Ya’ll, most of the time Crusie books are out of the park home runs. I am one of the rabid devotees of Bet Me and I have loved so many other of her books. This one, however, was not nearly as fun.
The premise is both simple and ridiculous. We open on a Toy-R-Us-esque establishment in the run up to Christmas where Trudy is trying to get the Hot Toy for her nephew (cleverly titled McGuffin because that’s exactly what it is). She runs into a former date that was a dud and a fight over getting the toy that’s impossible to get ensues.
Then there’s a whole thing with Chinese spy codes (I’m not kidding) and espionage and secret agents and it’s all just a little too much for this little novel.
And, not to sound like a total Scrooge, but sometimes it’s okay for kids to be told no and to not get the Hot Toy. Just a thought.
It’s a quick read and one that other readers on Goodreads seemed to enjoy. It wasn’t for me, but if you pick it up, then go with a hot chocolate for sure.
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Further Reading:
- Enjoy other Jennifer Crusie novels, all found here
- Not sure why I found McGuffin such a fun name for the toy? Read here.
- An article exploring the downsides of hyperconsumerism, which is the main thrust of this novel.
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I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review. Thanks!