Eastern Sunset Reads: 2016-12-18

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Advent Reads Day 24: Bedtime Story: Little Critter's Night Before Christmas by Mercer Mayer

Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now. Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Synopsis: "In a sprightly retelling of the holiday classic, Little Critter dreams of dancing sugarplums while patiently waiting for Santa and his reindeer to arrive."

My Review: As I have said before, Little Critter has a special place in our hearts and our shelves but we had never read this one before. I love how the words and rhyme were slightly altered with more modern words young readers will recognize and to also fit the characters of the story, but it wasn't so drastic as to turn off the lovers of the classic story. It is a fun one to read to the kids during this holiday season.

My Rating: This is probably my favorite re-telling of this classic that I have come across so far, and Munchkin loves it as well. We give it a rating of Four Paws!

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Christmas Fun Day 24: Christmas Eve Box and Traditions

Hello and Happy Holiday season everyone! In addition to my Advent Reads event this holiday season, I thought I would post earlier in the day with different things we do each day to have fun and celebrate this season. I hope you will join us and also maybe share some of your own traditions or ways you celebrate.

Yay! It is Christmas Eve!! Munchkin is so excited (and so am I honestly). I wanted to share a few of our Christmas Eve traditions with all of you and hopefully hear a few of yours.

Every year for Christmas Eve I used to go to the church service that had the children's play in it (a lot of adults like to go to the candle light service but I love when the children act out the nativity). While I wish I could still do that, especially with Munchkin, we haven't been able to make it since he was an infant. I usually work every year until 3 or 4 and then to get Munchkin, get him fed and to church in time to get a seat has proved to be too much. Hubby always has to work on Christmas Eve so I am on my own trying to make it magical but still keep Munchkin in control and get everything set for hosting the next day (again because Hubby works at night he usually just gets up for Munchkin to open a few presents and then goes back to sleep until company arrives). Anyway, years ago I saw either on facebook or Pinterest a Christmas Eve box and I have done one for Munchkin every year.

By the time we get home from the day there is a box waiting for Munchkin, it contains new Christmas PJs, a Christmas movie, popcorn and goodies, hot chocolate, marshmallows and a new Christmas story to read at bedtime.

Again, like Friday Night Movie Nights we put on our PJs and eat a light snack dinner and watch our new movie.

Then we put out cookies for Santa, they have to be homemade (this is the only batch of cookies I make) and Munchkin helps decorate them. We also leave a carrot for the reindeer and a note for Santa. We then cuddle up with a few Christmas books (including the new one) and read them by the tree and listen to Christmas music.

Then Munchkin goes to bed and my work really begins!

Another one of our traditions, one I am surprised more parents don't do but everyone I tell about it think it is brilliant. Munchkin has to clean his room before going to bed on Christmas Eve (if not I tell him Santa will think he has too many presents already). If he has a clean room, Santa will leave a present or two in his room for him. The gift is usually a book (like a search and find) and maybe a puzzle. This way I get him to clean his room and it also keeps him occupied in his room in the morning so I can get a few extra minutes of sleep before he gets into the presents in the living room.

Also we keep the gifts from Santa kind of light, he usually gets a big toy, a game to play with the family and the book and puzzle that were left in his room (and of course the stocking usually stuffed with undies and socks).

I am really looking forward to this year, Munchkin is really at that age where he understands and believes and it is all magic!

How do you celebrate Christmas Eve?

Friday, December 23, 2016

Advent Read Day 23: Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

Welcome to Advent Reads!

Synopsis: "’Tis the season for romance, second chances, and Christmas cheer with this new novel from Debbie Macomber.

Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author.

Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a mega-bestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives.

Digging deep into Finn’s past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart.

Filled with all the comforts and joys of Christmastime, Starry Night is a delightful novel of finding happiness in the most surprising places."

My Review: Another one of Macomber's standalone holiday romances, but I think this is the best one I have read yet! I absolutely fell in love with rugged and gruff Finn, and tenacious and fearless Carrie was a great match for him. I love the way the story developed and it certainly gives those warm feels that are so perfect for the holiday season. This is definitely a book to curl up with next to your tree, and you won't want to put it down!

My Rating: I really enjoyed this one and (this doesn't happen very often at all) really wish it was a movie I could enjoy every year. It gave me all the feels I was looking for this holiday season. I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas Day surrounded by your loved ones!

Christmas Fun Day 23: Family Holiday Night In from NovelTeaClub

As you may recall, I have been loving my NovelTeaClub monthly tea and book subscription box, well back in October they announced that they would have a special family Holiday box for sale separate from the subscription boxes. I of course jumped on that as soon as it went up on the site (in fact through later emails with them, I discovered I ordered the very first one). Well, it arrived this last week and I have been saving it for Friday night with Munchkin, we already have special Christmas Eve traditions but this was perfect for our Friday night.

