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

Review: Accidental Beauty Queen

Charlotte's excited to spend her vacation with her twin sister, who is attempting to win a beauty pageant crown their mother once won. It's the last year that Ginny will be eligible. Charlotte can't wait to read by the pool and visit the Harry Potter Park.

When Ginny has an allergic reaction the night before the pageant begins, she begins Charlotte to take her place in the preliminary rounds. They both know that Ginny's a shoo-in for the top twenty.

Against her better judgement and against her desire, Charlotte agrees knowing how much this crown means to her sister. But she's never been the pretty one and she's never walked a runway in stilettos. They have a lot of work to do. Can they pull this off?

My Thoughts: Of course I enjoyed this book - it's a feminist take on beauty pageants starring a Children's librarian who adores Harry Potter. This book was written for me. I loved the bookish moments and the books mentioned. I loved the romance - and how that started. I loved the sisterly moments. I loved how Charlotte gained confidence and looked at herself differently because of the pageant and because of the ladies competing with her. I enjoyed their friendships and their moments together from the small talk, to rooting for each other, to helping each other. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your romance collections.