This is pure joy. I adore All Creatures Great and Small, and this felt so similar to it in the best way possible. I did not read the first two books iThis is pure joy. I adore All Creatures Great and Small, and this felt so similar to it in the best way possible. I did not read the first two books in the series, but I plan on it. I love all things Ireland, especially Northern Ireland (where my ancestors are from) so I appreciated the small village, its quirky residents, the different cases the doctors had, the Christmas details, and more. It felt like a Masterpiece TV show, and it was just what I needed - cozy, happy, and sure to put a smile on your face. The audio was outstanding w/ perfect accents. Full review to come. ...more
This was super cute! As someone that has directed children in A Christmas Carol play before, I especially could relate and appreciate this holiday stoThis was super cute! As someone that has directed children in A Christmas Carol play before, I especially could relate and appreciate this holiday story. Full review to come. ...more
While at a Dublin pub one evening, Megan runs into a childhood friend, Christian. They both have something in common: they don't want to deal with theWhile at a Dublin pub one evening, Megan runs into a childhood friend, Christian. They both have something in common: they don't want to deal with their family this holiday season. Megan doesn't want to return to her hometown as she is known as the runaway bride. She left her fiancé at the altar four years ago. On the other hand, Christian never brings home a girlfriend during the holiday season and his family pities him as everyone expects him to be in a serious relationship by now. So, they agreed to be each other's fake dates this holiday season and they set a few ground rules. It's only a few weeks, so what could go wrong? Catherine Walsh's Snowed In is a delightful holiday romance complete with fake dating, romance, and holiday drama. Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c......more
Stella Fisher has returned home to Tennessee for Christmas. Her mother needs her as this is the first Christmas they are facing since the death of herStella Fisher has returned home to Tennessee for Christmas. Her mother needs her as this is the first Christmas they are facing since the death of her father. Her sister, Lily, has run off to get married giving the rest of the family little to no details, so it's just her and her mother this holiday season. Stella has been consumed as a writer and researcher, so she hopes to continue working on her piece while at home this holiday season. Her piece requires her to do some research and observation at the local hospital, and while there she runs into Henry Dutton, her ex, who she didn't leave on good terms. Slowly, Stella gets used to being back at home and dealing with her ex, running into his sister, and helping her mother with her holiday plans. It feels good to be home, but the more time she spends with Henry the more she is questioning things, not to mention, what exactly happened to him. Henry is dealing with a lot and Stella has just scratched the surface. Meet Me at Christmas by Jenny Hale is a sweet story filled with tender moments and reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c......more
Eva is obsessed with her work; she is opening a new store and is completely consumed by that. Things with her husband, James, aren't good, and they arEva is obsessed with her work; she is opening a new store and is completely consumed by that. Things with her husband, James, aren't good, and they are en route to Cornwall from London to go to Hallie's holiday party. Eva is trying to make things right with her husband, but she is completely triggered by Hallie's party and the news that Hallie is pregnant. This brings up a lot of unresolved issues in Eva's life as she has suffered a devastating miscarriage and she attempts to return to London at night. While heading there, she is greeted by the ghost of her grandmother who tries to talk some sense into her as her relationships are suffering greatly. When Eva wakes up, she finds herself in a different friend's body and living out their Christmas morning, but also getting inside details as to how her behavior impacts everyone. This is Eva's chance to start over despite her setbacks and trauma and repair the relationships in her life before it's too late. One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw is a melancholy holiday read, but ultimately by the story's end, it is one filled with hope. Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c......more
Sadie is down on her luck. Her boyfriend dumped her and she lost her job as a pastry chef at a high-end restaurant. Is this because she just can't falSadie is down on her luck. Her boyfriend dumped her and she lost her job as a pastry chef at a high-end restaurant. Is this because she just can't fall in line? Her ex, Alex, didn't like that she pushed back on his sexist Wall Street colleagues and she also questioned her boss at work. To top it off, Sadie can't pay rent, so she has to stay in the spare bedroom of Jacob, her brother's best friend. Needless to say, this is a very, very bad year. Her best friend convinces her to come out to a New Year's Eve party and while there she asks the fortune teller for a chance to do the entire year over. Well, the magic works and she wakes up the next day with her boyfriend and her beloved job. She can avoid all the problems in this do-over year, right? Except can she forget the magical kiss she had with Jacob on New Year's Eve? Melissa Wiesner's The Second Chance Year is the perfect read as the New Year approaches. Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c......more
Laurel Grant's life is finally coming together. She has a new job at a local magazine where she writes about all things Ohio. She has featured her twiLaurel Grant's life is finally coming together. She has a new job at a local magazine where she writes about all things Ohio. She has featured her twin sister's local farm as she is the social media manager there, but her boss is under the assumption that it's her who owns the farm. Cue the mixup on top of the fact that she invited him (last minute!) to a holiday dinner at the farm. She doesn't want to lose this job, so she enlists her sister to help her keep up the facade. Her sister has chosen her husband's best friend, Max, to "play" Laurel's husband--could things get any worse? Laurel hates Max; cue the drama. How can she pretend to be married to her nemesis and an all around major grump? A storm brings the Grants, her boss, and Max together and before they know it, sparks are flying between Max and Laurel. Readers who enjoy Hallmark movies, as well as a good fake dating trope, should pick up Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey this holiday season. Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c......more
Readers find themselves back at McCredie's Bookshop in Edinburgh at Christmastime. This novel picks up where The Christmas Bookshop left off and readeReaders find themselves back at McCredie's Bookshop in Edinburgh at Christmastime. This novel picks up where The Christmas Bookshop left off and readers are reunited with Carmen Hogan, manager of the adorable bookstore on Victoria Street. Carmen is feeling a lot of pressure though. Not only is she still upset about her breakup with Oke, but she is also worried about the fate of the bookshop. It's struggling financially and the owner is considering selling it to someone who would turn it into another cheesy souvenir shop. Just as in the first book, there's Carmen's family who still play a major role in her life, including her adorable nieces as well as a cast of memorable secondary characters. Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan is an adorable sequel to The Christmas Bookshop. While it isn't as compelling as the first book, who doesn't want to transport themselves to a bookshop in Scotland during Christmastime? It's the very definition of Christmas coziness. Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c......more