Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

Jan 19, 2015 Nidah (SleepDreamWrite) rated it liked it

I was expecting this to be a cute light read. I mean it has its cute moments, in the aww category. But there's moments where you're like, huh, didn't expect it to go in that direction but okay. Kind of surprised me a little bit so that was nice.

Anyway the book had me at booksellers matchmaking and masquerade ball. Oh and that cozy looking cover.

Yeah, reading this had me smiling. Cora and Simon are adorable and awkward together. And of course a mysterious bookstore, which I'm okay with thank you. ...more

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Nov 30, 2016 Deanne Patterson rated it liked it

Shelves: library-copy

Struck out again with a Christmas book ;(
What I didn't like about this book I am sure some others would love. This book was about magic,fantasy and mystical. I know these are hugely popular genres but just not what I like to read! One thing I really did like about this book is a young woman aged 25 who has downs syndrome. Her older brother treats her superbly well never making her feel less or small. This was a wonderful thing to see. In fact he may have indulged her too much. But really you ca ...more

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Nov 14, 2010 Jennifer rated it did not like it

Shelves: first-reads

I really wanted to like this book. A Christmas story with an unlikely couple and a magical ball sounded great. But...the fantasy aspects were timid - like the author was almost afraid to suggest them and the Christian overtones came across like mini sermons throughout the book. Finally the characters were so socially awkward you were surprised they could form a relationship at all.

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Dec 20, 2010 Paula rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary-romance, donita-k-paul, inspirational-romance

A cute and charming Christmas romance! I loved reading about the mysterious and magical Sage Street, and there was such an enjoyable cast of characters. This was a perfect read for the holiday season.

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Mar 23, 2010 Margaret Chind rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Margaret by: FIRST

Shelves: christianfiction, christmas, waterbrook-multnomah, firstwild

It seems that from the very first page, this book has been slightly magical and delightful with the Christmas spirit. I know that publishers and marketing get the Christmas season started at the beginning of October and at first it was difficult for me, but now I’m starting to hear sleigh bells and smell the snow through the pages of the book.

I have fallen in love with the writing of Donita K. Paul through her DragonKeeper Chronicles and when I found that she was writing a Christmas contemporary ...more

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Nov 15, 2010 Amber Stokes rated it really liked it

What a quirky, sweet read! Part contemporary romance, part fantasy, part Christmas story, and part family drama, this book fits a lot into a novella. It's such a curious read that I got caught up in its enchantment and read it all in one day!

The main characters are well-developed, with real struggles and dilemmas. And the secondary characters are delightful. I just love the matchmakers on Sage Street, and Simon's family is so fun, especially his sister, Sandy! The characters are all so vastly di ...more

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Dec 24, 2010 Laura rated it it was amazing

Title: TWO TICKETS TO THE CHRISTMAS BALL
Author: Donita K. Paul
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
October 2010
ISBN: 978-0-307-45899-5
Genre: Inspirational/fantasy/romance/Christmas

Mischievous matchmakers,
Two special tickets,
One unlikely couple,
An evening for romance at the annual Christmas Ball

Cora Crowder is busy trying to prepare for a holiday season. She is sending gifts to her estranged family, but doesn’t want to be with them. As she searches for a gift for her uncle she visits Warner, Werner, and Wi ...more

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Dec 08, 2016 Noriko rated it really liked it

3.5 stars, quite close to 4 stars.

This is such a delightful, light-hearted read which is perfect to get ourselves in a holiday mood.

The story begins with the heroine, Cora wondering into a quirky old bookshop on Sage Street where she runs into her supervisor Simon Derrick and I LOVE this bookshop! Everything about this bookshop gives off somewhat a magical vibe and I really enjoyed that part.

I think this book is categorized into Christian Fiction, the precept of which I'm not familiar with, but ...more

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Nov 05, 2010 Jenn O'Brien rated it it was ok

Shelves: holiday-books

No matter how much I tried, I could not get into this story. I didn't see the chemistry between the two love interests and there was not enough background about the main character to make the reader care much about them.

