Christmas Fiction in my TBR Pile

 

My TBR Pile is filled with a variety of seasonal fiction. Stories set during the holidays are my favorites. Here are some books in my TBR Pile.

Have you read any of these books? Which one should I read first?

New Additions to My Christmas Reading: Christian Fiction by Kathi Macias

After Christmas, I spoiled myself with a few on sale books from one of my favorite Christian authors, Kathi Macias. 

Return to Christmas beautifully blends the two struggling worlds of a former marine and a little boy with attachment disorder. Former Marine Chet is having a hard time adjusting to civilian life. He doesn't need help. He needs employment. He doesn't have issues. The little boy his friends adopted has issues. But there is something about that little boy that draws him. Will the events leading up to this Christmas be able to melt his soldier heart or will he spiral into a dark depression?

A Husband’s Christmas Prayer pulls back the curtain on struggles pastors and their families face. Pastor Paul has been handed the promotion of his dreams, but his formerly supportive wife doesn’t share his sentiment about moving. She liked where she was―her home, church family, coffee with friends while the kids were at daycare. Why did they have to move? They both know there is a rift growing between them. As he ministers to difficult people, will he also be able to minister to his own family?

Chiapas, Mexico, had proven to be the distraction and escape Julie needed. As a teacher, she had longed to travel and instruct abroad. Now, she was teaching and falling in love with her students. But what she didn't expect happened in the short days leading up to Christmas. She didn't know that her freedom would depend on Ramon, the local pastor. She didn't anticipate the emotions this man of God would stir deep in her spirit. This Christmas Eve service would be unlike any other she had ever experienced. Would this simple man and his faith be enough to cause her to stay when she had every reason to leave?

For these and more titles by Kathi Macias, you can visit her website at https://kathimacias.com

Christmas Books in My TBR Pile

 

Christmas Women's Fiction Review: The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts

 

Would you ever celebrate Christmas every month? In The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts, a group of friends is looking for a restart after their Christmas holidays bombed. So they decide to coordinate a Christmas do-over in January, then February, then March, then... 

As these three determined women seek out the perfect holiday to sweep away the blues, through their laughter and tears, they discover perfection is highly overrated.

Every time I read a Christmas novel by Sheila Roberts, I say it is my favorite. Then she comes out with a new one, and that quickly becomes my favorite. The Twelve Months of Christmas blends the author's trademark formula of love, humor, and dramatic moments to come up with a winner that her fans, new and old, will enjoy.

Sunny is settling into life with Travis and her two stepchildren who want nothing to do with her. Arianna is recently divorced and living with her young daughter at her mother's house until she gets back on her feet. There's nothing new and exciting in Molly's world. She trudges back and forth to her post office job where she gets beat up by grumpy customers. 

When Sunny and Arianna come up with the idea of "Twelve Months of Christmas," they have no idea how much it will change their lives and attract attention. As they each navigate their worlds, while embracing the Christmas spirit month after month, they learn a lot about themselves and those around them, while having a positive impact on their neighbors and sometimes strangers. 

If you enjoy an engaging seasonal tale, then The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts is an excellent choice.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ MIRA; Original edition (October 3, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0778334279
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0778334279

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.

Children's Holiday Little House Stories: A Little House Christmas, Volumes I & II by Laura Ingalls Wilder

A Little House Christmas complies some of the Christmas stories from Laura's Little House books into a lovely hardcover that collectors will certainly enjoy.



From Christmas in the Big Woods of Wisconsin, to the day Mr. Edwards delivered presents so that Santa didn't have to cross the creek, to the chapters of Christmas on Plum Creek where Laura received red mittens, the white China box, and the fur cape and muff off the tree at church, each story is just as special as when you first read it in the Little House books.

The illustrations by Garth Williams have been colorized to make this book an extra special treat for Little House fans, and also includes the words and music to Merry, Merry Christmas! by Mrs. T.J. Cook.

