The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." ~ Psalm 32:8
Lauren Gabriel has good reaThe Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." ~ Psalm 32:8
Lauren Gabriel has good reasons to have "closed all her doors." A box she once treasured had the above verse carved into the cover. That box was lost long ago and she was deserted by both parents, spending her teen years in multiple foster homes. Her job at a grocery store in a neighboring town left her feeling like she could do more. A visit to Grandon brings a bagger (Ben) at the local grocery to her attention. He puts a little note in the bag of all his customers and his line is the longest in the store. Lauren finds herself drawn back to him again and again. The notes he write had me grabbing for my tissues. Lauren puts an ad on Craigslist to find a family to spend Christmas with. A goofy idea, she knows, but she catches the attention of our favorite dynamic duo (Glory and Miriam) with comedic and heartwarming results). For such a short book, the connections that are made and the journey of the beforementioned box will amaze and bring tears to your eyes. One of my favorites in the series!...more
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~ Edith Wharton
It's Christmastime in Grandon and someone needThere are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~ Edith Wharton
It's Christmastime in Grandon and someone needs to take over the church Nativity program. Gloria and Miriam find themselves in the driver's seat and we get to enjoy their friendly banter as they recruit the people they need for all the parts and set construction. If you like the book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, you will also love the Ramsey triplets and their twist on the message of the angels. On the subject of angels, a little girl named Avery has an angel doll that was given to her by a mysterious stranger after she was in a car accident. Her mother Jennifer is trying to find out who helped them that night. There is also a teen mother making a tough decision and a divorced dad who has been in the dark about where he and daughter Sofia should live. See them all come into the light during this seventh installment in the Christmas Hope series. I'll leave you with a significant quote from the Nativity program: "Listen to me!" the Angel of the Lord shouts. "The baby of all babies has been born!"...more
This debut would most definitely be classified as a "popcorn thriller." Nothing wrong with them. The short chapters and plot twists make for entertainThis debut would most definitely be classified as a "popcorn thriller." Nothing wrong with them. The short chapters and plot twists make for entertaining reading. I even enjoyed a bowl of popcorn (cheese and caramel mixed -- my favorite) while reading. This was a page-turner. Some compelling plot ingredients were: family conflict, a glitzy holiday party, multiple POVs, and secrets -- lots of secrets. While I really enjoyed this read at times, there was something missing. I think the pacing was off and at times the overlapping POVs were repetitive rather than enlightening. Will I read the second book in this duology: The Winter Escape? Unsure....more
In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't. ~ Blaise Pascal
Melissa McGreary has had a hIn faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't. ~ Blaise Pascal
Melissa McGreary has had a hard life. Her mother Ramona was abusive and unpredictable. After Ramona's unexpected death, Melissa's next-door neighbor Gretchen insists on helping her clean out the mother's apartment. They discover a note that was only half-written and indicating that Melissa has two half siblings. No names or any other information were included. Gretchen encourages her to ask Robert Layton, (the lawyer from The Christmas Shoes, for help. There are other connections to earlier books. Gretchen is Miriam's (The Christmas Promise, for example. It is a treat to spend time with the folks in Grandon. They remind us about being good neighbors and family members as we draw near to the manger this Christmas. There is a good dose of serendipity in this one, but that is what makes fiction so satisfying. And keep this last bit of wisdom from Mrs. Schweiger in mind when you are tempted by that dessert table: It's Christmas. You do out-of-ordinary things at Christmas and wear big pants....more
Is there a Santa for the animals? Big Snowshoe is convinced there is. His younger brother Little Snow is skeptical. The animals debate the topic whileIs there a Santa for the animals? Big Snowshoe is convinced there is. His younger brother Little Snow is skeptical. The animals debate the topic while, in the margins, we see little chipmunks preparing gifts. All of the animals in the story are decked out in festive finery for the season. The detail on the illustrations is worth 5+ stars all on its own. To settle the matter, Big Snowshoe sets up ice wind chimes and waits to see who Santa is. You will have to read the book to find out. . ....more
And so, in that little town of Bethlehem so long ago, a simple peasant girl and her carpenter husband quietly sang lullabies to the King of kings as hAnd so, in that little town of Bethlehem so long ago, a simple peasant girl and her carpenter husband quietly sang lullabies to the King of kings as he drifted off to sleep.
An intimate portrait of the journey to Bethlehem for Joseph and Mary. They reflect on their conversations with angels. Dangers lurk along the way from other travelers and wild animals. Once they reach their destination, there is no room in the inn. What was it like to give birth in a dirty, smelly stable? VanLiere's artwork accompanies this thoughtful volume.
