I would like to know more about them, for sure. While we don't really see the two men interact a whole lot, and while there are but romantic undertones instead of an actual romance (which makes this book feel to some extent like a prequel, like the author is planning a whole book for them, and is whetting our appetite with this short novella), the characters feel realistic enough. And then the true meaning of Christmas visits them both. He is at wit's end, and at the end of their means, and he doesn't quite know how he'll manage to give his daughter what may be her last Christmas.Ī popcorn garland Ned has made with his daughter for decoration bring Carlos to their door. Ned Williams lives in the same apartment building as Carlos, with his daughter who has cancer. well, you should read this for yourself.Ĭarlos is fed up with the greed and consumerism he sees all around him, noticing how most people spend and spend but care nothing for their fellow humans. His men all like him a lot, which is also evident when they all step in to.

He has a good crew, and he takes care of them as best as he can, which is evident when he spends a day visiting them all to give them their Christmas bonus. And really, that's what the Holidays are all about, right?Ĭarlos Mendez owns a landscaping business and sends every extra penny he earns to his family in Mexico. This short story from the 2016 Dreamspinner Press Advent Calendar serves as a reminder that even when things appear bleak, there are still good people out there, who will lend a helping hand. No high rating is required for any ARC received. The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. and I am sure Sonia will be in remission. Oh, well, I believe that it will continue even after the end though… I felt that Carlos was close to his employee – but at the same time, his scenes with them kind of took away the quantity of time I wanted Carlos to spend with Ned and Sonia instead, in order to get to know the Williams better. I could totally relate to what Carlos was feeling – wanting to help Ned in any way he can, even if only by giving something lovely for this year’s Christmas. Imagine being a single father and facing the fact that your only daughter has leukemia.

I was immediately gripped with Ned’s situation. Since the time span is really short, the HFN ending is perfect, in my opinion. A beginning to what could be a lovely relationship between a landscaping business owner and a single father with a five-year-old sweet girl, who has leukemia (sniff).

Popcorn Garlands by Ariel Tachna