Genre
Romantic Fiction
Setting and Context
The Mistletoe Inn, in Vermont, at Christmas Time, where a writers' workshop is taking place
Narrator and Point of View
The book is written from Kim's point of view and Kim opens each chapter with a journal entry that sets the tone for each chapter.
Tone and Mood
Romantic, hopeful, yet at the same time desperate and cynical
Protagonist and Antagonist
Kim is the protagonist; her romantic history is the antagonist.
Major Conflict
There is conflict between Kim and her father regarding his medical care.
Climax
Kim learns that Zeke is actually best-selling author H.T. Cowell.
Foreshadowing
The fact that H.T. Cowell Is never seen and that nobody knows what he looks like, but that he is alleged to be attending the convention, foreshadows the fact that he is actually Zeke, who is busy hiding his identity.
Understatement
Zeke, as H.T. Cowell, tells that he misses being an English teacher, which is an understatement because he became completely overwhelmed by the changes in his life, changing his employment and not having the support of those who knew him when his wife was still alive.
Allusions
The novel alludes to the issues that are current today about the lack of resources offered by many V.A. hospitals.
Imagery
The imagery is classic Christmas imagery; specifically the references to the hotel lobby, where "Greensleeves" is playing on the harpsichord and there is a warmth from the crackling fire in the ornate fireplace.
Paradox
Zeke admits that losing the person he loves was what caused him to become reclusive and attempt suicide but rather than finding this to be something they have in common, Kim is terrified because she cannot imagine losing somebody else she cares about.
Parallelism
There is a parallel between Zeke and Kim's feelings of being abandoned, Kim by her mother and Zeke by his wife.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
N/A
