Christmas Romance Review: Christmas is All Around

Charlotte is not a holiday person. She hates all the hype, the activities, and especially the movies. She was a child star in one film - Christmas, Truly. After that experience, she never wanted to act again. So, when people want to create a sequel, she turns them down flat. Which annoys all the fans, so much so, that she's get death threats on social media and is accosted in the park. Charlotte flees to London to visit her sister for the holidays. 

There, she meets Graham. He has an idea that might help both of them. The more time she spends with him, the more she begins to fall for him. Could a Christmas romance change her feelings on the holiday? Will she be able to flee her past?

My Thoughts: The title is reminiscent of Love, Actually. And the book is set up that way too - there's a weekly countdown to Christmas. I Loved this book. I enjoyed that Charlotte hated all things Christmas because she was snarky about it all. But she did participate in so many Christmas activities. I love Christmas and Hallmark, but the snark was fun. I loved her family - baby Alice was very funny. I loved that Charlotte was an artist and you saw both her sketching and the business side of it. I loved the banter between Charlotte and Graham. The sheep! The carolers! This was such a fun read that I didn't want it to end. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection! 

Holiday Review: Make My Wish Come True

Hollywood Star Arden James has an image problem and it's one she created. She left her hometown for Hollywood and never returned. Now she has a chance for the roll of a lifetime, but the Director isn't sold on her. When Arden and her agent mention the fact that she's going home for the holidays plus the fact that Cosmopolitan will cover her holiday dates with her girlfriend, he agrees to think about it.

Arden flies home; a home she left behind. She left behind her best friend, whom she was starting to develop feelings for, and her grandmother. Arden isn't sure who she's happier to see. Now she just has to convince her former best friend to be her girlfriend for the next two weeks. 

My Thoughts: I Loved this book. I'm a sucker for Hollywood stories and the best friends to lovers trope and fake dating trope. And this one was amazing. I loved the 12 dates of Christmas - especially around town. This is a Christmas story - but it's also a Hanukkah story. I love Caroline's siblings; they were adorable. And her friends were amazing too. I loved all the feelings -angst, reconnecting, and romantic. As I'm a basketball fan, I liked the moments on the court (even though neither character was playing basketball.) I didn't want this book to end! 

Cover Thoughts: I do like the little touches - the coffee cups, the dog, and the lighted tree. 

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your public library!

Holiday Romance: The Ex-Mas Holidays

Maya lost her job, her boyfriend, and her place to live. She's headed back home for the holidays. She's not broken up about losing any of those things - she had drifted apart with her boyfriend. She hates her job as an accountant and she realizes that she loves her hometown. Now she's struggling to figure out what to do; she doesn't want to go back to accounting but her dad is pressuring her greatly. 

Maya returns to an old job as a ski instructor - filling the gap someone vacated. However, it means seeing her ex. The ex that broke her heart when she was younger. Now she's spending more time with him - part of it is wonderful and part of it is tense. They're becoming friends, but they have a lot to work through. 

Plus, Sam has a girlfriend - the same girlfriend he dumped Maya for. Cat isn't interested in being friends with Maya again and she doesn't want Sam talking with her either. Could their break-up have been a mistake?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's perfect for Hallmark movie watchers. There's lots of family and relationship drama. I loved watching Sam and Maya become friends again. Lots of small town charm in this second chance romance (plus my best friend's brother) book. 

Cover Thoughts: Very cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library 

 

Christmas in July Review: Wrapped with a Beau

Elisha's determined to host the sequel to Sleighbells in her hometown. Fifty years ago, the movie made her town famous. She lives next door to the house that was featured in the film. The woman, a lifelong friend, signed the paperwork for her house to be used again. But she died unexpectedly.

Now Elisha has to convince her heir to sign the paperwork. She might have already told everyone that it's a done deal. But meeting Ves Hollins does NOT go as planned. He wants to sell the house and get out of town as quickly as possible. 

But the holiday season works it's magic on the two of them.

My Thoughts: Small town charm, Hollywood, and Christmas - this book had the trifecta. I really enjoyed this book, but I confess there wasn't much of a conflict. I loved learning about the Hollywood tidbits from the first movie. I do wish there had been a little more about the current movie. I loved the trivia nights. I hated Elisha's ex - what a jerk. But I do like how that worked out. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library 

Library Recommendation: Recommended for your Hallmark movie watchers 

Christmas in July: Love in a Winter Wonderland

Trey Anderson's family bookstore has been a corner stone in London. But a new bookstore chain down the road is wrecking their bottom line. They're able to offer cheaper books. This holiday season might just be their last. 

