Posts Categorized: christmas

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses by Jenny Hale

07 Dec, 2015 by in christmas, women's lit Leave a comment


Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses
by Jenny Hale
Published Oct 16, 2015
By Bookouture
Source: Netgalley

An uplifting, beautiful story about never letting go of your dreams, the special magic of a family Christmas… and the rush of falling in love under the mistletoe.

Single mother Abbey Fuller loves her family more than anything, and doesn’t regret for a moment having had to put her dreams of being an interior designer on hold. But with her son, Max, growing up, when a friend recommends her for a small design job she jumps at the chance. How hard can it be?

Nick Sinclair needs his house decorated in time for his family’s festive visit – and money is no object. What he doesn’t need is to be distracted from his multi-million dollar business – even if it is Christmas.

When Abbey pulls up to the huge Sinclair mansion, she has a feeling she might be out of her depth. And when she meets the gorgeous, brooding Nicholas Sinclair, she knows that she’s in real trouble…

With the snow falling all around, can Abbey take the chance to make her dreams of being a designer come true? And can she help Nick to finally enjoy the magic of Christmas?
Amazon

Review

Single mother Abbey Fuller has been hired by her elderly patient to decorate a mansion for Christmas. She’s completely unsure of what to expect when she meets the owner, but the aloof Nick Sinclair is not at what she expected. He has more money than he knows what to do with, collecting cars and throwing down a decorating budget that could support a family. She sets to work hanging mistletoe and putting up trees while also breaking down the walls around Nick’s heart. He’s a workaholic for a reason, and she’s about to get caught up in his life.

I loved the feel good ending, the clean story line and the plot twists near the end. Nick was so  standoffish and guarded, it is hard for the reader to truly get to know him. He felt a bit flat to me. Finally at the end there are slits of light into who he can become. This is a feel good, hopeful read and I recommend it to fans of women’s lit. Thanks to Netgalley for a fun Holiday read!

About the Author

Jenny Hale is a Women’s Fiction author from Virginia. Her books have sold worldwide, reaching top ten Amazon lists in the US, the UK, and Canada, and have been translated into multiple languages to be sold online and at major retailers in Europe. Her novel A Christmas to Remember was a number one best selling Kindle Women’s Romance Fiction title in the US, and Summer by the Sea was mentioned nationally on the Happy Every After blog for USA Today. She is currently at work on her next novel.

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Miracle Maker: A Christmas Tale Movie Review

03 Nov, 2015 by in christmas, movie, movie review Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Covenant in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Miracle Maker: A Christmas Tale Movie Review

Miracle Maker: A Christmas Tale

Published by Covenant on November 3, 2015
Genres: Christian, Christmas
five-stars
Source: Covenant
Buy the Book
90 min.

DVD

Director: John Lyde

Production Company Mainstay Productions, Paulist Productions

Cast: Skyler M. Day, Sarah Kent, Ruby Jones, Paris Warner, Melanie Stone, Maggie Scott, Katie O'Curran, Jasen Wade, Jake Stormoen, Jacob Buster, Caitlin E.J. Meyer, Brian Krause, Anne Sward, Adam Johnson, Abigail Scott

 

Miracle Maker: A Christmas Tale – It all starts with one little seed of love.

”The Miracle Maker is coming!”

Everyone in the tiny hamlet is excited when they hear the news that the renowned man of wonders is coming to their village. But the humble traveler who appears isn’t what anyone expected. They were looking forward to someone magnificent who would change their lives.

But it seems this man can barely take care of himself, let alone fulfill the dreams of others. However, miracles can come in all shapes and sizes-and sometimes from unexpected places.

 

We sat down and watched Miracle Maker as a family yesterday, just in time for today’s release date. All of my children enjoyed it and mom shed a few tears at the sweet message of hope. It’s a Christmas tale of planting seeds for a later harvest, softening bitter hearts and how one person can make a difference. My children noticed the Charles Dickens Scrooge parallels. They have seen a few other movies by Mainstay productions and recognized many of the cast members from last year’s Christmas Dragon. Their suggestions would be to reach out and include a few more new actors and be careful of costuming. My son was bothered that a few of the costumes looked “modern.”

Would we recommend buying or gifting this movie? Absolutely! It is heart warming and simple and just in time for the Holidays.

