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.

Christmas Books of 2020!!

 Merry Christmas Book Reading For 2020!!!

One of my favorite things about the Christmas season are the books! The festive stories of old that I reread annually and the new ones I discover with each new year. Once December1st arrives, I'm a nonstop Christmas reading machine. Any, and every, book I pick up will be Christmas themed until the 31st comes. I get excited to curl up with a comfy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate. I can't wait to discover a new story, or revisit one I've loved for years. I have some favorites that I read every year. It's just a magical time of year for me reading wise. 

However, let's be real. Some books are better than others. Some are amazing. Some are awful. It happens. This year's batch of books wasn't a year where I loved everything. In fact, this year won't go down as the best seasonal reads year. Still, I thought I'd share what I read this December with you. You're going to meet my annual reads and ones I read for the first time. Here we go.....

The Christmas Box

By: Richard Paul Evans

This is a book I pretty much read every year. I has all the feels. The story centers around a married couple who moves into a huge house, with their daughter, to help care for an elderly woman. I'm trying not to give much away, but this book never gets old for me. I still shed a tear at a few places in the story- even though I know they're coming. I'm still touched as I learn about the elderly woman's story. My heart still breaks in the same places it did when I first read it. And, it still overflows with love and joy in other places. Through the course of the story (which is short at less than 200 pages) these strangers form a bond that is unforgettable. This woman blesses the little family just as much as they bless her. Despite having read this book yearly for almost 5 years, the wonder is never lost on me.

The Christmas Sisters

By: Sarah Morgan

I've had this book on my shelf for a year,  or two. I wanted to read it last year, but never did. For some reason, I had a feeling this book was going to be one I read, but wasn't touched by. That proved to be the case. It wasn't a bad book. It just wasn't one that I think I would ever reread. 

This story centers around 3 sisters. You learn fairly early in the book that the people who they call Mom and Dad aren't the biological parents. As the story unfolds, you learn why and how they were connected. Each sister is at a different place in their lives- and at different stages in dealing with the aftermath of a childhood trauma. While the parents live in Scotland full time, only one of the sisters stayed there. All three sisters are going to be spending Christmas in Scotland- and one of them is really dreading it. Each brings their troubles and rocky relationship to the holiday. As the pages turn, walls slowly come down and healing finally begins.

A Christmas Carol

By: Charles Dickens

This is another annual read for me. I look forward to curling up and spending the day with Scrooge and his ghosts. Some of the lines have becomes favorites and I smile as I come to them. I love the ghostly visits and seeing how they melt Scrooge's cold heart. I never tire of the story. We all know how it ends, but I love it. It's like watching your favorite movies. You know the story well, but the magic is still never lost on you. My favorite parts are still leading up to the ghosts and Scrooge's transformation. I eagerly wait in wonder as the journey ensues. My smile is never missing when Scrooge wakes up Christmas morning a changed man. Christmas magic!!

The Nutcracker of Nuremberg

By: Alexander Dumas

This year was the first time I'd read this. I was immediately intrigued when I read that Tchaikovsky's ballet was based on this book. I was hoping I would love it more than I did. This book focus's on the back story between the nutcracker and the mouse king. You learn why they're at odds with one another and everything that led up to the famous battle in the battle. 

It was fascinating to read, but I don't know that I'd read it every year. 

Booked For Christmas

By: Lily Menon

This was a novella I found on Amazon. She's a writer who's works is constantly being trashed by one reviewer. The tension gets thick quickly when said reviewer shows up at her cabin. 

Being snowed in forces them to interact and see each other outside of their usual dynamic. It's a holiday themed hate-love romance trope. It was a cute story that moved quickly. It was overly memorable, but that could just be because it's hard to effectively tell a romantic story the reader can invest in with 89 pages. 

Christmas In Evergreen: Letters to Santa

By: Nancy Naigle

This your Hallmark movie in book form. I'm not sure which came first: the book or the movie, but both are available. The female lead comes back to the town she loved (and moved away from) as a child. She learns that the general store that was a prominent part of the town has closed down and fallen into disrepair. She also learns that it's for sale. She puts her design talent to good use to help get it more enticeable for perspective buyers. The mission gets some of the town's locals involved and a labor of love is begun. Romance comes to more than one of the characters. Everything is wrapped up with a lovely bow at the end, as only Hallmark can do.

