Showing posts with label Christmas Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas Book Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, September 29, 2023

REVIEW: A Royal Christmas A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

 


A Royal Christmas
A Christmas Novella 
Melody Carlson

When I saw that Melody Carlson had written a new Christmas novella, I jumped on the chance to read A Royal Christmas. When it arrived, I was so excited! I've spent the last couple of days immersed in this novella every chance I get. ~smile~ That meant instrumental  Christmas music, candlelight, a hot drink, and a beautifully bound book. I felt so spoiled when I opened the cover, and the flyleaves were embossed! Luxurious ~ fit for a princess!


A Royal Christmas is a relaxing read. It's definitely a Hallmarky or Princess Diaries type story. It's a type that's been done before, but Melody Carlson puts a lovely spin on it. Wouldn't we all have loved to find out we were fairy tale princesses? It's light and charming... just perfect for holiday reading.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the inclusion and explanations of Montovia's Christmas customs. I hadn't known of Krampus before for instance. The descriptions of the locabtion were heart warming. 

Another thing I appreciated was the Christian focus of the book. After all, Christmas is about Jesus Christ.

I've enjoyed every Melody Carlson Christmas novella I've read. This one is a little different from previous books, but I think it's well-written. I found myself turning pages quickly. Quite an enjoyable novella. 

ABOUT:  Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

Spend this Christmas with bestselling author Melody Carlson as she whisks you away to a royal holiday you'll never forget!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I use the Goodreads star system.
★               Did not like it
★★            It was okay
★★★         Liked it
★★★★      Really liked it
★★★★★   It was amazing

Find me online here:

@lauraofharvestlane on Instagram
Laura Lane on Goodreads 
2023 48 Finished Books Goal 51
PayPal laura@harvestlanecottage.com
Address available by email

I listen to many books on Scribd. Free trial here.

Monday, October 10, 2022

REVIEW: A QUILT FOR CHRISTMAS by Melody Carlson

 Affiliate Links 


  I have enjoyed every Melody Carlson Christmas novella I've read. I've read almost all of them, too! It's become a tradition to read her yearly offering in September as my thoughts turn to the Fall and Christmas seasons. This year the book I started in September has continued into October. Sometimes I read a book slowly to savor it. That's the way Carlson's Christmas books are. If I don't savor them, I'll gobble them down! 

  A Quilt for Christmas is no different. What is different is the storyline. I love that the protagonist is a woman of a certain age. ~smile~ She moved to a new city to be near her family. Unfortunately, they soon moved far away because of a job. That left her alone and lonely. Her heart was soon to be melted by the youngsters who lived across the hall. A project was planned to surprise their mother for Christmas with precious few weeks to accomplish a very complicated bed quilt. The ladies that joined in to make this quilt had varied personalities that required learning to get along and make new friendships in a whole new way. 

 Heartwarming is a word that is often overused in a Hallmark movie sort of way, but it is a word that fits this book perfectly. I recommend you buy it early and read a chapter every day or two so that you can enjoy the people that live within these pages.

 Whatever you do, get your hands on one of Carlson's Christmas novellas. They will give you some calm and perhaps fun moments in what can be a very busy season. Five Stars*

From the publisher:

Cuddle up with this cozy story of giving and forgiving--with a little bit of romance
Christmas should be celebrated with family, but for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help.

With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's aid, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all. And she may even find herself a new family of friends along the way.

Read an excerpt

Reading Group Guide

  •   Happy Christmas Reading!

Laura

I use the Goodreads star system.
★               Did not like it
★★            It was okay
★★★         Liked it
★★★★      Really liked it
★★★★★   It was amazing


"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

#AQuiltforChristmas



MORE BOOKS BY MELODY CARLSON THAT I'VE ENJOYED!

The Christmas Swap ~ My Review
A Christmas by the Sea ~ My Review 
The Christmas Joy Ride ~ My Review 
The Christmas Angel Project ~ My Review 
The Christmas Blessing ~ My Review 
The Christmas Dog ~ My Review 
Christmas in the Alps ~ My Review
The Christmas Shoppe 
The Gift of Christmas Present
Christmas at Harringtons 
Christmas in Winter Hill



Find me online here:

@lauraofharvestlane on Instagram
Laura Lane on Goodreads 
2022 39 Finished Books Goal 51
HarvestLaneLaura  on Ravelry
PayPal laura@harvestlanecottage.com
Address available by email

Sunday, December 12, 2021

REVIEW: Dachshund Through The Snow with Giveaway Ends 12/15

 


For many years, I've added a new Christmas book each year to our family's collection. This year, my kids are grown, so I chose this book with my little dog in mind. ~smile~

Dachshund through the snow was written by Michelle Medlock Adams and illustrated by Ana Sebastian. It's a very cute little story about an underdog who, with perseverance and courage, comes out top dog. Little Crosby is doggone determined to be the best at something. He doesn't want to just be known for being small. I think this story is meant to encourage children to find their own thing that they're good at and to do it well. 

