A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

The Book: A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

 

The Gist:

      When Nicole and Sebastian fall in love and decide to get married, they realize that they will have a few bumps along the way.  When Sebastian’s grown daughter, Kennedy, from his first marriage and her family decide to come stay in Nantucket for the Christmas holiday, Nicole, who has never had children, is thrilled at the idea of having a child to celebrate with.  Unfortunately Kennedy has her mind set on hating Nicole, and finding a way to reunite her parents.

      A Nantucket Christmas is a story of a boy in need of a dog, a dog in need of a boy, and a blended family, coming together for the holidays.

What I thought:

      First of all, let me say I LOVE Christmas books (bet you couldn’t tell that by the number of Christmas stories I’ve blogged about so far).  I think that there is just something about the holidays that makes people feel good, and most novels set at this time of the year do the same.  This story is no exception.  I loved reading about Nicole decorating and going all out for Christmas to make it special for Maddox (Kennedy’s son).  I loved reading about the traditions of Nantucket, and would not be opposed to visiting!  But mostly, I loved how everything wrapped up, leaving me feeling at peace.

      The problems that I had with this story are very minimal, and wouldn’t stop me from revisiting these characters, but I do need to mention them.  The character of Kennedy was hard for me to stomach, as was the intent.  I just couldn’t wrap my brain around how an adult could behave so horrendously and immaturely.  Reading this novel, I was struck by the thought that there might actually be people in the world like this, and that is scary.  The character of Maddox was very likeable, and I did enjoy watching how Kennedy softened around her son, but he did not talk like any three-year-old I have ever met (and I work with a class of toddlers twice a week).  My last gripe is just a personal preference; I don’t care for writing from an animal’s point of view in a novel.  There was not a lot of it, but when I would get to a chapter written from the dog’s perspective I was not thrilled.

      Lately I have found myself judging books on my eagerness to find chances to sneak in another chapter.  I really enjoyed this book, and flew through the chapters, was it a favorite, no, but it was still pretty good.  I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick Christmas read. 

The Christmas Quilt by Vennetta Chapman

The Book: The Christmas Quilt by Vennetta Chapman

The Gist:

      Annie and Leah had it all, they found the men of their dreams, married on the same day, making them sisters-in-law, and were both expecting their first children.  Their Amish faith taught them to be thankful, and they were most of the time, except Leah had begun to question her husband’s love for her through her difficult pregnancy.  When her relationship with Adam began deteriorating more quickly, it took a glimpse at possible tragedy to bring things back into perspective.

      When Leah began having serious complications with her twins, and needed to be taken to a hospital far from home in Philadelphia, she and her husband, Adam, are reminded not only of their love for each other, but also to put their faith in God.  Passing the time in the hospital, Annie and Leah strengthen their bond by attaching a story pertaining to each fruit of the spirit to a quilt square, meant for the babies.  As the stories are told and pondered, Leah works to find her way back to the relationship that she hadn’t realized that she’d lost.

What I thought:

     Don’t you just love a story that cuts through the hectic bluster of life, and allow you to breath, reflect, and reassess your priorities?  This novel definitely meets those criteria.  Although this story does pick up after Ms. Chapman’s previous novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, it takes place three years later, and stands on it’s own without it’s predecessor, although I strongly recommend picking up that novel as well (you’ll love it). 

      Having recently had my children, I identified completely with Leah.  All of the fears, worries, and self-consciousness are, I believe, common with the changes that pregnancy brings.  My heart broke for her relationship with Adam, as she watched it slip away from her, all the while aiding in the rift, instead of the solution.  The timing of Leah going into early labor really lent itself to show the characters and readers that God is at the wheel, and sometimes it takes quite a wake-up call to get us off of the wrong track.

      My favorite portion of this book was the time that Leah and Annie spent together in the hospital making a quilt for Leah’s babies.  When Leah suggested that they attach a story to each child appliqué that they made based on the fruits of the spirit, this story took a special place in my heart.  Reading each memory of people that met descriptions like “peace, patience, love, hope, faithfulness,” etc. and picturing those stories seeping into each square, and thought of each time they were seen made me long to have one of these quilts for each of my children.

      All in all, this was a story of putting aside ego and finding your way back to the things that really matter.  Amish or English, this is a story that should be read and re-read, particularly by mothers.  I know that I will be opening the pages again, anytime that I need a reminder of what my focus should be on.

 

Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs

The Book: Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs

 

The Gist:

      Logan O’Donnell is a young, divorced, dad who dreams of having a big family. Darcy Fitzgerald has recently survived a heart-breaking divorce, and has vowed that she never wants children.  When Logan and Darcy meet, sparks begin to fly, even though they seem completely wrong for each other.

