Review: Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak

Goodreads Blurb

It’s Christmas, and for the first time in years the entire Birch family will be under one roof. Even Emma and Andrew’s elder daughter—who is usually off saving the world—will be joining them at Weyfield Hall, their aging country estate. But Olivia, a doctor, is only coming home because she has to. Having just returned from treating an epidemic abroad, she’s been told she must stay in quarantine for a week…and so too should her family.

For the next seven days, the Birches are locked down, cut off from the rest of humanity—and even decent Wi-Fi—and forced into each other’s orbits. Younger, unabashedly frivolous daughter Phoebe is fixated on her upcoming wedding, while Olivia deals with the culture shock of being immersed in first-world problems.

As Andrew sequesters himself in his study writing scathing restaurant reviews and remembering his glory days as a war correspondent, Emma hides a secret that will turn the whole family upside down.

In close proximity, not much can stay hidden for long, and as revelations and long-held tensions come to light, nothing is more shocking than the unexpected guest who’s about to arrive…

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I felt like a piece of me ended with this book. I couldn’t put the book down. Each page lead you to secrets of the Birch family and how, as a family, they overcame all that life through at them. A novel full of life, love, courage, and forgiveness will tear at your heart and make you a part of the family. Secrets in family usually don’t stay a secret, and as they unravel, it will tear the whole family up. But how they deal and accept the challenges and secrets will give the family strength, love, and courage to love one another in good times and bad times. Highly recommend you be part of the Birch family and there quarantine.

Author Biography

Francesca Hornak is a British author, journalist and former columnist for the Sunday Times. Her debut novel Seven Days Of Us was published by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in October 2017. Little Island Productions and Entertainment One have pre-empted TV rights to the book.

Francesca’s work has appeared in newspapers and magazines including The Sunday Times, The Economist, The Financial Times, The Guardian, Metro, Elle, Grazia, Stylist, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Red. She is the author of two nonfiction books, History of the World in 100 Modern Objects: Middle Class Stuff (and Nonsense) and Worry with Mother: 101 Neuroses for the Modern Mama.

Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne

Goodreads Blurb

Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward’s Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she’s stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a helping hand…for her sick young daughter’s sake as well as her own. But she’s not expecting her holiday hero to almost run her down with his car!

Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza’s hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew that what his life was missing was Eliza and her little girl. But is he willing to risk hoping for a yuletide romance that could lead to forever?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book on RaeAnne’s FB page. I am speechless. This book left me wanting more. The chemistry between Aidan and Eliza was amazing. This book started with devastation and hurt but ended with a happy ending. I loved both characters occupation its was a perfect match. This book hits close to home since I lost my grandmother on Christmas Eve of 1995 because of cancer. I know how Aidan felt like life was going to be over before he received his results. I loved that Aidan’s character was strong, limitless, and with a touch of love and compassion while not portraying it. Eliza was determined and strong-willed. I smiled every time Maddie got excited. I would have never foreseen that she had a medical condition since she was always happy and energetic. The end of the story got me all teary-eyed from the gift he did for Eliza to the love that all the family gave to each other. Christmas is a time to spend with family and where magic can come true. I read this book in two days, not wanting to put it down. Thanks so much for a sweet and romantic story.

Author Biography

I’m not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all — through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor — I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try — their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I’ve come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the “that’s-it!” feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can’t imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

Review: A Darcy Christmas by Amanda Grange, Sharon Lathan, and Carolyn Eberhart

Goodreads Blurb

“Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Wish You a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

Share in the magic of the season in these three warm and wonderful holiday novellas from bestselling authors.

Christmas Present
by Amanda Grange

A Darcy Christmas
by Sharon Lathan

Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol
by Carolyn Eberhart

From two bestselling and a debut author comes heartwarming Christmas tales sure to delight Jane Austen fans.

From Amanda Grange, the bestselling author of Mr. Darcy’s Diary and Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, Christmas finds the Darcy’s celebrating the holiday with preparations for a ball, but the festivities are interrupted by the arrival of a very special gift… Ever sensual and romantic, Sharon Lathan highlights everything that’s best and most precious in the celebrations of the holiday season. After a quarter of a century together, Darcy and Elizabeth reminisce… Jane Austen meets Charles Dickens! Carol Eberhart’s Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol finds Darcy encountering ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show him his life if pride keeps him from his one true love.

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of Mr. Darcy, then this is a must-read. This book consists of three holiday stories: Christmas Present, A Darcy Christmas, and Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol. I enjoyed reading further into Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s future together. Each story gave holiday vibes and endless romance between the two characters. This book spread victorian holiday cheer for all.

