Book Review: Selling Christmas Review & Excerpt

I'm going to be honest and tell you I've decided to have more than one tree in my house. I'm going to be that person now. In fact.... I maybe have already purchased the second tree for only $20 with a coupon and it is in the back of my car. I decided I will hold out until Saturday. I'm going to stay strong on that. Until then, I can read Christmas books. Fight me. 

Selling Christmas - Angelina Goode

Three bed, two bath, room for Santa…

Helping people find their dream house has always come natural to Caroline. She’s able to set the stage perfectly so her clients can imagine spending the holidays in their new home, even though she doesn’t decorate her own. When her boss assigns her to oversee the first annual Christmas Tour of Homes, Caroline thinks she may be in over her head.

Luke has always made sure his daughter, Ella, had all that she needed for Christmas, including a home bursting at the seams with tinsel and holly. Even if it meant working extra shifts patrolling the town. So when a house of their own is at the top of Ella’s Christmas list, he can’t help but set out to find one.

As Christmas fate brings Caroline and Luke together, they just might be exactly what the other needs to make it through the holidays. Caroline begins to find the inspiration and joy in decorating again and Luke learns from Caroline how to look for the spirit of Christmas in all that’s around him.

Until Luke unknowingly stumbles across Caroline’s past. A past that keeps Caroline from looking to a future with Luke.

Can Caroline and Luke find their way to happily ever after? Or is the only thing keeping them from finding it, each other? 

If you are already feeling kind of Grinchy or not feeling Christmas, you need this book. I had such a good time literally laying in bed with this one a few weekends ago and I had no problem getting through the whole thing. I really felt like I could identify with Caroline in a lot of ways because like Caroline, I like doing things (random acts of kindness) for people but I like to do it all year. It is actually one of the things I do when I am at my most depressed because it keeps me off the edge, basically. 

Reading this feels like you are reading the script for a Hallmark movie and frankly, that is kind of the measure of a good Christmas novel for me. Also, if you are a fan of home decorating/home staging shows you will get into this one because that's what Caroline is in charge of in this story. I really liked Luke, and I liked Caroline though once you learn about her past I didn't feel like it was as big as it was built up to being. I liked the slow decent into them each falling in love, and I loved Luke's daughter Ella kind of being the subtle glue keeping them together throughout the story. The story is lovely, sentimental, will have you buying extra trees for your house, but also cherishing the memories that make your holidays special to you. I absolutely loved this. 

EXCERPT

Chapter 1

Caroline
The gravel crunched under the tires as Caroline’s car made its way up the long drive. As she reached the crest of the tree-topped hill, the driveway made a sharp turn to the right, then opened up to a small grassy field with an old but clean wooden house sitting squarely in the center of it. She pulled her car up to the side of the house and turned off the ignition. As she opened the door and swept her scarf around her neck, the cold air reddened her cheeks. She shivered.

The small porch that led to the front door was bare but for a pile of firewood. Caroline shook her head. Curb appeal was always important when trying to sell a home, even if the curb was a mile from the front door. First impressions count, and this curb was lacking appeal. She turned the key in the lock, and as she pushed the door open, she was hit with a gush of warm air filled with the scents of gingerbread and pine cones. She smiled. This was more like it. She made her way through the house, smoothing the bedspreads and tidying pillows on chairs.

As she straightened the table setting, there was a quiet knock at the front door. She ran her hands down her sides and put her friendliest smile on, then headed for the door.

“Come in, Dave and Sandra,” she said as she swung open the door. Her clients entered. “Let me take your coats.” She hung them on the hooks just inside the foyer, hoping it would help them envision living there.

“Caroline.” Sandra’s hands flew to her mouth. “It’s adorable.”

“Wait until you see the kitchen,” she added, then held her hand out to the side, encouraging them to explore. Caroline followed them through the kitchen, emphasizing the retro appliances, and out the back door to a large patio overlooking an expansive yard with a peaceful brook running along the side.
When they re-entered the house and passed through the living room, Sandra cuddled her growing belly in her hands and stopped, staring at the quaint space. “The piano would fit perfectly right there.” She pointed to the wall on the right.

“A Christmas tree would be really lovely over there.” Caroline pointed to a corner between the fireplace and a wall with a large, picturesque window.

Dave stepped in closer to Sandra and put an arm around her. “I can see us singing carols on Christmas Eve.”

She leaned in and whispered something back to Dave.

“I’m going to give you a few minutes to finish looking around and talk privately.” Caroline headed to the kitchen. She took a gingerbread cookie from the table and was about to take a bite when she realized it was in the shape of an elf. She giggled, then bit off his head.

She passed the time staring out the window, appreciating the lush evergreen trees and watching the robins flit from one tree to another.

“Caroline.” Dave stepped into the kitchen. “We’d like to put a bid on the house. It’s exactly what we’re looking for.”

She smiled. “Of course. I have the paperwork in my bag.”

As Dave and Sandra signed the house bid, Caroline glanced at her watch. It would only take her fifteen minutes to wind her way back down the drive, up the highway, and into town where she would meet Lauren for dinner. She waved goodbye as they drove off, then she locked up the house, heading on her way.
***
The hostess that greeted Caroline was dressed as an elf, pointy shoes and ears and all. She led Caroline to Lauren, who sat in a dim alcove illuminated by lights muted with Santa hats. A mug in the shape of a Santa boot sat on the table in front of her. Caroline tossed her coat on the booth and rolled her eyes at Lauren. “You chose this place on purpose, didn’t you?” She gestured at the decor around them.
“For someone that loves to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, you sure don’t like all the decorating that comes with it.” Lauren took a sip from her mug.

