Seasonal Stories with Great Messages

I received a box of books for Michael Neugebauer Publishing from their publicist. I've only had a chance to read a couple of them, but as soon as I did, I had to share them with you.

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry with pictures by Sonja Danowski

This edition takes the classic story by O. Henry and sets it to beautiful artwork by Sonja Danowski. The oversized hardcover makes a perfect coffee table book. I usually display my seasonal titles throughout the house at Christmas time, so this one will prominently be displayed in the reading room.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, it goes something like this. Della and Jim are a young married couple who desire to give each other a special Christmas gift. After a year of scrimping and saving, Della discovers she has very little money to purchase a gift for Jim. But she soon comes up with an idea for how she can get enough money to buy him just what he needs, which leads to some surprises on Christmas Eve.

Keeping in mind that O. Henry lived from 1862-1910, the text is much more eloquent than one would expect of a picture book today. The author was also known for his wit and his wordplay, so some of the prose might not hit its mark with a younger audience. This would make a great read aloud for families.

ISBN-13: 9789888240579
Publisher: minedition
Publication date: 11/1/2013
Pages: 32
Ages 9 and up

The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund and illustrated by Feridun Oral

The Message of the Birds starts off with the old owl telling the story of the birth of a special child long ago in a stable, where all the animals hear the baby’s coos as a song of blessing and good will. The birds then ask why they don’t sing it anymore. After many possible reasons are given, the robin suggests sharing the message with the children. So the birds fly far and wide, telling every bird to share the message with every child, which the children then share with the world.

This is a touching story made lovelier by the stunning artwork of Feridun Oral. If you want to add meaning to your Christmas, this is great book to share with your family.

ISBN-13: 9789888240555
Publisher: minedition
Publication date: 11/1/2013
Edition description: Reprint
Pages: 32
Age range: 3 - 5 Years

I received free copies of these books. These reviews contain my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Novella Collection Spotlight: The Christmas Heirloom by Karen Witemeyer Et al.

In this sweet collection of novellas by award-winning, bestselling authors, four charming romances are connected by an heirloom brooch passed down for over 200 years. This multigenerational compilation includes Kristi Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," and Becky Wade's "Because of You."


Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 2, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780764230783
ISBN-13: 978-0764230783
ASIN: 0764230786

Seasonal Middle Grade Fiction: Operation Christmas Spirit by Vicki Watson

A rascally pony, two run-down carts, and a pile of moldy harness seemed like a strange start to a journey full of ups and downs that led Rosie to the most meaningful Christmas of her life. But looking back, she knew it all began that fall day at the livestock auction.

When Billy King asks questions about the biblical Christmas story, his curiosity inspires Rosie and the other children to dive into Scripture for the answers. Together they come up with a secret plan for a unique Christmas celebration--Operation Christmas Spirit.

Operation Christmas Spirit is the eighth book in the Sonrise Stable series, heartwarming stories of an extended homeschooling family as they live, learn, and love together. Mixing adventure, life lessons, and realistic horse stories, the series is a must for readers who enjoy family values, Christian faith, and, of course, horses!

Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 1 - 6
Series: Sonrise Stable (Book 8)
Paperback
Publisher: Sonrise Stable Books (September 20, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0984724273
ISBN-13: 978-0984724277

Book Spotlight: Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets by Jill Kemerer

A nanny at Christmastime...

Will she find love in this Wyoming Cowboys novel?

Six weeks on a ranch caring for quadruplets--aspiring nurse Ainsley Draper's prepared for a busy Christmas. When the children's handsome uncle opens the door, her task gets extra complicated. Marshall Graham is upholding his promise to look after his twin sister, the babies' mom. But as family loyalty clashes with new love, will the perfect present include a future with Ainsley?

• Publisher: ‎ Love Inspired; Original edition (September 18, 2018)
• Language: ‎ English
• Mass Market Paperback: ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10: ‎ 1335509801
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1335509802

Seasonal Middle Grade Fiction: Deck the Halls, We're Off the Walls! by Dan Gutman

With more than 10 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading!

A.J. and the gang from My Weird School star in this series of after-school, holiday-themed chapter books featuring brand-new hilarious stories and thirty-two pages of games, puzzles, and more.

It's Christmas, and you know what that means! Santa Claus is coming to town! Or at least to the local mall. But what happens when kid rapper Cray-Z gives a Christmas concert at the same mall and all his fans go bananas? One thing's for sure—if A.J. and his friends from Ella Mentry School want to save the day, they will need a Christmas miracle.

