Married by Twelfth Night ~ Review

Married by Twelfth Night

Regency Christmas Brides

By Anneka Walker

When he is promised the means to secure the future of his estate and that of his mother and sister, Richard Graham never thought fulfilling his great aunt's requirements for a bride would be so difficult. Worse, only one young lady seems to possess all the necessary qualifications. But to capture this perfect miss's heart, he'll need the help of her younger sister. Grace has none of the traits his aunt requires, but she captures his heart.

Married by Twelfth Night is a fun conclusion to the Regency Christmas Brides series. I love how Grace and Richard are convinced they are all wrong for the other. Weighing matters of the heart against his family's future is a big thing throughout this story.  

If you want a sweet Regency Christmas, read this new title from Anneka Walker. This is a no-spice, enemies-to-something-more read, and it wants to make its way to the top of your Christmas TBR list.

 

About the Book:

 Mr. Richard Graham will do anything to find a wife by Christmas, 

including calling in a favor from the one woman who despises him.

Richard Graham cannot believe his luck when his great-aunt promises him a fortune if he’s married by Twelfth Night. He can finally clear his father’s debts and save his beloved Belside Manor. Miss Ruth Steele meets all the marriageable requirements his aunt insisted upon, but he’ll need the help of her clever and beautiful sister, Grace, to win the quiet woman over. Not only is Grace a dear friend to his younger sister, with loyalties to his family estate, but she also happens to owe him a generous favor. If she can put aside her dislike for him, his Christmas miracle will be easily attainable by the looming deadline.

Grace Steele never planned to make a bargain with Richard Graham. She cares little for the overly charming man and his penchant for flirtation, and she has spent the last several years establishing this fact. But when Richard offers to scare away an unwanted suitor in exchange for her help, she relents. What harm can arise from a pretend courtship over the holidays? Besides his unsettling effect on her, it allows time for her impossibly shy sister to warm to Richard and sends a clear message to Mr. Dobson that she is unavailable. Once Ruth and Richard are married, she will be forever rid of the much-too-perfect Richard Graham.

And all by Twelfth Night. What could possibly go wrong?

*Love blooms in the least expected place in this witty, kisses only, holiday romance. 

Read as a stand-alone, or enjoy it as the last book in the Regency Christmas Brides series.

Other books in the Regency Christmas Brides series:

A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connelly

Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers

Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton

Married by Twelfth Night by Anneka Walker

Yuletide Bride ~ Review

Yuletide Bride

Regency Christmas Brides

By Kasey Stockton

When Colin Birchall proposes marriage, no one is more surprised than Mercy Caldwell. She's been passed over by eligible men in favor of her younger sisters. But Colin needs a bride and to marry before Twelfth Night if he hopes to save his estate. 

Mercy hoped Colin might notice her, but it had been years since she had that dream. With her youngest sister soon to announce her engagement, Mercy gladly accepts this offer to not be the spinster sister helping her parents with their pastoral duties. 

Colin and Mercy might have a passing awareness of each other's identities, but nothing has prepared either for the compromises of personality and tradition they now face. Mercy believes in doing her fair share of the work, but Colin feels she should fill the role as his mother did. Can you see the problems brewing here? So when Great Aunt Edith pops in for a surprise visit to see if Colin has indeed married for love, disaster could be in their future if the estate does not crumble around them first.

This was an interesting read as Colin and Mercy navigate their marriage of convenience. Can two people who have such different backgrounds find love? They must both learn a couple of key elements, one of which is listening. This is the second book (in order of release) in the Regency Christmas Brides series and an enjoyable read if you want a break from the contemporary hubbub.

About the Book:

 When a marriage of convenience becomes inconveniently complicated...

Mercy Caldwell, the vicar’s eldest daughter, has watched her younger sisters march down the aisle while she remains resolutely on the shelf. When a chance at matrimony arrives mere hours after her youngest sister’s engagement, Mercy seizes the opportunity—and the man she’s secretly admired for years.

Colin Birchall’s grand estate is crumbling, and his aunt’s generous inheritance comes with one condition: he must be married by Twelfth Night. In Mercy, he finds the perfect candidate to meet his aunt’s exacting standards. It seems an ideal arrangement—until they’re forced to actually live together.

