Tag Archive | christmas

Mollie McQueen is NOT Ruining Christmas

May30

Book Link

From Amazon:

Mollie is back for Christmas!
“Be naughty and save Santa a trip. It’s better for the planet…”

There was little over a week to go until Christmas Day, but Mollie McQueen hadn’t sent a single card. She hadn’t purchased one gift, and she hadn’t decked the halls with anything other than mountains of wet laundry.

Usually, come the first of December, the McQueen house resembled Santa’s grotto. Stockings would hang from the fireplace, his and hers advent calendars would be propped up on the mantlepiece, and the two sparkly polar bears bought by Mollie’s mother would stand proudly on the windowsill.

This year, all was quiet on the Christmas front. The door was missing its usual wreath, the sprig of mistletoe was absent from the hallway, and the alcove in the living room was minus the retro tree that Mollie normally insisted on rolling out on the first day of December.

When Mollie first announced her plans to strip Christmas back to basics, she received nothing but negative feedback. Max accused her of trying to ruin Christmas, Margot advised her to chuck back a daily vitamin D pill in a bid to rediscover her Christmas spirit, and Mrs Heckles had taken to singing Christmas carols through Mollie’s letterbox.

Despite their grumbling, Mollie was determined to prove to everyone that you could enjoy Christmas without falling victim to the endless marketing campaigns that emotionally blackmailed you into purchasing unnecessary gifts for people who would rather have a pack of socks and a slice of Yule log.

With her no-Christmas Christmas amassing quite the guestlist, Mollie had an almighty task on her hands.

Can she convince her nearest and dearest that the true meaning of Christmas had nothing to do with expensive gifts and garish decorations?

One thing’s for sure, Mollie McQueen is NOT Ruining Christmas.

My Review:

This book is funny. Hilarious, actually. Mollie decides to make Christmas all about the reason for the season and helping less fortunate people through actual working for free, while all the while bringing the true and best of any Christmas come to be. Never mind the kooky homemade gifts Mollie made, or tossing beans into mashed potatoes, but Mollie has everyone worried about what they will eat and the gift giving doesn’t line up with past years. Decorations are off the table and slowly but surely, time happens, and the true sense of the best Christmas ever happens.

Candy Canes & Caroling: An Office Christmas Romance

May13

Book Link

From Amazon:

Hazel Cane:
Age: 28
Looks: Tall, red hair, and curvy
Favorite Food: Candy Canes
Status: Single, but has her eye on a certain social worker in town

Irving Wallace:
Age: 28
Looks: Dark and handsome, accessorizing with a hip-hugging wheelchair and a furry German Shepherd
Favorite Food: Sweet Potato Nachos
Status: Happily single

Irving Wallace is a bit of a Grinch, a Scrooge if you will. He’s too busy opening the Bells Pass Housing Project to worry about caroling and Christmas trees. Enter Hazel Cane. Intrigued by her new colleague, she makes it her mission to help his heart grow this holiday season. With a candy cane on her lips and a song in her heart, she gets some unexpected help from an infamous diner, an angel in disguise, and a whole lot of Christmas spirit. Can Hazel convince this Grinch that Christmas can mean a whole lot more?

Inclusions: Hero is a paraplegic with a service dog

Review:

Top reviews from the United States
Mary Schmidt
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Mettner doesn’t write a single book I’ve not loved completely. This book is no different. Many times, I wished I lived in Bells Pass. People are real with human emotions and feelings. People are real whether they use a wheelchair or not. People learn a lot about what to do to make it easier for those who must use adaptive equipment to navigate around town or in their own minds. That said, falling in love happens, so do misunderstandings. I do love a good happily ever after ending.

Verbiage From Literary Titan

Feb21

Book Link

Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen by Mary Schmidt presents a riveting narrative centered around Kim Dailey’s profound personal upheaval. The story begins as Kim uncovers a shocking truth about her husband of five years, leading her into a vortex of emotional and physical danger. The discovery of her name atop her husband’s ominous hit list propels Kim into an unforeseen journey of survival and self-discovery.

