Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Thursday, December 26, 2013

The Christmas Cookie Chronicles: Raylene by Lori Wilde---A review




I certainly hope you have not been standing in customer service lines to return those thoughtful gifts that no one really wanted for a day now!   We've had some time to evaluate our Christmas holidays now and from this point forward, I think each year will reinstate our memories of happier Christmases.  At least I am gonna try to put on my happy face for Christmas next year.   
So are you ready for another fun, fast Christmas read? If so, here's the synopsis from Goodreads!

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Come join a meeting of the First Love Cookie Club!

“On Christmas Eve, if you sleep with kismet cookies under your pillow and dream of your own true love, he will be your destiny.”

It’s Christmas time at the Horny Toad Tavern, located in the heart of Twilight, TX. Elvis is on the jukebox, the lights twinkle outside…and inside, Raylene Pringle is wondering if it’s going to be another “Blue Christmas” without her true love, Earl.

But things are about to change—because ‘tis the season for unexpected romance and a surprise mother/daughter reunion…reminding Raylene that you should never disbelieve the legend of the kismet cookies!

And don’t miss The Christmas Cookie Chronicles: Christine available December 13th, from Avon Impulse and The Christmas Cookie Chronicles: Carrie on sale now.

From My Perspective:

The Christmas Cookie Chronicles: Raylene is a novella of 105 pages which reads fast!    Raylene, owner of the Horny Toad Tavern is being watched.  She can feel it.   She is desperately missing her husband Earl who walked away from their marriage a year ago.   She wants him to come home and forgive her for the big secret she had kept from him for years.

Instead, her newest waitress at the Tavern, stirs things inside of Raylene and she doesn't understand why.   She likes the girl/woman who is asking for her pay in cash, rather than giving her Social Security # out.   But the younger woman is definitely hiding something from Raylene and She just can't quite put her finger on it.

This was an enjoyable read and there were great characters and an interesting storyline to boot.

4 WINKS

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I actually purchased this Kindle book.  

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Winter Kisses by Addison Moore....A Review

Merry Christmas and Ho, Ho, Ho!!   I hope this is a merry Christmas for anyone reading this post.    For my little family, it is our first Christmas without my dear hubby and my brother, John.   Both were too young to have passed away, just this month on the 8th and the 20th.   My husband was 58 and my brother 59.   It's been a horrid month --so very sad.

I will be at my nieces house on Christmas Day to enjoy Christmas dinner at her house with her family, my brother, Jim and my mom.
My kids and I celebrated Christmas on the 21st.   We ate at HuHot, my first experience there, and then I watched as the four grandkids opened their gifts.   I wonder if I will ever enjoy this precious season again.

We'll go on with today's book review. Winter Kisses by Addison Moore.   Here's the Synopsis from Good reads:

Laney Sawyer used to believe in love and all of the trappings that happily ever after could provide until Ryder Capwell crushed her heart. 

When Laney is auctioned off as a prize at the drama department fundraiser the last person she expects to trade cold hard cash for her company is Ryder. Ryder Capwell is in love with Laney Sawyer. One year ago she walked out of his life and took the light of his world right along with her. 

Ryder would do anything to have another chance with Laney, including purchasing her for the evening courtesy of Whitney Briggs University, and he does just that. One thing leads to whiskey, which leads to a one-night stand. She thinks it’s revenge sex—he thinks its make up sex. 

Things can only go wrong from here..


From My Perspective:


Winter Kisses is one of the 12 NA's of Christmas.   I definitely need my head examined so that I can remember that NA reads are meant to be adult reads, with explicit sexual scenes or foul language.   The sexual explicitness is what qualifies this read as "adult".    However I do like Moore's writing style, so I took a chance on it.

Moore can easily develop her characters into believable beings, with hurts and pain and regrets.  And since it is a new adult read, these same characters have tremendous sex drives.   They are smoldering for each other....Ouch!  Hot! Hot! and more Hot!    The conflict exists between Laney and Rue, Ryder's mother and her little protoge', Meg, who she thinks would be a good match for Ryder.   It's a good storyline with a Christmas setting, but really doesn't have much of a Christmas theme.   With only approximately 101 pgs, this novella is a quick read.   And if you like your Christmas reads steamy, this is one you won't want to miss.

