Book Review: The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird

The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird is a contemporary romance. Lonely-hearted waitress Katie Smith has nowhere to go for Christmas, and a huge crush on her gorgeous diner patron Juan Martinez. So when Juan asks Katie to pose as his girlfriend for holiday festivities at his family's winery, Katie leaps at the chance…that is, until an accident lands Juan in a coma right after giving his folks the "news." Katie knows she should tell the Martinezes the truth, but when they immediately embrace her, Katie is reluctant to let her fantasy of a family holiday go. And then there's Juan's brother, Mateo, whose smile tugs at her heartstrings just right—and who tells her perfect Juan might not be everything he seems. Second son Mateo Martinez loves his brother, but Juan's plan to "rebrand and expand" Los Cielos Cellars has cost their family too much and put its entire tradition in jeopardy. Katie seems to understand, but she's still committed to Juan…even when Mateo starts to wish her gentle heart and beautiful smile were committed to him instead. With the winery at stake, secrets on all sides, and Juan due to wake up any day, can Katie and Mateo follow their hearts to a Christmas miracle, or will this mix-up ruin their chances?

The Holiday Mix-Up is a solid read, with a set up that had me intrigued. I thought the set up, and the character ideas and backstories had some great aspects to them. I loved the Martinez family. I liked the interplay between generations, the combination of caring, humor, and irritation between them was realistic and engaging to read. Katie's sweetness did not generally make her a sucker, she stood up for herself when needed, and chose to be kind and do good where she could. I thought the connection between Mateo and Katie felt organic and grew nicely. I like that all characters were a little imperfect, human. Even when I sincerely wanted to kick a character, I ended up feeling a little bad for them as well. Although I still want to kick them a little. I will admit that it did feel a little to sweet and neat for my personal tastes. However, I think the romance here will appeal to many readers and hopefully will turn into a series, or have a follow up to answer any remaining questions about the winery and Juan's future romantic endeavors.

 

Early Book Review: Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas by Andrew Shaffer

Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas by Andrew Shaffer is currently scheduled for release on November 14 2023. Few have seen the West Virginia creature known as Mothman, but everyone agrees nothing good happens when he’s around—there always seems to be an accident or some other mishap. Is he really an unlucky charm? Even he’s unsure. When Rudolph takes an unexpected vacation one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa Claus comes to Mothman with a request: “Mothman with your eyes so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” Whether he saves Christmas or accidentally destroys it, one thing is for certain: the holidays will never be the same.

Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas is a cute and quirky book that is a perfect stocking stuff or addition to a small gift bag for kids and adults alike. A fresh, cryptid take on a classic idea also offers the suggestion that what other people think about you does not mater, as long as you are doing your best. The illustrations are just as much fun as the story itself and a paired perfectly. I think this is a great little gift book, or addition to a cryptid lover's library. 

Early Book Review: Finding My Elf by David Valdes

Finding My Elf by David Valdes is a young to new adult romance currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. Escaping to NYU for college didn’t turn out the way Cameron planned—he’s flunking his theater classes, about to lose his scholarship, and he still hasn’t found anyone he can call his “people.” When he gets home for winter break, he’s so desperate to avoid a Conversation with his dad that he takes the first acting job he can get—as a mall elf. Despite how Scroogey he feels, the plus side is that there’s a cash prize for the most festive of Santa’s helpers. But the competition is fierce—especially from fellow elf Marco. Christmas spirit oozes out of his veins. At first Cam is determined to see him as nothing but a rival, but as they spend more time together, Cam starts to second-guess himself. What if he’s finally found his people here—in the fakest consumerist nightmare place on Earth, where he least expected it?

Finding My Elf is a book that is as much about finding romance as it is figuring yourself out. I think it also hold the great reminder, that even the people you think have it all figured out are struggling too, and that being true to the people that matter is much more important that what anyone else thinks of you (which you might have wrong any way). I felt for Cameron a great deal, even when he made mistakes that I felt were realistic for someone their age and struggling to find their place. I adored Marco, and saw the basic trajectory of the story coming from the start, but I loved the ride. I thought the depth given to the secondary characters was great, making no character all bad or good- just human with concerns, flaws, and issues that they need to figure out. I really enjoyed this read and will be on the lookout for more from the author. 

