Advent Stories Day 15: It's Almost Christmas, Rudolph

Welcome to the Advent Story event I am having here on Eastern Sunset Reads this Christmas season.

Every family has their own personal Holiday traditions, and many of them include those advent calendars that have the little chocolates or toys behind each door as you count to Christmas Day. Well in my family we had a Advent Candle instead. Each night we would light the candle and as it burned that day away we would read a special Christmas story or poem. So I decided to bring that tradition to all of you.

Most of the books will be Children's books as I share this tradition with Munchkin for the first time, but I will also have some After Dark specials and maybe a few fiction, romance and young adult books too as time allows. I will also feature a favorite Christmas song each day. So please join me and share some of your favorite traditions, songs and stories this holiday season!

 



Synopsis: "Toddlers will love this charming book that has everyone's favorite reindeer getting ready for the holidays."

My Review: A fun shaped board book for the little ones. Rudolph gets to show us all the things he does to help get ready for Christmas, and they are almost all little things your own munchkin can help with too. My little guy loved this one and even tried to help turn pages for the first time.

 

My Rating: We all enjoyed this little story so we give it a rating of Four Paws.

 

 

Bedtime Story/ Advent Stories Day 14: Father Christmas and the Donkey

Welcome to the Advent Story event I am having here on Eastern Sunset Reads this Christmas season.

Every family has their own personal Holiday traditions, and many of them include those advent calendars that have the little chocolates or toys behind each door as you count to Christmas Day. Well in my family we had a Advent Candle instead. Each night we would light the candle and as it burned that day away we would read a special Christmas story or poem. So I decided to bring that tradition to all of you.

Most of the books will be Children's books as I share this tradition with Munchkin for the first time, but I will also have some After Dark specials and maybe a few fiction, romance and young adult books too as time allows. I will also feature a favorite Christmas song each day. So please join me and share some of your favorite traditions, songs and stories this holiday season!

 







 Synopsis: "A tired old donkey searches for food on Christmas Eve. Suddenly, he hears the sound of silver bells and galloping hoofs. Who could it be but Father Christmas, with a very special Christmas present for a lonely donkey."Ormerod's illustrations combine dramatic silhouettes,iridescent silver, and delicate line-and-watercolor pictures to create a sense of the mystery and wonder of a clear Christmas night."

My Review: One of the best Christmas books so far! Bitter sweet, happy, and adorable all rolled into one. Really helps to explain to little ones that there are worse off and that sometimes the things that you can't see or purchase with money are the best gifts. There are so many little lessons packed into this story. The images are kind of simple, monotone but the touches of silver caught Munchkin's eyes. It was a little long for my little guy (only 3 months) so it took 2 nights but would be a good one for a preschooler.

My Rating: I loved the moral of the story and the illustrations! I give this one a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!
 

 

After Dark Review of Sharing Pleasures by Victoria Dunne

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

 

 

Synopsis: "Alex has always fantasized about seeing his wife, Diane, pleasured by other men. With the purchase of a very realistic dildo, Alex is now ready to introduce Diane to the idea of taking on other lovers while he watches.

Will Diane accept this new direction in their relationship?

And what will happen when the go back to their favorite bar -- The Richmond?"

My Review: I had a hard time at first with this story, Diane and Alex are suppose to be middle aged empty nesters, and all I could picture is my parents (not an image I want when reading a steamy story like this one lol). Once I got past that image it was great. Diane & Alex have a great relationship in all aspects. They are all about each other but are always looking for a way to shake things up and try something new in their bedroom play. Paul sounds like a very sexy man and I had no problem picturing him in my mind. It was a great short story filled with plenty of heat and foreplay. I look forward to the next installment to see where they take their relationship next.

 

My Rating: Plenty of heat and steam for me and a short enough read for me to enjoy in one sitting. I give it a rating of Three Paws.

Advent Stories Day 13: Little Snowman

Welcome to the Advent Story event I am having here on Eastern Sunset Reads this Christmas season.

Every family has their own personal Holiday traditions, and many of them include those advent calendars that have the little chocolates or toys behind each door as you count to Christmas Day. Well in my family we had a Advent Candle instead. Each night we would light the candle and as it burned that day away we would read a special Christmas story or poem. So I decided to bring that tradition to all of you.

Most of the books will be Children's books as I share this tradition with Munchkin for the first time, but I will also have some After Dark specials and maybe a few fiction, romance and young adult books too as time allows. I will also feature a favorite Christmas song each day. So please join me and share some of your favorite traditions, songs and stories this holiday season!

