Who's bearing gifts this Christmas? Three hot, single guys!
Christy de la Cruz has it a great career as an interior designer for the stylish homes of New Mexico, marriage to a tall and handsome man, and a great family―especially her cousin Maggie. But as the holidays approach, she's down to two out of three―that handsome husband has walked out the door. Christy is so not up for dating . . . until Maggie takes Christy on as the ultimate romantic project. Just like the wise men in the nativity story, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar arrive bearing gifts and displaying their best stuff. One's a pretty boy, one's a rugged cowboy, and one's an animal lover. Which one will win Christy's heart?
Hello! I'm Alisa. I'm a writer and musician from New Mexico. I got my start writing in newspapers for nearly a decade, and then made the move to novels. I write in a variety of genres, though all of my work tends to have something to do with the things that interest me. Whether I'm writing young adult novels or historical fiction for adults, my stories are alike in that they seek to un-erase erased people, cultures and events, and there's usually something supernatural involved, as well as a general awe and reverence for the natural world. Fairness is important to me. Kindness is important to me. Holding monsters accountable is important to me. I try to write about all of that but also to keep things funny. Lots of labels have been placed on me over the years by a staggering variety of sleepwalking souls, but I don't tend to consider myself within such confines. I had a Near Death Experience in 2015 that changed everything for me. Now I know I'm a spirit living temporarily in a body, like everyone else. So I'm sort of existing, listening to the stories that exist all around us, allowing them to come through me to you. That's all. Sometimes my books sell. Mostly, they don't. Writing's a crap way to make a living, especially in this new era of fascism and billionaires. Ah, well. Keep loving those closest to you.
I liked it a lot, but only gave it 3 stars because of the unnecessary gay/white bashing. Yeah, she qualified it, yeah the more educated charactars constantly admonished the others about it, but I thought it was lazy onher part. Zach could have been a bit more rounded out. I mean, anybody that shallow- why would he have married her in the first place, let alone have good sex with her and stay for 6 years. So the set-up was weak and phony. the other parts were pretty good, though some seriouslydisturbing men, to be honest. And then it was funny- everyone castigated her for being too white, which led to her losing herself and her love for her peeps. But those peeps sure did need that money that she made from being so "white" and estranged from her peeps. I mean- painting on silk clothes? Yeah, that would have made her a ton of money quick.
I don't know. it just seemed like Christy was damned if she did and damned if she didn't. I'm glad she had the breakthrough of love and understanding. But I also felt she should have stood up for herself. She had to get into the "white woman- Rene Zellweger" mindset to leave her community and pursue her dream. If she'd stayed Christy in the hood in her mindset she'd have been there with Maggie having babies, left and right. So, yeah, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, but again, be careful of throwing out the bathwatertoo. Maybe you still need it.
And while I liked Maggie, andI know about the Wise Latina thing, and Maggie did pretty good at that. But I'm sorry, she aint that wise if she didn't educate her daughter to avoid getting knocked up at 15 like her mom before her. I just feel ilke Ms. Valdes-Rodriguez is basically saying- The ways of the Brown are good, And the ways of the White are bad and doesn't have to be that way. I struggled with this kind of thinking from others all of my life. So it's kind of disturbing.It's a testament to how well she has drawn the characters and discusses these issues that I still gave it 3 stars.
When I started this book it was within a few hours of Three Kings day 2014. I wasn't sure if that was divine providence or serendipity. Either way, I'm glad I read this novel. Alisa is very good at writing about flawed characters who have much to learn about themselves and others. The old adage is every good story has about ten possible themes. But another school of thought is they are all really boiled done to a single plot thread: who am I? This book excelled at that. It's about a young woman who has more than enough of the world but not nearly enough of love because she hasn't learned how to see love in others. She is wise enough to realize she needs something when her husband is so desperate to leave her he feigns, shall we say, a change of heart, to escape her. She prays to the Virgin Guadalupe for three kings. Presumedly to rescue her from her loneliness. So when her prayer comes to pass hilarity and heartbreak in equal measure ensues. I was struck by the nod towards Charles Dickens Christmas Story and saw the main character become Scrooge in the end. But I didn't see it while reading the story until I finished it. Very clever. This is a good read and I recommend it for someone who is trying a self discovery in others rather than in theirselves
I should make a shelf for "Wanted to Abandon but stupidly carried on". On paper, this book should have been perfect for me. Light Christmas story, with a romantic bent. But no, I kept reading, because I kept hoping that there would be something redeemable. There wasn't. I was jarred by the homophobic language early on. It's not like I've never heard the word, but it is not ok to keep using them even though the main character keeps saying they are offensive. I loved the passage where she stood up for Mexicans and Mexican Americans, it rang true and wasn't heavy handed. I didn't feel there was much love lost for those that were "ethnically different" i.e white people and I didn't love that. Oddly enough, while I couldn't stand the main character "Christy" who according to Maggie was trying to be "white", I actually thought the one with the Homophobic language, Maggie, who had 4 kids with 4 separate fathers, a 15 year old daughter that was pregnant, a low paying job and gambled, was the character that was most interesting and had a lot of heart. I did cheer for her happy ending. Christy on the other hand, not so much. Of the 3 men she was dating, one of them was poor, so would not be a good candidate for a long term relationship, until surprise (spoiler) he turns out to be rich. There is so much wrong, I could go on and on, all I can say is I definitely won't recommend.
The Three Kings is a novel minimally inspired by Christmas, although it is billed as "A Christmas Dating Story". Unfortunately, the main character is so shallow and selfish that anything she does to improve herself in the end seems like too little. The 3 "kings" she has to date are cardboard cutouts who would work out better in a crappy chick flick. Besides, I'm not Latina or prejudiced against 2nd generation Mexican Americans, so I don't feel like I should have to read a 300 page diatribe from a successful designer with a huge chip on her shoulder. Maybe if the story was better or at least less predictable. Also, who edited this book? Christy goes from 5'4" to 5'6" in only a couple chapters. I feel like this was a lazy outing from an author who has done better work.
I love all of her books. This one wasn't as strong I didn't think, but it was a different novel than her Dirty Girls books. It was definitely amusing and easy to relate to the characters. It has some twists and turns so even though you think it is predictable, it isn't quite. If you've read her earlier books I'd definitely recommend this. But if you haven't I'd start with the The Dirty Girls Social Club and make my way up.
Okay, I read this in one afternoon. I'm not usually an avid fan of chick lit, but it was it interesting enough. Clearly predictable. I knew which guy she'd end up with from the start. Of course the one I liked ended up being a real tool which goes to show how I always pick the wrong guys, haha.
I liked this book but the main character wasn't very likable. I also felt it was trying too hard to be Mexican or Latino that it felt forced. Another reviewer noted that it had unnecessary gay bashing, yes that is stereotypical of our culture but it was excessive in this book.
I liked this book overall, but not as much as the other books this author has put out. So: Christy's been left by her husband and she's trying out dating advice via The Rules to land herself a new boyfriend with limited success. Maggie, her cousin, sets her up on 3 dates with 3 cousins each in a sort of Bachelotte theme to land herself a boyfriend. Christy is the outsider of her family, called 'too white' because she left the barrio, got a good job and is middle-class rich. Maggie, her cousin, stayed behind had 3 kids by 3 different men and is currently dating Cesar, a nice guy who works as a clerk in 7-11. What I liked about this book is Christy's reaffirming herself in her family; her husband had felt uncomfortable around them so she didn't see them much anymore and throughout the novel she's seeing them in a different light. I love when she tells her mom she's what inspired her to try and create beauty in the houses she designs; because of the way her mom collects things from thrift stores and value shops and makes something tacky beautiful. I also love the 3 men and the way they each show her something about herself. I liked how they each had hidden layers she normally wouldn't have seen if she'd followed the Rules exactly and stops trying to let someone else's ideals design her life. What I didn't like was this: way too much white bashing. I am half Mexican and half Polish; my mom, the Mexican, would be considered like Christy 'too white' because she's worked hard to have a good job and doesn't speak using double-negatives. I don't like the way the attitude of what makes you Latina or proud of your heritage was treated. The white characters came off as essentially shallow and one-dimensional; I think many of them, like Zach, would have improved the book if they'd been fully fleshed out. I also didn't like the way she's throwing money all over the place at the end. I agreed with her earlier opinion of personal responsiblity. You want to help, fix the house, don't give them money you know they'll be hitting the casino with. I feel like the other characters trying to make her feel bad about having money she's worked hard for when, as she says herself, Maggie could've had the same if she'd made better choices. For that matter, why on earth didn't Maggie teach her daughter about birth control. What, two generations of single teenaged mothers not enough for this family, we have to keep the cycle going?
Overall I liked this book a lot, Valdes has a wonderful style, it's engaging, witty, and fast-paced. But some of the opinions being shoved down my throat made me grit my teeth.
Reviewed by: Bela M. Member of Livin' la vida Latina
Review: This is the first novel I have read from Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (I know, silly me, right?) But I'm sure glad I started off with this one. Christy is someone most of us could relate to--independent, self reliant, a non-traditional Mexican. She was a sarcastic, cynical woman boasting with money-making confidence, except when it came to men and relationships, which she was totally clueless on (that's why she got the book on dating rules.)
It starts off with Christy complaining about her gay ex-husband and how the demise of their marriage came about; so, right off the bat, she's bitter and sassy; she tells it like it is and does not omit (all funny, BTW.) Then she starts thinking that she would like to meet a man this Christmas; in fact, she actually wishes for it.....to the Virgin Mary. I found it kind've hard to sympathize to this because I didn't feel that her wish was genuine. In fact, I found it to be superficial. I mean, she didn't just wish for one, she had to wish for 2 or 3. Who wishes for that? And to the Virgin Mary? Why couldn't she wish that to Santa Claus? At least you wouldn't have to worry about lightning bolts coming at ya.
But then, by the power of Christmas, her wish comes true. The three guys appear at a cousin's party. And then the game begins.
I found this all to be quite fascinating. Christy was all mortified at the prospect of dating these three guys. But it was exactly what she asked for. "Be careful what you wish for; it may actually come true."
It was actually fun seeing Christy on each date with these guys. Some were down-right romantic in that sweep-you-off-your-feet kind of way, while others were just plain weird and creepy that it actually makes you want to resign from the whole dating scene. This contest not only becomes a race to the finish, but it also turns into a wager for the rest of the family. Which one is better suited for Christy? Which one do you think she will sleep with first?
Filled with hilarious quips and laugh-out-loud dialogue. A quick read for any time of the year (not just XMAS.) This story will leave you guessing all the way to end until we get the answer to the burning question: who will win....her heart?
The Three Kings is a cute, romantic Christmas story with a chick lit feel. Christy's husband left her for another man and she hasn't really dated since. Her cousin decides to change that by setting her up with three men, the boy who made fun of her when she was younger and his two cousins. She turns it into a game, where each man gets three dates with Christy to prove he's the right man for her, all while her family makes wagers on who the winner will be.
The competition between the three men while wooing Christy is predictable more often than not, but there are a few surprising twists along the way. What really makes The Three Kings worth the read is Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's voice. The story is funny, but in a sarcastic way, where Christy says aloud what most of us would be thinking. Beneath the slightly unbelievable premise and the snarky humor lie some truly heart-warming moments.
The Three Kings is a feel-good holiday tale. Christy's attempts to follow "The Rules" dating advice is both hilarious and kind of sad all at the same time, yet the best parts of the book are Christy's interactions with her family. If you're looking for a funny, romantic Christmas story, you should definitely check out The Three Kings.
I'm still in the mood for fiction by Latina authors and Valdes-Rodriguez is one of my all time favorites and I've read all her adult novels.
This time around she tells the story of Christy de la Cruz, a highly successful interior designer to high end clients in New Mexico. After her marriage ends, she finds herself turning to the internet and dating books like The Rules to piece her love life back together. At the end of her romantic rope, she prays to the Virgin Mary to send her some single, eligible men to date (because The Rules suggest you date more than one guy at a time). Soon after, at a family gathering, her cousin Maggie introduces her to three men who happen to be cousins (to each other, not to Maggie and Christy). The men are named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar...yes, like the Three Kings in the Nativity Story.
Maggie suggests sort of a dating experiment and Christy must go out on three dates with each of these very different cousins to decide which one is more of a match for her. Unorthodox, of course, but very funny!
I have to disclose off the bat that this isn't a Christmas book. It's a dating book set during Christmas time. It's too good not to share! Alisa, as always, has captured the essence of "me". No one can describe my environment quite like her. I mean, what other writer has been able to so adequately describe "MEChA types" that "generally live in Nob Hill or High Desert, and have lots of bumper stickers on their Subarus."? Or write such witty one-liners such as "Envy marries envy and they live happily envy after" when painting a picture of a certain client who wants to "'show her folks how far she came'" when she convinces her aging husband to buy a certain abode in her hometown?
True, this book isn't for everybody, but that's the beauty of it. It wasn't written for everybody, it was written for me and thousands of women like me. So to those who say her tongue is a little more acidic in this latest novel, I'm sorry they just don't get it. I've been laughing out loud since the first page and every other page keeps me chuckling. Keep them coming Alisa!
I was very excited about having the opportunity to read this book, mainly for the anticipated humor and the holiday setting, but my expectations fell flat. I have read many notable "Hispanic" writers and Valdes-Rodriquez seems uncomfortable in her native skin. The story has the loose plot of finding a husband, after losing her first husband to the gay society. The story oozes sarcasm about men, rich people, New Mexico, and the Hispanic people and their customs. The whole book generated a sense of negativity and bitterness. I did find the smatterings of customs and stereotypes amusing and informative. The book disappointed me.
This was way too chick lit for me. I ended up skimming through this book. A former "fat girl" who is now a knockout(of course) wishes for 3 suitors and they appear. They are related to each other and named after the 3 Wise men. This sounds much more interesting than it is. This is a totally predictable, forgettable story; for instance, the guy the main character likes the best pretends he's poor but he's really rich and the crude, rude cousin - she really has a heart of gold. I've read this all before and written much better.
Decent for "chick lit" and enjoyed the author's funny and knowledgeable description of Albuquerque's Mexican-American life. However, I thought the heroine's epiphany (pun intended) occurred way too quickly and unrealistically at the end. Also, in what I saw as an effort to "save" the book from turning into a romance novel, the author did not provide adequate closure with the lead male in the book. And, let's face it, this was really a romance novel, so I wanted assurance as the reader that Christy and Balthazar did live happily ever after.
Valdes-Rodriguez is known for making strong central female characters. I felt like Christy's insecurity leaked poison throughout the novel. Please read her other novels - they are "readable in one sitting!"
I also felt like Alisa's editor said, "hey Christy, do you think you could write a Christmas novel?" And Christy responded, "no, but I could just modify the one I'm currently writing to have three biblical names and end on the Three Kings Day." This novel would have been much stronger if it just focused on the storyline.
I liked this book a lot. It was a light hearted funny story. I think I enjoyed the book so much because I related to Christy the main character, a very sarcastic latin chic. While I'm not a latina, I am a minority and sometimes relate to my culture the way she related to hers, not necessarily a good thing, you'll see what I mean when you read the book. At any rate, the story was very funny and easy to read. I'd definately recommend it.
This really gets 3.5 stars. A light and fun dating story, but with a lot of heart and family story behind it. I really liked the perspective from the Latina POV, both those in the more traditional roles and the one who "escaped" and I enjoyed the fact that the story was as much about family love as it was romantic love. It would have gotten four stars but I found the ending too predictable and a bit rushed. Despite that, this was a great back to work after the holidays book.
Fast and easy read. Book Club chose it for December because of the Three Kings theme. Plus, it's shorter and December is always a madhouse for most of us. I like her writing style and characters.