It's Christmas, and you know what that means! Santa Claus is coming to town! Or at least to the local mall. But what happens when kid rapper Cray-Z gives a Christmas concert at the same mall and all his fans go bananas? One thing's for sure—if A.J. and his friends from Ella Mentry School want to save the day, they will need a Christmas miracle.

ISBN: 9780062206848
ISBN 10: 0062206842
Imprint: HarperCollins
On Sale: 09/24/2013
Pages: 144
List Price: 1.99 USD
Ages: 6 to 10

Book Spotlight: Christmas on Jane Street by Billy Romp with Wanda Urbankska

The warm, wonderful, real-life tale of the family that brings the Christmas spirit to life on a street corner in Manhattan.

Every holiday season for nearly twenty years, Billy Romp, his wife, and their three children have spent nearly a month living in a tiny camper and selling Christmas trees on Jane Street in New York City. They arrive from Vermont the day after Thanksgiving and leave just in time to make it home for Christmas morning—and for a few weeks they transform a corner of the Big Apple into a Frank Capra-esque small town alive with heartwarming holiday spirit.

Christmas on Jane Street is about the transformative power of love—love of parent and child, of merchant and customer, of stranger and neighbor. The ideal Christmas story, it is about the lasting and profound difference that one person can make to a family and one family can make to a community.

A lovely, lovingly illustrated little gem of a book, this delightful tenth anniversary edition of a beloved Christmas classic tells the poignant, inspiring story of an unforgettable family and the warm, wide circle of friends who have welcomed them to the neighborhood.

File Size: 717 KB
Print Length: 168 pages
Publisher: William Morrow; Reprint edition (May 21, 2013)
Publication Date: May 21, 2013
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
Language: English
ASIN: B00CD36164

Book Spotlight: Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... and the perfect moment to escape to a charming English village! From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner whose novels are "sheer indulgence from start to finish" (Sophie Kinsella) comes a delightful holiday story—funny, heartfelt, romantic and packed with recipes—perfect for the winter months.

In the Cornish coastal village of Mount Polbearne, the Christmas season has arrived. It's a joyous time for family, friends, and feasting, as decorations sparkle along the town's winding streets and shop windows glow with festive displays. And in Polly's Little Beach Street Bakery, the aroma of gingerbread cookies and other treats tempts people in from the cold.

Though Polly is busy keeping up with the demands of the season, she still makes time for her beekeeper boyfriend, Huckle. She’s especially happy to be celebrating the holiday this year with him, and can’t wait to cuddle up in front of the fireplace with a cup of eggnog on Christmas Eve.

But holiday bliss soon gives way to panic when a storm cuts the village off from the mainland. Now it will take all of the villagers to work together in order to ensure everyone has a happy holiday.

Full of heart and humor, Jenny Colgan’s latest novel is an instant Christmastime classic.

File Size: 1308 KB
Print Length: 325 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0062697846
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (October 10, 2017)
Publication Date: October 10, 2017
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
Language: English
ASIN: B01MTC0B8U
Also available in printed formats

Tiger Tales Christmas Books for Kids

When my girls were younger, I loved receiving our shipment of Tiger Tales books each season. Here are some of their Christmas titles:

 

Celebrate the joy of Christmas and give thanks for this special time of year with this beautiful collection of prayers. With delightful illustrations by Sanja Rescek and simple rhyming text, this will become a holiday favorite to treasure.

    

Little Pip is excited for Christmas. "I think it's Christmas Day!" he says to Daddy Grizzle one morning. But Daddy Grizzle tells him it's not Christmas yet. Poor Little Pip wonders how he'll ever make it. Will Daddy Grizzle be able to keep his cub busy until the big day?   

 

Little Hedgehog and his friends are so excited to spend Christmas together. They pick out a tree and decorate it, then happily go to bed. But the next morning, everyone is grumpy! “You stepped on my paws!” cries Fox. “I can’t find my socks!” moans Rabbit. “Who was snoring all night long?” grumbles a tired Badger.  And someone even ate one of the cookies that had been hung on the tree! Is their Christmas ruined?

  

Big Mouse and Little Mouse are busy preparing their home for Christmas. Little Mouse realizes they’re missing the holly, so he sets out to find some. Suddenly, soft white flakes fall from the sky, and Little Mouse thinks the sky is coming apart! Lively text and inviting illustrations make this book the perfect way to experience the magic of Christmas.