 



Synopsis: "With an adorable plush snowman finger puppet permanently attached and peek-a-boo holes on every page, this charming board book offers a fun way for parents and children to play and read together. Full color."

My Review: This is a very cute winter book for the little ones. Munchkin loved the combination of board book (that he could slap the pages and try to turn them) and the little puppet. It is short with simple, bold illustrations for those tiny attention spans.

 

My Rating:  A great book for my Munchkin, I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

 

 



 

Advent Stories Day 12: 13th Day of Christmas

Welcome to the Advent Story event I am having here on Eastern Sunset Reads this Christmas season.

Every family has their own personal Holiday traditions, and many of them include those advent calendars that have the little chocolates or toys behind each door as you count to Christmas Day. Well in my family we had a Advent Candle instead. Each night we would light the candle and as it burned that day away we would read a special Christmas story or poem. So I decided to bring that tradition to all of you.

Most of the books will be Children's books as I share this tradition with Munchkin for the first time, but I will also have some After Dark specials and maybe a few fiction, romance and young adult books too as time allows. I will also feature a favorite Christmas song each day. So please join me and share some of your favorite traditions, songs and stories this holiday season!

 

 

 

Synopsis: "Marva Fergusen has a very personal Christmas tradition that happens every December 26th. As an aging widow, the tradition means more to her now than it ever has.
Her newest neighbor, nine-year-old Charlee Alexander, loves Christmas too. But her family has fallen on hard times and things get worse when Charlee becomes critically ill.
Then, on December 12th, Charlee makes a wonderful Discovery. A mysterious note is delivered that promises twelve days of gifts and stories that will reveal the truth behind the beloved Christmas song "The 12 Days of Christmas." As the days go by, the gifts hint to a possible lost lyric. WAs there once a thirteeth day of Christmas? And if so, could it's magic change - or save - a life?
Filled with laughter, tenderness, and hope, The 13th Day of Christmas invites us to see how an old Christmas favorite can become a true Christmas miracle."

My Review: As with all of Jason's books this was an emotional roller coaster, one you can't get off and don't really want to either. I loved all the characters, they were all so vivid and well developed. That in combination with a beautifully written story I felt like I could almost look out the window and see the whole book playing out while I watched. A little warning, some tears will be shed. While this is written as a Christian fiction, it isn't so overwhelmingly in your face that it turns you off from the story. I definitely suggest reading this one for the holidays and remembering some of the less commercial joys of the season.        

 

 

My Rating: I loved it!! I can't give it any other rating than Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

  



 

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

The Last Mountains - 13,468 (handwritten) = 15,766 (typed)

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Tamlyn Marie's Grace -

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

Angel Story

Angels battle out an age old feud in a parallel world

 

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Advent Stories Day 11: The Night Before Christmas

Welcome to the Advent Story event I am having here on Eastern Sunset Reads this Christmas season.

Every family has their own personal Holiday traditions, and many of them include those advent calendars that have the little chocolates or toys behind each door as you count to Christmas Day. Well in my family we had a Advent Candle instead. Each night we would light the candle and as it burned that day away we would read a special Christmas story or poem. So I decided to bring that tradition to all of you.

Most of the books will be Children's books as I share this tradition with Munchkin for the first time, but I will also have some After Dark specials and maybe a few fiction, romance and young adult books too as time allows. I will also feature a favorite Christmas song each day. So please join me and share some of your favorite traditions, songs and stories this holiday season!

 

Synopsis: "This timeless verse is brought back for a whole new generation, now at a sweet new size and classic price. Enjoy old memories and make new ones as you share this favorite Christmas tradition with the whole family."

My Review: A very cute version of the classic poem. The illustrations are adorable and I loved the fact that it features mice. They make the classic more appealing to little ones. I am sure it will become a favorite in our house.

 

My Rating: I enjoyed this one but of course have heard it dozens of times. I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

 

 





 

 

Review of The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

 

Synopsis: "EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED. NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN. It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall. Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to...moreSynopsis: "EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED. NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN. It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall. Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she suceeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess. IF SHE FAILS..." My Review: One of my favorite myths is Hades and Persephone, while this story is very loosely based on mythology I really enjoyed it. The characters really make the whole story work, they are well developed. I also liked the fact that you don't find out about the tests until after they have occurred. There are some great twists to the story and they keep the book moving along nicely. You don't need to know anything about greek mythology to really enjoy the Goddess Test. I will be reading the next book in the series.   My Review: I really enjoyed this one, it was such a fast read that I was disappointed that it was over.  I give it a rating of Four Paws.



