Ahhh! We are SO close to Christmas! I am so excited, but I cannot believe it’s almost here. Countdown to Christmas is a weekly feature where I recommend a different Christmas-y book each week to read during this holiday season, which was inspired by Kourtni Reads‘ Christmas countdown! Usually, it’s posted on a Sunday, but I was sick earlier this week and didn’t get a chance to post Week 5’s countdown…so here it is…on a Thursday!
This week’s book is The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans.
“Whatever the reason, I find that with each passing Christmas the story of the christmas box is told less and needed more. So I record it now for all future generations to accept or dismiss, as seems them good. As for me, I believe. And it is, after all, my story.” So begins “The Christmas Box”, the touching story of a widow and the young family who moves in with her. Together they discover the first gift of Christmas and learn what Christmas is really all about. “The Christmas Box” is a Christmas story unlike any other.
The Christmas Box is one of those sweet, heartwarming Christmas stories. It may make you cry, but it’s such an enjoyable book. It’s quite short, so it could easily be read in an afternoon. Or, if you’re busy preparing for the holidays, this is a great book to read because even if you can only read a couple pages each day, you’ll still finish the book quickly! I actually just discovered The Christmas Box is book 1 in a trilogy, so I hope to read the rest of the series probably next Christmas, but maybe this year…we’ll see!
Have any of you read this book? Let me know what you thought!
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I’m combining October and November’s wrap up for a couple of different reasons!
- It’s already December 16, and before I know it I’ll be doing December’s wrap-up
- I was in a reading/blogging slump in October, so not much bookishness occurred.
- I was in a major blogging slump in November, so not much blogging happened…
Okay, here we go…
Welcome back to Countdown to Christmas – Week Four! Countdown to Christmas is a weekly feature where I recommend a different Christmas-y book each week to read during this holiday season, which was inspired by Kourtni Reads‘ Christmas countdown!
This week’s pick is Clara Claus by Alexandra Lanc.
Jack Frost is about to lose everything. After attempting to again destroy Christmas, the Holiday that he hates more than anything, he is threatened with losing his job, and his Immortality. But, he is given one last chance at redemption.
That last chance lands Jack in the North Pole the week before Christmas, in order to help Santa Claus prepare for his busiest night of the year. There, Jack is tasked with the job of “Tour Guide”, in order to show Santa’s granddaughter, Clara, the sights of the Pole.
As Christmas draws nearer, and Jack’s time begins to run out, he finds himself becoming fond of Clara, who attempts to show him the real meaning of Christmas, all while shocking him with her unique view of the world.
But, the past proves hard to reconcile, and soon, Jack hatches one last plan to destroy Christmas, a plan involving Clara, which may prove fatal not only for the Pole, but for her, as well — unless Clara can melt his icy heart in time.
The first book in the fan-favorite series, the Snowflake Triplet, Clara Claus is a fantastical adventure that reminds us of the importance of hope, and the real meaning of Christmas.
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Clara Claus is such a fun, Christmas book! It is definitely underrated. It is so entertaining and has a lot heart. Not only did I love Clara, I also really loved the author’s take on Jack Frost. I also really liked how the legendary characters (Jack Frost, Santa, the Sugar Plum Fairy, etc.) immortality was explained. I am still eagerly waiting for the next book in the series, which I think comes out next Christmas. Also, you can get this book for free wherever ebooks are sold!
Have any of you read this book? Let me know what you thought!
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Title: Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Pages: 111
Genres: Children’s, Christmas, Fantasy
Published by: Mariner Books (Nov. 15, 2004; originally published 1976)
Summary
Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in a strange, spidery handwriting and a beautiful colored drawing or some sketches.
The letters were from Father Christmas.
They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how the reindeer got loose and scattered presents everywhere; how the accident-prone North Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas’s house; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house.
Sometimes the Polar Bear would scrawl a note, and sometimes Ilbereth the Elf would write in his elegant flowing script, adding yet more life and humor to the stories.
