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: The Girl Who Ruined Christmas

A picture taken at the wrong time has catastrophic results which leaves Brady stuck in a small holiday loving town to pay off her debt - where of course everyone hates her for ruining Christmas.

My Thoughts: This novella was super cute and I loved it. Of course I wanted it to be longer because I didn't want to let go of the characters or the setting. I loved how this took place in a holiday town (something you'd see in a Hallmark movie). I loved the Christmas Tree Farm setting. I enjoyed watching Brady try to fix her mistake and understand the town people's feelings. I admired her persistence. I enjoyed watching her try to mend fences with the three people her age.  Of course I loved reading about the holiday traditions in this one. So much fun. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: ARC sent for review  

Library Recommendation: A fantastic holiday read for your middle grade section - highly recommended.

Review: Miracle Creek Christmas

 About the Book:

When Riley Madigan moves to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will help her mend her recently broken heart. A little peace and quiet would be a gift this Christmas season. The last thing on her mind is love.

Former firefighter Mark Rivers has spent the last year recovering from burns sustained during a rescue operation. He’s been trying to piece his life back together but still struggles both emotionally and psychologically. When he meets Riley, he finally sees something that might bring some light back into his life.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity project, he finds himself falling for her quirky, unaffected ways. Riley doesn’t seem bothered by his scars, but is her affection for him real, or is this just another act of charity?  One thing’s for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it’s hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she ready to risk her heart?

Broken hearts and lives are mended as the town of Miracle Creek comes together to celebrate a Christmas to remember.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this small town Christmas romance. I loved how everyone knew each other and how fast gossip spread. I love that Riley came to this small town to heal her broken heart and she did. I loved the moments between Mark and Riley - as they became friends and then something more. I enjoyed learning their back stories. I love how both the main characters needed each other in order to continue healing from their trauma.  I loved Mark's banter with his father.  I loved the description of the art work Riley created. I love how the two of them came together to create a project that would speak volumes to his father. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute. I love the Christmas ornament details.

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A great book for your public library's romance collection.

About the Author:

Krista writes contemporary romance, historical romance, and fantasy. She has lived in lush Oregon and rugged Wyoming, but Washington is her beloved home state. She likes to choose familiar settings for her stories and is grateful to have such inspirational places to choose from. She is a mother of six, gramma of three, a gardener and cook, loves to travel, laugh, and hike, and lives to make the best of what she’s been given. Find her on Instagram @kristajensenbooks.

For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at chansen@shadowmountain.com

Watch the Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76SsN8Cua3s

Book Details:

Title: Miracle Creek Christmas

Author: Krista Jensen 

Publication Date: September 8, 2020 

ISBN: 9781629727875 

Retail Price: $15.99 

Page Count: 368 

Proper Romance / Holiday / Contemporary 

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain 

Art Direction: Richard Erickson 

Design: Sheryl Dickert Smith

Christmas Book Review: 10 Blind Dates

Sophie's heading to her grandparents for the Christmas vacation while her parents visit her very pregnant sister. On her way to her family, she stops off at a party to tell her boyfriend the good news. Only she overhears him telling his best friend that this break will be good for them - that Sophie's no longer fun.

They break up.  Sophie's family comes to the rescue. Nonna comes up with an idea to get her mind off her troubles. The family will create 10 blind dates for her over the vacation - minus Christmas Eve and Christmas. Some of the dates are sweet, some are horrific, and some are wildly entertaining.

They do their job - Sophie's mind is off Griffin. She's having too much fun being back with her cousins. But will the dates help her find love?

My Thoughts: I loved this book! I loved the big family. I loved how Sophie texted with her sister. I love how Sophie started to find herself again. I loved her relationship with her Nonna. I loved all the food and all the eating. This book made me want to go out for Italian food. I loved the blind dates (Especially date number 2 and the bowling date). I cried with laughter at date number 2. I loved reading about Charlie, Olivia, and Wes and their friendship. This book was filled with lots of sweet and funny moments. I didn't want it to end, but I did love the ending.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school and public libraries.

Christmas Book Review: Coming Home for Christmas

* Book 10 in the Haven Point series *

Luke's known Elizabeth's location for the past few months, but he hasn't been ready to track her down. When rumor comes that the new DA is going to file murder charges against him right before Christmas, he doesn't have a choice.

