Tittle           : The Christmas Spirit

Author        : Debbie Macomber

Pub Date    : October 06, 2022

Pages          : 240

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

Hank Colfax and Peter Armstrong are best friends, yet their lives could not be more dissimilar. As the holiday season approaches, Peter, the neighborhood pastor who is committed to his community, spends time getting to know his flock, attending meetings, and getting ready for the Christmas service and live nativity. Hank works as a bartender at a family-run tavern where he serves the neighborhood biker gang in addition to a few lonely regulars.

The two decide to exchange occupations until Christmas Eve when Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy in comparison to him. Surprisingly, the duties of a bartender and a pastor are similar, but Peter and Hank weren't prepared for how challenging it would be to take on the other's tasks. Their lives are irrevocably altered as they start to view each other in a new way and each finds a new love to cherish.

My Review

It is such a unique and lovely combination of Christian romance and women's fiction. A warmhearted Christmas story that makes us smile and makes us a little more modest. The author has a gift for penetrating your spirit and getting to the heart of the matter.

I adore the way this book was written because it was told to a grandson by a grandma. When I witnessed Peter, a minister, and Hank, a bar owner and buddy, switch places the week before Christmas, I couldn't help but chuckle as this weird narrative is being told. Over the holiday season, both have eye-opening encounters and make some new friends in the spirit of Christ's love.

These were all characters I felt comfortable around and would like to spend time with. They appeared realistic and convincing. Instead of being a cheery holiday narrative, this one was a little more contemplative and melancholy, following Debbie Macomber's lovable storytelling style.

The storyline itself is amazing and fascinating. In my opinion, this book captures the actual essence of the occasion. Despite being a little predictable, this book has much more to offer than you may expect in a beautiful Christmas novel.

The humorous, touching, and romantic circumstances make this a fun read that will probably make you grin. I strongly recommend!

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Snowed In With The Billionaire 

Author        : Lila Monroe

Pub Date    : December 02, 2015

Pages          : 218

My Rating   : ★

The Summary

In Snowed In With The Billionaire, an event planner discovers that a hot rock star client plus an unplanned blizzard equals a very intimate party... for two!

In Christmas With The Billionaire, would-be actress Jill finds herself playing the role of a girlfriend after getting stuck with cocky gorgeous producer Oliver. Will their relationship endure once the snow melts, though?

My Review

In all honesty, this book didn't turn out the way I had anticipated. Even though I like holiday stories, this wasn't quite merry.

This eBook actually has two short stories, one about an event planner and a hot rock star-turned-producer who get stuck in a lodge, and the other about a theatre director and an aspiring actress who also become stuck somewhere due to snow. I'll attempt to review them individually.

Snowed In With The Billionaire

Things did not start off well in Snowed in with a Billionaire. When Ace first sees Paige, he behaves jerkily and without provocation. His behavior varies a little too much for my tastes; he sometimes treats her with kindness and other times is a little bit harsh. He didn't appear to care about anything other than having sex with Paige. The mental monologue Paige was having was ridiculous, if you want the man, go get him or defend yourself!

I really couldn't comment on the other "characters," if we could even call them that, because I didn't know anything about them or notice anything that made them stand out.

Christmas With The Billionaire

This short winter read produces a great deal of heat. Jill and Oliver are likable even though they sometimes act in haste. The two of them got along nicely. The conclusion wasn't rushed, and their contentions were convincing enough.

However, there isn't really a good reason for the MCs' strong affinity to one another right away. Only when the girl succeeds in catching his attention do we witness the guy instantly swooning over her. What should I think of this?

Overall, none of the stories had well developed plots or characters. The undeveloped lot and MCs made it challenging for me to get invested in any of them or care what happened to them. I didn't find this book to be particularly joyful, other from the fact that it was set around Christmas, and the romance was far from satisfying.

But since each story was fundamentally the same, they were all predictable. Given how quickly their romances developed, I don't really believe they are all that attracted to one another.

Snowed In With The Billionaire included lots of sexual moments, but they felt unnecessary and filler to me. To be honest, they weren't vital to the plot and weren't the best sequences I've ever read in terms of writing.

Given that I acquired the book for free from Google Books' "recommended for you" area, perhaps I shouldn't be so furious.

Although I doubt I would suggest this book to anyone, feel free to give it a try if you so desire! This book is obviously not meant for me. I hope this book fits you like a glove.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Christmas at Carnton (Carnton #0,5)

Author        : Tamera Alexander

Pub Date    : October 03, 2017

Pages          : 256

My Rating   : ★★★★

The Summary

A wounded soldier and a helpless widow learn the true meaning of Christmas and selfless love amid battle and the crumbling Confederacy.

Aletta Prescott, a recent widow, fights to maintain order for her and her son, 6, in their lives. She comes upon an announcement for the Women's Relief Society auction and submits an application only to learn it has already been filled. The bank has threatened to evict them. Then, a chance encounter with a wounded soldier presents a new chance and a bond. Can Aletta rely on this man, though?