From differing views on marriage to clashing Christmas traditions, Mercy and Colin discover that convenience and compatibility are two very different things. But when Colin’s aunt arrives unannounced demanding proof of their love, they must convince her—and perhaps themselves—that their hastily forged union is more than just a festive facade.

Can Mercy and Colin turn their paper marriage into a love match before Twelfth Night? Or will their convenient arrangement crumble faster than Colin’s ancestral home?

Yuletide Bride is a heartwarming holiday romance that proves 

love often arrives in the most unexpected packages—no bow required.

Other books in the Regency Christmas Brides series:

A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connelly

Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers

Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton

Married by Twelfth Night by Anneka Walker

A Seasonal Pursuit ~ Review

A Seasonal Pursuit

Regency Christmas Brides #1

By Rebecca Connolly

Rose Portman and three of her cousins have been promised what they most desire. There is just one catch: they are all expected to find love and marry by Twelfth Night. A Seasonal Pursuit is the first book in the Regency Christmas Brides series written by four authors.

Rose wants nothing more than to avoid society and enjoy a quiet life in a cottage. With just such a promise dangling in front of her, Rose has no choice but to attend a holiday house party in York away from her family. But can she find someone willing to marry her from amongst the other guests? And more importantly, can she find someone with whom she can find love?

Webb Rixton's mother and sister are pressuring him to find a new wife. His children need a mother, and he needs companionship. Marriage is the last thing he wants to pursue, but he agrees to attend a local house party. 

Rose and Webb soon form a friendship and agree to help one another with the family pressures they are both facing.  Soon, they enjoy an unexpected friendship that could lead to something more. But love, never! Rose refuses to abandon her dream, and love would undoubtedly complicate everything. 

This was an enjoyable read, with all the good feelings of a family Christmas. I love series that are multi-author offerings, as they offer a fresh feel with each book. And I love Christmas reads. I highly recommend this book if you want a clean Regency holiday romance.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

*Regency Christmas Brides: Four festive tales of romance.

'Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the house, 

four cousins have been told they all need a spouse...

Have yourself a married little Christmas…

Rose Portman, determined spinster, has a bit of a predicament. Her great-aunt has challenged her to get married before Twelfth Night and promised that, if she does, Rose will inherit the perfect country cottage with the funds to maintain it. Rose has always wanted to get away from London and Society, and this could be her chance! But the catch is that Rose has to attend a holiday house party in York and find a husband among the guests. Worst of all… she must marry for love.

Webb Rixton, Lord Downing, is attending a holiday house party hosted by his neighbor, but only because his mother and sister are making him. He knows his young children need a mother, but no one could possibly replace his late wife, so marriage and love are the last things on his mind. Still, he thinks he might have found a friend in the refreshingly frank Miss Portman, and a friend could be just what he needs to return to the land of the living. When she tells him of her situation, and her plot to thwart it, he is determined to help her, setting them both on a path of the most unexpected nature.

Will this season be particularly jolly for Rose and Webb? Or will the weather not be the only thing that is frightful?

*Decking the halls has never been quite so jolly in this sweet, snarky, swoonworthy holiday romance. Read as a stand-alone, or enjoy it as the last book in the Regency Christmas Brides series.

A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connolly

Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers

Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton

Married by Twelfth Night by Anneka Walker

Meddling with Mistletoe ~ Review

Meddling with Mistletoe

By Liz Johnson 

Whitney Garrett's ideas always seem to go wrong, and this time, it will cost her if she can't find an oven to use. She committed to selling her pies when her oven goes out. It is cold enough to double for a refrigerator. (Okay, that is an exaggeration.) With her landlord gone for several weeks, she is in a pickle or a whole lotta pie. What's a girl to do when saving for culinary school and putting down a sizeable deposit on her booth? Why call on a friend, of course.

Marie Sloan is up to her knees in things that need to be done at the latest an hour ago. When Whitney asks to borrow The Red Door Inn's oven and kitchen, Marie is more than willing to make a trade. Whitney will watch her kids and make breakfast for the Inn's out-of-season guests. Her need for a working oven is so great that Whitney agrees.

Whitney never expected the mess of emotions and clumsiness Aretha Franklin Sloan's nephew Dan would cause her to become. It is not good when she is facing deadlines, but something about Dan discombobulates her. But Whitney is flabbergasted when his Aunt Aretha asks Whitney to help nudge Dan towards a romance with Ruby. How's a girl who has never had a romance of her own supposed to help steer someone else into one?