Caroline giggled. “You know I love Christmas. But all this is too much. It’s not what Christmas is about. It’s supposed to be about giving and kindness. This is all commercial.”

“You could at least get a tree. That’s not commercial.”

“You know me. I don’t decorate. I will provide a tree for someone else to help them feel the Christmas spirit, but—”

“No decorating. I know.” Lauren rolled her eyes. “How did the house showing go?”

“Spectacular. It was right on the outskirts of town like they wanted. They put an offer on it, and I expect it to be accepted. Which is great because it will help fund my Christmas spirit. How was work for you today?”

She shrugged. “You know. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people without a place to go day after day. But I’m doing my best to change that. The police department has been very helpful this year. They’ve even assigned us a delegate to make sure we are helping all the people we can. Plus, the shelter’s Christmas Eve dinner is going to be extra special this year.”

“That’s great. And that’s the Christmas spirit I’m talking about.”

“Speaking of that, I have just the thing you’re thinking of. They are a great family that has fallen on some hard times and need a little help.” Lauren pushed her curly hair behind her ears and dug in her purse. She pulled out a piece of white paper folded in half. “You know, it’s really great that you do this.”

Caroline took the paper from Lauren and tucked it into her purse, then plucked a menu from the end of the table. “I just want everyone to experience Christmas the way I did as a child. No one should miss out on that.”

Lauren nodded. “What should we order? Should we start with an appetizer?”
***
As Caroline drove home, passing through the neighborhoods with their lights strung and flickering in the night, she felt a tug at her heart. She slowed as she approached a home with wooden reindeer on the lawn and lit snowflakes hanging from the trees. Her dad used to love to hang snowflakes around their home. He always said he felt like it encouraged the snow on Christmas Eve.

A car behind her honked and she was brought back to the present. She waved an apology in the mirror and moved on, heading home for the night.
***
Mary was hovering by the door when Caroline arrived at the office. Her hair was immaculately coifed, and she held a steaming mug of coffee that read I Sell Houses—What’s Your Superpower?
“I heard the offer on the house yesterday was accepted. Good job.”

Caroline’s eyebrows raised. She should’ve checked her email before heading into the office this morning. “Thanks. I’m about to straighten out all the details now.”

“Great. I also have some exciting news at the meeting this morning. Don’t be late.”

Caroline nodded and stopped at the coffee machine before going to her office. “Good morning, Sarah,” she said to the office assistant, who was standing beside a large box with a long strand of tinsel wrapped in her arms.

“Hi, Caroline. Would you like me to decorate your office for you? You’re the only one that hasn’t done it yet.”

“I think I’m okay.”

Sarah’s eyes fell. “Oh, okay.”

Caroline paused. “Well, I guess you could maybe decorate the outside of my door. Would that work?”
Her eyes lit up. “Yes. I’d love to. I have just the thing.” She pulled the rest of the tinsel out and found a large, bright-red bell.

Caroline took a sip of her coffee then disappeared into her office to call Sandra and Dave and tell them the good news. Sandra squealed when she heard, and Dave sounded as though he was getting choked up. “Do you think we can be in by Christmas?” he asked.

“Maybe. It’s only about four weeks away, but I’ll see what I can work out with the sellers.”

Sarah knocked on the door just as Caroline was hanging up.

“The meeting is about to start,” she said.

“Thanks.” She grabbed her notebook and followed Sarah into the meeting room.

“Welcome everyone. We have a lot to discuss, so let’s get started right away.” Mary paced back and forth across the small room as she spoke. “This year, we have decided to partner with a local furniture store to do a fundraiser for Sweet River Children’s Hospital.”

Caroline turned her attention to the room. This was exactly the Christmas spirit that motivated her. Everyone looked to one another, nodding encouragement and smiling with delight. Mary stood, pleased, her hands folded in front of her, her shoulders back. Her short, straight bob swayed softly as she turned from one side of the room to the other to take in all the excitement.

“We are going to host a Christmas Tour of Homes featuring four of our properties that are currently for sale. Anderson’s Furniture Store will provide the decor and we will do the decorating. I have put together a team of agents that have shown interest in decorating and have selected one person to be in charge of the team and decorating the locations.”

Sarah raised her hand. “Is this the kind of tour where people buy tickets to visit the properties to see how we have decorated them for Christmas?”

“Yes,” Mary said, nodding. “We get a weekend of heavy foot traffic into the homes we are selling while raising money for the children’s hospital. It’s a win-win deal.”

Caroline gave a sigh of relief that she wouldn’t have to help. It may be for a good cause, but she was clearly not the one for the job. She turned her focus to her notebook and started making a list of things she had to do for her clients.

“Caroline.” Mary’s voice was clear and direct.

Caroline sat up straighter in her seat.

“Caroline will be leading the decorating team. Sarah is handing each team member a packet detailing the homes that will be on the tour and the proposed rooms to decorate.”

Caroline’s jaw dropped. She lifted her index finger to protest, but Mary continued.

“Of course, if you find you’d like to decorate additional rooms, that is at your discretion, Caroline. This is your project. You are in total control.”

Caroline shook her head, still unable to find the words. She looked to Sarah, who had sat back down. “I’m honored to be on your team,” Sarah whispered.

The rest of the meeting was a blur. Caroline tried her best to stay focused, but visions of tinsel and nutcrackers and tree ornaments the size of her head kept popping up in her mind. She tried to shake them free, but it seemed to only serve as encouragement. Her coworkers were encouraged, too. Before the meeting was over, she had already received eight emails from fellow agents and their ideas for the Home Tour.

As everyone exited the room, Caroline hung back, hopeful that she would get a moment alone with Mary. Surely, she would understand. She simply was not the one for the job.