I gave this read 4 winks.

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  This was a read I purchased on my kindle.  


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry X-mas by Sheila Roberts....a review

One day before Christmas.    Will Santa be stopping by your house
tonight?   Will you be thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ this holiday season?    I don't expect the man in red to stop at my house, but I am very thankful for the birth of Christ and wish you all a Merry, Merry Christmas and a wonderfully happy New Year.    I'd love to know your New Year's resolutions as well, so leave me a comment and let me know what they are.   Mine include taking better care of myself and baking for my wonderful grandkids!

Today, I am reviewing Sheila Roberts' Merry X-Mas.   Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:

Cass Wilkes, owner of the Gingerbread Haus bakery, was looking forward to her daughter Danielle's wedding—until Dani announced that she wants her father, Cass's ex, to walk her down the aisle. Seriously? Even worse, it appears that he, his trophy wife and their yappy little dog will be staying with Cass…

Her friend Charlene Albach arrives at their weekly chick-flick night in shock. She's just seen the ghost of Christmas past: her ex-husband, Richard, who left a year ago when he ran off with the hostess from her restaurant, Zelda's. Now the hostess is history and he wants to kiss and make up. Hide the mistletoe!

And bring out the hot buttered rum, because the holidays aren't easy for Ella O'Brien, either. Ella, newly divorced, is still sharing the house with her ex while they wait for the place to sell. The love is gone. Isn't it?

But watch as Christmas brings all kinds of surprises…

Merry Ex-mas, ladies!


From My Perspective:

Merry X-Mas was a delightful read centered around the town folk in Icicle Falls, a circle of friends, most of whom are divorced and making it either happily or not so happily on their own.   The characters are well developed, reflecting both the weaknesses women have toward the men they once loved and their strengths.   The plot was believable with three different outcomes.   The humor between the covers was well played and enjoyable.

The book includes several cupcake recipes which enhances the fun romance read--all contributed by the characters in the book and the author too.    This was a "tasty" Christmas read!
4 Winks!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  This was a book I purchased.

Monday, December 23, 2013

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carson/ Review

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for horses and ponies, dogs and cats and babies.   So how could I pass up a Christmas read called The Christmas  Pony?    And how could I do anything but enjoy it?
So with that in mind, this is the Synopsis from Goodreads:

Eight-year-old Lucy Turnbull knew better than to wish for a pony that Christmas in 1937. Her mother had assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony was the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they needed at their boarding house were the paying kind. But when an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, Lucy starts to believe her Christmas wishes might just come true after all. 
The queen of the Christmas novel, Melody Carlson pens another magical tale of expectation and excitement as one little girl dreams big and the impossible becomes possible.

From My Perspective:

The Christmas Pony was a truly delightful read.   Carlson's characters were well developed and endearing.  Lucy knew they couldn't afford a pony, let alone afford to feed it.   But she prayed for one anyway.   Just as she prayed that her mama's smile would return to her sweet face.   Needing boarders for their extra rooms, Lucy prayed and  it seemed her prayers were answered.   Two extra boarders over the Christmas holidays were just what they needed to make ends meet.

The story is told by Lucy; an eight year old without a belief in Santa Claus, but a firm belief that God can and does answer prayer.  Although there are bumps along the way, Lucy's dreams are about to come true!  The innocence of a child was portrayed beautifully and I smiled from ear to ear as I read the final chapter.   It was a lovely and joyful read!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.   I purchased this book in hardback from Amazon.  

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Time For Me to Come Home by Dorothy Shackleford...a review

Good Morning my peeps!   Today's Christmas review is Dorothy Shackleford's Time For Me To Come Home.    

Goodreads Synopsis:


�It’s funny how going back can get you back to where you belong.
It’s the difference between just a melody and my favorite Christmas song.”


The fireplace is lit, the snow is falling, and sleigh bells echo in the distance—it’s Christmas, and it’s time to come home.