This box was stuffed full of holiday goodies, books, tea and activities

There are a ton of different chocolates (I don't really eat chocolate but Munchkin and Hubby will really enjoy them) there are also 4 little hot chocolate ornaments (2 of them seem to be white hot chocolate with peppermint or candy cane pieces which is right up my alley), 4 sets of gourmet marshmallows (I can't wait to try the vanilla and raspberry), 2 different teas (one is candy cane and the other has a chocolaty smell to it), a children's book of The Night Before Christmas (we have loads of re-tellings of this story but I don't think I have ever read the original to Munchkin so that will be a fun bedtime story tonight), a book of Christmas ideas, histories and traditions (I love these types of books, it gives me ideas for next year) and a Christmas coloring book, it looks like an adult coloring book but it has images simple enough for Munchkin to color too, I think we will have fun coloring after dinner.

I am looking forward to our cozy night in tonight and a great way to get in the spirit for Christmas Eve tomorrow! Thank you NovelTeaClub!!

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Advent Reads Day 22: A Midnight Clear by Katherine Paterson

Welcome to Advent Reads!

Synopsis: "Each Christmas Eve when John Paterson was a pastor, he read an original story to his congregation--a story that illuminated the true meaning of the holiday season, written by his wife, two-time Newbery Medalist Katherine Paterson. Now you, too, can share them. Whether depicting a child coping with disappointment, friendship between young and old, or a couple awaiting the birth of their baby, these stories present a vision of hope and peace harking back to that first Christmas over two thousand years ago. Here is the perfect holiday gift for friends, families, and church congregations--to read aloud and share throughout the Christmas season and beyond."

My Review: This was a nice collection of short stories for a younger audience but everyone can enjoy them. The stories for the most part seem to be about connecting the younger generation with the older generations. Some sweet sentimental stories and some great lessons can be taken away from these stories. They do tend to lean more toward the religious side but don't smack you over the head with it so they can be enjoyed by nearly everyone.

My Rating: This is a great cohesive collection of holiday stories that would be great to read with children or even the whole family over dinner or dessert during the Christmas season. I give it a rating of Three Paws.

Christmas Fun Day 22: Polar Express Train

So as I said earlier this month, Munchkin has been obsessed with the Polar Express book and movie, well it just so happens that the oldest running Polar Express Train is located here in Rhode Island! The tickets are not cheap and they sell out quickly, but I managed to snag some for us. I have to say it was quite an ordeal and I was a little nervous about how he would react (he doesn't do well with anything outside our normal schedule or familiar places). He was super shy at the beginning and wouldn't take pictures at any of the photo scenes. He wouldn't interact with anyone and insisted I carry him (a nearly 40lb 4 year old gets heavy very fast). But once we got on the train it was like magic!

It wasn't snowing on the day we went, but the company added to the magic by using a snow machine to blow snow as you exited the station to get on the train. Munchkin was very interested in the wheels and magnets.

Every one gets a golden ticket, we went with Hubby, Uncle B & Uncle B2

We rode the Comet car and each car has its own Storyteller (ours was Jen), a Chef (ours was Deb), and an Elf (ours was Mia), they all do a great job of interacting with not only the kids but the adults as well and keeping everyone engaged.

For the first part of the ride, the storyteller reads the story (I read on one blog that it was a good idea to bring your own copy of the book so we did but it really wasn't necessary).

Halfway through the story (on the page where they all got hot chocolate) they stop and pass out hot chocolate and cookies to everyone.

The hot chocolate was the perfect temperature and you get to keep the cup. Of course that sent Munchkin into quite the sugar rush but oh well, that is the fun of the day right?!

I think the thing Munchkin was the most excited about was getting his golden ticket punched by the conductor!

The train stopped at the North Pole (they had a lot all decorated with a sign for Santa's workshop and lights and a big pole for the kids to look at) while they switched the engine and picked up a special visitor. . .

Santa came down through the car and said hi to each child, they didn't get long to talk to him but there was an opportunity after to take a picture with Santa on his sleigh at the station. Santa gave each kid a "first gift of Christmas" the silver bell.

The way back was filled with singing, dance parties in the aisle, candy canes and coloring books for each child. It was really a fun time, I think I had as much fun as Munchkin did! I don't know if we will do it again next year because it is so expensive but it was definitely a memory we enjoyed making!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Advent Reads Day 21: Bedtime Story: The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket

Welcome to Advent Reads!

