Advent Reads Day 15: The Grinch of Starlight Bend by Jennifer Probst

Read for: Recent Purchase

Synopsis: "Noah Elliott used to be a beloved member of the Starlight Bend community, until a tragedy turns to an ultimate betrayal and he is driven into solitude. His face horribly scarred, he retreats to his mountain top mansion--until a stubborn social worker is brave enough to face the beast, and ask for a special Christmas wish to help a sick child. When Noah agrees to help, he never considers he might fall for the spitfire, do-gooder. But when she offers love as the solution, will he be able to let go of the past? 

Josephine Whitman has one shot at making a holiday wish come true--and it all hinges on Noah Elliott. She gets him to agree to host a Winter Carnival, and finds herself intrigued by the gruff, fascinating man hiding a bruised heart. But will her love be enough for him to take a chance on a brand new future?"

My Review: I have not been following the Starlight Bend series and this is a novella in this series but I am a sucker for all things Grinch this time of year so I thought I would give it a try. Even having not read the rest of the books, it was easy to settle into the setting and the characters. I did find Noah to be a little immature with how he handled the situation that lead to him being the Grinch and continued to be rather whiny and petty about it. Luckily, you can't help but fall in love with Joey and even Charles, the butler. The story does progress quickly as is typical for a novella but I really didn't mind as I prefer shorter holiday stories that can give me all the feels but still fit into my busy schedule.

My Rating: I rather enjoyed this one, and while it is inspired by the Grinch, it also seems to have some Beauty and the Beast elements as well, so it was a total fit for me. I really enjoyed it and give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

Advent Reads Day 14: Bedtime Story: Samurai Santa: A Very Ninja Christmas by Rubin Pingk

Read for: Children's Book Challenge

Synopsis: "It's Christmas Eve and all Yukio wants is an EPIC SNOWBALL FIGHT.

But when his friends are too worried about being good little ninjas to join in, Yukio wants to sabotage Santa. 

Can Yukio chase the man in red out of town? And what will happen to the other ninjas' Christmas wishes?"

My Review: I picked this one up for Munchkin this year and figured it would be a fun Christmas book. It was fun, but not quite as silly and funny as I expected it to be, it was more serious than I thought. Munchkin did love the snowball fight but the samurai reference went a bit over his head and he didn't connect it with Santa. That being said, young martial arts fans who understand it a little more will really love this book.

My Rating: I thought after enjoying North Pole Ninjas that this would be another one that Munchkin enjoyed, but it wasn't really for us.  We give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Advent Reads Day 13: The Christmas Note by Donna VanLiere

Read for: Mount TBR

Previous Books in the Christmas Hope Series

The Christmas Shoes

Christmas Blessing

Christmas Hope

Christmas Promise

Christmas Secret

Synopsis: "Gretchen Daniels has recently moved into a condo with her two children to be closer to her mother, Miriam. As they build a life together in their new community, they notice a mysterious young woman, Melissa McCreary, who lives next door. She has few possessions, little personality, and keeps to herself. One day a local landlord who is looking for Melissa knocks on Gretchen's door for assistance. Melissa's mother has died and in the coming weeks the landlord needs Melissa to empty her mother's apartment. Gretchen reaches out and offers to help Melissa, but the apartment is a gut-wrenching shamble of a home. There is little worth saving except for a few photos and a note that is discovered on the crate beside the bed. It is unfinished, but in the two scribbled lines, Melissa discovers secrets about her family that she never could have imagined. Can two very different women embark on a journey that explores a long-buried need for forgiveness, hope, and redemption?"

My Review: For some reason I still struggle to picture Miriam as a mother but I really enjoyed getting this aspect of her character. I enjoyed each of the characters and really understood loved the development each one goes through as the story continues. The conclusion did come across a little too prefect for my liking, things just worked out a little too much, but I guess that is the joy of Christmas stories. It was a good continuation of the story and I love how Miriam and Gloria are such meddlesome ladies and I love their banter.

