A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale

 

A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale

By: Karen Schaler

Summary:

A charming Christmas village, a storybook castle, a royal ball, and a gorgeous prince are the last things New York City reporter Kaylie Karlyle expects to find on her holiday freelance assignment to Europe. But when the family she's interviewing turns out to be the royal family of Tolvania, Kaylie has a meltdown when the quirky queen wants her to write a Christmas fairy tale for the spunky, young princess. Kaylie must battle the princess's father, who doesn't trust the media, and her own insecurities about writing anything beyond the news. --bn.com

The latest Christmas has arrived and it's got Princess Diaries at Christmas vibes. While I don't think this year's book is as good as previous years offerings have been, you will still want to crawl into the story. If not just to live amongst Tolvania during Christmas, you'll love the characters.

Kaylie Karlyle's career looked like it was going in the direction of a major promotion- until it doesn't and she gets let go instead. With his hands tied, her boss, Bob, informs her of a freelance assignment she could take while she looks for another permanent job. With no other prospects, Kaylie agrees to write do a feature on a family's Christmas traditions. However, there were a few things he left out: the family is a royal family and the feature is more of a fairy tale the Queen wants written for her Granddaughter. But those details come to light once she lands at a remote area of Eastern Europe.

Kaylie's holiday is about to take a turn she couldn't possibly see coming when she meets said royal family and quickly likes them. Although, the Queen's son may have gotten the wrong impression when Kaylie fell into his lap. (It was an accidental falling when the wind pushed her into the wrong car. I swear.) As things get to a bumpy start everyone learns more about each other as the Queen has said Prince Alexander walk Kaylie through a list of family Christmas traditions.

I loved the characters more than the story. I have to say, I wasn't a big fan of Prince Alexander. Queen Isabella was my favorite. She was so sharp, discerning and loving all in one. The Prince's daughter, Anna was adorable, too. I loved reading the descriptions of Tolvania! I just wanted to climb into the book every time they went around the town. I wanted to be there with the characters.

Like I said, this wasn't my favorite of Karen's Christmas books, but i enjoyed it. She has a gift with creating a Christmas scene! She makes the Christmas season come to life on the pages of whatever story she's created.

The Noel Letters

 

The Noel Letters

By: Richard Paul Evans

Summary:

After nearly two decades, Noel Post, an editor for a major New York publishing house, returns to her childhood home in Salt Lake City to see her estranged, dying father. What she believed would be a brief visit turns into something more as she inherits the bookstore her father fought to keep alive. Reeling from loneliness, a recent divorce, and unanticipated upheavals in her world, Noel begins receiving letters from an anonymous source, each one containing thoughts and lessons about her life and her future. She begins to reacquaint herself with the bookstore and the people she left behind, and in doing so, starts to unravel the reality of her painful childhood and the truth about her family. As the holidays draw near, she receives a Christmastime revelation that changes not only how she sees the past but also how she views her future.

        --Amazon.com

I've had a long standing tradition of reading each Christmas book Richard Paul Evans puts out. I eagerly await its release so I can get (usually) get lost in a story I don't want to put down. Some books have been better than others, and some have left a more lasting impression, but I still look forward to this Christmas tradition every year. 

This year's release, The Noel Letters, was no exception. The plot sounded right up my alley. And while I think it's a good book, it wasn't as good as I was hoping. Usually, Mr. Evans' books encompass more of the Christmas spirit in terms of the emotions they bring out. This one didn't do that. The Noel Letters was about the long term effects of harboring a grudge. You can see why Noel distanced herself from her father. You can easily see why she felt the way she did. You can relate to the confusion she encounters when she arrives home to everyone singing his praises. How was this man the same man at the root of her pain? There is a heaviness of the heart as you read the pages of this book. How was it able to get as bad as it did? How was the distance and misunderstandings able to last as long as they did?

The letters Noel begins receiving weren't as impactful as I thought they would be. Rather, they were random nuggets of advice that you later learn are connected. Not to say the words written weren't wise, but you didn't always see the connection between them and Noel. Finding out who was behind them and involved with them was more impactful. Once you have this background information on the letters, you see them in a different light. 

