Book Review: On Strike For Christmas by Sheila Roberts

ON STRIKE FOR CHRISTMAS

By Sheila Roberts

Published October 30, 2007

3.5 out of 5 Stars

At Christmastime, it seems as though a woman’s work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, the endless wrapping–bah humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday–filled with parties, decorations, and presents–well, they’ll just have to do it themselves. The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.

This book was recommended by my BFF, Tammy, who read it last Christmas. It was our book club read for this month and I am glad I didn’t read it until AFTER Christmas. I think I might have gotten all wrapped up in the women of Holly’s strike and joined in myself! I do have to admit that it would have been really tough for me to carry out the whole strike…not buying presents and baking. I could have easily given up the decorating part though! Even before reading this book, I decided I didn’t need to put every single decoration out this year and only put out the decorations that I really loved. That meant I had a lot less to put away! 

I could really identify with some of the characters in the story and the relationship they had with their husbands.  I am lucky in that my husband does help when we have parties with cleaning and food preparation.  But, with Christmas related items, I really do 90% of it.  I shared the story with him and told him he was lucky I didn’t go on strike! Ha! Ha!

This book is a good read anytime of year, but especially around Christmas for that gentle reminder that what is really important is being together with those you love….and maybe a few cookies to share!

There was a Made for TV movie shown on Lifetime based on the book and is available on Netflix that I plan to rent.  Roberts also made a follow-up short story called A VERY HOLLY CHRISTMAS that picks up at the Christmas following the strike. It is only basically one chapter ,but it is available for FREE on Kindle. 

I liked Sheila Roberts’s easy, light read and would like to check out some of her other novels.