Boxing Day by Kathleen Shoop is a historical fiction novel that revolves around the lives of two childhood friends, Wrenly Hawthorne and Cyril Mankovic, both of whom grew up in Donora, Pennsylvania. Wrenly comes from a wealthy family and is a strong-willed young woman who relishes the thought of creating an independent life. She plans to go to college and invest in stocks so she can have her own money. Cyril, on the other hand, led a life on the road as a boxer who toured from one place to another after his stint in the army, just after he got kicked out of the house when he was 18. Wrenly reconnected with Cyril when he returned to Donora to bury his mother and support his orphaned siblings. In doing so, they got to know each other's state of unhappiness, struggles, heartbreaks, and hardships. But will their growing affection for one another weather their complicated situation with unfavorable incidents, secrets, and resistance from others? Can the spirit of love and sharing during the holiday season help the couple persevere and courageously overcome doubts in a relationship worth fighting for?

Kathleen Shoop tells a memorable feel-good story with interesting characters, and the use of surprise and dramatic plot twists in heart-tugging and moving moments and dialogues. Her novel mainly explores themes of friendship, loss, self-reliance, survival, pride, devotion, compassion, and courage. The author shows how her characters' lives are interwoven with the changing landscape of social values, lifestyles, priorities, options, and decision-making tools that were historically established and made available for both women and men during the first quarter of the 20th century. The author also shows us how inner strength, passion, confidence, tenacity, and resilience can pave the way to success and give us the freedom to choose our destiny and search for real happiness. Set during the holiday season, the story delights the reader with an atmosphere brimming with the sights and sounds of old-fashioned Christmas celebrations and culinary references to traditional Croatian dishes for the holidays. Fans of historical fiction and romance will find Boxing Day an unexpectedly inspiring and insightful story that's worth reading.

Journey back in time to the 1920s and indulge in a romantic tale of two people who come from different social backgrounds, but fight for their love and future. Cyril Mankovic, also known as 'the Cobra', is a boxer who returns home during the festive season, not for a celebration, but to bury his mother who died during childbirth. Cyril's father shows no interest in his children and newborn daughter, Olive, leaving Cyril to take charge and find a solution to the family's financial crisis. Meanwhile, Wrenly Hawthorne, a beautiful and intelligent socialite, is determined to break free from societal norms by investing in stocks and making her own money instead of marrying a man she does not love just to fulfill family obligations. Her chance encounter with Cyril ignites a spark in her that makes her stand up against her father's demands and pursue what she truly desires. Join Cyril and Wrenly as they fall in love and fight for their dreams in Boxing Day by Kathleen Shoop.

Boxing Day is an intriguing tale with a well-crafted plot and compelling characters. Each character has unique traits and a complex personality that makes them memorable. Kathleen Shoop's writing captivated me from start to finish, and her smooth storytelling and conversational tone made reading this book enjoyable. The story has romance, action, humor, and a mystery plot that ties perfectly into the main storyline. The romance between Cyril and Wrenly is heartwarming, with beautiful moments of understanding and sacrifice. I loved how they respected each other's individuality and supported each other. The ending was satisfying, and I hope to read about these characters in future installments of the series. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romances with heartwarming stories.

Kathleen Shoop's Boxing Day from The Donora Story Collection presents a tale set against the backdrop of Donora, Pennsylvania, in December 1923. In this historical event novel, Shoop creates a plot that is gripping, unfolding during the festive season, blending the magic of Christmas with the lives of two intriguing characters. Wrenly Hawthorne is a twenty-four-year-old socialite who has trouble choosing between the comfort that wealth offers and the pursuit of freedom. She doesn't feel connected to friends and society and she wants something more. Cyril Mankovic returns to Donora after his mother's death while giving birth to Olive, his only sister. He is a boxer who is just out to make quick money to support his family. His path intersects with Wrenly's and there is a strong attraction between two characters from completely opposing worlds.

Boxing Day by Kathleen Shoop is a fast-paced, gripping story with strong and resonant themes of family, politics, and love. The author writes an engaging tale set against the backdrop of the festive season, introducing an exclusive women's investment club and a Boxing Day boxing match that enriches the narrative. The finely drawn setting captures the political atmosphere of the time while exploring timeless themes. The superior storytelling and the author's gift for creating characters are some of the outstanding features of this book. Wrenly is a character with an insatiable desire for freedom. While Cyril is a free man, he carries the burden of providing for his family and is ready to do anything to raise money. The author skillfully explores the humanity of these characters and crafts a captivating romance. The crisp prose is peppered with dramatic dialogues and emotionally rich scenes.

Boxing Day by Kathleen Shoop is a heartwarming love story set in 1923 in Donora, Pennsylvania. Cyril, a rising boxer, returns home due to his mother's death. After the funeral, he decides to stay and help his young siblings as his father is irresponsible. Cyril works as a coalman, and during this time, he reunites with his childhood friend, Wrenly, a kind woman from a wealthy family who desires to empower women and start her own business. However, her family wants her to marry into another wealthy family. Cyril and Wrenly gradually fall in love, but their relationship is tested when Cyril has to compete in a boxing match on Boxing Day that will determine his future. Get a copy of this book to enjoy this festive season love story.

Boxing Day is part of The Donora Story Collection and is a beautiful story about love, chasing dreams, and fighting for what seems impossible. The story is not just emotional but also has hilarious moments. All the characters undergo development arcs that change their perspective on life and future goals. The book is set in 1923, which adds tension as women had limited opportunities and were expected to be mothers, homemakers, and party planners. However, Wrenly wanted to vote, invest, and build a business. Cyril, on the other hand, was looked down upon due to his poor background, but as a man, he was determined to provide for his family. Kathleen Shoop perfectly captures the era's culture and dynamics, putting you in the characters' shoes and making you root for them. Overall, it is a great read, and I highly recommend it.