There is one Christmas book I always go to, and it’s an oldie. Grace Livingston Hill wrote Christian romances from the early 1900s until she died in 1947. Her book The Substitute Guest is a favorite of mine. It’s about a lawyer who is supposed to go to a house party at Christmas, but instead finds himself bringing medicine to a very sick woman way out in the country as a favor to a friend. His car stalls out in front of the Devereaux home, and he eventually ends up replacing a guest who had just canceled. As a result of this, he gains more than he could have ever imagined. Grace’s books are definitely old fashioned, but her love of God shines through, and I just adore this book. It is a visit to a different era. The Substitute Guest was originally published in 1936 and has been reprinted many times.
Question of the Day: What book or books do you like to read during the holidays?
Hi everyone! Below are some mini reviews of two Christmas books: A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber and The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson.
Hailey Morgan had always planned to have a career in music. When her longtime boyfriend Zach let her know three years ago that he didn’t consider her talented enough to succeed, she tearfully let him go, but the doubt that he created has plagued her ever since.. Now he is back and wants to be a part of her life. To make it worse, her mother has invited him to Christmas dinner! Offered an escape to a cabin in a small town in Oregon, Hailey takes advantage of a chance to rekindle her songwriting and possibly start a new life.
This is a sweet, happy story that will transport you to the Christmas season. There are some outcomes that seem a little farfetched, but I was willing to set that aside and soak in the Christmas spirit. This is the kind of story that you can read by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Madison has returned home to her family’s Christmas tree farm, which she co-owns with her sister, Addie, after a fire. She is met with a property in decline and a sister who doesn’t seem to want her there. To make things worse, her old crush is living nearby. Despite Addie’s lack of interest, Madison takes on an ambitious project to save the farm before it is too late.
This is a sweet family Christmas story. The ending is very predictable, but it’s a nice, easy read during the holiday season. Light up the tree, curl up with this one, and soak in the Christmas spirit.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
*This is another review I did for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of The Historical Novel Society.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
It is late autumn of 1798 and Darcy and Elizabeth are married at last and living at Pemberley in love and harmony.
All the impediments to their match have been swept aside; their unpromising first impressions, Darcy’s machinations in having tried to prevent a match between Jane and his friend Bingley, Lady Catherine’s violent objections to a match between Darcy and Elizabeth, Darcy’s own stiffness and reserve even after he had supported Bingley’s suit for Jane’s hand following their return to Netherfield, the disbelief of Elizabeth’s family that she could ever like such a man…
These and all other objections have evaporated like the morning mist. And Lizzy’s whole family are visiting Pemberley for Christmas. What could possibly go wrong?
A letter from the Reverend Wilde, former rector of Longbourn parish, suddenly arrives warning Elizabeth of possible harm to her and her family at the hands of a former resident of Longbourn.
And once the Bennets, Bingleys, Philips, Gardiners and Colonel Fitzwilliam and his friend Lieutenant Colonel Harvey have arrived, unnerving incidents start to build up.
Can Darcy sufficiently protect the household? As the cold of winter sets in, he strives to find a solution, but equally should the visitors leave and return home early to take themselves out of harm’s way? What are the motives of the ill-wisher and can he or she ultimately be found so as to face the proper punishment?
Lizzy and Darcy stand united, their relationship remaining loving and affectionate throughout as they face the threat together. And love is in the air for two other couples during the Christmas celebrations.
BOOK REVIEW
Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice is now Mrs. Darcy in this well-imagined continuation of the classic novel. Elizabeth is just settling into married life when she receives a letter from Reverend Wilde, formerly a rector at Longbourn, warning her of possible danger from Isabella Scargill, a previous acquaintance who had been threatening the Reverend. Wilde thought Isabella, also known as Helen St. Clair, might come to Pemberley to cause trouble. Elizabeth and Darcy prepare for this unwelcome visitor at a time when they are also getting ready for holiday guests. As the preparations ensue, strange things start happening at Pemberley.
Menace at Pemberley is the second in the Elizabeth Bennet series. It can be read as a standalone. It is an enjoyable Christmas story that will please anyone who loves Jane Austen retellings. It is pleasant to read about the life of a married “Lizzy and Fitz,” as they call each other, and the story is well done. The tone of the book is similar to Pride and Prejudice, and the descriptions of life at Pemberley transport you into Jane Austen’s world. Elizabeth’s adjustments to becoming the mistress of the house are interesting and realistic. The mystery includes a missing person and has intriguing twists and turns. The Bennet family are among the Christmas guests, and there are new romances on the horizon. An enjoyable read. Recommended.