Thanks so much to Michelle Moore for the screening opportunity. Highly recommended as a clean movie for the whole family.

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Deseret Book, Excel Entertainment and Shadow Mountain Christmas Preview

24 Nov, 2014 by in christmas 1 comment

Published by Deseret Book, Shadow Mountain Source: Deseret Book, Shadow Mountain

Christmas is swiftly approaching and we have so many fun new gift ideas to share thanks to an awesome party put on by three publishers.

Thanks Deseret Book, Shadow Mountain and Excel Entertainment!

 

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Maybe you want to give a tote bag or set of frames? Or how about the Nephite  from “Ites” standing behind me?

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 12 Days of Christmas With Six Sisters’ Stuff: Recipes, Traditions, Homemade Gifts, and So Much More
Christmas Jars
God Bless Us, Every One!: The Story Behind a Christmas Carol

 

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 Remake, a new dystopian  YA novel by Ilema Todd

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 The Christmas Dragon directed by John Lyde

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 Fairy Tale Christmas by Michael McLean

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A Heart Revealed by Josi S. Kilpack

 

 

Shadow Mountain Releases


Redeemer: A Nashville Tribute to Jesus Christ

Remake
A Heart Revealed (A Proper Romance)
Fairy Tale Christmas
Sam’s Christmas Wish

 

Excel Entertainment Releases

Christmas Dragon

 

Deseret Book Releases

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas: Seven Traditions to Lead Us Closer to the Savior
Stars Were Gleaming
It is Better to Look Up: Life Experiences from the Pulpit
Ites: An Illustrated Guide to the People in the Book of Mormon
Fire and Steel, Volume One: A Generation Rising
Let the Season In (DVD); Mormon Tabernacle Choir with Deborah Voigt and John Rhys-Davies

 

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Or Maybe you need some brand new

Christmas Swag

Hemp totes

Flicker candle

Gift wrap made of stone

Missionary stockings

Family frames and

Jewelry from

www.deseretbook.com

Lots of wonderful gift ideas.

Comment below with what you have added to your Christmas wish and we will enter you to win one of these titles. Ends 12/20/14

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Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas Blog Tour

12 Nov, 2014 by in christmas, emily freeman, ensign peak Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Ensign Peak in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas Blog Tour

Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas

by Emily Freeman
Published by Ensign Peak on September 30th 2014
Genres: Adult, Christmas, Inspirational
Pages: 112
Format: Paperback
four-half-stars
Source: Ensign Peak
Buy the BookGoodreads
Discover how each figure of the nativity can lead your family closer to Christ this Christmas season. Learn the tradition of the tinkling bell, whip up a batch of French cocoa, create a tender mercy tree, and find ways to make your gift-giving more meaningful as Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas guides you through seven meaningful traditions inspired by the nativity setting. These simple experiences will give you and opportunity to escape from the frantic busyness of the Christmas season to spend time reflecting on the Savior and the miracle of His birth.
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With Christmas swiftly approaching, Emily Belle Freeman offers us seven weeks worth of traditions that will bring the meaning of the season back into homes. The author uses the members of the nativity – Mary, Joseph, the angel, the shepherd, the wise men, the lamb and the Christ child, along with time honored traditions and symbols we already know. As a compact, gift quality read, there are stories, scripture and hand drawn art that help us turn our hearts to Him.

We are going to take the timeline she suggests, one week before Thanksgiving and carry it through to Christmas day, adding a member of the nativity each week as we learn about the figures’ role in the unfolding scene of the Savior’s birth.  A Christ- Centered Christmas adds new traditions without overwhelming readers with an already busy time of year. I am so happy to have a new way to teach our children and prepare them for a holiday focused on He whose birth we celebrate.

About the Author unnamed (5)

EMILY BELLE FREEMAN is a coach’s wife, a mother to four children and a few others who have found refuge in her home, author of several bestselling books, and sought-after inspirational speaker. Her days are spent watching over teenagers, her flock of pampered chickens, and a rabbit that she adores. She finds great joy in studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. For a few minutes every day Emily forgets about the laundry, leaves the dishes in the sink, and writes. She coauthors a blog that is a stopping place for hearts seeking all that is good: www. multiplygoodness.com.

