Category: Christmas Fiction

The First Christmas by Stephen Mitchell

The First Christmas: A Story of New Beginnings
A Story of New Beginnings

In The First Christmas, Stephen Mitchell brings the Nativity story to vivid life as never before. A narrative that is only sketched out in two Gospels becomes fully realized here with nuanced characters and a setting that reflects the culture of the time. Mitchell has suffused the birth of Jesus with a sense of beauty that will delight and astonish readers.

This is a very interesting look at the Nativity. Each chapter is told from the point of view of the individual. Even an ox and a donkey contribute. We watch as a young Mary struggles to understand what is being asked of her and what it means. Joseph struggles as well.

We hear from the shepherds, the Wise Men, and even the Inn Keeper. Not in any Biblical way either. Just imagine what actual human beings would think and talk about.

I enjoyed the research and all of the interpretations. The story moved me more than the differing biblical ones.

NetGalley/  November 9th, 2021 by St. Martin’s Essentials

the santa suit by mary kay andrews

The Santa Suit

From May Kay Andrews, the New York Times bestselling author of Hello, Summer, comes a novella celebrating the magic of Christmas and second chances in The Santa Suit.

Ivy Perkins is moving on from Atlanta, her ex and her half of the business. Looking for a fresh start away from everything. She has pretty specific wants. A white farmhouse with land. So sight unseen, she purchases what looks like an adorable farmhouse in North Carolina.

Four Roses Farm must have used photoshop, because the house is going to need a lot of work. It looks as if the former owners just up and left everything behind.

As Ivy is clearing out, she finds a beautiful Santa suit. It’s old and well-made and in the pocket she finds a note from a little girl, written long ago. This little gem becomes a mission for Ivy. Who is this little girl? And why all the Christmas stuff?

The former owners, the Roses, were the town Santa and Mrs. for a long time. They did a lot to help the community and even though Ivy isn’t really a Christmas person, the town may change her mind.

With some help from a hot realtor and a new friend, she may find not only her purpose but love again.

A lovely Novella of the magic of Christmas and the enduring love of family. This really lifted my spirits at a time when we all need a little of that.

NetGalley/September 28th, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press

A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle

A Heartfelt Christmas Promise: A Novel

Vanessa Larkin is one driven woman. She knows she deserves the next plum assignment in Paris. And it’s almost Christmas. But this year she is being sent to North Carolina. To a small town that was bought out a long time ago with a promise nothing would change.

But this company is making fruitcakes. Who in the world wants fruitcake? This should be a slam dunk and have her back home in a hurry.

She quickly learns that Porters is a cornerstone for this town. Originally owned by Mike Marshall’s family. It has been the mainstay of this town for years. Even after his Grandfather sold it for whatever reasons he had.

Vanessa quickly falls in love with the town, the fruitcake and the hunky guy.

Will she find a way to make everyone happy including herself? Or will she go back to her life and her own goals?

It’s Christmas so anything can happen and love is always in the air.

I think this was just the story I needed in these trying times. Remembering what is really important.

NetGalley/ September 29th, 2020 by St. Martin’s Griffin



A HIGHLANDER IS COMING TO TOWN by Laura Trentham

A Highlander is Coming to Town (Highland, Georgia #3)

A Highland,Georgia Novel #3

This romantic comedy series is set in Highland,Georgia. Claire Smythe has found herself here after leaving her touring band. She is looking to blend in and not stand out one bit. She has secrets and she does not want them spilling out.

Without money she takes a job as a live-in companion and care taker for an elderly woman. Neither one talks much, but a bond has been formed.

Holt Pierson has been left to care for the family farm while his parents hit the road for Florida for Christmas. He is one hard working and driven man! And Claire, or whatever her name is, has captured his mind and heart.

But will this Christmas be Merry and Bright? Let’s just say a lot of secrets come tumbling from Santa’s bag this year and love may just overcome a lot of them.

Always a treat to read this series. A lovely story of family expectations, our own dreams and desires, and finding a way to live with both.

NetGalley/ September 29th 2020 by St. Martin’s Press




CHRISTMAS ANGELS by NANCY NAIGLE

Christmas Angels

Liz has the best memories of her grandparents’ inn in the town of Angel’s Creek and was heartbroken when it was sold. But while looking at inns on the internet she sees her Inn. For sale!

Thanks to a great job and tidy little savings, she not only puts in a bid, but she is also the winning bid! Alas, the place was gutted to put in an art gallery and now the place looks nothing like what she remembers.

Matt is just hoping the new owner isn’t planning on the same thing. And when he sees her, his childhood friend and crush, he knows he is going to help her re-build the inn to its former self.

What a great story with all of the feels. Hope, Loss, Joy, Love. Matt and Liz are great characters and I hope we see more of them.

A perfect holiday read!