Thirty-five-year-old Heath Sawyer has finally made it to the big-time as a country music star. After a year full of the kind of success he could only dream of, it’s December 23, and he’s headlining a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. It’s only as the lights on the stage go down and the Christmas lights outside come on that Heath realizes there’s just one place he wants to be for the holidays: back home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

But journeying anywhere on Christmas Eve is never easy, and with flight delays, inclement weather, and the unexpected company of a feisty young woman who’s about to become his traveling companion, Heath will need a Christmas miracle to make his way home in time to open presents.

Filled with touching anecdotes inspired by the real holiday memories of Blake Shelton and Dorothy Shackelford, Time for Me to Come Home is a sweet and funny story that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and the true meaning of finding your way back home.

Sometimes the best gift on Christmas is sharing it with the ones you love.

From My Perspective:

This was a very easily read book, told in first person of the main character, Heath Sawyer.  Heath, a famous country singer heads home for Christmas.   He is amused by people recognizing him on occasion and their reactions to their recognition.   He tries to be polite, but there are those that could be stalkers in their midst.

As life often does  when you're in a hurry.Heath encounters one unbelievable mishap after another on his journey home.  In my mind's eye, Heath sounded an awful like Blake Shelton, Shackleford's son.   I could just see Blake reacting to various characters in the book and hear him speaking to them as well.   I found the characters endearing
and the story charming.   There was a great hesitation about returning home, but as great a need to be there existed.  There was a decision of the heart made by the main character that affected the secondary character as well and let's just say it was a lovely coming of awareness for Heath and Cara.

I found the story satisfying and full of hope.  4 WINKS! 

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  This was a purchased book.  

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Angels at the Table by Debbie Macomber....Review

Good Morning Peeps!   What's it like where you are at?   Here we have a threat of freezing rain, which I can do quite nicely without.  I have a tendency to fall and not land softly!

I know I've reviewed several of Debbie Macomber's Christmas stories this month and today's review is another!   As a reader, I am in awe that an author has so many unique and interesting tales to tell; where do they come up with their stories?   I feel like a dry well when I try to think up a story.   I can come up with titles, but stories, not so much.

My New Years Goal is to write the book I have always wanted to write...wish me luck in settling on an idea.....

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In this joyous and whimsical holiday novel, Debbie Macomber rings in the season with the return of Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy, delivering laughs, love, and a charming dose of angelic intervention. 
 
Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy know that an angel’s work is never done, especially during a time as wondrous as New Year’s Eve. With an apprentice angel, Will, under their wings, they descend upon Times Square in New York City eager to join in the festivities. And when Will spies two lonely strangers in the crowd, he decides midnight is the perfect time to lend a heavenly helping hand.       
 
Lucie Farrara and Aren Fairchild meet after bumping into each other—seemingly by accident—in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. They immediately hit it off and find they have a lot in common: Lucie is a burgeoning chef and Aren is a respected food critic. But just as quickly as they’re brought together, another twist of fate tears them apart, leaving Lucie and Aren with no way to reconnect. 
 
A year later, Lucie is the chef of an acclaimed new restaurant and Aren is a successful columnist for a major New York newspaper. For all the time that’s passed, the two have not forgotten their one serendipitous evening—and neither have Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and Will. To reunite the young couple, the angels cook up a brilliant plan: mix true love, a second chance, and a generous sprinkle of mischief to create an unforgettable Christmas miracle.

From My Perspective:

Angels At the Table, was a delightful read.   Macomber has a way of bringing her characters to bigger than life.
In my mind, I could see these four angels faces as they ventured against the rules to earth and peered in on NYC on New Year's Eve.    How curious they were to get to know these human creatures, created in God's own image.  Although they do not understand why the humans do what they do, they are loved by God and the angels alike.

Macombers characters are well developed, believable and lovable.   The story was endearing and the angels brought the necessary comic relief!   At 219 pages, the book is a fast read and very satisfying.   