As time goes on, Whitney wonders if someone else, someone like her, would be a better fit for Dan. But Dan's aunt has decided who Daniel should fall in love with, and it is not Whitney. Whitney and Dan's feelings don't merit consideration. But when Mistletoe's involved all plans are off.

This is a Christmas story about second chances, first loves, and meddling aunts. And in case you are wondering plenty of kissing once the mistletoe is put into play. This book can be read as a standalone title. Reading the author's previous books set in Prince Edward Island at the Red Door Inn are not necessary to read this book. So if you are a fan of Christmas romance this book could be for you. 

I have to admit this book just didn't grab me. I couldn't get invested in the characters. And Aretha really annoyed me with her attempt to control her nephew's life and force a romance. But maybe it's just me.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a catch: Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.

The inn is busy with holiday guests--including Aretha Franklin Sloan's perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha's antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney's help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel--and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.

Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen 

consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.

Release Day for Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

 Today Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is 

Now Available!

This delightful story based on key aspects

of the Nutcracker find a new and

unique life in this story

by Roseanna M. White.

About the Book:

The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

ADVANCE PRAISE

"So many delightful layers to this tale, along with intriguing characters and beautiful descriptions...It really puts you in the mood for Christmas."— Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Tree Farm and A Royal Christmas

"Sugar plums, gingerbread, and all the Christmasy feels go into this charming holiday romance."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

AUTHOR BIO

Roseanna M. White (RoseannaMWhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor ~ Review

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor
By Roseanna M. White

This is an enjoyable and delightful retelling of The Nutcracker. The key elements of the story are there but they woven into the story so artfully that if you are not aware of it beforehand you may not notice it.

Lady Mariah Lyons loves her home at Plumford Manor, especially at Christmas time when she helps transform it into Sugar Plum Manor. Unfortunately as the stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, she'll never inherit her belief home. No it will be passing to distant relative of the earl's, Cyril Lightbourne.

Cyril was a close friend of Mariah after a delightful holiday while both were still children. But time and a misunderstood conversation have reshaped what everyone expected to have happened. Years have passed Cyril and Mariah finally get a chance to rediscover their bonds of childhood friendship.

This is a lovely story that retells a Christmas Classic without resorting to the use of magic or oversized rodents. My favorite scene involves the Christmas display and all the wonders one could conceive of. And when Mariah plans a surprise with the village children she changes this holiday into one no one will ever forget. Highly recommended if you want a quiet, clean read for the Christmas season. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the Book:

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once upon a time, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more—but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruel-hearted Lady Pearl. Now, Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

 

Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly returns in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family's distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he’d rather forget. Then more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas…and to disgrace Cyril in the process.   

Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.

Midnight Clear ~ Review

Midnight Clear

Guardians Unleashed Prequel

By Jerusha Agen

 

I always enjoy getting the background info and Midnight Clear gives just a glimpse of that in this Guardians Unleashed prequel novella. It is a short story set at Christmas and a not-so-sweet occurrence happens.

Marion Ainsley, who trains and takes in unwanted dogs, finds herself hosting (not by choice) an undercover cop and a baby.  Her holidays and her life, in general, are fairly solitary other than her maybe friend Phoenix Gray. Yes, THE Phoenix Gray, of the Guardians, and she's as mysterious as ever in this book.

But Marion has resigned herself to a life without a family of her own. She knows what she looks like and that people can't see beyond her outer appearance. So, she is totally baffled by this stranger who entered her life because of a Minnesota snowstorm. 

This will be a Christmas unlike any she has ever experienced, not just because her life is in danger.

This is a page-turner that fans of the Guardians Unleashed series will want to read yesterday. This gives one more piece of the puzzle that is Phoenix Gray.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Her worst fear is another Christmas alone.
Until she isn’t alone.

Christmas is supposed to be a happy time. Marion Ainsley is determined this holiday will be everything it’s never been for her. She’s placed gifts under the tree for the dogs in her shelter, Forever Home, and watched every romantic Christmas movie she can find. All she’s missing is a person to love her despite the scars that have driven her into hiding.

Her dream of a real Christmas crumbles when a blizzard moves in, bringing more than snow. She finds a man half-buried on her property. And he’s holding a baby.

