Christmas in Chestnut Ridge - Nancy Naigle

Yes, another seasonal read! Nancy Naigle takes us to Christmas in Chestnut Ridge.

Sheila is our lead character - and her life is not what she wants. She's successful in business, but not in love. Her best friend has moved to Chestnut Ridge and  insists that Sheila come to her new home for Christmas. She reluctantly agrees.

Well, Chestnut Ridge celebrates Christmas in a really big way! There's some great ideas scattered throughout the book. These celebrations are all tied together by a large group of supporting characters. Including Tucker, the town's Fire Chief and all round beloved good guy.

So, what do you think might happen next? Uh huh, Tucker and Sheila hit it off. The sparks fly - but will they ignite? 

Naigle really does a nice job of portraying the community, its' values and caring for all members of their town. 

I like comfort reading when the snow starts, twinkle lights appear, Christmas cookies abound and so much more. This was a classic Christmas tale. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Christmas in Chestnut Right. :0)

The Christmas Bookshop - Jenny Colgan

A Christmas book! A new Christmas book by Jenny Colgan! A new Christmas book by Jenny Colgan that features a bookshop! I knew I would love The Christmas Bookshop before I even turned a page!

Carmen feels like she's always lived in the shadow of her brilliant sister's accomplishments. Sophia lives in a perfect house with her perfect children, perfect husband and a perfectly ordered yuppie life. But when Carmen loses her department store job and can't find another, she begrudgingly takes Sophia's offer to come to Edinburgh help one of her clients with a failing bookstore.....

Oh, I always love Colgan's settings. The bookstore is in the old historical shopping district in downtown Edinburgh. The nooks and crannies, the other eclectic shops and especially McCredie's bookshop sounded exactly like a place I'd love to visit and explore. Colgan weaves in actual attractions and history throughout her story. 

The lead character in Colgan's books is always one I'm firmly behind and Carmen was no exception. She's sassy on the outside, but kind and caring on the inside and also a bit unsure of herself. Where is her life headed? Where is her non existent love life? Well, you just know there's going to be a 'right' one and a 'wrong one'. Blair is a successful self-help author. And then we have Oke - a dendrologist (he studies trees) I love the yes, no, maybe so of the burgeoning (or not) relationships. And although we know how things are going to turn out, the journey there is so much fun.

The supporting cast is just as fun. Oh my gosh, the snarkiness of Skylar, Sophia's nanny is laugh out loud over the top. I loved Sophie's children - their personalities, dialogue and interactions mirror the young Carmen and Sophia. Can the sisters repair their relationship?

And that brings me to the Christmas element - loads of Christmas books mentioned, decorations, traditions, celebrations and more had me happily lost in the season.

Another feel good, heartwarming novel from Jenny Colgan. She's my hands down favourite for a 'take me away from it all' read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Christmas Bookshop. Best read with a cup of cocoa with marshmallows.

PS - I love when characters from other 'series' make cameo appearances in a novel. Faithful readers will be happy to see Ramsey and Zoe from The Bookshop on the Shore.

The Christmas Dress - Courtney Cole

Yes, more Christmas reading! This latest - The Christmas Dress - is new from Courtney Cole.

I love watching Christmas movies in the run up to the actual day - it's my not so secret vice. I can absolutely see The Christmas Dress as a movie!

Meg Julliard had dreams of making it in the New York fashion world. But, she's lost her job.....and her beloved father. She returns to Chicago and the apartment building he owned. Maybe she can sell it and use the money to set up her own label? Box 1 ticked.

But the building is old (as are the residents) and desperately needs lots of repairs. The handyman isn't old though - he's her age - and very attractive. Box 2 ticked.

The residents are a delightfully quirky crew.  Box 3 ticked. Meg quickly makes friends with Ellie, who is clearing out her possessions for an impending move. One dress captures Meg's attention. Its beautifully cut and sewn. The dress will figure prominently in this tale. You could say its almost magical. Cue Box 4.