I think it would make a fun addition to a Christmas book collection— for a child, for a dog lover, for a Santa book collector, or for you!


From the Publisher:  

The size of your stature is not the measure of your heart. For one tiny Dachshund, this was a mighty big lesson.

Crosby was teeny. Even for a miniature dachshund. In fact, he was the teeniest dachshund in the whole town. But his small stature and big heart made Crosby one of the best burrowers in all of the North Pole. That’s why he couldn’t wait to enter the North Pole Animal Olympics and burrow his way to a gold medal. Finally old enough to compete, Crosby goes to town to register on Dec. 23, but when he encounters lots of hecklers and bullies who make fun of his small size, Crosby loses his confidence. With his tail tucked between his legs, he burrows as fast and far away from town as he can, running smack dab into a stranded Santa and his divine destiny.

Will this unlikely hero save Christmas?


Four to eight-year-olds will be on the edge of their seats as this holiday picture book page-turner unfolds.


Enter the GIVEAWAY here!

Amazon Affiliate

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

@endgamepress https://www.instagram.com/endgamepress/

#DachshundThroughTheSnow #Dachshund #Dachshundsoftheday #Dachshundlover #Dachshundsofinstagram


Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson 5 Stars

This post includes affiliate links.

#AChristmasInTheAlps


To sum the book up in two words:  LOVED IT!
Truth be told, I knew I'd love it before I even received it. I've loved all of Melody Carlson's Christmas books that I've read. Of course, like in many Christmas novellas, we put aside many of the things that might limit the scope of the story. For instance, money. All Simone needs is provided through the sale of her grandmama's house at the perfect time. I wish life were that easy. BUT this is is a Christmas story! It's all about getting to that happy ending. 

Mrs. Carlson spun an unusual tale for us of family love, of family grumpiness, of friendship, of secrets, of kindness, and of a mysterious treasure hunt. It's a story of the blending of the old ways and the new ways. We have an antagonist that puts just a bit of pressure and uncertainty into the tale as well as a wrench in the clockworks. ~smile~

This is a story that will help you relax and enjoy a bit of the beauty of Paris and France at Christmas time. It will let you enjoy dreams of learning French and going on a beautiful snowy adventure to find your treasure!

It's completely clean. No worries about this one at all. It is a pleasure to read.


About 

Get ready for a magical mountain holiday

After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that Simone is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, she boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

Read an Excerpt

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I use the Goodreads star system.
★               Did not like it
★★            It was okay
★★★         Liked it
★★★★      Really liked it
★★★★★   It was amazing



MORE BOOKS BY MELODY CARLSON THAT I'VE ENJOYED!

The Christmas Swap ~ My Review
A Christmas by the Sea ~ My Review 
The Christmas Joy Ride ~ My Review 
The Christmas Angel Project ~ My Review 
The Christmas Blessing ~ My Review 
The Christmas Dog ~ My Review 
The Christmas Shoppe 
The Gift of Christmas Present
Christmas at Harringtons 
Christmas in Winter Hill


Thursday, September 24, 2020

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson ★★★★★

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson is another must-read Christmas book!


★★★★★



From the Publisher:

All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year.

Tyler Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet—or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house's caretaker. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things
get . . . messy.


My Thoughts:

I just adore Melody Carlson's Christmas novellas. I've read and reviewed several over the years. They are the books I look forward to the most. They just leave me feeling good! They are the ultimate in cozy up, put your feet up, put on a little Christmas background music, and sip something warm and comforting books. 

Emma Daley is a down-to-earth kind of gal with an uppity, spoiled rotten, rich best friend. As a substitute teacher, her feet are firmly on the ground, but she's about to fly and climb to new heights literally and figuritively. 

Tyler Prescott is a is a busy guy who's been pushed into the house swap by his mama who cannot wait to spend a Christmas in the sun. Unfortunately, or fortunately, he misses his plane. That's just the beginning.

Sparks fly when Tyler is discovered still at the house. Depending on who you ask, some of the sparks are sparkly and some are firy. Emma and her friend both have their eye on Tyler, but for different reasons entirely. 

