Review: The Paper Bag Christmas by Kevin Alan Milne

So, with the craziness of everything, December has been a bad month for blogging for me. Sorry! Anyhow, I know it's already after Christmas, but I'm still in the Christmas spirit, and since I didn't get the opportunity to post at least one Christmas review before Christmas, it's happening now. Enjoy!

Title: The Paper Bag Christmas

Author: Kevin Alan Milne

Rating:

Who Should Read It?
All lovers of Christmas! This story is adorable, heart-warming, and Christmas perfect!

What I Have to Say:
This is one of those stories that is meant to be read while holding a steaming mug of hot chocolate and curled up on a comfortable couch in front of the fireplace.

Mo(lar) and Aaron Alan are two ordinary boys who, thanks to a little trick played by their father, which starts with them deflating the legs of an apparently legless father and ends with them volunteering in the children's ward of a hospital for the Christmas season, have the opportunity to experience their first "real" Christmas at a very young age. They learn to see past the commercialization (don't we all need to do that) and discover the true spirit of Christmas, of giving, of love, and of acceptance.

Both Alan and Molar are charged with befriending some of the more difficult patients, and their charges end up touching their lives in an extraordinary way, as was forseen by Dr. Ringle. Dr. Ringle is the doctor in the children's ward, and if you ask me, there's no doubt in my mind that he's the real Santa Clause. What's so beautiful about this story, though, is that as the children grow and begin to learn the true spirit of Christmas, they help the patients learn to accept their terminal illnesses and see that, no matter what your position in life, friendship is priceless.

It's hard to say more about the book than that without giving anything away. This is a short, cute book that really helps the reader to remember the importance of Christmas and the joy of giving while expecting nothing in return. It reminds us, as cheesy as this is to say, of the true Spirit of Christmas. If you love Christmas, read this - I promise you won't be disappointed.

Summary:Dr. Christopher Ringle is the last person you'd expect to find moonlighting as Santa Claus at the mall on the day after Thanksgiving. But it is there that he meets a young man named Molar Alan, who desperately needs a new perspective on the underlying value of Christmas. Dr. Ringle recruits Mo and his older brother as volunteers at a nearby children's hospital for the holiday season. At the hospital, Mo is tasked to help bring holiday cheer to the young cancer patients on the fifth floor. His biggest challenge is befriending a decidedly angry girl who is so embarrassed by her scarred appearance that she hides her face behind the safety of a paper bag. Almost in spite of himself, Mo finds that Christmas joy emanates from a source far greater than the North Pole, while the young girl learns that she is more beautiful than she had ever imagined.

Cover Story: The cover of the book that I read, which is the small Amazon one by the summary, is adorable. It's so Christmasy and wonderful and fits the book perfectly. The other one I find to be a bit plain.

Arriving Home and Secret Santa

So, as sometimes happens, I completely disappeared from the blogging world last week, and for this, I am sorry. It was the last week of classes before break, and I found myself actually STUDYING for the huge test that I had Wednesday. And then there was a mad rush to say goodbye to everyone and get my things together to come home for Christmas.

Now I am in Louisiana (arrived yesterday afternoon) and jet-lagged to the extreme. But I am excited to be home and to get to spend Christmas with the family.
I'll be a little bit here and there and everywhere over the next month before I head back to Japan, but I'm going to do my best to keep the blog updated and check out all of your blogs as much as possible.

In other news, before I left, I was SO excited to receive a fabulous present from my Secret Santa!

The chocolates and the teddy grahams were vegan (yay!!!!), and they were all devoured on the plane ride home.
My secret santa herself ended up being not so secret, which I was quite happy about. Because that means I can say a HUGE thank you to Simcha of SFF Chat. Thank you, Simcha!

It's especially nice because I feel like Simcha is already a friend, and so I was thrilled that she decided to pick out books not on my list that she thought I would like. I absolutely trust her taste, and the books she picked look FABULOUS! I can't wait to read them when I get back to Japan!
I also got some cute fairy pins, a beautiful bookmark, and an Israel towel. Oh, and a driedel, which I am super excited about, because I have always wanted one.

So yes, it was an asbolutely FABULOUS first gift of the year, and I am thrilled about it!

Now, I'm off to wrap presents, and hopefully you'll have some awesome reviews heading your way soon!