Meg and the residents are determined to save their home and come up with some novel ideas. But will they work? The countdown is on and fingers are crossed. Box 5.

I quite liked the setting - the apartment building has lots of history. And setting the book's pinnacle moments around Christmas is perfect. Box 6.

There's heartache, heartstrings tugged, hope, friendship, love, loss and more. And you just know everything's going to work out in the end. Perfect seasonal reading. I quite liked it. Tick, tick, tick. 

Best read underneath a cozy throw with a mug of cocoa. See for yourself - here's an excerpt of The Christmas Dress.

Christmas by the Book - Anne Marie Ryan

Yes, the Christmas reading continues! Don't you love the cover of Anne Marie Ryan's new novel, Christmas by the Book? 

Bookstores are always wonderful, but even more so at Christmas - finding just the right book for a family member or friend. What about for someone you don't know? 

Nora and her husband, Simon have run a bookshop in their small British town for over thirty years. But as Christmas approaches, the writing is on the wall - and the bailiff at the door. The shop will close after the Christmas season. The pair are determined to thank the village for all their support over the years. Simon comes up with the idea of anonymously giving a Christmas book to those who might need a pick-me-up. 

I loved all the titles referenced throughout the book, but especially those seasonal titles. Ryan's love of books and bookshops is evidenced on every page. Now, those books are wrapped, so Nora simply drops one in each of the mail slots, not knowing who is going to get what title.

Here's the Christmas magic bit that I loved - each of the books is perfect for the recipient in one way or another and...... well you're going to have to read Christmas by the Book to find out the rest.

I loved Nora as a lead character. She's someone you'd love to have for a friend. Nora and Simon's relationship is lovingly drawn and is believable. The villagers are a lovely mixed bunch and are again, folks you'd love to have as neighbours and friends.

I know where I would be spending much of my time if I lived in this village - at the bookstore. I created vivid mental pictures of the shop with Ryan's descriptions. Cosy, creaky floors, a working fireplace, large easy chairs by that fire, a children's area, book clubs, events and so much more. Nora and Simon live above the shop - don't you think that would be a fabulous flat to live in! Oh, and there's a shop dog too. :0) 

Christmas by the Book was wonderful seasonal reading for me. Best read with a cup of tea and a quilt.Booklovers, I think this one might just fit in your stocking!

Fans of Jenny Colgan would enjoy this one. Jenny says "A heartfelt and lovely Christmas tale for book lovers everywhere!" I agree! Read an excerpt of Christmas by the Book.

The Santa Suit - Mary Kay Andrews

I can imagine some of you might be saying 'A Christmas review already?' Well....it is less than three months away!  

Mary Kay Andrews has just released The Santa Suit, a great seasonal novella perfect for stocking stuffing (and don't forget yours!)

I love Mary Kay Andrews books. There's always a likable lead character. In this tale, it's Ivy Perkins. (And Punkin the dog!) She's lost her business, her marriage is kaput and her best friend betrayed her. What's a girl to do? How about buying an old farmhouse - sight unseen? From a really nice, and yes handsome, real estate agent. Uh huh, the possible romantic thread of the plot. And in a really friendly little town populated with quirky, amiable folks. Well, all the elements are there for a classic MKA read!

But where does the Christmas bit come in? Well, most of the furnishings and bits of the previous longtime owners came with the farmhouse. And in a closet, in the pocket of an old Santa suit is a Christmas wish from a little girl many years ago...

The Santa Suit is just such a warm-hearted read. I loved Ivy and hoped she would find happiness again. Punkin was a most excellent dog character. ;0) The romantic thread is believable and written just right. The supporting cast is just as likable, with a mix of players, each with their own story. And the setting made me want to move to town. But the Christmas pièce de résistance is that note in the Santa suit. Andrews weaves together a resolution that I didn't see coming, but it's the perfect ending. 

The Santa Suit was a wonderfully festive novel that makes for warm, fuzzy, heartwarming reading. Best served with a cup of cocoa, a comfy chair and a warm blanket. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Santa Suit.