Pretty in Punxsutawney ~ Review

Pretty in Punxsutawney
By Laurie Boyle Crompton

   Wake up. ✅
             Go to school. ✅
    Fall in love. ✅
                       Repeat. ✅

Andie's senior year of high school is about to start and she has high hopes for the coming year - hopes that include maybe her first ever kiss. And she knows just the boy she hopes to get it from. The one whom she has been not so secretly crushing on since she and her family moved to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Yup, the home of the king groundhog is now Andie's home.

To celebrate the coming school year Andie and her mother watch Pretty in Pink. Andie is finally ready for the classic in her mother's opinion and Andie is totally for it as she'll finally get to experience the movie for which she's named for. But when morning comes around Andie is surprised to discover that she missed the ending by falling asleep on the sofa. Whoops, the first day of school is off to a roaring start especially with the thrift store vintage pink dress that her mother purchased as her fashion of the day, she didn't mean to fall asleep in it.

Sure that she's made a less than stellar first impression at her new school by first losing Colton and then putting her foot in her mouth more than once she's more than a bit down. But when she begins day two by repeating day one she's hopeful that she can erase the mistakes of the day before, or rather the mistakes of today will never happen.

But this is just the start of an endless cycle of repeating the same day over, and over, and over. As Andie tries to break this curse she gradually discovers just how messed up the school is with all its little cliches dividing the student body from one another. Slowly she makes connections within each group, though none of them remember it when the day resets. And when she realizes that through each reset there's only been one person who has accepted her for who she is no matter how she dressed or acted she comes to understand that she too needed to see beyond the surface to who each person truly is. And she'll have plenty of time, she just may never graduate or have her next birthday anytime soon, but other than Andie who's counting the number of first days of school this year will have.

This book is quite engaging once the first introductory chapters have set the stage. And Andie's antics are at times over-the-top. And personally, I never got what she saw in Colton from the start but the scene where they met was rather amusing (take away from the book -avoid smuggling Whoppers into theaters - just saying). I'd probably disappoint Andie as I was totally uninformed about most of the movies that she and her mom were enjoying. And if you are unaware of what a cute-meet is you won't be after reading this one.  It is nice to have a book where the family gets along (my pet peeve in books is the often explosive relationship between tween/teens and their parents) and cares about each other. This is a fun book and one that I would highly recommend to tween and teen readers.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A Groundhog Day meets Pretty in Pink mashup from author Laurie Boyle Crompton, Pretty in Punxsutawney tells the tale of a girl willing to look beneath the surface to see people for who they really are.

Andie is the type of girl who always comes up with the perfect thing to say…after it’s too late to say it. She’s addicted to romance movies—okay, all movies—but has yet to experience her first kiss. After a move to Punxsutawney, PA, for her senior year, she gets caught in an endless loop of her first day at her new school, reliving those 24 hours again and again.

Convinced the curse will be broken when she meets her true love, Andie embarks on a mission: infiltrating the various cliques to find the one boy who can break the spell. What she discovers along the way is that people who seem completely different can often share the very same hopes, dreams, and hang-ups. And that even a day that has been lived over and over can be filled with unexpected connections and plenty of happy endings.

Hardcover: 304 Pages

Publisher: Blink (January 15, 2019)

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Laurie Boyle Crompton is the author of several YA books, including Adrenaline Crush and Love and Vandalism. Laurie graduated first in her class from St. John’s University with a BA in English and Journalism. She has written for national magazines like Allure, survived a teaching stint at an all-boy high school, and appeared on Good Day New York several times as a toy expert. And yes, “toy expert” is an actual profession. She grew up in a small town in western PA and now lives near NYC with her family and one enormous and very fuzzy “dog toy expert” named Baxter Bear.

