From Booklist The Dirty Girls Social Club (2003) author’s trademark sass is on display in this Christmas fable. Christy de la Cruz left her humble roots in Albuquerque’s South Valley to become New Mexico’s hottest interior designer. But, still pining after her gay ex-husband, she’s floundering in the dating pool. Enter her brash cousin Maggie, who finds three eligible bachelor cousins. Balthazar, an artist, was Christy’s childhood tormentor, but she’s drawn to him now. Melchior is an odd but appealing scientist. Caspar is a glossy celebrity agent and seemingly Christy’s perfect match. Maggie devises a contest between them for Christy’s affection. Before Christy finds love, however, she must realize that her lust for the good life has made her forsake her family and upbringing. Like Valdes-Rodriguez’s other novels, this one is about the modern Latina experience. It’s a pleasant, if unsurprising, holiday gift for her fans. --Aleksandra Walker Read more Review “Witty.” ―Kirkus Reviews“Sassy and fun holiday chick lit.” ―Library Journal Read more See all Editorial Reviews
C**E
a new kind of Christmas Story
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.
R**Y
A must read.
Very interesting read. It took me more than a few pages to pull me in but then I was hooked. What a great message. Alisa had me laughing hard in some places. This is one of those books where I had to read what comes next and stood up late reading, then when I got to the end I was sad that it was all over. After this book I had to read another one of her books.
A**A
Great Story!
Entertaining, amusing, such a good novel, like all of Alisa's books! Once again there's a strong, successful lead Latina character, and surprisingly a not-quite-as successful supportive character (her cousin). It was nice to see the strong Latina had a nice relationship with her not as successful cousin.
J**S
i like it
i like to read and this book arrived fast and in good condition as advertised. It was reasonably priced and accurately described. This seller was honest and efficient and i would use them again.
M**Z
Easy Reading, great book!
Easy reading and Alisa doesn't disappoint. Nice holiday story about finding roots and being proud of the culture. Alisa always finds a way to bring in culture to her stories and being proud of being latino.
D**R
Very good
Found the book fun a nice paced quick read with very likable and relatable characters. Would definitely recommend as a vacation read or beach book
H**E
Book
I have not read the book yet, but I have read all other books by Alisia and have not been disappointed. I just had to have the lastest by her.
E**E
the descriptions of her friends and relatives sound like they were written by Donald Trump
You need two things to read this book (neither of which I had) a copy of "The Rules" and a Mexican slang translation book. I think "The Rules" is mentioned about every third page. This book was published in 2010 - "The Rules" was published in 1995 (looked it up), I don't get it. Also, the descriptions of her friends and relatives sound like they were written by Donald Trump.Too bad, I had read one of her short stories, but I gave up on this at page 37.
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