Tag Archives: Christmas

The Peppermint Tree by Kristy McCaffrey

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Peppermint Tree
Author: Kristy McCaffrey
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I love cute Christmas romances. Particularly at this time of year, I swear if everyone read a Christmas romance, even the biggest scrouge would start to believe in the Christmas spirit. In fact, I loved reading this curled up in front of the cheesiest, simplest Hallmark-esque Christmas movies. It just had a whole feel to it. With the Christmas lights on… and yeah, it was just a really nice way to spend an evening.

It was kind of weird reading a story featuring a lead character named Skye. Since that’s my name. But, once I got over the slight weirdness of that, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Particularly since it’s also a second chance romance. Everyone seems to have one what if person in their history, and Joe and Skye were the rare few who got to try again. Plus, it’s just nice to think that sometimes people are just fated to be together.

The idea of decorating a ginormous pine tree every year for Christmas is something I’d love to do. Although with a gum tree, and, lets be honest, no one actually trusts me to get up that high, so it’ll never happen. The added mysticism of fated couples meeting at the Peppermint Tree was just perfect. Christmas time, a beautiful tree, and an unexpected inheritance… it’s a kind of typical Christmas story. But one that I would definitely read again and again.

<- A Mirthful WishMore Kristy McCaffrey ->

Image source: Goodreads

OMG Christmas Tree by Stephanie J. Scott

Book Review,
Overview

Title: OMG Christmas Tree
Author: Stephanie J. Scott
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Whilst I liked this short novel, I probably won’t be diving down the Stephanie J. Scott rabbit hole anytime soon. It was a good, enjoyable Christmas romance. And I did have a fair amount of fun reading it. But it’s also one that I’ll probably forget about. Fun, but not memorable.

The Meet Cute in this story was kind of serendipitous. I mean, Nick wants to find the woman who took the Christmas tree he wants. So, he finds her in a ditch… because the tree is top big. Alright, I don’t love how he tries to manipulate her. But it was still kind of a nice Meet Cute. I even like that Megan acknowledges that no matter what, she’ll probably run into the guy she’s crushing on.

Both Megan and Nick need to do some serious growing up. It’s nice that they push each other to do this throughout the story. Both are privileged and kind of naive, and I like that they manage to push each other to be better. In particular, I love that Megan finally finds her own path. One that is fulfilling, but not necessarily the traditional route.

With Christmas trees, decorating and ham. This is a fun and endearing Christmas story. Not in my top 10. But still one that I enjoyed. And I’d definitely suggest it to someone who wanted to dive into an easy Christmas read.

<- More ChristmasMore contemporary romance ->

Image source: Booktopia

Maybe This Christmas by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Maybe This Christmas
Author: Susannah Nix
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

It’s not all that often that I love the premise of a story, and then I end up loving the execution too. But the idea of a couple and their developing relationship over 10 years was already a great premise. The fact that it’s just the Christmas day every year that is written about… beautiful and seriously sweet. And, at this time of year, who doesn’t go gaga for a Christmas love story?

Not only is this a very cute Christmas story, it’s also a great coming of age tale. Alex and Lucas start out this story as two people leaving high school and on the cusp of adulthood. Although they actually get together in the first chapter, the whole story is honestly just about two people getting to know who they are. And then returning to one another.

I loved the tradition of a group of friends getting together every year at Christmas. The fact that over the 10 years of this story, each of the group still manage to find a way back every Christmas is beautiful. This might be a story about Alex and Lucas falling in love, but it’s also about all of the friendships along the way.

I absolutely adored this story. The uniqueness of taking one day a year and using that chapter to explain all of the happenings of the past year is great in and of itself. But the fact that this is also a really sweet coming of age romance made it all that much better. I’m definitely looking forward to rereading this next Christmas!

<- More Susannah NixMore Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kiss Me This Christmas by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Kiss Me This Christmas
Author: Cynthia Eden
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This was such a cute and festive little Christmas novella. There was a touch of danger and suspense to it that helped get the heart pumping. But overall, it was just a nice, predictable, and enjoyable read. Set at Christmas, when all the wishes can come true.

I did like that the lead female character in this romance was named Noelle. I mean, it’s a little cliche, but also very enjoyable. That and, it really fits with the whole sunshine falls for the grinch trope that is going on. Noelle is also just a really great character, and I love how all she wants to do is spread the cheer around.