This was an enjoyable story to read. I know it's a series of movies, and books. I'd be interested in reading more of the books. The story was fun. The characters were enjoyable. You were routing for the happy ending and weren't disappointed when it came. And even though you knew everything was going to end well, you still loved every minute of the story.

Christmas In Paris

By: Anita Hughes

Okay, as a reviewer, I'm good at finding the positive in pretty much everything I read. I may not like a book, but it rarely doesn't have some redeeming factors. I've got 2 things for this book: the cover (gorgeous) and I finished it (not an easy feet).

There is not enough space for me to tell you all the issues I had with this book. The plot was unbelievable and unlikely- at best. Two people are nursing broken hearts when their weddings are both cancelled days before the events. They find themselves at the same luxury Paris hotel. A meeting with a fortune teller has our female lead convinced she's going to meet her future husband while she's there. So, our wayward female lead sets out on a mission to meet, fall in love and marry her future husband. All within a week. A week right after cancelling her wedding!

This particular book infuriated me to no end. I didn't like the characters. I couldn't relate to them- any of them. I wanted to scream at all of them. The plot was ridiculous and I couldn't get invested in it. It made no sense- at all. I'm amazed I finished the book. I was relieved I didn't have to review this novel. But, like I said, gorgeous cover.

The Christmas Collection

By: Victoria Connelly

This is a grouping of her three Christmas themed novellas: Christmas at the Cove, Christmas at the Castle & Christmas at the Cottage. Three separate stories of characters beginning their romances amidst a wintery backdrop. They were cute and fun, but nothing that really grabbed you and gripped ahold of your heart. They were fun, cozy reads that I read over the course of a rainy day. I loved the description of winter in each of them. Where I live, I don't get snow, so that was a favorite aspect that I loved. It was fun to meet each of the characters, but I didn't get invested in any of the couples. 

The Christmas Candle

By: Max Lucado

This my first year of reading this book, but it won't be my last. I LOVED this book. From start to finish, I devoured this story. I was gripped. I couldn't put it down. Once I started, there was no stopping until I read the last word. 

In this story, a candle maker and his wife are visited by a fiery Angel. The one candle the Angel touches goes on to bless the person it's given to. A tradition, and legend is born. The Angel visits the candle maker every 25 years- always touching one candle that goes on to bless and answer the prayers of it's receiver. One year, the batch of candles are disrupted and spilled. The candle maker and his wife have no idea which one the Angel touches. But that doesn't stop the blessings from happening. 

I'm not doing this book justice in my description, but it was nothing short of phenomenal. I loved every minute of the book! It was the highlight of my Christmas reading and made it to my annual reading list. 

There you have it! My hits, and misses, from this year's batch of Christmas book reads. I hope you read wonderful stories this year. I hope they blessed you, in some way. A lot of this list has been on my TBR for a year, or more. I'm glad I was finally able to read them. I'm already forming my list for next year. See ya this time next year with my new findings.

Christmas Ever After

 

Christmas Ever After

by: Karen Schaler

396 Pages

Summary:

Author Riley Reynolds is desperate to salvage her career. Her last book didn't do well and, if things don't change, she's looking at being dropped by her publisher. So, the woman who has sworn off Christmas for most of her life has been told to write a Christmas book. Her publicist uses questionable tactics to make this happen. So, the girl who doesn't do Christmas is going to host a Christmas Camp. Since her publicist tells everyone listening that she's Miss Christmas, it makes perfect sense. Things get off on the wrong foot and she must do what she can to salvage not just her career but the Camp. She can play along for a few days with her fans, right? But.... what are her ex-boyfriends doing there?

Karen Schafer has quickly become part of my Christmas reading traditions. She releases a new book themed around Christmas each year, and I devour it. This one, I felt, fell a little flat. Rather than making the days at the camp, and it's Christmas-themed activities, the book spends most of it's pages on prepping for the camp. I'm used to the Camp time being the focus of the book, with everything else being a supporting story line. This time around, it's flipped.

This particular Christmas Camp isn't like the others in previous books. This Camp centers around Riley. The attendees are fans who paid to be there- with the focus on Riley's Christmas traditions. No one- not even Luke- knows she doesn't do Christmas anymore. Things get a little hairy when, amongst the guest list, are blasts from her past with intentions on becoming her future. Misunderstandings run rampant in this book- mostly at the hands of her near-do-well publicist, Mike. 