Review: A Blue and Gray Christmas by Joan Medlicott

So I know that Christmas is over. We're now at the 12 day mark, which I'm pretty sure is the official time to start taking down Christmas decorations. But I DON'T WANT IT TO BE OVER!!!! I'm not ready yet! And besides, my boyfriend and I still haven't gotten the chance to celebrate Christmas together. I defo will NOT be taking down the decorations before then. So, to keep the spirit alive, I've got a review for you guys today of a Chrismasy book! YAY! And then when I finally DO get around to celebrating Christmas with the bf, I'll have another Christmasy review. YAY encore! :-) Then perhaps I'll let Christmas be over in the blog until next season.
So, without further ado. . .

Title: A Blue and Gray Christmas

Author: Joan Medlicott

Rating: 1/2

Whe Should Read It? People interested in the Civil War, people that like cute, quick stories, and definitely people that have read and enjoyed the other Covington Ladies books!

What I Have to Say: It's hard for me to really know what to say about this book. On the one hand, the premise was wonderful and the story itself was intriguing and engaging. I found myself wrapped up in the lives of the Ladies of Covington as the read through the old Civil War letters and discovered new things about themselves and the world in the process.
The letters themselves were extremely well-written, and I really felt as if I was reading things from the points of view of these two Civil War soldiers - one a confederate soldier, one a Union soldier. Joan Medlicott did a great job of giving them separate, distinct voices.
On the other hand, there was something about this book that was only so-so for me. The writing and ideas all seemed kind-of scattered, and there were a couple back stories going on that seemed to have NOTHING to do with the main story. This could have been okay, but to me it felt unnecessary, as if she was just trying to make the book longer. It's entirely possible, though, that this is because I haven't read any of the other Covington Ladies novels, so I sort-of came into the middle of it all. That aside, it also seemed like nothing ever actually happened, and when the occasional thing did happen, we heard about it several times from several different people.
So, as you can see, I'm torn. I loved it, but at the time time, I only sort-of liked it. It's heasy to say, though, that it was a quick, enjoyable, easy read.

Summary (from Amazon): In this stunning holiday story, a cache of Civil War-era letters and diaries sweeps the ladies of Covington up into a dramatic and heartwarming historical saga that inspires them to plan an unforgettable Christmas for two families forever changed by war.

When a rusty old tin box is unearthed at the Covington Homestead, longtime housemates Grace, Amelia, and Hannah discover that it contains letters and diaries written by two Civil War soldiers, one Union and one Confederate.

The friends are captivated by the drama revealed. The soldiers were found dying on a nearby battlefi eld by an old woman. She nursed them back to health, hiding them from bounty hunters seeking deserters. At the end of the war the men chose to stay in Covington, caring for their rescuer as she grew frail. But while their lives were rich, they still felt homesick and guilty for never contacting the families they'd left behind.

Christmas is coming, and the letters inspire Amelia with a generous impulse. What if she and her friends were to fi nd the two soldiers' descendants and invite them to Covington to meet? What better holiday gift could there be than the truth about these two heroic men and their dramatic shared fate? With little time left, the ladies spring into action to track down the men's families in Connecticut and the Carolinas, and to make preparations in Covington for their most memorable, most historic Christmas yet.

Disclosure: Thanks to Sarah from Pocket Books for sending me this book to give an honest review.

Review: A Christmas Carol Special Edition by Charles Dickens with Stephen Skelton

Title: A Christmas Carol Special Edition

Author: Charles Dickens with Stephen Skelton

Rating: 1/2

Who Should Read it? This is a great Christmas story for the whole family. Because of the added studies at the end of each question, it is also great for a Bible Study Group (I gave one to my sister's bible study group this year) or a Christian family.

What I Have to Say: Somehow, in my 27 years of life, I had NEVER read a Christmas Carol. I've seen about a bagazillion adaptations, so, for me at least, the not reading it thing is just weird. Now that I have finally read it, it far surpassed my expectations. As with most things, the book is just better than all of the adaptations. Dickens's writing is so pure and innocent; he makes you feel that, with a little push in the right direction, anyone can be good. This book is a classic for a reason, and all the hype surrounding it is well-deserved. I would have loved to see Dickens himself do a reading.
Reading it with Stephen Skelton's insight made the reading experience even more satisfying. Every time there was something I didn't understand (or I thought I understood but actually didn't), Skelton was there with an explanation. I felt like I was really able to get righ into Dickens's head and understand the true meaning of his words.
Each chapter was followed by a study guide separated into 4 sections filled with insightful questions. I really enjoyed thinking through some of my answers to these questions, as they helped me to feel truly connected to the story and understand how Dickens's message can apply to how we celebrate Christmas and to me in my daily life. The first two questions in each section, while applying to adults as well, were written so as to be applicable to and easily understood by children. Because of this, it was a great book for parents to read with their children or for a bible study group, as the questions could easily lead to lively conversation.
I'd also like to point out that, while spiritual, I am not a Christian, and yet I still found the study sections thought-provoking and enjoyable.
A superb read!