5 WINKS!!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.   This was a purchased read.

Friday, December 20, 2013

The Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila Roberts--A Review

Happy 20th day of Christmas!   What could be better than to snuggle up with a great big yellow cat on a cold winter's day with a good book and a hot cup of marshmallowy cocoa?    Oh, I like that thought.
Today's review is of Sheila Roberts Nine lives of Christmas.   Here's the synopsis:
Two people are about to discover that when it comes to finding love, sometimes Christmas magic isn’t enough…sometimes it takes a pesky orange cat named Ambrose.When a guy is in trouble, he starts making deals with his Creator…and Ambrose the cat is no exception. In danger of losing his ninth and final life, Ambrose makes a desperate plea to the universe.  He’ll do anything—anything!—if he can just survive and enjoy a nice long, final life. His prayer is answered when a stranger comes along and saves him—and now it looks like he has to hold up his end of the bargain.

The stranger turns out to be a firefighter named Zach, who’s in need of some serious romantic help. If Ambrose can just bring Zach together with Merilee, the nice lady who works at Pet Palace, it’s bound to earn him a healthy ninth life.  Unfortunately for Ambrose, his mission is a lot harder than he ever thought.  Merriliee is way too shy to make the first move on a ladies man like Zach, and Zach thinks he’s all wrong for a nice girl like Merrilee.  Now it’s going to take all of Ambrose’s feline wiles—and maybe even a good old fashioned Christmas miracle—to make them both realize that what they’re looking for is right in front of their eyes.


From My Perspective:

This was a sweet, cheery Christmas tale about a Cat who must do something good to earn his ninth life...be it long and comfy. What exactly does Ambrose the cat have to do? What other than bring love to two individuals who together make a better couple than they are as individuals. Ambrose follows Zach home when Zach rescues him from a vicious dog in pursuit of him. He then realizes Zach is in great need of a romantic love interest and wants to pair Zach with Marilee from the pet store. It takes everything Ambrose has in his bag of tricks and a Christmas miracle to procure his ninth life and their romantic future.

It was a heartwarming story and a quick light read with several laugh out loud moments. It is certain to be a favorite Christmas Tale.   I rated this a 4 wink read!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  



Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Synopsis from Goodreads:


 WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS PERFECT?

For Cassie Beaumont, it's meeting her perfect match. Cassie, at thirty-three, wants a husband and kids, and so far, nothing's worked. Not blind dates, not the Internet and certainly not leaving love to chance.

What's left? A professional matchmaker. He's Simon Dodson, and he's very choosy about the clients he takes on. Cassie finds Simon a difficult, acerbic know-it-all, and she's astonished when he accepts her as a client.

Claiming he has her perfect mate in mind, Simon assigns her three tasks to complete before she meets him. Three tasks that are all about Christmas: being a charity bell ringer, dressing up as Santa's elf at a children's party and preparing a traditional turkey dinner for her neighbors (whom she happens to dislike). Despite a number of comical mishaps, Cassie does it all --- and she's finally ready to meet her match.

But just like the perfect Christmas gift, he turns out to be a wonderful surprise!


From My Perspective:

On this 19th day of Christmas, I'm sharing my review of Debbie Macomber's The Perfect Christmas .
We all have an opinion of what perfection is and it means a variety of things.   Some of us have lived long enough to doubt that there is such a thing as the "perfect" anything.   That would be me.   For me, a screw up at least makes the attempt at perfection memorable!

Cassie Beaumont is  an idealistic woman looking for the perfect life, which includes a husband and children and glossy family pictures sent out to friends at Christmas time.  And she's willing to pay a match-maker to find her perfect match.  She is desperate and has very high standards.    Although the professional match maker is irritating in no uncertain terms, she is willing to place her trust and her thirty thousand dollar payment in his hands.   Thankfully, I don't know anyone who has paid that kind of money for a "perfect match."   That is just not in my realm of believable.   

That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book.   I very much did.   Cassie had a brother and a best friend, both of whom added to the story.   She had "odd" neighbors, who she had not gotten to know, although they shared the building for thee years.   These characters were all very well developed and a served their purposes accordingly.   Although I found the premise of the book a bit of a reach, I enjoyed Cassie's humorous happenings as she attempted to fulfill the three tasks her professional assigned her.

