Our leading lady, Scottie is a tough yet tender soul that we see bared from the start. The way she feels for, cares for, and aims to share her experiences with "the Five" is heart warming. When faced with dire straits most unexpected, she does what she does best....reacts with her whole heart and worries about the consequences later. In this case, a tiny child is the "object" of much worry. Inadvertently abandoned, she has no hope of survival unless someone comes to her aid. That earthbound angel in disguise is Scottie, and though she doesn't realize it quite yet, the path she's just begun will be much harder than it seems. What happens when Scottie's good intentions progress one step too far in the public's eye? Their validation or prosecution is all that stands between her status of saint versus sinner. Will she and Merry Mary have a chance to celebrate a first Christmas or will the consequences of her heartfelt reaction land her in a life sentence of trouble?




The significance of her decision weighs heavy throughout the story as we are reminded that there are always two sides (or more) to every story. Had she known some of the things she did by book's end, she may not have landed in the hot water she seemed only to eager to tread, but her heart was in the right place. The care with which her story was told was wonderful, showing the beauty of motherhood, whether by birth or circumstance, in all its glory. The bond that Scottie and Merry Mary had was wonderful no matter how short (or long...I'm not spoiling it!) lived. The same can be said for the other relationships on display in the story. From her strong connection to her brother and parents to her failing marriage (honestly, no love lost there with that guy...idiot) and even the friendships we see however tentative, the author leaves us with no questions as to whom they are in support of or who's side they'll be standing by. That's something I'd definitely say is a niche talent of this particular author; the ability to create lasting bonds in no time at all between her characters and her readers.

When all was said and done, I was flipping epages as fast as my pointer finger would allow in order to see this holiday tale through to the last. Was it going to be a happily ever after for dear sweet Scottie or a sad reminder that not everything is meant to be? In truth, it was a bit of both with a dose of bittersweet and tenderness mixed in for good measure. Merry Mary is definitely a read that should be on your holiday list this year for sheer enjoyment as well as a reminder of the important things that can get lost in all the lights and bustle this time of year. Recommended read for older teens through adults.

The prequel to the book Breaking the Story that I am reviewing tomorrow, so when I found out there was a prequel I wanted to start there first and then dive into the book.

Scottie Darden has been photographing the homeless in this park in Richmond, VA and there one night in the cold of December, she finds a deceased women with a crying baby. When the homeless population vanishes, she takes the baby home with no clue what to do next.

I have to be honest, I am glad this book was short in length, I didn't love it. Maybe because it was short in length the author couldn't put a lot into it and had to be choosy with the words. I didn't really love any of the characters and thought Scottie was a little too cooky for me. For obvious reasons I completely despised her husband Brad and just all around didn't love the story.

My hope is that the first book in the series, what I am reviewing tomorrow - Breaking the Story redeems Scottie and with a story that seems a little more too far from left field I will enjoy the book.