Trey hasn't always loved working at his family bookstore. But he can't imagine his life without it. They're behind on their rent and if they can't make the payments, the store will have to be sold.  When this father has an accident and falls, Trey feels like it's his responsibility to save the shop.

Artist, Ariel needs money for tuition to art school. She thinks to bookstore might be able to help her - and she might be able to help them.

Can they save the bookstore?

My Thoughts: I'm always here for more holiday romances - but this one was different for a couple reasons. 1) It was not set in the US but in London and 2) the leads were both Black. It was refreshing and then of course, there's the story about saving the bookstore. All add up to one lovely read - I loved the moments in the bookstore. I enjoyed the social media attention and chatting about authors. I wasn't crazy about the storyline with Trey's girlfriend. She wasn't a likeable character (not that she was supposed to be). I loved the art bits - the mural sounds amazing. And the two brothers were cute. All in all, a great choice for a holiday romance.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have holiday romance for your YA collection.

BookTok: The Christmas Book Hotel

There are so many things to love about this book. But I adored the relationships! Plus, Delphie was a hoot! And it's set in Vermont, which is never a bad thing! Isn't the cover stunning!  

@yabooknerdlibrarian Cozy book alert! Sarah Morgan’s new book is all about friendship, family, and family. It left me with a book hangover. Read it! #booktok #christmasromance #romancetok #winter #hotchocolate ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

BookTok: Snowed In for Christmas

I loved this book - it was so fun to read and made me happy. I didn't want to put it down. 

@yabooknerdlibrarian For all you #swiftie and #football fans and #hallmarkchristmasmovies watchers - this is THE book for you!!!! #fridaythe13th #christmasromance #swifttok #booktok ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Holiday Review: Royal Christmas Wish

 

Jenny knows she isn’t the princess type. Sure, she’s friendly and caring, but with her clumsiness and lack of self-confidence, glass slippers would only make her trip. When Dom, the cute guy she runs into in the park, turns out to be the prince of San Noelle, she figures he must not be her happy ever after.

But a mysterious countess grants Jenny’s one wish, and she finds herself married to this handsome prince! Unfortunately, at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, her life will go back to normal.

In funny and touching ways, Jenny navigates royal traditions the best she can. But even as she grows closer to Dom, the clock is ticking. With love and a little holiday magic, could she somehow make the enchantment last forever? - summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. There were some very funny moments with Jenny and her clumsiness, Jenny trying to figure out royal protocol and things she should already know. There were lots of sweet moments as she struggled to make herself noticed and a part of the royal family. I admired how to gathered friends to help her muddle through the difficult moments and soar with her ideas. I loved Prince Harry. A funny sweet story that's perfect for the holiday romance reader. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Gifted

Library Recommendation: Great for your romance collection - hand this out to fans of royal books and also Hallmark movies. 

Christmas Review: Christmas House

 

* Book 1 in a series * 

Every Christmas Eve for the past 50 years, Ruby Harris, the owner of the historic B&B, The Christmas House, has opened her doors to strangers in need, showing them the compassion once denied to her. When Ruby invites her family home for the holidays, including her two adult grandchildren, Charlotte and Olivia, she hopes they will be able to put the past behind them. However, her plans for reconciliation implode as the women unravel secrets from the past that force them to confront the impact they've had on their dysfunctional family. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved reading about the different generations from Ruby to Charlotte. They all had tough moments and I wanted to hug each of them. The Christmas House sounds like a magical place. I feel like I could use the organizational help of Charlotte in my house - maybe a resolution for the new year. I loved the moments between Sam and Charlotte - they were sweet. The sister relationship was heart wrenching - but real. A great read while you're sitting by the fire and drinking cocoa.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great holiday romance for your collection.

Christmas Review: Christmas Bookshop

Carmen's been working in a department store, but when it closes for good, she has no plans for the future. After much discussion, she goes to live with her sister in Scotland. Her sister finds her a job. Carmen's grateful but she and her sister have never had a great relationship. Her sister's always been the perfect one.