My Rating: While I did enjoy this one and I love the happy feel good stories for Christmas, this ending was just a little too coincidental and perfect for me.  I still really enjoyed it and give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

2019 Beat the Backlist Challenge Sign Up

Believe it or not, it is already time to start thinking about next year's reading challenges.  While planning my challenges for next year, I came across NovelKnight's Beat the Backlist Challenge which has a lot of fun interactive features to go along with the challenge of reading back list books on our TBR!  I am definitely needing to read more of the books on my shelves this next year (I think I have over 150 physical books waiting and over 200 ebooks) and what better way to make it more motivating that making it a group activity with points and all (though as you know I am not a huge HP fan but at least I can have fun with others). 

So there are a few rules:

1. The books need to be published prior to January 1st, 2019

2. Books must be started and finished in the year 2019

Books can be any format - ebook, audio, print, graphic novel, etc.

Re-Reads do count (this will help with some series reads)

You do not have to join a house, participate in extra challenges or interact if you don't want to

You can join a House and earn points for your team with reading your backlist books; definitely check out all the fun the team has lined up for us HERE

I am joining Ravenclaw House for the challenge

Sounds like fun doesn't it! So I am definitely signing up and I thought I would post a few of the books that will be on my TBR.  I am going to challenge myself a little more and really push to read books that were published more than 5 years ago since I have so many on my shelves.  I plan to read at least 75 Backlist titles from my shelves in 2019. While I am shooting for more books from 2014 or earlier, I will count all my backlist books towards the challenge.  I will also only count the books I already own.

My (Initial) Beat the Backlist TBR

(subject to changes and additions)

The Belgariad, the first book was originally published in 1982, my edition includes the first 3 books in the series and was published in 2002.

The Immortals quartet began being published in 1992. I was a huge fan of the Song of the Lioness trilogy but my library never had these.  

 

Name of the Wind was first published in 2007 and Wise Man's Fear in 2011.  I have been putting these off in hopes of the third book being released but I give up waiting! (I also have the Slow Regard of Silent Things).

On that note, it is about time I give Outlander, originally published in 1991, a try as well. (I also have Dragonfly in Amber if this works out).

Peace like a River has been recommended to me many times and I finally picked up a copy of this book that was originally published back in 2001.

This is Bambi, I never read the book that inspired the movie but a couple of years ago I discovered a English first edition, published in 1929 (originally published in 1923) in a used book store but haven't picked it up yet.

I have been wanting to read this for ages, but always get intimidated by the size but that ends now.  The Mists of Avalon were first published in 1982.

 

I am going to have to re-read Firethorn (published in 2004) in order to read Wildfire (published in 2009).  I spent a long time tracking down a copy of Wildfire and now it has been too long to just pick it up.

 

 

I have had the first four books of the Acorna series (published 1997-2000) sitting on my shelves for ages and I don't know why haven't picked them up yet. It has taken me a while just to track down these 4 books though so I do have that excuse, right?!

 

 

I also recently added the first 4 books in the Queen's Thief Series (originally published 1996-2010) to my shelves in anticipation of the final book coming out in 2019 (I do still need to get the 5th book too - it is on the Christmas wish list)

So there are just a few of the books on my Beat the Backlist TBR for 2019, and I haven't even gotten to my ebooks yet! Hopefully this is a great reading year full of these older books that have been waiting so patiently for their turn.

What are some of the backlist books on your TBR?  Any suggestions which books I should start with?

Advent Reads Day 12: Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle

Read for: Requested Review/Netgalley & I love everything Katie Ruggle writes

Synopsis: "In the heart of the Rockies

In the arms of a cowboy

One white Christmas can change everything.

When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his four kids to a Colorado Christmas tree ranch, he intended for it to be a safe haven. But he never expected danger to follow them to his childhood home...

Or that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget.

Folk artist Camille Brandt lives a quiet life. As the town's resident eccentric, she's used to being lonely--until Steve freaking Springfield changes everything. Brave and kind, he's always had a piece of her heart, and it doesn't take long before she's in danger of falling for him and his rambunctious kids. But as mysterious fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, Steve and Camille will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive until Christmas..."