Review: How The Grinch Lost Christmas by Alastair Heim, Dr. Seuss

Goodreads Blurb

The Grinch is BACK and ready to prove to the residents of Who- ville that he’s changed. This heartwarming sequel is written and illustrated in the style of Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Grinch had been patiently waiting all year,
To celebrate Christmas and bring the Whos cheer,
And to show every Who he was DIFFERENT now.
“I’ve changed!” thought the Grinch,
“And I’ll prove it! But HOW ?”

A year has passed since the Grinch stole Christmas from Who- ville. Now eager to prove to the Whos that his heart has grown to LOVE the holiday, the Grinch devises a plan to win Who -ville’s Christmas Crown by making the largest, most spectacular Christmas tree the Whos have ever seen!

But when things don’t go as planned, the Grinch’s heart turns ice cold, and he threatens to leave Who- ville for good…until one small, special Who reminds him that Christmas is NOT about winning.

Grow your heart three sizes MORE with this sequel to the timeless picture book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Featuring a foil-enhanced jacket and full-color illustrations rendered in the iconic style of the original, this new story makes a splendid gift and a must-have addition to the libraries of Grinch fans of all ages!

My Review: Rated 5 out if 5 stars

It’s a fantastic continuation of the Grinch’s Story. Can the Grinch show the Whos that he has changed? He is looking to win the contest with the biggest Christmas tree. This win will come at any cost. Winning is the Grinches’ top priority, and he doesn’t see how other people feel about him obsessing with the contest. Little Cindy will remind the Grinch that winning doesn’t mean you need to be mean. The Grinch felt he was losing the Christmas spirit, but in the end, he realized the whole meaning of Christmas.

Cover Reveal: Merry Misfits by Cambria Hebert

BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Merry Misfits (House of Misfits #5) 
Author: Cambria Hebert 
Cover Designer: Cover Me Darling 
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday novella, Romance, series 
Release Date: December 10th


Synopsis:

Once upon a time…
A lost prince was robbed of the magic of the holiday season.
Ribbons, glitter, tree-trimming, and love all denied for hateful reasons.
What once was lost is now wondrously found.
And, naturally, holiday shenanigans will abound.
New York City is blanketed in pure white snow,
the perfect date night setting to make your heart grow.
Beneath the twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine mingles,
and the warmth of chocolate-filled mugs chase away any grinchy-grinch tingles.
Zip up your coat and tug on your hat
because spending this holiday season with your favorite misfits is where it’s at.
For even the grumpiest grump of the bunch will have to admit
‘tis the season to be a merry misfit.

Experience the magic of New York City at Christmas with Fletcher and the rest of the misfit family as they create family traditions and memories through special dates and holiday fun.
Be prepared for lots of fluff, laughter, grumbling grumps, swoony romance, and surprises!
Merry Misfits is a special House of Misfits holiday novella featuring the entire misfit family
and is told in alternating POVs from some of your favorites.
Merry Misfits is approximately 48,000 words and is book five in the series.
Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59724048-merry-misfits

AUTHOR BIO:

Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. 

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house). 

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website: http://www.cambriahebert.com.
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cambriahebertbooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert/
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/pins/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298677.Cambria_Hebert

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Second Chance Santa by J.J. Knight

BOOK DETAILS:
Second Chance Santa
by J.J. Knight
Publication date: November 15th 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Holiday, Romance
Cover Design: Lori Jackson
Cover Image: Wander Aguiar


Synopsis:

What has happened to Mack McAllister?
 
We were law school rivals.
Absolutely insane in bed.
Our two-year fling ended when we graduated.
He had his ambitions. I had mine.
 
We were going to slay the competition.
Now he’s sleighing it?
 
When I stalk him at Riverside Mall, he looks like Santa in every way. White beard. Rosy cheeks. Kid on his knee.
 
But I know better. That bowl full of jelly is hiding ripped abs.
 
I’ve been inside that suit.
 
Something’s happened to the Mack I knew ten years ago.
 
I don’t know how he feels about me now, but there’s only one way to find out.
 
Get in there and jingle those bells.
___________
Second Chance Santa is a holiday romantic comedy about the one who got away, the perils of resting Grinch face, and all the delicious ways to unwrap a candy cane.
Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59108228-second-chance-santa

AUTHOR BIO:

JJ Knight is the USA Today and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic comedy including Tasty Mango and Big Pickle.
Author links:
Web site: http://www.jjknight.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjknightauthor
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Knight/e/B00IDSRBFS
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jj-knight
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7827726.J_J_Knight
Newsletter/Texts: http://bit.ly/JJKnews

Giveaway Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/61c7273935/?

