I’ve been reading a lot of Christmas themed books, and not really writing reviews, so here’s some quick mini reviews.
ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS, by Sheila Roberts
A very enjoyable story with a huge cast of characters who the author skillfully juggles as they take a river cruise through Germany just before Christmas.
CHRISTMAS IN WHITEHORN, by Susan Mallery
I came to Susan Mallery very late, having first read one of her books two years ago, The Vineyard at Painted Moon (pub 2021), which I absolutely loved. Having only read two of her more recent books, the other one being One Big Happy Family (pub 2024), which I also absolutely loved, it was interesting to check out this earlier story, when she was writing category romance, where so many wonderful romance writers got their start. While this book didn't captivate me quite the way the later books did, it was an enjoyable read with really great characters. A whole lotta angst, and some self-reflection, from both the hero and heroine, this was a quick satisfying read.
THE HOLIDAY COTTAGE, by Sarah Morgan
Sarah Morgan has fast become a favorite author for me, and this may be my favorite of her books. Though looking back at the other four I've read I realize I've given them all five stars. As with the other books, the main theme, besides the Christmas holiday (so far I've not read any of Ms. Morgan's non-Christmas books), is family and relationships. This one was a bit more emotional, with Imogen, who grew up with a mother who didn't want to be a mother, and no other family, no happy childhood memories, finding herself spending Christmas with a family right out of the sappy movies she loves so much. All the characters are wonderfully written. It's just an absolutely wonderful book.
YOU BETTER NOT CRY, by Augusten Burroughs
The first half of this was pretty delightful, and I laughed out loud more than once. Then it grew a little darker, a little grimmer, and a lot less funny. But overall I enjoyed it.
DECK THE HALLS, by Debby Mayne
Well written, if slightly depressing, historical Christian romance. Following Lillian through her days of practically doing nothing but work, go home, eat dinner, and go to bed, to get up and do it all again the next day, was heartbreaking. At times I felt a little irritated at her parents for depending on her so much and expecting her to carry all of the burden of supporting the family. but a happy ending of course.
‘TIS THE SEASON, by Trish Perry
I really enjoyed this one. I loved Nikki (Lillian’s great-granddaughter from DECK THE HALLS) and Drew, and of course Freddie the Golden Retriever. I don't think I'd ready anything from Trish Perry before, but I like her writing, and the humor she injects into the story. There were several scenes that made me smile.