The unexpected visitors are being chased by enemies far more frightening. People who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Will Marion’s mysterious friend, Phoenix Gray, and an undercover police officer be able to keep her safe? Or will this Christmas be her last?

 

All's Fair in Love and Christmas ~ Review

All's Fair in Love and Christmas

By Sarah Monzon

Mackenzie Graham loves her job; she's good at it. Until she has to make a presentation or talk face-to-face with anyone. And now she's up for a promotion that will demand just that. What's worse she's competing against her secret crush.

Jeremy Fletcher has a plan and everything is on track. He's up for promotion at work and he knows his work speaks for itself. And he knows he can get the right Christmas cheer to help him make it a sure thing. There's just one little problem now that he's getting to Mackenzie, he's beginning to realize she's so much more than who she presents to the world.

All's Fair in Love and Christmas is a fun read. Can you ever have too much Christmas?  Mackenzie and Jeremy and their coworkers are about to find out. And there may be a few Christmas cheer fails along the way. This is a contemporary read that focuses on family and allowing life to happen in unexpected ways.  This cute read finds Mackenzie and Jeremy having to rethink just what they expect from life and realizing that sometimes control needs to be relinquished. This is mostly a light read but there are some serious moments that help one understand what shaped these characters into the people they are. This was an easy and for me a quick weekend read,

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but the raise will help him as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the job isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

'Tis the season for romance, faith, and humor--all wrapped up in this enchanting holiday rom-com from award-winning author Sarah Monzon.

Better Watch Out ~ Review

Better Watch Out

Defensemen Romantic Holiday Adventure #1

By Natalie Walters

Frankie Frost, such a good name for someone visiting New York City at Christmas time, has just had her heart broken by her now ex.  And her big brother is more than urging her to leave NYC behind and visit family in D.C., so not Frannie's plan. But concerned brother Ryan knows best!

When Ryan Frost reaches out to Andrew Bishop, a whole series of events is set into motion, including an incident with pepper spray. Let's just say it was painful. 

Despite Frannie's objections that she can handle herself, Andrew finds himself in protection mode. Not easy, but he's up for some challenges, if only he didn't have a protection detail to get to, like immediately. And it is obvious that Frannie has no idea what dangers walk the streets of New York, but he does.

This reads like a Hallmark movie, the only this missing is some fun Christmas music playing in the background. Can a broken heart find a potential new love, one that is true amid the hustle and bustle of NYC during Christmas? Well, you'll need to read the book and find out. You won't be sorry. This is a cute read with some fun moments. And with a cast of supporting characters, one can only hope for more Defensemen Holiday Romances.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Leave the candy canes, take the pepper spray!

Nothing screams Christmas like a week spent ice skating, visiting Santa, and sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Frannie Frost has crafted the perfect bucket list of romantic activities to surprise her boyfriend in the most magical place at Christmas time—New York City. When he unexpectedly becomes her ex, her plans are derailed leaving her with a choice. Wallow in self-pity at Christmas time or take matters into her own hands.

Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent, Andrew Bishop, loves his job—when things go as planned—but Frannie Frost is definitely not part of the plan. Still, when her brother, the man who saved Andrew’s life last year, asks him to deliver his sister safely to the airport, he can’t say no.

The only problem? Frannie isn’t leaving. She’s determined to make the most of her trip by checking off a bucket list of cliché Christmas actives that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Andrew’s content to let her go until he learns that Frannie’s been mistaken for his client and thrust into the midst of danger.

Better Watch Out is a sweet romantic holiday adventure that gives you all of laughs of a rom-com while adding a touch of suspense. Tropes you’re sure to love include the new girl in the city vibe, stranded at Christmas, under the mistletoe, forced proximity, and a touch of enemies to lovers. Enjoy this romantic adventure that’s sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

Battle for the Land of Sweets ~ Review

Battle for the Land of Sweets

The Christmas Realm Chronicles

By Kaitlyn King

The Battle for the Land of Sweets is a new take on the Nutcracker Suite. But it is set in a contemporary setting that finds cousins and siblings trying to survive or enjoy Christmas based on their individual perspectives. Nadine, the youngest, is overjoyed to find herself participating in the ballet. Her brother Oliver is not so happy - dad is gone, they are living with their Scrooge-like uncle, a busy aunt, and an overworked mom. Yeah, not a happy mix, in Oliver's opinion, and Christmas - bleah. Felicity is trying her best to help her younger cousins be as happy as possible, and that starts with Christmas. But it is hard when the only one who seems to respond to her attempts is Nadine. And her older brother Ethan is becoming more like dad - money-driven. But when the only seasonal job open for Ethan is at Drosselmeyer’s Christmas Emporium, everything is about to change.