When the last straggler had filled his plate with Santa-shaped sugar cookies from the snack table and made his way out, Caroline threw her shoulders back and approached her boss.

“Mary. I have some concerns about the Christmas Tour of Homes.”

“Of course. I knew you would. But timing is not an issue. Three weeks is plenty of time to get the homes decorated.”

“That’s not it. I just…” She had to pick her words carefully. She didn’t want her boss to think that she was refusing an important job.

No, she would do it happily, if she thought she was capable. “I’m not sure I’m the right person for this role.”

“Nonsense. I spoke with Sandra and Dave this morning, and as soon as they told me they bought the house because you helped them picture what Christmas would look like there, I knew you were the one to lead the team.” Mary gathered her paperwork and slid it into her briefcase. “You’d better get started. As I said, three weeks is plenty of time, but it will pass very quickly.”

She gritted her teeth together, wishing she had never mentioned the Christmas tree last night. They had been so concerned about where to put a tree in the previous homes she had shown them, it seemed like the logical thing to do at the time.

Now she was in charge of decorating four homes? Her back stiffened at the thought of it. She swallowed hard, then nodded as she watched Mary leave the room.

Looked like she’d be decorating this Christmas after all.

Thank you to Pump Up Your Book and Angelina Goode for having me on this tour and sending me a copy for review! If you are in the market for a Christmas read to jump start the season, I definitely suggest this one as a perfect first for the year! 

Book Review: Beachside Beginnings

Another week of quarantine is done and this week I can say I've gotten a decent amount of reading done so I'm going to consider it a win.

Beachside Beginnings - Sheila Roberts

Moira Wellman has always loved makeovers—helping women find their most beautiful selves. Funny how it’s taken her five years with her abusive boyfriend, Lang, to realize she needs a life makeover. When Moira finally gets the courage to leave Lang, the beachside town of Moonlight Harbor is the perfect place to start over.

Soon Moira is right at home, working at Waves Salon, making new friends and helping her clients find new confidence. When she meets a handsome police officer, she’s more than willing to give him a free haircut. Maybe even her heart. But is she really ready for romance after Lang? And what if her new friend is in hot pursuit of that same cop? This is worse than a bad perm.

With all the heart and humor readers have come to expect from a Sheila Roberts novel, Beachside Beginnings is the story of one woman finding the courage to live her best life. And where better to live it than at the beach?

I always jump at the chance for any kind of book by Sheila Roberts because she always come through with a solid read, light and easy, a perfect book for a global pandemic. Sure, we can't go to the beach right now but we can pretend by reading this one.

One of the requirements I have for a fun read is quirky characters and this book didn't disappoint. Literally every one of these people would be featured on a Kasey Musgraves album or even an episode of Schitt's Creek and I'm totally here for it. Moira working in a small town salon is the perfect setting, even more perfect than the small town of Moonlight Harbor and I loved it. This book is funny and charming, I loved every second of it. Between her move there, making new friends, empowering each other and themselves, and the men in the story being fully ready for them.

I absolutely love Sheila Roberts' books because I get sucked in immediately and I'm always a little sad when they end but always ready for the next one of hers. If you're looking for a lighthearted read with some humor throughout it and you want to escape into a totally different little town you can't help but enjoy, you absolutely need to pick up Beachside Beginnings.

   

Thank you to MIRA Books and Pump Up Your Book for having me on this tour! I received a copy in exchange for an honest review; all thoughts are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Excerpt