At the Battle of Chickamauga, Captain Jake Winston, a renowned Confederate sharpshooter, sustained a head injury. Jake worries that he would lose not only his most valuable talent but also his own identity when the physicians make their diagnosis. Jake is asked to help with a neighborhood Women's Relief Society auction while he recovers. He objects politely. He doesn't think of soldiering as kowtowing to a group of "crinolines." But orders are orders, and he quickly realizes that this particular bunch of women is far more than he anticipated.

Christmas at Carnton is a tale about faith being restored and hope being reborn at Christmas, set against the background and history of the Carnton Plantation near Franklin, Tennessee.

My Review

Christmas at Carnton is a fantastic introduction to the Carnton series. Although it is referred to be a novella, it actually delivers a reasonably detailed tale without looking hurried or passing over a lot of crucial facts. On the Carnton estate, west of Nashville, Tennessee, during the Civil War in 1863.

The two main characters in this narrative are Aletta and Jake. The character of Aletta is interesting and well-written. She recently became a widow at the age of 25, is the sole caregiver for one child, and is currently pregnant. I was completely terrified for her in the first chapter of this book. But what I most appreciate about Aletta as a young woman is her courage and persistence. She is aware that instead of giving up or bowing to the whims of men who are trying to take advantage of her, she should put her trust in God.

The protagonist of the story, Jake, is superbly represented. Jake is powerful, competent, and assertive. He is a man of exceptional talent. However, Jake starts to question himself a little after suffering an injury in fight. Jake's attitude changes, and with that change, not only does his body recover, but also his heart. He meets Aletta and the other Ladies Aide members and learns personally about their loss of their spouses and boys as well as their determination and hard work.

I thought the relationship was a little hasty considering Aletta and Jake have only known each other for a month and fall in love so quickly. But I excused myself because it was only a novella. I also liked the quick speed of the setting.

The book's writing is understandable and simple to follow. It offers some compelling ideas and side characters that I'm sure we'll see in other books in the series. The characters mixed very well with one another and were believable.

I really enjoy historical fiction. I am always looking up information about the novels I read, therefore I am in awe of Tamera Alexander's commitment to doing extensive study. I learned that there is a real place called the Carnton Plantation that is still standing and offers tours. The historic Carnton plantation residence and museum are located in Williamson County, which is part of Franklin, Tennessee. I cried when I read this because I was experiencing so many different emotions.

This is undoubtedly a tale of faith and optimism that you need during the Christmas season, even though I don't think the Christmas theme is overbearing. Still a delightful Christmas story.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : His Christmas Wish (Mountain Rescue Romance #1)

Author        : Melissa McClone

Pub Date    : November 01, 2008

Pages          : 232

My Rating   : ★★★★

The Summary

She left Hood Hamlet and her holiday spirit behind to start over somewhere else after losing her fiancé and brother, distraught and grieving. But her family requires her today, six years later. To confront her history and offer her niece and nephew the finest Christmas ever, Carly comes home.

Jake Porter feels guilty because he knows he could have helped his two buddies that terrible day and spared Carly from such a devastating loss. Jake wants to make amends when she shows up in town so they can both go on with their lives.

Will Jake be able to open Carly's heart to something else she had given up on love while he helps her experience the wonder of Christmas so she will cherish the holiday once more?

My Review

This was a really lovely story. This specific Christmas tale hits that sweet spot just right. coupled with romance, heartache, and adventure. It is a tale that fully encapsulates the wonder of the holiday season.

The characters are cheerful and lovable. There is no doubting that this book has a fantastic cast. I probably love them all. They help one another and show that family is made up of more than just blood relations. I also have a renewed respect for mountain rescue operations and the difficulties they face in returning a casualty to safety. But in addition to the rescuers, they also have the affection and help of the inhabitants at the foot of the mountain!

The romance is swoon-worthy, as comforting as a hot cup of cocoa, and it will melt your heart. I enjoy how enchanted Christmas is and how it can warm the hardest heart. Fantastic image of a tourist destination perched on a vibrant mountain.

It was a brief story, therefore several nuances weren't properly developed. As I already stated, I wished I had known more about Jake's father-son bond. I was periodically confused about the situation with Carly as well. She gave off the impression of being extremely wary of falling in love once more but then allowed Jake to savagely kiss her.

In the end, though, it was endearing and fascinating. Nevertheless, each character paints a striking image of the multifaceted mending required to provide them fulfilling futures.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Christmas Trees and Mistletoe

Author        : Jeanine Lauren

Pub Date    : April 09, 2022

Pages          : 152

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

Kathleen relocated closer to her daughter and grandchildren following her divorce in an effort to get to know them better and find a new place to call home.