You learn why, as a child, Riley loved Christmas and why those days abruptly ended. You get an up close look at her life and how it became the way it currently is. You see her slowly open her heart and mind to the possibility of letting Christmas back into her life. You see her focus shift from just saving her career, but making sure others involved get what they want, as well. 

Riley and Luke, the manager of the Inn, get off on the wrong foot. He's left scrambling to clean up a mess she made when she storms out of an interview about the Christmas Camp. Riley and Luke both have reasons for needing the Christmas Camp to be successful, so they have to work together to make it happen. The road isn't always smooth, but they tread the path, nonetheless. It doesn't take long before she's having to think fast to live up to false expectations her publicist promises. 

While Christmas Ever After isn't my favorite book in this series, it was still a good read. I connected with Riley, Luke and several of the other characters. Despite being a slower read than it's predecessors, it was still a cozy read to get get lost in. No one will find the basics of the story unpredictable, but you don't buy it thinking they will. Karen Schafer gives you what you are expecting: a heart-warming story around Christmas. She delivers another book showing the magic and wonder of the Christmas spirit. 

The Christmas Swap

 

The Christmas Swap

By: Melody Carlson

176 Pages

$16.99

Summary:

Emma Daley's parents have been living in Africa for the last several years. So, rather than spend her Christmases alone, she's been spending them with her friend, Gillian Landers. This year, Emma is looking forward to a relaxing Christmas- away from the bickering of the Landers family and Mrs. Landers' constant complaining. Gillian, however, talks her into spending Christmas with them since her father has done a Christmas house swap. Instead of spending Christmas in Arizona, they're going to have a White Christmas in Colorado. Not ever having seen snow in person, Emma can't pass up the invitation.

West Prescott's family has decided to spend Christmas in the desert of Arizona. So, against his wishes, he swaps homes with  the Landers family. However, his vacation finds him home and discovering something he never thought he'd find.

This book is a quick, cute holiday read. I thought it would be reminiscent of The Holiday, but it really wasn't. West forgets something at his house that he goes back for, but isn't able to get away before the Landers family arrives for their stay. I had a hard time liking Mrs. Landers. She pretty much complained about everything from the start. Gillian is a spoiled product of a wealthy family, so she's used to getting what she wants. Emma is an awesome character with her head on her shoulders, but it's hard to understand why she's close enough to spend multiple Christmases with Gillian since they're complete opposites. The book does address this, but you still don't quite get it. 

I think the main issue I had with the book lies with Gillian. From early on in the book, you understand she's a pampered, privileged woman. Later in the book, she adds manipulator and liar simply to get what she wants. And she does this with her friend. I wasn't expecting her to be as conniving as she was and with who she was. 

Overall, this was a cute read. I wouldn't add it to my favorite holiday reads list, but it was a nice little read. I would recommend getting it from the library over buying it. I don't think it was worth the $17 price tag because I  don't see myself ever rereading this book. 

Living A Chocolate Life

Living A Chocolate Life

By: Deb Burma

108 Pages

Summary:

Fun, friendly, and engaging, Living a Chocolate Life invites women to savor God’s rich and endless supply of grace in Christ. Whether they're sampling everything from bitter nuggets of pain to sweet morsels of joy, this study reminds them that the Holy Spirit fills us with sweet faith in our Savior–and it is only He who can truly satisfy.  -- publisher's description

Being the chocolate lover that I am, I could not pass this Bible Study up! I was immediately intrigued to see how the author was going to tie God and chocolate together. Turns out, she didn't it very well! 

This 8 week study is perfect for a small group, but also can be done by yourself. You will explore themes such as:

•  Like Chocolate has a pleasant aroma, we bring a pleasant aroma to God, and those around us.
• How our words can be a touch of salt to the people who hear them
• We have several types of cravings: spiritual, physical, emotional- to name a few. But what do we do when they reach an unhealthy point?
• How can we decipher between real & imitation Christianity? 
• Life, like chocolate, has bitter morsels from time to time. 

I really enjoyed ready this book. It was fun to have a chocolate theme to tie everything to. Not to mention, the fun tidbits within each session, and ice breaker activities to share within a group. And did I mention all the chocolate recipes this book has?! 

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I have no doubt I will be buying this book when it comes out. I look forward to reading it with a group of friends. 

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.