Synopsis: "This is a story about a lump of coal who can think, talk, and move itself around."

My Review: This book has been on my wish list for some time but found the audio version available on Overdrive. It was narrated by Neil Patrick Harris (who has quickly become my favorite children's book narrator). This was a little bit of a silly story but has a great message. I must admit it was a little hard to picture in my mind but the message gets across just fine, though I would suggest if you are reading this with kids to get a book with pictures. I really love the message of miracles where you don't expect them, and while you may not get what you want right away, you may get it in a round about way.

My Rating: We listened to this on audio book and while I love Neil Patrick Harris' narration, I think it would have been better to see the illustrations along with the story. It does have great message and one that might come in handy for those families who can't produce the much wished for special gift. I give it a rating of Three Paws.

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Christmas Fun Day 21: The Joy of Giving

I try to teach Munchkin new things by setting a good example and by having him participate or do it himself. Part of Christmas for me has always been giving back to others. When I was a kid my dad worked swing shifts so would often work on Christmas, so we would just adjust our celebration a few days earlier or later, and instead of sitting at home my Mom would take us to the local soup kitchen to help serve lunch or dinner, or on Christmas Eve we would be wrapping and delivering gifts to families who couldn't afford them. Now I want to instill that same spirit of giving in Munchkin, he is still too young to go work at a soup kitchen but we can still donate toys to kids who don't have any.

Over the course of the year we put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, the drop off day was back in November but I thought I would share our stack of 12 boxes with you. It was relatively easy to stuff these boxes, I ended up with a few bags of extra things that I couldn't fit. Munchkin had fun helping pick out the little toys that would go in each one and he helped make sure each box got a toothbrush, soap, wash clothes, undies, socks and a stuffed friend. He hugged each stuffed friend before he put them in the box.

The other way that was easy to give back was Toys for Tots. Dropping off the gifts this close to Christmas really sparked some pouting that lead to some great discussions about appreciating what we have and giving to those who don't have anything. After some intense conversations, Munchkin eventually came around and picked out some toys to donate and put them in the box (which was huge and Daddy had to lift him up).

How do you give back during this holiday season?

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Advent Reads Day 20: Deck the Halls, We're Off the Walls by Dan Gutman

Welcome to Advent Reads!

Synopsis: "It's Christmas, and you know what that means! Santa Claus is coming to town! Or at least to the local mall. But what happens when kid rapper Cray-Z gives a Christmas concert at the same mall and all his fans go bananas? One thing's for sure—if A.J. and his friends from Ella Mentry School want to save the day, they will need a Christmas miracle.

Bestselling author Dan Gutman brings his wacky, kid-friendly sense of humor to this all-new series of holiday adventures. With My Weird School trivia and Christmas-themed facts and puzzles, this is one weird Christmas special you don't want to miss!"

My Review: What a fun book, it is perfect for those middle grade kids who are just past believing (or near that point) in Santa but you still want to keep some of the holiday magic alive. This book is a little zany that young readers will love. It took some real creativity for the author to come up with a holiday rap throughout the story too. It also has some fun game and puzzles, facts and trivia that will keep them busy well after the story is over.

My Rating: This was such a fun book and would be great for those younger teens - pre-teens that need to be kept out of your hair while you get some holiday prep done. It was fun and comical. I give it a rating of Four Paws.

Christmas Fun Day 20: Christmas Music

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the music, it takes some serious restraint for me not to start listening to it before Thanksgiving! I really tend to prefer the hymns you hear in church over the other holiday jingles. I also prefer when they are sung the way they were traditionally written, not with all the embellishments a lot of the new artists tend to put on the songs. But anyway, some of my favorites are Carol of the Bells, We Three Kings, O Come Emmanuel, Do You Hear What I Hear, and more. Munchkin started really listening this year and he likes "Over the Hills" (Go Tell it On the Mountain, and "See What I See" (Do You Hear What I Hear).

My current CD collection in my car

The Martina McBride and Julie Andrews CDs are absolutely fantastic! The Joy to the World is one that is best for kids, it has kids singing and the music and lyrics are clear and simplistic.

And the CDs I have been listening to in the office

I have loved just about everything The Piano Guys put out, I have been watching their youtube channel for years now. And Andrea Bocelli's voice just makes me melt!

So what are your favorite songs? Any favorite CDs I should check out? What are you listening to?

Monday, December 19, 2016

Advent Reads Day 19: A Cheyenne Christmas by Caroline Lee

Welcome to Advent Reads!

Synopsis: "They need each other to survive... but their families need a reason to celebrate.

