THE DANGERS OF MISTLETOE is not your typical holiday romance. Yes, there are snowflakes, eggnog, presents, and even mistletoe. But the stories of sisters Amber and Emily in THE DANGERS OF MISTLETOE are much too messy and too anxiety-laden, in a fun—and funny—way, to be the usual holiday fare. This "chick-lit-meets-mom-lit" is a charming read to wrap up the year.

Amber, single yet yearning in New York City, finds it difficult to trust men, especially when they are beautiful or nice or worse, beautiful and nice. Emily, newly married stepmom in Colorado, struggles with trying to please everyone, from her husband and stepchildren to her parents and in-laws. Thousands of miles separate the sisters but as Amber makes her way to Colorado to join her extended family for the first Christmas celebration hosted by Emily in her new home, they support one another through their trials to have a happy--and love-filled--holiday season.

Unfamiliar with Ms. Alan's work, I didn't know what to expect. However, Ms. Alan has a knack for calling attention to and forcing the reader to laugh at the less than ideal circumstances and less than noble responses to those circumstances. As a married woman with kids, I related more to Emily but Amber's trials raised forgotten memories and reminded me of why I pray never to be single again. I chuckled and nodded as the sisters dealt with the consequences of things like mindlessly consuming large quantities of fat-laden snacks, facing the object of one's interest when dressed in the least fashionable and appealing manner, welcoming unexpected guests into a less than pristine home, and other situations that readers everywhere will relate to. THE DANGERS OF MISTLETOE magnifies and brings laughter to the things women will do to find and keep love.