I don't want to give anything away, but I definitely think it's a terrific low stress interesting holiday read. It's a bit different than many of the books. I truly enjoyed it. I hope you will, too. 

Five Stars!

#TheChristmasSwap!

Other Christmas books by Melody Carlson that I've reviewed:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I use the Goodreads star system.
★               Did not like it
★★            It was okay
★★★         Liked it
★★★★      Really liked it
★★★★★   It was amazing






Shared at Over the Moon

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols




Snuggle up in a chair with your tea or cocoa and immerse yourself in a Christmas book that combines a touch of mystery with an abundance of good will and cheer. 

From the Publisher:


Saturday, September 29, 2018

A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson



Here we are! Last weekend of September. First Christmas book review. I love Melody Carlson Christmas books! A Christmas by the Sea is no exception. I consider reading Melody's Christmas books a tradition. They are just plain good!

From the publisher:

When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beach side cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.

Join award-winning author Melody Carlson for a Christmas story that will warm your heart and have you dreaming of your own enchanted seaside holiday.



My thoughts:
This is my favorite Melody Carlson Christmas novella yet!

  • Melody paints the mood in color as the Harpers drive along towards Seaside. The tension in Wendy is high as fears and doubts fill her mind about how to provide for her son. Excitement fills Jackson as he thinks about the town and the new home and adventure that await. 
  • Melody paints the setting in color as she describes the town, the cottage, the beach, the sights, and the smell of the sea. 
  • Melody paints the characters vividly with words and emotion. New characters are introduced in some unusual ways. 
This is a light, relaxing holiday novella that will help you unwind after a day of fall or Christmas preparations.  Read this book. You won't be sorry. ~smile~


Read my reviews: 
The Christmas Angel Project
The Christmas Joy Ride
The Christmas Blessing 

I've also read:
The Gift of Christmas Present
The Christmas Bus
The Christmas Shoppe and
Christmas at Harringtons

An early happy Christmas to you all!

P.S. I start reading Christmas books in September for reviews. You may wait until October or November if you wish. ~smile~


Disclosure: I was sent a Net Galley e-book sample of this product for review purposes only. I was not compensated in any way. All opinions are my own based on my experience with this product. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

I Didn't Want This Book to End! Christmas at Grey Sage by Phyllis Clark Nichols



Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year... except when it's not. We go about with the words merry Christmas on our lips, but for some, they are hollow. Such is the case for Maude and Silas and the Unlikely Christmas Party on Wheels that comes to stay at Grey Sage Inn for a few days before Christmas.

The pages of this book are filled with realistic characters who are running from Christmas alone or Christmas past. We've all got a Christmas past. A Christmas road trip across the southwest is meant to distract the travelers from their own loneliness or pain. A blizzard in Santa Fe, New Mexico brings about a whole new meaning for Christmas present to both the Unlikely Christmas Party on Wheels and their hosts Maude and Silas who run the Grey Sage Inn.

The endearing characters that populate this book each have a pain of their own that must be faced. We forget that we are surrounded by people who are not having a merry Christmas. That's something to think about in itself.

Reading this book helped me think through some of the sadness I feel when I think of the people and things I miss from my Christmas pasts, and helped me think in terms of making a new Christmas present in spite of my less than stellar ability to make Christmas this year for my family as I once could. I may not be able to decorate and bake and shop as in years past to make things special, but this year, perhaps just having mom here alive is enough. Doing what I can with the energy I have where I am is enough.

Finding joy in the now is what this book is about.There will be Christmas futures that will be filled with excitement and joy and fun. It's okay if they're not all exciting. They're all centered around kindness, love, hospitality, and our savior Jesus Christ.

I highly recommend this book. It can be read in a few hours and is worth it—especially if this Christmas is not all you wish it to be.

From the publisher:
Christmas at Grey Sage
Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There's plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn's owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year's guests from across the country.


But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded
guests discover this Christmas won't be the relaxed vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlock tongues---and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.


In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations of days
gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends---proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.

About the author:


Phyllis Clark Nichols grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in Georgia and weaves her Southern culture into character-driven stories that explore profound human questions. She is a classically trained musician and enjoys art, books, nature, cooking, travel, and ordinary people. After retiring as a cable network executive, Phyllis began leading mission teams to orphanages in Guatemala and now serves on three nonprofi t boards, where she works with others who are equally passionate about bringing hope and light to those who need it most. Phyllis and her husband live in the Texas Hill Country.


