There is something about books with the setting of a Christmas tree farm that brings to mind a real sense of Christmas spirit that I enjoy, and I founThere is something about books with the setting of a Christmas tree farm that brings to mind a real sense of Christmas spirit that I enjoy, and I found this book hard to put down and was a quick read. This story has some real family struggles with underlying and unresolved issues that are brought out when Madison returns from a five-year contract teaching in Mongolia after hearing how the area was hit hard by wildfire. Her sister Addie has stayed at the farm helping her dad and grandmother for the time period but now both are dead, and Addie is overwhelmed and honestly, quite ugly and childish acting towards Madison. She has given up working the farm, so Madison works to revive the farm by replanting trees and opening it for Christmas tree sales against Addie's wishes. I was not a fan of Addie especially when Gavin, an old high school crush of Madison's, and Lily, his daughter, get close to Madison and Addie is jealous. But this story ultimately is about forgiveness, healing, grace, love, and faith tied in with the spirit of Christmas as more family members join together to celebrate the holidays. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts....more
This is a delightful and emotional Christmas story that takes place on Jekyll Island, Georgia at the Jekyll Island Club, a place where wealthy people This is a delightful and emotional Christmas story that takes place on Jekyll Island, Georgia at the Jekyll Island Club, a place where wealthy people vacation. Sophie had to flee Poland and is working as a nanny but is always searching for her sister who left Poland to sell some of the family's artwork. A painting at the club holds the secret to her sister. Quick and sweet read and maybe a chance of romance and answers. ...more
I have read and enjoyed Books 1 and 4 in Kate Hamilton Mysteries series and plan to go back and read the second and third ones. This Christmas novellaI have read and enjoyed Books 1 and 4 in Kate Hamilton Mysteries series and plan to go back and read the second and third ones. This Christmas novella was easy to follow since I have read two of the stories. Kate, who works in an antiques shop, and Tom, a detective inspector, are about to get married on Christmas Eve. Family and friends from the US and other countries are heading to the UK. But trouble happens to a friend, and she disappears a few days before. She may have been taken because of a very special coin and official letter. So, Kate and Tom work to find her but they really are pushed with the wedding and honeymoon coming up and it makes the time even busier. I like the small Suffolk village setting, especially at Christmas, the interesting and likable characters, history, and always enjoy the mystery that Kate and Tom get involved in. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only....more
This is a collection of sweet Amish novellas that take place around Christmas and make a great holiday read. The first one is Christmas Eve Baby and taThis is a collection of sweet Amish novellas that take place around Christmas and make a great holiday read. The first one is Christmas Eve Baby and takes place at the Shadow Lake Inn, the setting for the Shadow Lake series, where we visit with the three King sisters, their families and friends again and meet some new ones. A special Christmas Eve surprise baby is born there for a special blessing. There is also romance in the air that is festive and fun, especially in the snowy Christmas time. I enjoyed this story the best. The second story is Best Christmas Program Eve, and this is a visit back to the Green Valley Farmer's Market with new characters. This is a story of healing of grief and pain during the Christmas season that ends in the making of a new family. Sweet, lovely story. The third story is a new to me author and series, Loving Luke. This story is different from other Amish stories that I have read but is a nice read. The novella is a story about a mail order groom and what is the common thread between the characters is that they are victims of abuse. Touching holiday read about a new family with the hope of another new one, during the holiday season. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions....more
Anyone who has read SMW's books know that her characters may pop up in different books and different series. Logan Thorne makes an appearance in diffeAnyone who has read SMW's books know that her characters may pop up in different books and different series. Logan Thorne makes an appearance in different books, but he pops back into his hometown in this Christmas themed novella. Logan is a former SEAL who was captured by the Taliban during the Afghani war, was rescued, but has been living off the grid for three years. He just wants a visit home at Christmas to see his girl and his mom's grave. See his hometown, torn by tornados two years ago. But he cannot stay. The is a story of miracles, joy, hope, faith, and light in the storms of life. Against all odds. The wonder of the Savior's love. I received a copy as a gift from the author....more