My Review: As you all probably know, I have been obsessed with Katie Ruggle's books since discovering them last spring. I wasn't sure what was next after reading the final book of the K-9 Unit series, but I am thrilled that we have the start of a new series. Not only do we have a new series but it kicks off with Steve, who has been a minor side character through both series so far, and we get cowboys! We are also introduced to Camille and I immediately related to her, she suffers from social anxiety and I definitely get it, especially around the holiday season. As with Ruggle's previous books we get a bit of romance and some serious suspense and danger. I loved the family and close knit community feel combined with all the Christmas vibes, it really got me ready for the holiday season, and more in this series!

My Rating:  Even though I read this a couple of months ago, it is still in my mind.  Sometimes a book just hits all your happy words in the title alone and it only goes up from there.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one and really connected with the characters a lot.  I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

 I received a complementary copy of this book via Netgalley, the above is my honest opinion.

If you want to find out more about Katie Ruggle and her books you can check out her Goodreads Page or Website.

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas was just released this fall so you can get your own copy right now (along with all of her earlier series, which this is a branch off of but you don't need to read them to enjoy this one).  You can purchase it in digital or print format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or ask your favorite local bookseller to track down a copy for you.

Top 5 Wednesday: Gifts to Give People Trying to Finish their Goodreads Challenge

Top 5 Wednesday is a group on Goodreads hosted by Sam from Thoughts on Tomes on Youtube.

This week's topic is to make a gift list for __________, it could be a list for fans of Outlander, Harry Potter houses, super hero fans, etc. whatever you could come up with for a list.  I thought it sounded like a really fun topic and I had a few different ideas, but with so many readers scrambling to finish their challenges for the year I thought it would be fun to post some quick reads to help them finish up their challenge for 2018.

So last year I was in the first slump I have experienced in a long time but this book was light and fun, a touch of romance and a lot of geek. It was a really quick and easy read that pulled me out of my slump. 

Books in verse are always a great way to get your challenge conquered quickly, and Song of the Sparrow is one of my all time favorites! I read it years ago and it still hold a place of honor on my shelves. It is a King Arthur re-telling of the Lady of the Shallot. 

Another sure bet way to overcome a challenge deficit is with Graphic Novels.  While Alone is a pretty chunky one and can be a little difficult to track down, I think it would be a good one to read especially this time of year. Alone is about a man who lives alone in an off shore lighthouse with no human contact until one person reaches out to him.

Another great way to tally up books quickly is to revisit old favorites and also listen to audio books. I highly recommend the Winnie the Pooh audio books, especially the ones done by Peter Dennis, you get the character voices you remember from the TV shows.

Finally, why not pick up a Christmas classic, I loved this Santa origin story last year, it is a fairly short read and is pretty entertaining, and of course it will really get you in the holiday spirit.

What books would you suggest for someone trying to squeeze in a few more books to complete their challenge?  What gift list would you put together?

Advent Reads Day 11: Bedtime Story: The Lost Gift by Kallie George and Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

Read for: Children's Book Challenge

Synopsis: "It’s Christmas Eve, and Bird, Rabbit, Deer, and Squirrel are eagerly waiting for Santa to fly overhead. When he does, a gift tumbles out of his sleigh, landing in the woods. The friends find the gift and read the tag: “For the new baby at the farm. Love, Santa.” And so, in spite of Squirrel’s grumbling—“It’s not our baby”—they set off on a long journey to deliver it. Sweet, poignant, and starring a cast of truly adorable characters, this is a story sure to be shared year after year at Christmastime."

My Review: This is a cute little book I picked up at Kohl's and it came with a little stuffed deer. A sweet story about the animals helping deliver a gift that fell off Santa's sleigh. I love how there is a grumpy and somewhat selfish animal that is a little more symbolic of real life. The message is also a good one about the gift just needing to bring joy, not needing to be anything spectacular. It is a short book, with beautiful illustrations in a more soothing color palette, perfect for bedtime.