Connect with Laurie

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Laurie Boyle Crompton’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, January 14th: Bookmark Lit

Monday, January 14th: @bookish_nel

Tuesday, January 15th: Books Before Bedtime and @booksbeforebedtime

Wednesday, January 16th: A Bookish Way of Life

Thursday, January 17th: @the_readers_nook

Friday, January 18th: Rockin’ Book Reviews

Monday, January 21st: Run Wright

Tuesday, January 22nd: 100 Pages a Day

Wednesday, January 23rd: Book Fidelity

Thursday, January 24th: Blooming with Books

Friday, January 25th: @katielmae

Monday, January 28th: From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, January 30th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Thursday, January 31st: Kahakai Kitchen

Friday, February 1st: Books a la Mode

Saturday, February 2nd: @love_my_dane_dolly

Monday, February 4th: Christian Chick’s Thoughts

Tuesday, February 5th: Write Read Life

Wednesday, February 6th: Helen’s Book Blog

Catching the Nor’wester ~ Spotlight with Snippet and Giveaway

Catching the Nor’wester

Pursuing Voyageurs #3

By Emily Yager

About the Book

They both have made sacrifices to gain their independence and will make more if it meant they could keep it.

Orphaned Calliope Graydon turned down the chance to have a life of luxury and lost the only home she ever knew because of that choice. Years later, she struggles to survive in the inland territories that is particularly harsh toward an unmarried woman. When a local Nor’wester steals her heart, she must decide if her independence is worthy the pain of a broken heart.

Etienne Marcks enjoys his life on the river despite its hardships. With his contract with the North West Company almost fulfilled, he needs to decide what he is going to do next. The last thing he need is to be a protector to a fiery woman who is more of a distraction than helpful to the brigade. She is making his live more difficult as she challenges what he thought he wanted in life.

They must find common ground as they race to get back home before the harsh winter leaves them stranded on the frozen river.

GOODREADS | AMAZON (not available)

About the Author

Growing up in Northwestern Minnesota, Emily spent the long winter days dreaming and creating stories. She loves the mild summers and cold, windswept state so much that she incorporates the landscape and small towns into her stories. A life-long book dragon, Emily is fulfilling her dream by writing novels.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | WEBSITE

Snippet #1:

The smoke swirled up from the campfire, thick, white and smelt like burnt coffee. The smoke switched direction and came down and blew in her face until her eyes started to burn with hot tears. Standing from her spot, she moved to the other side of the fire and sat back down on the frozen ground. No sooner had she sat back down the smoke swirled around and into her face again.

“You do know that smoke follows beauty,” her friend told her.

“Apparently,” Calliope quickly replied as she tried to wave the smoke away from. Not wanting to move again, she fanned the smoke out of her face.

Snippet #2:

Etienne glanced around the camp, the icy air burned his lungs as he yelled out to the group that they were heading out as soon as they could get loaded up.

He waved Chauncy to go ahead and leave with the first canoe. Each canoe followed as they got ready.

“Where’s Miss Graydon?” Rias asked as they finished packing the last two canoes.

“I’m right here,” Etienne heard her said behind him.

Turning, he offered his hand to help her into the canoe. She casted him an irritated glare before walking right past him and straight to the other canoe that Rias was standing near.

Rias casted him a curious look before helping her in his canoe.

“Alright, that’s everyone,” Etienne said, waiting for their canoe to start down the river.

He grabbed his paddle off the shore and climbed into his canoe. A quick nod to the others then they were off.

Giveaway

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Tour Schedule

January 21-
January 22
Maiden of the Pages
January 23
Blooming with BooksRobin’s Nest
January 24
Wishful Endings
January 25
Why Not? Because I Said So!

How the Light Gets In ~ Review with Trailer and Excerpt

How the Light Gets In
By Jolina Petersheim

Ruth Neufeld's life is in tatters. Helping to care for her father before he succumbs to cancer added a strain to her already strained marriage, especially when Chandler again put his humanitarian work ahead of his family. But when she receives word that Chandler and his father were both killed in the Afganistan hospital in which they were working her life is forever altered. Traveling from her parents home in Ireland to Wisconsin for the funeral of her husband is not something she anticipated doing anytime some or ever.

When Chandler's cousin offers to allow Ruth, her daughters (Sofie and Vivienne), and mother-in-law Mabel stay in his home during their time of grief they agree. The Mennonite community Elam calls home is so foreign to what Ruth has known that it gives her a chance to heal and reflect on her marriage. But can you truly heal from a broken heart and crushed dreams? 

