The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
Reviewed by: Jennifer S. Roman, Radiantlit.com
Genre: Chick Lit, romance, Christmas, family
Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company
Publication Date: October 17, 2011

Ever since her husband died, Gaby wants to find a new love. Three close friends ask her to marry them, and she must choose. She does, but refuses to reveal the groom until she marches down the aisle. In the meantime, her adult children, each dealing with their own problems, must get to Gaby’s home in time for her wedding. Then everyone, including the potential grooms, will know who Gaby will marry.

James Patterson’s veering from his traditional suspense/thriller mysteries is a success in the sense that the story is a quick, fun read. The characters are likeable, so the reader is willing to cheer them on to success. Even Gaby, who seems a bit selfish and self-centered by not at least letting the groom know who she chooses, is a warm, caring person. Each of her children has an issue or two to resolve, and at times, their issues intertwine with each other and with Gaby. Never does the reader believe that Gaby does not love her family. If anything, the reader doesn’t get much of a sense of how much she loves each suitor. Patterson and DiLallo have captured the essence and magic of Christmas through the Christmas Wedding and anyone looking for a quick, but heartwarming story will not be disappointed.

Rating: This book does have some adult themes (drug use, domestic abuse, profanity, alcohol abuse) that make it suitable for mature readers only.