My Rating: This was a really cute little story, it is similar to holiday stories I have read before but the illustrations in this one really made it unique and grumpy, selfish Squirrel.  We give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

The Naughty List Book Tag

I haven't done a book tag in quite a while, so I went out to find a fun Christmas one to do.  I came across the Bookish Naughty List Tag on Jenniely's Blog and it looked like a fun holiday tag to participate in.  

1. Received an ARC and not reviewed it  - Naughty

 Sadly, yes but even though I am behind I am still working on them. I have quite a bit of catching up to do. I have also DNFed a couple of ARCs because they just weren't the book for me.

2. Have less than 60% feedback rating on Netgalley - Nice

Nope, even though I am behind on reviewing ARCs I still manage to keep a 90% rating

3. Rated a book on goodreads and promised a full review was to come on your blog (and never did) - Nice

I keep books in my currently reading list until the review is complete. I always review on Goodreads first and then add it to my blog.

4. Folded down the page of a book - Nice

I usually use a bookmark, and if I don't have one handy I just remember the page or chapter I am on. Granted I usually finish a book in a few days so I don't have to remember things for long.

5. Accidentially spilled on a book - Naughty

Honestly, how do you not spill on a book, I am often snacking and drinking while reading. Though I am usually pretty good about not spilling anything permanently damaging on my book, I have learned to drink from a cup with a lid. 

6. DNF a book this year - Naughty (or is it Nice to myself)

I am very proud of the fact that I have DNFed a bunch of books this year, why should I put myself through reading a book when it doesn't appeal to me?!

7. Bought a book purely because it was pretty with no intention of reading it - Nice

 I always have the intention of reading a book, whether I get to it or not is a whole other question!

8. Read whilst you were meant to be doing something else (like homework) - Naughty

Pretty much every day, I read at work, while I do stay on top of my work, there is always more that could be done. And just last night, I should have done a second load of dishes and folded laundry but I read instead. 

9. Skim read a book - Naughty

I do read very quickly and sometimes I am guilty of more skimming that reading. 

10. Completely missed your Goodreads goal - Nice

I don't think I have ever missed my Goodreads goal.

11. Borrowed a book and not returned it - Naughty

I have a couple of books friends have loaned me (not by my request but by their suggestion) that I have yet to read and return to them.

12. Broke a book buying ban - Naughty

I am terrible at buying bans so I have started leaning more towards regulating instead of banning.

13. Started a review, left it for ages then forgot what the book was about - Naughty

I haven't fully forgotten what a book was about but I have forgotten character names and exact events and timelines. 

14. Wrote in a book you were reading - Naughty

Granted I haven't done this since college, now I mostly just flag things with stickies and write on the stickies.

15. Finished a book and not added it to your Goodreads - Naughty

A lot of the self published books I purchase in person are not listed on Goodreads.  There was also a time when I was embarrassed by the romance books I read and didn't add them to my Goodreads, now though I add everything I can add.

Wow, I guess I have been a bit Naughty, but it is so good ;)

So are you Naughty or Nice? I would love to see your answers too!

Advent Reads Day 10: The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron

Read for: Advent Reads & Mount TBR

Synopsis: "While nursing a broken heart, Josh Michaels is outraged when a neighbor abandons his very pregnant dog, Lucy, at Josh's Colorado home. But Josh can't resist Lucy's soulful brown eyes, and though he's never had a dog before, he's determined to do the best he can for Lucy—and her soon-to-arrive, bound-to-be-adorable puppies.

Soon in over his head, Josh calls the local animal shelter for help, and meets Kerri, a beautiful woman with a quick wit and a fierce love for animals. As Kerri teaches Josh how to care for Lucy's tiny puppies and gets them ready to be adopted through the shelter's "Dogs of Christmas" program, Josh surprises himself by falling for her.

But he's fallen even harder for his new furry family, which has brought incredible joy into Josh's life. He barely has time to sit down, between chasing after adventurous Sophie and brave Oliver, but when he does, his lap is quickly filled by the affectionate Lola. And Rufus and Cody's strong bond makes Josh wonder about his own relationships with his family.