The magical street concept was interesting but a little bit too much science fiction thrown into what should have been a Christmas romance.

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Dec 26, 2010 Amy rated it liked it

Sweet and charming Christmas romance with a touch of fantasy. Meant for Christians.

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Dec 09, 2017 Natasha rated it it was ok

I discovered this book through a Goodreads Deal email. The book cover is pretty and the blurb sounded interesting, so I thought, "Why not? It's December. Read a holiday romance." From the reviews, I knew it would include elements of faith, but I enjoy Janette Oke's novels, so I decided to give this book a read.

Saying this book is PREACHY would be an understatement. I've read many inspirational romance books with less proselytizing. Each chapter has paragraphs that read like a Sunday School less I discovered this book through a Goodreads Deal email. The book cover is pretty and the blurb sounded interesting, so I thought, "Why not? It's December. Read a holiday romance." From the reviews, I knew it would include elements of faith, but I enjoy Janette Oke's novels, so I decided to give this book a read.

Saying this book is PREACHY would be an understatement. I've read many inspirational romance books with less proselytizing. Each chapter has paragraphs that read like a Sunday School lesson. There's a discussion of courting vs dating. Simon has a little sister who appears to chaperone Simon and Cora's dates. That was a little too Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar for me! Simon prays before they eat their pizza. There's quite a bit of Bible quoting too. The most ridiculous scene is the one during which Cora can't stop sobbing over her cat that just gave birth to a litter of kittens. She laments about not knowing how the cat could have possibly gotten pregnant. An adult woman is crying because her cat reminds her of her sister who became a teen mom. Girl, please! This too shall pass!

I'm a preacher's kid, so I grew up surrounded by people like this. They are great neighbors and perfectly lovely acquaintances, but they don't make the best main characters for a romance novel. They're a little too vanilla to draw an avid romance reader into the story, and they certainly failed to grab and hold my attention. With a little more character development and a few more obstacles to their HEA, Simon and Cora would have been rather interesting. I expected the Wizard's Christmas Ball to be the climatic event in the story, bringing these two lonely hearts to the realization of their true affection for one another. It wasn't. They began courting before the ball. In fact, they go dress shopping together for the ball- first for his little sister's gown and, later, for Cora's gown. The fact that Simon was her boss's boss would have certainly made Cora's coworkers suspect she'd gotten her temporary promotion as a favor from her beau.

Every great story needs conflict and a villain to help move the action along. I suppose Cora's sister was supposed to fill this role, but she needed more edginess to do this successfully.

What really threw me as I read this Christian novella was the presence of magic and wizardry. Yes, I'm going there! I've had conservative Christian doctrine shoved down my throat enough years to know magic and mysticism aren't part of the mix. Unexplainable miracles are permitted. The youth at my old church were discouraged from reading Harry Potter books because he's a wizard, and, according to the powers that be, wizardry is witchcraft and abominable. I cannot fathom why this Christian story includes stores that can only be seen my certain people, things that appear and disappear without warning, landline phones that work without being plugged into the wall, and shop owners who act like wizards and fairy godmothers . . . seems to be a contradiction in my opinion. ...more

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Dec 01, 2018 Jenn rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: Nobody ever

Shelves: christmas, 2018

What a disappointment. I though this book would be fun and magical (The ball had it's moments but it was not nearly long enough.). Instead it was hokey and preachy. Oh and let's not forget sexist. Apparently men have an innate ability to change tires, women have moments. Oh and we should definitely apologize for speaking harshly to one another but not for believing someone about an untrustworthy family member they tried to warn you about. Cora should have ran as fast and as far from Simon as she ...more

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Nov 30, 2018 Diane Wallace rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this Christian fiction Christmas tale with a bit of magic thrown in for fun! It was a delightful read!

