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This novel starts with the main character Mel Hart sharing about her earlier years as the only child of a single, alcoholic mother. In the second chapter, set in present day December in Chicago, Mel receives a phone call to let her know that her mother has died. The first time I picked up the book to read it, in late November, I put it aside after those two short chapters and decided I just could not read that storyline right before Christmas. I wanted jolly stories, sweet romance plots, and happily-ever-after endings. The author’s writing style, however, had grabbed my attention, so I planned to come back to the book once I’d had my fill of Christmas cheer. 

I eventually worked my way through a few more chapters until today, when I sat down in my comfy chair with a cuddly blanket and time to read. I became immersed in the tale Mel hears after her mother’s death from Barb, a woman who shows up out of nowhere claiming to be Mel’s mom’s former best friend. The story blurbs give away a bit of the story, so I won’t do that here, but I will say that A Home for the Holidays is a fantastic narrative of how one woman deals with grief. Themes of family, friendship, hope, dreams, and forgiveness blend to create a moving story that will stick with me.

This book is a great read for any time of the year, though it mixes in some great Christmas references throughout the storyline, which takes place between mid-December and New Year’s Day. While not technically a romance, it does have some elements of the genre in it. Just under 250 pages in length, A Home for the Holidays may be read in a day, which would be a great way to experience Mel’s story.

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Elena is an artist stuck in the corporate world, working at Sparkle Cookie as a VP in marketing to do something remotely connected to the creativity she longs to use more often. She volunteers to visit the New Hope location of the newest chain, though it is having some trouble with the locals in the small town prior to its anticipated launch on Christmas Eve. When she and Lawrence clash at the town meeting, the stage is set for their romance. 

Will corporate greed come between them or will they each deal with their own issues so they can be together? A feel-good romance with real-life characters and some sweet surprises, The Christmas Crush is a must-read for those looking for a festive story any time of year, but especially around Christmas.The audiobook narrator does a fabulous job of bringing the novel to life.

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Amanda and Rafe have both experienced unbelievable tragedy relating to the substance abuse of others around them. As a result, their baggage keeps them from fully moving forward or getting involved in relationships. How will these two move past the obstacles and end up together in this Christmas-centered romance? The path they take is beautiful and real. As Amanda fought her feelings and hid behind the pain of her past, I found myself engaged in her struggle. There are many funny and true-to-life moments provided courtesy of colorful characters such as Isaac, Rafe’s young son, and Birdie, Amanda’s grandmother.

Lovers of Hallmark movies will enjoy this story, which spans Thanksgiving through Christmas. This is book 2 in a series, but I had not read the previous book and had no trouble with it as a stand-alone read. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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When they get to the bed and breakfast, where they were going to stay free as guests of Pearl’s cousin Michael, instead of the relaxing time away it evolves into them running the place!  Hijinks ensue as the novel’s colorful characters provide many laugh-out-loud moments and over-the-top situations. Readers also occasionally get the viewpoint of some of the other characters in the novel, which makes for some dramatic irony. 

This book would make a fabulous Christmas movie, a combination of Love Actually and The Holiday. More than a romance, it’s a story of three women who learn about themselves and what they truly want, at Christmas and the rest of the year. Great audiobook narration by Helen Phillips.

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Set in the months as the world came out of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the story often uses the world-changing event to define its characters and their behaviors. This can be jarring for those wishing to escape into a novel and leave the real world behind. This novella has humor, heart, and some unbelievable situations. It makes for a good read in one day, as the audiobook runs just under 4 hours. Narrator Maria Marquis does an excellent job telling the story of this cast of small town characters. This would be a good listen to get you into the holiday spirit while baking, wrapping presents, or running errands.

Thank you to NetGalley and Make Waves Press for the ARC audiobook. All opinions are my own.

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The storyline changes points of view, as well as timelines, so the year is consistently mentioned at the start of each chapter. The story begins at a New Year’s Eve party 30 years later. As a result, the book, which was released in December 2020, gives readers an alternate history of the year that will always be remembered by those who experienced it. Obviously written before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is just another year in this cute novel, which is a romance but much more. Turning 30 leads Minnie to make some major life choices as she struggles to blame the so-called bad luck curse she’s under versus the fall out from her own choices. 

With humorous situations and touching moments,including a storyline about mental illness, This Time Next Year feels like a book I could enjoy over and over. I listened to the audiobook, which had fabulous narration. I look forward to enjoying more books by this author.

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Giving off Bridget Jones vibes throughout the book, including a main character who continually finds herself in crazy situations and a love interest channeling his inner Daniel Cleaver, The Night Before Christmas is a story about self-discovery wrapped in a rom-com. It’s a great holiday read, though it might not be as light as the reader was anticipating when the main character starts to uncover secrets from her childhood. Animal lovers will appreciate the personalities of the side characters who live at the animal rescue who insert their own special fun into the book.

I enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator did a wonderful job, and I often found myself laughing out loud. I could not wait to find out what happened next for the beleaguered heroine and her “Penguin Man.” 

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC audiobook. All opinions are my own.

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The story revolves around the holidays in the Pacific Northwest. Frankie owns a small business, Holiday Happiness, and is very involved in her small town, especially with the Santa Walk, an event she created to bring shoppers into the downtown area to enjoy the holidays and boost business. However, her rival took over the board for the event and is making changes Frankie doesn’t like. Add in the fact that none of the matchmaking seems to be going according to plan, and it’s a fun story to read. 

Aside from the Emma inspiration, I felt a strong “Gilmore Girls” vibe with this book, too. Those who are wanting to read an uplifting, comical, sweet book will enjoy The Merry Matchmaker. Additionally, the book wraps up with a few holiday-themed recipes to keep the fun going. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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Catching Whimsy is a collection of devotionals designed to be read once a day for a year. The short passages include an often catchy title (for example “You’re Beautiful, Even on a Bad Hair Day”), followed by a Bible verse and a five-minute read related to the topic. Those who are unfamiliar with Goff’s style will soon feel as if they are engaging in an intimate conversation over coffee through the quick bits of inspiration provided in the devotionals. The book, though having dates on each reading, can be read at any time of year to encourage and inspire readers. 

Releasing December 10, 2024, this book would make a great gift for someone on your holiday shopping list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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