Elam has dreams of his own - he dreams of a family and having children in his life. But Elam's life has been marked by the ill health of his mother during his childhood and his speech issues. Elam is a quiet person whose gentle demeanor and offer of help are just what Ruth and her girls need at this difficult time. And friendship is something Ruth needs more than anything someone who will listen and understand what she is saying.

With Mabel's encouragement, Ruth and Elam soon have something more than friendship. But with her husband so recently killed Ruth has reservations about a relationship at this time. But Elam is so different from Chandler caring about her dreams and helping her to rediscover what she lost in the chaos that her life had become.

But when a chance to reclaim what she thought was lost comes Ruth is left with a most difficult choice. Does she choose the love of her youth or the love found in the midst of her grief? Does she settle for what was or will she fight for what could be?

How the Light Gets In is a moving story that will at various points affect the reader as Ruth and her daughters deal with the various losses that seemingly come within a short period of time. And when joy and grief become a tangle how one deals with it is seems an almost impossible task - yet Jolina Petersheim has her cast of character do just that. And the unexpected twists that come throughout keep the reader from becoming complacent and assuming just what the conclusion will be.

I have to admit this is the first book by Jolina Petersheim I have read so I went into this one with no expectations and was more than pleasantly surprised by this offering. A series of letters and memories between Ruth and Chandler are scattered throughout the book, adding another layer of depth by creating a backstory that is slowing unfolded as their life together is shared from their differing perspectives. When faced with a life-changing choice do we pick what we want and desire or do we pick the more difficult path the one that serves the greater good? How do we know what is the will of God? Does easier mean better? Love cannot be separated from pain, they are the counterparts to one another and necessary to grow and appreciate what is.

If you are looking for a book club selection this is one that will keep your conversation going. Highly recommended for your 2019 TBR (to-be-read) list. This one is releasing in March so get it on your list.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all opinions expressed are my own


About the Book:

“Compellingly woven by Jolina Petersheim’s capable pen, How the Light Gets In follows a trail of grief toward healing, leading to an impossible choice–what is best when every path will hurt someone?” –Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

From the highly acclaimed author of The Outcast and The Alliance comes an engrossing novel about marriage and motherhood, loss and moving on.

When Ruth Neufeld’s husband and father-in-law are killed working for a relief organization overseas, she travels to Wisconsin with her young daughters and mother-in-law Mabel to bury her husband. She hopes the Mennonite community will be a quiet place to grieve and piece together next steps.

Ruth and her family are welcomed by Elam, her husband’s cousin, who invites them to stay at his cranberry farm through the harvest. Sifting through fields of berries and memories of a marriage that was broken long before her husband died, Ruth finds solace in the beauty of the land and healing through hard work and budding friendship. She also encounters the possibility of new love with Elam, whose gentle encouragement awakens hopes and dreams she thought she’d lost forever.

But an unexpected twist threatens to unseat the happy ending Ruth is about to write for herself. On the precipice of a fresh start and a new marriage, Ruth must make an impossible decision: which path to choose if her husband isn’t dead after all.

Want to learn more? Click here

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

Connect with Jolina

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to get a glimpse into the book? click here

Check-out the book trailer

Check-out the rest of the TLC tour

About Jolina Petersheim:

Jolina Petersheim and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but they now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their three young daughters. Jolina’s fifth novel, How the Light Gets In, a modern retelling of Ruth set in a cranberry bog in Wisconsin, releases March 2019.

Connect with Jolina

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Marine ~ Review with Giveaway

Marine
Halley's Casino #2
By Mark JG Fahey

Three years have passed since the events of Halley's Casino and Neb (aka Nebula Yorker) is enjoying his stint onboard as Mr. Tict's assistant.  And his identity as a Triopelian is a closely guarded secret from all but his true friends (TeeCeeFore, Tict, Kel, Pic, and Picone) but that is all about to change when trouble comes calling.