The supporting characters were both fascinating and confusing. Grace, I loved and wanted to learn more about. I loved her character. You just knew there was more to her involvement than just a friend of Noel's Dad. Your heart breaks to learn of her story, then it overflows with amazement when you see what she does with the circumstances. You aren't surprised to learn they were close friends, but shocked to see how the friendship came to be. I have to say, she was my favorite of the characters. I could just sit with her all day and gleam life lessons and wisdom from her.

Wendy, the coworker with her father in his bookstore, was a character I couldn't make sense of. You knew they were connected as she worked side by side, for years, with him. She was his righthand man in the business operations, as well as some of his personal life. Both she and Grace were the ones to care for him all the years Noel wasn't there- especially during his illness and death. There was a mourning with a touch of bitterness you meet right away, but can't quite figure out. I have to say the revelation of Noel's Father and Wendy was a surprise I didn't see coming. It was one I couldn't really understand. You aren't there to watch it unfold, so it's hard to imagine.

Overall, I'm glad I read the book. It was a story that tackles a darker set of feelings and emotions that can exist during the holidays. Grudges can bring damage that takes years to heal, if you let them. This book is a reminder of there always being two sides to every story, but being willing to learn both sides is key. Forgiveness was the center point of the story. Forgiveness from both sides. I felt much of the emotions Noel felt within the pages. I understood them. I cried a few tears and points. It's a good read, but not one that I think I would read again. 

Hannah's Hope

Hannah's Hope 

By: Karen Kingsbury

103 Pages

Summary:

Hannah Roberts is used to coming home to an empty mansion. What she isn't used to is finding out the man she always thought was her father, really isn't. Now she's on a desperate mission to find her real father. Will she be reunited with the man she hasn't seen in 11 years? 

This was my first Karen Kingsbury book, but I can assure you it won't be my last. I was immediately sucked into Hannah's story. Karen knows how to tell a moving story, all while keeping you glued to the book. Her characters are all real, and you become invested in them. The story was a moving one that breezed you through one emotion after another. You may not know what will happen next, or how the story will end, but you don't give up hope- just like Hannah didn't.

Hannah Roberts is the daughter of political parents. Her father is the US Ambassador for Sweden, and her mother has political aspirations of her own. Only in the same country as Hannah twice a year, Hannah has learned to keep herself so busy she doesn't have time to be lonely.

But everything changes when she receives an email from her mother informing her they won't be coming home for Christmas. Her response isn't what her Mother was expecting. It finally dawns on Carol, Hannah's mom, that her daughter may be lonely. Her solution? To inform Hannah that the father she always thought was her dad really isn't. Sending an envelope with the news, a few pictures, and very little else, Carol thought this would ease the loneliness. Instead, Hannah's search for her father, who enlisted in the Army, goes on National TV as part of a campaign to air messages for the soldiers to see overseas. 

Mike Meade has spent the past 11 years never forgetting his daughter. When searches for her turned up fruitless, he just kept going. Everywhere he went, his brown bag of mementos from her went with him. As the years passed, his hope in ever seeing her again did as well. Throwing himself into his pilot job for the Army, Mike grew a successful career. Never did he think when he set off for the most dangerous mission of his career that he had anything to lose. In fact, he insisted on going because he had no family waiting for him to return. But he sees the video message- just before he leaves. 

Mike's mission goes horribly wrong. He's captured. Once again, his hope of ever seeing Hannah again begins to fade. But, God works miracles for those who believe. And what he does for Hannah and Mike is nothing short of the Christmas miracle Hannah prays for.

I think you will love this Christmas book as much as I did. Like me, you will get lost in this story and have to remind yourself to breathe. Karen Kingsbury has been given a tremendous gift by God, and she uses it to illustrate His love. It comes shining through in Hannah's Hope. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and that you read more of her work. I know I will.

