Friday, December 11, 2020

Advent Reads Day 11: Bedtime Story: Sammy Claws the Christmas Cat by Lucy Rowland & Illustrated by Paula Bowles

  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: Childrens Books

Synopsis: "Sammy Claws, Santa's cuddly pet cat, will sleep anywhere! Snoozing in a box on Christmas Eve, Sammy finds himself wrapped up as a Christmas parcel and bundled onto the sleigh with the other presents. How will Sammy escape? And how will he save the presents from two robbers with plans to steal them all away . . .?"

My Review: Of course we had to pick up this book since our new cat shares the name. This was a very cute story that captures a cat's personality so well. From being loving and a little frisky and a little lazy but also super loyal and loving. Sammy had quite the adventure and it would be a fun book for littles to enjoy during the holiday season. The illustrations were great and full of bright and bold colors. This is definitely a book for cat lovers!

My Rating: We really enjoyed this book, it was fun and cute and a perfect cat lover book at Christmas time.  We give it a rating of Four Paws!


Good Night! Sweet Dreams!







Thursday, December 10, 2020

Advent Reads Day 10: Snow Love by Julie Lipson

 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: Audio Book, Recently Added

Synopsis: "What makes for a wonderful life? On a crowded Christmas train from Milan to Paris, Amy, an American headed to meet her fiancé, and Martjin, a Finn headed anywhere but home, meet cute. But when their train gets delayed in an Italian Alps hill town due to a snow storm, they, along with a passel of fellow stranded passengers, find comfort and joy in a cozy inn, run by a wise Italian man who forces them to look at the holiday and each other in a whole new light."

My Review: This was an audible deal that I just couldn't resist. It was a rather short audio book but it was so entertaining. I loved how there was a full cast of narrators, it was almost like a play. The whole story takes place on a single day and it is filled with wonderful holiday traditions and Christmas magic. I loved the way the spirit of the season just seems to worm its way into every one we meet throughout the story. Of course the touch of romance was great for me as well. This was just all around a fun read and perfect to listen to while decorating or wrapping gifts.

My Rating: This was a fun, cute and short little story. I didn't know what to expect from it but thoroughly enjoyed the story. I could completely picture it and the multiple narrators really brought it to life.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!






Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Advent Reads Day 9: A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle

    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: Anticipated Release/ Requested Review/ Netgalley

Synopsis: "A perfect gift that captures the spirit of the season, USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s A Heartfelt Christmas Promise celebrates the holidays, small-town traditions, and the generosity of love between two lost souls who find everything they ever wanted in each other.

Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina—home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA—to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.

Mike Marshall’s family founded Porter’s. For decades, the factory served as the lifeblood of the community until his grandfather sold the business to a Chicago corporation. The sale cost the town its independence—and the Marshalls their family ties. A horse farmer, Mike was never involved with his grandfather’s company, but still felt Fraser Hills lost part of its identity. And as a widower raising a teenage daughter, he’s suffered enough losses in one lifetime. News of the factory’s closing means losing another piece of the town’s legacy.

Far from the skyscrapers and rapid pace of the city, Vanessa finds herself enjoying the easygoing rhythms of rural living. With Mike as her guide, she learns to appreciate the simple pleasures found in shared holiday festivities among friends. Fraser Hills is a town she is growing to love—and Mike is someone she is falling in love with. Now all Vanessa needs is a Christmas miracle to give her newfound friends and home a gift they’ll cherish for many New Years to come."

My Review:  I had the good fortune to meet Nancy a couple of years ago at a book convention and have fallen in love with her holiday books. This one hit so many of my buzz words and favorite tropes; small town, horses, dogs, forced proximity, single parent, busy city business person being forced to slow down during the holidays. We get all of that and so much more. I loved that the female lead is the busy business woman, making her way in the corporate world and making it work. I loved the side characters in this book, the overly helpful assistant and nosey older gentleman, the added so much to the story. Mike is so much of what I love wrapped up in a single character, strong, kind of gruff, works hard and loves harder. While some of this book is a bit hard hitting, especially in the current economical times, it is still so uplifting, exactly what we need in the holiday season.

My Rating: This was a mash up of so many of my favorite things into a single holiday book.  I was drawn into the story and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I give it a rating of Four Paws.


I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.

You can find out more about Nancy Naigle and her books (many excellent holiday books to enjoy) on her Goodreads Page or Website.

A Heartfelt Christmas Promise was just released this fall and you can obtain your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local library or bookstore.



Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Advent Reads Day 8: Date Night with a Book: Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

    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: Recent purchase

Synopsis: "Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his charming accent, and unyielding formality.

Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen for years and has never given a personal, private tour—until now. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling.

Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy affair come New Year’s Day. . .or are they?"

My Review: I picked this book up last year for the holiday season but I never got around to it, I am glad I made it a priority this year. I am really happy that the characters were on the more mature side, I don't find books like that very often. Malcom sounds absolutely dreamy and Vivian is so full of life. Normally I struggle with books set in other countries because I just can't picture locations but everything was so well described and a lot of the places were well known so it was easier to imagine. I also enjoyed the way the romance built slowly with a lot of conversation and budding friendship. I didn't realize until after the fact that this was a 4th book in a series, but clearly you don't need to read the rest of the books to enjoy the story.

