Cover image of Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa (Candy Apple #13)
Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa (Candy Apple #13)
Lara Bergen
Quick Take
Candy Apple is a fresh, fun take on fiction for a new line of single titles with pep and pizzazz targeted at the solid middle-grade reader.Christmas . . . bah humbug!Noel thought Christmas couldn't get any worse. First her parents announce that she wouldn't be taking a cool vacation. Then the teacher announces a class secret Santa drawing - and who does Noel get? A stuck-up new girl she barely knows! And who does her BFF get? Noel's secret crush! Can it get any worse? Yes it can! Because Noel's own secret Santa is the lamest one ever! Now Noel's got visions of Scrooge not sugar plums in her head. . .But Christmas is a time for surprises . . . especially for one bitter, secret Santa.
Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa (Candy Apple #13)

Introduction

"Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa" by Lara Bergen is a delightful and heartwarming book that tells the story of Noel, a young girl who struggles to find joy in Christmas. With its fresh and fun narrative, this book is perfect for middle-grade readers who are seeking a light-hearted and feel-good read. In this article, we will explore the author's background, analyze the book's views, and summarize the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this captivating novel.

About Lara Bergen

Lara Bergen is the talented author behind "Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa." With her engaging writing style and ability to create relatable characters, Bergen has captured the hearts of readers of all ages. As a new addition to the Candy Apple series, this book promises to deliver a fresh and exciting reading experience.

Analysis of Views

  1. Unexpected Surprises: Many readers found the plot of "Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa" surprising and engaging. The book delivers unexpected twists and turns that keep readers hooked until the end.
  2. Feel-Good Story: The book's light-hearted tone and positive message resonated with readers. It teaches valuable lessons about gratitude and appreciation, making it a heartwarming read that leaves readers with a smile.
  3. Drama and Anticipation: Readers appreciated the author's ability to create suspense and keep them on the edge of their seats. The book's dramatic events and anticipation-building elements kept readers eager to discover what happens next.
  4. Middle-Grade Appeal: The book's target audience, middle-grade readers, found it relatable and enjoyable. The story's themes and characters resonated with young readers, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a book that they can connect with.
  5. Nostalgia and Childhood Memories: Readers who grew up with the Candy Apple series found this book nostalgic and enjoyable. It brought back fond memories of their childhood reading experiences and added to their appreciation of the series as a whole.

Reasons for Recommendation

  1. Heartwarming Story: "Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa" offers a heartwarming story that teaches valuable lessons about gratitude and appreciation. Its positive message resonates with readers of all ages, making it a recommended read for those seeking a feel-good book.
  2. Engaging Plot: The book's unexpected twists and turns keep readers hooked until the end. Its dramatic events and anticipation-building elements create an engaging reading experience that keeps readers invested in the story.
  3. Relatable Characters: The characters in the book are relatable and well-developed, making it easy for readers to connect with them. Noel's struggles and emotions are relatable, making her journey an enjoyable one for readers to follow.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

  1. Predictability: Some readers found the book predictable, with events unfolding in a way that they could easily predict. This lack of surprise made it difficult for them to fully immerse themselves in the story and enjoy it as much as they would have liked.
  2. Lack of Originality: A few readers felt that the book lacked originality in its plot and characters. They felt that the story was too predictable and lacked creativity, making it less memorable than other books in the Candy Apple series.

Conclusion

"Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa" by Lara Bergen is a delightful read that offers a heartwarming story with valuable lessons about gratitude and appreciation. With its engaging plot, relatable characters, and light-hearted tone, this book is perfect for middle-grade readers seeking a feel-good read. While some readers found it predictable or lacking in originality, the majority enjoyed its unexpected twists and relatable characters. Overall, "Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa" is recommended for those seeking a heartwarming story that will leave them with a smile on their face.