Cassie, the main character, even learned a lot through her three tasks.  In the end, she was not so desperate as she had previously thought.   She made a decision and was willing to stick by it, realizing she could do just that.   Her heart had its own mind, as all hearts do.

Macomber's writing is thoughtful, fun, and relaxing.   I enjoy a good read where you can place yourself in the book and not have to solve the problems of the world....just the ones, the main character faces.   For an almost perfect Christmas read, try The Perfect Christmas on for size.   It is sweet and romantic and fun!
4.5 Winks, friends!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Call Me Mrs Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Only seven days til Christmas!!!   On this eighteenth day of Christmas, I bring you a review of Debbie Macomber's           Call Me Mrs Miracle. 

Let's start with the book 's SYNOPSIS:

(From Goodreads):  This Christmas, Emily Merkle (call her Mrs. Miracle!) is working in the toy department at Finley's, the last family-owned department store in New York City. And her boss is none other than…Jake Finley, the owner's son.For Jake, holiday memories of brightly wrapped gifts, decorated trees and family were destroyed in a Christmas Eve tragedy years before. Now Christmas means just one thing to him—and to his father. Profit. Because they need a Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat.

Holly Larson needs a miracle, too. She wants to give her eight-year-old nephew, Gabe, the holiday he deserves. Holly's widowed brother is in the army and won't be home for Christmas, but at least she can get Gabe that toy robot from Finley's, the one gift he desperately wants. If she can figure out how to afford it…

Fortunately, it's Mrs. Miracle to the rescue. Next to making children happy, she likes nothing better than helping others—and that includes doing a bit of matchmaking!

This Christmas will be different. For all of them.


From My Perspective:

This was a warm and fuzzy read from Ms Macomber, filled with wonder and delight for the reader.   Characters were well developed, storyline went along smoothly and lent itself well to the compassion of the Christmas season.   The magic of Christmas was certainly brought to light in this very sweet romantic tale.  If I say much more, I could ruin the reading for you, but suffice it to say, I'm looking for a copy of Mrs. Miracle, book one and I'm not going to view the movie until I've read it.

Debbie Macomber has a way of writing the absolute best and most wholesome romantic Christmas tales.   And that is just right up this reader's Alley!

4 Winks!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I did happen to purchase this book for my private collection!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Enchanted, A Merry Nicholas Tale by Patti Berg----REVIEW

On the 17th day of Christmas, I give you this review:

Synopsis:

WITH A LITTLE TOUCH OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC, TWO HEARTS CAN FALL IN LOVE

A Christmas story for those who believe when love is involved, anything is possible. Mac O'Brien is wealthy and powerful - but since the death of his father, the magic has gone out of his life. So he makes a wish for happiness, and Merry Nicholas, his new housekeeper, breezes into his world.

Merry, with twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and snow-white hair, reminds Mac of Mrs. Claus, and when she pulls knitting needles from her candy cane-striped carpetbag, she weaves an enchanted spell around Mac, leading him to happiness, and to the woman he's destined to love.

 

From My Perspective:

What a delightful read!   This is one of my favorite Christmas reads of the year!  We can all use a little help from a friend now and then and Mac finds his help in the form of housekeeper, Merry Nicholas.  He finds his life all twisted and out of control as he falls hopelessly in love with a girl 18 years his junior and who he loved many years previously.    The problem, they fight like cats and dogs and no one wants to compromise, lose the power, give in or cave to the other.   And the struggle commences!   A former love is complication to be dealt with, and grandmother's advice to Kathleen  could tear the couple apart unless Mac searches his heart for the right solution.   Highly romantic and very much a feel good read as Patti Berg brought this romantic tale to a conclusion, I very much recommend this Christmas read!    4 WINKS!