The jpeg of the cover art can't possibly do it justice, as Williams's illustration of Laura receiving her rag doll Charlotte is encircled by a wreath of holly.

While A Little House Christmas shares the Christmas stories of Laura's early days, A Little House Christmas, Volume II travels east to Malone, New York to share the story of Christmas at the Wilder farm with Almanzo as a boy and the aunts, uncles, and cousins came to dinner.



Then the book travels to the shores of Silver Lake, where Laura and her family are living in the surveyors' house, and on to Christmas in De Smet, SD, where the blizzards seem like they will never end and the trains won't run again until spring. And finally, we get to read the story of Almanzo's surprise return visit on Christmas Eve in These Happy Golden Years.

Again, collectors will find this large hardcover a welcome addition to their Little House library. The green cover is even more striking than the red from the first one, and the holly wreath encircles a picture of Ma fastening the little blue coat with the swan's-down collar on Grace and tying the swan's-down hood over her golden hair.

Little House fans will enjoy these books year after year and remember why Laura Ingalls Wilder's books continue to gain new fans so many years after they were first published.

Audible Novella Review: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Narrated by Hugh Grant

 

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens tells the story of miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge, a wealthy partner at Scrooge & Marley. Set during the Christmas season, years after the death of Marley, Scrooge believes all the joy and gift giving of the season to be a humbug. This year, like in years past, he declines his nephew's invitation to Christmas dinner. Once he returns home for the evening, he is visited by Marley's ghost, who encourages him to change his stingy ways. Marley warns him he will be visited by three spirits. As Scrooge joins the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, he comes face to face with what he life was, is, and could be. He also learns more about his clerk Bob Cratchit and his young son, Tiny Tim. 

This seasonal historical tale has been a holiday classic for generations. The Audible version, narrated by Hugh Grant, is a superb performance of the story of the stingy Scrooge, who is transformed by three spirits who visit him. Grant captured all the characters so well. I would recommend listening to this any time of year.

• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release date: 12-21-20
• Language: English
• Publisher: Audible Studios

This was a free Audible selection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Picture Book Review: How to Decorate a Christmas Tree by Vikki VanSickle

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree by Vikki VanSickle is a sweet story of the season.

A young girl is sharing the steps to decorate a Christmas tree... but it is so much more. It's about the special memories, beloved traditions, and favorite things that happen as this family decorates the tree that is so endearing. Readers of How to Decorate a Christmas Tree will be delighted by this seasonal tale with beautiful three-dimensional artwork by Miki Sato. And with a special surprise at the end, this wonderful story is sure to charm readers of all ages.

I know it's early in the year yet, but this might be my favorite children's Christmas book of the 2023.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tundra Books (October 10, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0735268584
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0735268586
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3

This review first appeared at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection. I requested a NetGalley copy of this story for review. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in anyway.

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 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 Fiction Book Review: The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White

 

The Tradd Street series continues with this seasonal offering from Karen White. The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street finds Melanie Trenholm overwhelmed with Christmas preparations, Marc Longo's continuing attempts to own her house, the ongoing excavation of the cistern in the garden of her historic home, and the ghosts that have connections to artifacts discovered in the cistern by local students under the direction of Melanie's best friend, Sophie. It sure doesn't sound like their will be much holiday cheer for Melanie and Jack's first Christmas with their twins. 

The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street is another fabulous addition to the Tradd Street series. As Melanie prepares for Christmas and the progressive dinner, which is a beloved holiday tradition in Charleston, she works to help Jack figure out clues that could lead to a fabulous new novel. 

