Book Review – All I Want for Christmas

Title: All I Want for Christmas
Author: Wendy Loggia
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: December 22-27, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 139
Format: eBook
Page Count: 220
Reread: 2nd time reading
Genre: YA Christmas Romance
Publisher: Underlined

Synopsis: Bailey Briggs is counting down the days to Christmas: she lives for holiday music, baking cookies, going on snowy sleigh rides, and wearing her light-up reindeer ears to work at Winslow’s bookstore. But all she really wants this year is the one thing she doesn’t have: someone special to kiss under the mistletoe. And she’s 100 percent certain that that someone isn’t Jacob Marley–athlete, player, and of questionable taste in girlfriends–and that Charlie, the mysterious stranger with the British accent, is the romantic lead of her dreams. Is she right?

This will be a December to remember, filled with real-life Christmas magic . . . and, if she stays on Santa’s nice list, a wish that just might come true.

Review: This book was the Christmas spark of joy I needed in my life.

If you’re looking for some Christmas magic that will leave you feeling like a happy melted pile of gooey holiday cheer, then this is the book for you.

I read this book with my mom because we were both in dire need of some Christmas cheer. After we read a little bit she said to me “this is you!” So much of Bailey’s inner monologue and describing her love of Christmas is 100% me. Seeing myself within pages of a book is such a wonderful surprise.

This was such a fun and lighthearted story that often had me giggling out loud. Truly a wonderful holiday read.

Book Review – The Christmas Train

Title: The Christmas Train
Author: David Baldacci
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Read: December 23-26, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 138
Format: Audiobook
Page Count: 258
Genre: Christmas Romance
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Synopsis: A journalist on a cross-country Christmas train scales the rugged terrain of his own heart in this New York Times bestselling holiday tale that inspired the Hallmark Hall of Fame original movie!

Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to Los Angeles in time for Christmas. Forced to travel by train, he begins a journey of rude awakenings, thrilling adventures, and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people’s essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost.

David Baldacci’s THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief…and shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles.

Review: I’ve seen the movie that was based on this book every year since it came out, so I felt it was time to finally read the book!

The book is pretty similar to the movie, obviously there will be some changes but it was a pretty solid adaptation as adaptations go. I don’t need to tell you how rare and wonderful that is.

If you’re a fan of the movie and any sort of hallmark-esque feeling holiday story, you’ll have fun with this one!

Book Review – We Grant You a Merry Christmas

Title: We Grant You a Merry Christmas
Author: Morgan Matson
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: December 23, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 137
Format: eBook
Page Count: 110
Genre: YA Contemporary

Synopsis: A new story set in the world of Save the Date!

It’s Christmas of Charlie Grant’s sophomore year in college. And even though the Grants are no longer in their old house, Charlie is feeling the pressure to have the perfect holiday. All her siblings are coming back. Will they be able to re-create their Christmas traditions? Will it even feel like Christmas at all? And why is everyone suddenly sold out of Sir Harry’s Happy Christmas Gingerbread?!

In the midst of all of this, Charlie has a decision to make about her future. She’s hoping for a quiet, peaceful holiday so she can sort things through.

But HAHAHAHA these are the Grants! This Christmas is going to be anything but a silent night. Between unreliable vans, missing Santas, stolen cars, a greenhouse heist, and far too much time spent on the New Jersey Turnpike, Christmas is threatening to turn into an utter disaster.

Will Charlie manage to turn things around before Christmas morning?

Review: Save the Date is one of my favourite books ever, so I had pretty high hopes for this one. It did NOT disappoint. I loved every second that I got to spend with the Grant’s. This was the perfect Christmas gift.

Book Review – Snow in Love

Title: Snow in Love
Author: Various Authors
Rating: ★★★★☆
Read: December 23, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 136
Format: ebook
Page Count: 253
Reread: 3rd time reading
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Point

Synopsis: What’s better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story? Four of them, from some of today’s bestselling authors.

From KASIE WEST, a snowy road trip takes an unexpected detour when secrets and crushes are revealed.

From AIMEE FRIEDMAN, a Hanukkah miracle may just happen when a Jewish girl working as a department store elf finds love.

From MELISSA DE LA CRUZ, Christmas Eve gets a plot twist when a high school couple exchange surprising presents.

From NIC STONE, a scavenger hunt amid the holiday crowds at an airport turns totally romantic.

So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to fall in love…

Review: 2021 reread: Every time I reread Snow and Mistletoe, I end up loving it even more. It’s the definition of perfection.

Honestly worth getting just for the Kasie West story.
It’s one of the most beautiful and lovely heartwarming stories I’ve ever read.
Truth be told, sometimes my heart was just melting over how perfect her story was.
But just a heads up… I own Sawyer Harris. He belongs to me and I’m not sharing.

