There are about fifteen short stories that make up this unique Christmas collection. My two star doesn't mean that I hated it, it's just that the majoThere are about fifteen short stories that make up this unique Christmas collection. My two star doesn't mean that I hated it, it's just that the majority of it was just "ok" for me. There were a few stories that I actually really liked, but the majority of the others were just ok for me. (I think I'm in a reading slump and it has effected my enjoyment.) Anyway, there were maybe two cuss words used, too, which sort of shocked me because the author said these were stories she wrote and her husband read them from the pulpit at Christmas time. Maybe those were ones that were just published? My final thoughts on this collection is this: these really are unique and culturally diverse stories that many will enjoy the creative writing style that was penned. I truly loved the first story, it was my absolute favorite. ...more
3.5 Sweet little Christmas read. I liked how the main character was a grandma with a fixed income who grew to recognize the God given blessings in her 3.5 Sweet little Christmas read. I liked how the main character was a grandma with a fixed income who grew to recognize the God given blessings in her life. Also, just for the record, I loved how Betty made oatmeal, toast, and canned peaches for dinner. 🎄...more
Cute and fun but I still prefer Winnie-the-Pooh over Paddington bear. Why am I comparing the two? Probably because they are both sweet, clean, classicCute and fun but I still prefer Winnie-the-Pooh over Paddington bear. Why am I comparing the two? Probably because they are both sweet, clean, classical, type reads about bears. I've always loved Winnie-the-Pooh though, the charm to the stories, and all of the lovable characters. This felt a little boring in comparison; at least that's what I kept kept thinking while I was listening to the audio. This would be a fun audio or read aloud for kids though. My girls had fun listening to it while I did the dishes at night....more
This is an extremely short, speculative, retelling of the nativity story. The author tried to express the discomfort and fear that Mary and Joseph mayThis is an extremely short, speculative, retelling of the nativity story. The author tried to express the discomfort and fear that Mary and Joseph may have felt during their travels and also as they endured the possible realities of giving birth to Christ in a stable. On one hand I really liked it, but my over all feeling, once I finished it, was an uncomfortableness in some of the details brought out. Maybe this is how the setting and actions played out, but, maybe not. ...more
This Victorian, Christmas novella takes place in London, England, during the Christmas holidays in 1861. If you can't picture the time period, think QThis Victorian, Christmas novella takes place in London, England, during the Christmas holidays in 1861. If you can't picture the time period, think Queen Victoria, and the year Prince Albert passed away at a young age of forty-two years old. It was a time when progress was being pushed for, a time when railroads were cutting through countrysides and new inventions and commodities were being implemented into households at great costs, thus, the premise for this story: A Holiday by Gaslight. I really liked the strong, historical details that were presented throughout this vibrant novella. The characters were well developed and easy to admire. The majority of the story takes place during the Christmas week, and had a cozy, Christmasy feel for the entirety of the story. At the end, the author also made notes to inform the reader how she used some similar character traits, and quotes straight out of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South which is fun for Gaskell fans.
*My only complaint, and it's strictly a personal conviction, is that I didn't like how often the Lord's name was used in vain. I just wasn't a fan. There were also a few "minor" profanities scattered throughout the pages. I would have loved this novella if the profanities were toned down a bit. Other than these issues, I would highly recommend the book....more
Quick, fluffy Christmas read with a touch of lighthearted humor and a happy ending. The audio was enjoyable and entertaining, too. For some reason thoQuick, fluffy Christmas read with a touch of lighthearted humor and a happy ending. The audio was enjoyable and entertaining, too. For some reason though, I assumed this would be a clean read but was surprised by a few profanities and comments that were made. If you prefer Christmas stories that don't make you cry, and are looking for a really light read, you might enjoy this. ...more
A fun, patriotic read that makes Colonial American history come alive. In this time travel adventure story, Rush Revere and his friends go back in timA fun, patriotic read that makes Colonial American history come alive. In this time travel adventure story, Rush Revere and his friends go back in time and meet Ben Franklin, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere. Readers learn about the Boston Tea Party, the Stamp Act, and that freedom really is worth fighting for. I appreciated how patriotic this book made me feel. I thought this was an engaging, educational read with many humorous moments thanks to Liberty, Rush Revere's talking horse. The audio book is read by the author himself and I enjoyed it quite well....more
This forty-three page book contains ten devotions that would make nice discussion guides to work through with a friend or a group of other parents. EaThis forty-three page book contains ten devotions that would make nice discussion guides to work through with a friend or a group of other parents. Each devotion is based off of a lesson from a parable in the Bible that could encourage parents to gain wisdom or have a pleasant reminder on how to parent in Christ. My favorite and most convicting devotion was number seven, the merciful king, that focused on perfecting love with mercy.
*I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion. No review was required. ...more
This series was a lot of fun for me. Way different than my typical genre, but this was engrossing and highly entertaining. I never envisioned myself eThis series was a lot of fun for me. Way different than my typical genre, but this was engrossing and highly entertaining. I never envisioned myself enjoying a vampire romance. 😜 Lol. Thank you, Overdrive, for my free audio experience;-)...more
Excellent survival story. Very engaging. The audio book was also done well. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five, is because I didn't Excellent survival story. Very engaging. The audio book was also done well. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five, is because I didn't care for the beginning of the story and how it handled the subject of divorce. I found it unnecessary and slightly inappropriate for younger aged children. ...more
This parenting book is a quick and easy read. The chapters are short and all begin with an ice-breaker question to get you thinking. The bulk of each This parenting book is a quick and easy read. The chapters are short and all begin with an ice-breaker question to get you thinking. The bulk of each chapter is the actual lesson, and each chapter ends with a few discussion questions and a quick challenge called, training in the practice of Jesus. There are ten chapters and the topics covered are as follows: surrender, self-control, service, prayer, solitude, peacemaking, simplicity, generosity, mercy, and celebration. This would be a nice book to read with a friend or a small group Bible study with other parents, where you could really discuss the topics, Bible verses, and challenges as a group. * I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion. No review was required....more
Sweet, little Christmas read. I always enjoy Donna VanLiere's Christmas books. Sweet, little Christmas read. I always enjoy Donna VanLiere's Christmas books. ...more
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