Sofia isn't interested in hosting her younger sister either. Carmen has always been difficult. But she has a client with a bookstore who could use some help. And with another baby on the way and her husband traveling for work, she could use some help too. 

My Thoughts: This started off slow, but I really enjoyed getting to know both sisters. I loved "walking" in Edinburgh, and it made me want to visit. Of course, I loved the moments in the bookstore - from the decor to the events to the inventory. Sofia's children were entertaining and quirky - they made me laugh. The nanny was horrible, and I enjoyed watching her spar with Carmen. The romance plot rounded out the book nicely. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Recommended for your library's collection.

Christmas Review: Christmas Dress

Meg leaves the fashion world of New York and her demanding job to manage her late father's apartment building in Chicago. She hasn't visited in a while and isn't prepared for the state of the building. Everything is falling apart and held together with duct tape and bubblegum. 

To make matters worse, she keeps embarrassing herself in front of the very cute handyman. just when she thinks she'll be having the worst holiday season of her life, she makes a friend. Ellie, who lives in the building, shows off a dress from a night she'd rather forget. 

But the dress is spectacular. Meg's fashionista dreams come rushing back. Could this dress be the answer to everything?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the two stories (Meg and Ellie). I laughed at all the apartment building catastrophes. I loved getting to know the people in the apartment building and their stories. I enjoyed the fashion world and the dress making. I found the romance between her ex-boyfriend and her best friend interesting. And of course I enjoyed the romances. An enjoyable read filled with quirky characters, dreams, and finding yourself. 

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library's collection. 

Christmas Book Review: White Christmas Inn

A New England inn seems like the picture-perfect place to spend the holidays. But when a snowstorm shuts the roads and keeps them all inside, the guests find themselves worrying that this Christmas may not be exactly what they dreamed of.

Molly just needs to keep her head down and finish her latest book, but her writer’s block is crippling. The arrival of Marcus, a handsome widower with two young girls, is exactly the distraction she doesn't need.

Hannah was hoping for a picturesque winter wedding, but her plans come crashing down when her fiancé calls everything off. She reconnects with her childhood friend, Luke, when he comes to check on his grandmother before the storm.

Jeanne and Tim don't know how they're going to keep the inn open another year—or how to bridge the distance between them in their marriage. With a flurry of unexpected guests, they'll have to work together to fix all the problems that crop up. But will it be enough to rekindle their relationship?

As the characters’ stories intertwine, they start to find hope where they thought it had been lost. With faith, and a little bit of Christmas magic, the inn—and its inhabitants—might just make it through the holidays after all.  - summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I love how everyone was stranded at the Inn. And how magical the inn was - I wouldn't mind being stranded there. The situation made everyone come together - it made everything sweeter. I loved all the storylines - the writer and the little girls who inspire her, the wedding that wasn't, and the inn that's struggling. This is the kind of book that makes you want to hold tight to the people you love and count your good fortune. It's a heartwarming tale, perfect for a winter escape. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library's romance collection 

Christmas Book Review: No Ordinary Christmas

* First in a new series * 

The quaint New England town of Mistletoe is thrilled to welcome back one of their own, Dante West. Now a famous Hollywood action star, Dante is filming a movie in town to help the local economy, as well as make amends with the people he hurt when he abruptly left Mistletoe all those years ago.

Librarian Lucy Marshall isn't thrilled to see Dante. He was once her best friend and first love until he left her behind without a word of goodbye. When Dante makes her an offer she can't refuse -- use of the library as a filming venue in exchange for a lucrative donation, Lucy finds herself spending a lot of time in Dante's company. With the magic of Christmas in the air, Dante and Lucy begin to forge a new bond. But can two people leading such different lives find lasting love the second time around? - Summary from publisher 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this small town - second chance romance. I loved getting to know the characters in town - from the children to the parents and everyone in between. I enjoyed watching Dante attempt to make up for this youthful mistake - with his brother and with Lucy. I loved Lucy - especially being a librarian. But the term Head Librarian confused me - was she the Library Director? was she the Adult/Reference Librarian? Besides that, it was delightful. I love the Hollywood stories. I'm looking forward to spending more time in Mistletoe Maine!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable!

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your Christmas Romance section!