My Rating: I really enjoyed this book, it was light and fun and a perfect read for the holiday season. I loved the characters and the setting.  Just as a note, it does get a little steamy later in the book. I give it a rating of Four Paws!






Monday, December 7, 2020

Advent Reads Day 7: The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere

    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.



Monday Reading List

    It is Monday again and it is time to update with what I read last week, what I am currently reading and what to look forward to next week.



Reviews Posted Last Week:
Links will take you to my review

A Dog's Perfect Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron
Scrooged by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Christmas Cookie Day by Tara Knudson (Bedtime Story)
Happy Narwhalidays by Eric Clanton (Graphic Novel)


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

Christmas Under the Northern Lights
Christmas Cookie Murder
Sammy Claws the Christmas Cat
Marshmallows & Mistletoe
Snow Love
Royal Holiday
Rose of Shanhasson


Currently Reading:

The Princess Knight by G.A. Aiken - Ebook - on page 78 of 352
Better Late than Never by Jenn McKinlay - Audio - 20%



Pages Read/ Time Listened
907:51 Hours Listened (14:53 listened this week)
28,925 Pages Read (844 This week)

Books Added to Shelves Recently: TBR
The Eyes of Tamburah (gift)
The Wolf in the Whale
~~~~~~~~~~March Birthday Waiver Books ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Rain Dragon Rescue
The Order of the Unicorn
All the Wandering Light
Life on the Leash
Phoenix Unbound
The Caged Queen
The Mum Who'd Had Enough
The Voyage to Magical North
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Birthday Waiver~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beefcakes
Hades & Persephone
Dark Skies
About That Kiss
The Girl and the Stars
A Choir of Lies
Loving Cara
Girl of Fire & Thorns (gift)
Fury of a Phoenix
Homicide in Hardcover (gift)
Unravel the Dusk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Unhaul Cut Off ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Wow, I think I just had a better reading week than the entire last month! I guess this is what happens when  you just say 'to heck with it all, I am reading'. I kind of gave up on getting things done on my to do list this last week, things just got too overwhelming.  Once I had a bit to sit back and enjoy some books and some quite me time, it was much easier to then take on those tasks that were stacking up. I have to say this year seems particularly difficult on the kiddos; normally we have loads of fun activities planned for Munchkin from cookies or brunch with Santa to Polar Express ride, Grinch Night with the family, storytime at Barnes & Noble, so many fun adventures.  This year we are really having to come up with some new ideas to keep the magic going. We had a card making day with a friend of his, and that same friend has invited him over to make cookies. I have booked multiple drive through light displays around the state. On Friday last week we did a virtual Barnes & Noble story time, and honestly I think it was even better than in person, we were all comfy in our pjs on the couch with hot chocolate and cookies while we watched the story time via Youtube on the TV. 

One event I want to bring to your attention is coming up on Wednesday night, Winter Ever After is being hosted by SMP Romance and will feature some of my favorite holiday romance authors. They will be writing short holiday stories live and we get to vote on various elements during the event from names to settings to plot twists.  It sounds like such a fun event to participate and it is free! So here is the link to sign up & I hope to see you there: https://bit.ly/WinterEverAfterEvent

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Advent Reads Day 6: Rhett's Make-Believe Marriage by Liz Isaacson

   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: Recently Added/ Self-Published Author

Synopsis: "She needs a husband to be credible as a matchmaker. He wants to help a neighbor. Will their fake marriage take them out of the friend zone?

Rhett Walker has been in Three Rivers for a year, relying on the Foster sisters next door as he rebuilds his ranch after a tornado hits town. He's closest to Evelyn, and they spend a lot of time together. While he's entertained thoughts of starting a relationship with her, there's always a boyfriend and their friendship between them.

Evelyn Foster runs a successful, secretive matchmaking service for the women of Three Rivers. She helps set up situations so cowboys can get out of their own way and see the beautiful woman standing right in front of them. Business is great—until people start to lose confidence in her abilities because her boyfriends all seem to break up with her.

To save her business, she'll have to risk her heart. And her pride. She knocks on Rhett's door—the only person she thinks will go along with her crazy plan. Could their make-believe marriage be exactly what they both need to get out of their own way and find a happily-ever-after?"


My Review: I picked this book up at random, I was drawn in by the cover (I have a thing for plaid and flannel, especially in the fall and winter) and the fact that not only is it a cowboy book but also a billionaire and marriage of convenience, so many of my favorite tropes in romance books. What I didn't get from the synopsis (on Amazon where I purchased) was that this is a sweet romance and rather heavy handed with Christianity. This is not normally an issue for me, especially around the holiday season but I have to be in the right mood and mindset, and know about it from the start. With that said, I liked how things started off with Rhett and Evelyn's meeting and beginning of friendship, but unfortunately we didn't get to spend much time with them. We didn't get to see their bond grow nor really the development of the marriage of convenience. We spend a lot of time being introduced to the other side characters, who will most likely get their own books as the series continued. It does set up very nicely for a couple of them but I would have liked more time with Rhett and Evelyn.

My Rating: This may not have been my favorite book, I did enjoy the craft fair part and the small town feel of the story, we just didn't get enough build up or get to know the characters enough for my liking. It may be a good base to start the series as I feel like I know the other characters better.  I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.