Mr. Miracle

Mr. Miracle

By: Debbie Macomber

272 Pages

Reviewed by: Betsey Brooks

I just finished reading "Mr. Miracle", Debbie Macomber's newest Christmas Angel book. What a treat you are in for. This angel's assignment is nothing like it sounds.

Harry Mills has just gotten the best job for Christmas: being a guardian angel! He is sent to help Addie Folsom and Erich Simmons celebrate Christmas. Harry figures this is going to be a cinch. Much to his surprise he discovers that Addie loathes Erich. This guardian angel business is definitely not the cinch Harry thought it would be. It 's a good thing he finds some help, but in a most unusual person.

Abbie arrived home to surprise her mother for Christmas and planned on staying so she could get her life together. She is greeted by a weeping mother who's plans to go on a Christmas cruiser with her best friend has just fallen through. Her friend is Erich Simmons' mom. Erich was in an accident and now needs some help. His mom just can't go off and leave him to fend for himself. After much soul searching, Addie volunteers to help Erich so the moms can go on their cruise. This doesn't set well with either Erich or Addie, but they come to an agreement. After all they are adults.

Harry has his hands full teaching at the local college, and trying to bring Addie and Erich out of the past and into the joys of Christmas. Lots of changes must come about on this Christmas assignment, including changes in Harry.

Debbie Macomber's "Mr. Miracle" is a wonderful Christmas tale at it's best. I smiled all the way through and didn't want to put it down. Snuggle in for a great Christmas read.

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.

Starry Night

Starry Night

By: Debbie Macomber

256 Pages

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

You are in for a treat. Debbie Macomber's new book, Starry Night, is a delight! In her usual way Debbie captures you and off you go to the wilds of Alaska with Carrie Slayton. 

Carrie wants to report on major events, but so far she is stuck being a social reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. She makes the decision to return to her hometown of Seattle  and  hopes there she will have an opportunity to  report on major events.  

Her boss throws her off when he tells her she can pick any assignment if she interviews Finn Dalton, author of the bestselling book Alone. Carrie had never heard of the author or the book and figures she can easily pull this assignment off over the Thanksgiving weekend. Then she discovers that no one knows where he is- or has talked to him. All communication is done by computer. 

After much research Carrie gets a lead and a request to make a delivery to Finn. Thanksgiving weekend finds her in Fairbanks and eventually being dropped off on a frozen lake. Finn's welcome is just as cold as the snow storm she is dropped into. Finn and Carrie both discover they have a lot to learn about life and each other. 

What did she have to deliver? Who are the people that help her?  In the end, why didn't she write the article when she returned? Settle into your favorite reading spot and join Carrie on her Alaskan adventure.

Christmas With Mr. Darcy

Christmas With Mr. Darcy

By: Victoria Connelly

AVAILABLE ONLY IN KINDLE EDITION

 

 

Purely Hall is about to come alive as it hosts a Jane Austen Christmas Conference with Dame Pamela Harcourt at the helm. The characters she wrote about in her Austen addicts trilogy come back to celebrate Christmas and their favorite author.

 

The house is decorated to the hilt. The atmosphere is set. However, there are a few hiccups in the planned conference. Guests things go missing, an unexpected guest shows up, and a health scare descends upon the attendees.

 

For readers of Victoria Connelly's Austen Addicts books (A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy Forever) will love revisiting these wonderful characters. I loved catching up with the characters I loved from the books. Catch up with sisters Sarah & Mia, from Mr. Darcy Forever. See which sister gets surprising news. Be there when Katherine & Warwick, from Weekend With Mr. Darcy, make a big decision about their future. And revisit Kay, Adam, and Gemma, from Dreaming of Mr. Darcy- my personal favorite.

 

This book was a great to cozy up with and spend a weekend in the England countryside- complete with snow. Jane Austen fans will love how much attention to detail has been taken in regards to the beloved author. 

Angels At The Table

Angels At The Table

By: Debbie Macomber

240 Pages

 

Summary:

Debbie Macomber has brought back her beloved Angels. Shirley, Mercy, and Goodness are back, and this time they have an angel they are training: Will. They take Will to New York City's Times Square New Year's Eve party where he inadvertently causes trouble. What could possibly happen when he has two strangers meet before they were meant to?