Christmas Book Review: Dear Santa

 

Lindy's happy to have two weeks off from work for the holidays. She's eager to spend time in her hometown with her parents relaxing. It's been a tough year for her. Her mom notices immediately that there's something wrong. After Lindy spills the beans, her mother suggests she write a letter to Santa.

Lindy scoffs at the idea. But then her mother brings out all her old letters to Santa. And they remember how each one turned out. Lindy decides to write a heartfelt letter. And soon enough she runs into her best friend from childhood who moved away in elementary school. Coincidence? 

My Thoughts: This was a fun story that takes place mostly over two weeks. I loved the interactions between Lindy and Santa. And I loved how that all worked out. I really loved her reconnecting with her best friend from childhood. I loved the day in Leavenworth, it makes me want to visit. Another fun romance with sweet family moments and friendships.

Cover Thoughts: Charming, but there is no dog in the story

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your Christmas Romance Collection - so many patrons adore Debbie Macomber and look forward to her yearly Christmas books (myself included)

Holiday Book Review: Celebration at Christmas Cove

 

Celeste volunteers for the travel assignments at Christmas - especially after her mother died. Christmas is too painful for her. Plus, no one else wants to travel. Taking the assignment makes her look good. But the flight is overbooked - causing her travel difficulties. The best she can do is hop a small plane to Sea Spray Island and from there catch a flight to New York City.

But the weather grounds her on the island. Luckily her fellow passenger's sister owns an inn. Nathan takes Celeste to the inn. Nathan just received word that his last ditch effort at funding the community center through a grant fell through. He doesn't know how to tell the community or his daughter. The best he can hope for is to give his daughter one last magical Christmas on the island. 

The more time Nathan and Celeste spend together, the more they enjoy each other's company. Could this connection between them be real? 

My Thoughts: This is a charming start to a new series. I loved life on the island - the small town charm, the quirky people, and the children. I felt badly for Nathan and for Celeste for their past heartbreaks but also their current struggles. The travel delays were comical. Abigail was adorable - funny, smart, and she made me laugh. I loved the community center and the smiles it brought everyone. Their programs sounded amazing. I loved all the Christmas celebrations! Looking forward to reading more in this series.

Source: Netgally

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Library Recommendations: Grab this for your romance collection and hand out to your Hallmark movie loving readers!

Christmas Book Review: Duke, Actually

Sequel to A Princess for Christmas 

With Princess Marie breaking off their engagement to marry a man she loves, Baron Maximillian Von Hansburg's family is pressuring him to marry. But they want him to marry the "right' sort of women. He's not interested in getting married - especially to someone of their choosing. 

While he's in New York for a party (meeting a prospective bride), Max calls up Dani. Dani's different from other women - she's not interested in him, she's not interested in his title, and she doesn't swoon in front of him. Clearly they are meant to be friends.

Max accompanies her to a work party where they run into her dreaded ex. Dani's thankful for Max's presence, both as support and making her look good. They begin texting and calling each other. Could their easy friendship turn into something more?

My Thoughts: I loved this friends to lovers romance. I loved the friendship, the banter, the job discussions, Max the dog, and the support for each other. I felt terrible for both characters and what they've got through previously. I loved Max's brother Sebastian. The Love, Actually discussion and the Dirty Dancing Lifts were both entertaining. Delightful!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Netgalley

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection 

Holiday Book Review: Christmas Charms

Ashley thought she was getting the Christmas of her dreams in Paris with her boyfriend. But after an engagement mix-up, they break up. Now with time off from work, Ashley heads home to the small town in upstate New York. She hasn't been home for Christmas in years because of her job.

On the train, she meets a lovely elderly woman who listens to her spill out her troubles. The woman gifts her a charm bracelet. Ashely doesn't realize the bracelet is magical or that it won't come off. All her dreams are about to come true - just not in the way she imagined.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this Christmas story - for the second chance romance, for going home again, for dreaming big, and for reconnecting with yourself. There were some really funny moments and some sweet moments. I loved the jewelry descriptions and how the past made a difference in the future. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Gifted

Library Recommendation: Grab this Christmas romance for your collection

Christmas Book Review: So This is Christmas

 

Finley's spent the last half of the year at boarding school in Connecticut - but she's floundering at school and she's unsure if she wants to stay. Her small town Ohio is not how she left it - including her best friend and her ex-boyfriend, her parents, and how she feels being at home.  

