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.

Three Christmas Wishes

SHEILA ROBERTS

Stats for my copy: Mass market paperback, Mira, 2016.

How acquired: Book Mooch.

First line: Riley Erickson’s life was perfect.

(For Goodreads synopsis, scroll down.)

My thoughts: By the time I was about a third of the way into this novel, I already knew I needed to hunt down the author’s back list. This is my first time reading this author, and I truly enjoyed every minute. It’s three romances rolled into one book, but more than that it’s a wonderful story of friendship and family.

Each of the three protagonists are facing a crisis. Riley’s fiancé breaks up with her, three weeks before their wedding, to be with her friend and coworker Emily, with whom he’s been having an affair. Noel’s landlady announces that she’s selling the house Noel lives in, and which Noel desperately wants to buy but cannot quite afford. Riley’s sister, Jo, is about to give birth to her first child, and is bitter and resentful that her husband is deployed with the Navy and already planning to re-up, which will leave her raising their child alone.

The women are all believable, likable and distinctive characters, and all of the supporting characters are richly drawn, even the ones who only make two or three appearances. The POV narrative shifts seamlessly between the three women, and the only thing that could’ve made the book better would be getting the POV of Jo’s husband and the men who come into Riley and Noel’s lives.

THREE CHRISTMAS WISHES is an emotional and engaging story, and as satisfying as the ending was, I was still left wanting more.

Goodreads synopsis: Riley Erickson, her pregnant sister, Jo, and their friend Noel are all wishing for the same thing: the perfect man. Or at least men who are perfect for them. Riley's hasn't turned out to be too impressive, dumping her for her bridesmaid three weeks before the wedding. Jo's husband is being perfectly stubborn. And Noel has given up completely.

When the three women visit a shopping-mall Santa on a lark, the guy is full of predictions. Riley's going to meet her perfect man in a memorable way. Noel is going to get a good man to go with that house she's trying desperately to buy. And Jo, well, a new man is about to come into her life. What on earth does that mean? She already has her hands full with the one she's got. As for Riley and Noel, they have some holiday challenges to meet…

But Christmas wishes can come true, as these three women are about to discover. Because in spite of romantic setbacks and derailed dreams, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year!