 

 

It's New Year's Eve and the party is in full effect at New York City's Times Square. Shirley, Mercy, and Goodness thought it was a good opportunity for Will to see the people he would be working with once he begins to answer prayers himself. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty when Will accidentally has 2 strangers meet. Lucie is in the process of getting her restaurant to open. Her mother has invested her life's savings into this venture and Lucie is feeling the pressure. Aren is a divorcee who has just moved to New York after taking a job at a newspaper. They bump into each other at midnight, share a kiss, and the connection is instant. Aren tells her that if she would like to pursue a relationship with him, to meet him at the top of the Empire State Building in a week. On her way to meet him, Lucie's diabetic Mother is taken to the hospital after a fall. Lucie never makes it.

 

A year later has Lucie's restaurant open and widely successful. Aren is restaurant critic writing under a pseudo name. Anxious to right the wrong he name, Will and the Angels go to Earth to help things along. On the night Aren reviews Lucie's place, they all add a little extra of things to the food. It backfires and he gives the restaurant, and the chef, a scathing review. Lucie has no idea Aren is the reviewer and Aren has no idea the restaurant is Lucie's.

 

Once the two meet again, things pick up where they left off. However, reality hits Aren first. He lives in a constant state of fear for what will happen when Lucie finds out he was the one behind the horrid review. Eventually the truth is discovered and Aren's fears become truth. Lucie breaks it off with him. Good thing 3 Angels and a trainee are on the case.

 

The Angels are the stars of the book. They find a way to ruin a perfectly good meal, further complicating their jobs. They enjoy a Broadway show- until they decide to put their own "touch" to it. And I'm not saying who was responsible for taking a camel out for a mini walk amongst New York City, but it does happen.

 

Angels At The Table  is another delightfully charming Debbie Macomber creation. This book is a great Christmastime read. You will have a great time meeting the characters and laughing at the hi jinks these Angels get into. Curl up, get comfy, and see what happens when you read Angels At The Table.



Christmas At The White House

Christmas At The White House

By: Jennifer B. Pickens

 

Christmas is that special time of year when our lives get a little more sparkly and colorful. Stores decorate their windows and displays go from ordinary to amazing; homes get decked out with decorations of all kinds. The White House is no exception when it comes to Christmas decorating spirit. Christmas At The White House takes you behind the scenes to see how the most wonderful time of the year comes to the most famous house in the country.

 

Within it's pages, you'll learn how some the most beloved White House traditions were started. Find out which Presidency (mostly the First Lady) is responsible for introducing the Candlelight tours, the gingerbread house, and others. You'll get to learn how the Official White House Christmas Tree is chosen, and which President even dressed up as Santa himself.

 

This book is packed with wonderful tidbits from each Presidency it covers. I loved reading how Jacqueline Kennedy had American Citizens submit ornaments that were put on the trees on the first 2 floors of the White House. Or how, during the Ford years, the ornaments were handmade by the family. In fact, they even printed up instructions to pass out so families around the country could do the same since the economy was so bad at the time.

 

Christmas At The White House was a treasure and joy to read. I loved it!

A Snowglobe Christmas

A SnowGlobe Christmas

By: Linda Goodnight & Lissa Manley.

224 Pages

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

 

I recently finished reading "A Snowglobe Christmas" by Linda Goodnight and Lissa Manley. Coming from the North East, these stories brought back wonderful memories of a small town Christmas. Both stories center around the weeks leading up to Christmas.  A Snowglobe is snuggled deep in the mountains of Montana. It has become well known for its picturesque setting and festive atmosphere. Every store, house, church and lamp post is thoroughly decorated for Christmas. Tourists from all over come to share in the town's Christmas Celebrations. From winter sports to charming stores the residents love Christmas and are pleased to share with the many visitors.

The first story Yuletide Homecoming, by Linda Goodnight, is the story of a young successful woman returning home to run the family business. Dana Caldwell is excited to have her daughter home and is looking ahead to retiring. Amy is just as excited to return home and help run "The Snowglobe Gift Shoppe". There is just one cloud hanging over this return and his name is Rafe Westfield, her ex-fiancee. But Amy has moved on and is anxious to celebrate the holidays with her Mom. Both mom and Rafe are about to shake up Amy's world in ways she never imagined. Will Amy leave again or stay in Snowglobe? God has all the answers she will need.