Filled with familiar characters and a few new ones, this is a story where White puts Melanie's relationships to the test. The decision didn't sit well with some readers, but it worked well for me. Here's why:

• Melanie and her parents: Melanie continues to struggle with being abandoned by her mother and being left to care for her alcoholic father. This rings true for me. (SPOILER AHEAD) Just because her parents are back together and both in her life, doesn't mean that all is forgotten. That Melanie still battles those demons is not something that surprises me.
• Melanie and her sister: (SPOILER AHEAD) In the previous book, Melanie learns she has a half-sister named Jayne. While Melanie is still struggling to forgive her parents, she also has to cope with learning she isn't an only child. Sounds easy, right? She shouldn't be jealous of Jayne and how her parents are so welcoming to her, right? Pretty much, Melanie has been lied to, abandoned, and put in a position from a very young age to play the role of parent instead of being able to be a child. She may see how welcoming her parents are to Jayne as another betrayal. 
• Melanie and Rebecca: (SPOILER AHEAD) Melanie couldn't really stand her cousin before, but once Rebecca married Marc Longo, it further strained their relationship. Though Rebecca has said family means everything to her, she is still married to the man who is trying to steal everything that Melanie and Jack hold dear. For Melanie, it again comes down to a matter of trust. 
• Melanie and Jack: Melanie's past taints her relationship with her husband as much as Jack's past presents challenges they deal with now and into the future. Melanie finds it hard to trust anyone or to ask anyone for help. From early on she had to do things herself, so that's how she is comfortable operating. Just because Jack tells her he loves her and she can trust him, won't change that. Jack is clearly defined by his career as a writer. When he experiences writer's block or is having issues with his agent, he is easily depressed. That's understandable, but also leads to more issues between Mellie and Jack. Because Mellie doesn't want to add more stress and worry on his plate, she keeps things to herself and tries to figure them out alone--which often puts her in danger and makes Jack angry. 

There is only one thing that bugged me about this book: the ending. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers to begin with, but one character acted so much unlike himself that I'm disappointed. 

If I had to sum up The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street in one sentence, it would be: this is a story where a past betrayal leads Melanie and Jack on a quest to uncover clues about a treasure that could either save them or end up destroying all they hold dear. 

Hardcover : 384 pages

ISBN-13 : 978-0451475244

Publisher : Berkley (October 22, 2019)

I received this book as a gift. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. I whited out information in my review in case readers haven't read earlier books in the series. 

Book Covers That Remind Me of Christmas

This post originally appeared as a Top Ten Tuesday at The Book Connection. I thought it would be neat to revisit it here at this blog. 

I loved this book! It's the story of Santa Claus. 

Hubbard has such great Christmas covers. They make me want to spend Christmas with her characters.

One of my favorite Christmas book covers and a fabulous story.

This story has nothing to do with Christmas, but the town being shut down by a blizzard in this cover really reminds me of Christmas. 

Small towns and snow always remind me of Christmas.

Wouldn't this be a pretty place to spend Christmas?

Clever to have the main characters inside a Christmas ornament.

I have to ask why orange on this cover? The Grinch is what reminds me of Christmas, but orange? 

Scrooge carrying Tiny Tim means Christmas.

This cover shows the true meaning of Christmas. 

Christmas Fiction Book Review: Christmas in Newfoundland - Memories and Mysteries by Mike Martin

Filled with sweet and heartfelt stories of the season, Christmas in Newfoundland by Mike Martin is a nostalgic trip through memories and mysteries set in Grand Bank. From an elderly set of sweethearts remembering their younger days  to Sgt. Windflower's dreams and a Christmas miracle, you'll enjoy getting to know the people of Grand Bank.

Though I often think of these kinds of stories taking place in  small town America, Grand Bank is just as charming. Not knowing much about the area, Christmas in Newfoundland gives readers a snapshot of what to expect in this quiet town by the Atlantic.

I first met Sgt. Windflower in The Walker on the Cape and was happy to be reintroduced to him with this seasonal collection of stories.

If you like small town stories with a cozy feel, Christmas in Newfoundland is a good title to indulge in.