Summary (from FSBMedia.com): Since its publication in 1843, the tale of a miserly old man and the ghosts who visit him has been bringing the true spirit of Christmas into hearts and homes. Whether you've read the story a thousand times or have only seen the movie, A Christmas Carol Special Edition will enrich your enjoyment of this holiday favorite with:


•The complete text of the Charles Dickens classic.
•Annotations offering interesting insight into the story's biblical allusions, the author's faith, and compelling Christian themes throughout.
•Discussion questions designed to engage and promote dialogue among readers of all ages on such subjects as regret, repentance, and redemption.
•A list of related resources to enhance your study.
Enjoy A Christmas Carol Special Edition in your home, study group, book group, or Advent celebration and learn how to say with Scrooge:


"I will honour Christmas in my heart,
and try to keep it all the year."

Disclosure: This book was sent to me by FSB Media to give an honest review.

Review: The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland

Title: The Christmas Lamp

Author: Lori Copeland

Rating:

Who Should Read It? Lovers of Christmas story, young and old!

What I Have to Say: The Christmas Lamp is an adorable story of love and tradition. Love when you least expect it and creating new traditions when the old ones are lost. It is a great reminder of just how priceless and important tradition really is.
Nativity, Missouri is a small, dying town, jus trying to stay alive. For them, all of their Christmas traditions, right down to the Christmas tree in the middle of the intersection that gets run over at least three times a year, are more important than anything else. WHen a new consultant comes along to try to help the town with their financial woes, and he says they have to cut back on their Christmas expenditures or else they won't survive, the town is forced to come together and remember what Christmas is really all about.
While the Christmas Lamp is extremely predictable - I had pretty much the whole story figured out from page 1 - it's also an exciting journey of predictability. I was happy to be along for the ride.
I think Roni and Jake, the protagonists, have quite a bit more in common than they think, and reading about them together as they realize they are falling in love left me with a huge smile on my face. Nativity itself seems like the cutest small town - the kind of place I would love to live when I retire - It's filled with kind, happy, generous people.
As Copeland tells her story, the reader can't help but be filled with a beautiful sense of Christmas joy, love, and cheer. She reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas without being preachy or talking overtly about God, which I find to be an amazing feat.
I also loved the way she incorporated the Lamp from "A Christmas Story." It made me feel even more connected to the book.
All in all, this is the kind of book I want to be reading at Christmas time.

Summary (from Amazon): Nativity, Missouri, is in trouble.-

-When the small town is bypassed by the newly constructed highway, it loses its much-needed holiday traffic-threatening not only the town-s financial survival, but its very heart and soul.

-Outside consultant Jake Brisco threatens everything the community loves about Christmas with his budget-slashing solutions.- Nothing is sacred-not even the traditional town Christmas tree. Long-time resident Roni Elliot knows some sacrifices have to be made, but can-t let go of the customs and traditions that have marked her holidays since childhood.- The decorations and customary activities have always generated vitality and joy throughout the whole season in Nativity.-

-Though their priorities and methods clash, Roni and Jake want the same thing-prosperity for the town.- As the two get to know each other and become close, each begins to gain a new perspective on what the real wealth of Nativity-and the season-might be.-

-The Christmas Lamp takes an honest look into the issues and concerns we all face and sheds light on the real origins of Christmas spirit.

Final Question: What is your favorite excess at Christmas time? Do you like the decorations or the presents or the songs or Christmas trees or whatever else? Personally, I can't get over CHristmas lights. I just love them SO much!

Review: Look What Santa Brought by Annmarie McKenna

**This book is rated R!**

Author: Annmarie McKenna

Title: Look What Santa Brought

Rating:

Who Should Read It? People that like book porn and don't mind it having VERY LITTLE actual plot or story behind it.

