Christmas in July: Christmas Cards

It's time for the crafting to start...

I have a lot of cards to make, so I need to start early.

Christmas Book Review: My New Crush Gave to Me

Charlotte Charlie Donovan knows exactly what she wants for Christmas: Teo Ortiz. He's the school's star athlete, in the National Honor Society, invited to every party, contributes to the school paper (where Charlie is co-editor), and is about to be featured as One to Watch in a teen magazine basically, he's exactly the type of guy Charlie s meant to be with. The only problem he barely knows she exists.

But Charlie is determined to be Teo's date to the Christmas ball. And she has a plan: To rig the paper's Secret Santa so that she can win his heart with five perfect gifts. But to do that she needs help. Enter J.D. Ortiz Teo s cousin, and possibly the most annoying person on the planet. He's easy going, laid back, unorganized, spontaneous, and makes a joke out of everything the exact opposite of Charlie (and Teo). But he's willing to provide insight into what Teo wants, so she s stuck with him.

Yet, the more time Charlie spends with J.D., the more she starts to wonder: Does she really know what, or rather who, she wants for Christmas? - book summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - but I did love all the relationships. I wasn't quite sure why Charlie liked Teo so much. I liked the moments between Charlie and J.D. - they were like oil and water. I enjoyed the fact that Teo loved the 80s so much. The Christmas moments were funny - the dressing up, the caroling, the sweaters. I loved the moments between Charlie and her mother. I loved the moments between J.D. and Morgan - that when I liked J.D. There were some really cute moments here. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - love the sweater

Source: My Library

Hand this book to: readers of Hallmark movies

Library Recommendation: A fun Christmas read for teens

Christmas Book Review: Christmas Sweater Weather

Charlotte has loved her brother's best friend for as long as she can remember. But after they kissed one night, he pushed her away saying it was a mistake. They haven't been alone since. 

On the way to her brother's wedding party, she gets into an accident. Hayden is the only one not at the resort - therefore he's picking her up. They have plenty of time to talk. Due to her injuries, Charlotte isn't skiing. 

Hayden decides to keep her company. They're even paired together for the Christmas Games the resort is hosting. They more time they spend together, the more they catch up in each other's lives. Hayden knows it's only a matter of time before Charlotte realizes he has feelings for her. Will their chemistry ignite over this weekend?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. Most of it takes place during one weekend. The wedding party weekend was really fun: from the games to the secret between the bride to be and Charlotte's brother and to the friendship moments. The chemistry between Charlotte and Haydon heated up nicely during their alone time. The prepping for the job moments were the best. I loved when Hayden asked Charlotte to make a list of reasons why should she get the job. When she was blanking on her good qualities, he started making the list. That was such a powerful and sweet moment. It made my heart melt. I felt badly for Charlotte when she interviewed for a job, knowing that everyone else wanted the other person for the job. But I admired how she handled it. I enjoyed learning about Hayden's family - from his little girl to the woman who gave her up. I love how everything turned out. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read it: I really enjoyed the author's previous book: Snowed In for Christmas 

Library Recommendation: A fantastic Christmas romance for your library's collection

Christmas in July: Home for the Holidays

Three sisters open a letter from their estranged aunt asking them to come visit her for Christmas. They used to spend magical moments at Juniper Inn. The letter came at time in their lives where they need each other and a distraction.

Dahlia will be alone for Christmas as her ex-husband and his girlfriend are taking the children to Paris. Magnolia and her husband are having trouble conceiving and fought about it. Magnolia's not sure they can come back from the hurtful things that were said. Rose is engaged, but her mother-in-law to be is a high society woman who bulldozes over her son and has many expectations. Rose is afraid that she will lose herself in the marriage. 

Could a Christmas together help the sisters move forward in their lives?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book; I didn't want it to end. I love how the sisters reconnected and remembered their childhood memories. There were sweet and funny moments. I couldn't help but root for the three sisters and their aunt. I love how everything worked out and I'm really happy there's another book (already out) to read. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: Gifted

Sequel:

Christmas in July: Christmas Orphans Club

Hannah and Finn spend every Christmas together - and they have since college. Neither of them have great family lives. But times are changing, and they are growing up. New people are entering the mix. Finn and Hannah have had a falling out, but they've mended things a little bit. Finn is moving to New York and Hannah is scared this will be their last Christmas together. She'll do anything to make it happen.

My Thoughts: A friendship and drama story about finding yourself, growing up, and found family. I liked the way the timeline in the book changes and reveals moments in their friendship. This was a fun story to read. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Recommended for your collection. 

 

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 

Picture Book Wednesday: Christmas in July

Just a few Christmas books from last year's library haul

Bunny wants the perfect tree - so she asks her friends for their input. Each friend has a different idea of what makes the perfect tree.

Bunny finds the perfect tree and it's magical. A sweet story about friendship, perfection, and the environment. 

Strum and Drum are on a quest. But not everyone is happy with them.

This is a fun story - with a giant twist at the end that made me want to read the book again immediately. 

An owl is stuck in the tree that's delivered to Rockerfeller Center - and needs help to get better.