The other ones… well I wish they had been better.

Here’s my rating and review for each story:

Snow and Mistletoe by Kasie West
★★★★★
The impossible has occurred. I never thought I’d see this day come… I have a new favourite Kasie West story. Considering she’s one of my favourite authors and has a vast (and outstanding) catalogue, this was no easy feat.
This was perfect! The setting, the plot, the characters. I couldn’t have ever imagined a more beautiful and heartwarming Christmas story.

Working in a Winter Wonderland by Aimee Friedman
★★★★☆
A well written holiday story. I could definitely feel the stress of dealing with a crowd of holiday shoppers.
Only thing I didn’t like is how rude the main character could be sometimes, but let’s face it, there are people who are like that.

The Magi’s Gift by Melissa de la Cruz
★★★☆☆
Obviously the title gives away the plot to the story. This is indeed a modern retelling if the very famous and oft retold The Gift of the Magi. So obviously this story was a bit predictable seeing that I know the original story so well.

Grounded by Nic Stone
★★★☆☆
Well written and I always LOVE when authors use texts in books, I find it fun, but considering this takes place on Christmas Eve… it barely felt like a holiday read. Considering this is a book about “deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday stories”, I wanted it to feel like a holiday story like the previous three did. Other than the mention that it’s Christmas Eve, there’s a snow storm and there’s one sentence of a guy in a Santa suit… this was not a holiday story. So honestly I felt like… why even include it?

Book Review – The Afterlife of Holly Chase

Title: The Afterlife of Holly Chase
Author: Cynthia Hand
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: December 18-22, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 135
Format: Audiobook
Page Count: 389
Reread: 3rd time reading
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Publisher: Harper Audio

Synopsis: On Christmas Eve five years ago, Holly was visited by three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she’d become. They tried to convince her to mend her ways.

She didn’t.

And then she died.

Now she’s stuck working for the top-secret company Project Scrooge–as the latest Ghost of Christmas Past.

Every year, they save another miserly grouch. Every year, Holly stays frozen at seventeen while her family and friends go on living without her. So far, Holly’s afterlife has been miserable.

But this year, everything is about to change…

Review: I decided to do a reread of this via audio because Erin Spencer is my favourite audiobook narrator. It was absolutely perfect.

I haven’t stopped thinking about this book in the year since I read it. If anything, I love it even more now than I did when I read it. It’s like this tiny little seed was planted in my heart and it just keeps growing into the greatest joy.

If you like audiobooks, I definitely recommend this one.

Original review: A Christmas Carol has always been, and will always be, one my favourite stories. Not just one of my favourite Christmas stories, one of my favourite stories ever. When I found out this was a retelling of that classic tale, I knew I would need to read it. Am I ever glad I did!

Perfect. Completely and utterly perfect. One of the greatest retellings I’ve ever read.

I can’t even put into words how absolutely flawless this book was. It was everything I never knew I needed.

I don’t want to give too much away, but I can say that I don’t think I have ever seen such incredible character growth in a standalone. It usually takes an author a few books in a series to pull off the kind of growth Hand was able to craft. It blew me away.

Holly’s narrative throughout the book was the definite stand out. There was just the right amount of humour, grief, swooning and full on sobbing all blended together to make a story that was entirely beautiful.

I’ll likely never be able to explain how this book made me feel. It truly is indescribable.

Well done Cynthia Hand. You created a book that would make Dickens proud.

Please make sure you all pick up this wonderful story. It will stick with you and fill you up with hope and joy.

ARC Review – Murder on the Golden Arrow

Title: Murder on the Golden Arrow
Author: Magda Alexander
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Read: December 7-21, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 134
Format: eARC
Page Count: 216
Release Date: September 21, 2021
Series: Book 1 of The Kitty Worthington Mysteries
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Hearts Afire Publishing

Synopsis: What’s a bright young woman to do when her brother becomes the main suspect in a murder? Why, solve the case, of course.

England. 1923. After a year away at finishing school where she learned etiquette, deportment, and the difference between a salad fork and a fish one, Kitty Worthington is eager to return home. But minutes after she and her brother Ned board the “Golden Arrow,” the unthinkable happens. A woman with a mysterious connection to her brother is poisoned, and the murderer can only be someone aboard the train.

When Scotland Yard hones in on Ned as the main suspect, Kitty sets out to investigate. Not an easy thing to do while juggling the demands of her debut season and a mother intent on finding a suitable, aristocratic husband for her.

With the aid of her maid, two noble beaus, and a flatulent Basset Hound named Sir Winston, Kitty treads a fearless path through the glamorous world of high society and London’s dark underbelly alike to find the murderer. For if she fails, the insufferable Inspector Crawford will most surely hang a noose around her brother’s neck.