What I Have to Say: This book was not at all what I expected. I was looking forward to a cute (occasionally rated R) Christmas romance, but what I got was a crude story that just so happened to take place at Christmastime.
I was immediately turned off by the constant and mostly totally unnecessary use of bad language.
The reader easily comes to understand that Tara and Scott are attracted to each other, but that was all. As characters, they were underdeveloped and uninteresting, and we never got to know either of them, or any of the secondary characters for that matter, at all. Tara and Scott's relationship was even more poorly developed than the characters themselves (which really didn't seem possible). Tara made Scott hard. Scott made Tara wet. I feel icky writing that. The end. It seemed entirely based on lust and physical attraction, but since Scott was blind, this really didn't jive for me. Especially since he didn't even "see" her (with his hands) until about midway through the book.
After that, Scott would do things that seemed totally unnatural for a blind man. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure blind people don't roll their eyes. There was also regularly background information that was quickly thrown in then never spoken of again. It was confusing and annoying. There was a whole story behind Scott and Brianna's mother that I wanted to know more about, but we only got a brief glimpse of it, never actually coming to understand what the author was talking about. Two children showed up out of nowhere. Who were they?
The best thing I can say about this book is that it was short and quickly over. It was also free on my kindle. So I thank the author and give her two stars just for that.
Now I'm feeling like maybe I was too harsh.

Summary (from Samhain Publishing):He is looking for the love of his life, she is looking for a little refuge.

A story from The Perfect Gift.

Scott Wyatt knows what he wants for Christmas and it comes in a beautiful-voiced, make-his-heart-race, more than tempting package. If only he could see her.

Tara Patrick needs a man to make her ex see the light. But when her best friend’s gorgeous brother offers himself for the job, she has to say no. How could she possibly use the blind man who makes her heart flutter and not get hurt in the process?

Staring at the business opportunity of a lifetime, Tara finds herself living as close to Scott as one can without sharing a bed. Tara’s ex isn’t happy and he sets out to prove he won’t lose her. But when darkness falls, which man has the advantage, because Scott isn’t willing to let Tara go either.


Final Question: Have you ever read and finished a book that you really just didn't like? It's happened to me in the past, but at least I passionately didn't like them, which made it finishable. This one I just plain didn't like - to the point where it's hard to feel any emotion whatsoever about it. I only finished because of the short length. Have you ever felt that about a book before?

Disclosure: This book was purchased for free for my kindle from Amazon.

Review: The Christmas Bus

Title: The Christmas Bus

Author: Melody Carson

Rating:

Who Should Read It? Anyone looking for a cute, heartwarming holiday story.

What I Have to Say:The Christmas Bus is an adorably predictable holiday story of selflessness. A story of angels and the power of giving and acceptance. It will warm your heart and make you want to go out and do some good in the world. When you're done reading, you'll wish you'd read it with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, lying on a comfortable couch in front of a roaring fire. It's just one of those books. It is absolutely delightful.
The cast of characters that Melody Carson has amassed in the small town of Christmas Valley, Oregon are a quirky bunch, all unique and interesting in their own ways, and pretty much exactly what you would expect from a small town. And yet each and every one of them reaches out and grabs your heart in some special way, leaving you hoping and praying that they will do the right thing.
And as no Christmas story taking place in a small town can be complete without outsiders, Meldoy Carson brings in Collin and Amy, a young couple on the road, along with a bed and breakfast full of holiday guests. In the very beginning, the town preacher, whose wife runs the bed and breakfast, preaches about letting strangers into our homes; how we never know when we may just let in an angel. Melody Carson's "The Christmas Bus" brings his sermon to life as we watch the townsfolk interacting with and coming to accept the Christmas newcomers in their town, especially one particularly crazy newcomer, Mad Myrtle. :-)
Conclusion: This is a fantastic, cute, and quick Christmas read!

Summary (from Amazon):The people of Christmas Valley always celebrate Christmas to the fullest extent. The mayor plays Santa, every business is holiday themed, and there's a nativity for the kids each Christmas Eve. This town knows Christmas. But this year nothing goes according to plan. Shepherd's Inn is full of strangers, Mad Myrtle is causing problems, and a young couple with a baby due any minute rolls in to the middle of town in their Partridge Family-style bus. It's hardly the holiday Christmas Valley wanted--but it may be just what they need. This charming novella is sure to become a new Christmas tradition for readers who love a great holiday story.

Final Question:Have you ever helped out a complete stranger in need and then later have that stranger come back and reward you several times over? Have you ever felt as if an angel has touched your life?




I purchased this book in kindle format from Amazon.