In Drosselmeyer’s there is a back workroom that Ethan can't enter, it is always locked and his boss says he isn't yet ready for the key to that lock. I know, intriguing. What's behind the locked door? Even more intriguing is that it is an old intricate-looking lock. But when mice enter the shop through that door, the excitement and adventure are just beginning. 

Yes, I can hear your thoughts, "Mice??" Yes, MICE, not the sometimes cute mice that one can find running around. Nope, these are BIG mice, mice the size of a full-grown human. YIKES!! Call in someone because these mice not only entered the shop through the mysterious back door, they return through it, taking a most unwilling Drosselmeyer with them.

Ethan, Felicity, and Oliver, who both just happen to be shopping in the store at that particular moment, pursue them and get trapped in a strange wintery world. A world in which they need to escape and return home. But there are some who are determined to stop them as they could upend their nefarious plans.

This is an adventure-packed retelling that is wholly new and unique. Perfect for middle-grade readers and up. If you like Christmas, Nutcrackers, or adventures that ring true to classics, this is one story you don't want to miss. And this is a land I wouldn't mind revisiting in further adventures. This book caught my attention and kept me wondering what would happen next. This truly is an adventure worthy of Narnian comparisons. I highly recommend it and would even suggest it would be a perfect chapter-a-day family reading. It is that good, though the two boys could be a bit tiresome with their attitudes at the beginning, though one can understand why.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Hidden in the back of an old nutcracker and sweets shop is a door…behind it is a magical land full of chocolate rivers, sugar flowers, and candy cane trees.

Christmas used to be the Tannon family’s favorite holiday, but thirteen-year-old Oliver can’t imagine celebrating after his dad deserted their family. Peace on Earth? Yeah right! Oliver doesn’t believe it exists.

His younger sister Nadine is hopeful that this Christmas can still be a happy one now that she has been given a part in the famous Nutcracker ballet.

Fifteen-year-old Felicity will do anything to give her cousins the Merry Christmas they deserve. If only her older brother, Ethan, would get on board with her plans.

Ethan knows the true meaning of Christmas: money, money, money. He’s determined to get a job for winter break, but when he wanders into Drosselmeyer’s Christmas Emporium, he worries that his new boss has watched Nadine’s ballet one too many times.

When masked figures kidnap the eccentric shop owner, the Tannon teenagers follow them through a mysterious back door into a land where fantasy becomes reality. Nutcracker soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and even Mother Ginger are there to help them on their journey. But where there are heroes, there are also villains. The mice aren’t just a part of the fairytale; they’re real, and they’re tired of losing!

Can these adventurers save the land of sweets and make it back home before Christmas?

Star of Wonder ~ Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 

 Star of Wonder by Angela Hunt 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Star of Wonder 

By Angela Hunt 

Star of Wonder takes the reader into the little-known, forgotten truths of the First Christmas. Spend the days of December taking a new look at what the world Jesus was born into was really like. 

But this is more than just a collection of dry facts broken into 25 readings. No, this is much more. Star of Wonder goes into detail about the various aspects, people, places, and their significance into the whole of what we consider the Nativity story. This story began with the Creation of a Garden and the gift of free will. A gift that was poorly used, as demonstrated by humanity's first decision to sin. This decision, this choice freely given, was the catalyst of a thread throughout history that brought about both Jesus's birth and His death.

This book is broken into four parts so that it can be experienced not only on a daily basis but so one's family can add a weekly touch to the Advent season. The four parts focus on different aspects of the story: Places, Prophecies, People, and Purpose. Altogether, one comes away with a deeper, richer understanding of the story that has run through much of HIStory. A story that will only mean something IF you believe.

* The one issue/concern that could be raised is the author's statement: "Scripture leads me to believe that Jesus was born with the same free will and tendency towards sin that you and I were born with. Which makes His resistance to temptation-not only on one occasion but throughout His life-all the more amazing. If He was born with a sin nature like all people, He never once surrendered to sin, even as a child."

