I believe this is my first experience with Michelle Major, but I can firmly attest that it won’t be my last. The stars of THE CHRISTMAS CABIN are immensely complicated and yet humanly simple. What does everyone want? To be loved, trusted, valued, and most importantly safe and secure. Life doesn’t present itself in terms of guarantees. It is truly a work in progress.

Lauren’s life has been a series of stops and starts. Her father only knows one speed and that has always been critical, demanding, and unforgiving. So of course Lauren found herself continually testing the waters and found herself floundering. The one bright spot was her teenage daughter Hannah. To protect Hannah, Lauren separated herself emotionally and physically from her family which consists of her demanding father, a stepsister Kayla, and a brother Brody.

Lauren finds herself back home after a lengthy absence to help with a holiday experience at the summer camp she had attended. Not much has changed in Magnolia after all these years. Things and folks have aged. Some gracefully and others not so. Her father is part of the latter. Her teenage love is still amazing. So being there is filled with complicated feelings.

The exchanges between Lauren and Hannah are definitely some of the best. Two strong, intelligent women who absolutely adore each other. Even through the occasional eye roll, you can see how Hannah loves and respects her mother who single-handedly raised her.

At first, Hannah is slightly belligerent that she has been kept apart from Lauren’s family. You know that expression – because I’m the mom. Well for the most part Hannah gets that but of course, being a teen opens a small gap. Not to worry though. Hannah is smart and observant.

Lauren is going to have to come to grips with her choices. Is there a way to mend fences and start new relationship or even better fire up some old ones. Time will tell. Her time in Magnolia has an expiration date. Lucky for us Lauren is up to the task.

THE CHRISTMAS CABIN is a gracious look at family dynamics that don’t always fall in line. Michelle Major carefully created her characters with very human foibles. The dialogue moves smoothly along with the plot. Michelle Major makes you feel as if you are right in the scenes with her characters. Aloud responses are to be expected. All makes for an amazing read.