DUFFY THE CHRISTMASSY DRAGON by Kate Noble

 

This is such a delightful book. Duffy is called upon to help Santa with his delivery. The story is in rhyme and the illustrations are so colorful that they held the attention of my grandchildren, via video call, while I read it to them. 

This will be included in my grandchildren's gift next Christmas.

I received this book from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Christmas Town

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a joyful story. It is filled with love, and family, each which were found expectantly.

Lauren Gabriel spent most of her life wishing for her mother to come and get her from each of the foster homes she lived in.  She is now 20 years old and still looking for the ever elusive home. She is a cashier and feels like another Christmas is not what she needs. Trying to avoid her lonely apartment one night, she drives around, until she sees a car accident. This brings her to a small town called Grandon as a witness. Soon she finds herself volunteering for Glory's Place. This is a place which provides assistance to single mothers and families. This feels just right for Lauren. Could it possibly be that she has now discovered home?

The author, Donna Van Liere wrote a story which is engaging and thoughtful. It is filled with hope and I found myself thinking about the rich characters which she made complex and real. I believe I will keep this on my shelf to pull out every Christmas.

Book Review: Noelle

This book, Noelle, by Greg Kincaid, tugged at my heartstrings from the Prologue. It talked about the puppy mill where Noelle was born. My own dog was rescued at the side of the road from one of these places and would have froze to death if she were not saved.

I have not read the previous books in this series, but that was all right as they gave a good description of events and people that were in this book. Noelle was cast aside when she was born because she was not the perfect example of a Golden Retriever. However, she became the friendliest and most wonderful dog. Todd and Laura are two characters in the story.

Todd was born developmentally delayed. However, with the love and support of those around him he became a top dog trainer. In this book he and Laura move in together and look to the future. Todd becomes the manager of a new dog rescue facility.

Mary Ann, Todd's mom and outspoken library board member, has found herself in the new position of Mrs. Anna Claus.

Each of the characters is so easy to relate to, it was hard to believe that so much story could fit between the covers of this small book. This is definitely a book for those looking for a book for Christmas or for those who enjoy dog stories. I love both, so this fit in my life nicely. All the traditions of Christmas are included and put me in the mood for the season.

I was given this book by NetGalley and by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Advent in Narnia

I must admit, last year I began going through this book, but I was not in the spirit for it. It was just me. When I picked it up again, I was thrilled with the reflections found in this book. I am a fan of Narnia and Aslan, so this book really spoke to me. There is so much in Narnia that reminds us of Christmas and this book picks up on those themes.

At least in my area, there is cold weather, sometimes snow, the delicious food which can be a temptation, plus hope. In fact, Father Christmas even makes an appearance in both. This book takes each of these and more and works it into 28 devotions which include Scripture, devotions and excerpts from the book itself. I find myself reflection on the devotion throughout my day and it helps me to stay focus on the reason for Christmas.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Angel of Forest Hill

This is such a feel-good book to read for Christmas. It is an Amish setting which adds to its charm.

This was a quick read, which I enjoyed reading so much that I finished it within two days. It is one that will stay with you, in a good way.

Rose Kurtz is the only girl in her large family. She did not have a pleasant childhood and is asked to go to another community to help out a family. This makes her with that the new place is filled with love. When she gets there, the man of the house, Joel Dienner, has just lost his wife and he now has two little children and a baby to take care of. Rose agrees to stay and marry Joel, not because she loves him but because there is a need.

The arrangement works out until Rose become jealous of a pretty widow in the next town. This trouble is worked out through the remainder of the book.

I felt connected to Rose, not because I have had that kind of life, but because the author's style is such that it makes this possible.

I feel like anyone that is like me and enjoy reading Christmas fiction, especially this time of year, will enjoy picking up and delving into this book. I hope each reader feels the same as I when finished.

I was given this book by Blogging for Book in exchange for my honest review. I am very glad that I received and read this book for them.

Merry Christmas!

HUGS!

Glitterville's Handmade Christmas

This book is filled with photographs and directions to help make each person's Christmas unique. It helped to make me excited about the crafts that I can either do this year or next year. The projects also included poems to go with the crafts.
To begin, the book lets the reader know what kind of tools and materials are needed to complete the projects, then there are many tips and techniques to aid in success. There are forests, snowflakes, glitter domes and so, so much more.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Once Upon a Christmas Rosanne Croft, Linda Reinhardt, Sharon Bernash Smith

I am embarrassed to say that I found this little jewel in my list of book I have already read. I guess I forgot to review it when I finished. 

Once Upon A Christmas  is a charming collection of 55 short stories written by Rosanne Croft, Linda Reinhardt and Sharon Bernash Smith. Each of stories are centered around Christ and the Christmas season. The stories also range from the 18th century to the present time and from a variety of countries. These were enchanting books to read at the holidays and I would recommend it to any lovers of that season.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

I loved this book. From the cover to the story itself, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, made me happy to be reading it.
Arlene Santana has had a traumatic brain injury and she has lost her husband all in a flash. Due to her injury, she does not have any memories of previous days, other than those from before the brain injury. This creates a homesickness in her, so that each Christmas she just wants to go home.