Finding My Elf is a a romance that many readers will be able o relate to on some level while getting into the holiday spirit. 

Book Review: Christmas Cow Bells (Buttermilk Creek) by Mollie Cox Bryan

Christmas Cow Bells is the first book in the Buttermilk Creek Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan. Christmas is a time for new beginnings, so after her big breakup, Brynn MacAlister takes the gouda with the bad. With her three Red Devon cows, she settles in bucolic Shenandoah Springs, eager for a new life as an organic micro-dairy farmer and cheese-maker. Then her dear cow Petunia’s bellows set the whole town on edge. But it isn’t until Brynn’s neighbor, Nancy, dies in a mysterious fire that her feelings about small town life begin to curdle. It seems some folks were not happy with Nancy’s plan to renovate the Old Glebe Church. But is a fear of change a motivation for murder? As a newcomer, Brynn can’t ignore the strange events happening just on the other side of her frosty pasture—and soon on her very own farm. Suddenly Christmas doesn’t feel so festive as everyone demands she muzzle sweet Petunia, and Brynn is wondering if someone wants to silence her—for good .

Christmas Cow Bells is a mystery that had moments where I was glued to the page and others where I started to wander away. I liked the set up and a great deal of the character building. I love the unique cast of characters and getting to know them as Brynn discovers more about them. I liked the mystery aspects, and thought the variety of clues was well done. I think the character depth and growth was well done and kept things interesting, I certainly want to know more about the past and future of several of the secondary characters. I liked the complexity of what was going on behind the scenes, but I think more of how everything tied together could have been explained in the book, or had Brynn figure out more of it for herself. I just felt like there were moments of absolute brilliant writing, and then a couple pages that were less inspired. Perhaps it was because of the necessary world and character building, but I did enjoy a great deal of the read and am not giving up on the series. 

Christmas Cow Bells is a mystery that shows some sold potential, but had hot and cold moments for me. I will be trying the next book in the series to see where the author takes it. 

Book Review: The Santa Thief by Alane Adams, Lauren Gallegos

The Santa Thief is a picturebook written by Alane Adams and illustrated by Lauren Gallegos.  It's winter in Girard, Pennsylvania and the pond is completely frozen over--ready for a young boy to go skating!--but Georgie's ice skates are too small. All Georgie wants for Christmas is a new pair of skates. But times are tough in 1920s Pennsylvania, and he gets the disappointing news Santa might not come this year. Follow Georgie as he decides to take matters into his own hands and steals Santa's identity--and discovers what Christmas is all about. 

The Santa Thief is a Christmas tale with illustrations reminiscent of The Christmas Carol and other classics. I like that Georgie made his own Christmas joy by doing something positive for his family when he had earlier only been disappointed. It was nice that in the end his parents were able to get him the skates, while still showing that it was by working hard and saving rather than Santa that he got what he really wanted. I am not sure that parents trying to keep Santa's magic alive will want to share this read, and I have no idea why Thief was in the title. However, those trying to instill a little respect for hard work, charity, and the importance of thoughtfulness in gift giving might want to give this book a read.

Early Book Review: Santa Please Bring Me a Gnome by An Swerts, Eline Lindenhuizen

Santa Please Bring Me a Gnome is a picturebook written by An Swerts and illustrated by Eline Lindenhuizen. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2017. This year Tess does not want toys, instead she wants a gnome. A real, living gnome to be her friend to take everywhere and share everything with. She gets everything ready for her new friend, including little furniture and bedding. When Christmas comes will she get her wish? 

