❤️๐❄️ “Pink: A Christmas Romance” (2021) ❄️๐❤️ – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1737400316
ISBN-13: 978-1737400318
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Ethan Cooper, a high-powered corporate attorney in New York City, seemingly has it all. Drawn to the city after law school, he escaped life in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, and his family's notoriety. Years later, the strained relationship with them reaches new heights when Charlotte Rose, a part-time stationery designer and mechanical engineer, enters his work life. Together, they embark upon the journey to bring a racketeering terrorist to justice, tied to a gang responsible for the death of Ethan's wife utilizing both of their skill sets and that of friends. In the process, Christmas romance softens his heart as he is drawn to her southern charms, kindness, and warmth. With her influence upon his life, Ethan discovers he is missing the most important aspect of his life, love. Will they both heal from the profound loss of a spouse, with God's leading, and learn to love again?”
Thank you in advance to author, Monica Collier, for providing an advanced review copy of the book through Kate Rock Book Tours. A positive review was definitely not required or requested in any way; all words are my own.
This is my first introduction to the author’s work, and it is an interesting introduction as well.
If you’re looking for a second-chance, (light) Christian romance, Christmas story with a terrorist plot – this could be your kind of read. It is a little lengthy at over 400 pages, and the chapters are a bit long. Right off it gave me J.A.G/NCIS vibes with a little FBI: Most Wanted mixed in. There is even a Mossad reference hidden in here.
Don’t let the cutesy and whimsical cover fool you – this is a moderately “deep” read with some potentially triggering content:
๐ฅDomestic violence
๐ฃTerrorism
✈️9/11 References
๐Miscarriage
๐Hysterectomy from trauma
๐Infidelity
๐ฃGraphic mentions of deaths (Benjamin’s and Stephanie’s)
⛔Some potentially offensive references to ethnicities (spoken by non-white/Hispanic character)
Readers sensitive to these topics will likely want to be cautious when reading this book despite how lightly the author touched on it.
There are a lot of characters to keep tabs on. One of them, Captain Caroline Blaine, has appeared in other books from the author. Though this is not connected to those books and functions strictly as a standalone.
However, I do get the feeling that Charlotte has appeared in the other books given the closeness she has with Caroline. Also, a character from Kissing Hollywood is mentioned at the first part of this book as well.
The two main characters are Charlotte Rose and Ethan Cooper. The story is told primarily from Charlotte and Ethan’s POV.
Charlotte is, at times, far too much as a person; almost coming off as unrealistic. She speaks five (5) languages on top of English, she is a mechanical engineer, she seems to know a few things about computers. And, she designs stationary. She lost her husband Benjamin David (Dah-Veed; like Ziva from NCIS) in a bombing.
It is clear that PINK is some kind of nickname for her but that is almost 2/3 into the novel. At times it can seem like she is some kind of superwoman. However, the author did create a few weaknesses for the character. And, it is interesting to see Charlotte navigate these.
Ethan is in charge of a business and happens to employ Charlotte’s friend, Racheal. Though he knows Racheal’s friend as “Charlie”. He’s perhaps one of the most basic characters in the story and my favorite. Rachael is definitely a major character in this as well. Other support characters are just that – support.
Caroline is in the U.S Navy and is part of the intelligence division called ARES. It is interesting to note that in season one (1) of J.A.G there was an episode called ARES which dealt with a weapons system.
As Charlotte is visiting Rachael in New York, and looking to set up an office for her stationary business; Ethan gets word there is a lead on his wife’s murder. As it turns out, a friend and client of his has information that is essential to not just solving Stephanie’s death, but thwarting a terrorist plot. There is definitely something suspicious going on when Charlotte is viewing a building that is clearly a storage facility for chemicals. The owner doesn’t even know he owns it, and it isn’t for sale or rent.
Dฤnฤ Darbandi now fears for his life when he learns of his partner’s dealings. Ashem Ahmadi is using Darbandi’s company for obvious terrorist activity. And, it is Darbandi who is linked to Ethan. And, Darbandi agrees to help gather information to take Ahmadi down.