 

The second story A Family's Christmas Wish, by Lissa Manley, centers around Sara Kincaid and Owen Larsen. Both are single parents with three year old daughters. Owen arrives at "The Snowglobe Bed and Breakfast," owned by Sara, in answer to her emergency call concerning a big leak in her roof. Owen has brought his shy daughter Jane with him. Sara's daughter Mia is thrilled to see a playmate and whisks Jane off to the world of make believe.

 

With the girls happily playing Owen and Sara's attention turns to the leak. It turns out fixing the roof is going to cost a lot. Sara does not have the money. The holiday bookings were lost because of this leak . Owen has made plans to move out of town before Christmas so a job as involved as this will not fit into the one week he has left. God has other plans. The compromise that is finally worked out is almost too good to believe. When Owen reluctantly agrees to attend the town's Christmas Tree Lighting, he is surprised how much both he and Jane enjoy sharing it with Sara and Mia. A blizzard, prayers and a near fatal accident change Owen and Sara's life forever.

 

Both stories are a Christmas delight, uplifting and will put you in the mood for Christmas. So break out a cup of cocoa, settle into a comfy spot and drift into the charming town of Snowglobe.

The Bridge

The Bridge
By: Karen Kingsbury
272 Pages
Reviewed by: Betsey Brooks

Summary:
The touching story of how a bookstore affects and changes a town and the people within it. 

** More details of The Bridge plot have been kept from this review so as not to give the story away. ** 

 

The story revolves around a new and used book store in Franklin, Tennessee. The owner, Charlie Barton loves people almost as much as he loves books. People of all ages have been touched by Charlie's caring ways as they passed through the doors of "The Bridge". That all came to a horrible end.

 

We learn about Charlie from two former students, Molly and Ryan.They have moved on with their lives, but brought with them the memories of the special times they spent together at "The Bridge". Both are very upset when they read about Charlie's unstable condition following an accident. The article continued on to tell of the bookstore's destruction by a devastating flood.

 

Ryan goes to the community with a plan to help Charlie get back on his feet. After reading the article Molly wants to help too. Their united effort brings more than the community together. Success seems doomed when they learn the owner of Charlie's building has decided to sell it. Charlie has until the first of the year to buy it. Will Charlie live to know of every one's love and effort? Is there any hope of saving "The Bridge"? Do Christmas miracles still happen? Pull up a comfortable chair and settle in for a wonderful read.

A Patchwork Christmas

A Patchwork Christmas Collection

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

 

A Patchwork Christmas Collection features three inspiring stories. In these stories you see how the making of a quilt can be a scrapbook of life. As life weaves it's happy and unhappy events into the fabric of their lives you watch their faith and strength grow. Although the women's lives are completely different, their desire and need for God's guidance is the same. Their journey to find the joy and peace that only God provides gives the reader much to ponder.

Seams Like Love by Judith Miller

Karla Stuke bears the scare of an engagement broken by a cheating fiance and she has put a thick wall around her heart. Frank Lehner was a childhood friend who has returned to the "Community" to be an apprentice pharmacist. But that is not his only goal. His love for Karla as a friend has matured into the love of a man for a woman. Now he must figure out a way to convince Karla he is worthy of her trust. Both look to God for guidance, but is Karla willing to hear what God's will for her is? Will this Christmas be different than the last one? Only God knows.

A Patchwork Love by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Jane McClare finds herself a penniless widow with a young daughter to raise. Desperate times require desperate measures. Jane answers an add in a local newspaper and a relationship with a Mr. Howard Higgins develops. After a short visit to meet Jane and Molly, Mr. Higgins sends them train tickets to come and spend a Christmas holiday with him. Molly does not like him and claims he doesn't like her either. Jane's desire to provide a secure future for her daughter leaves her no choice. But God has his own plans for Jane and Molly. As the train travels west, a blizzard moves east. The train is stopped by a wall of snow and a raging blizzard. Meanwhile the little cough Molly started out with turns critical. Jane finally realizes only God can help them. Out of the blizzard comes a sleigh bringing more help than anyone can guess. Is settling for a life with Mr. Higgins what God really has planned or is there a happy loving life waiting else where?