Paperback: 152 pages
Publisher: Ottawa Press and Publishing (August 20, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1988437253
ISBN-13: 978-1988437255

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

Christmas Novella Spotlight: Merry Christmas, Eve by Stacy Bryant

When Eve Brant is forced to sell the business that has been in her family for over forty years, she expected to face a few obstacles. Starting over on Nicollet Island, a small island located on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis, brings promise. But it also brings Mason Mitchell, the man who’d put her out of business.

File Size: 1482 KB
Print Length: 65 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publication Date: December 7, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07L7GPDV7

Find more information on Goodreads!

Book Spotlight: The Magical Christmas Do Over by Linda West

Three women, thrown together by fate, get a second chance to go back in time and change their lives forever.

EXCERPT

It was a cold December eve, some say the coldest in decades, and a blizzard warning was in effect. It was the Friday before Christmas and most of the other workers of Kennedy and Crane had already left for the Christmas holiday weekend.

Samantha looked at the clock and groaned inwardly. It was after 8 o’clock and her boss was in an extra foul mood even for her.
“Shouldn’t you be getting home to put on that awesome Chanel dress you bought for the big night?” She asked.

Macy spun around enraged, and Samantha sunk back.
Macy’s dark brows knit together and her brown eyes looked nearly black with the size of her pupils. She ran her hands through her short dark hair and then stared at Samantha with disbelief on her face.

“I got a text from Todd an hour ago. He’s gone off to LA with some friends for Christmas!”
Samantha’s mouth fell open. “What, why?” She stopped herself. “I’m sure he has a good reason Macy.”
Macy snorted. “Yeah, good reasons usually don’t come in a text. I’m losing him Sam.”

Macy plopped down in her chair and stared out the large picture window of her sleek office, and tapped her long manicured nails on her desk like a woodpecker.
“Says he’ll call me when he gets back…in a month.”
Samantha’s groaned inwardly. Poor Macy, it looked like she was getting the ultimate big let down. Broken up with at Christmas. No engagement celebration after all.

“Here’s a piece of mail you didn’t get.” Sam offered up happily as she placed it on Macy’s desk.

“Send it back.” Macy said dully without turning.

Samantha continued hopefully. “It’s not the annual Christmas invite from your mother Macy, that one is always in a red envelope. I always send that back. This is something different.”
Samantha looked at the pretty Tiffany blue colored envelope.
“It’s addressed to you personally, not the company.”
Macy cocked her head to the side intrigued.
Sam rushed on eager to bring some sort of happiness to her boss. “Maybe it’s a love letter from Todd with two tickets to Paris for when he gets back?”
Macy let out a big huff and gazed out the window at the oncoming storm. They both knew that wasn’t the case. Todd’s last minute text was just a breakup in disguise.
But if not Todd then who? Macy really didn’t have any close friends that would send her a Christmas card. Anyone that did know her at all, knew she abhorred Christmas. Too much money being spent in the name of sentimentality and tricky marketers as her father always said.

Macy waved her hand without looking back at Samantha as if she were a servant.
“Read it.”
Samantha scanned the letter, then suddenly, caught her breath and brought her hand to her heart.
“Macy.”
Something in Samantha’s tone made Macy spin her chair around.
“What?”
“Its from a friend of your mothers, a Ms. Carol Landers.”
“You have got to be kidding me!” Macy threw her hands up in the air.
Now my mother is having her friends beg me to come home and visit her? How utterly selfish!”
She shook her head in disbelief. “What is it with my mother? She ruins my life and then she stalks me! Can’t she see no matter how many times she begs me to come home for Christmas - I’m not going to Kissing Bridge to see her?”
Samantha swallowed uncomfortably and croaked out, “I’m so sorry Macy. But this letter says that your mother passed away yesterday, and you’re the only relative left to claim her body.”
She looked up sadly and met Macy’s stunned eyes.
“You have to go home to Kissing Bridge.”

Linda West is an Amazon best seller and author of the best selling series ‘Christmas Kisses and Cookies.’ She writes books that feature food and fun and includes her own recipes from her quaint beach café in Malibu.