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Nov 02, 2010 Nora St Laurent rated it it was amazing

I was thrilled to receive a review copy of such a fun and enchanting book. The preparations and events leading up to the ball reminded me of the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore. There was so much excitement, mystery and fun just thinking about the Christmas ball. I loved every minute of this book.

Cora Crowder is in search of just the right Christmas gifts this year. She thought it would help her get into the Christmas spirit. “Cora had been trying to catch the spirit for four years. Somewh ...more

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Nov 21, 2010 Julie Smith (Knitting and Sundries) rated it liked it

Shelves: reviewed

Meet Cora Crowden, NOT so full of the Christmas spirit, who lives with her cat Skippy. She's worked at Sorenby's for the past five years, and is in search of a suitable present for her uncle. She walks into the Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad bookstore, where the gentleman behind the counter seems to mysteriously know exactly which book will fit the bill; he has it in his hands when she walks in. At the bookstore, she also runs into Simon Derrick "Serious Simon", her boss's boss. also there to Meet Cora Crowden, NOT so full of the Christmas spirit, who lives with her cat Skippy. She's worked at Sorenby's for the past five years, and is in search of a suitable present for her uncle. She walks into the Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad bookstore, where the gentleman behind the counter seems to mysteriously know exactly which book will fit the bill; he has it in his hands when she walks in. At the bookstore, she also runs into Simon Derrick "Serious Simon", her boss's boss. also there to purchase a book for a family member. Like Cora (even more so), Simon never socializes with his co-workers, and leaves directly after work, never having attended a single office Christmas party in Cora's recollection.

As each return home, they find tickets to "The Wizards' Christmas Ball" in their respective purchases. There's no contact information, but the ticket does state that it is sponsored by the shops on Sage Street, a street that almost no one seems to know of. Cora definitely isn't going, but Simon's sister Sandy, a sweet almost-24-year-old with Down's Syndrome, sees HIS ticket, with a picture of people dressed in 'princess' dresses and wizardly outfits, and convinces Simon to take her.

Cora finds out that her cat Skippy, who is never outside alone, has unexpectedly given birth to kittens. When Sandy visits Simon at work, Cora meets her and a new home for at least one of the kittens is guaranteed. As Sandy visits the kittens with Simon and other family members, a tentative friendship is formed.

Cora, who is a Christian, has a horrid family that she is lucky enough to have gotten away from. Simon, also a Christian, took over as "man of the house" after the death of his father, and lives with his extended family, including his Grandpa John, Aunt Mae (John's sister), his own sister Sandy, and his mother. Can two people from such divergent backgrounds find something in common? Will Cora make it to the ball after all?

This is a sweet tale with hints of magic - perfect for a light, romantic Christmas read. For those who don't think magical elements belong in a Christian story, the book itself provides an explanation that works well.

QUOTES

"Simon's never mean now. He grew up." Sandy paused, and with concentrated effort, winked her right eye. "I won't grow up. It's an advantage I cherish. A gift from Jesus."

"Oh yes, I know. You're too kind and generous and forgiving to actually say something negative to your mother. But you don't fool me, sister. You got too holy to say those things, but you still think them. And don't think I don't know enough about the Bible and God to know you're still guilty. If you even think something bad, you're crispy critters. Guilty as charged - thinking nasty things about your mother and your sister and the rest of your family. You might as well give it up, Cora Belle Crowder. You're no better than the rest of us once the paint peels off the banister. "

BOOK RATING: 3.5 out of 5 stars ...more

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Dec 20, 2010 Ruth rated it really liked it

If you’re looking for a charming, whimsical holiday read to get you in the Christmas spirit, look no further than Donita K. Paul’s delightful contemporary novella, Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball. When long-time co-workers Cora and Simon meet unexpectedly at the delightfully named Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s bookshop, they never expected to receive invitations to a ball that could change the course of their lives forever. But in order for the master matchmaking plan of the Wizards of S If you’re looking for a charming, whimsical holiday read to get you in the Christmas spirit, look no further than Donita K. Paul’s delightful contemporary novella, Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball. When long-time co-workers Cora and Simon meet unexpectedly at the delightfully named Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s bookshop, they never expected to receive invitations to a ball that could change the course of their lives forever. But in order for the master matchmaking plan of the Wizards of Sage Street to work, Cora and Simon must each lay aside their preconceived ideas about faith, family, and each other, and risk everything on the possibility of love found in a most unconventional way.