 

 

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  

Monday, December 16, 2013

Forever Christmas by ChristineLynxwiler....Review

 On the 16th day of Christmas, I brought you this review:

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Kristianna Harrington always dreamed of a Christmas wedding. But after two broken engagements, she's content to forget romance and run her Christmas shop in Jingle Bells, Arkansas. She thinks her biggest fear is making it down the aisle as maid of honor in her best friend's Christmas wedding, with at least one ex-fiancé looking on. But when her beloved Jingle Bells is threatened, Kristianna struggles to sort through her jumbled feelings concerning the handsome lawyer hired to change the town name and her childhood sweetheart who has returned just in time to come to her aid. Will her heart discover the truth before both her town and her Christmas spirit is extinguished?

From My Perspective:

 I love to read Christmas stories and truly, I could listen to Christmas music all year round!  But hey, that's just me and who I am.  I am sure I would fit right in with the town of Jingle Bells, Arkansas.

So reading Christine Lynxwiller's, Forever Christmas, was right up my snowy little alley!   The premise of  changing the town's name in order to provide jobs for the town's survival was original and interesting.  From either side of the ensuing arguments, the reader could empathize and understand the opinions that divided the town.   Characters were well developed, with one in particular having a lot of surprises to reveal to all involved.   It was a very clever story and a nice read, portraying small town life during a struggling economy.
Could they survive a devisive situation and come to some kind of an agreement that would save them?   And would Kristianna overcome her reputation as a runaway bride?

This story was charming and sweet with a bit of a fairytale ending.   Sometimes, the hardest things we live through are the things that we look back and smile on, realizing that the struggles shape and make us who we are!   I'm giving this sweet tale,  4 Winks!!!   Try it for yourself and then smile.  Jingle Bells, Arkansas, where Christmas is in the heart all year round!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. 

Sunday, December 15, 2013

The Happiest Season by Rosemarie Naramore.....Review

 On the fifteenth day of Christmas I bring you this review:::

 Synopsis from GoodReads:

Christmas time may be the happiest season of all, but Maggie Dulane and her small son Rickey equate it with loss. Maggie’s husband was killed during the holidays two years before, leaving her to raise her little boy on her own.

Losing his father during the Christmas season has caused five-year-old Rickey to lose faith in Santa Claus—but the bright little boy has managed to retain his faith in God. He prays to Him each night to send him a daddy.

When the small family begins receiving unexpected visitors at Christmas time that cause all sorts of unwanted complications, Police Officer John comes to the rescue. The handsome officer is truly a godsend.

Has God answered Rickey’s prayers? He thinks so. But can he convince his uncertain mother that God has a plan for all of them?


From my Perspective:

Well I liked this Christmas read.   It was quick, quirky and sweet; a book right up my alley.   The characters were well developed and believable.   Maggie, a widow, left to raise her son Rickey alone and John, the police officer who rescue them from visiting nativity members were both hurting and neither of them looking for a relationship.   Of course Rickey had other ideas.   Naramore took a simple plot and wove a sweet romantic  christian read.   And a little child shall lead them.    4Winks, quite enjoyable, warm and fuzzy!   


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins....Review

On this the 14th day of Christmas, I'm sharing my review of The Christmas Star by Ace Collins!   I hope you enjoy the review as much as I enjoyed the book!

 

Synopsis from GoodReads:

 Robert Reed gave his life for his country in the early days of World War II. His sacrifice was honored when his widow and son were presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Each Christmas the final decoration Madge Reed hangs on the family s tree is that medal. Rather than being a symbol of honor for young Jimmy Reed that shining star represents loss, pain, and suffering. Yet a letter delivered by one of Robert s fellow soldiers and a mystery posed in that letter put a father s sacrifice and faith into perspective and bring new meaning to not just the star hanging on the Christmas tree but the events of the very first Christmas. Then, when least expected, a Christmas miracle turns a final bit of holiday sadness into a joy that Jimmy has never known.

From My Perspective:

I adored this Christmas story and I learned the history behind some holiday traditions and songs as well.
Character development and storyline were excellent elements of this faith building, heart warming story.  Young  Jimmy Reed had really lost his faith due to the loss of his father, but this Christmas season, he  shared  some eye opening revelations with a little help from his friends.  But would it be enough for Jimmy to open his eyes as well as his heart?