Disclosure: I was sent a sample of this product for review purposes only. I was not compensated in any way. All opinions are my own based on my experience with this product. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, September 29, 2017

THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING by Melody Carlson



 I just love reading Christmas books in September! They get me in the holiday prep mood. I've been listening to Bing Crosby on Pandora, tonight, too. It helps me feel happy and productive. I must admit I've enjoyed the music, but I've not been very productive yet. All is well. There's still time, and I want to enjoy everything I can this Fall. Anyway, back to the book!

 I've read several of Melody Carlson's books—The Christmas Bus, Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Angel Project, The Gift of Christmas Present, The Christmas Shoppe, and my favorite—The Christmas Joy Ride. Carlson's books are happy ending books just like Christmas books should be!

The Christmas Blessing is set during World War II. It's a classic boy meets girl beginning with a whirlwind romance. Plans to marry, then an interruption by a call to duty. A few months later, girl is in trouble, and she hasn't heard from boy for a long time.

From the Publisher:

Although Amelia would be on the train only until tomorrow morning, she unpacked a few things with the goal of making Jimmy and herself as comfortable as possible. To her delight, this cozy sleeping car felt just right for the two of them. Not only that, but as the train began to move, Jimmy relaxed and settled in. Almost as if he were glad they were finally on their way. Maybe he instinctively knew that life was about to get better for them. Perhaps he would enjoy meeting his paternal grandparents. At the moment the train pulled out of the station, anything seemed possible.


She's determined to give her baby a better life. 
Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?

Not long after she receives the news in 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists. 

When Amelia discovers the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?


Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas BusThe Christmas DogChristmas at Harrington'sThe Christmas CatThe Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Angel Project. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

My Thoughts:
 This wasn't a feel good story to read. It had a melancholy feel, because, frankly, Amelia is in a very tough situation. She made some mistakes and is paying for them dearly. She is fiercely in love with her baby, which is a good thing, and wants to do her best for him. But, these are the 1940's, wartime, and things are hard for single moms. It felt hopeless and sad and lonely at times, then someone would do something kind and redeem the  story. 

 It was a bit more confrontational than I liked in a Christmas book, but somehow it seemed more real because of it. In spite of the melancholy, I found that I liked the book. I liked the depth of some of the main characters. Like every good book, there are some surprises. Like every good Christmas book, there's a happy ending. If that's a spoiler, forgive me, but we all want a happy ending at Christmas! 

 This was a quick Christmas read. It's just right for a November or December night, or to tuck into your bag for those snatch reading moments. So put on some Bing Crosby, light a sweet smelling candle and settle in for a nice read.

 By the way, September is my usual time to begin Christmas reading and Christmas music. I used to start baking my cookies really early, but I don't bake so many anymore. The kids are older you know. If it's cold enough for a blanket, it's close enough to Christmas for a good book!


Visit Melody Carlson's website.

Friday, October 7, 2016

The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson


Melody Carlson—that's all I needed to see in the email offering me this book for review. A Christmas book by Carlson—that's even better! The Christmas Angel Project is the latest in her collection of Christmas books. I've read Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Shoppe, and The Christmas Joy Ride. 

Who wouldn't love a small group of friends to meet with every week for a couple hours to support each other, encourage one another, and discuss a good book?
Abby Wentworth is the heart of this group. She leads it and has a personal, encouraging relationship with each member.Her unexpected death left the ladies in the group shocked, mourning, and aching for her influence in their lives. There was no sense in continuing the group—but maybe one last time they should meet to open the Christmas gifts Abby left for them—finished just hours before her death. The gifts not only comfort and encourage the ladies, they spark an idea that will change their lives. Each sets out on her own to accomplish her personal Angel Project with unexpected results.

We follow each lady as she implements her own idea for being a Christmas angel using her own unique gifts and resources—a good idea for us as well. These four ladies are very different and a little wary of each other without Abby's presence. The development of the relationships makes this a pleasure to read.

This is a terrific holiday read. It could only have been improved by three things—a Christmas tree to sit by, instrumental Christmas music playing softly, and a cup of eggnog. This, as well as any other of Carlson's Christmas books, is a must read this holiday season. It's light, quick moving, and has convenient sections within the chapters that make it easy to snatch a few minutes to read here and there. Y'all know how I love that! 

I hope you haven't tired of my Christmas posts. Christmas starts in September for reviewers. But truth be told—I love Christmas books any time of year. The season adds a magical touch to the setting. Now, you can take a look at this excerpt and see what you think. 

Thank you Revell Reads for this complimentary review copy.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas BusThe Christmas Dog, and Christmas...
Continue reading about Melody Carlson

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