cover image THE CHRISTMAS QUEST

THE CHRISTMAS QUEST

Richard M. Siddoway, . . Deseret/Eagle Gate, $14.95 (344pp) ISBN 978-1-57008-886-5

In 1996, Siddoway published the popular novella The Christmas Wish, which eventually became a television movie starring Debbie Reynolds. This is the sequel that fans have waited six years to read. The story picks up with Will Martin, who has settled in the town of his youth, married a lovely dance teacher (Renee of the first novel) and is trying to legally adopt her son. This proves to be a bit of a problem, however, due to revelations about the biological father. Through this experience—and a less cogent subplot in which Will runs for the state legislature—the characters learn a great deal about the importance of family, tradition and sacrifice. The holiday theme is underscored by the setting of Christmas as the target date for completing the adoption. Siddoway's writing is in line with the demands of a teleplay—heavy on dialogue and short on description, except for constant references to the fact that the hero drives a Jaguar—but the characters are well-rounded, honest and appealing. (Oct.)