This updated version contains a wealth of new material, including letters and pictures missing from early editions. No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness and “authenticity” of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas.
What I Thought
This was such a sweet book! I discovered it while searching through Amazon’s Prime books (sidenote: did you know Amazon has Prime books like Prime videos?! I just found that out!!), and didn’t really know what to expect from it other than the fact that it looked like a fun, quick, Christmas-y read.
Hello, and welcome back to another Movie Monday – a semimonthly feature on my blog where I compare and discuss books and their movie adaptation!
Today I’m discussing the 1990 movie, Lantern Hill, based off the book Jane of Lantern Hill by LM Montgomery.
*I received this movie in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you to Sullivan Entertainment!*
Also, please be aware there may be spoilers!
After reading Jane of Lantern Hill (be sure to check out my review for it here), I was very excited to see the movie. While there were some significant differences from the book, the movie did not disappoint!
Some of the minor differences included Jane’s mother’s illness, as well as the fact that Jane visited her father in the fall instead of the summer. One more noticeable difference, was Jody. She was much bolder and far more daring in the movie. The biggest difference between the book and the film, however, was the ghost story.
As someone who loves faithful movie adaptations, when I first saw Lantern Hill was veering off into its own story, I was a bit unsure how I was going to like this movie. That being said, the differences ended up drawing me in. While I absolutely adored the book, I found myself really enjoying the movie, and its differences, as well. I found the mystery of Evelyn to be incredibly intriguing. It was so mysterious, and just the right amount of spooky. I also loved the addition of Hepziba. She was such a unique, strong character, and one I will not be forgetting anytime soon.
While there were many differences, that does not mean there were no similarities. In fact, all the best parts were there. I loved how it was even included that Jane was scared of cows! The spirit of the characters was there as well. The actress who played Jane, in particular, perfectly captured the role. She was exactly how I pictured Jane to be. The actor who played her father, Andrew, was absolutely perfect as well. All the actors in this movie did a phenomenal job. Everyone gave such a strong performance.
The pace of the movie was just right, as well. Events did not happen too quickly, nor did they drag out for too long. Also, the scenery was gorgeous! The cinematography, especially for the outside shots, was just so beautiful.
All in all, while there were a few significant differences from the book, making it not the the most faithful adaptation, Lantern Hill was able to stand on its own. With high quality actors, story line, and setting, Sullivan Entertainment managed create another wonderful, family-friendly movie.
We are now exactly three weeks away from Christmas day! Ahhh!! I’m so excited, but honestly, time needs to slow down – it’s all coming so fast! lol
Anyway, here we are with my third Countdown to Christmas for 2016. Countdown to Christmas is a weekly feature where I recommend a different Christmas-y book each week to read during this holiday season, which was inspired by Kourtni Reads‘ Christmas countdown!
This week’s pick is The Gift by Cecelia Ahern.
Step into the magical world of Cecelia Ahern.
If you could wish for one gift this Christmas, what would it be?
Everyday Lou Suffern battled with the clock. He always had two places to be at the same time. He always had two things to do at once. When asleep he dreamed. In between dreams, he ran through the events of the day while making plans for the next. When at home with his wife and family, his mind was always someplace else.
On his way into work one early winter morning, Lou meets Gabe, a homeless man sitting outside the office building. Intrigued by him and on discovering that he could also be very useful to have around, Lou gets Gabe a job in the post room.
But soon Lou begins to regret helping Gabe. His very presence unsettles Lou and how does Gabe appear to be in two places at the same time?
As Christmas draws closer, Lou starts to understand the value of time. He sees what is truly important in life yet at the same time he learns the harshest lesson of all.
This is a story about people who not unlike parcels, hide secrets.They cover themselves in layers until the right person unwraps them and discovers what’s inside. Sometimes you have to be unravelled in order to find out who you really are. For Lou Suffern, that took time.