I received a free copy of the book via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own. This review was published in the November issue of Historical Novels Review.
Kerry and her brother Murphy head to New York City during the holiday season in order to sell Christmas trees from their family’s farm. While there, they are staying together in a tiny trailer by their Christmas tree lot. Kerry is between jobs and uncertain about her future, but new friends and new opportunities are just around the corner.
This is a wonderful holiday tale about making friends and letting others help you. The characters are all endearing in their own way, even the grumpy Heinz. Kerry’s romance with Patrick is a nice touch, but Patrick’s son Austin steals the show. The broken-down trailer the siblings are staying in has a name–Spammy–and it is almost a character of its own. Their older friend, the irritable and closed-off Heinz, has a lot of secrets to tell, and his story is revealed in a heart-touching way. There are also hints of sabotage as someone is trying to keep Kerry and Murphy from selling their trees. The reader is immediately transported to New York City during the Christmas season, and the Christmas spirit is evident throughout the book. This is a fun and joyful holiday read.
Kathleen McInerney does a great job portraying all of the characters in the audiobook version.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from MacMillan Audio via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
MARY KAY ANDREWS is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels (including The Homewreckers; The Santa Suit; The Newcomer; Hello, Summer; Sunset Beach;The High Tide Club; The Weekenders; Beach Town; Save the Date; Ladies’ Night; Christmas Bliss; Spring Fever; Summer Rental;The Fixer Upper; Deep Dish; Blue Christmas; Savannah Breeze; Hissy Fit; Little Bitty Lies; and Savannah Blues), and one cookbook, The Beach House Cookbook.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, she earned a B.A. in journalism from The University of Georgia. After a 14-year career working as a reporter at newspapers including The Savannah Morning News, The Marietta Journal, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she spent the final ten years of her career, she left journalism in 1991 to write fiction.
She and her family divide their time between Atlanta and Tybee Island, GA, where they cook up new recipes in three restored beach homes. Mary Kay is also an intrepid treasure hunter whose favorite pastime is junking and fixing up old houses.
Christmas reviews are coming in. I will have quite a few to share in the coming weeks! Here’s one I LOVED.
This is a feel-good Christmas book and I loved it. Diana is a home health worker who believes that she should care for her patients, but not share their personal problems. She is also scared about letting her fiancé Linus’s family get too close to her because her mother disappointed her so many times. When Linus is in a serious accident and lies in the hospital in a coma, Diana’s world turns upside down. As she is wishing for one more chance to make things right, an enchanted snow globe changes everything..
This is such a delightful book with lessons about opening up and trusting others after being hurt. There is a definite Groundhog Day vibe, and the book rightly pays homage to the movie as Diana repeats the same day over and over, trying to prevent Linus’s accident. It was a joy from start to finish. It wasn’t complicated or hard to figure out. It was just a Christmas pleasure. It’s not a complex book. It’s a pleasing holiday story that everyone will enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Annie Rains is a USA Today Bestselling author of small-town contemporary romances full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about being an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing deadlines and happily ever afters for her characters ever since.
When she isn’t writing, Annie is usually spending time with her husband and 3 children, bingeing Netflix, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
Sign up for Annie’s newsletter to stay informed about new releases and sales here.
As warming as a mince pie and a glass of sherry, these eighteen festive-themed shorts are just waiting to be unwrapped.
A lonely dog shelter volunteer battles to find new homes for her long-time canine residents while realizing her own future is just as uncertain. As the new year approaches, can a fellow animal lover give her the fresh start she so wants for her dogs.
A widowed grandmother prepares to reunite with her forbidden first love, only to discover the grand country pile from where he’s sent her a Christmas card isn’t quite what it seems.
A single woman finally meets a man to couple up with over the festive season, but will the eccentric mistress of her late father destroy her plans?
An ambitious 20-something attends a lavish Christmas party with only one aim – to bag a rich husband. But her plans are derailed when a troubling connection with the aristocrat she’s set her sights on is revealed.