The novel is captivating from the outset, with Schmidt’s meticulous writing effortlessly drawing the reader into Kim’s world. The intimate portrayal of Kim’s life with her husband, Steve, and the subsequent unraveling of their seemingly idyllic existence is both compelling and emotionally resonant. Schmidt’s narrative deftly navigates the complexities of betrayal and resilience, making Christmas in Evergreen a page-turner. Kim’s character is particularly engaging, her strength and vulnerability painted with a realistic brush. The suspenseful elements, particularly the looming threat of assassination, add a thrilling dimension to the plot. Schmidt’s ability to intertwine themes of suspense, romance, and mystery is noteworthy, crafting a story that is as much about self-discovery and new beginnings as it is about love and danger. The novel’s detailed settings and well-crafted dialogue enhance its immersive quality. Each character is rendered with depth, allowing readers to feel a genuine connection to their journeys. The twists and turns of the plot maintain a gripping pace, ensuring that readers remain engaged until the final page.

Christmas in Evergreen is a commendable work by Mary Schmidt, showcasing her talent for creating a multifaceted story that blends mystery, thriller, and romance elements. It is a recommended read for those who appreciate a story that skillfully combines suspense with emotional depth, set against the backdrop of a festive season. Schmidt’s next work is eagerly anticipated as she continues to establish herself as a versatile and skilled storyteller.

Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0CRGH8ZVY

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite

Jan11

5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review! Get your free 5-star seal!

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Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite

Kim Daily believed that her marriage to Steve was perfect. They had a beautiful, welcoming
home and a great group of friends. Unfortunately, everything was a lie. While attempting
to shut down Steve’s laptop, Kim discovers a hit list with her name at the top. Realizing
that her life is in danger, she decides to flee. The incident leads to a series of events,
including involvement with the CIA, a fatal accident, and Kim and her best friend Nancy
relocating to the town of Evergreen. There, they start a new life, healing from old wounds,
making new friends, and finding love. Pick up Christmas in Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt
to enjoy this captivating story.

Christmas in Evergreen is the first book in the Heart of Evergreen series, and Mary L. Schmidt
does an excellent job laying the foundation for future installments. Kim is an admirable
character and I could not help but fall in love with her. I felt her turmoil when she discovered
the true nature of her husband of five years. It was heartwarming to see that she found people
who helped her get through a difficult time and helped her learn to trust and love again. The
story takes place during the festive season, and themes of family, friendship, and love perfectly
describe it. The author’s detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of Evergreen and its intriguing
residents, whom I am excited to read more about in the upcoming books. I enjoyed Christmas in
Evergreen because it is entertaining and has an exciting plot.

Christmas Bizarre 

Dec29

Book Link

From Amazon:

It’s the weekend before Christmas and the storyteller tradition at interior designer extraordinaire, Rikkhe St. Claire’s home on the cliffs of Malibu is in full swing. Kick back and gather with Rikkhe and her family and friends for an elegant night under the stars as they share five, holiday tales of mystery and ghostly intrigue from around the world. Which tale will capture your heart…or make your mistletoe twirl?

The cozy magic of Christmas is in the air!

Noel A Versailles
Millicent is a young lady with a mind of her own in 1920s Paris. When she decides to build a replica of Marie Antoinette’s regal playhouse, the Petit Trianon, many think she’s lost the plot. A mysterious Advent calendar brings glamorous gifts of the season, until one fateful night…

Lady H
The ruins of an antebellum home with a heartbreaking past are in need of a major renovation. Will the ghostly inhabitants help or hinder the latest heir of Plum Hill and his architect?

The Ornament
Two cousins are off to celebrate a recent graduation on a European river cruise. As they tour the city ports, they join the quest to find an ornament from an elderly woman’s childhood. The search seems hopeless, until the magic of Christmas lends a helping hand.

The Rocking Horse
A nanny takes her first assignment with an expat family living in an historic home in Stockholm. As Christmas approaches, strange happenings are going bump in the night. Will the ghosts of Christmas past finally get their peace?

Moving Pictures
A holiday gala gets a major boost when a beloved screen star agrees to participate. As she makes her guest appearance, a mysterious man comes to her side. Will heartbreak turn into Christmas joy?