To find these and other Tiger Tales books, please visit their website at www.tigertalesbooks.com

Book Review: Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam by James W. Moore

In this moving Advent devotional, readers will find Scripture, daily devotionals, personal stories, prayers, discussion questions and exercises that are perfect for a single person or group study.

The book has a great format: one reading for each Sunday of Advent followed by questions for reflection and discussion. Then there is a prayer, a "Focus for the Week," and "Daily Devotion" section which is followed by six days of daily devotions that are also followed by questions.

I ordered this book because it often feels more like bedlam than Bethlehem around here. While I didn't get a chance to read it during Advent, I did take it with me on vacation and instantly dove in. James W. Moore's book encourages the reader to not only look for Bethlehem during Christmas, but throughout the year. I could see myself reading it numerous times a year to stay focused on God's Word during my hectic life. I would highly recommend Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam to busy people everywhere looking to reconnect and refresh their relationship with their Lord and Savior. It's a book that will touch your heart.

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press; Reprint edition (September 15, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1501804286
ISBN-13: 978-1501804281



This post first appeared at The Book Connection. I received a copy of this book through the Amazon VINE program. This review contains my honest opinions, which I was not compensated for in any way.

Christmas Anthology Spotlight: Captured by Christmas by Lynn Crandall and Lainee Cole

Title: Captured by Christmas: A Christmas Anthology

Authors: Lynn Crandall and Lainee Cole

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Pages: 129 

Genre: Holiday Romance

Format: Ecopy 

It’s Christmas, and the season of holly, Christmas trees, and goodwill is drifting on air in merry holiday wishes. Romantic suspense and paranormal author Lynn Crandall and contemporary author Lainee Cole present in their own way two stories of love in Captured by Christmas. However it finds you—under a Christmas tree or drifted in snow in a backwoods cabin—the spirit of the season will wrap you in love.


In "Snowbound," Lynn Crandall lets readers check in on favorite Fierce Hearts series were-lynx characters Kennedy Mitchell and Asher Monroe as they uncover the identity of the creature scaring the humans in Octavia, a small rural community in northern Michigan. Plans for an intimate getaway and family-style holiday are crumbling as the snow piles higher and Kennedy and Asher find themselves snowbound with a killer outside their door.


In "The Mistletoe Effect," Christmas is second-grade teacher Tess McCall’s least favorite holiday, but she’s doing her best not to let it show. Learning he’s a father to seven-year-old Holly makes Alex Randle anxious about the upcoming holidays. When Tess’s class starts reading to shelter dogs, Holly and the antics of shelter dog Mistletoe lead them all to rediscover the magic of Christmas.

I started spinning stories as a child when I tried to entertain my younger sister at night when we were supposed to be going to sleep. In the dark, my stories typically took on a scary or paranormal element -- didn't do much to put us to sleep. Today, I hope my stories still fail to put readers to sleep, but rather take them on a journey. That's what I've been on since I decided to make writing my focus. As a reporter and magazine feature writer, I truly enjoy learning as I work on stories. As a romance writer, I enjoy doing the research and following an evolving story of my characters. I'm still learning as I go.

CONNECT WITH LYNN: WEBSITE|FACEBOOK|TWITTER

Lainee Cole’s love affair with books began when she was young, and her mother encouraged her love of reading. By the time she was in seventh grade, Lainee was making up her own stories and poems, exploring various styles of writing. Ah, the drama of junior high. She wouldn't go back to those days for anything! But reading voraciously and exploring different types of writing led her to romances. She loves the challenge of writing romance, developing characters and figuring out what makes them tick. They often take on a life of their own, surprising and annoying her. But they also give her hope and inspire her to follow her dreams. Lainee strives to write stories that will make readers laugh and cry, give them hope, and encourage them to believe in the power of love.  

CONNECT WITH LAINEE: FACEBOOK

Middle Grade Book Review: Sophie Washington: Secret Santa by Tonya Duncan Ellis

If your child enjoys books with strong female protagonists, a hint of mystery, and the joy of Christmas, then Sophie Washington: Secret Santa by Tonya Duncan Ellis will be a perfect gift.

It's a few weeks before Christmas and Sophie and her friends are busy as school is coming to a close before the break. When Sophie begins receiving presents from a secret Santa, she can only guess who it might be. Is it one of her friends or one of the boys she knows? The answer might surprise her.