I realize it is very difficult to write a Christian themed book and balancing the Christian aspects without the reader being offended and feeling like those aspects are being crammed down the reader's throats.     I  feel that Ace Collins achieved that precarious balance with his writing of The Christmas Star.   Those Christian aspects were indeed crucial to the story created, as Jimmy had been brought up in a home filled with faith.   Sometimes as with Jimmy's story, it's hard to hold onto that faith when something as big as losing your dad to a war occurs.   And sometimes it takes a culmination of Christmas miracles to rebuild the hidden faith we still keep in our wounded hearts.    This is a very well written book and it touched my heart deeply.

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this book.  

Friday, December 13, 2013

Diary of a Mall Santa by Stewart Scott....review





On the thirteenth day of Christmas,  I am honored to share my review of Diary of a Mall Santa!  Ho!  Ho! Ho!   Have you visited with Santa this year?


Book Description:  Santa entertains us with his favorite "tales from the front." Each vignette recounts a real life moment with children or adults during the days leading up to Christmas. Some stories are tender and heartwarming; some are funny; some are a bit caustic and irreverent, others are heartbreaking -- yet all are true.
These stories are for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other adults. However, by sharing them with children, you risk tarnishing the luster of the Santa experience.
And remember, Santa IS watching you.

From my Perspective:  At 130 pages, this was a fast reading book and a pleasure to read.   It definitely reminds us what the real reason for the season is and how one particular Santa perceives and receives his guests those precious and ever busy days prior to Christmas.   It was definitely  a reminder of many philosophies, like don't force your babies to sit on Santa's lap if they are frightened and not rewarding bad behavior with treats in exchange for behaving well, or smiling for the camera.    I have a whole new perspective now about Santa and his duties and how I may be perceived as a Grandmother taking my little darlings to see him.    It's a two way street there and my worries about Christmas and the holiday frenzy would be best buried for a visit to the man in red!....A Charming read.

      3 WINKS!!!                                           


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based
 on  my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Secret Santa by Kathleen Brooks.....a review

On the twelfth day of Christmas, this review is brought to you......

Synopsis:

 
It wouldn't be Christmas in Keeneston without a party! Everyone's invited, even Santa…
Kenna's court docket is full, Dani's hiding from her in-laws, Paige and Annie are about to burst from pregnancy, and Marshall is breaking up fights at the PTA Christmas Concert. The sweet potato casserole is made, the ham and biscuits are on the table, and men are losing their shirts - and not because of bets placed with the Rose Sisters! All the while, the entire town is wondering one thing: who is the Secret Santa that showed up with special gifts for everyone?



From My Perspective:

Ho! Ho! Ho!   The entire town of Keeneston, Kentucky is ready for THE annual Christmas Party; this year to be held at Southern Charms.   This is a short Christmas Novella, full of fun and quirky people who populate a small town.   Everyone knows everyone and everyone knows everything about you.   And everyone cares about their neighbors in this town.    This is a town where life happens!

The rose sisters are in charge of planning the annual party where everyone has been invited, except for the Santa who shows up in full Santa garb.    He may be familiar, but the Rose sisters don't know who he is, but it's clear he is prepared with a bagful of Christmas gifts!   And he is seemingly able to provide the kind of gifts that people dare to ask for at the last minute.    Me thinks there may be some magic in the air!

It's fast paced, you meet a lot of town characters, and somehow you feel charmed by them all...especially the Secret Santa!    A charming Christmas tale which encouraged me to look into the author's other writings in her Bluegrass  Series.     I rated this fun and charming read as 4 winks!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury...a Review

There is just nothing better than a visit to the local library.   We have a library just a few blocks from the house and I adore it.   The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and I couldn't be happier with them.   I know how to check out kindle reads and real books too and I'm liking my on line visits.

Today I'm reviewing my first ever read of Karen Kingsbury, The Bridge.   Here is the Goodreads Synopsis:

Number one New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury delivers an instant classic with this heartwarming Christmas story about a hundred-year flood, lost love, and the beauty of enduring friendships. Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man she walked away from five years ago. They had a rare sort of love she hasn’t found since.

