Worm, a river
orphan, is now living in the women’s clinic founded by Harriet
Monk. Although Harriet doesn’t appear in the story we get a taste
of life at the clinic run by Harriet’s friend Claudine, a wealthy
woman who spends much of her time at the clinic.
While out walking,
Worm spots a beautiful woman with light on her hair. He can’t stop
looking at her. When two men accost her and take her away with them,
Worm is worried that she’s in trouble. Back at the clinic he tells
Squeaky, a reformed pimp now the clinic accountant. Squeaky doesn’t
want to get involved. He’s unsure whether the lady needs rescue or
is running a scam of her own. He tries to distract Worm by telling
him about Christmas which ends with them planning a Christmas for the
clinic.
Worm is thrilled
about having Christmas at the clinic, but it doesn’t make him
forget about the lady. He sets off to rescue her, but is relieved
when Squeaky catches up with him. Together they try to solve the
mystery.
This is a lovely
Christmas story. Worm is the perfect child to learn about the
holiday. He hangs on Squeaky’s every word. Squeaky is also a
delightful character. He grew up without a family and while he knows
about Christmas, he’s not sure everything he’s telling Worm is
accurate.
The plot involving
Eloise, the woman, is somewhat confusing. The relationship to
Christmas is tenuous which makes it seem disjointed from the rest of
the story. However, the ending is satisfying and the interactions
between Worm and Squeaky make you feel good about
Christmas.
I received this book
from Net Galley for this review.
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