Miracle at the Higher Ground Cafe

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

By: Max Lucado, Eric Newman & Candace Lee

176 Pages

Christian Fiction

Summary:

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even curiouser string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way. -- publisher's description

Max Lucado has made a name for himself within the Christian world as a force to be reckoned with in Bible Studies. Many praise his writing and how beautiful it is. Not ever having done one of his Bible Studies, I came into this fiction book with a blank canvas. Blank and in desperate need of a good book to take me away. It didn't take me long to realize Miracle at the Higher Ground Cafe delivered.

Readers are quickly introduced to Chelsea. As if she doesn't already have enough on her plate (impending divorce, running the cafe she inherited from her Mother), she's now got to make room for a heavy IRS tax bill. One that must be paid within 30 days. At the rate Chelsea's going, she's going to need a miracle to be the next thing to come through her cafe door. But would she recognize one, if it did?

Enter The God Blog. The Higher Grounds Cafe becomes a direct connection with the Almighty above, and customers line up to ask Him their one question- and get an answer to it. Throw in employee extraordinaire, Manny (aka Chelsea's Guardian Angel), coffee artist Katrina, and you have the magic combination that saves The Higher Grounds Cafe. 

But, like with all good books, the good story has to have it's share of obstacles. And Chelsea has several in her way- including herself. Ex-husband-to-be, Sawyer, comes to town wanting to fix the family he broke. Chelsea isn't in the forgiving state of mind, but Sawyer refuses to give up. It will take a miracle to give this family a happy ending.Che;sea's father has been a source of emotional strain for most of her life. Caught up in his own selfish desires, her father left scars that were more than emotional. With him within reach, can a miracle bring a father and daughter back together?

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe will keep you looking for the next miracle within it's pages. You will curl up in this book and get lost within the pages. I didn't want to put it down, and I didn't want it to end. I loved this touching story so much, I'm hoping there's a sequel. I enjoyed all the characters, and becoming friends with them as I watched their stories unfold. 

Curl up with a cozy blanket, a couple of cookies, and read the magic that is Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe.

Merry Humbug Christmas

Here at Miss Book Lovers, we are not above throwing in a Christmas book when it's Spring. We're silly that way. Plus, this was like no other Christmas book I've read, so I had to share it.

Merry Humbug Christmas

Sandra D. Bricker

297 Pages

Summary:

Best friends, Joss and Reese have a rather unusual Christmas tradition: join forces to do whatever is necessary to avoid everything having to do with Christmas. Each has their own reasons why the holiday season is one they wish to not enjoy. However, this several years long tradition has come to an end. One friend just got engaged. Their stories unfold within the 2 novellas: Once Upon A Jingle Bell & It Came Upon A Midnight Deer.

Sandra D. Bricker is great with characters. She has a knack for making them so life-like. You quickly forget you're reading about characters in a book. Instead, you feel like you're interacting with friends. It all makes for delightful reading. Joss and Reese were no exceptions. Joss was my favorite of the two, but both were fun getting to know.

Once Upon A Jingle Bell tells Joss's story. She finds out Reese has gotten engaged to her boyfriend, and so the joint cruise they had planed on taking to avoid Christmas this year is no longer happening. Not one to let something like that detour her plans, Joss goes on the cruise without her dear friend. However, she quickly learns on her arrival that the cruise she booked had been cancelled. She's now found herself put on the 12 Days of Christmas Fun Cruise, and she's one of the few not having fun. But God isn't done with her just yet. Not only does she meet a group of fellow cruisers, but she also meets Patrick. This handsome man with the Irish accent becomes her partner in dodging Christmas. But, is it just a cruise fling?

It Came Upon A Midnight Deer has Reese on her way to meet her new fiance's family. Damien didn't grow up with vegan parents who had tofurkey at the Christmas table. No, his family is quite different from Reese's. Will they all get along?

Sadly, I wasn't able to finish the second novella. My Kindle had technical problems, but I'm sure readers will have as much fun with Reese and they did with Joss. I look forward to seeing what happens with Reese.

I would definitely think of putting this on your holiday reading list for next year. (It's never too early to start making that, is it?) Sandra's books are fun to read.

