Christmas on TV: Crown for Christmas (Hallmark Channel, 2015)

Danica McKeller (The Wonder Years, DWTS) stars as an out of work maid turned governess in the sweet and romantic, Crown for Christmas. Having premiered on Hallmark Channel in November, this is the story of Allie Evans (McKellar) who after being fired from her job as a maid in a ritzy New York hotel reluctantly accepts a job as governess to a powerful family in Europe. Little does she know that her new little charge is a princess and her father the King of Winshire (Rupert Penry-Jones).

As Allie bonds with Princess Theodora (Ellie Botterill) and brings King Maximillian and his daughter closer together, sparks fly between Allie and the king. The jealous Countess Celia (Alexandra Evans) is not about to let some silly governess get in her way, though. A marriage was arranged between Maximillian and Celia when they were children and she plans to see that the king fulfills his obligations.

This was a beautiful movie. Classic Hallmark Channel when you consider two unlikely people meet under odd circumstances and fall in love while others work to help the cause or stand between them. Great performances by all, especially Ellie Botterill, who makes her television debut in Crown for Christmas.

In some ways this is a modern retelling of The Sound of Music--minus six children and the singing. The cold King Maximilliam warms as he watches Allie and Theodora bond. Their relationship forces him to reconsider his duties and soften to become a better father.

A lovely setting, a great storyline, and fabulous costumes make this a must see holiday romance.

Format: Widescreen, Color, Dolby
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Hallmark
Run Time: 87.00 minutes
ASIN: B018TNBX50


I watched this movie on Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas on TV: A Christmas Detour (Hallmark Channel, 2015)

Candace Cameron Bure (Full House) and Paul Greene (Wicked Wicked Games, CSI) star in this romantic comedy about an anxious bride-to-be and a broken-hearted guy who join a married couple on an emergency road trip to New York City during a blizzard.

Paige Summerlind (Cameron Bure) is on a flight to New York City to meet her fiancé's parents for the very first time. While on board, she meets the handsome and irritating Dylan (Greene) along with Frank and Maxine (David Lewis and Sarah Strange), a couple whose marriage has seen better days. As a blizzard moves in, the plane is grounded and Paige is afraid she won't make it to her fiancé's house in time for Christmas. So Dylan rents an SUV and agrees to get everyone home for Christmas, giving this odd group of friends a chance to get to know one another.

I love this time of year, if for no other reason than the sweet, romantic comedies that Hallmark Channel produces. Cameron Bure is the perfect actress for this channel and it's wonderful to see her back on screen. In Paige, she captures that peppy, anxious go-getter viewers saw in 2013's Let It Snow. This is definitely a character type that plays well to her strengths. Greene is realistic and funny as the romantic lead who is intrigued by Paige as she writes articles about the perfect husband and carries around her vision board. He's got a story all his own that slowly unfolds as Paige gets to know him better.

Frank and Maxine's relationship makes for a wonderful side story. Married for decades, they no longer sleep in the same bed and find fault with one another constantly. Their characters add a great deal of humor and some heartwarming moments to this movie.

Viewers will enjoy the journey as each character learns a great deal about life, love, and happiness.

I watched this show on Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christian Nonfiction Book Review: The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren

The Purpose of Christmas is a moving, inspirational seasonal title by Pastor Rick Warren.

In this powerful book, Warren shares the three purposes of Christmas and how they can solve your greatest needs. From the beginning, this book will touch your heart and open your mind to the rewards of accepting God's Christmas gift to us--His Son, Jesus Christ.

This is a challenging review for me to write simply because this tiny book with beautiful photography meant so much to me this year.

• It reminded me that our family's focus must be on Jesus. 
• It encouraged me to give control over my life to God.
• It renewed for me the hope of God's most precious gift--my Savior. 

I'm not sure I can get my husband to read it, but I feel it would make a difference in his way of thinking, too. Even we Christians get so caught up in trying to manage our lives that we forget everything we do and everything we have comes from God. We scramble about trying to make things work, when all we need to do is give our lives fully to God and let Him figure it out. 

Warren definitely has a beautiful gift for words. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and look forward to reading more of his work. 

Hardcover: 132 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; 1 edition (November 4, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416559000
ISBN-13: 978-1416559009


I borrowed this book from my local library. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Advent Devotional Book Review: Christmas is Coming! But Waiting is Hard! by Karen Whiting

My childhood was filled with activities that prepared my heart for the coming of Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Christmas there were Jesse Trees, caroling to local nursing homes and other service projects, the weekly lighting of the Advent wreath, and a focus on the Scriptures leading up to the birth of our Savior.

