THE CHRISTMAS BOUQUET welcomes you to a visit with a much beloved family the O'Brien's. Spending more time with Mick the patriarch, a gruff man who loves his family to distraction and at times to their dismay with a heavy hand but always with a huge heart. The O'Brien's are the creation of an amazingly prolific and imaginative author -- Sherryl Woods -- whose stories have a life of their own. Woods has created a heartwarming world around this family. I am always on the lookout for the next Sherryl Woods book and I am sure that I am in good company. So again I welcome you to this season's gift from Sherryl Woods -- THE CHRISTMAS BOUQUET.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree and one trait that is synonymous with the O'Brien's in particular Mick the patriarch -- is stubbornness. Candidly I've never met a more stubborn, determined character than Mick -- until now.

Mick's granddaughter Caitlin is unbelievably rigid, smart and yet seems to have no peripheral sight when it comes to life and love. Caitlin is by definition a self- disciplined -- focused individual whose life seems to be ruled by lists -- pros and cons.

Life requires flexibility since there are absolutely no guarantees. When Caitlin's well-ordered life takes a detour from her well thought out plans this truly intelligent woman can't get out of her own way.

It is by equal measures -- sad -- disturbing --annoying and disconcerting that Caitlyn can't make up her mind about something as important as committing herself to the man she professes to love and their child she is carrying. Of course with respect to the O'Brien's Irish background there is enough blarney to keep everyone smiling.

Suffice it to say THE CHRISTMAS BOUQUET will have you gnashing your teeth hoping for a happy ending for everyone involved. Sherryl Woods keeps you guessing right to the bitter end. But you will not be disappointed with the resolve.

THE CHRISTMAS BOUQUET is just another wonderful notch to Sherryl Woods's belt. It is a timeless love story about making choices -- some easy, others not so. But the easiest decision you will have to face is whether to get this latest installment to the O'Brien family. Of course it stands perfectly well on its own so new comers to Sherryl Woods will love it as much as die-hard fans like myself.