Plus there's the problem where she changed the town's website to impress the snooty people at her boarding school. That backfires when one of her classmates arrives at her Grandmother's inn expecting a quaint hometown Christmas to discover that the town of Christmas isn't exactly what is advertised. 

Finley's not sure where she's going - and where she fits in. Things are hard everywhere. Could Christmas magic show her the right path?

My Thoughts: I love Christmas Romances and I'm happy they are coming back to the YA world. I was really excited to read this one and it was cute. It did take me a little bit to get into it. I loved the Christmas adventures Finley cooked up for Arthur and his aunt - from the reindeer adventure to the parade. I loved the banter between Arthur and Finley. Finely and her family kept a lot of secrets from each other that all came spilling out. Lots of talk about food - I loved the kitchen chef. I really enjoyed Finley's relationship with Ayisha. I loved Grandma Jo. I'm so curious to see how everything turns out in the sequel.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A fun YA Christmas romance for your collection!

Christmas Book Review: Royal Christmas Fairy Tale

Kaylie's not a huge fan of Christmas. Her family celebrates after the holidays and they don't make a big to-do over it. Her sister can't usually get time off and she's happy to volunteer to work so her co-workers with children can spend the day at home.  But changes are coming to the news station where Kaylie works. She's been hoping for her own investigative news program, but instead, she hears the network is under new ownership and her job's been eliminated. 

Stunned, she takes on a freelance assignment her previous boss volunteered her for - without knowing all the details of the story. She's sent to a small county in Europe for Christmas. When she arrives, Kaylie learns she's being hired to write a Christmas Fairy Tale for the princess who's mother died and needs to regain her Christmas spirit.

Kaylie isn't sure she's the best person for the job. She's an investigative journalist not a storyteller. To make matters worse, the princess's father isn't thrilled she's there. The family has a long terrible history with the press. But the Queen stands firm. She knows her son and her granddaughter need to be reminded of the joys of Christmas. She overrules her son, forcing him to show Kaylie their traditions. Soon, they both rediscover some joy in celebrating Christmas - and spending time with each other. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the moments between Kaylie and Princess Anna. I also loved the banter between the Prince and Kaylie - when they teased each other, when they made a mess in the kitchen, and when they are with the Princess. I loved the Princess's dog Blitzen - he was adorable. I did enjoy the moments between Princess Anna and her father. They were sweet. Of course, Christmas is hard for both of them missing their wife/mother (especially since she loved Christmas.)  I loved the painting moment between Princess Anna and Kaylie - and how that worked out. I really did enjoy the Queen and how she made everything happen for her family. She wanted a modern world and a traditional one - I think she made it work really nicely. 

A few things I didn't love because they were brought up too many times:

1. too many journalist/Prince moments. 

2. Kaylie's belief that she wasn't the right person for the Fairy Tale job.

I felt cheated that readers didn't get to read the Fairy Tale that Kaylie wrote.

But overall, I really enjoyed this story. It read like a Hallmark movie - which made me really happy. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: NetGalley 

Fun Fact: This book is written by the author of the Netflix movie The Christmas Prince

Library Recommendation: A fun Christmas romance - perfect for your collection. Hand this out to those who love Hallmark Christmas movies. 

Holiday Book Review: Christmas at Holiday House

 

When Abby's best friend Lucy calls for a favor - Abby can't say no. Lucy's grandmother fell and broke her arm. She needs someone to stay with her while Lucy finishes up her job before she can come home for the holidays. It's perfect timing for Abby, who is just finishing up one job before she and her son move to a new city.

When she arrives, she realizes that Lucy's brother has rearranged his schedule and is now back in town. Ethan is thrilled that his grandmother is home alone in such a big house. Now that Abby's there, he's off the hook.

But the house needs to be decorated for events. Ethan gets pulled into helping and also spending time with Abby and her son. The more time he spends with them, the more he wishes that she wasn't moving to another town.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this romance. Lucy and Ethan's grandmother. She was funny and clever and tried her hand at matchmaking. I really enjoyed Ethan's budding relationship with Christopher. It was sweet and charming. I loved their moments together - especially the sledding. I enjoyed the moments between Lucy and José. I loved all the Christmas moments and the way the town came together to celebrate.  A very festive heartwarming read. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming, but doesn't match the book

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great Christmas romance for your collection.