This was an adorable story - and based on true events.  It's sweet to imagine animals sharing stories of Christmas.

When an elf is in trouble - thinking about her future, she turns to Santa Claus. But discovers the truth about Mrs. Claus by accident. 

I loved this one - from the message about tradition to doing what you love. I loved the author's note that talks about her inspiration for the story. 

Ty is so happy that it snowed. He wants to go to the North Pole - so everyone bundles up.  But will he see Santa?

A sweet imaginative story about the excitement of Christmas and all the possibilities! I love this series - and the fun illustrations that are half real and half drawings.

A sweet story sharing the bookish Christmas Eve tradition from Iceland.

Who wouldn't want to spend the night reading with cozy blankets and hot chocolate? I love this idea; it's the perfect subject for a book. The illustrations are charming. I love all the bookish details. And the quote - "Reading is Magic when you have the right book" is perfection.

In My Shop

Just a few new items in my shop for those who enjoy Christmas in July

Reindeer Ornament

Red Truck with Tree Ornament 

Christmas Soap

And just a few new cards:

@yabooknerdlibrarian Christmas in July! New cards in my Etsy shop. Single cards but some can be made as a set. Link in the bio! #christmasinJuly #christmascards #etsyshop #smallbusiness #crafttok #smallbusinesstok #cardmaking ♬ Jingle Bell Rock - Christmas Songs

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 Book Review: The Christmas Escape

 

Christy planned the perfect Christmas vacation for her family and her best friend - but this time, things don't go according to plan. Christy's life is made up of schedules and organized moments. But when Christy notices something is off with her husband, she's determined to fix it.

She asks her best friend to take her daughter on the vacation. Christy and her husband will join Alix as soon as they can.

Alix isn't sure she's the best person for the job. She doesn't know how to parent a child, especially this close to Christmas. Plus she wants to heal the rift between her and Christy. Alix let her own fears about relationships bubble to the surface right before her best friend's wedding. There are some words you can't take back.

Can this Christmas vacation heal both a friendship and a marriage?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story - it made me want to travel to Lapland. Lots of winter moments, hot chocolate drinking, and sleigh rides. Lots of feelings in this one as friendships and relationships are examined. I love the idea of chosen family and how friends do make the best families. I enjoyed Christy learning to let go of schedules and Alix learn to let people in. This would make a great Hallmark Channel movie (or Nexflix - I'm not picky)

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Netgalley Review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library Christmas 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 in July

 

Next week I'm starting Christmas in July - everything will be Christmas themed for the next week.

Christmas is my favorite time of year.

I'll be talking about books, new items in my Etsy shop, and some December Wishes.

Stay tuned for all the fun! 

Christmas in July: Unicorn Christmas Books

 

It's Christmas in July here at YA Book Nerd.

Because of the pandemic, last year's Christmas book order at the library took longer to come in.  So I didn't get the chance to take them home and read them first like usual. And thus didn't get my picture book Christmas fix. But now I've gotten a chance to read them and wanted to share some of my favorites. Stay tuned all month long for new to me picture books.

 

It's time for some Unicorn Christmas Books

Christmas is looking bleak. Everyone's cranky and tired. Until someone magical appears. The Christmas unicorn helps put everyone's spirits back to rights.

If you're a unicorn lover, this book blend the North Pole activities with a special wish for Christmas. 

With Christmas on the brink of being canceled - what can Little Unicorn do to help in the 10 minutes before bed?

A fun story about magic, Christmas wishes, and lending a hand.

The twelve days of Christmas for one little girl and her unicorn.

Delightful. This counting story shares traditions of Christmas with a unicorn twist.

In My Shop: Christmas in July

 

There are a few new additions in my shop because of Christmas in July.

And there are some old favorites back.

If you're a Christmas in July person, give them a look (and maybe a favorite).

Mini Ornaments:

Wooden Ornaments:

Reindeer Ornament:

Snowflake Ornament:

Rustic Ornament:

I love Christmas trees and finding new ornaments to add to the tree. I love how each ornament has a story behind it. I hope that you like these as much as I like making them.

Christmas in July: Christmas Animal Books (2)

 

It's Christmas in July here at YA Book Nerd.

Because of the pandemic, last year's Christmas book order at the library took longer to come in.  So I didn't get the chance to take them home and read them first like usual. And thus didn't get my picture book Christmas fix. But now I've gotten a chance to read them and wanted to share some of my favorites. Stay tuned all month long for new to me picture books.

 

When a family leaves their home for the holidays, a frog jumps at the chance to make it his home. But he's not alone. Other animals arrive looking for a cozy place to stay.

This is a funny and charming story with playful animals and a smart little girl. I loved that this book started with a photograph and a what if...

Milo and his family attend the Christmas parade every year - mostly for the food. But not Milo. He loves the parade and the floats and everything Christmas. He's determined to be in the parade next year and works super hard to make it happen.

A funny story about opossums, teamwork, and a big dream.

Mistletoe loves Christmas and wants to share her joy with her best friend. Unfortunately Norwell doesn't like the cold. He likes to be in front of the fire. But Mistletoe has an idea...

A cute story about friendship, giving, and being together.