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)

Watch That, Read This (1)

 

A new blog post series here on the blog.

This one features Hallmark movies and romance books - both favorites of mine.

Some of the movies are older, but I really enjoyed them.

 

 

 

 

Have you seen any of these movies or read any of these books?

Holiday Book Review: Jingle All The Way

 

Everly works too hard and too long. She has a hard time leaving the office. When her assistant flakes out again - Everly determined to fire her. Unfortunately her assistant is her business partner's niece. He takes his family's side, saying the Everly needs a break.

Jack forces Everly to take the month of December off. He has his niece book her a cruise. Instead of booking a luxury cruise, she books a cruise down the Amazon for revenge. At first, Everly is appalled. There's no internet connection aboard ship. There's no swimming pool. She's the only single person. She doesn't have the right clothing. It's a nightmare.

To make matters worse, she has a nasty reaction to a bug bite - leaving her sick as a dog. Luckily, a crew member is taking good care of her. The more she talks to Asher, the more she realizes how  consumed she has become by work. She didn't even go home for Christmas last year.  Asher makes her rethink her priorities. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book; it's not your typical setting. I like that it was inspired by the author's travels and the people she met along the way. The trip down the Amazon sounds intriguing. I felt badly for Daisy and all the mishaps that happened to her on the trip. It was sneaky of her assistant, but it turned out to be the right thing. I loved her talks with Asher. I loved the second part of the book on the farm with her family. It sounded sweet. Another heartwarming Christmas story from this author.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - but there is no dog in this book

Source: Highly recommended for your public library's romance collection. It's not Christmas without a romance from Debbie Macomber. 

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.

Review: Cottage by the Sea

After a family tragedy, Annie's life comes to a screeching halt. Unsure of what to do with her life, she returns to a seaside vacation village from her childhood. After she sleeps through the night, she realizes that this place could heal her.

Quickly, she finds a job and moves into the cottage her family used to rent. Annie's hoping to find herself again and to get her life back on track. But what she doesn't imagine is finding herself a whole new family.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story and I loved the seaside community. I loved Annie's relationship with Keaton. My heart ached for him and his family life. I just wanted to give him a great big hug. I really loved Mellie's character - I would have liked to learn more about her past. I enjoyed her banter with Annie. While this book tackles healing of all sorts - from several different types of abuse, it's a hopeful peaceful read.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Debbie Macomber should be an auto-buy author for libraries.

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!

Review: Any Dream Will Do

I just reviewed Debbie Macomber's new book over at Fresh Fiction (I just joined their team).

  Check out my review! 

Review: If Not For You

Beth moved to Oregon to leave her sheltered life behind and to be closer to her aunt. She loves her new job as a music teacher and bonds with her co-workers. One of her friends sets her up on a blind date.

One look at Sam and Beth knows he's not the kind of man her mother would approve of. Secure in the knowledge that neither of them are interested in each other, they end the date as quickly as possible.

But on the way home, Beth's in a terrible car accident. Sam's at the scene and holds her hand as they wait for help. In that one moment, everything seems different.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one - how the accident changed the course of their relationship. I really like how Beth struck out on her home and stood up to her overbearing mother. I really enjoyed Beth's father. I liked the slow burn of Sam and Beth - although they both made some terrible assumptions and decisions. Another sweet romance from Debbie Macomber. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Christmas Book Review: Twelve Days of Christmas

Julia can't figure out why her neighbor Cain is so grumpy. But when he steals her newspaper right in front of her, she realizes that she must do something!  While complaining to her best friend, her friend suggests that she kill him with kindness and blog about it for her potential job promotion.  She starts small by bringing up his newspaper in the morning, buying him a cup of coffee, and always giving him a great big smile.

At first, it doesn't appear to be working, but cracks appear in his grumpiness, especially after she accuses him of stalking her. He begins to count on her cheerful mornings, more than he would like.

Can Julia bring a new outlook to Cain just in time for the holidays?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. Julia and Cain had wonderful moments together with great banter playing off her cheerfulness and his grumpiness. I like how annoyed he appeared to be with her but at the same time couldn't stop thinking about her. I love how Julia wanted to do good in the world - and volunteered for various organizations. I like how their feelings started to change towards each other. I really enjoyed Cain's grandfather. I love the turning point of the book, when both the characters ended up sick and the outcome. If you're looking for a Christmas romance, this one is perfectly wonderful.

The Message: With all Julia's do gooding and reading this right around the election, this book made me think about becoming more active and doing more things for the community.

Cover Thoughts: Charming, but doesn't really match the book
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must purchase for public libraries; it's not the Christmas Season without a holiday story from Debbie Macomber!

Christmas Book Review: Dashing Through the Snow

Ashley Davison wasn't planning on going home for Christmas. Then her boss had a change of heart and gave her a couple days off. Now she's desperately trying to get a flight home - only there's a problem buying a ticket.

The man behind her needs to get to Seattle for a job interview before Christmas. Circumstances lead to them sharing a rented car and driving up together.

They get off to a rocky start with insults, banter, and misunderstandings. As the day progresses, they realize that the tension between them might be something more. Can they reach Seattle in time for Christmas without killing each other?

My Thoughts: What a way to start off reading Christmas romances this year. This book was different than expected with the fun twist giving it a more action feeling. I liked the banter between Ashley and Dash - they both made me laugh. I loved the road trip and watching the characters stop along the way. Of course I loved Little Blade. The puppy added humor to the story, showing a soft side in each of the main characters.  Even though the timing of the book took place in such a short time, for the most part it worked. I could have used another few pages on the ending though, I felt that everything wrapped up way to quickly. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: This will be a Christmas movie this year on the Hallmark channel (So looking forward to it)

Final Thoughts: It's not the Christmas season without a new Debbie Macomber book.

On My Hold List (98)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold. 

Princess Diaries series: I'm going to re-read all of them before the Royal Wedding (Which I'm SUPER lucky to have a copy)

Last One Home: I love Debbie Macomber books, I'm excited about this new stand-alone featuring sisters.

At the Drop of a Hat: I love this mystery series featuring two cousins in London who own a hat shop. I can't wait to see what trouble they get into next.

My Secret Guide to Paris: a scavenger hunt across Paris

Books I'm Dying To Read: March edition

Here are the books I'm looking forward to reading come March. It's a new year full of fabulous possibilities! 

 

World Within: All about Emily Bronte...

We All Looked Up: When an asteroid threatens the entire planet - do you hold on to your dreams of the future or do you live in the present? 

Start of Me and You: I LOVED Open Road Summer and can't wait for this sophomore book.

Liars Inc: What begins as a cover story ends in murder - unraveling the clues might be hard when they're pointed in your direction

Conspiracy of Princes: A sequel where a prince must play games to keep his throne and his head

Wrong Side of Right: What do you do when you're about to meet your father for the first time and realize he's the man running for President?

Weightless: When a video goes viral it turns one girl from superior to outcast.

Wicked Charms: Love this series - happy there are more books!

Orphan Queen: Princess * Spy * Threat - she's all three and she wants revenge

Death Marked: I just finished the first book and I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing what happens next. 

Lost Boy: An accident sends a kid to search for his father

Flunked: New twisted fairy tale series - can a villain turn to the good side?

Every Little Kiss: 2nd book featuring a sister who need to relax

This Heart of Mine: I love this series and I'm curious to see where this story will go

Last One Home: Three sisters attempt to repair old wounds 

Storyspinner: Murder, politics, and a little romance

Vanishing Girls: A thriller about sisters

NYPD Red 3: I'm addicted to this thrilling series

Killer Gourmet: I love Savannah Reid and can't wait to see where her and Dirk are going next.