Cover Reveal: Sleigh Bells on Bread Loaf Mountain by Lindy Miller

BOOK DETAILS:
Sleigh Bells on Bread Loaf Mountain
by Lindy Miller
Published by: Rosewind Books
Publication date: December 7, 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Synopsis:

Screenplay by the writer of Rescuing Madison and
A Lesson in Romance (Hallmark), and the forthcoming Aloha with Love.

Christmas isn’t fashion editor Roxanne Hudson’s style, but when she finds herself snowed in with a handsome stranger, she might just discover the magic of the season after all.

Roxanne Hudson does not like the holidays. They come with too many family obligations that take her away from work as a rising fashion editor in New York City. But this Christmas might be Grandma Myrtle’s last, and Roxanne’s parents want her to spend the holiday at the family cabin in the Green Mountains. With her boyfriend out of the country for a photo shoot, Roxanne decides to brave the long commute—and the wilderness—to spend Christmas in Vermont.

After an uncomfortable call from her boyfriend starts the trip off badly, Roxanne is blindsided by a blizzard on the snowy mountain road, where the last thing she hears before losing consciousness is sleigh bells. When she’s rescued by Mark Foster, a handsome park ranger who’s the exact opposite of everything she always thought she wanted, Roxanne seeks her grandmother’s wisdom and discovers an uncanny connection that could be a sign of what her life is really meant to be.
Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53872642-sleigh-bells-on-bread-loaf-mountain
Pre-order:Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kCRNkJ

AUTHOR BIO:

Lindy Miller is an entrepreneur, award-winning professor, and publishing professional. In 2011, Miller was part of the executive leadership team that founded Radiant Advisors, a data and business intelligence research and advisory firm, where Miller developed and launched the company’s editorial and research divisions, and later its data visualization practice, for clients that included 21st Century Fox Films, Fox Networks, Warner Bros., and Disney. She is the author of numerous papers and two textbooks under the name of Lindy Ryan, The Visual Imperative: Creating a Culture of Visual Discovery (Elsevier) and Visual Data Storytelling with Tableau (Pearson) Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration: Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and a Doctorate in Education, Organizational Leadership.

Author links:

https://twitter.com/lindywriteslove

https://www.glitterandgravedust.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lindyryanwrites

https://www.instagram.com/lindyryanwrites/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20373238.Lindy_Miller

Cover Reveal: On Christmas Tree Cove by Sarah Vance-Tompkins

BOOK DETAILS:
On Christmas Tree Cove
by Sarah Vance-Tompkins
Published by: Tule Publishing
Publication date: October 27th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Synopsis:

This Christmas calls for a special touch of magic…

December was always a special time for seaplane pilot Morgan Adair, but after losing her parents six years ago, the holiday is a quiet affair. When her siblings announce plans to sell the family home, Morgan longs to experience her favorite, now-forgotten tradition one more time: a lighted tree that, for over a hundred years, has appeared floating on a boat in the harbor every Christmas Eve.

The Taylors were always rivals to the Adairs in the once-thriving fishing village of Christmas Tree Cove, but Jesse Taylor was much more. He wanted to be understanding when Morgan set aside their plans to escape to Chicago in order to hold her family together, but his future as a successful freelance photographer soared on without her.

As Morgan dives deeper into the history of the mysterious holiday appearance, she discovers that true love has always been at the heart of the annual tradition. Can the wonder of Christmas and a few surprises along the way rekindle that love for Morgan and Jesse too?
Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58369772-on-christmas-tree-cove
Pre-order:https://tulepublishing.com/books/on-christmas-tree-cove/

AUTHOR BIO:

Sarah Vance-Tompkins was born in a small town in northern Michigan. She spent every summer exploring the sugar sand beaches near Sleeping Bear National Park. She left her heart behind when she moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California. She received an MFA in Film Production and went on to work in feature film development in Hollywood. She has worked as a reporter for a weekly entertainment trade publication, written press releases, the directions for use on personal lubricant bottles, and breathless descriptions of engagement rings for an online jewelry store. She lives in a small town north of Los Angeles with her husband and two unruly cats.

Author links: 
http://www.sarahvancetompkins.com/

http://www.sarahvancetompkins.com/new-page

https://twitter.com/sarahvtompkins

https://www.instagram.com/sarahvantom/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10742910.Sarah_Vance_Tompkins