Ann McMan

Three Plus One

Lucia Correa

5 Stars for the Three Plus One Audiobook by Ann McMan, narrated by Christine Williams. I've read this collection through the years in one form or another. I decided to change up my annual read for the audiobook version. I enjoyed Christine Williams' narration, especially Clarissa's voice.

This is a collection of 4 short Christmas stories featuring Diz and Clarissa. When we first meet them, they have been sharing a small basement office at a publishing firm in the research department. Diz is also working on her doctorate and Clarissa having earned her doctorate has been working her way through the ranks/departments of her family firm. These two couldn't be more opposite. Diz, a Rachel Maddow lookalike and Clarissa is wealthy (especially when compared to Diz) but really likes Diz, in spite of their social differences.

This collection is classic McMan with quick, smart, snappy dialogue back and forth. Reminds me of the old B&W movies with Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant (also with Rosalind Russell).

The first story "Nevermore" The night of the company party. Diz gets wasted after Clarissa leaves the party with her boyfriend. Diz wakes up the next morning in her own bed and Clarissa in her apartment. Clarissa is in her apartment?

"A Christmas Tree Grows in Baltimore" Adventures of Diz trying to get a Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve during the worst blizzard ever. 

"Blended Families" The families meet.

The final story is "'Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas" It's Christmas Eve and Diz and Clarissa's big plans are complicated when Diz's BFF, Marty is sick and she has no choice but to take care of his three kids, who want to see Santa at the mall – add dogs and a judge and it’s a typical Christmas for Diz and Clarissa.

Three Plus One

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