“Don’t look now, Harry, but I think we found the end of the world,” Moira said as she drove through the monolithic stone gateway that guarded the entrance to the town of Moonlight Harbor.
Harry, hunkered miserably in his cat carrier, let out a pitiful mewl. There had been a lot of twists and turns in the road the last part of their journey and even though the highway had eventually straightened back out he still hadn’t forgiven her. She didn’t blame him. She felt awful over having added to his misery. The poor little guy had yakked up and she’d had to pull over to clean the mess and reassure him.
But who was going to reassure her? This wasn’t her scene. She was a city girl, always had been. She’d grown up in apartments and she liked being able to go to clubs and dance, to go downtown or run out to the mall and spend some of her tip money on clothes. Lang criticized a lot of what she spent her money on (not that she had much to spend once she kicked in for her share of the rent and bought groceries), but he never complained when she came home with something from Victoria’s Secret.
There was sure no Victoria’s Secret here.
And so what if there wasn’t? She didn’t have anybody to look hot for any more. She sure didn’t want the somebody she’d had.
Lang had texted her six times before she’d finally shut off her phone. At first the texts had been contrite – Baby, you know I’m sorry, followed by, Why aren’t you answering? Then he got a little more anxious. Where are you? Then he got pissed. Damn, M, where the hell are you? The last two texts had been so full of cursing and F bombs and threats of what he was going to do if she didn’t quit ignoring him that she finally took Michael’s advice and traded in her phone for a new one in a T-Mobile store in Olympia, going with the cheapest phone and plan she could find.
There was no turning back now. Even if they made up, even if he said he was sorry he’d been mean to Harry, there would come another time when his temper would flare. Maybe she could have risked getting her jaw broken but she wasn’t about to risk any more of poor Harry’s ribs.
A bruised rib the vet she’d found in town had said. He’d given Harry something right there and provided her with pain killer meds for him.
If only there was something she could take to make herself feel better. She sure could have used some chocolate right then. What a mess her life was.
“It’s not how you start,” her high school English teacher, Mrs. Dickens, had once told her, “It’s how you finish. Remember that, Moira.”
Yes, she needed to remember that. She was going to finish well.
Here at the end of the world.
Okay, it wasn’t so bad. “Look at those cute little shops,” she said to Harry. Hard for Harry to do any looking from his cat carrier, so she went on to describe them. “They’re all different colors. Green, not dark green like Christmas but green, like an Easter egg, and orange like sherbet, and yellow like a sunny day. Oh, wow, and a go-cart track. I always wanted to drive one of those things. And there’s an ice cream place. It’s so cute. Pink, like a balloon at a baby shower. No, actually, darker than that. Like a sunset maybe. It’s got a big, old cement ice cream cone in front of it.”
Ice cream, sherbet. She parked in front of the Good Times Ice Cream Parlor. She still had a little cash left and she was hungry. Not simply for food but for hope. If a woman couldn’t find hope in a cute place like this where could she find it?
The lunch hour had passed and there weren’t many customers inside– only two old women seated at a tiny, wrought iron table painted white, enjoying milkshakes. The woman behind the counter looked almost old enough to be Moira’s mother.
The old ladies were staring at her like she had three boobs. Okay, so she had a nose ring and a tattoo of a butterfly flitting up her neck. Hadn’t they seen anyone with a nose ring or tat? Maybe it was her hair that had them gawking. (Although the strange lollipop red of the one woman’s hair was just as stare worthy, and not in a good way.)
Moira’s hair, on the other hand, was a work of art. A color that Michael had created, it was a gorgeous mix of pastels, silver and gold that he’d dubbed holographic opal because of the way it shimmered. Lang had thought it was hot.
What Lang thought didn’t matter anymore.
The woman behind the counter smiled at Moira and said, “Welcome. What would you like?”
A new life. “What’s your specialty?” She could have asked, “What’s good?” but anybody could say that. She liked the word specialty. It made her think of fancy French restaurants and TV celebrity chefs.
“How about some Deer Poop?”
Moira blinked. “Deer Poop?”
“In honor of all the deer we have around here – chocolate ice cream loaded with chocolate covered raisins.”
“Deer?” Just wandering around? The only deer she’d ever seen had been on TV or in pictures.
“Oh, yes. They’re everywhere.”
Wow. Now, that was cool. “Sure,” Moira said.
“Sugar or waffle cone?”
“Waffle.” Live it up, she thought.
“One scoop or two.”
“One,” Moira said, deciding to limit the living it up. Who knew if things would work out here? Who knew how long that paycheck Michael was sending would last? With what she had in her bank account even one scoop was a splurge.
“You’re new to town.” the woman observed.
“I am.” Moira glanced over her shoulder to find the two older women still checking her out. The freak show had arrived.
“I just got here,” she said. “I’m hoping to find a job. Your town looks adorable.” For the end of the world. Where were the people her age? Were there any?
Moira dug out a bill, but the woman waved it away. “On the house.”
“Really?” Wow. The woman handed over the cone and Moira took a bite. “This is …” Anyone could say good. “Tasty.”
The woman smiled. “All our ice cream is. What do you do?”
“I’m a hair stylist. My old boss sent me down here to meet a Pearl Edwards.” Moira was suddenly aware of the two older women whispering behind her. She could almost feel their stares.
“Pearl, she’s the best. She owns Waves,” said the woman. “Everybody in town goes there. Well, everybody my age and older.”
Old ladies and tight perms. This wasn’t the end of the world. This was hair stylist hell.
You’re here now. May as well check it out.
Now one of the women behind her spoke. “I have an appointment there. You can follow me if you like.”
Moira could have found her own way there, but she thanked the woman and agreed to follow her. People at the end of the world were nice to you, even if they did stare.
“I’ll see you later, Alma,” the good Samaritan said to her friend, and pushed away from the table. Standing up she wasn’t much taller than she’d been sitting down. Moira was five feet five but she stood a good six inches above this woman. There wasn’t much to her, either. She looked like she needed to go on a diet of daily milkshakes. Her sweatshirt was pink and it clashed with her hair and lipstick. I Got Moonstruck at Moonlight Harbor, it informed Moira.
“I’m Edie Patterson,” said the old woman. “Everyone calls me Edie and you can, too. I own the Driftwood Inn.”
The Driftwood Inn. Moira had a sudden vision of a cute little place with driftwood at its entrance. “That sounds charming.”
“Oh, it is. It was one of the first motels here in Moonlight Harbor. My great niece Jenna manages it and she’s fixed it all up and brought it back to its former glory. It’s one of the sweetest places in the whole town. Isn’t it, Nora?”
“It sure is,” agreed the woman behind the counter.
“If you need a place to stay while you’re getting settled I’m sure we can give you a room,” Edie said as she led Moira out of the ice cream parlor.
No way could Moira afford to stay at a motel indefinitely. No way could she afford to stay anywhere. She murmured her thanks and tried not to panic.
“Jenna doesn’t like me to drive,” Edie confided. “She’s always worried I’ll get in an accident. But she was busy giving someone a massage – she’s a massage therapist, you know – so I just went ahead and took my car out when she wasn’t looking,” said Edie conspiratorially, pointing to an ancient car that maybe got fifteen miles to the gallon on a good day. “That’s my car. You follow me.”
It wasn’t hard to follow Edie Patterson. A kid on a tricycle could go faster. They crept out onto the street and inched on down the main road.
It gave Moira time to finish her ice cream and check out the place. The buildings looked like they belonged in a movie from the sixties. And what was that? Some kind of store shaped like a giant shark. It looked like you entered through its gaping mouth, complete with long shark teeth. Now, there was something you didn’t see every day.
And wow! Deer. There were two of them, grazing on the grass in the median. There was something you didn’t see in Seattle.
Seattle. Lang. How many times had he tried to call her by now? He had to be really pissed.
Let him be. He didn’t deserve her. And Harry sure didn’t deserve the way Lang had treated him. She was glad she’d left. Glad.
Except she was sad, too. And she ached a little for what she’d had with Lang when they were first together and everything was good. And she half wished she could have that back.
She was a mess.

