Christmas Review: A Creed Country Christmas

A Creed Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller


Christmas can bring the unexpected. Lincoln Creed didn't expect Julianna Mitchell. Julianna Mitchell didn't expect her brother to not send her inheritance. Gracie Creed didn't expect a teacher. Christmas brings people together. Miller writes a quick read in celebration of the season. A Creed Country Christmas is also part of her Montana Creeds series.

Time Period: Western, 1910
Location: Montana, USA

Christmas Review: The First Love Cookie Club

The First Love Cookie Club by Lori Wilde


Lori Wilde adds a Christmas novel to her Twilight, Texas series. If you are not familiar with Twilight, you do not need to back paddle and read #1 and #2. The First Love Cookie Clue stands as its own novel. If you enjoyed the town of Twilight, you can easily continue reading the series.

I prefer historical fiction, but this modern Christmas tale was enjoyable. Snow appeared, cookies were baked, and gifts were given as well as received. Past and present overlapped to create a bright future for everyone in the little town of Twilight.

On a side note, for the over 21 crowd, Wilde also included a holiday mixer called Cranberry Snowdrifts. "They're made with cranberry juice cocktail, creme de cacao, and white chocolate liqueur; it tastes like white chocolate-covered cranberries. Help yourself."

Time Period: Present Day
Location: Twilight, Texas, USA

Christmas Review: Mary Balogh

Under The Mistletoe by Mary Balogh

Mary Balogh compiles five novellas (or short stories) under the theme of Christmas and mistletoe. If you're looking for a quick historical Christmas read, Under the Mistletoe would be an excellent choice.

Time Period: Regency, 1800's
Location: England


---

A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh


Mary Balogh writes a complete Christmas novel to celebrate the beauty of family gatherings during the holiday. Sometimes individuals can be worlds apart, but traditions can bring people together. Family activities included trimming the house, sledding, and hosting a snowball fight.


Time Period: Regency, 1800's
Location: England

Review: The Measure of Katie Calloway

Measure of Katie Calloway, The: A Novel by Serena Miller

Katie Calloway survived Sherman's march through Georgia, but she might not survive the return of her unstable and abusive husband. After another hurtful beating, she takes her younger brother and ran away to the wild Michigan woods. Lumber camp owner, Robert Foster, offers Katie the job as camp cook and promises that everyone will treat her with respect. Katie revels in the daily camp life and keeps her fears to herself. Will her past catch up with her future?
Serena Miller shares an enjoyable story set in the Post Civil War era. She highlights the lumberjack life that is well known in the Midwestern states. Miller could have fleshed out a few details, but overall everything wove together for a great read. If you enjoyed this tale, I would recommend The White Pines Chronicles by Hilda Stahl.

Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge? Yes! Miller includes a memorable Christmas scene in her novel.

Time Period: Post Civil War, 1860's
Location: Georgia and Michigan, USA


Reviewed from a library copy.

Christmas Review: A Lawman's Christmas

A Lawman's Christmas: A McKettricks of Texas Novel by Linda Lael Miller


If you are familiar with the McKettrick series and enjoy holiday novellas, find a copy of A Lawman's Christmas. Clay McKettrick is out on his own to carve a place for himself. Upon entering his new position as Blue River's sheriff, Clay meets widow Dara Rose Nolan and her daughters. She is currently living in the sheriff's house, but he's not interested in uprooting her, just helping her.


The joy and giving of Christmas comes before the holiday and follows through this special time of year. Miller shares the story of Clay McKettrick and leaves openings for further McKettrick clan tales. It's a quick holiday read. If you're not a fan of amorous scenes the epilogue can be easily skipped.


Time Period: Western, 1914
Location: Texas, USA

Reviewed from a library copy.

Happy Holidays!

The True Book Addict hosts a special blog focused on Christmas. During the holidays, she hosts a special challenge for readers: The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge. You are challenged to read and enjoy holiday books...fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short stories...anything related to the holidays. The challenge began November 21st and runs until January 6th! I am looking forward to enjoying some holiday reads. I'll be sharing my holiday finds here at Miss Pippi Reads. Happy reading, friends!

Review: Prudence Wants a Pet

Prudence Wants a Pet by Cathleen Daly

Have you desperately wanted a pet? When you are young, it can be difficult to own a pet. Some children beg, whine or cry. Prudence asks - over and over again. Every rejection turns into an opportunity to find her very own, one of kind pet.

I love the creativity of this story. It brings a pet rock to a whole new level. This book would go along well with A Pet for Petunia by Paul Schmid.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Review: Little Miss Austen - Pride & Prejudice

Little Miss Austen: Pride & Prejudice by Jennifer Adams

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


For any reader who enjoys a classic story, please find a copy to read! I never thought I would see a British novel in board book form. I have enjoyed graphic novels created from historic tomes, but this form is quite enjoyable for all ages. I would suggest this counting primer for readers, teachers, librarians and their children. I look forward to reading more classics as board books.

Reviewed from a library copy.