Santa Please Bring Me a Gnome is a sweet and delightful picturebook. I loved the illustrations, they really brought Tess's plans and hopes to life, and I loved how helpful Tess's grandparents were through her endeavor to get ready for Santa to deliver her friend. I think the conclusion, with note from Santa and all, was a perfect answer and one that parents, caregivers, and children will enjoy on different levels. This might be a Christmas book, but I fully expect some will be requesting this book year round. 

Book Review: White Christmas by Rebecca York

White Christmas by Rebecca York is a novella with paranormal; aspects and abundant holiday cheer. The snow is coming down so fast, Amelia Parsons doesn't see the speeding car until it's too late. One moment she’s crossing an ice-rutted street in St. Stephens, Maryland. In the next, she's flying into the air, and the world goes black. She wakes, confused, in what appears to be Santa’s workshop during the holiday rush. If that’s not strange enough, a hunky FBI agent named Daniel is there, demanding to know why she’s involved in a plot to ruin Christmas. Can she convince him she's not the villain and then work with him to find the real saboteur?

White Christmas is a short story, which means need to happen quickly. Amelia is not allowed to freak about about the existence of Santa and all the trappings when she wakes up in the North Pole after getting hit by a car. The mystery of who is sabotaging the workshop is dealt with fairly quickly- though the why is never really answered for me. Similarly how Daniel ended up on assignment there, and how Amelia lands there, and how things all come together in the end, are equally glossed over. Sadly I felt like the attraction between Amelia and Daniel was weak, and their coming together did not feel real or right to me. I don't know. I was prepared to really love it, even if I waited to after Christmas to get around to it, but it was not what I was looking for. I expect much more character and relationship development from York, even in a novella.

Book Review: Kudzu for Christmas by Emilie Eklin Khair

Kudzu for Christmas is a picturebook by Emilie Eklin Khair.  The Kudzu game was created during a long drive to school, but now everyone wants to play. Join Sam and Andy and the rest of the gang as they search for cool creatures, friendly beasts, and even their favorite pets in the twisted Kudzu vines. And when winter weather takes the green away, maybe the crazy creatures YOU find will end up hiding in your OWN Christmas tree!

Kudzu for Christmas is an interesting picture book. Kudzu is a vine that is very invasive and grows quickly. While the vines climb trees, utility poles, and buildings they create shapes and shadows that can frighten, or become part of shape finding games. When the winter months come the vines disappear from the normal spots and are missed by those that have included the vines in their games and routines. However, their mother has saves some of the greens and created Christmas ornaments to continue the games in the tree. A sweet and interesting story, but one that I think children that have the vine, or a similar one, in their area will understand most. It was a good story, with artwork to match, but I think it was just okay. 

Early Book Review: The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus

The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on October 11 2016.  Santa has a problem. This kid? Harold? Santa doesn't think he's real. He WANTS to believe in Harold--after all, Harold is one of the most magical parts of Christmas.  But Santa's just not sure. Some of his friends are telling him they think Harold's not real. And the Harold that sat on his knee last Christmas looked AWFULLY different. Santa comes up with a plan to find out once and for all if Harold really exists, with hilarious consequences.

The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold handles the questions many children face when they start hearing whispers of the more magical parts of childhood being less than real. Classmates, siblings, cousins, television shows and any number of sources could have a child wondering if Santa and the other magical forces that inhabit childhood are real. By twisting the narrative so that it is Santa not fully believing in a particular child makes the story fun and more engaging to young readers. I think this is a fun and helpful read for families wanting to keep the belief alive a little longer. 

The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold is a delightful picture book for dealing with declining faith in the wonders of Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the like. A wonderful read for families and particularly children that still want to believe. 

Book Review: When Santa was a Baby by Linda Bailey

When Santa was a Baby is a sweet picturebook by Linda Bailey. Here is a delightful answer for every child that has wondered what Santa was like as a baby or child, and the adults that have fielded those questions. This book shows how strong, smart, and unusual Santa was as a baby and young child. It shows the beginning of his gift giving, home at the North Pole, and more. Most importantly it shows readers of all ages that it is the things that made Santa unusual and different that turned out to be the very best of him.