Brady is kind of an idiot in a lot of ways… mostly the fact that he keeps making decisions for Noelle based on his own assumptions. But I also love that he is fiercely protective of her. And that the other trope he fits is the brother’s best friend… and that Brady’s best friend is blatantly playing matchmaker here…

This is a wonderfully cute Christmas romance novella. The suspense of the stalker raises the stakes. But overall, it is just an incredibly sweet little story.

<- It’s a Wonderful WerewolfMidnight Bite ->

Image source: Amazon

Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This is a nice, funny and light Christmas story. One with plenty of steam and yum. I mean, how could it not be with Declan and Shannon taking centre stage? A couple that is definitely unorthodox and has some dramas… but one that always ends with a happily ever after and a smile on my face.

I love how, although Shannon lost her job, she manages to continuously get sucked into some seriously questionable secret shopper moments. I mean, there haven’t been many in this series that she’s actually enjoyed. Or had much pleasure in achieving, so having her say yes, yet again… you know its going to be hilarious. And filled with nonsense that, quite honestly, no one should really deal with. The fact that Declan ends up going along with it just makes it all that much better.

Sexy Santa and how quickly it goes viral online and attracts, well, the desperate, was kind of hilarious. The fact that he’s paired with the busty elf (poor Shannon) had me outright laughing. I mean, how is that not a hilarious situation? Also a reminder of how damn… creepy some people can be in their pursuit of others.

As someone who has a toddler, I’m honestly dreading the days when I have to go line up so that she can have a picture with Santa. Partly because creepy. But also because of the sheer insanity of Christmas. This story just supports that feeling… seriously dreading that in the future.

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 4Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tis the Season by Jill Sanders

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Tis the Season
Author: Jill Sanders
Series: Pride, Oregon #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

When I first started reading this story, I didn’t actually realise that Matthew was the child from Finding Pride. Mostly because I didn’t really think things through for a little while. And then it all clicked, and I immediately loved this even more. I mean, I loved the first part of this was enjoyable anyway, but when I started realising the connections and putting all of the pieces together… it made me much, much happier. Although, when it comes to a well written book that is a nice, easy read, it doesn’t take much to make me an incredibly happy woman.

Blake’s disappearance from Matthew’s life is a bit of a mystery throughout much of the book. But I did love that when the truth is revealed, it might be a little bit about love, but mostly it was just totally unrelated to Matthew at all. The fact that they both kind of subconsciously pined for each other in the two year interim… it made the quick jump from calm to steamy in their relationship a whole lot more understandable… and palatable. It was also nice to read about their Meet Cute before the sparks even start to fly.

This was a fun Christmas story, but the part of it that I enjoyed the most was the fact that it is a Christmas story set in a haunted house. That added mystery built alongside the story of Matthew and Blake’s relationship. Again, making this a very difficult book to put down. Or aside, or just forget about in any way, shape or form. There’s something about haunted houses that make me very happy, and the fact that it’s a haunted house at Christmas?

Although I enjoyed this novel, it’s probably the house that I will dream about. It had this amazing old school charm, ghosts, history and just… it felt like the vibes of my dream home. So now I shall go and dream about it in my own time…

<- Season of LoveDare to Love ->

Image source: Amazon

A Pride Christmas by Jill Sanders

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Pride Christmas
Author: Jill Sanders
Series: The Pride #10
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This was a very fun and short Christmas novella. One that transports you back to Pride, Oregon. It’s made me want to dig into yet another one of these contemporary romance series set in small towns. Just too cute and sweet to be real. But a whole lot of fun to read about. The fact that it was set during Christmas time was all that much better. And the fact that although it took place in Pride, it wasn’t actually about one of the couples from this town.

I always love a good childhood friends to lovers kind of trope. Particularly when they’ve always felt that way but been unable to act on their emotions. It’s this great jump from friendship to lovers that show that they know everything about one another. Probably my favourite trope because they genuinely know where each other’s skeletons are buried but choose to fall in love anyway.

Alice and Eric are an incredibly cute and sweet couple. They’re the kind of couple that I love to read about. And the backdrop of a winter storm along a beach at a bed and breakfast? Just ridiculously wonderful and enjoyable. I love the beach, but now I have a ridiculous urge to go and see it in the winter. At Christmas. With the man I love hunkered down into the cottage with me…

<- Rescue MeMore Jill Sanders ->

Image source: Amazon

Red Hot Christmas by Jill Sanders

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Red Hot Christmas
Author: Jill Sanders
Series: The Pride #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This is my first every Jill Sanders book, and I’m definitely feeling like I’m a convert after reading this. Sanders has tones of Robyn Carr, not quite as impossible to put down, but still that great feeling of simplicity and joy that I’ve come to associate with her novels. The small town romances are definitely a catnip for me, one that I love to settle into and drift away with. The fact that this is also a Christmas story, set in the snow was also seriously enjoyable. Even though this started partway through the Pride series, and I was definitely missing a few bits of information, this was a wonderful contemporary romance that had me smiling and just generally enjoying the feeling of falling in love in a tiny town, covered in snow.

