill. Maeve is totally unsuitable to be his wife - Irish, low-born, a servant no less - he decides the marriage will be annulled. But complications arise. Maeve does not want the marriage annulled and Charles' mother has arrived with a marriage minded young widow in tow for the holidays. Can anything more disrupt his routine? Charles sets out to show Maeve they are unsuited for each other and also tries to avoid the man-eater widow Stella. Maeve is such a wonderful heroine. True to her nature, she tries to fit in Boston society but not at the expense of losing her heritage. Charles is captivated by her vitality and begins to break from his routine, practically inviting laughter and love into his life by assisting in Maeve's orphan charity and learning how to "play" and act spontaneous. They both draw strength from each other. The secondary characters are well fleshed out and each adds interesting elements to the storyline. I enjoyed meeting friends and family and expect there may be other books based on these characters. Another theme behind the book was the recovery of a "St. Nick" drawing stolen during the robbery which has sentimental value to Charles. Maeve attempts to find the drawing and finds herself in some danger. Will they work out their differences in the end and can Charles accept Maeve into his heart? It was a little unbelievable that Maeve would be able to act the grand lady so fast - she was a little too perfect. Also, Charles seemed to give up his hard core - "I will do everything proper" persona very quickly too. There were some emotional elements to the storyline that did not pan out or touch me like they should. But I will highly recommend this for some pleasant reading with little strife and a Christmas theme.