What a delightful return to the Sea Glass Inn set on the coast in California! This is a fun, sweet story set during the Christmas season. We get to seWhat a delightful return to the Sea Glass Inn set on the coast in California! This is a fun, sweet story set during the Christmas season. We get to see characters from the other stories in the series, but this is Trace's story. She has worked at the concierge desk at the inn for over ten years. She has a strong work ethic and always looks after guests. But she is a little down because she is approaching a milestone birthday, actually she and Jesus have the same birthday, and her divorced parents live across the country in Florida. She is feeling unloved and taken for granted by her co-workers. Then, the most gorgeous man is standing next to the check-in desk. She and Noah do get acquainted and even pretend to be dating to get one of the guys to quite teasing Trace. Noah is staying for a few weeks at the inn while working a project nearby. As they get acquainted, they find that they really do like each other. This is such a cute, funny, and sweet Christmas romance with a few bumps along the way. Noah is a swoon worthy character, and all characters seem so real and are likable. On a side note, someone is stealing items from the inn. Unusual items. What is going on there? And Trace has a decision to make concerning a job offer. Lovely ending that will have you smiling. I always enjoy Julie's sweet beachy reads and this one is another great, quick read. I received a complimentary copy from the author for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only....more
This is the third Christmas novella of the series by Stacey Weeks. I have enjoyed them all as they are so heartwarming and uplifting with a strong dosThis is the third Christmas novella of the series by Stacey Weeks. I have enjoyed them all as they are so heartwarming and uplifting with a strong dose of faith in times of trouble that seem to be hopeless. I do recommend reading them in order of publication as the characters appear in the next book. Movie star Jonas Blade returns to settle his grandparents' estate in Mistletoe Meadows, a small town with the Christmas theme going year-round. He spent summers in the town visiting his grands. His parents were missionaries, and he felt a connection to this home. He made friends with a military brat, Charlene Kelly, who felt the same way about not having a real home. When they meet again, their friendship picks back up and they join together to save a family of homeless young girls. This leads to working to help a bigger cause. Could their friendship move into a romance? This is such an inspiring series of faith, hope, and love. Highly recommended for a holiday read or just for anyone wanting a quick inspiring read....more
I so enjoyed this delightful story of a Christmas Eve wedding where the path was hindered by obstacles. We saw Travis and Leah get engaged in MistletoI so enjoyed this delightful story of a Christmas Eve wedding where the path was hindered by obstacles. We saw Travis and Leah get engaged in Mistletoe Melody and now it is time for their wedding. We also met Melody and Quentin, who are now married. Her friend Emily planned their wedding and is now planning Leah and Travis' wedding. Then Emily's former fiancé Luca, a cousin of Travis, is there to perform the wedding ceremony. Of all the people, why Luca? The mother of the bride is overbearing. If that's not enough, it seems that someone is sabotaging the wedding at every turn. Emily is entering a contest that the local city council is holding to award a business a special place on Mistletoe Mile, a coveted spot. Some of the local businesses don't want Emily to get it. She is not a local. Yikes! Can she overcome all the problems? Luca is a tremendous help along with other friends and family. Faith is important to the characters in this series. Luca and Emily both have their faith to keep them strong even during the crazy events that pop up as roadblocks. Loved it! Recommended for those who love holiday reads with a feel-good ending and a thread of faith....more
The Santa Suit is a great read to get into the spirit of Christmas, one of hope and surprises. But all Ivy Perkins wants is a new beginning, a place tThe Santa Suit is a great read to get into the spirit of Christmas, one of hope and surprises. But all Ivy Perkins wants is a new beginning, a place to heal after a painful divorce. So, Ivy, her sweet pup, Punkin, and her baby chicks head out of Atlanta to the mountains of North Carolina to the sight unseen (in person) purchase of Four Roses Farm, a white farmhouse on a small acreage, formerly owned by the Rose family. First thing that she notices is the farm is a little more rundown than the photos showed but her real estate agent Ezra steps in to help with emergency fixes, as a neighbor would do. She soon discovers the Rose family was into Christmas with Bob playing Santa and Betty Rae, Mrs. Claus. They lit up the farm with Christmas lights that drew people to see the wonder of the season. Ivy doesn't even want to put up a tree. When going through the Roses' things she discovers a Santa suit and inside a pocket a letter to Santa that touched her...that of a little girl who wants her daddy to come home from the war. Phoebe, a new friend she met at the courthouse is helpful in getting a lead on the little girl and widens her circle of acquaintances. It was heartwarming to watch Ivy unwound, settle in, makes some friends, and get into the Christmas spirit, helping others. This is a quick read that has a sweet story with a surprise or two, including a little romance. Some surprises that tie things together but you need to read to find out. I received a complimentary ARC from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only....more
What a fun, sweet way to get together with characters from the Harbored Secrets series and get caught up--especially at Christmas! Lane is planning toWhat a fun, sweet way to get together with characters from the Harbored Secrets series and get caught up--especially at Christmas! Lane is planning to host military families for Christmas at the Way Station Cafe in Walton, Georgia and things are coming together with Vivian and Ryan back in town along with Colton, Pecca and Maceo in town. Everyone is having fun and enjoying each other and the holidays. The spirit is all around. When a glitch happens, Lane is thrown into a faith lesson but it all ends with a sweet ending. Thanks to the author for a fun read that would be especially great to read during the holidays....more