Ash Barker and his brother had just about built their ranch into a success when he busted his arm trying to tame a particularly nasty mustang. Now they’re headed into Cheyenne’s harsh winter with fewer hands and a very real danger of failure. They need someone else—anyone else—out there with them, to make it through this season.

Molly Murray’s dream of owning her own bakery went up in flames with the Great Chicago Fire. She’s been supporting her younger sisters for the last four years, and it seems like the Cheyenne wilderness might be her last chance to give them all a real home. But no one will hire her... until she meets the intimidatingly masculine, incredibly handsome, and very desperate Ash Barker.

Can their unique families blend in time to celebrate their first real Cheyenne Christmas?"

My Review: It has been a while since I read a historical romance, but I had to pick this one up for the holiday season. I really enjoy who you get to know each of the characters and connect with them in such a short time period. I also like how the hardships of the time are clear but so is the beautiful simplicity of the holiday celebration. It also shows that family isn't always blood but who we surround ourselves with and love. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more in the series!

My Rating: I really enjoy this one, there isn't a lot of depth to the story, a simple holiday romance that kicks off a series but it does give you the feel goods. I give it a rating of Four Paws!

Christmas Fun Day 19: The Joy of Christmas Book Tag

I have another tag for you today (and of course if you want to join feel free, just make sure you link back to the original tag). I discovered the Joy of Christmas tag by Sam's Nonsense on youtube when I was searching for a Christmas tag to do, I thought it was fun so decided to post my own answers. . .

1) Anticipation: The Christmas excitement is real, what book release(s) are you most anticipating?

This is tough because there are a lot of really great books coming out very soon that I cannot wait for but the one that I have actually pre-ordered (and entered every contest there is for it but haven't won) is A Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet, the second book in the Kingmaker Chronicles (A Promise of Fire was the first book and if you haven't read it you must do so ASAP)!

2) Christmas Songs & Carols: What book or author can you not help but sing it's praises?

There are so many books and authors that I have discovered this year that I love but I have to go with my favorite book this year (you guys are probably getting sick of hearing about it), There Was a Fire by Nancy Roy. I don't even have the words to fully encapsulate my feelings about this book it was so fantastic! Any book that you can read at the beginning of the year and leave you still thinking about it after reading 300 more in the year deserves to have some praises!

3) Gingerbread Houses: What book or series has wonderful world building?

I have a couple options for this answer, and I already used Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir in another tag so for this one I am going with The Selection by Kiera Cass. Some may disagree but I felt like the world building was so smooth that you just slid right into the books, granted you didn't see much of the world but there was still a lot of social class and government to understand.

4) A Christmas Carol: Favorite classic or one that you want to read

I think you all know by now that Frankenstein is my all time favorite book, so of course it is my favorite classic as well. So I thought I would share a classic that I want to read some time soon (or I guess I should say re-read). I read The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri in my first semester of college and loved it but I haven't picked it up since then and I think it is about time to revisit it.

5) Christmas Sweets: What book would you love to receive for Christmas

There were several books I requested for Christmas but I would be thrilled to receive the Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo I keep hearing great things about it and I also heard that, while not necessary, it is best to read these before the Six of Crows duology.

6) Candles in the Window: What book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling

Fire by Kristin Cashore is like coming home for me but it isn't really the warm fuzzy holiday feeling, it is actually a rather emotional and dark book. I obviously read a lot of great holiday books for Advent Reads each year, but there is one book I save just for myself for the holidays because it holds so many memories and that is Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. This really is coming home, my mom would read this book to us every year and we even tried to make a lot of the goodies (like the candies in the snow) during the holidays. A close second is The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

7) Christmas Trees & Decorations: What are some of your favorite book covers?

I swear the publishers have really upped their game recently, I have been drawn in by pretty covers so much this year. I don't know if I am just browsing more or if they really are so much more stunning than in the past but I picked up some really great ones this year (I am just going to post some of the best ones I have bought this year because there are so many that I love but couldn't add to my shelves, yet or that were already decorating my shelves).

Okay so looking at that list, I clearly like books with sharp pointy things on the cover and really wispy images, clearly fantasy books are key for me. Well now everyone knows how to grab my attention with a cover!

8) Christmas Joy: What are some of your favorite things about Christmas And/Or some of your favorite Christmas memories?

All growing up it was just my mom, dad, brother and myself, sometimes my best friend would come over because she was basically family. Now, my husband's whole family (granted it is small) converges on my house, while I absolutely love having time with so many of the people I love, I kind of miss those quiet Christmases of when I was a kid. We never had to get out of our pjs and we would eat a big breakfast so the rest of the day you were just picking at snacks you could find (so no stress over dinner for my mom) and it was always so quiet, we could play with new toys or I could dive right into those new books I had received. But all in all for me Christmas is about being surrounded by loved ones, laughing, talking, singing, and just enjoying each others company, I do love it!

