The Christmas Spirit by Alexandrea Weis
What's It About?
This is not just a Christmas love story; it's an exploration of the supernatural, a celebration of second chances, and a testament to the enduring power of hope and love.The Christmas Spirit by Alexandrea Weis emerges as a fresh deviation from the conventional holiday tales that saturate the market around this time of year. Courtney Winston, the protagonist of the story, is an accountant in Nashville and a writer in her spare time — although, like most aspiring authors, she hopes to make writing her full-time job.
Courtney, however, is grappling with a broken heart, has a looming deadline to her agent, and yearns for solitude so she can make the necessary changes to her manuscript in the hopes of receiving a publishing deal. As a result, she chooses to forgo the traditional family Christmas and retreats to a secluded cabin in the Smoky Mountains, which sets the stage for an unconventional and riveting paranormal romance that will keep readers glued to their seats from beginning to end!
Intertwining Threads of Mystery and Romance
Not happy about the extensive revision required by her prospective publisher, Courtney heads to a remote cabin near the ghost town of Elkmont to write. There she meets the enigmatic lodge owner, Peter Stoneridge, and the meddling yet endearing cook, Mrs. Finn. She also makes friends with an unusual black cat who comes and goes as she pleases. It’s here readers finally realize that this is not your typical Christmas love story, but rather a tapestry of mystery, sorrow, hope, and even danger lurking in the woods. As Courtney navigates the challenges of her rustic retreat, she is forced to make peace with her past, come to terms with her present, and make difficult decisions about her future. Furthermore, the plot takes unexpected twists and turns, injecting an element of suspense that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
Inspired by Austrian folklore that introduces readers to Perchta, the seamless blend of paranormal elements and romance that adds layers to the tale are a testament to Weis’s storytelling prowess, which will make fast fans of her work.
Character Depth and Unforgettable Moments
Seeing as this is not my first rodeo with Weis’ work, I can confirm that she crafts characters that resonate long after the final page is turned and leaves you wanting more. Courtney Winston, with her determination to heal a broken heart and meet her writing deadline, becomes a relatable and resilient protagonist. Peter and Mrs. Finn both add depth to the narrative, but also suspense, especially since it’s difficult to figure out what their motives are in the grand scheme of things.
A Paranormal Gem for the Holiday Season
In a literary landscape dominated by predictable holiday romances, The Christmas Spirit stands out as a paranormal gem that readers can return to year after year. With its mystery, feel-good moments, and deep conversations, Alexandrea Weis’s ability to seamlessly blend a myriad of genres creates a magical read that transcends genre boundaries.
So, get ready readers, because this is not just a Christmas love story; it’s an exploration of the supernatural, a celebration of second chances, and a testament to the enduring power of hope and love. It’s a must-read for those seeking a unique and delightful holiday novel and for those who enjoy more depth—and twists—in their Christmas romances.
About Alexandrea Weis:
Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, PhD, is an award-winning author, screenwriter, advanced practice registered nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. She has taught at major universities and worked as a nurse dealing with victims of sexual assault, abuse, and mental illness in a clinical setting at New Orleans area hospitals.
Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. The first person to give her writing advice was Tennessee Williams, a family friend.
Weis is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Horror Writers Association (HWA). She lives with her husband outside of New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.
