Review: Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken

Let it snow! Cozy up to the Castle Mountain Lodge in the middle of the remote Canadian Rockies for Unexpected Gifts.

Christmas represents everything Andi Williams is supposed to have, and doesn't. Running away to a remote mountain lodge in the Canadian Rockies, sounds like the perfect way to escape, until a mix-up finds her sharing a villa with sexy, rough around the edges, Colin Hartford.

Colin's determination to enjoy the holiday he’s missed for the last five years, sweeps Andi into a season of joy that she’s not sure she’s ready for. Can Andi open herself up to everything the holidays have to offer...including love?

Kindle Edition, 136 pages

Published November 11th 2011 by Ink Blot Communications

Terri's review

I downloaded this story off of Amazon in my quest for Christmas reads to profile during the month of December.

Let me start by explaining what I was looking for in a Christmas read.  I wanted a story that what centralized around the season and not just a story that put Christmas in the title just because it occurred during the month of December.  This story delivered just that.

I was swept away in the story from the beginning through the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies, the mountain lodge with all of the Christmas festivities and the undeniable chemistry between Andi and Colin.  Seriously what red blooded female hasn't fantasized about being stuck in a beautiful mountain cabin with a hot and sexy guy who is determined to show you the magic of the season?  The perfect set up to take you away from reality.

I particularly liked the character of Colin who has easily become one of my favorite book boyfriends.  The banter between him and Andi was a joy to read.  I can't help but wish that the story was a little longer just so that I could spend more time with him.

Overall I really enjoyed this book.  It delivered exactly as promised and was a true Christmas story.  As a Canadian I couldn't help but giggle at some of the references to Canada in particular the comments about the typical Canadian stereotype.  I may miss quote this but I had to read out loud to anyone who would listen the part that mentioned "All Canadians should be able to skate, know the names of every hockey team, eat poutine and know how to build an igloo".

Aitken is a new author to me and this will not be the last of her work that I read.  I look forward to discovering what else she has to offer.  A four star Christmas read.

About the Author

Living in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in the foothills of Alberta, Elena spends her days chauffeuring her twins and writing stories - basically, living what she loves!

Elena escapes to the mountains as often as possible and can often be found sitting by the water, plotting her next book.


Website:  http://www.elenaaitken.com  
Twitter:  elenaaitken