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

Christmas in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber
The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas by Various Authors
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff (Bedtime Story)
The Unexpected Christmas: The Story of Johnny Cornflakes by Denise George
The Naughty List by Heather Horrocks

Books Finished Last Week:

Reviews will be posted at a later date

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone = 5pts
Snow Daze = 1pt
Axel the Truck: Rocky Road = 1pt

Currently Reading:

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski - Audio - 28 %
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling - Print - on page 67 of 341
Snow Like Ashes by Sarah Raasch - Audio - 15%

Books to be Read Soon:

Tale of Elske by Cynthia Voigt

Total Points Earned
71 points + 7 points = 78 points

Total Points Earned this Year: 2253
Total Points Spent this Year: 2175

Pages Read/ Time Listened
277:16 (11 days 13 hrs 16 mins) Hours Listened (none listened this week)
44,864 Pages Read (384 this week)

Books Added to Shelves

Interesting Tidbits on the Web:

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Just when I finally start to feel in control and caught up, a wrench gets thrown at me. We were doing good I was nearly caught up in the office, I was on top of the Christmas prep at home and just needed to finalize everything and finish making goodies this last weekend. Then I came home Friday night to a very sick Hubby, he brought the stomach flu home. Munchkin was told to avoid Daddy and not to be in the same room with him even, I did not want him catching this right before Christmas! So I was up all night trying to keep up with disinfecting. Then Saturday we had 3 1/2 inches of snow that I had to shovel and take Munchkin out to try to finish the last of the Christmas shopping, then he had a birthday party to go to in the evening. The good part about that was that I kept him out of the germ ridden house until bedtime, then I could once again stay up late disinfecting. Yesterday was a fun day though, Hubby was finally feeling better and after some chores in the morning, we took some donations in before going to the Polar Express train! I will have more on that this week for our Christmas fun. The count down is on to Christmas (Munchkin asks at least 5 times a day how long is left).

I hope all you of your plans are going well and that you are staying safe and healthy!

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Advent Reads Day 18: The Naughty List by Heather Horrocks

Welcome to Advent Reads!

Synopsis: "THE NAUGHTY LIST (Christmas Street Romantic Comedy Novella #2)

With the ink still fresh on her college degree, Ariel Swanson has big plans. But plans are made for derailing, and her normally healthy Nana calls to ask for help until the end of the year because she’s not well, Ariel knows family comes before dreams.

Ariel arrives to find some surprises—like the strange man sleeping in Nana’s over-the-garage apartment and Nana having some problems that don’t seem to have an explanation.

Dr. Matthew Monson has his own plan—and it doesn’t involve a woman. His ex-wife cost him everything he had and he’s focused on paying off his debts. She left him distrustful of all women—especially of the woman who is distracting him every time he goes outside.

Christmas is a time for miracles—and this year Ariel, Nana, and Matthew need one more than ever."

My Review: I have been reading one of the books in this series for the past couple of years and while this wasn't as good as the first one it was still a fun book to read. Classic meddling elders wanting romance for the younger generations. I liked Matthew best in this story, though I really did enjoy revisiting some of the characters from the earlier books. Ariel was okay for me though a little weak in personality for me but still added to the story nicely. This was a fun and clean romance for the holidays, it was also a short read to squeeze into your busy schedule.

My Rating: This is a fun, light and clean romance for the holiday season. I didn't connect a lot with the characters but did really enjoy the story. I give this one a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Christmas Fun Day 18: Gingerbread Houses

So Munchkin has been wanting to make a gingerbread house but I am so awful at making them and get so frustrated when they fall apart that I have been putting it off. Thankfully I got the most amazing Uncle when I married into the family! Last week I was near complete meltdown point, and I think he picked up on it over a quick phone conversation. Last Saturday Uncle B called up and said he was coming down and not to worry about everything, he would keep Munchkin occupied while I got some things done. He showed up with all the things necessary to build a whole neighborhood of gingerbread and occupied Munchkin for a couple of hours, and even cleaned up after. He really is a complete godsend and I am so thankful for him. And Munchkin just loves having fun with Uncle B!

I didn't get a lot of pictures because I was outside doing the yard work (and finally getting those Halloween decorations down) but they certainly had fun creating the houses (even if one broke in the process).

Do you have any special holiday memories with family outside your immediate family? Do you have any luck with gingerbread houses?