When Tict is targeted by a pair of alien siblings who seem intent on death, destruction, and more destruction, Neb is determined to discover what they thought Tict was hiding. What Neb uncovers is that a Triopelian Star Chart is being sought, a Star Chart that was lost long ago and one that the Triopelians would have never allowed an outsider to possess. Soon Neb and friends find themselves racing to the water planet Marine hoping that they will be able to obtain the chart and return it to its rightful owners.

But there is more to Marine than first meets the eye and Neb's uniqueness may be what is needed to not only find the chart but to live to another day. But time is running short though depending where on Marine you are there is a small abnormality in just how much has passed. And then there is the legend or rumor of Airhert a being never seen but upon whom the loss of others has been blamed. Airhert is a totally enjoyable surprise as far as the new cast of characters is concerned, as is Purell an android who is a personality plus some and another welcome addition to this book.

Now there are a few interesting developments that are (one would assume) laying the groundwork for the next book in this trilogy and they are most intriguing developments. One has to wonder just what is next in store for Neb and with a name like Nebula it is sure to be spectacular.

Teens and up are sure to enjoy this one if they are fans of sci-fi with a good dash of humor flavoring it. And if you are looking for something new give this a try. Get ready for an out of this world - out of this time experience.

** As with the first book there are a few gray words/topics that sensitive readers may like to be aware of before opening the book or sharing with younger readers.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations except that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Learn more about Halley's Casino bk 1 here

Book Details:

Book Title:  Marine (Halley's Casino Book 2) by Mark JG Fahey
Category:  Adult Fiction,  378 pages
Genre:   Science Fiction / Humor
Publisher:  Self-published
Release date:  Oct 20, 2016
Content Rating: PG (No f-words, mild violence, readable for all ages 12 and up)

About the Book:

Nebula Yorker (“Neb” to his friends) finds himself on the water planet of Marine in a race to recover a long lost Triopelian Star Chart he previously never knew existed.

Along the way Neb encounters new friends and a villainous brother and sister team bent on doing whatever they must to get their hands on the star chart first – including mayhem and murder.

One cocky android, one imbibed professor, one universal(ly) renowned scientist and one ice breathing sassy Water Dragon make Neb wonder whether the past 3 years traveling with Halley’s Casino was just a peaceful lull?

Who will find the star chart first? What are the implications if Neb doesn’t? And what does a Water Moon have to do with all of this?

John Lennon seems to know….

Buy Marine:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca ~ Barnes and Noble
Book Depository ~ Chapters-Indigo
Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

​Mark JG Fahey is not an alien, contrary to what you may have heard, though he swears he has been to space. Mark has dabbled in various undertakings throughout his illustrious career, from on-air hosting/reporter/stand-up comic to messenger for the Prime Minister of Canada. Mark also holds a degree in Restaurant Services. His family and friends can attest to his excellent cooking skills. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Mark was raised and still resides in Aylmer, Quebec, Canada.  Halley's Casino is the first book in the Halley's Casino trilogy.

Halley's Casino: 3rd place winner in a worldwide competition with World's Best Story 2017. Finalist and 3rd place winner with the Independent Author Network October 2018 and is also a finalist for the inaugural Canadian Book Club Awards 2018.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

BOOK REVIEW TOUR SCHEDULE:

Jan 2   - Bookroom Reviews - review of Marine / author interview
Jan 3   - Library of Clean Reads - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 7   - #redhead.with.book - review of Marine/ giveaway
Jan 8   - Library of Clean Reads - review of Marine / giveaway
Jan 9   - Mystery Suspense Reviews - book spotlight 
Jan 10 - Olio by Marilyn - review of Halley's Casino / author interview / giveaway
Jan 11 - Blooming with Books - review of Halley's Casino / giveaway
Jan 14 - 3 Partners in Shopping - review of Marine/ giveaway
Jan 15 - Olio by Marilyn - review of Marine / giveaway
Jan 16 - Bound 4 Escape - review of Marine/ giveaway
Jan 18 - Blooming with Books - review of Marine / giveaway
Jan 21 - The Autistic Gamer - review of Marine / giveaway
Jan 23 - Nighttime Reading Center - review of Marine/ giveaway
Jan 24 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review of Marine/ giveaway
Jan 30 - JBronder Book Reviews - review of Halley's Casino / guest post / giveaway
Jan 31 - JBronder Book Reviews - review  of Marine / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Feb 7, 2019

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With This Pledge ~ Review

With This Pledge
The Carnton Novels #1
By Tamera Alexander

Tamera Alexander has once again brought history to life in a moving piece of literature. The horror and destructive power of war is brutally illustrated as Carnton Plantation provides sanctuary for some of the most desperately wounded of the Battle of Franklin, a battle that signaled the South's eventual defeat.