Yet in they dark streets shineth, the everlasting light The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. ~ O Little Town of Bethlehem...more
Looking through my bedroom window, out into the moonlight and the unending smoke-colored snow, I could see the lights in the windows of all the other Looking through my bedroom window, out into the moonlight and the unending smoke-colored snow, I could see the lights in the windows of all the other houses on our hill and hear the music rising from them up the long, steadily falling night. I turned the gas down, I got into bed. I said some words to the close and holy darkness, and then I slept.
I cannot believe it has taken me so long to take time to savor this treasure. The narrator is telling of his childhood Christmases to a captive audience of children. From the snowballs thrown at cats and calling firemen on Christmas Eve to the candy cigarettes and dog whistles in his stocking, and the family dinner. Through it all, the snow is mythical and ever present. With elaborate prose, whimsical illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman, and a wistful tone, this is one to read year after year....more
Look at that sweet little puppy on the cover. I simply can't imagine reading this story about Petey the puppy without a huge smile on my face. All PetLook at that sweet little puppy on the cover. I simply can't imagine reading this story about Petey the puppy without a huge smile on my face. All Petey wants for Christmas is a boy of his own. His mother tries to find one, but there seems to be a boy shortage. Perhaps Petey can talk another dog into giving up a boy? Nope! When Petey keeps on looking he finds the best solution of all. So heartwarming and a beautiful ending. ...more
We dance round in a ring and suppose, But the secret sits in the middle and knows ~ Robert Frost
I may have been a bit late to the party on this seriesWe dance round in a ring and suppose, But the secret sits in the middle and knows ~ Robert Frost
I may have been a bit late to the party on this series, BUT reading a number of them back to back feels like one continuous story as characters from previous books are recurring in the newer ones. There are secrets being kept in the town of Grandon, and it's not just the presents under the trees. Our focus is on divorced mother Christine and her recent string of disasters. She puts a note under her tree to God asking for help. That is all she wants for Christmas. As He often does, her request is about to be answered in abundant ways. You will enjoy the many ways the residents of this town support and encourage each other as you read this installment in the Christmas Hope series. Each book works as a standalone, but they are even more beautiful read in order....more
Loved this angels unaware tale. Edith Ryan is a delightful pastor's wife who finds herself convicted by one of her husband Charles' sermons. She may nLoved this angels unaware tale. Edith Ryan is a delightful pastor's wife who finds herself convicted by one of her husband Charles' sermons. She may not have her kids and grandkids coming home to Christmas Valley, but she can open up her B&B with discounts to fill up every room. When a brightly painted bus arrives with a young couple expecting a baby inside, the town has some mixed opinions on how to handle the situation. Such a blessing to reflect on the very first Christmas while reading his inspiring tale. ...more
Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light
A little girl in foster care puts a wish on a tree for a family. Caroline B. Cooney tells us KatiYet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light
A little girl in foster care puts a wish on a tree for a family. Caroline B. Cooney tells us Katie's story along with that of many others in the little town. There is an older boy in Katie's foster home named Matt. He has so much hurt and rage inside that he hurts. Your heart will break as you contemplate the life these little ones have lived. The other kids at school have no idea how richly blessed they are in their stable households. Will Katie get her Christmas wish? Each chapter has a snippet from a Christmas carol as a heading. There is an index in the back to match each line up with the song it belongs to. I have been a Caroline B. Cooney fan ever since I read Before She Was Helen. Perhaps reading this book will make you a fan just as I am....more
What costume should a narwhal choose for Halloween? A ghost? A mermaid? A cat (catfish)? The two sea buddies discuss the conundrum in this new chapterWhat costume should a narwhal choose for Halloween? A ghost? A mermaid? A cat (catfish)? The two sea buddies discuss the conundrum in this new chapter of the Narwhal and Jelly series. While Narwhal is ready to celebrate the spooky holiday in a big way, Jelly is not so sure. Halloween is too scary for little Jelly. But when a sea monster is spotted, Jelly Jolt swims to the rescue with the Super Pod. Includes the puns we love, new sea creature facts, and an episode of Superwaffle and Strawberry Sidekick. It's Fangtastic!
Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
A warm mouse A sleepy mouse A happy mouse A mouse called Miika.
Want to know what happens to Miika the mouse after he travels with Nikolas to Elfhelm? ThiA warm mouse A sleepy mouse A happy mouse A mouse called Miika.
Want to know what happens to Miika the mouse after he travels with Nikolas to Elfhelm? This is the story of what happens when he tries to be brave and falls from the sky while flying with Blitzen. How the Truth Pixie drimwicks him and he has to learn how to be a mouse with magic. If you loved A Boy Called Christmas, you will want to see what happens after to Miika....more
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