The Holiday Prayer by Debra Kastner
Reviewed by: Lara M. Van Hulzen, Radiant Lit
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Steeple Hill Books
Pub. Date: 1998

It is the first Christmas since her husband, Peter’s, death, and although Maddie Carlton doesn’t feel much like celebrating, she agrees to attend a masked ball to honor The Children’s Hospital. The same hospital that saved her son, Nicky, a year ago when he and his father got trapped in a fire at March’s department store while visiting Santa. Nicky made it out alive, Peter wasn’t so fortunate.

Dressed as Cinderella and just about to leave the ball, Maddie is swept away by a handsome stranger dressed as The Phantom of the Opera. After a romantic dance and a carriage ride through snowy downtown Denver, her mystery man reveals himself simply as Rory, but when Maddie reveals her identity, Rory disappears into the night.

Neil March owns March’s department store and although he’s known as a wealthy playboy type, he truly wants a different life and a future with Maddie and her son. However, she only knows him as Rory and not the man responsible for the fire that killed her husband.

Angry from all that has been taken from her, Maddie must move past her pain and learn to open her heart and love once again.

With much description and a storyline full of surprises, this book moves quickly and is perfect for an afternoon by the fire at Christmastime.

Rating – G
Book provided by reviewer.