Let me review a few books. The first one I read read in preparation for the library's book club, “A Carol Dickens Christmas,” by Thomas Fox Averill. It is a 2014 Kansas Notable Book. The novel is set in Topeka, Kansas. In this book, protagonist, Fin is a high school student in his senior year. He is soooo ready to be gone and in college. This is until he happens upon a previous band member from high school. Fin is a talented trumpet player. He sees her on her steps, she pregnant and not looking very happy. He decides that he is going to seek her out. He does, and get involved with her whole family. This changes his life. And just about upturns his mothers life, who prefers the predictable, honored traditions of celebrating Christmas using "A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. These traditions will collide with the events and plans that Finn has made. It is an enjoyable and thoughtful story.
A book I have read in preparation for Christmas “The 13th Gift: A True Story of Christmas Miracles,” by Joanne Huist Smith. This is about a family who's father has died. It devastates the three youth and mother. This is the first Christmas, they do not want to face it. They'd rather ignore it, but others have a better idea. Bless it, enlarge it and embrace it!
Another new item for Christmas is “The Mistletoe Inn,” by Richard Paul Evans. The Mistletoe Inn,”
by Richard Paul Evans. This is book two
of the Mistletoe series. They are not a
trilogy but “independent love stories abounding with inspiration, humor and
romance – Christmas presents for my readers” (p. ix). The review on the front
flap sounds rosy. But this story brings protagonist Kimberly Rossi through the
death of her mother, a move to a new town, and the betrayal of her husband.
After that, Rossi moved to Thornton, a suburb of Denver where the story really
begins. I bet you will enjoy once again this author’s story.
The next book is
“Christmas Bells,” by Jennifer Chiaverini. The author bases this novel from
the poem entitled, “Christmas Bells,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Protagonist,
Sophia Peleg has organized a wonderful Winter Holiday Concert at Peleg
Wadsworth Elementary School. Called into
the principal’s office after the program, she was congratulated for an
excellent concert, . . . the best yet. . .” (p. 4). Even with the excellent
work, she finds out due to a ballot measure failing and emergency financial
measures being instituted, she will be laid off at the end of the school year.
Her principal wants her to begin looking for a new teaching or musical
employment position for her future. Sophia is also a volunteer at her local
church. She works with the children in
their musical presentations. As she delves into the selections and themes for
the Christmas concert for the church, she selects a poem written by Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow. It is a glorious
poem that speaks of loss, tragedy, while good will and peace triumph. This book tells the story of how Longfellow came
to write the poem. It weaves Sophia’s life
and experience in the midst of telling the story. You will enjoy this book.
Other books you might want to look to read are: “Marry Me At Christmas,” by Susan Mallery (regular and large print);
“Falling Like Snowflakes,” by Denis Hunter (large print); “The Last Chance
Christmas Ball,” by Mary Jo Putney & Jo Beverly; “Winter Stroll,” by Elin
Hilderbrand; “Dashing Through the Snow,” by Debbie Macomber; “A Christmas Bride
in Pinecraft,” by Shelley Shepard Gray; “Amish Christmas at North Star,” by
Cindy Woodsmall & Mindy Starns Clark; “Heartsong Cottage,” by Emily March;
“Christmas on Candy Cane Lane,” by Sheila Roberts; “Away In A Manger,” by Rhys
Bowen; and “A Cherry Cola Christmas,” by Ashton Lee; “Duck the Halls,” by
Donna Andrews; “A Log Cabin Christmas Collection,” by Wanda E. Brunstetter;
“Christmas of Twilight,” by Lori Wilde; “Celebrate Christmas,” by Susan Wiggs;
“An Island Christmas,” by Nancy Thayer; “The Christmas Light,” by Donna
Vanliere; “The Lodge on Holly Road,” by Sheila Roberts; and “A Quilt for
Christmas,” by Sandra Dallas.