NetGalley/October 15th, 2019 by St. Martin’s Griffin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Angels by Nancy Naigle *Release Day*

Christmas Angels

 

Liz has the best memories of her grandparents’ inn in the town of Angel’s Creek and was heartbroken when it was sold. But while looking at inns on the internet she sees her Inn. For sale!

Thanks to a great job and tidy little savings, she not only puts in a bid, but she is also the winning bid! Alas, the place was gutted to put in an art gallery and now the place looks nothing like what she remembers.

Matt is just hoping the new owner isn’t planning on the same thing. And when he sees her, his childhood friend and crush, he knows he is going to help her re-build the inn to its former self.

What a great story with all of the feels. Hope, Loss, Joy, Love. Matt and Liz are great characters and I hope we see more of them.

A perfect holiday read!

October 15th, 2019 by St. Martin’s Griffin

CHRISTMAS FROM THE HEART by SHEILA ROBERTS

Christmas from the Heart

Christmas from the Heart has helped so many people in the small town of Pine River, Washington, and Olivia Berg is carrying on the tradition of her mother and her grandmother and great-grandmother. Running a non-profit is difficult at the best of times, but Christmas seems to be the time they all are asking for donations.

This year they are falling short. Times are tough everywhere and this year their major donor must say no.

Guy Hightower is at his wits end with his two older brothers lack of planning and control of their company. Being the youngest makes it hard to get your voice heard over your older brothers. Cuts must be made if this company is to succeed. They’ve all gotten used to living the high life and driving expensive cars. And this year their donations went to more high profile charities. It’s just business.

But Olivia has no intention of taking no for an answer as she hounds the man and his poor secretary. What’s a girl to do?

Much like a Hallmark Movie, the poor guy winds up in Pine River, stranded by his Masarati in the snow and guess who is driving by and offers him a ride? Yep. He uses a fake name once he realizes who she is and then they proceed to bring joy and happiness to the town. Until she finds out who he is.

Olivia could be a bit of a bully, but this was a nice read with a cup of holiday tea and it made me laugh a lot. So many misunderstandings, but also a lot of forgiveness and love.

 

September 24th, 2019 by Mira Books NetGalley Reads

 

 

WREATH BETWEEN THE LINES ( A COOKBOOK NOOK MYSTERY) by DARYL WOOD GERBER

Wreath Between the Lines (A Cookbook Nook Mystery 7)

This is the 7th in the Cookbook Nook Series

Jenna Hart is back along with all of our favorite characters.

While Jenna and her staff are decorating the Nook for all of the special events for the holidays, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

With her sister in town with her daughter and husband staying at her dad’s home it looks like everyone will be home for the holidays.

Only there is something off with her oh so pulled together sister and her husband. And in the midst of trying to figure that one out, Jake, who has the best ever Christmas display in town and is also an old friend of the family, goes out for pizza and comes home to a dead friend.

This is probably one of my favorites in the series. Everyone is holding a secret. But only one of them is a killer. And Jenna knows it isn’t Jake, but can she find out who wants him dead and why?

Leave it to Jenna and her friends to have everything wrapped up by Christmas Eve. You won’t want to miss this one. Surprises are around every corner! Oh! And there are recipes…lots of them!

Well Done!

Netgalley/ November 8th 2018 by Beyond the Page

 

The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere

The Christmas Star (Christmas Hope #9)

Christmas Hope #9

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Hope series comes another heartwarming, inspirational story for the holidays.

CHRISTMAS HOPE #9

This is another heart warming and faith-based book in the series.

This time we meet Maddie, a little girl who has been through so much but has the most positive outlook on life.

Amy is ready to get out there and stop mourning the marriage that didn’t work out. What better place than Glory’s Place as a volunteer. Maddie has already captured her heart.

Gabe has messed up plenty in the past but for the past 5 and a half years he’s gotten sober, works at Maddies’ school and is almost done with college and getting his teaching certificate. Maddie is the highlight of Gabe’s day and she is determined to set him up with her new friend at Glory’s.

Will they all have a Christmas miracle? With this group they just may.

This series is always inspiring. And full of really good characters. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows but they always have each others backs.  Faith, Family and Love.

Well Done!

Netgalley/October 16th 2018 by St. Martin’s Press

 

Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle

Dear Santa

A holiday retelling of You’ve Got Mail that will make you fall in love with the Christmas Season!

Angela Carson inherited her lighthouse turned holiday store, Heart of Christmas as well as her Grandmother’s beach home.

The business has been run by three generations of women trying to support their family and being a part of the small town of Pleasant Sands, North Carolina.

But since a new chain store has come to town, this may be the last generation to have a store.

As Angela struggles to make a decision, her niece suggests she write to Santa on her app. To get her sister off of her back, she does. And finds a pen pal with good advice and maybe a chance at love.

This was such a sweet Christmas miracle story. I hope we see more of Angela and Pleasant Sands. There are quite a few really good characters here. It wasn’t sappy but it was uplifting and made me smile a lot!

Well Done!

Netgalley/October 16th 2018 by St. Martin’s Griffin