There were a few sad moments through this that helped to contrast with the happy feeling of falling in love and finding your happily ever after. For starters, there is Luke’s gran – she is such an integral part of his life, and her loss is definitely a tragic one. I love that Amber is happy to take the moment and let him process his grief without the complications of a new relationship. Plus, he also buys a beagle puppy which made me incredibly happy. I love that as part of the grieving process for Luke, he has the whole town banding behind him as support. This is the dream of a community – one that is there when you most need them without judgement.

There is also Amber’s backstory. At least Luke’s is filled with love, I can’t fathom the difficulties that she goes through and how callous and horrible her parents are. I thought they would be a bigger challenge to the blossoming relationship between Amber and Luke that they were though. I also love that when this knowledge comes to light in the town, the people automatically and unquestioningly band behind Amber in support. Shutting down gossipers and those who are too far into their own delusions to see reality. Both Amber and Luke have negative family moments throughout this story that they are able to support each other through. But, they also are moments which show how loyal and supportive the town of Pride is.

As an introduction to the Pride series, I found this fantastic and overwhelmingly beautiful. The Christmas aspect made it even more enjoyable. And, even though it is a story that takes partway through a established series, I still enjoyed being swept away. Now I just need to find out more about the rest of the characters and fall in love bit by bit with this tiny little Christmas town.

<- My Sweet ValentineReturn to Me ->

Image source: Amazon

A Perfect Fit by Adrienne Bell

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Perfect Fit
Author: Adrienne Bell
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This short story is actually a little bit heartbreaking, not because of the story per se, but because it focuses on society’s reactions to those who are bigger. Don’t get me wrong, it was also an incredibly cute story. It’s just that the crap that the protagonist has to deal with because she has a bigger frame is horrible. And the fact that she has to handle more of this nonsense than her male counterparts… incredibly annoying. Like I said, a bit of a heartbreaking commentary on our society.

I love that both of the characters in this story are plus sized. And that throughout their short interaction, he encourages her to be a little more comfortable and confident. Particularly when confronting her family who is too busy fat-shaming her to be anything but horrifying. It’s a reminder that sometimes the expected “family time” around the festive season shouldn’t necessarily be adhered to. At least, that’s the way I found it.

The idea that words don’t have an impact is highlighted as seriously wrong in this short story. Bell highlights how much can be internalised from bullying, nonsense and constantly being spoken down to. Although the Meet Cute on the plane in this story potentially will lead to a better, more positive outlook, it’s still a very open-ended story. As much as I would love to believe that this helps in the long term, I’m not entirely sure that it does.

Overall, I loved this short story. It was a great approach to have a holiday story which is not so much about the holiday, but the travel to and from it. And, although my cynical side doesn’t quite get the happily ever after from this, I loved the potential for this. I can’t wait to see what a full-length story from Adrienne Bell reads like if the short story is this good.

<- Decked OutCrazy Old Money ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Decked Out by Eva Moore

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Decked Out
Author: Eva Moore
Series: Exposed Dreams #2.5
In: Worst Holiday Ever (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

There’s a positive and negative to this short story. The positive is that this was seriously enjoyable and I kind of fell in love with it a little / a lot. The negative, now there’s another author and series that I’ve got on my ever-growing TBR. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I don’t think I’ll ever catch up on all of the reading that I want to do. Decked Out was a great story featuring a family holiday gone seriously wrong. Kind of hilariously wrong if I’m being honest. It was a little cringy to read, but in the best way possible.

Natalie and Enzo are a wonderfully cute couple. I love that this tale features a woman who is pregnant with twins, and although I know that there is more to their story available in Stripped Down. But, even having not read that, it is possible to put together some of their history and feel the passion of their relationship. Now I can’t wait to see how that developed in Stripped Down. Adding into that Natalie’s ex and the calamities of the two families… this was a seriously wonderful story.

I do love how it is both the best and the worst Christmas. One in which both parties have to find out how to communicate a little better and be a part of a healthy, functioning relationship. Definitely an enjoyable story, that had me giggling quite a bit throughout. Particularly when the pickled grandmother gets involved…

<- Stripped DownA Perfect Fit ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction