Santa's Helper

Reviewed by Jack Goodall © 2006

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2006

Title: Santa's Helper
Author: Cassidy Kent
Publisher: Amber Quill
ISBN: 1-59279-559-5
Genre: Contemporary
Author's Website: http://www.cassidykent.com/

Noel Ford is a successful businessman. When his elderly secretary asks him to take on some letters to Santa that she received from the post office, instead of buying her a gift for Christmas, he readily agrees. Upon opening one letter, Noel reads a touching account from a small boy, who asks for Santa to arrange a date and gifts for his mother, Maura.

Maura has brought up her son with the help of her mother since Maura's husband died. Working two jobs, Maura gives her all to her son, never thinking once about herself.

Firstly, with the title of Santa's Helper, the name Noel made me groan. When I read the letter from the child, I knew exactly how the book would pan out. Noel would go on a date with Maura and they'd end up happily ever after. This is fine if a romantic read like this is what you're after, but for me the obvious plot and somewhat cliche lines spoiled the story. I did wonder if I had missed a portion of the tale, as Noel didn't appear to do anything for the other children in the letters his secretary gave him.

Cassidy Kent has great potential as a writer. I would like to see her write something less fluffy, with more of a kick, as I'm sure her talent could stretch a lot further than it did with Santa's Helper.

Rating: 2 cats.

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To find out more about how to purchase Santa's Helper visit Cassidy Kent's website.