He travels to Oregon to bring her back with him to clear up the charges. He's not interested in hearing her explanation as to the past seven years or why she looks so different or why she has physical limitations now.

But once he hears her story, his heart thaws. She's been through hell too. Only she didn't have their two kids to help her along. Part of the plan involves the kids. As they come to know their mother, not everything is sunshine and roses. There's still hurt feelings and lots of anger.

But the more time she spends with her family, the more they all become attached. Could they have a second chance at happiness?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this Christmas romance. I liked learning about the past and how one moment in time changed everything. I loved seeing the kids at Christmas time. I enjoyed reading about this family coming back together, their holiday traditions, and all the fun they had together. A great addition to this charming series. So looking forward to the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Dreamy

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: This is a great series for your romance collection - perfect for those who love Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series. 

Christmas Book Review: Sugar Plum Seduction

The worst thing for single father Gunnar is telling his daughter no. She's excited to try out for the Nutcracker at her dance school, but the auditions and the practices will wreck havoc on his schedule. When the dance teacher offers to help out, he can't disappoint his daughter.

However, Norah awakens feelings in him that he feels guilt for having. Cancer took his wife from him and he's not sure he's ready to move on. But fate has a different idea...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novella. I love this trope - the single father with a very cute daughter. I enjoyed the banter between Gunnar and his friend and co-worker Sean. I loved reading about the Nutcracker. Funny, sweet, and sexy - I read this novella in one sitting. If you're a Hallmark movie watcher, you'll want to read this book!

Source: Won in a contest

Fun Fact: The author (a friend of mine) was an extra in a Hallmark channel movie Holiday For Heroes. She in the barn scene at the end. You can glimpse her face on the far left

Christmas Book Review: Royal Holiday

 * Book 4 in the Wedding Date series * 

When Maddie's job takes her to England for Christmas, she asks her mom to accompany her. Vivian's excited to travel, especially since after the first of the year, things will drastically change at work. This will be her last vacation for a while. She's also proud of her daughter for her accomplishments. While Maddie's helping the Duchess, she'll be able to relax.

When she meets the Queen's Royal Secretary - the two of them hit it off. Soon, he taking her on private tours of the estate, horseback riding, and more.

Malcolm and Vivian talk for hours, spending as much time together as they can. But what happens when the clock strikes midnight and Vivian must return home? 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the Christmas moments and the festivities. I loved learning more about Maddie's mom. I loved her romance with Malcom. I loved the royal moments - meeting the Queen, seeing the palace, moments with the Duchess. I loved how Vivian and Malcolm couldn't keep away from each other, enjoyed their conversations, and helped each other with family and job drama. Another fun book in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Seriously cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this holiday novel for your romance collection

Christmas Book Review: How the Dukes Stole Christmas

Four novellas featuring four dukes from some of my favorite historical romance authors.

My Thoughts: I loved these stories. They were funny, sweet, charming, and entertaining. Meet Me in Mayfair mostly took place in one night during a ball. Louisa must find a titled wealthy man to fall in love with her in one night to save their family. The Duke of Christmas Present is all about second chances and chocolate. I loved the secret tunnel in that story. Heiress Alone reminded me of Home Alone - but set in Scotland. Her family won a house there and the daughters, except for one, are looking to be married well. The mother reminded me of Mrs. Bennett. Christmas in Central Park takes place in New York City, during the Gilded Age. There's a twist on the Duke in this one. I love how one bad idea snowballed until it became out of control. A fantastic collection of stories that I didn't want to end!

Source: Gifted

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your romance section, your readers will thank you!

Christmas Book Review: Clementine for Christmas

Josie's shy, but she loves volunteering in the pediatric ward at the hospital -especially around the holidays. She and her dog, Clementine, dress up and visit the sick kids and their families. Josie sings and puts on skits while Clementine comforts them.

When a boy from school is forced to join her team, Josie isn't thrilled. He refuses to sing or dress up. Soon she begins to get fed up with him. Oscar hates the holidays because it makes his parents fight - all the time and about everything. He isn't interested in making anyone else happy. But there's something about Clementine that eases his pain.

