Lapside

From the author's point of view the historical, fictional, myth of Saint Nickolaas Claus appeared fragmented in a variety of perspectives. Notably, it was the role of a young woman to become Mrs. Claus, which seemed never to figure into the ancient or modern holiday equation (i.e. with any more significance than of one who bakes cookies to fatten up Santa).

It is the author's purpose to tell the legendary and idyllic Holly Odyssey from primarily Marianne Love's, the future Mrs. Claus' account. As one immerses themselves into the story line, it is a modern (late 1990's) Marianne, whose significant participation (both passive and active, along with the wonderful adventures) that propels the story line from one awe inspiring, block busting, action to another. She tells the story as its recorder and accounts The Elfans', particularly Jontue's, story in the first 18 episodes, or chapters if you will. The love Marianne demonstrates, her aptitude for learning and retaining information, her questions and contributions, her ability to feel what others feel, her gift to rightly divide truths and apply her educational background, all add to the persona of a very extraordinary young woman. Therefore, Marianne (even though recovering from a heart wrenching family tragedy) must unfold the story and move on to a place in history undeniably hers. She is a modern anachronism to Nickolaas, yet always a beautiful person and a nice complement to the story in both adding to it and to listen. However, ultimately she can be a tough cookie, though, when she needs to be.

What about the Elfan's, you say? And, what about the sleigh and reindeer? And those time honored Christmas traditions? Stockings? Gifts? Angels? Well... Just sit back, read, and enjoy. You will see how the magical epic adventure of The Wonderful Holly Odyssey really unfolds. Don't miscalculate this story line. For, you will find there is much realism to the characters ahead, both on the charted and uncharted map of life, just as Marianne soon discovers on her destiny to a new life and love.

If you love a classic adventure with love, beauty, heroes, good versus evil, villains, with Medieval castles, magical prophets, and Vikings to boot, then this story of a young woman, and an unexpected injured twentieth century visitor, meshed with dynamic struggles, will captivate you. You will not be able to put this book down until you experience the full spectrum of its mythical, magical, life changing events. Be prepared for the loving sweetness and feisty grit of Nickolaas' lady, along with the natural and supernatural phenomena that occur throughout the story. She's far more than a cookie cutter. For in her accounts and those that she records of others, she will carry you away with an assorted array of feelings and emotions.

It is the author's intent that this story be action packed in just the right places and possess a heart felt story line to hold the interest of a child as well as an adult or grandparent. If you really want to latch onto the myth of a handsome young guy in a red suit and the author's imaginary origins of many holiday traditions, hang on for the ride. Then, have a Jolly Journey to tropical warmer places or much colder, or both, as your preferential imaginative curiosity takes you away. Just be prepared, for this is not the traditional story you might be thinking. It's just, how it happened.

Happy Reading.