MINI BOOK REVIEW
This is a fun collection of stories that will sweep you right to the holiday season. They all have a theme of hopelessness in one way or another, and the endings will touch your heart. I’m a dog person, so my favorite of course is the title story, The No Hopers Christmas Club, about the unadoptable dogs at the dog shelter. However, all the stories are wonderful. This is a can’t-miss, Christmas Eve, hot-chocolate-by-your-side kind of read. The stories are so varied that everyone will enjoy them.
I received a free copy of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources. My review is voluntary and the opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Geraldine Ryan is a proud Northerner who has spent most of her life in Cambridge – the one with the punts. She holds a degree in Scandinavian Studies, but these days only puts it to use when identifying which language is being spoken among the characters of whatever Scandi drama is currently showing on TV. For many years, she worked as a teacher of English and of English as a second or foreign language, in combination with rearing her four children, all of whom are now grown-up, responsible citizens.
When self-made gentleman Freddie Walton rescued penniless Philomena Nichols at Christmas eight years ago, he never imagined that he would build his empire with her. Yet whilst they have created a life together as friends, Freddie can’t let their special connection become more than that. Not when his dangerous past continues to haunt him… But what happens when Freddie’s feelings for Philomena also refuse to stay hidden?
Book Review
This is a slow-burn Historical Christmas Romance that will transport you to the holiday season in 1830s London. The characters Freddie and Mena have an unusual relationship. They’ve been long-time friends since Freddie saved Mena’s life eight years ago, but share an unacknowledged love for each other that both of them are fighting in this slow-burn romance. I enjoyed both characters, who share so much, including feelings of inadequacy that keep them apart. I especially liked Mena’s fierceness, independence, and compassion for others. It did move a bit slowly for me at times, but overall this is a satisfying Christmas romance that historical fiction fans will enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book from Harlequin Historical via Rachel’s Random Resources. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director, but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she’s not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration, or nestling with coffee and a book.
This is another book I read in September for the November issue of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of The Historical Novel Society.
Edinburgh, 1826. Lady Samantha Penwith, who runs a school and orphanage, is determined to find out who assaulted and murdered her husband. While out investigating, she rescues the victim of another assault and then slips away. Braden Kendrick is the sensible member of Clan Kendrick, a noted doctor. But when an unknown rescuer saves his life, he is determined to find out their identity. As Christmas approaches, Samantha and Braden find themselves fighting to uncover the truth and endangering their lives in the process.
This is a murder mystery with a touch of action/thriller and romance. The cover and title do not closely match the story because this is a well-crafted mystery as opposed to a light holiday romance. It did not quite transport me to the Christmas season, but the characters are well-rounded and I easily connected with them. The whole Clan Kendrick is an interesting family that readers will enjoy knowing. Samantha is a strong woman, and the mystery is completely intriguing and compelling. The book is a bit of a slow burn in the first half, leading up to an exciting second half. Recommended to anyone who enjoys Regency-style murder mysteries with strong female characters.
I received a free copy of this book from Zebra books via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vanessa Kelly is the award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of The Improper Princesses series, the Clan Kendrick, The Renegade Royals and The Stanton Family series, in addition to other historical romances. Named by Booklist as one of the “Stars of Historical Romance,” her books have been translated into nine languages and published internationally. In graduate school, Vanessa specialized in the study of eighteenth-century British fiction and is known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters, and witty storylines that captivate readers. She lives with her husband in Ottawa. Visit her at VanessaKellyAuthor.com or join the Clan Kendrick Facebook Group at Facebook.com/groups/ClanKendrick.
She’s meant to be catching flights, not catching feelings…
Molly and Andrew are just trying to get home to Ireland for the holidays, when a freak snowstorm grounds their flight.
Nothing romantic has ever happened between them: they’re friends and that’s all. But once a year, for the last ten years, Molly has spent seven hours and fifteen minutes sitting next to Andrew on the last flight before Christmas from Chicago to Dublin, drinking terrible airplane wine and catching up on each other’s lives. In spite of all the ways the two friends are different, it’s the holiday tradition neither of them has ever wanted to give up.
Molly isn’t that bothered by Christmas, but—in yet another way they’re total opposites—Andrew is a full-on fanatic for the festive season and she knows how much getting back to Ireland means to him. So, instead of doing the sane thing and just celebrating the holidays together in America, she does the stupid thing. The irrational thing. She vows to get him home. And in time for his mam’s famous Christmas dinner.