Gabby's keeping her illness a secret after what happened at her last school. When her illness lands her in the hospital she's worried that the two volunteers from her class will spill the beans and everything will be ruined - again. She's hoping she can find a way to stop that from happening.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I liked that Josie attempted to work through her shyness for something important. And that she had friends by her side. I liked how Oscar came around to volunteering. I liked how Gabby tried to help both of them. I love how the three of them needed each other and how eventually they became good friends. I felt bad for the three of them as they each worked through their troubles, but was happy they had each other. I adored Clementine. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but overall a sweet book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library

Holiday Book Review: Snow in Love

Four Holiday short stories featuring a road trip, a job as an elf, a Christmas present surprise, and a scavenger hunt inside an airport - by four awesome YA authors. 

My Thoughts:  I really loved this collection of short stories. I loved the diversity of the stories - from Christmas to Hanukkah from straight to lesbian romances and from characters of different races. I also loved how each story stood out.  I hope there are more holiday stories coming from these authors because I'm already looking forward to book 2!

Cover Thoughts: Cozy
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this romance for your school and public libraries.

Holiday Book Review: Hot Winter Nights

* Book 6 in the Heartbreaker Bay series *

Molly's been the office manager for Hunt Investigations, but she wants to handle her own investigations. Archer believes she isn't ready, but she's not giving up. When neighbors bring her a case involving bad Santa, she's reluctant to say no.

Archer places Lucas on the case with her - unbeknownst to her. Lucas is still recovering from a gunshot wound. He's barely been cleared by the doctor for returning to work.

The more time he spends with Molly, the more he has to remind himself that as Joe's sister, she's off limits. But she's gotten under his skin. And he can't help admire her inner strength and determination.

My Thoughts: I really love Jill Shalvis for so many reasons. It's become a requirement to have a Christmas romance from her every year. I adore this series for the group of friends and how we learn more about everyone. I loved learning more about Molly. I loved Molly's inner strength and how she refused to back down. I love her big heart and how she wanted to help everyone. I loved that she took care of herself but also pushed her limits. I loved the banter between her and Lucas. I loved Lucas's family and the contrast between his family and hers. Another great novel from Jill Shalvis.

Cover Thoughts: I adore the background
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Jill Shalvis is an auto buy author. 

Christmas Book Review: Dear Santa

If you're a fan of You've Got Mail, you're going to want to read:

Instead of rival bookstores, it's based around Christmas stores.

I reviewed this book for Fresh Fiction - check out what else I enjoyed about this book!

Christmas Book Review: Alaskan Holiday

Josie has a job lined up in Seattle, but while she's waiting for it, she takes a summer job at a lodge in Alaska. She wasn't sure she was going to like it there in the remote town, but she grew to love the beauty of the place and made great friends. One friend, Palmer, doesn't want her to leave.

But his marriage proposal doesn't go the way he hoped. Josie can't pass up the opportunity in Seattle. Plus, she's not sure that she could live in Alaska. But she does enjoy Palmer's company and she might even love him.

Palmer decides to be patient. Maybe he can convince Josie of his feelings for her and ask her again in a romantic way. Once Josie leaves Alaska, maybe she'll realize how much she'll miss it - and him. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I loved learning more about Alaska and now I really want to visit. I liked the proposal scene and the what happened next. I felt badly for both Josie and Palmer, but I loved that she didn't give up her dream job to stay. The story is sweet and entertaining.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous. I'm ready to move there
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have for your holiday romance collection - it's a requirement to have a new Debbie Macomber book at Christmas time.

Christmas Book Review: Christmas by Accident

Abby gets into a car accident on her way to visit her uncle in hospital. Her uncle raised her after her parents died. There's an issue with her insurance and the insurance adjuster Cater becomes involved.

Carter hates his job; it bores him. To spice things up, he adds creative details to the paperwork. His boss isn't interested in his creativeness. He's fired.

Fate throws them back together; could they help each other.

My Thoughts: I liked this book - it reminded me a little of a hallmark movie. I really liked Uncle Manny and how he wanted the best for Abby. Of course I loved the bookstore and the employees. Plus those desserts made my mouth water. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book sent for review

Christmas Book Mini Review: Merry and Bright

Merry's life is filled to the brim that she's not even thinking about romance - until her brother and her mother sign her up for a dating service. Now she's talking with a stranger over email and he's looking pretty good. Should they meet?