Lori Copeland has such a gift with words. Even though the subject matter can bring one down, she includes moments that make you chuckle as they are read. I felt like this is a touching, unique Christmas story. 

I was given this book by Barbour Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: A Stubborn Sweetness and Other Stories for the Christmas Season

I love the way Katherine Paterson writes. This book is made up of short stories about those who make discoveries about themselves and others; those who are discouraged then uplifted; those that discover love is always here.

I believe I will find myself reading this book a few times a year just to revive these beliefs in myself.

This would be a great book to give to loved ones or to share with those you love.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Westminster John Know Press in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: God is in the Manger

Just as Advent is divided into weeks, this book is also divided into sections. Advent Week One: Waiting; Advent Week Two: Mystery; Advent Week Three: Redemption; Advent Week Four: Incarnation and The Twelve Days of Christmas and Epiphany.

I, personally have never read works by Dietrich Bonhoeffer before because discussions with my son about him were intimidating. However, this Advent Guide takes the reader to what matters during Christmas. Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Nazi's in 1943 for his position against Hitler. He was then hung in 1945. The writings from this book were recorded while in prison, and there were exerpts from letters and sermons.

I feel like this is a good resource for each year, as a reminder of what this season means.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press in exchange for my honest review.

Children's Book Review: A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story

The boxes in the Anderson's attic are talking, especially the Christmas, Easter and Halloween boxes. Tallulah the Christmas Fairy is new and when she wakes up she is on top of the tree. Then when the holiday is over all the decorations go back to the attic. The same thing happens every year as the excitement builds for each box to go downstairs. One day new boxes appear and surprises await.

Such a wonderful imagination builder, as children look at the decorations with the wonder of imagining the decorations talking. This is a wonderful holiday book to share with a special child. 

A.J. York studied theater and then began writing middle school books which build imagination. This book is just as good.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Nova Sky Books in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Christmas at the Vicarage

This book, Christmas at the Vicarage, is such a quaint book. Boxall is able to take the reader back to years past yet intertwine present time throughout.

Rosamund Pemberton has not been home to Potter's Cover for fifteen years, until now. This book fills the reader in on the events that have lead her to this time. There is a glowing love and loss as the reader enjoys this book.

This time of year I love to read this type of book. It makes me feel like I did as a child when I came downstairs and experienced the magic of Christmas. Opening this book is like unwrapping those presents.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Children's Book Review: The Sparkle Box

I pause when I call this a children's book because I believe that every person needs to remember the importance of Christmas.

In this book, while Sam is preparing for Christmas, he sees a train that he would really love to have, so he places it on his Christmas list. When he is at home he is sitting with his mom when he asks what is in the sparkly box on the mantle. She let him know that they will be placing items in it over the season. Through the Advent season, the family helps others in various ways.

When Sam asks again about the box, he is told that there are a few things in it. On Christmas morning, he discovers that the box has slips of paper with the charitable acts they took part in over the past weeks.

I loved this book. I always encouraged my children to give to other and I know they enjoyed knowing they were helping others. In fact, today, I know they still think of others first.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. It has started a new tradition in my family to help us remember others so we can present a sparkly gift to Jesus on His day.

I was given this book by Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Keeping Christmas

Dan Walsh has written another book that will put the reader into the Christmas spirit. This is not a long book but it will touch the heart in a large way with hope and joy.

The Winters' holiday time is going to be very empty. None of the family, including the children are going to come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Both Stan and Judith feel this, but Judy feels it a little more. Now they need to figure out how to find the Christmas spirit without the usual dimension of family.

This story hit home as I love to have my family at my home for Christmas but I live the farthest away from my siblings and my daughter is in California. Praise God that we still have our father-in-law's house to meet in along with our son. But I do understand the depression surrounding this time of the year. Dan Walsh was able to meet this head-on in a way that would be helpful for all family members.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Get Yourself Organized for Christmas

I love Kathi Lipp books, so when I saw this one available, I couldn't wait. Most of the time, I really don't care if we prepare for Christmas. Our house does not receive visitors and on the day we usually are traveling to our family. However, I also know that some of the reason for not doing it is I have not been organized. By following her advice I know that I can be ready for this year and perhaps I will even try to host a party for some friends.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Christmas Joy Ride

Melody Carlson has written some of my favorite books. This is not an exception. I began reading this book last night and could not put it down until I finished. This book has definitely put me into the Christmas spirit.

Joy resonates the season all the time. She always is willing to give without any thought of what she might receive. She is happiest when people feel the Christmas love. In steps Miranda who has had so many hard times in her life. This trip helps her feel the hope in the world and gives her a feeling of joy.

Mrs. Carlson writes with such apparent ease that each of her books are a joy to read. She shares God's blessings so effortlessly that the reader is blessed with each page.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to feel the Christmas love.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Christmas Cradle

Ben and Miriam Hooley are due to have their first baby. But at this time they are to receive so much more. Lena and Josiah, a meat master, need a place to stay on a snowy night. The Hooleys open their arms and home to them. The second couple are also expecting but they are not married. They are not sure if they love they have is strong enough.

Lena welcomes Josiah to help in her restaurant, as the community does likewise.

At the Christmas season, a story of love and babies just seems natural.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review.