      When Darcy arrives to spend Christmas with Logan’s family at his newly renovated ski resort, they must decide if they are willing to open themselves up to a love that is nothing that they expected, but everything they need. 

Susan Wiggs takes readers back to the beloved town of Avalon, and up to the mountains to celebrate a family Christmas complete with crackling fires, Santa traps, and a Christmas pickle in Candlelight Christmas.

What I thought:

YAY!!!  A new Lakeshore book! I am in heaven!  This is my all-time favorite series.  Each book is written as a stand-alone novel that will touch your heart, with characters that seem like your friends.  I have never read a book in this series that I have been disappointed in, and Candlelight Christmas is no exception.

This novel tells the story of Logan, whom readers of the series will remember as Daisy Bellamy’s ex.  Watching this great dad let go of the safety net that was his insurance company, and jump towards his dream of a ski lodge really made me like him all the more.  There is something about reading about a person putting everything on the line and working hard for their happiness that makes me feel like anything is possible.

At the beginning of the book, I didn’t like the character of Darcy, I thought she was harsh and bitter, but she really did grow on me.  By the time I learned her back-story, and read about her Thanksgiving with the O’Donnells in Florida (one word- dolphins!), I could see why she was the person that was meant to be with Logan.

Fast-forward to Christmas, the entire O’Donnell family arrives in Avalon for a traditional snow-covered Christmas.  Reading about their activities and traditions put me completely in the spirit (yes, I know that it’s only October, but I’m kind of a Christmas any time anywhere kind of girl).  I could identify, as a parent, wanting to maintain the magic of Christmas when children get to the age where doubts of Santa creep in, and I thought that Miss Wiggs handled it beautifully.  This book made me long for a trip to the snowy mountains, with crackling fires, Christmas trees, and candlelight.

In writing this post, I kept finding myself using the word “watched,” I’d erase it, and keep going, and then I’d use it again.  I believe that this is a testament to Susan Wiggs.  I did not feel as though I was sitting in my living room reading about these people, it felt as though I was part of the town, invited along for this special Christmas.  I loved watching the children hatch their plan to find out if Santa Clause is real, everyone gathered around the fire with Logan’s famous hot cocoa (recipe included), candles lighting the house on Christmas morning when the power was out, and Logan and Darcy’s love story from beginning to end.  This book was an escape to a place of my dreams, where good people care about each other, and become family.  I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a heart-warming read, and a dose of Christmas spirit.

The Wizard of Oz- Children's Picture Book

The Wizard of Oz retold by Beth Bracken

 

The Gist:

 We all know, and love, the story behind the movie The Wizard of Oz.  In this version of the story, pictures from the classic movie are beautifully laid out along with a fabulous condensed summary that is perfect for young children.

What I thought:

  My four-year-old daughter loves the Wizard of Oz movie, but some of the scenes are a bit scary, and the movie is a bit long for someone her age.  In Beth Bracken’s version of this story, young children get a short, sweet, made for them look at this classic.  The pictures are taken straight from the movie, and the extra detail in the artwork, and font is absolutely beautiful!

    There is nothing to be scared of in this version.  Yes there is still the wicked witch, but Miss Bracken does not dwell on building the suspense like the movie and full story need to do.  My daughter loved this book so much, that I have read it at least twice a day since we got it, and she has decided that our whole family needs to dress up as the characters for Halloween.

    The publisher recommends this book for children 3-8, I would say a more appropriate age range would be 2-6, I think it is very well suited to introduce very young children to The Wizard of Oz, but older children, although they might love the pictures, grow more with the added details, descriptions, and text that the original story contains.  I highly recommend this beautiful story for anyone with a toddler!

Annie's Christmas Wish

The Book: Annie's Christmas Wish by Barbara Cameron 

 

The Gist:

Annie has always dreamed of visiting New York City, ever since her mother brought her a snow globe when she was younger. 

At a time in her life, when young Amish adults are made to decide whether they want to be baptized into the church or leave the simple life behind, this dream trip could tip the scales.  On the other hand, there is Aaron, the man who has grown up with Annie and, in adulthood, come to believe that they are meant to be. 

      As Annie, her family, and Aaron wonder through the sites of New York at Christmastime, she is forced to examine whether she should follow her career ambition of writing, or give a second look to an old friend who might be the central piece in the future she could have.

      Readers journey from Amish country, Paradise Pennsylvania, to the big city with the Bontrager family, in this fourth book in the Quilts of Lancaster County series.

