Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Crotchety and cranky Rudy—aka Santa—is in a foul mood every Christmas season. He talks to lots of children and even more parents but not with guys looking for dates. Only when his best helper makes him a very special gift does he meet someone to his liking. Kind of. Because that someone is made of flour and spices—and to impress him, Rudy seriously has to work on his seduction skills.

 

Book Review

This short story is a funny, thoughtful, and altogether a very different take on what Santa Claus's life might look like. Well, in this case his name is Rudolph, and he isn't only grumpy and in a terribly bad mood, but he hates the holidays and is deeply depressed as well. The whole situation this variation on what might be happening up at the North Pole is described with very few words, but the narrative is so eloquent that it pulled me into this "new and different interpretation" within the first few paragraphs.

Rudolph doesn’t only hate Christmas, he hates children. Actually, the way these kids are described (not to mention their parents) I am not surprised! Demanding presents by yelling at Santa cannot possibly get you what you want, they should know that. The whole picture shows the "modern" way of celebrating Christmas – and everything that is wrong with it. No wonder Santa is getting an ulcer and is less than happy!

The gift from his personal assistant, Hank, is an unwanted surprise at first, but as its full impact is revealed, even this hardened, bitter version of Santa begins to melt. I loved the whole setup and the ending (while it comes too early for my taste) is absolutely wonderful.

If you like stories that make you laugh, if you think you might enjoy a slightly different take on what Santa's life might be like, and if you're looking for a story that is as thoughtful as it is humorous, you will probably like this short book as much as I did. I have placed it firmly onto my reread list!

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 28 pages/5929 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-December-2012
Price	$1.49 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/rudolph-by-sam-c-leonhard-1567-b