While Christmas seems awful far away, I have to recommend When Santa was a Baby. This picturebook tries to answer an age old question, what was Santa like as a child? While I am a huge fan of the Christmas movie that answers most Santa origin question, this one handles it slightly differently with a focus on his youngest years. Did you know that Santa first Ho Ho Ho'd as an infant, or that he made friends with a rather short fellow that shared his love for toy building? 

When Santa was a Baby is a sweet and beautifully illustrated picturebook that has a lighthearted look at Santa's earliest years, but a deeper message that is one we can all appreciate. Santa's parents worried for him, but supported him and the things that made Santa so different from others turn out to be the very things that the world seems to love and cherish about him most.

Book Review: Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan

Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan is a novella that was previously published in a collection of three Christmas romances. Cole Steele is said to be a womanizer that killed his father and plans to take out his younger brother next. However, he is nothing like the stories being spread about him. Maia Armstrong is a traveling veterinarian that is said to dabble in magic. When the two meet Cole is intrigued, and Maia tries to keep her distance.  But, an injured horse brings them together and it becomes clear that attraction is mutual. As Cole and Jace try to come together as family, they need to deal with their shared trauma and deal with the accidents that might be part of a bigger scheme. Can Jace, Cole, and Maia make this a merry Christmas despite the trouble around them?

Rocky Mountain Miracle has a certain magic to it. Cole and Jace have each endured more than anyone should and are each doubting themselves and each other. Thrown into this family crisis, Maia has caught Cole's attention in a way he has never experienced. Getting trapped on the ranch because of a snowstorm and the threat of 'accidents' heightens the conflict and emotions as everyone tries to find the words and connections that they need to come together. Not a lot of hot and heavy action for those that like the really steamy romance, but for readers that really love character interaction and family dynamics in their romance will be very happy.

Rocky Mountain Miracle is a good read.  It is short, since it is a novella that began as part of a collection, but it is emotionally charged. There are strong family dynamics and a great deal about trying to connect and finding ones place. I was a little disappointed with Maia's character, she seemed just a little too perfect at times, but all together it was a perfect read for a winters night.

Cover Reveal: Hark: A Christmas Collection By Justin Bog

Hark: A Christmas Collection By Justin Bog

Book Description:

A beautifully written collection of short stories from critically acclaimed Pacific Northwest writer Justin Bog, Hark explores the range of emotions surrounding the holidays. From melancholy to madness, loss and despair to hope and forgiveness, these six tales shimmer with feelings, some we'd rather stuff away, that Christmas can evoke.

Set in colorful locations around the United States, from Anacortes, Washington, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Sun Valley, Idaho, each tale focuses on people who struggle to make good choices, learn lessons, and maybe even find peace during the holiday season.

A bonus story, Poseidon Eyes, from Booktrope's upcoming reissue of Sandcastle and Other Stories; The Complete Edition, is included.

Add Hark: A Christmas Collection to your Goodreads Want To Read list: http://bit.ly/1A2jyoe

Book Review: Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree by Edie Eckman

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree  by Edie Eckman is a helpful pattern collect for Christmas crochet projects. The projects include Christmas stockings, ornaments, and more. Beginners and experienced crocheters will get a lot out of the useful technique tutorials and will want to jump right in and start one of these twenty projects. 

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree is a collection of projects that would be great for decorating you home for the holiday, or for giving away as gifts. Projects include a variety of stockings, ornaments and garland for trees, small tabletop trees, and embellishments for pillows and walls. I found the patterns to be easily understood and includes both the written pattern and a symbol chart. Each is also labeled with the recommended skill level, so crafters can decide what they want to complete. I was also very happy to see a variety pf stick techniques used, some of which add a special texture or look than the more ordinary crafts. 

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree is a well organized book, with very detailed patterns to help even the less experienced crafters successfully complete the projects. This is a solid resource for crocheters looking for holiday craft ideas.