A March Bride

A March Bride

By: Rachel Hauck

E book Format Only

Summary:

In Once Upon A Prince, couple Susanna and Nathaniel overcame obstacles to be together. He's going to be King of Brighton, and she's a commoner from the United States. However, true love- and faith in God- helped them leap over every obstacle put in their way. But, while they did get their "happy ever after" in Once Upon A Prince, the rough waters aren't over. In A March Bride, Susanna and Nathaniel have tough decisions to make. While Susanna has had to make numerous changes, there are still more ahead. Can she make them? Or, has she been asked to give up one too many things? 

In the midst of planning their March wedding in Brighton, Susanna has been learning everything she can about Brighton laws. Nathaniel has been acting more and more distant, and she fears he's regretting proposing to her. But she's wrong. In fact, Nathaniel is fearing that she's regretting saying yes. And he's fearful she'll leave when he tells her the newest requirement being put on her: renounce her American citizenship.  

Her head reeling from this latest demand is the last straw. More and more people from her side are saying they can't attend the royal nuptials. Susanna is wondering if this all is a sign that she shouldn't marry Nathaniel. Needing answers she can't find in Brighton, Susanna flees to her family on American soil- leaving her engagement ring behind.

Family members, on both sides, do what family does best. Both are reminded how much they love each other and the blessing each received when they came into their lives. However, it takes the wisdom of the local church Pastor to put everything in perspective for Susanna. Reminding her that she's focusing on the wrong thing: citizenship to any country isn't important, since she's a citizen of God's kingdom first and foremost. Their conversation has Susanna racing to get back to Brighton so she can  get everything back on track. But, Nathaniel isn't there. 

This short, but romance packed novella is one you will enjoy reading. God's word is laced throughout the whole story putting everything into it's proper perspective. The most romantic act Nathaniel can think of may cost him political trouble, but it's worth it to him. Susanna and Nathaniel bring a true, unconditional love to life for the reader. I loved how prevalent scripture was in the story; reminding everyone what the focus of their lives should always be. That, and life doesn't always go the way you think it should- or would.

Fans of Rachel Hauck will embrace this novella. It will make you feel empowered, and happy, all at the same time. It was wonderful to revisit Susanna and Nathaniel's story. I loved how Rachel brings the whole Royal-falling-for-a commoner story into real life- with all the realities it comes with. I bet Princess Kate could relate to this story very well.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

By: Debbie Macomber

395 Pages

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

Beloved author, Debbie Macomber, is bringing the Christmas spirit early this year. Call Me Mrs. Miracle is a well loved book among her fans, but this time around, it also comes with her another Christmas story, The Christmas Basket. Both stories illustrate Debbie's wonderful talent of telling loving stories that touch your heart strings. 

Call Me Mrs. Miracle has Emily Merkle coming back to work her magic. Jake Finely hasn't celebrated Christmas in over 20 years. His Mother and Sister dying in a car accident on Christmas Eve put an end to the holiday for both his Father and himself. However, their successful store, Finelys, makes Christmas look like a dreamland. Mrs. Merkle (Mrs. Miracle by a mysterious human resources typo) is a season employee ready to change the future of both Jake and his father. First, they have to find a way to sell all the 500 toy robots Jake ordered after his gut feeling told him it would be the toy of the season. (His Father was less than pleased.)

Holly Larson has temporary custody of her nephew, Gabe, while her brother is in Afghanistan. After a little time getting used to the arrangement, Aunt and Nephew are doing well. Her life changes when she goes to buy her favorite latte, only to realize she doesn't have the money to pay for it. Step in her Starbucks hero- Jake Finely. He pays for her drink, and the reason for Mrs. Miracle arrival have now met each other.

Holly is determined to make this Christmas a memorable one for Gabe, so she scrimps and saves money to get him the one toy he really wants- a $250 robot. A wrench is thrown into her plans when she overhears her boss saying she'll be the only employee to not get a bonus this year. 

With help from Mrs. Miracle, the toys get sold and love arrives to two deserving people. Broken hearts are mended, futures are set into motion- all at the hands of Debbie Macomber. 