Lizzie Clouston has called Carnton home for several years, working as a governess to the family's two children. But when the war between the Federal and Confederate armies converges on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee, Lizzie is pressed into service assisting in the surgery of many Confederate soldiers whose very life hangs upon the outcome. But when Captain Roland Ward Jones asks her to promise him that she'll not allow the surgeon to remove his leg, Lizzie makes a promise that she hopes and prays she'll not regret.

War is a harsh taskmaster and it is determined to exact its price with losses on both sides and Lizzie finds herself offering aid and comfort to many who are about to breath their last. Several of these deaths touch her deeply especially one young man's to whom she feels burdened to find and locate his family. 

When a nation is in turmoil how do you stay firm in your resolve? Lizzie has made promises and she'll do all she can to keep them even when it costs her. With This Pledge is a moving testament to the true story of Elizabeth Clouston and that of Captain Roland Jones as the world they knew changes and they are left with finding their new place in it. And facing the truth of what slavery truly was may be the hardest part to accept because to accept the truth about the evils of slavery casts those who rallied to its call in a light they'd rather not see themselves in. I think the most striking passage that illustrates this is when Roland looks upon his time of recovery from his injuries...

"Roland heard what George wasn't saying and yet was. And though

it struck a dissonant chord within him, he forced himself to look past

that and to his own life through the lens of George's--through the lens

of his own life over the past few weeks. He'd been powerless to change

anything. Had no control over his future. Felt like a prisoner in his

own body. And he would've done just about anything to be given the

chance to change that. What man wouldn't? 

  Roland looked up and saw Georges's outstretched hand. And grasped it."

Those who read the Christmas at Carnton novel will recognize the setting and some of the other characters. If you have not yet read the previous book don't worry this one can be easily read and followed on its own. This work of historical fiction set in Tennessee during the turbulent final months of the Civil War. The characters are relatable and I would love to get the chance to know more of them. And Tempy is a woman who may not have been allowed an education but the wisdom that she shares with those who call Carnton home is a treasure. Highly recommended reading.

I was provided a complimentary advance copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:

What can a woman

~ a mere governess ~

do against the scourge of slavery?

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clouston’s quietly held principles oppose those of the Southern Cause—but when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee, the war demands an answer. The Carnton home, where she is governess, is converted into a Confederate field hospital, and Lizzie is called upon to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death. Faced with the unimaginable, she must summon fortitude, even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiancé and lifelong friend.

As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie’s arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy’s first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.

Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers’ respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton’s walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn’t realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie’s heart softens toward the Confederate captain, she discovers that his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and pledges made, she struggles to be true to her own heart while standing for what she knows is right—no matter the cost.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Miss Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

In the Shadow of Croft Towers ~ Review

In the Shadow of Croft Towers
By Abigail Wilson

At two and twenty Sybil Delafield is about to accept a position at Croft Towers as a lady's companion to Mrs. Chalcroft. But the journey is unexpectedly delayed when the weather turns dreary and they are waylaid by highwaymen. When she finally arrives at Croft Towers the hour is late and her appearance is less than impressive as she is wet, cold and utterly miserable.

Upon arriving Mrs. Chalcroft's nephew and nieces begin quizzing Sybil about the highwaymen and what she recollects of the incident and individuals. But when she meets recent arrival, Mr. Curtis Sinclair, godson to Mrs. Chalcroft, Sybil finds herself keeping just the first of many secrets that the Towers just seems to collect.  And then there is Mrs. Chalcroft whom Sybil meets in the wee hours of the night when she is acquainted with the unusual duties her position will entail. As the secrets, Sybil has promised to keep begin to accumulate she begins to wonder just what she has come into in her quest for answers about her own past.