Though this is the seventh book in the Sophie Washington series, it's the first one I've read. It's a quick, fun chapter book with cute illustrations. As the reader gets to know Sophie and her friends, they eagerly turn the pages to see if they can figure out who Sophie's secret Santa really is. Sophie is spunky and she has a love him/not so in love with him relationship with her younger brother that makes her even more relatable. In addition to the mysterious Santa, the book also addresses the topic of bullying. I don't think we can have enough books that tackle this issue, and I like the author's handling of it within this story.

If you set a story at Christmas, you've already partially won my heart. Sophie Washington: Secret Santa also inspires me to check out the previous books in the series to follow more of Sophie's adventures.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 2 - 6
Series: Sophie Washington (Book 7)
Paperback: 122 pages
Publisher: Page Turner Publishing (September 10, 2018)
Language: English

This review first appeared at The Children's and Teen's Book Connection. I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Spotlight: Miss Claus and the Secret Santa by J. L. Hendricks

What happens when Santa's daughter chooses NOT to marry?

Santa Claus is an Arctic Wolf Shifter, and the mantle has always passed down to his sons. But, this Santa didn't have any boys, he has 4 girls!

His eldest daughter is supposed to marry the son of the pack's Beta wolf, Rock. But she has refused. Lizzy wants to marry for love, not pack standing.

Lizzy runs away to Los Angeles looking for adventure and possibly her future Santa.

If you like clean, shifter romance, then you will love this newest book by J.L. Hendricks. She merges her favorite season, Christmas, with a hot genre, Shifter Paranormal Romance. Come and see how these Arctic Wolf shifters celebrate Christmas.

File Size: 2022 KB
Print Length: 25 pages
Publisher: J.L. Hendricks Publishing; 1 edition (November 30, 2016)
Publication Date: November 30, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01MFFJIVQ

Picture Book Review: 'Twas the Night by Marin

 

‘TWAS THE NIGHT by Marin is a wordless book that “tells” a heartwarming and inspirational Christmas story. The illustrations gift each reader, young and young at heart, the opportunity to re-imagine the season’s wonder and the freedom “to script” (if they choose to) their own lines to go with the images. Keep dreaming big!

In this book filled with stunning artwork, the reader discovers a story of their own making. A young boy finds an injured bird and brings it back to full health, leading to a magical experience for both of them.

This is an interesting concept for a children's picture book. There is no doubt the artwork is beautiful and weaves a magical story. I'm not sure younger readers will grasp the concept since they are still learning to read, but with a parent's help, they can be guided along. The artwork lends itself to many possibilities, and your imagination can run a bit wild with backstory for the child and the bird.

‘TWAS THE NIGHT is unique and meaningful. I would like to see more from this artist.

Publisher: Fontreal

Pages: 32

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Purchase from Fontreal

This post first appeared at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Christmas at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

A splendid story of love, faith, and healing awaits you in Christmas at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard.

The joy the residents of Promise Lodge feel over their community's first wedding is marred by the bishop's narrow-minded sermon. Mattie Schwartz believes marriage and family aren't the most important of God's gifts, even if she does still carry feelings for Preacher Amos Troyer.

Amos still hopes Mattie will change her mind about taking another husband. But when an accident threatens to change the course of his life, Amos wonders what the Lord has planned for him and his beloved Mattie.

This is such a wonderful story. Like all of Hubbard's books, it's built around a community of people. The main focus of this novel might be Mattie and Amos, but the reader is treated with how the lives of others intersect, especially in light of Bishop Floyd Lehman taking some of the community to task at the wedding.

What I feel Hubbard has always done well is shine a light on Plain communities and, through her characters, made them more relatable to others. Their work ethic, their strong faith, and their human failings are all hallmarks of her novels. Promise Lodge is a community I would love to visit...even if I can only do that in my mind.

Christmas stories tend to be my favorite, so I enjoyed the seasonal aspects of this novel. Those great recipes at the end of the book will be fun to try.

Christmas at Promise Lodge is the perfect inspirational romance of the season. Though I highly encourage readers to start at the beginning of the series, this is a stand-alone novel that can be read by itself.

I don't have the space to keep many books these days, but I'll find room for this one.

EXCERPT

Mattie smoothed her apron, hoping her bad mood would dissipate as she stepped into the doorway of the dining room. What a sight it was! The long tables covered in white cloths gave the large hall a simple elegance. Every seat was filled with friends and family members who visited happily as they ate their meal. The aromas of baked chicken, stuffing, and warm bread soothed her as she gazed from table to table, trying to locate Amos. She hoped he hadn’t given up on her. He’d be disappointed if she didn’t join him for dinner.