Ryan Kelly lives in Nashville after a broken engagement and several years on the road touring with a country music duo. He can still hear Molly’s voice encouraging him to follow his dreams; Molly, whose memory stays with him. At least he can visit The Bridge—the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin—and remember the hours he and Molly once spent there.

For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books—even through dismal book sales and the rise of digital books. Then in May, the hundred-year flood swept through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store.

Now the bank is pulling the lease on The Bridge. Despondent and without answers, Charlie considers the unthinkable. Then tragedy strikes, and suddenly, everything changes. In the face of desperate brokenness and lost opportunities, could the miracle of a second chance actually unfold?

The Bridge is a love story set against the struggle of the American bookstore, a love story you will never forget.


From My Perspective:

I really enjoyed reading The Bridge and quickly became deeply involved with the characters.   The love story between Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly was sweet and frought with misunderstanding  and misinterpretation.   That in part was due to their young ages.   Charlie and Donna Barton had an excellent relationship as she always looked up to him and he provided for her with care and optimism.  Charlie was  quiet and generous to a fault.  But as life sometimes does, he was dealt the first blow by the hundred year flood and then dealt disappointment after disappointment with the refinancing rejections.  

I loved how Charlie had come up with the name of the bookstore..The Bridge.   The books would be the bridge from the past to the present and from the present to the future.   The Bridge was Charlie's bridge from the pain of the past to the hope of the future.   His customers had been faithful and loyal and when the future looked dark, friends of Charlie and the Bridge came forward to help him get back on track, proof positive that Charlie and the Bridge were important to the town and customers past and future.    THIS WAS THE TRUE LOVE STORY.  A love story between kindness and books.   What an awesome concept.

For those of us who love to read, to escape into different worlds and experiences, The Bridge is a book we can relate to.   This was an excellent read in my humble opinion and I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  This was a library book I checked out.


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Frosted Midnight by Breena Wilde.....Review

As I write this post, I am very tired.  I spent most of the day at the hospital with my husband who is in critical condition.   He has had four episodes now where he goes into a coma and is hospitalized until he recovers with no certain diagnosis or prognosis.    This is the fourth episode in five years and it is scarier everytime it happens than the time before.    2 yrs ago, the last even occurred and we prayed him well.   I know people who pray and God heard our prayers.  When he came home from the last admission, he told me he suffers enough pain that he can not imagine living much longer.   He told me he didn't want to be admitted again and he didn't want revived.   I am now his voice.   I don't want to make this decision for him, but I will since he voiced his desires to me.  I am tired and I fear this review of Frosted Midnight may be colored by life's happenings here on the homefront.

Here is the Goodreads Synopsis:
Frosted Midnight is proud to be a part of The 12 NA's of Christmas
12 New Adult Novellas. 
12 Bestselling Authors. 
November 2013

***********

Willow needs a miracle...

Twenty-year-old Willow is a librarian in the tourist town of Bandon, Oregon. During the summer the town is bursting with interesting people from all over the world. 

Two summers ago she met Austin. He was everything she ever wanted in a man: smart, funny, and gorgeous. But after eight perfect weeks he left, and she hasn't heard from him since. 

Until Christmas Eve. She receives an email from Austin asking her to meet him at midnight so he can explain. 

It might be a booty call, but Willow has to see him one last time, even if it's just to say good-bye.



From My Perspective:

Frosted Midnight is a romance story set against a Christmas time frame.   The story itself really had very little to do with Christmas.    The novella was 110 pages long in the paperback version.  Breena's writing is fluent and comfortable to read.   Being New Adult, I expected graphic sexual scenes and they certainly leaped out of the pages.   The story however, was not one of depth and the characters were also not real well developed.

For a fast read it qualified.    From a Christmas story, it disappointed.    For a romance, I enjoyed it.    From a sexually explicit standpoint and foul language, this reader did not enjoy it.   I've rated the story a 3 WINK read.


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.   This was a book I purchased.