Rexanne Becnel

The Maiden Bride. Roxanne Becnel. 1996. If you like romance novels with a bit of history, you’ll like this book; however, if you are like me and want historical fiction with a tad of romance you will be disappointed, as I was. A Norman nobleman lays siege to his castle and retakes it. He is required to take the eldest daughter of the family he conquered as his wife. The family switches the younger twin with her older sister. The plot revolves around this deception: what if he finds out, the “history” is the description of the dress and castle with an occasional mention of Henry II. Violence and sex abound.… (meer)

What a delightful, poignant read this book turned out to be. It was impossible not to love both ten-year-old Anna and Miss Eva, strangers until they take a train ride together just before Christmas. Anna is incredibly mature, big-hearted and caring for such a young girl while Miss Eva is wonderful. She loves her family, traditions and Christmas. However, because she suffers from dementia and often thinks she is reliving he childhood in Nazi Germany, she is desperate to reconnect with her family and panics when she sees anyone in uniform. In her confusion she often becomes childlike and it is up to Anna to calm her and take care of her. Her story is heartbreaking!

The secondary characters (except for Anna's neglectful mother) are all endearing and believable, especially Nana Rose. I also had a soft spot for Tom, who unexpectedly finds himself the sole caretaker of his daughter, Anna.

"The Christmas Train" is a story about love, family and responsibility and is an inspiring read for this season fo love, peace and goodwill.… (meer)