Blog Tour Schedule

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The Christmas Dragon ~ Movie Review

06 Nov, 2014 by in christmas, fantasy, movie, movie review, movie trailer, utah film Leave a comment

The Christmas Dragon ~ Movie Review

The Christmas Dragon

on November 7, 2014
Genres: Christmas, Fantasy
four-stars
Source: Deseret Book
Medieval Europe - Father Christmas is a fading memory, after Christmas hasn't come for several years.

A young orphan girl, Ayden, receives a magic crystal from a dying elf, with a warning that the North has lost its magic, and that she alone can save Christmas. Ayden and her orphan friends begin a perilous journey, and must escape dragons, goblins, bandits, ogres and other fantasy creatures as they team up with Airk, the wayward son of Father Christmas, to return a stolen Christmas orb to the North. When Santa's magic cannot overpower the growing Snarl (an evil forest with tentacle branches), Ayden and Airk must deliver Christmas on a sleigh pulled by a young dragon, fulfilling Christmas wishes for children to restore Santa's magic and save Christmas.

Tolkein, Father Christmas and a Celtic Music score mixed with dragons? Yep. I went into The Christmas Dragon not knowing at all what to expect, and stepping outside my normal movie genre into the world of midevil fantasy. The Christmas Dragon had a cast of some actors I recognized from other Utah films like Heather Beers (as a nun?) and Adam Johnson (who plays a killer Father Christmas by the way).  A pleasant surprise, I discovered some new actors I now love!

Bailee Michelle Johnson as Ayden– a young girl orphaned after bounty hunters attempt to take her parents, was brilliant. Genuine, complete with spot on accent, she fits the role of dragon whisperer and heroine of Christmas.

I am also team Jake Stormoen and Melanie Stone after last night’s preview at Jordan Commons. Are they a real couple offscreen?

Jake plays Santa’s son turned rogue Captain Jack Sparrow looking elf, and Melanie is a kick butt elfin warrior, Saerwan. These two were far and way the best duo of the film. They are co-starring in the upcoming Mythica, to be released by Arrowstorm Entertainment, which was not even on my radar… until now.

There are a few scary parts and goblin-esque creatures, which would cause me to pause in taking any child under 10 to see the movie, but overall a family film. The Christmas Dragon has a great message about forgivenesss and a prodigal son. An epic fantasy for all ages, just in time for Christmas!

Coming this Friday to theaters and in stores at Deseret Book soon.

Thanks for the sneak peek Excel Entertainment. The crew donated cans to  the Utah Food Bank as apart of the premiere!

See my event photos on instagram the official premeire photos on Facebook.

heather

Cast

Eve Mauro Eve Mauro -Aesa
Talon G. Ackerman- Garret
Michael Flynn- Father Mendel
Adam Johnson – Father Christmas
Bailee Michelle Johnson – Ayden
Jacob Buster – Rand
Paul D. Hunt – Leif
Jake Stormoen – Airk
Dave Bresnahan – Tavern patron
Renny Grames – Gazared

Heather Beers – Sister Lenora
James C. Morris- Old Elf
Melanie Stone – Saerwen
D.L. Walker – Bar Keep
Danny James – Borntall
Andrew Dee Jones – Soldier and Drunk
Ruby Jones- Hoyt
Paris Warner – Rosalynne
David DeVilliers- Fin
Aimee Lynne Johnson – Young Ayden
Cooper Daniel Johnson- Marcus

 

The Trailer

 

Filmakers

John Lyde – Director/Writer/Producer

Jason Faller – Producer

Kynan Griffin – Producer

 

IMDB page * facebook

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Candy Canes & Christmastime by Linda Hoffman Kimball~ Blog Tour

24 Oct, 2014 by in adult, candy canes and christmastime, christmas, compilation Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Cedar Fort in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Candy Canes & Christmastime by Linda Hoffman Kimball~ Blog Tour

Candy Canes and Christmastime: Enhancing the Holidays in the Real World,

by Linda Hoffman Kimball
Published by Cedar Fort on 2014
Genres: Adult, Christmas, Non- Fiction
Pages: 178
Format: Paperback
three-half-stars
Source: Cedar Fort
Goodreads
If the holiday rush has you feeling like you’ve been run over by a reindeer, this is the book for you! Linda Hoffman Kimball presents a compilation of heartfelt and humorous stories and ideas that help families refocus on the sacredness of the season. Discover unique traditions, fresh ideas, practical tips, and spiritual insights so that your family can get back on track.