Though Two Tickets is set in the present day, the charm and almost courtly appeal of the Christmas Ball made me feel like I was reading a story set at the turn of the 20th century. And with the rather reserved manner of the main characters and the magical aspect of the storyline this tale would fit comfortably in that time period. Since Paul is primarily known for her fantasy novels, she brings a unique and refreshing spin to this modern-day story of love and new beginnings to be found at Christmas, the most magical time of year in my opinion. The faith element may feel rather overt to some readers, but I found it flowed well within the context of the story and the characters’ personalities. And though brief, Paul’s treatment of Cora’s family troubles really shines in this novel – her struggle to reconcile her faith and her difficult, often outright hostile family felt absolutely genuine and authentic.

This little book begs to be made into a Christmas movie (Hallmark Channel please take note!). Its blend of faith, charm, and a dash of holiday magic would be the perfect addition to my Christmas movie collection. My only qualm with Two Tickets is that given the novella format, readers aren’t given enough time to see Simon and Cora’s relationship develop, and to further explore the delightful, magical Sage Street shopping district Paul has created. While I do feel that overall the faith and magical elements of the novella were integrated well within the confines of Paul’s contemporary setting, the manners and quirks of the setting and characters make me wish just a bit that this Christmas Ball was set in the early 1900’s. That setting would ideally fit the mood of this story. That qualm aside, Two Tickets is a fun diversion for fantasy and romance lovers looking to add a dash of whimsy to their Christmas reading. ...more

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Mar 30, 2018 Elise Blomberg rated it really liked it

I got this book because I thought it might be a light read. I was surprised when it turned out to be such a fun book! It's one of my favorites and look forward to reading more books by this author.

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Dec 04, 2010 Jacque Stengel rated it really liked it

Cora and Simon had worked together for five years, yet it takes a bit of magic to bring them together. They both have tickets to attend the Christmas Ball, but families and trust always seem to stand in the way. Can Christmas be saved for both of them and their families?

This author usually writes in the Christian Fantasy genre but had previously written romance novels until she learned the dark side had cookies. This book is a combination of romance and a bit of fantasy, but loaded with a whole ...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Michelle rated it liked it

Shelves: forreview, forpleasure, christianfiction

Well, this story was strange, but what else would I expect from an author who writes fantasy, right? The way the story was written made me think of the movie Ella Enchanted, and I could almost see a comedy of errors running through my head as I read the story. I didn't really get the extreme emotion of the characters (like Cora crying because her cat got pregnant) unless that was supposed to be part of the charm of the novel. I didn't sense any sparks flying between Cora and Simon...ever. I felt ...more

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Dec 29, 2010 Laree rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Basic plot summery:

This book tells the story of two lonely-ish people. Cora Crowden comes from a horrible dysfunctional family, and found God and religion when she escaped and went to college. Christmas is difficult for her - more of a chore she feels she should do because she is a Christian. Simon Derrick comes from a strong Christian background, with a true love of family. He's been searching for years for someone who believes in the same core values he was raised with.