With Christmas and the adoption date looming, Josh finds himself wondering if he can separate himself from his beloved puppies. At odds with Kerri, Josh isn't willing to lose her, but doesn't know how to set things right. Can a surprise litter of Christmas puppies really change one man's life?

W. Bruce Cameron's The Dogs of Christmas is a charming and heartwarming holiday tale that explores the power of love, trust, and a basket full of puppies."

My Review: This was a holiday story that animal lovers will really enjoy. It has a Christmas feel, features sweet dogs and a bit of romance. I do admit that the main character, Josh, was a bit difficult to connect with, he wasn't particularly likable; he was definitely a bit selfish and self-centered, and oddly enough that doesn't seem to go away throughout the story. The other character featured is Kerri, and she is definitely much more my type of character but we only see her when they are interacting. With that said, the stars of course are the dogs and I really fell for them. Throughout the story, we are taken on quite the emotional roller-coaster, we experience the full spectrum from anger and sadness to joy and grief, it was all packed into a story that can be enjoyed in a sitting or two.

My Rating: Of course, anytime you put dogs in a Christmas story you will get me to read it! I did enjoy this one thanks to the dogs but the human characters weren't quite to my liking. It was still a really enjoyable story and I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

Monday Reading List

It is Monday again, and time to update with what I read last week, what I am currently reading and what to look forward to next week.  (It came to my attention when updating things around here that Sheila from Book Journey is no longer hosting What Are You Reading, so I will need to find someone else hosting or at least create a fun image).

Reviews Posted Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber
North Pole Ninjas: Mission Christmas by Tyler Knott Gregson & Sarah Linden (Bedtime Story)
Homer and the Holiday Miracle by Gwen Copper
The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere
Robin Hill School: Secret Santa by Margaret McNamara (Early Reader)
Stupid Christmas by Leland Gregory
Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets by Jill Kemerer

 Books Finished Last Week:

Reviews will be posted at a later date

The Night Before Christmas
Loud Winter's Nap
Royals
Merry Christmas & Other Stories
The Christmas Note
Northstars Vol. 2
Letter to Santa
Samurai Santa
For Everyone

Currently Reading:

Beneath the Same Stars by Phyllis Cole-Dai - Kindle - 15%
Christmas Light by Donna VanLiere - Audio - 35%
A Gift to Remember by Melissa Hill - Print - on page 23 of 416

Pages Read/ Time Listened
604:45 Hours Listened (12:47 listened this week)
39,629 Pages Read (348 this week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently: TBR
To the Sky Kingdom by Tang Qi
Dead Man's Walk by Larry McMurtry
Terrier by Tamora Pierce
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Reflections of Yesterday by Debbie Macomber
Jedi Search by Kevin J. Anderson
Caging the Merrow by Heather Rigney
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Black Powder War by Naomi Novik
Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
The Scandalous MacKenzies by Jennifer Ashley
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
The Stolen Mackenzie Bride by Jennifer Ashley
Hard to Serve by Laura Kaye
Mastering Her Senses by Laura Kaye
Theirs to Take by Laura Kaye
Nightblade's Vengeance by Ryan Kirk
Tomorrowland by Steven Kotler
The Wolf by Leo Carew
My Lady's Choosing by Kitty Curran & Larissa Zageris
Beyond the Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake
Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso
True North by Marie Force
The Sorting Room by Angelina Singer
Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
Frankenstein Dreams by Michael Sims
The Belgaraid by David Eddings
Death Sworn by Leah Cypess
Sherlock Holmes and the Army of Dr. Moreau by Guy Adams  UNHAUL
Zenith by Sasha Alsberg & Lindsay Cummings
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
The Queen of Sorrow by Sarah Beth Durst
Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Princesses Behaving Badly by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie
Fight for Everything by Laura Kaye
Light as Air by Mari Carr
Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper
Half Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker
The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
Memoirs of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Theodore Roszak
The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen
The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely UNHAUL
Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
Assassin's Gambit by Amy Raby
Refugee by Alan Gratz
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao
Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier
None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio
Words We Don't Say by K.J. Reilly
The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth - UNHAUL
Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaeffer
The Christmas Light by Donna VanLiere
The Phoenix Empress by K. Arsenault Rivera
Royals by Rachel Hawkins
Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke
Kill the Farm Boy by Kevin Hearne and Delilah S. Dawson - DNF
Monster: The Story of a Young Mary Shelley by Mark Arnold
Mammoth by Jill Baguchinsky
Anything but Okay by Sarah Darer Littman
The Storyteller by Traci Chee
The Carols of Christmas by Andrew Grant
Special Gifts by Cynthia Rylant
Pioneer Sisters by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Animal Adventures by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura & Nellie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
School Days by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
Carne the Ruby by Rich Feitlberg
Wolf Kiss by Christine DePetrillo
Wolf Fire by Christine DePetrillo
Wolf Vow by Christine DePetrillo
Wolf Angel by Christine DePetrillo
Waiting for You by Rose Grey
All of Me by Rose Grey
Pangaea: Sunslinger by Bolivar Beato
Pangaea: Revelations by Bolivar Beato
Wastelander: Awakening by Bolivar Beato
Come, Bos by Lucille Benoit
The Promise: A Perilous Journey by Hank Ellis