The Good:
You've Got Mail Christmas story (and the role reversal)
Her relationship with Patrick
Patrick chatting with Jayson
Her Boss
Her moments at work
Getting ready for Christmas
The emails and their conversations

The Bad:
Nitpicking: I could have used another page or two at the end.

Final Thoughts: It's not Christmas without a new holiday romance from Debbie Macomber!

Christmas Book Review: Miracle on 5th Avenue

* Book 3 in the From Manhattan with Love series *

Eva's having a hard time with Christmas this year after the loss of her grandmother. She struggling to find happiness. Since both of her friends are happy in new relationships, she doesn't want to burden them with her loneliness.

She's tasked to fill up a writer's freezer and decorate his apartment since he's at a writing retreat. Only he's not at a retreat, he's hiding from the world. Plus he's not happy about Eva descending on his apartment.

However since the snow is falling rapidly and since he doesn't want to tell his grandmother that he's actually at home, he allows her to stay. Which works well for him as she becomes his muse for his book. With her in the apartment, his words start flowing. His deadline now might be possible if only he can convince Eva to stay with him.

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I felt terrible for Eva in the previous two books as she struggled with her inner self about how to handle her grandmother's death and her friend's new happily ever afters. I enjoyed her banter with Lucas. I love that she was his muse - especially how the muse turned out. I loved how they could help each other grief because they both lost someone close to them. I loved the memories with Eva and her grandmother. It made me miss my grandmother. I didn't want to put this book down! And I'm so glad more is coming in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended purchase for all public libraries.

Christmas Book Review: Snowfall on Haven Point

* Book 5 in the Haven Point series *

Andrea's had a couple of terrible years after her husband died and his partner wouldn't take no for an answer. Now, she's looking forward to making sure her two adorable children have a great Christmas in Haven Point.

When her friends asks her to look in on her brother since she's out of town, Andrea can't say no. Marshall is recovering from a sinister car accident that left him with a broken leg. He's not happy about being laid up or about Andrea looking in on him.

But her kindness gets to him as do her two children. They're appalled that he has no Christmas decor up, so they make decorations for them. When a blizzard forces the tow families together, sparks fly.

My Thoughts: I adore this series and I love that Andrea gets her own book. I felt terrible for her previously for all that she'd been through. Her kids are adorable. I love that they opened up to Marshall, especially Chloe. I loved that Marshall didn't want help and was grumpy about it from the beginning. I loved the banter between the two of them. As they spend more time together, I loved how they shared pieces of their lives and gave each other advice. I really liked Christopher. I liked the struggle each of them had, but I'm glad that everything worked out. Another winner for this series!

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: Purchased
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended purchase for public libraries.

Christmas Picture Book Review:Little Babymouse and the Christmas Cupcakes

While putting out the cookies for Santa, Babymouse accidentally eats them all. Now she has to come up with an alternative. Cupcakes is the obvious choice. As the cupcakes cool, disaster strikes. Babymouse's baby brother starts crying. Their mom rushes off to see what's wrong. When a dragon comes into the kitchen, Babymouse must defeat him. And of course eat some cupcakes as a reward.

My Thoughts: I LOVE Babymouse, so I was happy to see a picture book starring her. She's perfect for picture books and I really hope to see more of her in this format. I adore her imagination and how it always leads her into trouble. 

Cover Thoughts: Captures the book
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for all public libraries

Christmas Book Review: Deck the Hallways

* Book 4 in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series *

Shannon's having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, but working on the Forester House project where she's in charge of carving up a beautiful Victorian home into 10 apartments for homeless folks. The apartments will be ready just before Christmas. It's a lot of work just organizing all the workers and the volunteers.

But when a man from the bank is found on site, murdered with her father's tools, it's enough to make anyone feel like Scrooge - especially since this man could get under anyone's skin. The list of suspects grows by the minute.

Shannon knows her father isn't a murderer, but proving it will take time. Plus with the house a crime scene, it puts everyone further behind schedule. Can the house be finished and a murdered caught in time for Christmas?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I loved how the whole town pitched in to help create these apartments. It was so thoughtful and heartwarming. I loved the Santa brigade and how they came dressed to impress. I liked learning more about Shannon's father. I didn't like the romance turn in this book, but I'm glad things changed. I adored the teenage girls and their helpfulness. The moments with the baby made me tear up. Another winner in this great series; I can't wait to read more. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase for this series for your cozy collection, it's unique and entertaining.