Between gathering everything on the group behind Stephanie’s death, Ethan and Charlotte begin a romance. Not exactly romantic settings if you ask me.
For around the first part of the book it was a sweet read made tedious by the constant use of corporate dialogue and business interactions that were unconnected to the plot.
The readers meet Ethan’s sister who is definitely going through a bad divorce which her sons know more than what she thinks.
The case turns into “alphabet” soup – DEA, FBI, Navy, Homeland Security. And, as a result, Caroline is brought in with a more substantial role.
It wasn’t until around the 69% mark that I understood the reference to “Pink”. It is actually Charlotte’s code name given to her by Caroline Blaine. And, Ethan begins to learn there is more to Charlotte than she is letting on.
The book, for me, didn’t really pick up until around chapter 14 when the suspense really got good. It doesn’t last too long though. Anyone looking for a long, drawn-out suspense will be disappointed. I loved Ethan during that part of the book and how well he handled himself. It played out like an episode of a well-written TV show.
The most interesting part is when Ethan and his sister Jane’s mother, Margaret, shows up. She’s one of those “society” types that feels “work” is beneath her and her family. She arrives in the comically titled “Godzilla Has Landed” chapter (19).
She gets the wrong impression about Charlotte (seeing her as the “help”). And, this is where the book takes a humorous turn. I have to admit that at the end of the chapter, I loved Ethan telling his mother “Now put that in your Louis Vuitton and stuff it!”.
The ending is rather predictable, but still on the cute side. As cute as it can be with Charlotte’s “problems”.
Given the overall theme and content of the book, the title and cover didn’t seem to fit that well. Had it been strictly a Christmas romance the title (and cover) might have been better suited.
Adding in the suspense, the deaths of the spouses, Charlotte’s health, as well as a terrorist plot – it didn’t have a real “happy” feel to go with the title and cover. It was also emotional reading about 9/11 10 days after the 20th anniversary.
There was enough material for perhaps two smaller separate books (even just novellas) as opposed to one huge book. I definitely would’ve read them as two books, much like the Caroline Blaine Chronicles. I enjoyed the romance, despite Charlotte’s “sad” news; and I enjoyed the suspense aspect. But, together in this book? It didn’t work as well as I hoped for. I feel like the suspense could’ve been extended a bit longer as it was wrapped rather quickly.
There was a mistake with “clip” being mistaken for magazine, and those in the military or who work with them would (or should) know the difference. At one point a clearly Muslim character is seen drinking alcohol. This is usually forbidden. It can depend on their religious observance though but should be noted.
Some things I found familiar: like Charlotte, I too have used the isopropyl alcohol trick to save and clean pens. Definitely a life saver. I also use the Parker Jotter, but a ball point version. They are great pens overall. Also, the stuffing vs. dressing. My family never did the bird trick and we actually buy Mrs. Cubbison’s dressing. Though I do like the perspective on the differences.
Despite some of the issues that I had with the book, overall, it was an entertaining read. I definitely didn’t regret reading it, and would probably re-read it in the distant future. I have STACKS of books in my TBR which is why I say that.
Though this is listed as a “Christian” book, there were only a handful of Christian related themes – prayer and references to God. This were not as integral to the story as I thought. Those who are looking for a lighter Christian themed book are sure to enjoy this. This is a clean read with depicted violence. There is no foul language or intimate acts referred to or depicted.
I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to read another book by the author. Those who enjoyed the Caroline Blaine Chronicles and Kissing Hollywood are sure to enjoy this one.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – BookBub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Monica Collier is a southern Christian Romantic Suspense author. She writes emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Monica's emotional journeys are geographic, family oriented, have strong female characters, and incorporate Biblical principles in modern life. Her books have been recommended by active and retired military personnel, Pastors, professional women and several print venues. When she's not writing she travels as much as possible.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormonicacollier
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monica.collier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/monicacollier
Website: https://monicacollier.com/
*This post contains affiliate links (click on the author's photo to find her books on Amazon).
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