The Christmas Invitation

Kate Kasch's "Christmas Invitation" is a charming Cinderella story set at Christmas that hits all the right emotional beats to put you in a festive mood. 

Working as a part-time maid in a huge corporation, Isabella "Ella" Martinez finds a lost Christmas party invitation and takes the bold step of not only attending but pretending to be someone else.  A chance meeting with the tall, dark and handsome head honcho leads to unexpected romance. Of course, matters become complicated when she decides not to reveal her true identity and flees the party in fear of him discovering she's the maid. 

Despite the familiar story beats, I found Kasch's writing refreshing and very real in many parts.  Ella is not a CEO, polished journalist or PR wiz.  She works a menial job to pay for her education, volunteers at an inner-city children's programme and aspires to have a simple life as a teacher.  I enjoyed the focus on a character that has a regular 9-5 and despite the Cinderella premise, does not have a perfect life as she struggles to support herself and her mother.  The tribute to service workers was endearing. 

Kasch's descriptions of Christmas time in the city are vivid and strike just the right festive chord.  Fans of romances set at Christmas should not hesitate to escape into this Holiday treat. 

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 

Review by Timothy Austin

Format: Paperback 

Purchase the book here.