The Christmas Basket

Forgiving is the theme of this Christmas tale. Longtime friends turned enemies force their bitterness onto the lives of their families. 

Sarah McDowell and Mary Sutton had been the best of friends for as long as they could remember. But all that changes when Sarah borrows Mary's irreplaceable family heirloom tea set and it's stolen. The lie cuts deep and the friends are never able to get past it. A bitter rivalry is born. After 20 years of bad mouthing each other, but avoiding each other, they are put together to make Christmas Baskets for their Women's Club. After two rather embarrassing encounters in stores- one ending with them being escorted out by security guards, things come to a head during an ice storm. Forgiveness comes at the hands of Mother Nature and Scotch while the abandoned duo wait to be rescued.

Noelle McDowell hasn't been home in years. She left with a broken heart when a planned elopement with Thom Sutton doesn't happen. Both were deeply in love, and both blame the other for the reason their love ended badly. And both keep running into each other.

When they finally talk things out, it's learned a misunderstanding was behind all the heartache. Determined to make their relationship work this time around. The only obstacle they have is their Mothers. 

Once again, Debbie Macomber delivers heartwarming stories and lovable characters. You are invested in each story and each character. You going through all the emotions the characters are, and you are as excited as they are when the happy ending arrives.

Merry Christmas, Debbie Macomber style!

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

By: Jen Turano

339 Pages

Summary:

Arabella couldn't help but agree to track down Mrs. James daughter. Theodore has agreed to track down Arabella so she can attend her brother's wedding. Arabella is highly active in the Women's Liberation Movement. Theodore is a well known detective who isn't  that fond of the whole women's lib thing. Barbs are traded, and sparks fly, when these two meet. Even more so when they both look into a series of disappearances.

A Most Peculiar Circumstance is a fun read. I loved the pairing of Arabella and Theodore. These two couldn't be more opposite, and yet aren't as opposite as they think. Instant attractions aside, the two drive each other crazy. 

Theodore has tracked the missing Arabella when she fails to return home when she was set to. The last place he expected to find her was a jail cell, but that's exactly where she is. Perhaps even more odd is how she got there and the mystery it uncovers. It appears that Miss James landed herself in a prostitution ring. One that affects life in Arabella's hometown.

Arabella is determined to figure out the truth behind it and get the answers. She's determined to find out what's happened to several women of the night that have gone missing. Theodore is determined to not let Arabella get any more involve than she already is. Neither get their wish and are forced to work together to get the truth exposed. While they work to solve this mystery, the two begin to realize they have feelings for one another.

Readers are in for a fun read when they choose A Most Peculiar Circumstance. The pairing of Arabella and Theodore is an endless source of entertainment. The cast of secondary characters adds to the fun story you read. 

Once Upon A Prince

Once Upon A Prince

By: Rachel Hauck

338 Pages

Rachel Hauck has written a modern day fairy tale story just in time for summer.  This talented author plays off the idea we've all had: I wish I could marry a Prince? However, she has brought the reality of the fantasy into the story. It's a great read for those breezy summer days at the beach or pool.

Susanna is a girl who likes a plan. She makes them and sticks to them- no matter what. And emotion doesn't always fit into her plan. However, she sees all her carefully laid out plans get thrown to the wayside when her long time boyfriend doesn't propose, but tells her he found the right ring, but the wrong girl. Ouch!

Nathaniel is a Prince from Brighton Kingdom. He's a Prince with a lot on his mind, so an un-escorted drive is just what the doctor ordered. He's facing the all too common royal predicament- his family wants to get married. He's not sure getting married to someone he doesn't love is the best solution to a heated political problem. Nor is he too fond of the girl his family feels is pushing. But when Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aide, all that changes.

Nathaniel and Susanna spend time together, and feelings develop. Their religious beliefs just being one of the many things they have in common. However, Susanna has no idea of Nathaniel's title and he is no rush to tell her. But the truth comes out and brings with it harsh realities. 

Choices are forced to be made, truths are exposed. No one said the road to true love was easy. However, it can sometimes be like a fairy tale.