If you are looking for family activities and devotionals centered around Advent, Christmas Is Coming! But Waiting Is Hard! by Karen Whiting is an excellent resource. The book starts out by stating “God’s Love Is an ADVENTure” and shares the deeper meaning behind the wreath, candles, evergreens, and other symbols of Christmas.

Each day of Advent focuses on these symbols, providing an activity, a short prayer, a suggested hymn or song, a few questions for discussion, a “Did You Know” factoid, and an additional “Try It” activity at the end. These activities are simple and fun, so kids will enjoy participating as they gain knowledge and open their hearts and minds and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Last year, a friend of mine was seeking a resource such as this for her family. I’m going to share this with her right away. What a great new tradition this could start in your family.

Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press; Gld edition (September 20, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1501824724
ISBN-13: 978-1501824722

Christmas Quotes

***

***

***

***

Books of the Season to Read with Your Family

Christmas from Heaven read by Tom Brokaw and illustrated by Robert T. Barrett

This book tells the story of Gail Halvorsen, who is assigned as a cargo pilot during the Berlin Airlift. As Lt. Halvorsen performs his duties, he notices German children gathered behind fences at the end of the Tempelhof runway. He talks to the children and offers them two sticks of gum. From this one act of kindness, his idea to "bomb" Berlin with candy is born. Soon he and his crew fashion tiny parachutes to float candy down to the awaiting children.

The book comes with a DVD from a live performance of Tom Brokaw reading the story aloud set to music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

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

This Michael Neugebauer 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.

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. 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 expects of a picture book today. This would make a great read aloud for families.

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

Westerlund is an author from Australia who has written numerous children’s books. 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 in 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.

The Christmas Owl by Angela Muse and illustrated by Helen H. Wu

This book tells the story of an injured Barred owl who must ask other animals for help and how he repays their kindness year after year. Not only does this book encourage youngsters to develop a servant’s heart, its elegant font and overall design catch the eye.

Prairie Christmas by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk and illustrated by Ronald Himler

Lovers of historical fiction will definitely want to read this one. Emma is disappointed when her mother, the town doctor, is called to deliver a baby on Christmas. Their plans are now ruined. She soon discovers Hansie and Will Van Der Meer’s plans have been changed too. They are missing their holiday and are anxious about the new baby’s arrival. Pushing her own feelings aside, Emma works to create a special Christmas that they will never forget.

I loved everything about this book: the story, the historical details, and the warm colors Himler used in his illustrations to create a cozy feel.

I hope you’ve found a book you’ll enjoy sharing with your family this Christmas. Best wishes for a peaceful and joyful holiday.

Christmas Women's Fiction Book Spotlight: A Country Christmas by Debbie Macomber

A country Christmas might be the best Christmas of all…

Return to Promise

Rancher Cal Patterson and his wife, Jane—known as Dr. Texas—have recently separated, with Jane going back to her childhood home in California with their children. Now Cal, alone on his ranch, is forced to confront what he really wants in his life, what he needs. Jane is confronting the same questions. How seriously does Cal take his marriage vows? And how important is Promise, Texas, to Jane? Is there hope for a reconciliation—in time for Christmas?

Buffalo Valley

The town of Buffalo Valley, North Dakota—a community in farm country—is undergoing a revival. Vaughn Kyle, who’s just out of the army, is looking for a place to live, a life to live. While he’s waiting for his ambitious fiancée to make up her mind, he visits Buffalo Valley one snowy day and meets a young woman named Carrie Hendrickson. As they grow close, Vaughn has to question his feelings for the woman he thought he loved. He knows then that he wants to stay in Buffalo Valley, where life is about family and friends—not money and social standing. And not just at Christmas, but every day of the year…

File Size: 1577 KB
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: MIRA; Original edition (September 24, 2019)
Publication Date: September 24, 2019
Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
Language: English
ASIN: B07L79LTRW

This book now has a new cover.

Christmas Christian Nonfiction Book Review: The Christian Christmas Condition by Scott Rankin

Author Scott Rankin asks readers to join him along a journey of considering many favorite Christmas traditions and viewing them from God's perspective.