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Why does this time of year have to go by so fast?!  It was a fun but busy week.  Munchkin and I have been enjoying our Advent Calendars, watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music.  I also had a lot of fun reading a bunch of Christmas books last week during the Tis the Season Readathon. I hope you have also been enjoying my Advent Reads and discovering some great Christmas stories to read this month.

Starting today, I am going to be joining the Smut-a-thon for the week. It is a readathon to read romances, especially the steamy ones.  I figured it would be a nice break from all the fantasy and holiday books I have been reading, and also tackle several of the books that I have purchased this year but haven't gotten to yet. (Especially since I have added the books I picked up at the RI Author Expo).

I have more family fun planned for this week, including a special Grinch day complete with games and a Who feast breakfast! What are some of the holiday events you do with your family and friends?

Advent Reads Day 9: Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets by Jill Kemerer

Read for: Advent Reads/ Requested Review/ Netgalley

Synopsis: "A nanny at Christmastime…

Will she find love in this Wyoming Cowboys novel?

Six weeks on a ranch caring for quadruplets—aspiring nurse Ainsley Draper’s prepared for a busy Christmas. When the children’s handsome uncle opens the door, her task gets extra complicated. Marshall Graham is upholding his promise to look after his twin sister, the babies’ mom. But as family loyalty clashes with new love, will the perfect present include a future with Ainsley?"

My Review:. This book had me at the title, Wyoming and Christmas (yes I know it is only September but I am so ready to get the Christmas spirit going). There were certainly some really great things in this book, but also some not so fantastic things. This book gets very religious and gets a little pushy about it too, normally this is a no-go issue for me but I am letting it go because of the holiday season, even I get a little more religious. I also felt like this was part of a series, like maybe we should have known more about the other couples mentioned in the story, but it isn't linked on Goodreads to a series. Now, let's have some good news, I really appreciate the inclusion of PPD in this book, not everyone is happy, thrilled and madly in love with their newborn babies, sometimes it is a bit hormonal but sometimes it is more (and there needs to be more openness about this because there is not enough knowledge out there for general public). I also really liked Ainsley's dedication to her path, it is a struggle to be that strong, but she does it well and still manages to portray hope. This is a good clean romance to curl up with during the holiday season.

My Rating: I struggled with some bits of this book, but other parts of it I really appreciated. If you don't mind religion in your holiday stories, then you might really enjoy this one. I give it a rating of Three Paws.

 I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley, the above is my honest review.

You can find out more about Jill Kemerer and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website.

Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets was just released this fall so you can obtain your own copy now in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or check at your favorite local bookstore.