The clock is ticking. But Molly always has a plan. And—as long as the highly-specific combination of taxis, planes, boats, and trains all run on time—it can’t possibly go wrong.
What she doesn’t know is that, as the snow falls over the city and over the heads of two friends who are sure they’re not meant to be together, the universe might just have a plan of its own…
A totally gorgeous and escapist friends-to-lovers festive romance with a swoon-worthy hero. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Mhairi McFarlane, and Christina Lauren.
BOOK REVIEW
For ten years, Molly and Andrew have been sitting next to each other on flights home from Chicago to Ireland during the Christmas season. They have an enjoyable 7 hours of laughing, joking, and chatting about their lives as they head to their separate celebrations. It becomes a tradition of its own. However, this year the weather has caused almost all the flights to be canceled. But Andrew is a huge fan of Christmas, and Molly vows to get him home.
This is a fun, witty, and charming story of two friends who fall in love on a whacky adventure from airport to airport over ten years. The characters are engaging and the dialogue is clever. The story flashes back and forth from the present to each of their previous Christmas flights, and we watch their relationship develop. Does this transport me to the Christmas season? It does. From packed airports to Christmas sweaters to many Christmas-tinged side trips on the way to their destination, we follow the couple on a romantic holiday jaunt. This book also truly lives up to its genre of romantic comedy, and I chuckled my way through. The cast of characters is fun and varied, from family members to cabbies to airport employees and more. Holiday romance is a sweet, funny Christmas vacation that you will definitely want to take.
I received a free copy of this book from Bookouture via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine Walsh was born and raised in Ireland. She has a degree in Popular Literature and the only prize she ever won for writing was at the age of 14 in school (but she still cherishes it.)
She lived in London for a few years where she worked in Publishing and the non-profit sector before returning to Dublin where she now lives between the mountains and the sea. When not writing she is trying and failing to not kill her houseplants.
A snowstorm. A stranger. A spark. It should be the perfect start to the perfect love story.
But real life is far messier and more complicated than in the pages of the books in Megan Taylor’s family bookshop – the last few years have left this young widow in no doubt of that. Moving back home to York should have been a fresh start, but all it did was allow her to retreat from the world.
When prize-winning author Xander Stone rams his supermarket trolley into her ankles and then trashes her taste in books, Megan is abruptly awoken from her self-imposed hibernation. It’s time to start living again, and she’s going to start by putting this arrogant, superior – admittedly sexy – stranger in his place.
Just as she is beginning to enjoy life again, the worst happens and Megan begins to wonder if she should have stayed hidden away. Because it turns out that falling in love again is about more than just meeting under the mistletoe…
Audiobook Review
Three years after her husband’s death, Megan is still trying to move forward. On top of that, her bookshop is struggling and she’s not sure it’s going to make it. When famous novelist Xander Stone agrees to do a book signing at her shop, she is thrilled. But his rudeness and condescending manner do not bode well for the event. Angered by Xander’s scorn towards romance novels, Megan invites him to her book club and begins to see a different side of Xander Stone.
This is a sometimes light romance that, interestingly enough, pokes fun at some romance tropes while simultaneously introducing many of those tropes into the actual book. There are several nods to Jane Austen and some poignant discussions of the financial plight of bookstores right now. I’m not sure this transports me completely to the Christmas season, as I think most of the book could have taken place at any time of the year and I didn’t completely feel the holiday spirit.
I have some problems with Xander, the most important of which is that he has a pattern throughout the book of suddenly becoming rude and extremely verbally abusive out of the blue, with no warning. It happens more than once, and the explanation for it is not good enough. I also don’t like the name Xander as a shortened form of Alexander. It sounds like a little boy’s name. But considering his behavior and penchant for temper tantrums, maybe it’s fitting.
The other characters are likable and the narrator, Laura Brydon, does a good job differentiating between all the characters and bringing their personalities alive. This takes my rating from two stars to three.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Saga Egmont Audio. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
NOTE: The first cover is the cover of the audiobook. The second cover is the cover of the Kindle edition. I prefer the audiobook cover. What do you think?
ANOTHER NOTE: I’m annoyed that a book with an abusive main character has 1500 ratings on Amazon and over a 4-star average while much better books struggle for an audience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order) and lives with her husband and two cats in Yorkshire. A Bookshop Christmas was a finalist in the RNA Romantic Novel Awards 2022.
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