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I really ended up enjoying The Gift more than I thought I would! I figured it would be a very typical Hallmark-y type Christmas book, but it ended up being so much more. I could really see it becoming a movie someday, though! The Gift is one of those books that makes you slow down and really think about the things that truly matter in this life – a good reminder all year, but especially at Christmastime. Be forewarned though, I did shed a few tears while reading this one!
Have any of you read this book? Let me know what you thought!
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Hey everyone! Today I have a fun topic to talk about. Have you ever been to a book conference or an author panel before? Unfortunately, I have not…yet! However, I know a lot of you have. So, today I want to talk about and share who would be on my dream author panel.
Okay, let’s get started!
Title: All I Want for Christmas by Jenny Hale
Pages: 233
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit
Published by: Bookouture (Oct. 6, 2016)
Summary
All I Want for Christmas is a big, cozy Christmas story about the importance of family, the strength of childhood friendships, and learning to trust your heart.
Fans of Carole Matthews, Susan Wiggs and Susan Mallery – and anyone who likes the glow of Christmas lights and the rustle of wrapping paper – will fall in love with this feel-good Christmas treat.
Christmas comes once a year . . . But true love comes once in a lifetime.
Snowflakes are falling, there’s carol singing on every corner, and Leah Evans is preparing for a family Christmas at her grandmother’s majestic plantation house in Virginia. It won’t be the same now that her beloved Nan is gone, but when Leah discovers she has inherited the mansion, she knows she can give her daughter Sadie the childhood of her dreams.
But there’s a catch. Leah must split the house with a man called David Forester. Leah hasn’t heard that name in a long time. Not since they were kids, when Davey was always there to catch her.
Now David is all grown up. He’s gorgeous, successful, and certain of one thing: Leah should sell him her half of the house.
They can’t agree, but as they share memories over wine by the log fire, Leah notices a fluttering in her stomach. And by the look in his eyes, he’s starting to feel it too.
Will it be Leah or David who must give up their dreams? Or, with a little bit of Christmas magic, will they finally understand Nan’s advice to them both about living life without regrets … and take a chance on true love?
What I Thought
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. A huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture!*
As someone who is obsessed with all those Hallmark Christmas movies, when I saw All I Want for Christmas, I just knew it was going to be the perfect book to kick off the holiday season. It definitely was, too!
Hey all! Christmas is officially in full swing! I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving (for those of you in America); mine was very nice. 🙂
Countdown to Christmas is a weekly feature where I recommend a different Christmas-y book each week to read this holiday season – inspired by Kourtni Reads‘ own Christmas countdown!
This week’s pick is Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle.
Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today’s bestselling teen authors—John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle—the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.
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Let It Snow is such a great book; it really puts you in the Christmas spirit! I love how even though each of the three stories are their own, they all connect in such fun ways. This book is also filled with really well-rounded characters, which can be hard to do for a short story, but all three authors manage to do an excellent job. If you can only read one Christmas book this year, I would highly recommend this one. It’s been a couple years since I last read Let It Snow, and I’m thinking I definitely need to do a re-read this Christmas!
Have any of you read this book? Let me know what you thought!
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Title: Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery
Pages: 288
Genres: Classic, Fiction, Children’s/Young Adult
Published by: Seal Books (Nov. 1, 1989; originally published 1937)
Summary
For as long as she could remember, Jane Stuart and her mother lived with her grandmother in a dreary mansion in Toronto. Jane always believed her father was dead–until she accidentally learned he was alive and well and living on Prince Edward Island. When Jane spends the summer at his cottage on Lantern Hill, doing all the wonderful things Grandmother deems unladylike, she dares to dream that there could be such a house back in Toronto…a house where she, Mother, and Father could live together without Grandmother directing their lives–a house that could be called home
What I Thought
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you to Sullivan Entertainment!*
When I was asked to review Jane of Lantern Hill, I was so excited! Anne of Green Gables is one of my all-time favorite books, and so I was super curious to read something else by LM Montgomery. This book did not disappoint!
the calico books 