This novella is a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit where the snow is glistening in Harvest, Ohio and everyone is getting ready for the annual This novella is a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit where the snow is glistening in Harvest, Ohio and everyone is getting ready for the annual Christmas parade and pageant, both the Amish and Englisch. Bailey King, who helps her Amish Maami Clara King run Swissmen Sweets Amish Candy Shop and has her own television show, is off to New York City to do a promotion for her show. Town event planner Margot Rawlings has an event planned to raise money for new pageant costumes. The Candy Cane Exchange is an event where people drop off an envelope in a box in the town square with a dollar and a message for someone to be delivered to that person on Christmas Eve by the church youth group. Since Bailey is busy, Clara's young Amish cousin Charlotte, who works at the shop, volunteers for the job and is excited to have the responsibility. Things are really busy and the Christmas spirit is high as townspeople drop off their money and a message. Charlotte is enjoying the work until she starts receiving messages to be delivered with a candy cane for her from a secret admirer. Who could it be? She cannot stand the suspense. Prank or sincere? Amish or Englisch? Charlotte is Amish but hasn't been baptized and is not sure if she wants to stay Amish or leave the church. So much for Charlotte to think about. It is fun to read more about Charlotte in this fun, quick holiday read. I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only....more
The Wedding Dress Christmas is a quick feel good, holiday read that is quick to read and get into the Christmas spirit complete with miracles. This seThe Wedding Dress Christmas is a quick feel good, holiday read that is quick to read and get into the Christmas spirit complete with miracles. This series all started with The Wedding Dress and then continued with The Wedding Shop. I really recommend reading them all in order. In this novella, we meet JoJo Castle, who works with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop in Hearts Bend, Tennessee. Haley bought the shop with its long history of being a bridal shop many years ago, something that she always wanted to do as a young girl. After an unpleasant event in Dallas, Jo moved home after having a successful career in Public Relations to help Haley. Country music star Buck Mathews returns home to Hearts Bend after hearing that his mom has recurring cancer. He plans to put his tour dates on hold and stay home during the holidays. He and Jo were friends in high school. He is also friends with Haley and her husband Cole. When he sees Jo, old feelings are brought to the forefront. But will she admit to her feelings for Buck? She lives in sense of fear recurring from her reason for leaving Dallas plus her family has a curse. Or do they? This is a quick read that has moments of humor along with dealing with serious issues, overcoming fears, faith and a little bit of magic and miracles. Another great read by a great author, one of my favorite authors....more
This is a short and fast paced suspense that is great to if you want a short read or between longer books. The characters are realistic and the plot iThis is a short and fast paced suspense that is great to if you want a short read or between longer books. The characters are realistic and the plot is developed quickly but well. Nick Claussen is taking a break for his job in the FBI and visiting his sister, Carol, and nephew, Colton, in Christmas Tyme, Colorado for Christmas. Faith Tillerson is Colton's teacher, a young attractive woman. She and Nick hit it off right away. But after one of the cafeteria workers is killed in her home and Faith and the school nurse both receive gifts with disturbing notes, Nick starts using his FBI skills with the local police to investigate. This is a great afternoon read full of suspense, romance and some Christmas wishes answered....more
Santa Puppy is a short and sweet addition to the Tourist Trap series. It is Christmas in South Cove and to help others, Coffee, Books, and More is hosSanta Puppy is a short and sweet addition to the Tourist Trap series. It is Christmas in South Cove and to help others, Coffee, Books, and More is hosting a party for the local animal shelter. Senior dogs and cats are going to be at the shop for customers to go and visit with and hopefully, adopt. The Saturday prior to the event, Jill, Greg, Aunt Jackie, Harrold, Amy and Justin go to the shelter and wash thirty dogs to get them prepped for the event. One of the dogs is a terrier whose owner, Thomas, was recently found dead of natural causes. While Jill is bathing Baby, his collar falls apart revealing a small key to a safe deposit box. Greg takes the key and discovers a journal, letter and fifty eight thousand dollars saved to purchase a dream home for him and his high school sweetheart Lizzie. The two went to Bakerstown High but he joined the Army after graduation. While he was away, her parents moved away to Oregon to separate the two. He never found her again but he never forgot her. Jill has Greg's blessings (this time) to find out as much as she can about his story. While Thomas' story was sad, all ends well and in a surprising way. As all books in the series, expect some yummy desserts, this time in the form of a cookie exchange, including a recipe. Jill gets a real tree this year and so does Greg for the station and conference room where the exchange is held. This is a fun Christmas story with the theme of helping others. I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Press and Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions stated are mine only....more