Her gaze lingered on the raised eck table, where her younger son sat with his new bride. The sight of them sitting so close, lost in each other’s gazes, made Mattie’s heart overflow with a special love. It’s their happiness that matters, she reminded herself. They’re the future of Promise Lodge no matter how things work out—or don’t—with Floyd Lehman.

Mattie wondered why Roman was returning to his place at the wedding party’s table with a secretive smile, appearing slightly out of breath. He waved off Noah’s teasing question, squeezing his younger brother’s shoulder as he sat down beside Laura Hershberger—his cousin and Deborah’s closest friend. What a blessing that her boys were so close, and that they remained so connected to Christine’s girls, as well. Once again, as she gazed at their earnest faces, she wondered how those four kids—and Deborah—had reached young adulthood already.

If your sons are twenty-four and twenty-one, there’s no denying how old that makes you, Mattie realized wistfully. Maybe Amos has it right. Maybe you should accept his proposal, for who knows how long he’ll keep asking a middle-aged widow to make her home with him? Roman’s building a house now, so he’ll have a home to offer the right young woman when she comes along. Do you want to grow old alone?

Series: Promise Lodge
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zebra (September 27, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420139436
ISBN-13: 978-1420139433

This post first appeared at The Book Connection. I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Spotlight: Christmas in Paris by Anita Hughes

Christmas in Paris is a moving and heartwarming story about love, trust, and self-discovery. Set during the most magical week of the year, the glorious foods and fashions of the most romantic city in the world are sure to take your breath away.

Isabel Lawson is standing on the balcony of her suite at the Hotel Crillon as she gazes at the twinkling lights of the Champs Elysee and wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake. She was supposed to be visiting the Christmas tree in the Place de la Concorde, and eating escargots and macaroons with her new husband on their honeymoon. But a week before the wedding, she called it off. Isabel is an ambitious Philadelphia finance woman, and Neil suddenly decided to take over his grandparents’ farm. Isabel wasn’t ready to trade her briefcase for a pair of rubber boots and a saddle.

When Neil suggested she use their honeymoon tickets for herself, she thought it would give her a chance to clear her head. That is until she locks herself out on the balcony in the middle of winter. Thankfully her neighbor Alec, a French children’s illustrator, comes to her rescue. He too is nursing a broken heart at the Crillon for the holidays. With a new friend by her side, Isabel is determined to use her time in the city of lights wisely. After a chance encounter with a fortune teller and a close call with a taxi, she starts to question everything she thought was important.

Praise

"Christmas. Paris. Star-crossed lovers. Yup, it’s the perfect holiday read!" —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dashing Through the Snow

"Gorgeously festive and evocative, this is a compelling story filled with characters you truly care about. I adored it." —Melissa Hill, USA Today bestselling author of The Charm Bracelet

"I was instantly transported back to France, once again strolling the Champs-Élysées, taking in the scents, the sights, the taste of Paris.  It doesn’t get any better than falling in love in La Ville-Lumiére, the City of Light, during the most magical time of year.  Delicious, delectable, and delightful!" —Donna Kauffman, USA Today Bestselling Author of Starfish Moon

"Hughes bring her signature combination of haute couture and high-society romance to Paris, adding a touch of magic and allowing us to live vicariously through Isabel as she falls in love in the most glamorous city in the world—and buys labels most women can only dream about. A charming modern-day fairy-tale romance."—Kirkus Reviews

ANITA HUGHES is the author of Monarch Beach, Market Street, Lake Como, French Coast, Rome in Love, Island in the Sea, and Santorini Sunsets. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel. For more information visit anitahughesbooks.com.

Website: http://anitahughesbooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HughesAnita
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitahughesauthor

The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett

 

When winter comes, Hedgie tries to stay awake so he doesn’t miss out on all the fun his friends are having.

Snow is on the way, and as Hedgie trundles around the farm all his friends tell him of the winter-time fun he will miss as he hibernates–Icicles decorating the chicken coop! Lisa making snowmen! The pond turned to slippery ice! It sounds so amazing, Hedgie decides to stay awake instead of going to his burrow. But then a snowstorm starts. Luckily, Lisa finds him and brings him inside so Hedgie gets to see the wonders of winter from inside the cozy house.

Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool - 3

Lexile Measure: 0660

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers; 1st Edition edition (October 16, 2018)

ISBN-10: 0399170731

ISBN-13: 978-0399170737