They get thrown together ...more

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Oct 20, 2010 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it really liked it

Shelves: christmas

I found this to be a delightful little story. It was sweet: a sweet premise, a sweet shop, sweet characters and a sweet, charming bookstore. Love it! I will admit to not loving the sentence fragment style of writing, but the story itself was a bit enchanting. I liked Cora and Simon and I loved Sandy. What a sweetheart. Cora grew up in a very dysfunctional, non-Christian home and she struggles with integrating the worldly Christmas traditions with her Christian beliefs. I think this is something ...more

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Dec 22, 2010 Beverly rated it it was amazing

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul is a beautiful, romantic Christmas story. Cora Crowder, “trying to catch Christmas” enters the bookshop of Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a rather unusual bookshop on an rather unusual street) searching for a gift for a relative. While there she runs into her boss’s boss, Simon Derrick. Later after leaving the store, both Cora and Simon are surprised to discover they have been given a ticket The Wizard’s Christmas Ball. The shop owners on ...more

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Jan 02, 2011 Desi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011-books-read

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't very long, only 226 pages with relatively large print. The main plot was your basic love story. Cora and Simon had worked together in the same office for several years but had never really noticed each other. Then, they unexpectedly run into each other at an out of the way bookstore and circumstances seem to keep throwing them together.

I found the little magical touches that the author added really made the story more enjoyable. She doesn't ...more

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Dec 17, 2010 Abbie rated it liked it

Shelves: blog-reviewed, 2011

Cora Crowder is a hard working young woman who needs order in her life. She grew up in an abusive family. While she was at college she became a Christian and got a job far away from her family. She tries to like Christmas but seems to miss its true meaning.

Simon Derrick is Cora’s bosses boss. He is a hard worker and love his family. He is the bread winner and lives with his Granddad, Grandma, Mom and younger sister. He has always felt like a loser when it came to dating and also worried someone ...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Chris Curtis rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball was a sweet romantic story that I enjoyed very much. Donita K. Paul combines romance, magic, Christmas, family and Christianity into a quick read that is perfect for the holidays.

Cora is a young Christian woman who is estranged from her family and lives alone with her cat. She works at the same company as Simon who is a single Christian man who lives with his family and is very committed to them. They meet unexpectedly while looking for Christmas presents at the ...more

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Dec 12, 2010 Heather rated it really liked it

An absolutely adorable story, Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball is perfect Christmastime reading. While some of the plot points toward the end of the tale are somewhat predictable (for example, Zee's antics), it doesn't take away from the magic of the story. Is Sage Street real? Is there magic in this bookstore, costume shop, and quaint section of the city? Is there magic weaving the lives of these two characters together? I don't know, but it's clear that whatever it is has God's blessing. Cora ...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Sara rated it really liked it

Shelves: christian-fiction-romance

This book was a perfect holiday read with a light-hearted plot filled with family, romance and a little bit of magic. Once I started this book, I was immediately transported into the magical setting and before I knew it, I had finished the book with a warm heart and a smile of my face.

The plot of this book is a mix of a Hallmark movie, Harry Potter and a Christian romance. I loved the "magical" elements that kept happening through the story, such as the street appearing/disappearing, the ticket ...more

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Dec 13, 2010 April rated it really liked it

Shelves: christmas-inspirational-contempora

TWO TICKETS TO THE CHRISTMAS BALL by Donita K. Paul is a inspirational contemporary Christmas fiction set in present day America. It is well written with depth,fast paced and detail. It has magic, love, faith, family, drama, redemption, forgiveness, intrigue, a special sister with Downs syndrome, and the mystery of new love. The characters are charming, intriguing, full of life,hope, love and will capture your heart from the beginning. Will Cora and Simon's attraction grow into romance?They are ...more

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Dec 28, 2010 Susan (The Book Bag) rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-read-in-2010

This is a magical book full of wonderful people that will get you into the holiday spirit. I read this book right before Christmas and it was a perfect escape to wonderland. I don't typically read Christian fiction but this book caught my eye and looked very interesting and entertaining - hmmm - maybe some magic at work here?

The characters in the book start out living in their own little worlds. Simon and Cora have worked together for several years but really hadn't 'seen' the other person until ...more

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Dec 09, 2010 Elizabeth rated it really liked it

I'll be honest. This is the first book I've read by Donita K. Paul. But it won't be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of *Two Tickets to the Christmas* Ball. My only complaint is that is was short. It left me wanting more of Cora and Simon. I want to know what happens next. But that's not really a bad thing. Is it?

