A mannequin for Christmas

This sweet and unapologetically silly Christmas contemporary from Janovsky (The Merriest Misters) finds newly single 28-year-old artist Henry Aster making a go of running his great-aunt Isla's vintage shop in Ocean Glen, N.J. Dreading the thought of spending the holidays with his judgmental family solo, he makes a wish for "the perfect man"--and the next morning finds that his favorite mannequin at the shop has come to life. The mechanics of this are hand-waved away; the mannequin, who names himself Aidan, discovers a note in his pocket that reads, "Congratulations! Because of a wish, you are now human. You have until the midnight chime on New Year's Eve to experience true human love or else you will turn back into a mannequin for good." What follows is part madcap romp as Aidan learns to be human (with guidance from films on the "Christmas Movie Channel") and looks for love with Henry's occasionally inept help, and part introspective tale of personal growth as, over some painful holiday encounters with family, Henry reflects on love, loss, and difficult decisions. The two halves don't totally mesh, and the chapters from Aidan's perspective are much more fun than those narrated by Henry. Still, readers seeking lighthearted, magic-infused fare will find this hits the spot. (Sept.)

Janovsky (You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince) gives readers a memorable twist on a classic Christmas story in his latest festive rom-com. Henry Aster, depressed and recently single, wishes for the perfect man. When Henry arrives at his shop the next day, he discovers that one of the mannequins has magically come to life. The formerly plastic Aidan Smith knows nothing about being a human, but Henry and Aidan quickly learn that he must experience true, human love before New Year's Eve or stay a mannequin forever. Janovsky deftly weaves the silliness of a mannequin come to life with a realistic, grounded, and occasionally tear-jerking tale of two complex men working through their issues, hang-ups, and fears to find their way in the world--and toward each other. The plot is helped along by several richly crafted secondary characters, most notably Henry's Great-Aunt Isla, a fabulous lesbian elder who dispenses wisdom, care, and a good wake-up call now and then. VERDICT Alternating smoothly between kooky and powerful, this novel might just win over a holiday rom-com grinch.--Jenny Kobiela-Mondor