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!
Read for: Favorite Holiday Series/ Anticipated Release/ Requested Review/Netgalley
Previous Books in the Series:
Synopsis: "In June 1972, John Creighton determines to build his wife Joan a kitchen table. His largest project to date had been picture frames but he promises to have the table ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspired to put something delicious on the table, Joan turns to her mother's recipes she had given to Joan when she and John married.
In June 2012, Lauren Mabrey discovers she's pregnant. Gloria, Miriam, and the rest of her friends at Glory's Place begin to pitch in, helping Lauren prepare their home for the baby. On a visit to the local furniture builder, Lauren finds a table that he bought at a garage sale but has recently refinished. Once home, a drawer is discovered under the table which contains a stack of recipe cards. Growing up in one foster home after another, Lauren never learned to cook and is fascinated as she reads through the cards. Personal notes have been written on each one from the mother to her daughter and time and again Lauren wonders where they lived, when they lived, and in a strange way, she feels connected to this mother and her daughter and wants to make the mother proud.
The story continues to from 1972 to 2012 as Joan battles breast cancer and Lauren learns to cook, preparing for the baby's arrival. As Christmas nears, can Lauren unlock the mystery of the table, and find the peace she's always longed for?"
My Review: The Christmas Hope (aka Christmas Shoes) series has become a holiday staple of mine. Last year I finally caught up on the series and was worried that was going to be end of it. When I saw The Christmas Table was coming out soon, I jumped at a chance to read it. At this point it really isn't Christmas with a little Gloria and Miriam banter and love. This might be one of my favorites in the series, I loved all how so much of the story centered around a kitchen table and some family recipes. That is my favorite part of the holidays, how everyone comes together over dinner. I really enjoyed the way this story connects the past with the present as well. This is everything I could want in a holiday book. And as a bonus the recipes that are discussed throughout the story are included at the end of the book! I can't wait to get my physical copy and try some out!
My Rating: I really enjoyed returning to this series, all the books are so heartwarming and short enough to enjoy during the busy season. I really loved how this one focused on a table and home cooked meals and treats, such a big part of Christmas to me. I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.
You can find out more about Donna VanLiere and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website.
The Christmas Table was recently released so you can obtain your copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local bookstore or library.
No comments:
Post a Comment