Christmas Books Mini Reviews

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.

One More for Christmas

 

SARAH MORGAN

Stats: Trade paperback, HQN, 2020.

How acquired: Library.

First line: When Gayle Mitchell agreed to a live interview in her office, she hadn’t expected her life to fall apart in such a spectacular fashion in front of an audience of millions.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: Sarah Morgan is quickly becoming a favorite author. Like previous books of hers I've read, this was a wonderful character study, or rather, character studies. Samantha and Ella grew up with a tough love mother, Gayle, who single mindedly strove to raise them to be self-sufficient, eschewing anything that was not teachable or did not contribute to their education and betterment, including Christmas and Santa Claus. Five years ago, the last time the three of them were together, hurtful words were said, and the girls haven't spoken to their mother since. But now they are spending Christmas together, in Scotland, a working trip for Samantha to look over a family estate in hopes of recommending it as a vacation destination for her clients.

Samantha and Ella are of course easy to like, and the bond between them was enviable. The more we learn about their childhood, the harder it is to feel sympathy for Gayle. Or it should be. But as Ms. Morgan takes us into Gayle's head, it's easy to have empathy for her.

The plots of Ms. Morgan's books aren't complex, and yet the stories are. Relationships are at the core of this one, the relationship between the sisters, between the sisters and their mother, between Ella and her husband and daughter, Tab, between Gayle and Tab, and even between Gayle and Mary, the owner of the estate where they spend Christmas. And there's also a touch of romance for Samantha and a handsome Scotsman right out of the highland romances Samantha loves to read. Well, almost, with a little effort on his part!

Heartwarming and enjoyable family saga, with lots of lighthearted moments that made me smile.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

For sisters Samantha and Ella Mitchell, Christmas is their most precious time of the year—a time for togetherness, love and celebration. Most of all, it’s about making up for everything their childhood Christmases lacked. But this year, they’ll be buying presents for the most unexpected guest of all—their estranged mother. It’s been five years since they last saw each other. But when their mom calls out of the blue and promises that this Christmas will be different, Samantha and Ella cautiously agree to spend it all together…

Gayle Mitchell is at the top of her career, but her success has come at a price—her relationship with her daughters. She never seemed to say or do the right things. Her tough-love approach was designed to make them stronger, but instead managed to push them away…until a brush with her own mortality forces Gayle to make amends. As the snowflakes fall on their first family celebration in years, the Mitchell women must learn that sometimes facing up to the past is all you need to heal your heart…