A frolicking historical cozy mystery filled with dodgy suspects, a dastardly villain, and an intrepid heroine sure to win your heart, Murder on the Golden Arrow is the first book in The Kitty Worthington Mysteries. For lovers of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey alike.

Review: This was a decent enough mystery with an enjoyable cast of characters.

I will say that the language used felt more late 1800s than 1920s, but perhaps that’s just me.

*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Hearts Afire Publishing on Netgalley. An honest review was provided.

Book Review – 10 Blind Dates

Title: 10 Blind Dates
Author: Ashley Elston
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: December 15-17, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 133
Format: Audiobook
Page Count: 327
Reread: 3rd time reading
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Recorder Books

Synopsis: Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship. Cue devastation.

Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents’ house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That’s when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.

When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she’s started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.

This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever… or is it?

Review: I did what’s becoming an annual reread of those fun book. It’s Christmas joy wrapped into pages.

It’s a book that makes me endlessly happy and always leaves me smiling all day when I’m reading it.

You can read my initial review here.

Book Review – Gilded

Title: Gilded
Author: Marissa Meyer
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Read: December 12-15, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 132
Format: Audiobook
Page Count: 512
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Synopsis: In Gilded, #1 New York Timesbestselling author Marissa Meyer returns to the fairytale world with this haunting retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.

Long ago cursed by the god of lies, a poor miller’s daughter has developed a talent for spinning stories that are fantastical and spellbinding and entirely untrue.

Or so everyone believes.

When one of Serilda’s outlandish tales draws the attention of the sinister Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself swept away into a grim world where ghouls and phantoms prowl the earth and hollow-eyed ravens track her every move. The king orders Serilda to complete the impossible task of spinning straw into gold, or be killed for telling falsehoods. In her desperation, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious boy to her aid. He agrees to help her… for a price. Love isn’t meant to be part of the bargain.

Soon Serilda realizes that there is more than one secret hidden in the castle walls, including an ancient curse that must be broken if she hopes to end the tyranny of the king and his wild hunt forever.

Review: This had pretty consistently been a five star read. The entire story was entertaining and enjoyable that I kept thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading it.

Then it got to the final act and Meyer decided to do something that I completely hated and made me really upset. I can’t say what because it’s a massive spoiler.

I’m hoping the next book will somehow fix what I ended up hating about this book. If it does, I’ll likely come back and alter this review and rating.

But at the moment, I am not happy.

Book Review – Battle Royal

Title: Battle Royal
Author: Lucy Parker
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: December 8-10, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 131
Format: Audiobook
Page Count: 416
Series: Book 1 of Palace Insiders
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis: Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits.

Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colorful creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere, the hottest pastry chef in London. When her glittery unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has managed to use her fame to help fulfill her dream of opening a bakery, Sugar Fair. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker, the go-to for sweet-toothed A-List celebrities, and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that the irksome Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…

When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they’re both determined to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

Review: There’s no other way I can describe this other than to say it was completely entertaining.

It’s as “action packed” as a romcom can get. The story literally does not stop. I did not want to put it down.

Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year.

Audiobook recommended.

Book Review – The Ex Hex

Title: The Ex Hex
Author: Erin Sterling
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Read: December 7, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 130
Format: Audiobook
Page Count: 320
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Avon

Synopsis: New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.

Review: This was an enjoyable witchy romance that would be fun for spooky season.

It did leave me hoping to get more stories in the future, specifically about Rhys’s brothers.

Audiobook recommended.

Book Review – Mistletoe Cottage

Title: Mistletoe Cottage
Author: Debbie Mason
Rating: ★★★★☆
Read: December 1-6, 2021
Book Read in 2021: 129
Format: Audiobook
Page Count: 322
Series: Book 1 of Harmony Harbor
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Forever

Synopsis: ‘Tis the season for love . . .
Sophie DiRossi loved growing up in Harmony Harbor. But after fleeing in disgrace many years ago, it is the last place she wants to be. Left homeless by a fire, she’s forced to go back to the small coastal town that harbors a million secrets, including her own. Sophie sees this secret reflected every day in her daughter’s blue eyes-and she must keep it hidden from the only man she has ever loved.

Sophie’s return is a shock for everyone . . . especially Liam Gallagher. The firefighter had some serious feelings for Sophie-and seeing her again sparks a desire so fierce it takes his breath away. Now Liam will do whatever it takes to show Sophie that they deserve a second chance at love, even if everything they’ve concealed threatens to keep them apart. In this special town at this special time of the year, Sophie and Liam can only hope for a little holiday magic..

Review: A lovely read for the holiday season that’s filled with fun and heart. Having a ghost in this story was a pleasantly unexpected surprise.

I can see a lot of set up happening for more books to come. I look forward to reading more.

*Disclaimer* I received a physical copy from Forever Publishing. An honest review was provided.