The Christian Christmas Condition brings you through history to uncover how traditions like the Christmas tree were repurposed into symbols and celebrations of Christ's birth. But, is that how God wants it to be? Are we honoring Him and glorifying Him when we re-purpose a pagan tradition? Is it right to tell our children about the existence of Santa Claus and his expectations of being good to get gifts? When we finally tell them Santa Claus is made up, how can they believe us when we tell them an unseen God who loves and provides for us is real? These and other topics of discussion may have you reconsidering your holiday traditions.

I have to be honest with you: this is not an easy read. It's an excellent book, and it poses important questions to Christians about family traditions, but you can't help but feel uncomfortable by them. Who wants to be told their time-honored tradition of an evergreen tree harkens back to the time when Romans celebrated a festival where no one could be arrested or convicted for a variety of horrible crimes? I sure don't.

One, however, can't argue against the Biblical stories of Gideon and other ordinary men and women whose obedience to God came with great rewards ...just like the rewards our obedience gains for us. Rankin put together the puzzle pieces into an inspiring and encouraging way to allow us to see how Christmas can be so much more. I love how he reminded readers that God didn't focus on His Son's birth. He focused on Jesus as our Savior ...an act that was thirty-three years in the making. His birth isn't the important part. His death and resurrection are.

Am I ready to pitch my Christmas trees in the fire? I can't say that I am. However, Rankin has given me a lot to think about. I'm glad he shared how his family phased in changing their Christmas traditions, because, admittedly, he also felt there was nothing wrong with the Christmas tree and Santa Claus traditions when his wife first questioned them. Rakin encourages each of us to discover the direction God desires for us and reminds us not to be afraid to ask the question, "What does God say about this?"

Paperback: 196 pages
Publisher: Scott Rankin Publishing (November 25, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1734084804
ISBN-13: 978-1734084801

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas on TV: Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas

 

Benjamin "Mr. Christmas" Bradley works with his team of elves to help families transform their homes for the holidays in this Netflix series. Produced by Stephen David Entertainment (shout out to my nephew, Randy Counsman who is Senior VP of Development), this series features interior designer William Benjamin Bradley, a huge Christmas enthusiast. 

Here are some articles about the show and its star:

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/netflix-mr-christmas-benjamin-bradley

https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a34714348/netflix-holiday-home-makeover-benjamin-bradley-mr-christmas-facts/

https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/benjamin-bradley-mr-christmas-holiday-home-makeover-netflix-instagram-job-everything-to-know

What I really love about this series is that the families are totally involved in the transformation at the beginning. Then on Day 2 the elves move in and take over. Day 3 is Reveal Day. 

I wish it had lasted longer than it did, but the four episodes are still up on Netflix. 

Christmas on TV: The Case for Christmas (Hallmark Channel, 2011)

Could someone actually sue Santa Claus? That's what happens in this 2011 Hallmark Channel movie starring Dean Cain and Rachel Blanchard.

Young attorney Michael Sherman (Cain) is at the courthouse looking for clients, when he finds a man claiming to be Kris Kringle (George Buza). After being charmed by Michael's daughter, Lily (Helen Colliander), Kris asks Michael to represent him in a class action suit being brought against him by Braxton Bennett (Barry Flatman), a rich entrepreneur. Bennett is suing Santa for emotional distress because he didn't bring him the presents he asked for, and he's found others who claim to have the same problem.

Widower Sherman has student loans to pay, so he's certainly not about to turn down a case, but Santa Claus? This guy certainly must be off his rocker. Lauren (Blanchard), a good friend of Michael's deceased wife, and Lily think Kris is the real deal.

It's hard not to like a movie with Dean Cain in it. He's such a versatile actor, who brings great depth and emotion to all his characters, whether he's playing Superman (Lois & Clark), Joseph Smith (September Dawn), or a toy maker living on a ranch (The Three Gifts). The Case of Christmas is definitely a feel-good seasonal tale. Cain plays emotionally detached Michael Sherman well and makes him believable and sympathetic. Colliander's Lily is also a star. Not only adorable, her wonder and awe of Kris Kringle and her quick belief of who he is and what he can do, add a great deal to the movie.

I have to admit, however, that Blanchard's character lacked chemistry for me. Lauren is pining away for Michael, and when Kris asks her why she hasn't told him she's in love with him, her plain answer is that he would never be interested in a girl like her. Yet, she can believe Kris is the real Santa Claus without missing a beat. Blanchard delivers her lines, but until she gets angry at Michael, I don't feel any emotion behind them. I didn't even sense the connection between Lauren and Michael at the end. It's like the writers made the decision that the movie had to have a romance storyline in it, whether it would work or not. Personally, I felt it would have been better without the romance.

What I do think is hilarious is the sub-story of problems with the equipment at the North Pole. Kris has to keep disappearing to go back home to fix the machine. When he does, he leaves his right hand man, Charlie Elfkin (Dylan Roberts), to help Michael with the case. Charlie is an annoying guy with a huge appetite, leading to many funny moments. Bennett and his attorney, Dina (Krista Bridges), also add several funny scenes.

Overall, this is a cute seasonal movie. The combination of serious and funny was good, but I wouldn't have minded if the movie was more drama and less comedy. 

Release Date: 19 November 2011 (USA)
Runtime: 87 minutes

I recorded this movie on my DVR off the Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

Christmas Fiction Book Review: The Road to Christmas by Sheila Roberts

 

The Road to Christmas by Sheila Roberts is the perfect blend of heartwarming family drama, romance, and seasonal fun.

Julia, youngest daughter of Michelle and Max, invites everyone to her new house in Idaho for Christmas. Michelle and Max aren't thrilled about going, but with their marriage in shambles and divorce imminent, they want the family to have one last holiday together.

Michelle and Max's two other daughters, Audrey and Shyla, are driving in from California, hoping they might find Audrey a sexy rancher along the way. What they don't plan on is being stranded for the holidays when the car breaks down.

Grandma Hazel and Grandpa Warren have the shortest drive, but Hazel isn't thrilled about the idea of driving all that way in the snow.

As three generations of the family make their way out in the snow to visit Julia, their adventures lead to one memorable family Christmas.

This might just be my favorite Sheila Roberts Christmas story. It has drama. It has humor. It has romance. And it is all set during a snowy Christmas. What could be better? I loved getting to know this family. I could read this novel a second time. 

With The Road to Christmas, Roberts proves once again why she is the queen of the Christmas novel. As each set of travelers comes up against their own obstacles, readers enjoy getting to know them, crying with them a little, and laughing with them. This is such a sweet story, and Roberts' keen eye for detail makes the reader feel like they are right there with these characters. My hope is that Hallmark or Lifetime Movie Network decides to turn this one into a movie, because it would be amazing to see this story unfold on the small screen. 

If you enjoy sweet seasonal stories, The Road to Christmas is a perfect choice.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ MIRA; Original edition (September 20, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0778386562
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0778386568

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Amish Romance Short Story Collection Review: An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer

A beautiful Christmas story collection centered around community, faith, and love is what you will find in An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, & Rosalind Lauer.

"Buggies, Trains, and Automobiles" by Shelley Shepard Gray finds two strangers, John Miller and Ellie Coblentz, sharing a ride and discovering the Lord's plan for them. 

"Star of Wonder" by Charlotte Hubbard sees Raymond Overholt coming to Promise Lodge to sell his painted signs with stars and Christmas messages. Mennonite Lizzie Zehr is intrigued by them and Raymond, but any courtship between them would face opposition from the bishop of Raymond's Old Order community, unless he has a change of heart.

"Starlight Everlasting" by Rosalind Lauer finds newlyweds Rachel and Luke Coblentz eagerly awaiting their first Christmas together. When Luke's factory job threatens to keep them apart, they must have faith in the gift of a joyful ending.

What a fabulous seasonal story collection for fans of Amish romance, inspirational romance, Amish fiction, and Mennonite fiction. Tied together by being set during the Christmas season, these delightful stories will touch your heart and make you yearn for more from these talented authors. Each author created a unique story that displayed their knowledge of the genre and the importance of a faithful community.

Moving stories during the Christmas season abound in An Amish Christmas Star. Highly recommended!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington (September 27, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496734254
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496734259

I received a copy of this book from one of the authors. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas on TV: Once Upon A Christmas (Hallmark Channel, 2000)

Kathy Ireland stars as the daughter of Santa Claus in this family tale of the season.

Santa is unhappy that so many families are on the naughty list, so he's going to cancel Christmas and take off on vacation with Mrs. Claus. This leaves his oldest daughter, Rudolfa (Mary Donnelly-Haskell) in charge, and she plans to change Christmas in drastic ways. Kristin Claus (Ireland) can't let that happen, so her father tells her if she can bring one family from the naughty list onto the nice list, he'll come back.

That won't be easy. The Morgan family consists of a widowed, workaholic father played by John Dye, and two spoiled, bratty kids who have chased off every nanny they've ever had. There's also Uncle Johnny (Wayne Thomas Yorke) who's living off the family and has no plans to get a job any time soon.

When I looked up this movie to write my review, I was surprised they produced a sequel (Twice Upon A Christmas). I had a few challenges with the plot of this one. While it all works out in the end, and you discover Santa's true intentions, the early minutes of the movie show a Santa that is not discouraged over how the world is changing, but one who is ready to blow off all the good kids who deserve presents so he can take a vacation. I'm not sure that's the kind of movie I want my children to see, even if Santa is redeemed. I also didn't care for the fact that Santa has an evil daughter and some naughty elves who help Rudolfa carry out her plan to ruin Christmas.

The main characters of this movie were portrayed a bit stereotypical for my taste. Bill Morgan (Dye) buried himself in his work after the death of his wife and has lost sight of what is important. To make up for his absence, he's spoiled his kids, Kyle (James Kirk) and Brittany (Kirsten Prout), lavishing them with gifts they don't even play with. Kristen Claus (Ireland) is so good that one can't even consider she would jaywalk. And if I were to be totally honest, Uncle Johnny creeped me out a bit. The only character I truly loved was the Tooth Fairy played by Liz Torres. She was hilarious.

Once Upon A Christmas has potential. If they rounded out the characters a little bit, made Santa more sympathetic, tossed the evil daughter, and made Kristen more believable, it could work. Proust did a great job in the role of Brittany, and I was glad to see her finally come around.

Though this movie really wasn't for me, the ending was superb. I wish the rest of the movie had been like the ending. I would have truly enjoyed it. 


Runtime: 90 minutes

I recorded this movie on my DVR off the Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

Christmas on TV: Let it Snow! (Hallmark Channel, 2013)

Let It Snow is one of the 2013 seasonal movies in Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas lineup.

Stephanie Beck (Candace Cameron Bure)  is a driven executive working for Falcon Resorts. When Falcon acquires the family-owned and -operated Snow Valley Lodge from a retiring couple (Gabrielle Rose and Dan Willmott), Stephanie must spend the week before Christmas on-site drafting a proposal for renovations. Arriving in Maine, Stephanie quickly butts heads with the couple's son, Brady, played by Jesse Hutch, who has decided to leave the family business over creative differences with his father.

Though not one to celebrate Christmas, Stephanie finds the festive traditions shared with the lodge's guests provide a special touch and sense of belonging she hasn't felt from her detached father (Alan Thicke), president of Falcon Resorts. As the magic of Christmas wiggles its way into Stephanie's heart, her relationship with Brady develops from friendship into love, and she begins to question Falcon's planned overhaul. With her Christmas Eve deadline approaching, Stephanie must decide if she should transform the lodge into a hip hot spot for Falcon's single and married professional clientele or embrace the family traditions that make Snow Valley Lodge so special.

Let It Snow is a heartwarming story of two people who learn more about themselves and what they want for the future in one short week than they did for years before. At the beginning of the movie, Brady and Stephanie don't have any Christmas spirit. Stephanie's father has buried himself in his work and she has become a workaholic right alongside him, hoping to at least get a tiny bit of his attention and approval. Brady had big plans for Snow Valley Lodge once, but his dad refused to make any changes to what his grandfather and father had built, so Brady lost heart and wants no part of the family business. Watching the transformation of these two people, and others, makes this a special movie you won't want to miss. Seeing favorite actors (Bure and Thicke) definitely adds an even nicer tough to a lovely story.

I recorded this show through my cable provider. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Mystery Book Review: Murder, She Wrote: Murder in Season by Jessica Fletcher & Jon Land

 

Another Cabot Cove mystery filled with tons of twists and turns is what you'll find in Murder, She Wrote: Murder in Season by Jessica Fletcher and Jon Land. 

Christmas is coming to Cabot Cove. Everyone is preparing for the annual town festivities, and Jessica is eager to be moving back to her beloved home. That is until two sets of bones--one ancient and one about a year old--are discovered on Jessica's property. 

When tabloid reporter Tad Hollenbeck arrives in Cabot Cove to write a story about "the murder capital of the country," and is subsequently murdered, Jessica speculates his death and the discovery of the bones may be linked. 

As Jessica searches for the connection between the bones and Hollenbeck's murder, she will need to dig deep into her beloved town's dark history to solve this one... hopefully before Christmas dinner.

Murder in Season reads just like the episodes of Murder, She Wrote I used to watch in the 80s and 90s. Jessica finds herself in the middle of a mystery in her beloved town, which she sets about helping local sheriff Mort Metzger solve. Subplots involve the annual Christmas show and parade and some special visitors Jessica is happy to entertain. 

As the mystery unfolds, the reader needs to pick up on clues or they might be misdirected in their thoughts of who the guilty party is. I truly thought I had figured it out, all to learn I missed the mark. That's what I love about these mysteries. I don't mind being stumped if it makes sense in the end. Land is good at that.

The latest three Murder, She Wrote novels have a new co-author, so I will check them out to see how they compare.  

Murder In Season is a fabulous, engaging seasonal mystery. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (November 24, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1984804367
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1984804365

I received this book as a gift from my Amazon wish list. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas on TV: Farewell Mr. Kringle (Hallmark Channel, 2010)

This heartwarming tale of the season is a must see. Christine Taylor stars as Annabelle Wahl, a jaded journalist who is sent on an assignment to cover the 50th anniversary of Mistletoe's own Kris Kringle. After being widowed on Christmas Eve, Annabelle doesn't celebrate Christmas. She begs to get out of this assignment, but her editor and friend, Zoe Marsden (Vivica Fox), insists she blog about her experiences in Mistletoe for the next month.

The town and its people are overwhelming to a classy girl from the city. She can't stand their quaint ways, and she thinks the way they have embraced John Wilson's decision to be Kris Kringle (William Morgan Sheppard) is a bit too quirky, going so far as to rename the town and all its streets to holiday names. But when she hears Kris's story from the townsfolk and learns of all the good he's done, she's eager to interview him.

Slowly, the town of Mistletoe works it's magic on Annabelle. But meeting Mark Stafford (Christopher Wiehl)  throws her for a loop. A former cutthroat divorce attorney, he returned to his home town and now owns the local bed and breakfast. Still hurting from the loss of her husband, Annabelle isn't sure she's ready to open her heart again.

This is a fabulous movie. A classic Hallmark Channel movie that includes drama and romance, Farewell Mr. Kringle is a must see this holiday season. You'll definitely need a tissue or two while you watch this one. Little did Annabelle know when she arrived in Mistletoe that she and Kris Kringle share a hardship: both of them lost their spouses close to Christmas.

Watching Mark and Annabelle's relationship unfold is so touching. Both have reasons not to open up their hearts, but Mark is willing to do it if she is. Annabelle is just harder to convince.

Between the small town feel of Mistletoe, the celebration of Christmas, and the romance, you really can't go wrong with this one. All the characters were delightful. 

Release Date: 4 December 2010 (USA)

I recorded this movie on my DVR off the Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

Advent Christian Devotional Book Review: Remarkable Advent by Shauna Letellier

 

A moving look at the Christmas story through the eyes and minds of the ordinary people who lived through it can be found in Remarkable Advent by Shauna Letellier. 

Each year, I like to discover a new devotional to read during Advent. Back in October (2021), I discovered this as a free offering for my Kindle.

This devotional includes stories, rich in historical detail, of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph and the miraculous events that we cherish, woven into their daily lives. It gets into the heads of these historical figures and makes them living, breathing people no different than you or I.

Each day opens with Scripture, then Letellier uses Scripture and other historical details to create that day’s devotional, and each day ends with a prayer. As you can imagine, the reader moves chronologically through the Christmas story, starting with the angel’s announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy to Zachariah.

In her introduction, Letellier encourages the reader to experience this book as if hearing the Christmas story for the first time. Imagine how amazing this somewhat overly familiar story is when you focus on just how remarkable what happened is. 

This is a beautifully written devotional. I highly recommend it. 

Publisher: ‎ Shauna Letellier (October 23, 2019)

Language: ‎ English

Paperback: 200 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 1734137401

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1734137408

This review first appeared at The Book Connection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Amish Romance Book Review: Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 

Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is a seasonal Amish romance that will warm your heart and fill you with the joy of the season.

In the latest book from Hubbard's Maidels of Morning Star series, twin sisters Molly and Marietta Helfing eagerly await Christmas. Marietta has fully recovered from cancer, and the sisters' noodle making business is thriving. 

When a fire destroys their neighbor's home, the sisters welcome widower Glenn Detweiler, his dat, and two boys into their home. When Pete and his dog, Riley, return to help the family rebuild, Molly enjoys their reunion and a chance at happiness, but Marietta is convinced her illness has eliminated all prospects of marriage and worries over what kind of life she will have if Molly marries. Still, she delights in mothering Glenn's boys and bonds well with his father. Will the season bring the blessing of a double wedding to Morning Star?