The story is very reminiscent of The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail. I love a "diamond in the rough" story. You know, that person that's always been there but whe ...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Englishrose rated it liked it

Let me start off by saying two things: I love romance and I am a very strong Christian. However, I did not enjoy this book. Whatever romance was there was stretched out by a slow-moving plot that you tend to forget it before anything new can happen. I found that at least half of the book was focused more on the sister than the two who were supposed to be falling in love. There was little in the way of discovering their feelings, though they did seem to get to know each other over time spent toge ...more

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Dec 29, 2017 LoLo rated it did not like it

This feels like it was written by an elderly aunt in the 1940s and some poor editor was tasked with replacing every "telegram" with "email". But once in a while, things like "ninnyhammer," "woolgathering," and "picture show" slip through the cracks and you're just like, what the hell am I reading.

And also, I did not know this was a Christian book. Are they all this sanctimonious? I liked how there was a child who was raped, who then grew up to represent un-Christian devilry. That was nice. (majo ...more

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Oct 13, 2010 Laurie rated it it was ok

Shelves: books, holidays-seasonal, magically-delicious, themes-12-13, female-authors

So. I've never read "inspirational" fiction before, as my library classified it. There was a lot of Jesus talk. Not every page, but enough to make a striking difference between every other novel I've ever read. This premise is kind of cute; "magic" or "fate" (really a Higher power) bringing together two lonely hearts that belong with each other. I liked the whimsical characters that are orchestrating everything, but their appearances are rare and the two leads were just milquetoast. Simon was mo ...more

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Feb 21, 2016 Stephanie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I love this book it makes you believe in magic and dreams.

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Mar 02, 2014 Joyce Yee rated it really liked it

This is a very lovely and sweet short novel about two lonely souls who work at the same company - Cora and Simon, and how they are introduced to each other by some folks at a magical bookshop, on a street in the city that can only be found if you have the right sense of wonder.
Cora and Simon stumble across the bookstore separately, and both receive mysterious tickets to the annual Christmas costume ball.

As they try to find out more about the mysterious ball, they begin to date, and get to know e ...more

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Nov 09, 2016 Elodie (Readable Mélange) rated it liked it

This is definitely not a realistic story, but its tone and style are perfect for Christmas. It follows the same basic pattern of romance novels. However, the typical alienation of the romantic leads right before the climax was not as pronounced as in most romance novels. That cliché drives me to distraction, so this was much appreciated!

Some of the situations struck me as abrupt and jarring. Also, the ending was rather rushed. I hate it when I’m reading a book and it’s almost at the climax and t ...more

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Oct 22, 2013 Lori Twichell rated it liked it

I hadn’t read any Donita K. Paul books prior to this one (I know I know – gasps and moans have just erupted from every Sci Fi/Fantasy person that I know and I’m bound to get letters about this admission, but be gentle with me okay?!) and I went into this with no small amount of curiosity. I’ve heard brilliant things about Paul’s writing and was ready to dive in when I received the book. I was not disappointed. Immediately drawn into the story, I was delighted in the simple things that she includ ...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Pamela (Lavish Bookshelf) rated it really liked it

Generally, I avoid bodice-ripping romances like the plague, so Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball was a surprising change of pace. Keeping it clean, Donita K. Paul has written a romance with two mature lead characters that happen to still be stuck in an awkward “do you think she likes me” stage of life. The characters hold hands and kiss briefly, but this book really has zero of the tawdry scintillating scenes that romance novels typically contain.

In Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball, Cora Crowde ...more

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Nov 21, 2012 Kate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: library

For two unsuspecting parties change can seem like a challenging feat indeed.