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Star of Wonder 

Author: Angela Hunt 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: September 26, 2023 

Genre: Advent Devotional 

Come, Rediscover the Wonder and Reality of the Very First Christmas 

We all love the Christmas season, but have we buried the truth of the day? 

Bestselling author Angela Hunt weaves together visceral storytelling with overlooked biblical historical truths to help you rediscover the places, people, prophecies, and purpose of Christmas. Each of the engaging twenty-five devotions includes scriptural insights, historical facts, and personal application, which--along with weekly family activities--will have everyone saying, "I didn't know that!" as the Nativity comes to life anew. 

Explore Bethlehem and Nazareth. Walk with Mary, Joseph, and others. Be amazed by the words of the prophets of old. And be warmed by God's great purpose that culminated in the birth of the Messiah. 

Star of Wonder is perfect as an individual Advent devotional or for family and small group study. You will see Christmas with new eyes, create lasting holiday memories, and shine a light on the wonder of that night so long ago. 

"This Advent devotional is written with passion, showing patterns and prophecies that filled me with renewed hope and wonder."--FRANCINE RIVERS, bestselling author of The Lady's Mine and Redeeming Love

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide. Angela's novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens.

Connect with Angela by visiting angelahuntbooks.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive one Angela Hunt book released by Bethany House Publishers from the last two years (winner's choice)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight on October 11, 2023, and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 18, 2023. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Royal Christmas ~ Review

A Royal Christmas
A Christmas Novella
by Melody Carlson

You know Christmas is coming when you get a Melody Carlson Christmas title in hand, and yes, I know Christmas is still a couple of months away. But I love reading Christmas books, and when the weather is way too hot, it makes me think it's cooler while I'm reading. So, win-win in my mind.

Now, Melody Carlson has created a unique twist on the royal-who-doesn't-know-they-are-a-royal storyline by bringing modern science into the mix, specifically a DNA registry. And now the fun begins. Because most people are going to at least question this as some sort of phishing attempt, even momentarily and Adelaide Smith definitely has questions.

Adelaide is a dedicated and hard worker who has been working in a coffee shop to help put herself through law school. Having never had much, Adelaide knows had to scrimp to make ends meet and is more than a little shocked when she gets an official-looking letter informing her she is the daughter of a king. 

Having been the daughter of a nurse, to suddenly be the daughter of a king is more than hard to believe. Adalaide feels as if she's been pulled into a fairy tale, or a Hallmark movie.  She now has a stepmother who is the queen is less than pleased at her appearance and icy, totally fitting the fairy-tale stepmother role. And then there is her stepbrother Prince Georg, who is best experienced personally while reading this book. 

Montovia is a quaint small nation that thoroughly captures Adalaide's imagination. As she tries to get to know her father in the time they have, Adelaide must navigate a new culture and a tenuous family situation, all while trying to avoid any royal missteps. And just when it seems to be settling into a routine, Adelaide overhears something that shakes things up and brings loyalties into question. This will be one Christmas she'll never forget!  And it wouldn't be a Melody Carlson Christmas book without a little bit of romance.        

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

Spend this Christmas with bestselling author Melody Carlson as she whisks you away to a royal holiday you'll never forget!

Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows ~ Review

Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows

A Marriage of Convenience Anthology

By Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams,

      and Misty M. Beller

There is nothing better than a Christmas book, and Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows offers 3 stories within its pages. In each, love is not an expectation as three couples agree to marriages of convenience. But with Christmas taking center stage in each story, you know a little bit of romance will make its way into each.             

Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund is a must-read for fans of her Colorado Cowboys and her Colorado Cowgirls series. In this story Weston Oakley gets his chance at marriage when Serena Taylor decides he'd be the perfect father for her son. And with his claim that he'd be married by Christmas her need for a husband couldn't have come at a better time. But will the secrets between them destroy their chance for love?

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams finds Minnie stuck in town while her intended rides out a blizzard hours away in his cabin. Meanwhile she makes a place for herself in the small town when disaster strikes. Aiding Doctor Jeb Dawson and befriending his son gives her glimpse at life she's always dreamed of but never had. No matter what the future holds this is one Christmas she'll never forget. But will she finally find a place to belong and be wanted? 