The Bridal Quilt by Nancy Moser

Both Ada and Samuel had no doubt they were in love and marriage was in their future. It was the Christmas Social Season in New York City and they were pare of the elite social circle. Parties, balls, trips to the theater and lots of shopping was their world. This year both of their families were waiting to celebrate the engagement when Samuel finally proposed. Samuel loved Ada, but he just couldn't get the words out. He didn't know why he was having such a hard time so he prayed "Show me your will, O Lord". Samuel didn't hear an answer. Meanwhile Ada had been working on a marriage quilt which was a chronicle of her life. She was looking forward to adding the blocks representing her engagement and the events leading up to her wedding. While out for and evening with "the guys" Samuel rescues a little girl who was being beaten. Ada's brother is a doctor so Samuel brings the child to their house to be helped. When he returns the child to the slums he Samuel discoverers God's real purpose for his life. A year later Ada comes face to face with an unconscious Samuel as he lay in the street. God's will for their lives slowly emerges bringing surprises and change to Samuel, Ada and both of their families. Only God knew where the next Christmas would find each of them.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to curl up and enjoy a good read. Each story features wonderful characters in unusual situations . I found myself sorry when each story ended. I will definitely look for more books written by these authors. Truly a book filled with the Christmas Spirit. Enjoy!

The Christmas Village

The Christmas Village
By: Melissa Ann Goodwin
189 Pages

Summary:
Jamie Reynolds and his Mom are spending Christmas with his Grandparents. His Dad has lost a lot of people's money and left, Jamie's best friend has told him they can't be friends anymore. Jamie is ready for an escape and he gets it in the form of his Grandmother's Christmas Village.

Jamie is full of hurt, anger, and confusion. All he wants is to go somewhere that no one knows what his Dad has done. He thought he found it in Bell's Crossing, where his Grandparents live. However, one trip to the General Store proves otherwise. More and more he wishes he could be live in the 1937 replica village of Canterbury his Grandmother puts out every Christmas. One night the village comes to life. When he sees one of the skaters on the pond fall in, he tries to help her. Next thing he knows, he's right there in the village.

He's immediately embraced as the hero who saves little Kelly Pennysworth's life. He becomes best friends with her and her brother, Christopher. He's welcomed by the whole village, with the exception of the unwelcome former resident, Jim Gordon. Jim was hit hard by the Depression and has never been the same since. An overheard conversation has Jamie learning Jim mistreated his wife and is not welcome back by most of the town. Another overheard conversation has Jamie hearing Jim threatened harm to his baby, Emilie. As time counts down to Christmas Eve, and Jamie feels the urgency to get back home he's forced to play hero one more time. Can he do it and still get back home? Will he ever get back home?

The Christmas Village is so good. I can easily see myself reading this every year at Christmas. From the start to finish, I was glued. I was torn between wanting to keep reading and not wanting to finish the book. The twists at the end were amazing- my head is still trying to make sense of it all.

I've always been one of those people who were drawn to Christmas Villages. I always imagined lives behind the statues and thought how wonderful it would be to be part of it all. Melissa Ann Goodwin has turned that fantasy to life and did a remarkable job at it. It was a privilege to read this book, and I encourage everyone to read it. Well done, Melissa. I look forward to her future books with eager anticipation.

Rating: Buy It!!!

1225 Christmas Tree Lane

1225 Christmas Tree Lane
By: Debbie MaComber
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

I love  reading Debbie Macomber book, but I especially enjoy her Christmas stories. They are always brimming over in Christmas Spirit.  She has continually taken me away for a delightful visit with the characters of Cedar Cove.

This story takes place during the Christmas holidays.  The story centered around  Beth Morehouse who owns and operates a Christmas Tree farm. After going through a heartbreaking divorce, Beth had relocated to Cedar Cove and purchased the farm and continued the business of raising Christmas trees. She also trains dogs and has been involved with rescued dogs. This year someone has dropped a litter of 10 puppies on her doorstep. Christmas is the perfect time to find owners for these puppies- so she thinks.

The reader will be amazed at where and how these puppies find homes. Beth's two daughters, Baily and Sophie arrive to spend the holidays. Along with them Beth's ex husband is also arriving. The memories of wonderful family Christmases had been drifting through her mind as she prepared to see Kent. These went from rosy warm to ice cold with the arrival of Danielle Kent's "friend". But fear not her mischievous daughters had plans for mom and dad and they didn't include dad's friend.

Throughout the story you  drop in and discover  what has been going on in the lives of some of the characters from other books in this series. From the cutting of the Christmas trees to Christmas Day dinner it is a wonderful visit.  But it wouldn't be Christmas without gifts and surprise. Both are sprinkled lavishly throughout the story.