Cora Crowder, looking for a bit of Christmas cheer is busy bustling here and there amongst the mound of anxious Christmas shoppers. Her life is built upon the familiar sameness, the aloneness that she has come to expect from those around her. In the shared oneness of the spirit of Christmas, Cora is about to receive an unexpected holiday surprise.

Simon Derrick is a man whose life holds responsibilities but is trapped wit ...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Tammi rated it really liked it

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella by Donita K. Paul is the first book I have read by this author. I found it to be a sweet little story about a budding romance between co-workers Cora Crowder, and Simon Derrick. Each of them have received a ticket to a Christmas Ball, hosted by the matchmaking booksellers of "Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad" on the mysterious Sage Street.

Cora and Simon are both Christians, but have come from two different back grounds. Simon grew-up in a loving Chris ...more

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Dec 11, 2010 Lisa rated it really liked it

First a little about the characters in this book, Donita K. Paul did a very nice job of defining this unlikely group of people. You get to know each one individually before getting to know how they might work together. For sure this is a book that includes a little bit of "MAGIC". While I don't typically enjoy Christmas love stories that are unbelievable or would never happen, I enjoyed this book. Not because of the "magic" but because of the true life story behind the magic. I enjoyed exploring ...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Dana Rongione rated it it was amazing

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they've decided In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they've decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers' best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

Ms. Paul has done an excellent job of putting together a Christmas tale to remember. Her enjoyable story is a modern-day Christian fairy tale, a combination rarely seen. Her whit and charm make the story come alive, and the unusual occurrences throughout the tale give the reader a sense of Christmas magic.

Cora Crowder is a hard-working Christian who comes from a horrible family. Their disagreeable nature prevents Cora from finding the true Christmas cheer. But all that is about to change! Cora is a lovable and realistic character. She is a Christian, but she still fights those daily battles with bad attitudes and hateful thoughts. While reading about Cora's past home life, the reader can't help by sympathize with her. This sympathy soon turns to cheer and encouragement as Cora faces the decision of whether or not to allow her fairy tale to take place.

Simon Derrick has the family Cora has always dreamed of, but come to find out, it is his devotion to his family that is keeping him from pursuing a relationship of a deeper kind. Strong in his Christian faith, Simon doesn't want to settle for just anyone. He wants a good Christian woman who will accept not only him, but his family as well. Simon is the knight in shining armor who sees himself as nothing more than a geek with an eccentric family. His attempts at "courting" are nothing short of hilarious, but one can't help but cheer him on in hopes that he will soon win his true love.

I simply could not put this book down. From the very first page, I was drawn to the characters and into the story. Who are these people, and why are they so distracted? What's up with this street that only appears at certain times and for certain people? Donita Paul has written a true page turner for readers of any age!

I read and reviewed this book as part of the Blogging for Books program by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Groups. I was not required to write a positive review. The views expressed are my own. ...more

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Oct 17, 2010 Carly rated it really liked it

One of the things I have enjoyed about Donita Paul's dragon novels is her ability to create beautifully, colorful fantasy worlds. I didn't think it was possible to create such a world in a story that takes place in an average city in an average time. But, she did. Now, there were no dragons in this story, but there was plenty of magic and plenty of the fun and imagination that I really enjoy in Donita's stories.

I was pulled into this story very quickly because I liked Cora right from the start. ...more

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Nov 22, 2010 Janna Ryan rated it really liked it

Donita Paul is a master of fantasy storytelling, the question is, "Can she write a contemporary novella without losing the charm of her fantasy stories?" The answer... of course she can, but luckily for her faithful readers there is still a little fantasy woven into it.