Kathleen purchased the neighborhood toy store because she wasn't ready to retire, only to discover after investing a significant portion of her assets in it that the company was losing money. By the end of the year, she needs to make a profit, which she can do with a successful holiday shopping season. If not, well, it's not worth considering.

A few weeks into the season, Kathleen's daughter and son-in-law ask her to watch the kids while they are abroad due to an emergency. Although it will need some juggling to care for both the children and the store, Kathleen leaps at the chance to spend quality time with the kids.

Roy, the twins' maternal grandfather, is something she is unable to bear. The cunning plotter is attempting to take their granddaughter's love and abandon her outside in the elements.

Can the enchantment of the season end their conflict and lead them to reconciliation, forgiving each other, and perhaps even love?

My Review

The best book I've recently read. This was a wonderful second chance romance. That really appeals to me when the major characters have matured and become wiser.

The novel will keep readers engaged for a very long time thanks to its realistic and fascinating plot and its romance undercurrent, which is evocative of a charming fairytale. The characters are easily comprehended and have a connection that is impossible for them to deny.

It is hilarious and a little puzzling because the tension is not immediately obvious. It was fantastic to see how two lifelong friends were able to let the past go and move on. Such a wonderful, heartwarming story set in a quaint bayside village.

I wholeheartedly recommend it since it strengthens family unity through a touch of holiday enchantment!

I voluntarily wrote a review after getting a copy for free.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Holiday Romance 

Author        : Catherine Walsh

Pub Date    : October 04, 2022

Pages          : 354

My Rating   : ★★★★★

The Summary

When an unexpected snowstorm cancels their flight, Molly and Andrew are only trying to get back to Ireland for the holidays.

They are just buddies and have never experienced anything romantic. But every year for the previous ten, Molly has spent seven hours and fifteen minutes seated next to Andrew on the final flight before Christmas from Chicago to Dublin, sipping horrible airport wine and catching up on each other's lives. Despite the fact that the two friends are very different from one another, none of them has ever wanted to give up this holiday tradition.

The time is running out. Molly, however, always has a plan. It can't possibly go wrong as long as the extremely particular combination of cabs, airplanes, boats, and trains all arrive on schedule.

She is unaware that the cosmos may have other plans as the snow falls over the city and two pals who are positive their friendship is not meant to be.

My Review

From being friends to falling in love, two friends experienced a romantic relationship. There was never a dull moment, and I loved Andrew and Molly's connection so much!

It makes sense why everyone is raving about it this year. The setting is upbeat, festive enough to inspire holiday memories, yet softly romantic. I thought the concept was fantastic and could absolutely see a movie being produced of it.

I loved how relaxed and lively the overall tone was; it perfectly complemented the holiday spirit. Underneath the eroding love is the true tactile warmth of their ten-year friendship. The supporting cast members were enjoyable and well-written, and they had good banter.

It was wonderful fun to read the book. Before they understand they have been drawn to one another their entire lives, readers can learn more about them both and how they interact with one another thanks to this. This book is really for you if you prefer your stories to develop over a course while still giving you the necessary butterflies.

I simply can't express how much I like this book. It has many heartwarming moments, clever banter, and obnoxious siblings.

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.

Tittle           : Cat Café Christmas 

Author        : Cody Gary

Pub Date    : October 04, 2022

Pages          : 400

My Rating   : ★★★★

The Summary

Kara Ingalls, a veterinarian and animal lover, wants a Christmas miracle. It was a dream come true to open the Meow and Furrever Cat Café in order to find loving homes for lovely, adoptable cats, but with more cats than customers, it's quickly becoming a nightmare. The café won't survive past the holidays if Kara can't find a way to turn a profit.

Ben Reese, a marketing expert, may be painfully perceptive and irksomely demanding, but when he comes up with a plan to make the café profitable by Christmas, Kara understands she'd be foolish to refuse his assistance. Even if he proves to be a great problem-solver and nerdy-hot, he can't manage fostering even one tiny cat. She needs to keep things professional between them while concentrating on rescuing the cafe.

Ben and Kara could find that by putting aside their disagreements and finding homes for all the cats by Christmas, they'll enjoy their own purr-fect holiday. . . together.

My Review

The snippets of adoptable animals that are shown at the start of each chapter are actually this book's best feature LOL because I love cats and was pulled to it due of its cat-themed title and cover.

A lovely kitty café's survival is vital to the story. Thanks to a cute but naughty kitten, Kara and Ben's uneasy attraction begins to become into something more. Even though Kara was a bit of a social outcast, I liked her. I didn't exactly feel a spark of love between them, but I did find some of their banter to be funny!

The language and storytelling are easy to follow and flow naturally. Although I wasn't especially impressed, I still felt this was a decent book to read and it matches the subject and tone of the book well. It was a timeless movie that was presented like a book.

Aside from the love we have for our feline friends, this is such a lovely story about love, new beginnings, friendship, goodness, compassion, and forgiveness. A lovely way to kick off the holiday season!

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.