Book Review: The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill's wedding. Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby's four children have drifted apart, each consumed by the turbulence of their own lives. They haven't celebrated Christmas together since their father's death, but when Gaby announces that she's getting married--and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day--she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.

But the wedding isn't Gaby's only surprise--she has one more gift for her children, and it could change all their lives forever. With deeply affecting characters and the emotional twists of a James Patterson thriller, The Christmas Wedding is a fresh look at family and the magic of the season.

My Thoughts:  This book was a cute, heart-warming, feel good Christmas story.  Yes, it was a little cheesy in some parts but it was cute.  I enjoyed it and it was a fast and easy read.

Gaby's husband is dead, her children are grown and moved away and she is busy doing breakfasts for the needy.  She sends video messages to each of her children and tell them that she is getting married on Christmas Day so everyone must be there.  To get them there, Gaby is not saying who she will marry but it will be one of three men.  All of these men have agreed to play along with her scheme and they don't know which one of them it will be either. 

At the beginning of the book, each chapter is dedicated a little to each of Gaby's children and their lives.  This way we get to know each of them better.  Once in awhile there are some chapters thrown in about Gaby and her three suitors. 

So, here are the things that I found cheesy in this book.  First of all, one man proposes to Gaby and then suddenly two more men decide they want to marry Gaby as well and they propose.  Then, each of them are completely okay with Gaby stringing them along.  Really?  Is any man, let alone three men, going to be okay with not knowing if the woman they supposedly love is going to marry them or some other guy?  They all dressed up in tuxedos and waited at the front of the aisle for Gaby to make her decision.  Hmmm....yeah, I don't think so!

The book was fun though and like I said it was a feel good, easy book.  I enjoyed it and it was great for this time of year but I wasn't impressed with it.  I'll stick with his thriller's for the next time.