What a tremendous addition to a wonderful series. Hubbard could not have written a better seasonal story. The Morning Star community becomes like family as you travel along their journeys with them, and when you add the holidays into the mix, you come up with a truly heartwarming and inspiring tale. 

Hubbard knows her genre and is a masterful storyteller. She never disappoints in keeping it fresh, while staying true to what her fan base enjoys. Watching these characters evolve through three books has been a delight. If ever there were a series ripe to be transformed to the small screen, it is the Maidels of Morning Star. Though Christmas Comes to Morning Star can easily stand alone, it is such a fabulous reading experience to start at the beginning. 

Christmas Comes to Moring Star is the perfect seasonal romance for lovers of Amish fiction and inspirational romance.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zebra (August 24, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1420151835
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1420151831
• 
  

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

Christmas on TV: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas (Hallmark Channel, 2011)

Based upon Debbie Macomber's novel originally titled, When Christmas Comes, this 2011 seasonal tale provides the viewer with romance, humor, and tender moments.

Emily Springer (Faith Ford) has been a widow for three years, but she's still trapped in the past. Upset when she learns her daughter Heather (Emma Lahana), who is in college in Boston, won't be coming home for Christmas, she calls her best friend Faith (Gabrielle Miller) in California for sympathy.

Charles Johnson (Tom Cavanagh), a Scrooge-type college professor and writer, lives in Boston, not far from his brother Ray (Gil Bellows). Charles's publisher is pushing him to make edits to his latest book before the deadline, but he's experiencing the worst writer's block of his life. He needs somewhere quiet where he can concentrate without distractions.

Emily decides to surprise her daughter in Boston. So, she and Charles swap houses for the holidays. Imagine Emily's surprise when she discovers that Heather has taken off to Arizona with her boyfriend Jason (Andrew Francis). Meanwhile, Faith, who feels bad for her friend being all alone for Christmas, makes plans to travel to Emily's to spend Christmas with her, not realizing she isn't there.

Trading Christmas is the perfect blend of sweet romance and humor. Emily and Charles are both out of their elements when they travel to opposite sides of the country during the Christmas season. Emily meets Ray. Charles meets Faith. Heather, who is so excited to do something different for Christmas, realizes she misses all the things she does with her mother.

While I felt the opening of the movie was a bit jumbled, moving from Washington to Boston to California, once each character was settled in their part of the country, the storyline flowed nicely. Faith Ford and Gil Bellows, and Tom Cavanagh and Gabrielle Miller, had excellent chemistry as they interacted with each other. You couldn't help but root for them to get together. The storyline with Heather and Jason really isn't much. Heather's decision not to come home is the reason everything played out the way it did, but she's not vital to the story otherwise. When the movie switched to college in Boston or where she and Jason were in Arizona, it felt like they were just putting the characters in there so you wouldn't forget about them.

Placing a grump like Charles, who doesn't like Christmas, in a town--and specifically a house--where Christmas is unleashed full-throttle, is hilarious. Cavanagh plays this grouchy, anti-social, nervous guy to a tee. His banter with the character of Faith is great. He's not too keen on women. She's not too keen on men. It makes for some funny conversations. It's touching to watch Emily and Ray get to know each other. Their lives are so different, even how they grew up. And, yet, they are perfect for each other.

The ending of Trading Christmas was sweet and predictable, but you come to expect that of a Hallmark movie. 

Release Date: 26 November 2011 (USA)
Run time: 88 minutes


I recorded this movie on my DVR off the Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

Christmas Mystery Book Review: Murder, She Wrote: The Murder of Twelve by Jessica Fletcher & Jon Land

 

A blizzard is coming. A blizzard is coming. And Jessica and a dozen members of a wedding party are stuck at Hill House with a killer!!!

In the 51st book of the Murder, She Wrote series, Jessica is still staying at Hill House hotel while her Cabot Cove home is being rebuilt. As a winter storm of historic proportions blasts into town, she finds herself trapped with twelve members of a wedding party whose plans are waylaid by the storm. But the blizzard is the least of their worries when they discover there is a murderer in their midst who is determined to take them out one by one. 

Though a huge fan of the show, I had never read a Murder, She Wrote mystery. When I saw, however, that Jon Land was now involved, I knew I had to order some. 