This Christmas Novella is full of charm as we find Cora and Simon - two people that have worked together for 5 years but never really noticed each other run into the same bookstore shopping for presents and both of them end up at ...more

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Dec 06, 2015 Carissa rated it really liked it

Shelves: christmas-reads, read-in-2015

Did you read the synopsis? Assuming that you did, let me give you fair warning that the "enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball" is actually termed a "Wizard's Christmas Ball" in the book. Which doesn't bother me a bit. In fact with all the fantasy I enjoy reading, some that involve wizards, I thought it was a fun bit of genius. But not every reader feels the same way about magic and wizards, so just be aware this book has some of both. As for me the addition of the magical street that's only Did you read the synopsis? Assuming that you did, let me give you fair warning that the "enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball" is actually termed a "Wizard's Christmas Ball" in the book. Which doesn't bother me a bit. In fact with all the fantasy I enjoy reading, some that involve wizards, I thought it was a fun bit of genius. But not every reader feels the same way about magic and wizards, so just be aware this book has some of both. As for me the addition of the magical street that's only there sometimes along with the the special Christmas Ball with only the vaguest information on how to attend or where to find it really made Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball shine.

It's funny how a decidedly magical book also has a decidedly Christian flavor. The magical elements were so much fun! I loved the old booksellers and the costume sellers who were working so hard at bringing Cora and Simon together. The mysterious element of Sage Street where sometimes it's there and other times, POOF, it's gone. The Wizard's Ball and all of the elements that come together to get Simon and Cora to attend. Even the dress Cora purchased to wear that literally disintegrated off someone else who was not intended to wear it. It was all so magical! Like reading a mellower version of Harry Potter.

And then you have Christian faith. Every character in this book except for Cora's family is a Christian. Cora's family ostracized her for getting uppity when she became a Christian so now she's trying to find her way, make her own traditions, celebrate Christmas the way Christ would have her celebrate it. That's all well and good, but I know many unsaved people who know how to love their families and celebrate Christmas. Being a Christian does not necessarily make one nice, just as not being a Christian doesn't make one underhanded and mean. The typecasting in Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball did bother me, as did the excessive amount of preaching. I don't like too much preaching in my Christian novels anymore because you're literally preaching to the choir, and so this was too much.

Overall, I'm combining my rating, which would be a 3, with my mother's rating, which would be a 5. Mom read this book and absolutely loved it. She'd never read anything like it before, found it unique and utterly enchanting, and I think wants to own it. Really, it comes down to a matter of taste. I think Ms. Paul could have done slightly more with the magical element of the story and less with the Christian preaching, and my mom thought it perfect the way it was written. Two different opinions, neither of them wrong. What I will say is that you won't find a more unique Christmas book out there. It is enthralling and engaging, and if you enjoy fantasy and magic and don't mind being overdosed on Christian preaching, then you're pretty much guaranteed to love it!

For other Christmas book reviews, go HERE. ...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Judy rated it it was amazing

Cora Crowder finds a odd bookshop down the street from her work. While there she see's a man come in and recognizes him as her boss's boss, Simon Derrick. They call him Serious Simon Derrick as he always is intense at work and very serious. She speaks to him while at the odd store but he only grunts replies.
Both Simon and Cora find a ticket to a Wizard's Ball when they get home. Simon's sister wants to go. Sandy is 24 and has Downs and he enjoys making her happy. After going on line and not find ...more

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Dec 18, 2010 Sheree rated it it was amazing

From the very first sentences, this book caught my attention! It's a really fun, magical, Christmas-y book! The whole time I was reading it, the word sparkly came to mind. I had never heard of Donita K. Paul prior to receiving this book to review. She has a new fan!

I knew there was a mystical, magical element to this novella prior to reading the book. I don't typically read books with that element. But it was totally believable even though I know the things that occurred in the book would never ...more

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Oct 27, 2010 Lydia (Overweight Bookshelf) rated it really liked it

First reviewed here: http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot....

Light the fire, warm the hot cocoa, turn on Tchaikovsky's Nutracker and settle in for a magical Christmas fairy tale that captures the imagination from the first page. From the moment I saw the cover of this adorable novella I was sold. Donita Paul has created a world on Sage Street that is reminiscent of those miniature Victorian winter wonderland scenes that stores place in their windows during the holidays.

The characters that popul ...more

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