What I Thought:

      This novel was an incredibly refreshing read.  So often it seems as though we get caught up in things that do not matter, and neglect the blessings that we receive all of the time.  Reading about the Bontrager family, with their “simple” beliefs, made me open my eyes to all of the wonders in my community, and in my life.

      I have read the first book in this series a while ago, so I was familiar with the Bontrager dynamic, however it did take me a little bit of time to readjust to the characters, and place all of the family members with the amount of back story I need.  Although I do believe that there is enough background given on the previous stories, I would suggest reading at least the first novel, A Time to Love, since this family did not form in a traditional way, you will not be disappointed, it is also a fabulous read.  I personally am looking forward to reading the second and third book in the series to see what I have missed!

      Miss Cameron has a way of writing about the Amish community, that makes readers feel as though they are an invited guest, sipping hot tea in the kitchen as a family that is not caught up in the trappings of modern day society works, plays, dreams, and loves.  You really get a sense of this religion, not so much in the specifics, or history, but more in the way you’d get to know what it is really about by living it, or watching members live, without them knowing you were there.

I left this book feeling as though I would miss the characters.  Annie is very relatable in the sense that everyone goes through a struggle in their young life, where they need to decide who they want to be, and what sacrifices that they are willing to make to get there.  Jenny, Annie’s mother, is the mother that I strive to be; she is caring, warm, and genuinely interested in her children’s thoughts and feelings.  Aaron is a genuinely good guy; readers will root for him, as he tries to open Annie’s eyes to a future that could fulfill more dreams than one.

If you are looking for a good clean story, that puts the emphasis of Christmas back on God and family, I highly recommend this book.  Grab a cup of tea, cuddle under a blanket, and let yourself be overtaken with the Christmas Spirit with Annie’s Christmas Wish available now!

     

Miracle Road

The Book: Miracle Road by Emily March

 

The Gist:

      Hope Montgomery is everyone’s picture of the perfect kindergarten teacher, she loves children, fills in for district shortfalls by driving the bus and coaching the basketball team, and volunteers her free time to help out with any worthwhile cause.  No one in the small town of Eternity Springs would guess the tragedy that has befallen her that led her to this place of healing, or how much she needs the family that this community offers.

      Lucca Romano is no stranger to tragedy either.  As a sought after, and well-known college basketball coach who suffers from survivor’s guilt after a van accident changed the lives of his team.  In contrast to Hope, he chooses to run from everything that reminds him of his tragedy.  When he hits rock bottom, he finds himself in Eternity Springs, where his family has recently set up residence.

      Lucca and Hope are immediately drawn to each other, however neither of them wants a relationship.  As they are thrown together repeatedly, and as past stories are recanted, these two troubled souls realize that they can help each other heal in ways that they never would have thought possible. 

Of course, nothing worth having comes easy, and as situations reminiscent of past tragedies arise this couple must decide whether they should run away from each other, or hold on tight.  Full of holiday cheer and starry nights, Miracle Road takes readers through another wonderful journey in Eternity Springs.

What I thought:

      Have you ever read a book that you’ve identified with greatly even though the circumstances involved are, luckily, only your worst nightmares?  That’s what this story was to me.  Maybe it had to do with the fact that Hope was a kindergarten teacher, but I think that it went a lot deeper than that.  I think that it had to do more with a common feeling between myself and this character.

      I think many mothers struggle with that ugly fear that they are not doing a good enough job for their children.  Although the character in this story has that fear elevated to another level by tragedy, it is the same thought.  We all want to give our children the world and raise them to be happy, well-adjusted people, but the balance between giving them everything while still taking care of our needs, is tricky to reach.

      This story was a warm, satisfying read.  Following this character that I identified with through her pain, as she learns to trust, love, and live again was therapeutic for me.  It made me think about being in the moment with my children, and savoring every stage and experience that we are fortunate to have with each other.

      I have read all of the books in this series, and can highly recommend any of them to readers who enjoy warm love stories with happy endings, set in a community that you would jump at the chance to be apart of.  Each story stands on it’s own, telling of how each of the couples, who are supporting characters in the other stories, come to love.  This story, however was my favorite thus far.  I loved these characters, they jumped off of the page and into my world.  It was wonderful watching them learn to share their burden with each other, and in doing so release some of their pain, and grow closer in love.

      Readers can see how these two people complete each other, and how no matter how hard they each push, that they need to be together in order to move forward.  Watch out for the Lucca’s Christmas present for Hope- it’s a tear-jerker.  If you are looking for a great love story that will take you through the season of fall, and into Christmastime, pick up Miracle Road by Emily March, available November 5, 2013.