This is the last book in the Cedar Cove series. I have enjoyed this series immensely and will miss the charming characters.  However I am anxious to see what new reading delights Debbie Macomber will share with us.

A Marriage Carol

A Marriage Carol
By: Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman

Summary:
A Couple is on their way to sign their divorce papers. The snow storm causes their accident & life is never the same again. A Christmas Carol applied to a marriage. Can a look to the beginning, present, & possible future keep a once loving family together?

Marlee and Jacob Ebeneezer have been married for 20 years. Over the last couple of years, they haven't been happy. Life has taken them into different directions: she to her children, he to his work. Somehow, over the years, the spark burned out. After numerous tries to change the course they were on, they decide it would be better for the kids if they got divorced. As the story begins, they are literally driving to the lawyer's office to sign the papers. However, the snow storm they happen to be driving puts a kink in their plans when they get broadsided by a truck.

Marlee comes to and can't find her husband anywhere. She stumbles out of the car and sees a light off in the distance. Once there, she is welcomed by an older man, Jay. Turns out the house she came to is a marriage retreat. Jay tells her of three golden pots he says will change her life. As snow from outside melts within the pot, the holder is given a look into the past, present, and future. Marlee watches her relationship with Jacob go from dating all the way to marriage. She's given the a shock when she sees what the pot for the future shows her.

Marlee meets Jay's wife and is stunned to realize the woman and Jay are actually her and Jacob many years from now. She rushes out into the storm in the attempt to find her husband and Jay. Not only does she find them, but she almost crashed into them.

When Marlee comes to again she finds herself in a hospital bed surrounded by her children. Turns out,  all these visions occurred while she was unconscious in her hospital bed with a concussion. Together Marlee and Jay realize the accident was a blessing the Lord sent in disguise, because had it never happened they would have become divorced. Instead, they both realize that they want to take as long as it takes to recapture what they had.

A phenomenal read! I loved A Christmas Carol, so when I read about this book, I was immediately curious. I love how they were able to tell this story. So touching, so poignant. I felt this was a story that was not only relateable to many, but very well told. Once the story is over, there is a guide that follows it. I didn't read that, but was gripped by the story. I hope you read it and enjoy it as well. 

Rating:Borrow From The Library/Buy It

Blame It On The Mistletoe

Blame It On The Mistletoe
By" Joyce Magnin
320 Pages

Summary:
Something is going on at Greenbrier Nursing Home. One patient is riding a tricycle all around the place- complete with handlebar tassels & a bell she loves to ring; some are acting like lovesick teenagers. What is behind it all?

I am saddened to say that I wasn't able to get into this book. The description sounded cute and the story sounded so interesting. However, I just wasn't able to immerse myself into the story. I think the characters being much older than I am is a big reason- I'm not the target audience. I hung in for as long as I could, but I just couldn't stay interested. The main reason I read the book was to see if My Mom and her friends would like it, but I wasn't able to finish.

Rating: Borrow From The Library

Jen's Christmas- The Mischief of the Mistletoe

The Mischief of the Mistletoe
By: Lauren Willig
326 Pages

Summary:
Arabella Dempsey's dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls' school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies...

Reginald "Turnip"Fitzhugh-often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation- has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, "Meet me at Farley Castle," the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens' modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate twelve-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? Is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella's and Turnip's hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding? -- bn.com

The Pink Carnation series is back and in time to celebrate the Christmas season! I loved reading this book. The characters were great and fun to read. I loved the banter between Turnip and his sister, Sally. Sally was just a fun character to read and get to know. I'm hoping Lauren Willig does a book with her as the main character sometime in the future.

Lauren Willig is amazing at combining good plot and good characters. They way she wove Jane Austen into the story was genius. Truthfully, that was one of the main reasons I was drawn to the book. I do wish there was more of the spy hunt in the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed what there was.

I apologize for the poor job I have done on this review. I am doing this among planning a big Christmas dinner and getting presents wrapped. I have by no means done this book justice and I will not be able to apologize enough for it. I almost decided to hold off on posting it, but wanted to give you guys the chance to pursue it if you wanted to. This was a series I loved in the beginning, but became disenchanted with over time. The first book, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, remains my favorite but this book is up there with it. It was good to see a great series bounce back!

Rating: Borrow From the Library/ Buy It