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller finds Two Stones, a Salish warrior, making a deathbed promise to his dearest friend, to marry his daughter Heidi. But marriage is the last thing Heidi wants. Not now that she is widowed and free of her late husband. But she needs protection and agrees to marry Two Stones but only for the protection it provides against the danger Virginia City provides to any and all unmarried women. But could her father's final plea actually be the life she has long desired?

These delightful Christmas tales of Historical Fiction are just what you are looking to find under your pre-Christmas TBR list. Each is a standalone novella that introduces the reader to a series by each author. Reading the previous books in the various series isn't necessary to enjoy these Christmas tales. Experience talking here as I've only read Jody Hedlund's coresponding series and enjoyed all three with no issues.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:           

From bestselling and award-winning authors, experience Christmas on the rugged western frontier with three novellas filled with unforgettable adventures, enduring romance, and the timeless message of hope found in the Savior’s birth.

Order a copy at https://a.co/d/fXtnNwO

Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Serena Taylor is hiding in Colorado’s high country to keep her son safe, and she knows the best way to protect him is by marrying again and giving him a father. Weston Oakley needs a wife by Christmas to placate his meddling family, but after being spurned one too many times in love, he’s reluctant to give his heart away again. When they agree on a marriage of convenience, both of them get much more than they bargained for.

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams
Minnie steps off the train ready to become a mail-order bride, but she finds the well-dressed man waiting for her isn't her intended husband. The protective oath Jed took when he became a doctor doesn't cover stranded women, but he can't leave the beautiful stranger alone in a building blizzard two days before Christmas. When circumstances force them into close proximity, Jed and Minnie find that their growing feelings aren't convenient at all.

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller
Two Stones, a Salish warrior accustomed to navigating between tribes and miners, unexpectedly finds himself summoned to the side of a dying friend in Virginia City. Sworn to honor the miner’s last wish, Two Stones agrees to marry his daughter, Heidi, but plans to take her to live with his parents. He’ll provide all her needs, make sure she’s safe, and visit her on occasion when his path leads him that direction. As they set out on the journey, their path is fraught with challenges that defy Two Stones' plans and reveal a surprising depth to Heidi's character. As they near the end of their trail and join the Christmas festivities at the Coulter Ranch, Two Stones begins to realize this inconvenient marriage might really be a Christmas gift he’ll always treasure.

Christmas Games ~ Review

Christmas Games

A Kynaston Royal Saga Short Story

By Erudessa Gentian 

In this unique twist on The Snow Queen, we are taken 2000 years into the future. Christmas has come, and the festivities are grand. For Lark and her brothers, it is a very different celebration from what they had a year ago.

When she's invited to take part in an immersive role-playing game, Lark says yes. But when something goes wrong, she and her friends are trapped and at the mercy of the Snow Queen. What happens if they die while trapped? That is one option they want to avoid at all costs.

I've never actually played an immersive role-playing game, but I have read several books in which this is a major part of the game, and it seems something always goes wrong, turning it into a real life-and-death struggle. That being said, I love how the Snow Queen story was woven into this futuristic world. The characters were engaging, and I wanted to learn more about them (BTW, there are other books in the series which I had to get after reading this short story!) This story wasn't long, but it was the perfect read for a subzero, windy day. It was also a good intro to a new-to-me author and series. I highly recommend this book, would make a great last-minute gift for the reader in your life too.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Description:

A Kynaston Royal Saga Short Story

Beware the harmless Christmas Gift.

When a group of friends decides to play a new immersive role-playing game, exciting fun turns into a glitchy mess.

Larkspur’s real-world superpowers interfere with a simple, in-game mission. Discovering they’re unable to exit gameplay, the team scrambles for answers. When their leader and most experienced player, Conan, is kidnapped by the game’s main Boss, it’s up to Lark, Joshua, and Shamira to save him … and themselves.

Join the beloved Kynaston Royal Saga cast in this short Snow Queen retelling.

Purchase Links: Ebook 

 Signed Paperback 
Add Book on Goodreads  

Get book 1 Kynaston Royal Saga Epoch 1

Author Bio:

Erudessa Gentian is a firm believer that clean entertainment can be powerful. Inspired by her love of cultures and learning, she produces dynamic art to spark imagination and touch souls.

Erudessa writes in multiple genres but specializes in fantasy and science fiction. She posts about lifestyle, travel, and so much more on her blog.

Find her online at: 

Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || YouTube || Newsletter || 

Instagram || Amazon

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