Book Review: Christmas in Newfoundland

It's not even technically winter and we are overwhelmed in snow and now we're dealing with temperatures I would expect in January. I am completely over it. The silver lining is that it looks, and feels, like Christmas, so let's read another Christmas book!

Christmas in Newfoundland - Mike Martin

From the author of the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mysteries comes "Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries," a welcome addition to the Sgt. Windflower family of books. Christmas in Newfoundland is a special time. In the depths of long winter nights memories are made and stories are told. Of Christmas by candlelight and horse and buggy rides to church. Of shopping on Water Street in St. John’s before malls and the Internet. In later years, Sgt. Windflower came to work and then to stay in the quiet town of Grand Bank by the Atlantic Ocean where the salt air froze in the wind and the Mounties were welcomed to warm themselves by every fire. Come and warm yourself by the fire and hear their stories. Some memories and some mysteries. Enjoy some holiday time with Sgt. Windflower and all the familiar characters that you’d come to know and love. Good food, good friends and always another chair at the table.

Do you love small town reads with a little mystery thrown in? You just might enjoy this one. The bonus is its a story that brings you to Christmas of the past, complete with mystery that keeps you guessing. I haven't read any of the other Sgt. Windflower books but it's totally fine, you won't feel out of step, but if you have read others, I think you're going to enjoy getting a new look into what I think are the usual characters.

The book has an interesting writing style, it feels more like a story someone is telling you over an afternoon rather than a polished story. I struggled a little with that but I think it was more of a preference issue than a skill issue on the author's part. The best part of the book is the nostalgia of it, and I think anyone who reads this will be left remembering their firsts of their own. The entire book is made up of several short stories, each one a sweet memory that will leave you smiling.

Overall, this was a pretty cute book. If you like Christmas stories but don't want to commit to a full novel, this is a good option, especially if you only have short spurts of reading time. See below for an excerpt!

Excerpt

A Windflower Christmas


It was just days before Christmas, and Sergeant Winston Windflower only had one big problem. That was what to get his girlfriend, Sheila Hillier, for Christmas. Other than that, life was good for the RCMP officer in Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Crime was low, if not non-existent, and spirits were running high as the holiday neared its peak in this little seaside town.


Of course, being the holiday season, the Mountie was concerned about impaired driving. But Windflower and his team had been out on the roads for the past two weekends with the R.I.D.E. program. He figured that meant everyone would be on their best behaviour for the next couple of weeks. That was especially true since one town resident had been charged with impaired driving and two others had received suspended licences because they were just over the legal limit of alcohol.
Fortunately, even the weather was cooperating. They hadn’t had any snow in Grand Bank for almost two weeks. That was a relief to not only the snow shovellers catching a break after a series of early winter storms but also to the RCMP officers, as they had already worked several overnight shifts because of storms. The best news was that there wasn’t even any snow in the short-term forecast.
All of this meant the town could be festive and safe during the holiday season already well underway.
The old Town of Grand Bank went all out to pretty itself up for Christmas. Almost every house had some form of decoration, and Christmas lights were aplenty all over town. Some people went old-fashioned and just had a wreath on their front door and a couple of strings of lights hanging from their eaves. Others decided to splurge on nativity scenes and blow-up Santas, as they held nothing back in their gaudy and joyous celebration of the season.

Old Saint Nick had already made one visit. That was last weekend during the Santa Claus parade led by the antique pumper truck from the volunteer fire department. Local RCMP vehicles were decked out in flashing lights and ribbons as the Mounties collected toys and gifts along the parade route for the Salvation Army. Sheila had rounded up a few extra dollars from local businesses to ensure that even the abandoned buildings near the wharf were gaily festooned with ribbons, bows and the essential Christmas lights in time for the parade. Now, Saint Nick’s return engagement on December 25th was eagerly anticipated.

Thank you to Mike Martin and Pump Up Your Book for having me on this tour and sending me a copy for review! All thoughts and opinions are my own, this post contains affiliate links. Happy reading!

Book Review: A Lady's Past

I just want to say quickly that this is book four in The Everton Domestic Society series but if you haven't read the others, it's totally fine. Each one is a stand alone. Also, can we just admire this gorgeous cover?!

A Lady's Past - A.S. Fenichel

The greatest risk—for the sweetest reward…

His fiancée’s betrayal nearly cost Jacques Laurent everything. Despite his resolve not to trust anyone again, he can’t abandon the young woman he finds alone on the road to London. In the brief hours they spend together, the enigmatic Diana touches his heart in a way he can’t explain. Even after bringing her to the Everton Domestic Society for safekeeping, he can’t get her out of his thoughts. And when he next encounters her, working as assistant to a renowned scientist, he becomes even more intrigued…

The Society’s kindness is especially welcome after everything Diana endured in a French prison, but she fears for the safety of those who get close to her. French spies are on her trail, convinced that her scientific knowledge can help them win the war. As peril draws them irrevocably together, Diana and Jacques succumb to mutual desire. But love may be the most dangerous pursuit of all, when a lady guards her heart even more carefully than she guards her life...

Normally I'm not a fan of historical romance but every once in awhile one comes along and I feel like its too good to pass up, and this was one of them. I'm glad I got a chance to read it because while it isn't going to convince me to grab more historical romances, I really enjoyed reading it.

The book starts off immediately on page one with Jacques Laurent nearly running into Diana, on the run presumably from spies. Diana reluctantly accepts a ride into London with Jacques but after an unexpected storm forces them to stay the night at a nearby inn, Jacques knows he can't in good conscious leave her so he convinces her to accept the help of the Everton Domestic Society. I feel like had I read the other three books I would have more of an idea of who they are and their entire background, but I was still able to enjoy the book, so don't let that deter you.

I really liked Diana because she wasn't afraid to fend for herself or do things on her own but she's also intelligent enough to accept help when that's the most logical choice. Jacques also is rather progressive given the time period and doesn't treat her as if she's below him because of her gender or social status, he sees her as equal and treats her even better. If I had to tell you something I didn't love.. I would say the dialogue is close to cheesy. Granted, this is a historical romance so this might be me not used to it but Jacques fawning over Diana was eye roll worthy and I didn't love it.

The espionage and murder aspects will keep you on your toes (almost making is a suspense) and the romance is an absolute slow burn. Which I suppose given the time period it would be. Danger is abound since Diana is a bit of a target and everywhere she goes, nothing good happens so anytime Jacques gets close to her she bolts because she doesn't want anything to happen to him.

Overall? I'm giving this 3 stars. I liked it, I would read more of this series and this author. If you're a fan of historical romance and are looking for a short read, this would be a good option for you.

   

Thank you to Kensington Books, Lyrical Press, A.S. Fenichel, and Pump Up Your Book for inviting me on this tour! All opinions expressed are my own; this post contains affiliate links. 

Book Review: The Ninth Session

I'm assuming this week is crazy busy for you too, because mine is bananas. It's not even that we're traveling anywhere for Thanksgiving, I just feel like I have so much stuff to do and get done. We're going to Matt's parents' home for the actual holiday, but I always make a turkey for us on Friday. Normally that's when we put up our tree, watch Christmas movies, and relax but we did all of that shortly after Halloween and I don't regret it. So this year I'm making a turkey and now Jackson wants me to make a pumpkin pie for him and Olivia wants some chocolate cream pie, and I'm sure someone else will have a request for me ten minutes before the grocery store closes on Wednesday. Just you watch.

In the meantime, let us discuss books. Who doesn't need a good thriller that messes with your head as you spend time with you loved ones?

The Ninth Session - Deborah Serani

An edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that brings a unique mix of Psychotherapy, American Sign Language and Coda Culture. Just when you think you have it figured out, think again!

Dr. Alicia Reese takes on a new patient. Lucas Ferro suffers with crippling anxiety, and as sessions progress, he begins to share the reasons why he's struggling. As Ferro's narrative becomes more menacing, Reese finds herself wedged between the cold hard frame of professional ethics and the integrity of personal truth. And, finally, when Ferro reveals his secrets, Reese learns how far she's willing to go, willing to risk and willing to lose to do the right thing.

I really liked this book and I'm giving it a solid 4 stars. I don't know if its because I'm in therapy myself so I can picture how all of this plays out and the back and forth between the professional and the patient, but I really connected with this book. I mean, let us be clear: I don't kill or hurt people, I'm not psychologically corrupt, I'm not a danger to others, etc. I'm going because I'm depressed and anxious- please don't side eye me and wondering what's in my basement or anything. But that dynamic which solely relies on honesty on both sides is challenged here. I think it helps that the author herself is a psychologist and professor AND has been an advisor for Law & Order: SVU, which is one of my favorite shows ever. Anyways. I'm just saying because of that, there is a realistic feel to the book and it feels like an actual doctor asking the questions and posing scenarios that likely would happen in a real session, and that makes this book feel authentic.

I don't read enough thrillers but if they were all like this one, it likely would be all that I read because this grabbed me from the first page and I could NOT put this down. Not at all. I ended up staying up well past my bed time to finish it up. In this story we have a doctor who, after getting to know her patient Luke, realizes there is a lot more to him than anxiety. Rather quickly. The majority of the book is her trying to help him but also wrestle with what she should do with the information he gives her. One on hand, what a patient tells you is in confidence but on the other.... if there are crimes committed? Do you turn them in and violate the confidence or do you keep the confidence intact but violate the victims by being silent? It quickly becomes apparent that there is a reason for everything and the things that hold Luke hostage know are a result of something bigger.

Let me just say, when you think you know.... you don't. You don't know at all.

I absolutely loved this book. It was messed up in all the best ways. This is like those crime dramas on TV where you feel sorry for the bad guy but then wonder what the heck is wrong with you for feeling that way. That's the feeling you're going to have in this book.

   

Thank you to Deborah Serani and Pump Up Your Book for having me on this tour and sending me a copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. 

Book Review: The Devil & Dayna Dalton

I'm so glad it's Friday. I get to see my niece and nephew this weekend and I'm just really excited about doing something. I'm in a not great place right now and it's mentally and emotionally draining,, so to have something on the calendar to do is a good reason to force myself out of bed and out of the house. If you don't know, I am also a writer for the Duluth Moms Blog and if you're interested, my latest article is up this morning. In the meantime, let's go into the weekend with a book review.

The Devil & Dayna Dalton - Brit Lunden

Reporter Dayna Dalton's reputation has been ruined since birth. The daughter of wild child, Becky Dalton, is expected to follow her mother's footsteps; never given a chance to prove she's different. Dana's been in love with Clay Finnes since she was a teenager. Her unrequited love for Sheriff Finnes leaves her empty. He's happily married and unavailable. Instead, Dayna finds herself stuck in the revolving door of bad relationships. But this is Bulwark, Georgia, a town where strange things are always happening. Dayna is doomed to this loveless life until she can find someone who will appreciate the depth of her character. Can she overcome her fears and look beyond her own perceptions to accept a greater love?

*Contains Sexual Content* 

Let's start by saying that though this is book 9 in the Bulwark Anthology, I didn't feel too lost having not read any of the others. A few points I felt like I was on the outside of a conversation (that kind of feeling) but it didn't last long and then I was fine. I think the fact it's a novella helped with that because there really isn't time in the 100ish pages for a recap of the rest of the anthology. Anyways. In this book we have Dayna Dalton, a girl on the outside because of her familial background. We don't learn a whole lot about her, which... I wish we did because all we really get is her rather long list of relationships (romantic, friendship, professional, etc) that don't work out. Basically, she's got a really crappy lot in life and it's like nothing is every going to go her way.

Anyways. Some paranormal things are happening where she lives and curiosity gets the best of Dayna so she starts investigating. She ultimately stumbles upon some bizarre things and that's when her life takes a sharp turn to completely different. She meets someone, falls in love with them almost immediately (which feels a little odd, I mean, I know it's a novella but there has to be a way to make this seem like it isn't an overnight thing), but nothing is really as it seems.

Overall? Fun read. I got it done in just under two hours so you can definitely fly through it easily. My only quips are things that maybe could have been cleaned up with editing, but are things I find common in novellas: the dialogue feels off, it isn't a conversation you would ever hear in real life so it feels cheesy, almost. I know a novella is a get-to-the-point story but it's literally the last third of the book that has all of the action and we go from getting to know you to we're in love, and know it's the end. The conclusion of the book felt a little rushed for me. (Also, the description of his long, thin fingers kind of creeped me out. If I think of romance and being wooed- I don't want thin hands and fingers, I want something sturdy. BUT, that might just be me. HA!)

I'll give this one a solid 3 stars. I liked the mythology piece of it and the overall concept of the book even if getting there was a bit bumpy.

   

Thank you to Pump Up Your Book for getting me on this tour but also to Brit Lunden for getting a copy to me for review. All thoughts/opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Happy reading, lambs!

Book Review: My Billionaire Fake Fiance

I have my Christmas tree up. I've purchased gifts. I bought Christmas candy (and have eaten a lot of it already). I've got my card list done. It's safe to say I'm in the Christmas mood, so let's read some holiday books.

My Billionaire Fake Fiance - Linda West

He needs a fiance to seal the deal. 

She needs a Christmas miracle to save her home. 

A perfect deal is struck. 

Except they can't stand each other. And so our story begins...

But the fickle snow flurries of fate might have something in store for the odd couple they never counted on. After all - Christmas miracles really do come true. 

You know I love a good enemies to lovers story because that is a trope that, when done well, makes the book a fun read all the way through. While this was a cute read and had some fun moments, I think it doesn't get past 3 stars for me and I almost feel like I'm limping there. I will say, this was a pretty good book to snuggle up with under my freshly decorated Christmas tree so if you're looking for a quick, light-heated Christmas read, this might be a good pick for you.

I feel like I might be in the minority because it seems many people really loved this book so take my review for what it is, an opinion. Overall it felt a little hokey and over the top. Early on there is a dialogue scene with Devlin (our male lead) and his "Latina Goddess" Sofia and there is a line, "Stupid New Jork surgeons...I chould move back to Spain...". Now- I know the author is trying to give us the impression of a heavy, perhaps overdone accent, but come on. Let the reader infer that on their own and don't make me question if this is an attempt at an accent or terrible editing. I also didn't love Allie (our female lead) because she seemed.... out of touch,, immature, rude, spoiled, etc. I just really didn't like her. She wasn't very nice to her dad, and I understand grief over losing her mom but the dynamic there did feel good to me.

I had issues throughout the book that I think someone who doesn't read romance almost exclusively and a wide variety of them, would overlook and enjoy this book more. I'm all over the place and I read a huge spectrum of authors and romance types, and this one didn't hit the spot for me. I'm also someone who can't stand Hallmark movies of any kind, especially Christmas ones, so that tells you something about me, right? I think if you are a Hallmark fan, you're going to really enjoy this one because this is for that audience.

   

Thank you to Pump Up Your Book tours for having me on this tour and to author Linda West for providing a copy for me to review. All thoughts are my own, of course. This post contains affiliate links. 

Book Review: The Witch Port Video Game

Happy Halloween! Do you do anything for Halloween? Do you dress up? I do not, and I haven't dressed up since I was... 14? Of course, we take the kids trick or treating but this year I think it's only Penelope and Lucy with us. I'm supposed to take Olivia and her friend to "the good part of town" and then they are going to a party. I'm not sure what Jackson is doing, hopefully he got that figured out, and I hope the weather just gets nice for a solid hour so we aren't freezing with a couple of preschoolers whining to go home and demanding to keep getting more candy at the same time.

OK, so today I have a quick review for you (seriously, the book is just over 100 pages) and then I am going to take a nap. I'm so excited. For all of it. Ha!

The Witch Port Video Game - Leonard Bassed

The tale of three school friends who played a video game.

The game seems awesome at first until a series of strange events occur which mirror what happens on screen. This is followed by the mysterious arrival of the MacQuoid brothers, with Bianca as their co-conspirator. The three newcomers are identical to characters in the game.

The friends get a little more than they bargained for when they start exhibiting supernatural abilities. What ensues is the ultimate battle for power, while trying to maintain the perfect GPA.

You don't choose sorcery -

She chooses you... 

I should start and tell you I know next to nothing about video games, computer games, anything like either of those, and so I struggled a bit with the concept of how this would happen. Yes, I get that it's a fictional story but the best part of reading is trying to imagine the story as real,, so while I couldn't quite do that, this was an interesting story nonetheless. It almost felt like it could be an episode of a television show that you would inevitably get sucked into.

Novellas are generally quick reads but this one is just over 100 pages so I was able to get through it in just under two hours, so you'll have no problem doing that with this, and since it's a YA novella (first in a series) your teenager can read this without feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for reluctant readers and the supernatural element of this will keep them hooked until the last page. Also, it is fast paced. The author does not mess around with meaningless setting details or character development (Though, I kind of wish we had a little more of that but I'm assuming in each book we'll get more pieces of each of them? Maybe?)- we get right to the action and it's go-go-go until the last page. Again, if you have a teen with a short attention span for books, this will hold their attention- trust me.

What we learn in this book is anyone named Bianca you should maybe steer clear from and you shouldn't play video games. I mean, that's what I got from it. Ha! I loved the supernatural pieces, I loved how you never knew what exactly was going on or why, and I really enjoyed the voice of this author. It isn't as refined as we're used to seeing it and I'm here for it because it stands out.

The only critiques I have is the print is so small. Holy hannah. The font they use is great, the size is a bit too small. Also, when they have dialogue, it's not separated. So two characters are speaking in the same paragraph, if that makes sense? Most of the time I was fine because the author indicated who said what but there are some areas where I had to look back to figure out who would be saying what, and that got a little dicey. Overall though, this was pretty entertaining and I'm looking forward to the second book because this one ends kind of dramatically? I won't say it's a cliff hanger because it isn't really, but it's enough that I wish I had book two here to see what happens next. 3 stars!

A huge thanks to Pump Up Your Book for putting me on this tour but also The Barrett Company Communications and Leonard Bassed making sure I got a copy. You can buy a copy of this book on Leonard's website.

Book Review: Christmas From the Heart

I know you're like, "Jesus, Sara- let me get through Halloween!" and I get that. BUT! It's always nice to have your Christmas reading lined up so you're able to read as soon as you get your tree up. I'll tell you Jackson put his tree up in his room over the weekend because he has "so much cheer" he needed "extra time to get it out". I'm not kidding, he actually said that at lunch on Sunday. Ha! Also, if you head over to my Instagram, you can see the photo for today's post that I made Olivia and Jackson help me with. It involved a lot of precarious step stool standing and curtain holding. It was hilarious.

Christmas From The Heart - Sheila Roberts

Sometimes you need to look beyond the big picture to see what really matters

Olivia Berg's charity, Christmas from the Heart, has helped generations of families in need in Pine River, Washington, but this year might be the end of the road. Hightower Enterprises, one of their biggest donors since way back when Olivia's grandmother ran the charity, has been taken over by Ebenezer Scrooge the Second, aka CFO Guy Hightower, and he's declared there will be no more money coming to Christmas from the Heart.

Guy is simply being practical. Hightower Enterprises needs to tighten its belt, and when you don't have money to spare, you don't have money to share. You'd think even the pushy Olivia Berg could understand that.

With charitable donations dwindling, Olivia's Christmas budget depends on Hightower's contribution. She's focused her whole life on helping this small town, even putting her love life on hold to support her mission.

When Guy's Maserati breaks down at the edge of the Cascade foothills, he's relieved to be rescued by a pretty young woman who drives him to the nearby town of Pine River. Until he realizes his rescuer is none other than Olivia Berg. What's a Scrooge to do? Plug his nose and eat fruitcake and hope she doesn't learn his true identity before he can get out of town. What could go wrong?

I'll tell you right off the bat I'm giving this 4 stars because I really loved this romance and I know it screams "make me a Hallmark movie!!", I am begging the universe to not do that because it will ruin the vision I have in my head of these characters and this story. I'm not that person who can envision actors to play roles because I always associate them with previous work, and yeah- it's a whole thing and I just want this book to stay sweet and adorable and fun just the way it is.

Anyways. Ha! In this book we have Olivia, who runs a holiday charity (which kind of reminded me of Best Christmas Ever, Toys for Tots, etc kind of thing) that everyone respects and is grateful for . She's incredibly stressed though because knowing that their largest donor is likely pulling out for good puts the entire charity at risk of closing down and she knows first hand the difference it makes and what a big deal this is to the families that benefit from it. Enter Guy, who literally pulls into this little town in the middle of winter (snow everywhere) in a Maserati. The absurdity of it is what sells it because right off the bat you know you're not meant to like Guy.

Of course he ends up stranded (hahahahaha) and he doesn't realize he's being rescued by the woman in charge of the charity he's trying to screw over. She has no idea it's him (Except HOW?!?! This was kind of a book shaking moment because honest to goodness, how many people do you know driving a Maserati? I mean, OK- who would expect this company to check out the town but seriously- there were a few moments in this book I wanted to shake Olivia and tell her to put the dang pieces together!). He decides the best way to handle this setback is to lie his entire way through this stay, but he ends up being won over by all of the people he encounters, the little town itself, and of course, Olivia. If I had to give you a "meh" thing for me, I'll say the ending felt rushed. Maybe not rushed but we spent a lot of time on the bulk of the story and things didn't come together until almost the end and then bam- we're done. I will say that I really enjoy stories that have text and/or email exchanges and this book has that so I thought that was a fun touch.

If you like Hallmark Christmas movies,  you will love this book. If you love a sweet romance that doesn't involve raunchy sex and descriptions of a penis, this is absolutely your book. If you want a lighthearted and fun book to read around the holidays, this is your book and you shouldn't hesitate in picking this one up. I always have friends I buy gifts for and I always have a few "just because" gifts I'll give to random people and it almost always has a book included, and this will be the book I pick up for all of them this year. I really had a good time with this one. (Also, how gorgeous is this cover?? My dream is to have a tree (or more) in my yard that I can decorate with lights because we all know how that would thrill my Grinch of a husband, right??)

   

A huge thank you to Pump Up Your Book for getting me on this tour and MIRA Books for getting me a copy! This post contains affiliate links.