Christmas in July Book Reviews (Post Two)

Hi everyone, as I said in my first post here, I usually do my book reviews separately so that each one gets their own due. But after December and all the Christmas books I read but did not get reviewed then I thought that I would make a special "Christmas in July Book Review post.

  I Love Love Love Christmas and all of the books that I read were awesome. This may be a little bit long of a post, due to me wanting to give you some of my thoughts on each of the nine books (some are pictured above), that I am going to post today. And give you my rating of them each.    

I did actually get some of my books done in Dec. 

So on with my fourth book in this Christmas in July set of reviews.

A CHRISTMAS FOR KATIE by SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

Synopsis:  

It isn't easy to be Katie Weaver. Her sister-in-law Ella is about to have a baby, making Katie an aunt for the second time … and she's only six and a half! Plus, her favorite librarian, Miss Donovan, seems sad. She won't even fix up the rundown nativity in front of the library in time for Christmas. Then, an old woman is attacked outside the library, and, one by one, the nativity figures start to disappear!
Luckily, there's a new deputy in town, Connor Fields. He takes a real liking to Miss Donovan … and he promises to find the missing nativity pieces for Katie.
Now, all Katie has to do is pray that Ella's delivery goes well and that some kind of nativity is in place for Christmas Eve. Oh, and that Miss D. falls in love with Connor. Katie knows from watching her three brothers that it makes people real happy. And that would be a Christmas miracle indeed!

My Review: 

Amazing, Awesome, Tear Jerk-er, Love, sweet, sad, mysterious, then add in CHRISTMAS..... Well what else needs to be said. This book will be one that I will go back to as a Favorite Christmas story to read again and again. 

Love the way the story unfolds and is written by an outstanding writer who is now a favorite among some of the top authors for me. Can't wait to read more. 

Recommend to all my readers. 

So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 

Five Clock Rating!!!  

Disclosure: I did not receive this book for my honest opinion and review. But these opinions are my own and yours may differ.

 

About the Author:

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.
Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.
Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.
Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.
I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.
Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.

Website:

Me and Mr. Claus by Darlene Panzera

Fifth book review:

Synopsis:

Darlene Panzera is Avon Books' and Debbie Macomber's Make Your Dreams Come True contest winner.
Kristen is upset when her boss gives her an ultimatum: play "Mrs. Claus" for the advertising agency's three charity events for children or be fired.
She decides becoming Mrs. Claus is better than being unemployed - but not by much.
Can a handsome young "Santa" help her discover the joys of the season and find the true spirit of Christmas?

My Review:   

This book was a real tension reliever for me. It was a fun, loving, sweet laugh book. I was so tickled as some things and was just neat to have a good smile over a good book that even adults can believe in things that often don't seem real. 

Yeah I know that Santa is not alive per say... but Christmas is and what you put into it is what you will get out of it. 

Just want to say: Thanks Author Darlene Panzera for changing my mood from hohum to Yeah Christmas... 

Recommend to all my readers. 

So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 

Five Clock Rating!!!  

Disclosure: I did not receive this book for my honest opinion and review. But these opinions are my own and yours may differ. 

 About the Author:

Darlene Panzera writes sweet, fun-loving romance and is the winner of the "Make Your Dreams Come True Contest" sponsored by Avon Books, which led her novella, THE BET, to be published with Debbie Macomber's FAMILY AFFAIR. The full length novel, re-titled, BET YOU'LL MARRY ME, released December 2012 and her upcoming series, THE CUPCAKE DIARIES, releases May 2013 with subtitles: Sweet on You, Recipe for Love, and Taste of Romance.
"I love writing stories that help inspire people to laugh, value relationships, and pursue their dreams."
Born and raised in New Jersey, Darlene is now a resident of the Pacific Northwest where she lives with her husband and three children. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her family and her two horses, and loves camping, hiking, photography, and lazy days at the lake.
Darlene would love to hear from her readers. You can find her on Facebook or visit her website: 

 

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins

Sixth book review

Synopsis: 

Robert Reed gave his life for his country in the early days of World War II. His sacrifice was honored when his widow and son were presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Each Christmas the final decoration Madge Reed hangs on the family s tree is that medal. Rather than being a symbol of honor for young Jimmy Reed that shining star represents loss, pain, and suffering. Yet a letter delivered by one of Robert s fellow soldiers and a mystery posed in that letter put a father s sacrifice and faith into perspective and bring new meaning to not just the star hanging on the Christmas tree but the events of the very first Christmas. Then, when least expected, a Christmas miracle turns a final bit of holiday sadness into a joy that Jimmy has never known.

My Review:

Okay where to start with this review, I cried, smiled, laughed, cried some more, and for a Christmas story it really hits home. 

Loved how the story flowed and you can keep up with all the characters and the story line. The author Ace Collins has a way with all the sentiments surrounding the time period and the holidays. 

Recommend to all my readers. 

So due to the above, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of: 

Five Clock Rating!!!  

Disclosure: I did not receive this book for my honest opinion and review. But these opinions are my own and yours may differ. 

About the Author:

Ace Collins is the writer of more than sixty books, including several bestsellers: Stories behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, The Cathedrals, and Lassie: A Dog's Life. Based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, He continues to publish several new titles each year, including a series of novels, the first of which is Farraday Road. Ace has appeared on scores of television shows, including CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, and Entertainment Tonight.

Please check out my next blog post for the next  books in my Christmas in July post!