A Christmas by the Sea is a warm Christmas story like we have come to expect from Melody Carlson. Wendy Harper and her twelve year old son, Jackson, hA Christmas by the Sea is a warm Christmas story like we have come to expect from Melody Carlson. Wendy Harper and her twelve year old son, Jackson, has had a rough few years. Their husband and father died after a battle with cancer leaving the family with a strained financial situation. Jackson has had a hard time at school with bullying and teasing. When Wendy inherits her grandfather's beach house in Seaside, Maine, it seems an answer to their prayers. Wendy decides they can use the trip to get away for Thanksgiving to get the cottage in shape to sell. Jackson thinks that this is a great new start for them. So, they set out from Ohio and drove to Maine. Wendy struggles to keep finances above water while she works on the cottage. Jackson won't talk about leaving. Caleb Colton is a local furniture builder and store owner that gets to know Wendy and Jackson. He befriends them and gives advice to Wendy while hiring Jackson as a helper. Jackson quickly makes a friend, rescues a dog and even enrolls himself in school. He tells Wendy to have faith that God will work things out. But Wendy knows that Jackson is a child who doesn't understand the dire straits they are in financially. This is a heartwarming story of faith and family during the special holiday time of hope and joy. I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinion stated are mine only....more
This is a sweet light romance that takes place in the magical sounding (I have never been there) Mackinac Island, Michigan. Josie Ryan makes it to theThis is a sweet light romance that takes place in the magical sounding (I have never been there) Mackinac Island, Michigan. Josie Ryan makes it to the inn where she and her friend, Carol, have reservations but Carol hasn't arrived. Josie is disappointed to find out that Carol's son is sick and won't be able to join her for their trip. Josie is trying to decide what to do because she doesn't know anyone there and it is the holiday time. Josie lives in Detroit but her parents are in Florida and she has no plans other than the visit to Mackinac. She is eating lunch in the local Mustang Lounge when a man walks by and picks up her jacket that had fallen on the floor. Chris Barnes also lives near Detroit and is there visiting his Gramps. She and Chris start talking and he offers to be her tour guide while she is there so that her trip will be a pleasant time anyway. The two develop a friendship quickly and she also gets to know Gramps. Chris is the guardian for his four year old niece, Ellie, since her parents, his brother and sister-in-law, were killed in an auto accident two years ago. Ellie is visiting with her maternal grandparents for the holidays but after coaxing from Josie, he arranges for his parents to bring her to Mackinac. Chris, Josie, Ellie and Gramps get close very quickly but both Chris and Josie have sworn against marriage for different reasons. They are drawn to each other and Ellie wants a set of parents so the pressure in on but not really because they do care for one another. But with reservations. Will they be able to work things out for a permanent relationship? Sometimes, circumstances seem dismal when plans change but sometimes, they turn out to be a blessing in disguise. This story is sweet, the scenery sounds lovely with lots of snow and Christmas decorations and the characters are well developed and likable....more
All Is Calm is a short but action packed suspense. It is Christmas time on the Bluebird Ranch in South Texas. Rick and Allie bring in children who canAll Is Calm is a short but action packed suspense. It is Christmas time on the Bluebird Ranch in South Texas. Rick and Allie bring in children who can benefit from time on a ranch to overcome their problems that life has thrown them. Lauren was one of the kids who had visited the ranch while living in foster care. Now, as an adult, when she needed to escape a bad situation, she went to the ranch and was hired to help with the horses. Brendan is a special ops soldier recovering from a bullet wound. He is friends with Rick and goes to the ranch to spend Christmas with the family and children. He quickly recognizes that something is wrong with Lauren and decides to help her out, if possible, after Rick requests his help for her. As Lauren and Brendan work together to find out who is behind a crime that Lauren is accused of, they become close. One of the children tugs on Lauren's heartstrings and for some reason, she is drawn to her. Among the twists and turns, romance is in the air during the holiday season. Faith is intertwined in this story and is important to the characters. Sweet, short suspense with a Christmas theme....more
I enjoyed reading the Hope Beach series and this story was a nice way to revisit Hope Beach, North Carolina and residents. This is a quick Christmas rI enjoyed reading the Hope Beach series and this story was a nice way to revisit Hope Beach, North Carolina and residents. This is a quick Christmas read with lots of suspense and some romance thrown in. Delilah is the manager of Tidewater Inn and is quite busy with menus, cooking and much more. But Delilah tries to be the best person that she can be so she is also working on Elin and Marc's Christmas wedding. She doesn't need someone harassing her with prank phone calls but when she is driven off the road and lands in the ocean, she is really frightened. Who could be after her? Her parents were killed the same way when she was thirteen and she managed to live because of an air bubble in the car. She had an older brother but he was never found after the incident and she was raised in foster care. Sheriff Tom Bourne has a soft spot for Delilah and is determined to find her killer. He investigates everyone that could possibly be after her, including trying to find her brother. Maybe he is still alive. This is a short story that is jam packed with action and suspense and a surprise antagonist and ending. Both Delilah and Tom have a past filled with sadness but rely on their faith in God to direct them. Do they have a future together? Is that where God is leading them? Great read....more
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