My Review:

I found this short novel quaint and filled with vignettes of times past and Christmas. I don’t have a favorite as they are all nice works, thus, I can’t choose a favorite among favoritism of each story.

A Grosvenor Square Christmas

Dec22

Book Link

From Amazon:

Four breathtakingly romantic tales of a Regency Christmas from four bestselling romance authors.

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

1803 – The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?

1818 – One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.

1825 – His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.

1830 – The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up…

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?

My Review:

Wow. Talk about an awesome way to find love matches at 3 Grosvenor. Christmas time is special, and more so if one has a highly covered invite to the Christmas ball and Lady Winterson’s ball is always a real crush. The different stories in this book involve Winterson’s Christmas ball, but each differ in presentation. Five stars!

The Christmas Cameo

Dec19

Book Link

From Amazon:

A lovely cameo brooch is discovered in Fiona’s late Uncle Wilbur’s house two days before Christmas. The pin bears a romantic Christmas message from Wilbur for his new wife with the initials, D.A.S. How very strange. To the family’s knowledge, Uncle Wilbur had never been married. So, who is this mysterious woman? Now, Fiona is on a holiday mission to locate D.A.S. and deliver the belated gift. Question is, what happened to the marriage? Is D.A.S. still alive after all these years? And if so, can Fiona find her before Christmas?

My Review:

This short story is a sweet Christmas read with a couple of cameos thrown into the mix. Love happens, and with love comes heartbreak, too. As a short story, I can’t write much, or I give the story away, and I don’t want that to happen.

Christmas With You

Dec15

Book Link

From Amazon:

I planned to ditch Christmas, but a guy in a Santa hat spun my boycott into mistletoe magic.

After making a choice that destroyed two lives, I embarked on a road trip that would earn me a designer label and redemption.

Simple. Until my car died, and Finley, the country bumkin who offered a tow, also jumpstarted my heart.

Simple. Until a blizzard blew in, stranding me with Mr. Fix-It’s family, who reminded me of my unraveled family threads.

***

When my fiancée dumped me like a flat tire on the side of the road, I gave up on love. Engines were more predictable.

Predictable. Until I came across Jocelyn, an Uptown Girl stranded in a conked-out car.

Predictable. Until this uppity woman ignited all my spark plugs and lit up my life.

Christmas With You is a sweet, holiday romance story about overcoming self-doubt and finding the attraction between opposites. Some Santa matchmaking might appear.

Read less

My Review:

Jonesee has written the perfect Christmas story set in Christmas settings that show the world, “I want to be a Christmas movie!” For real. It was St. Nick, who brought the people together for this yule themed novel. Love weaves a magical spell, and the loss of one’s parents becomes a story of its own to conclude contentment over anxiety and guilt. The human element is clearly present, as is the magic of Christmas and a perfect mountain setting rich with love for one another. Small town love, actually, just like Santa meant for this to happen. Perfect five stars. Also, it is refreshing to read a new novel with no errors.

Our Christmas Traditions, Memories, & More

Dec6

Book Link:

From Amazon:

The Holiday season is always the perfect time to share recipes, craft ideas, and words of love and enrichment. Every family enjoys the passing down of traditions and keepsakes.

If you are looking for a book to share with your family, Our Christmas is the perfect book for the job. So open up the cover and explore the magic that springs forth from the pages.

Each page takes you on a heartwarming journey of two people nuzzling into their past to share with you the people and things that made their Christmas special. You’ll find yourself doing the same as you begin to cozy up with your own traditions and memories.

This book is perfect for the entire family. There are craft ideas for the kids, cute family jokes, recipes for you, and blank pages to place your keepsakes and traditions to pass down to your children.

Also included in this book is a beautifully crafted Christmas story that will make you “Believe” once again that Santa Claus does exist.

The beauty and sincerity of this book are perfect for your family and as a gift for your friends.

My Review:

This is a lovely book for both children and adults, especially at Christmas time of year. Everyone learns about traditions, recipes, and memories of Christmas in the past. This book brought back some Christmas memories for me. Included within this book, are traditional recipes, and activities for children. The illustrations are lovely.