A diverse compilation of stories to help us remember the real reason for Christmas and to remind mothers who try to do it all to simplify and just enjoy. Many of of the stories are pulled from previous magazine publications.

I really loved the graphic and cover design of the book, as well as the wide range of voices and recipes.

Some of the hand illustrated clip art didn’t quite fit the stories, and the graphics on the pages seemed a bit misplaced. I would love to have seen a table of contents of the authors with their articles, instead of having them listed separately. Overall, aside from the small editing and organization issues, this would be a great gift and stocking stuffer.

About the Authorkimball_linda

Linda Hoffman Kimball has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. She came to writing as a creative passion (rather than a requirement for studies) when she realized that storing words took up much less space than storing art. At age 10 she won a Celebrity Look-Alike contest for her costumed portrayal of Bullwinkle the Moose. Other childhood art competitions earned her a Kissy Doll and a transistor radio. With those early triumphs she knew her career would be down the riches-laden path of the arts.

Raised in the midwest and paying property taxes there as well as in New England and the Rocky Mountains, Linda loves to travel to visit or host her family and friends. She earned a BA from Wellesley College and an MFA from Boston University. She and her husband have three grown children who have provided much fodder for her material over the years.

Blog Tour Schedule

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Review: Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

09 Dec, 2013 by in amish fiction, book review, christmas Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel

by Shelley Shepard Gray
Published by Avon Inspire on October 22, 2013
Genres: Adult, Amish Fiction
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy the BookGoodreads
After a year of secrets and scandal, will this Amish community finally find peace under the bright promise of Christmas?

Beth Byler has a secret. Ever since she met Englischer Chris Ellis while helping out at the Yellow Bird Inn, she can't stop thinking about him. She knows a relationship could never go anywhere—Chris was working undercover in Crittenden County as a DEA agent. That meant he faced danger daily and carried a gun, making him completely unsuitable for an Amish woman like herself. But she knew he felt the attraction, too. It was the reason he left so suddenly, promising never to see her again.

Then, three days before Christmas, while Beth is taking care of the inn, Chris returns. This time, he is bleeding and in need of a place to hide. Against her better judgment, Beth takes him in and tends to his wounds. She also promises to keep his presence a secret. Before long, it becomes clear that nothing between them has changed—a relationship is inevitable. But are they ready to sacrifice everything for this chance at love?

I’ve really been loving both Amish fiction and Christmas fiction this year, so I was super excited when I received Peace in the mail for review. Beth Byler is working for Christmas, holding down the fort at the bed and breakfast owned by her friend Frannie. She’s not expecting any guests until a knock at the door reveals Chris, a DEA agent and Englischer who has been badly wounded. He’s seeking refuge from a job gone bad. In need of stitches, without a place to stay, Beth decides she must take him in– but her heart is in more danger than she imagined.

Chris is looking for some peace and a chance to heal. But he has walls up that must be kept there to protect himself and Beth. He hasn’t seen his family in years for fear they will be ashamed of what he must become when he goes undercover, and for fear they will pay consequences if he is followed. But his time at the Yellow Bird with Beth may be just what he needs to sooth his soul.

This is a cozy novel that helps you believe in destiny, and the need to forgive. There is a definite romance element but the author keeps it clean, which I truly appreciate . It moves along slowly enough to fit the genre and characters perfectly. The pacing is good, but I wasn’t a fan of moving between two different story lines.

Alongside the main plot,  is a subplot of another Amish family in the community trying to muddle their way through a murder and the imprisonment of  the perpetrator. Lots of guilt and bitterness to be worked through. I had a hard time connecting with it, as I wanted to know just how the victim, Perry, lost his life and what role each person played. There were details left undone that left me a bit confused. The motivation for murder, the reasons behind it and how it played out were all left sketched, but not filled in. Maybe a follow up novella, or deleted scene with  flashback would be a great solution for me on the unanswered questions.

Overall, this is the best Amish fiction I’ve read yet and I would recommend it to adults looking for a light seasonal romance. I’m happy to have found the Avon Inspire imprint and new author to follow!

4heather

 

Author Bio

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I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.

I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.

Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.

I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.

Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.

Learn More

        
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