The Murder of Twelve starts out with well-known residents of the town--the local doctor, sheriff and bestselling author--talking about the predicted once-in-century storm. The banter amongst the three is a fun way to start this mystery off light, and it really captures the essence of the cozy mystery in setting up the small town. It is also one way that Land allowed me to feel right at home while reading my first Murder, She Wrote novel, because it truly plays out exactly as I would have imagined. 

The writing is superb. The mystery is fun to unravel. And all of it comes to a satisfying conclusion with no loose ends. Now, I am ready to read the next book in the series, Murder in Season. A small town mystery can only be made better by setting it during Christmas, right? 

I look forward to reading more Murder, She Wrote novels with Jon Land giving Jessica Fletcher a hand.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (May 26, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1984804332
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1984804334

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Christian Nonfiction Book Review: The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel

 

When journalist Lee Strobel is sent to interview a family who lost all they owned in a fire, little does he know this encounter will forever change the course of his life. 

The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel opens with his visit with Perfecta Delgado and her two granddaughters. While reporting for the Chicago Tribune on some of the city's neediest families, Strobel is touched by the feeling of hope and peace displayed by this family who had lost everything in a fire. 

Strobel's second visit to the Delgado's home brings even more surprises and leads him on a journey to discover the identity of the Child in the Manger. 

As part of Strobel's Case for series that began with The Case for Christ, this former atheist shares his story of how his encounter with the Delgado family led him to investigate the identity of Jesus through interviews with well-known scholars and theologians across the world. 

This is a book that came recommended to me by my former pastor. I don't read nonfiction as much these days, but this book was on sale and is less than 115 pages, so I figured the Advent season 2020 would be the perfect time to read it. 

Going into it, I wasn't sure what to expect, though I knew Strobel converted to Christianity as a result of his investigation. What unfolds within these pages is an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the evidence that points to the identity of Jesus. In the end, the reader is encouraged to weigh the facts and decide for themselves.

I found Strobel's approach fascinating. Strobel came armed with his investigative skills and a heavy dose of skepticism. You really need to be committed to uncovering the truth if you will travel to the extent he did and prepare in the way he did to meet these scholars and theologians. Interspersed among the narrative and interviews are sidebars with other pertinent information Strobel learned or tidbits of history and how it played into his investigation. As one would expect, you can't have this discussion without citing some Scripture as well. 

As a Christian, I didn't need to be convinced about the identity of God's greatest gift to the world, but The Case for Christmas still captivated me. I am glad I took time to read it. I would love to read more of Strobel's books.

Publisher : Zondervan; Reprint edition (September 8, 2014)

Language: : English

Mass Market Paperback : 112 pages

ISBN-10 : 0310340594

ISBN-13 : 978-0310340591

I purchased a copy of this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Historical Mystery Review: A Christmas Carol Murder by Heather Redmond

 

A fascinating historical mystery awaits you in A Christmas Carol Murder by Heather Redmond. 

In the third book of Redmond's reimagining of the life of Charles Dickens, the young reporter must find a murderer and find an orphaned infant a home, that is unless he becomes the next victim. 

Charles Dickins is out caroling with his fiancée Kate and friends when a body plummets out an upper window from a house. It is identified as Jacob Harley, the business partner of the home's resident, Emmanuel Screws, an unpleasant codger who owns a counting house. 

Before Charles can get to the bottom of this dastardly deed, Harley's corpse is stolen. Then Charles is visited by what seems to be Harley's ghost. Kate and he are at odds over Mr. Screws' ability to toss his partner out the window, but their relationship is tested in a new way by the unexpected arrival of an orphan when Charles feels he must find a home for the poor babe. Can Charles find the murderer and renew Kate's faith in him?

I will be the first to admit I requested this book because of its connection to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickins. It is my favorite holiday story. I had no idea, therefore, that A Christmas Carol Murder by Heather Redmond is the third book of a series featuring a young Charles Dickens and Kate Hogarth. That said, I didn't feel I missed much since this is a total stand-alone novel. 

This refreshing twist on Dickens' classic novel is a murder mystery that engages the reader from the very beginning. It has a slow and steady pace, which I expected considering the time period and the book which it harkens back to, though there are a few heart-racing moments. It wrapped up nicely, and I hope the author has more stories planned for this historical character; an Oliver Twist or maybe a David Copperfield adaptation? I am eager to go back and read the previous two installments in Redmond's A Dickens of a Crime series.

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