"Second chances at friendship and love"
Ten years ago, Noelle McDowell left her hometown of Rose,
Oregon to go off to college, but secretly vowed never to
return. Noelle loved Thom Sutton, but as high school
seniors, he failed to show up when they planned to elope.
She concluded that he wanted to humiliate her as part of
the long running feud between their mothers. The only thing that could bring Noelle back to Rose is her
sister's wedding. When Noelle and Thom meet at the town
Christmas holiday dance, they realize the attraction
remains between them. When they finally talk about that
day, they realize they both showed up just at different
times. Instead of betrayal as both believed, Thom and
Noelle conclude bad luck occurred. They plan to insure
that they do not repeat their teenage mistake even at the
cost of defying their feuding moms. Though the error in the time they were to meet is sort of
explained, readers will feel that pivotal moment required a
stronger elucidation than presented. Still, the story line
is warm and uplifting as the cast provides the audience
with an entertaining tale of romance and second chances at
friendship and love. THE CHRISTMAS BASKET is a gift that
validates what readers know about the magic of the Macomber
affect. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 10, 2002
| 