Sybil soon finds that the task of delivering messages for Mrs. Chalcroft in secret is more difficult than she had anticipated. And then there is Mr. Sinclair who seems to be engaged in clandestine matters of his own. With few options, Sybil must rely upon the assistance of Mr. Sinclair when she finds herself in dire straights. But can she truly trust anyone at Croft Towers? Or will her assignments for Mrs. Chalcroft cost her her freedom and her life if she is discovered?

In the Shadow of Croft Towers is the kind of book one just doesn't want to put down. And there is just so much going on that it is hard to tell what is related to what so the reader is definitely left with suspicions about several of the characters. I have to say I was surprised by just how everything concluded and wished it had been fleshed out a bit more. Overall I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to Abigael Wilson's future works.

Fans of Regency-era fiction will enjoy this one. Those who enjoyed Melanie Dickerson's Regency Spy series will find much to love about this debut novel. Get ready to read through the night! (Just be sure it is one where you won't have to work the next day)

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Croft Towers holds more than

its share of secrets . . . and Sybil is

determined to uncover them all.

When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?

When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.

With murderers, smugglers, and spies on the loose, nothing—and no one—in Regency England is what they claim. Can Sybil even trust what she knows about herself?

From debut author Abigail Wilson comes a shadowy Regency tale of secrets and spies, love and treachery.

Stores Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas ~ Review

Stories Behind the Great
 Traditions of Christmas
By Ace Collins

There are so many traditions involved with Christmas and all too often they are just done because it is the thing to do. But how often do we wonder about the reason behind these traditions and when they began?

In Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas Ace Collins shares with readers what he knows about a variety of the traditions. And the nostalgic yearning for Christmas of old - well it may not be how you imagine it was. Christmas was a celebration that would not bring a nostalgic remembrance before the nineteenth century - be sure to read the introduction and I think you'll agree it would have been a day to avoid.

The various aspects of what we have come to associate with Christmas are presented in 26 chapters starting with Advent and ending with Yule Logs. Some of these traditions have a spiritual aspect while others have just been accepted as part of the season because they draw friends and family together in a sharing of "the wonder, joy, and magic of the season. ... And that spirit is something worth celebrating."(pg. 148)

I enjoyed the history of the candy cane, mistletoe, and the X in Xmas (which has been in use since the sixteenth century). This is a book with much to offer in just over 200 pages and one that would be useful to have on hand whenever one has a question arise about any of these traditions. Did you know that The Nutcracker was vastly different than the ballet that is performed every year? It went through several transformations before it became the beloved performance that it is today.

This is a book that you'll want to share with friends and family - I know I did as I read through it which may have slowed down my reading as I went back to different sections that caught my attention. This book would also lend itself well to family reading time with all hearing it together and then discussing what was read. But however, you choose to read and share you'll enjoy and value the knowledge you will have gained.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
The fascinating stories and origins behind Christmas traditions such as the colors of red and green, the Christmas tree, caroling, nativity scenes, the Yule log, gift-giving, stockings, advent wreaths, mistletoe, and holly.

The cheer of a crackling hearth fire. Colorful cards from friends and loved ones. An evergreen tree festooned with ornaments. The golden traditions of Christmas—gifts, wreaths, stockings, carols, mistletoe, and more—infuse our celebration of the season with meaning and glowing memories. And, in ways you may not realize, they point us to the birth of Christ. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas reveals the people, places, and events that shaped the best-loved customs of this merriest of holidays. Here are spiritual insights, true-life tales, and captivating legends to intrigue you and your family and bring new luster and depth to your celebration of Jesus’ birth. 

Discover how 

• after eighteen centuries of all but ignoring the event, churches began to open the door for believers to commemorate Jesus’ incarnation. 

 • the evergreen tree, once a central theme in the worship practices of pagan cultures, came to represent the everlasting love of God. 

 • the magi’s three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are filled with spiritual symbolism.

The traditions of Christmas lend beauty, awe, and hope to the holiday, causing people all over the world to anticipate it with joy. The stories in this book will warm your heart as you rediscover the true and eternal significance of Christmas.