Advent Stories Day 10: Who Is Coming to Our House

Welcome to the Advent Story event I am having here on Eastern Sunset Reads this Christmas season.

Every family has their own personal Holiday traditions, and many of them include those advent calendars that have the little chocolates or toys behind each door as you count to Christmas Day. Well in my family we had a Advent Candle instead. Each night we would light the candle and as it burned that day away we would read a special Christmas story or poem. So I decided to bring that tradition to all of you.

Most of the books will be Children's books as I share this tradition with Munchkin for the first time, but I will also have some After Dark specials and maybe a few fiction, romance and young adult books too as time allows. I will also feature a favorite Christmas song each day. So please join me and share some of your favorite traditions, songs and stories this holiday season!

 

 

 

 

Synopsis: ""Who is coming to our house? Someone, someone," says Mouse. As Pig makes room, Lamb cleans up, Goose stacks the hay, and Duck lines the crib with eiderdown, Mary and Joseph are on their way by donkey. All the animals welcome the baby Jesus to their home." My Review: I loved this book. It was a cute and different take on the story of Jesus' birth. The animals know and make sure the stable is prepared for Mary and Joseph. The pictures are bold and vivid. A great story for the countdown t...moreSynopsis: ""Who is coming to our house? Someone, someone," says Mouse. As Pig makes room, Lamb cleans up, Goose stacks the hay, and Duck lines the crib with eiderdown, Mary and Joseph are on their way by donkey. All the animals welcome the baby Jesus to their home." My Review: I loved this book. It was a cute and different take on the story of Jesus' birth. The animals know and make sure the stable is prepared for Mary and Joseph. The pictures are bold and vivid. A great story for the countdown to Christmas.   My Rating: I loved this one and Munchkin seemed to enjoy it too. I think it is a great lead up to Christmas day and reminder of the Christian celebration. I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag.       I think this is my all time favorite version of this song, it just gives me the chills!



 

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Fa La La by Leslie Patricelli
Christmas Jars by Jason Wright
A Christmas Countdown with Ruth Moreheads Holly Babes
Sock it to me, Santa by Madison Parker
Deck the Halls
Free Realms by JS Lewis
The Christmas Star by Marcus Pfister
Waiting For Christmas 

Books Finished Last Week:
Reviews will be posted at a later date

 Lots of Childrens books!
Florence by Ciye Cho
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

 



Currently Reading:

Cleo: The cat who mended a family by Helen Brown - PB - on page 124 of 292
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - PB - on page 28 of 472
Royal Flush by Scott Bartlett - Nook - on page 62 of 206

 

Next Books to be Read:

Under Camelot's Banner by Sarah Zettel - Arthurian Legend Challenge

Soul of a Highlander by Melissa Mayhue - Mount TBR Challenge
 

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Wow I have managed to get through a full week of Advent posts, can't believe I am keeping up! I have half a dozen books I need to review and post too. But the world comes to a screeching halt when you have a sick baby at home.  Poor Munchkin has a head cold and can't breath so he just wants mommy to cuddle him all the time.  Hopefully he feels better soon, I feel bad there isn't much I can do for him other than hold him and run the vaporizer.

Hope the chaos of the season isn't swallowing you all up :D

Advent Stories Day 9: Waitng for Christmas

Welcome to the Advent Story event I am having here on Eastern Sunset Reads this Christmas season.

Every family has their own personal Holiday traditions, and many of them include those advent calendars that have the little chocolates or toys behind each door as you count to Christmas Day. Well in my family we had a Advent Candle instead. Each night we would light the candle and as it burned that day away we would read a special Christmas story or poem. So I decided to bring that tradition to all of you.

Most of the books will be Children's books as I share this tradition with Munchkin for the first time, but I will also have some After Dark specials and maybe a few fiction, romance and young adult books too as time allows. I will also feature a favorite Christmas song each day. So please join me and share some of your favorite traditions, songs and stories this holiday season!

 



 Synopsis: "Look out of the window -- what do you see? You can play with the watery windows in this book, each with different Christmas shapes inside. You might just catch a glimpse of a special Christmas visitor and his reindeer through the window"

My Review: A good book for the countdown to Christmas. Hits on some favorite parts of the holiday season, the snow, the anticipation, and the decorating. The little water filled windows is a great idea, unfortunately my copy was used and the water seems to have leaked out or dried up and the floating confetti and glitter doesn't so much float any more.

 

My Rating: I give this one Two Paws and a Stump Wag. It is short for little attention spans and the images are bold, and the water filled windows would be great if mine hadn't leaked or dried.