Holidays

  • Holiday romances to add to the TBR pile …

    4 Comments

    We are well into the holiday season now, and I’m in the mood to read some holiday romances. Here are some books I’m hoping to check out, and some of the many, many (!) holiday romances/books coming out this year. Note that the descriptions are from Amazon.

    A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

    From USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday comes a modern fairy tale just in time for Christmas about a tough New Yorker from the other side of the tracks who falls for a princess from the other side of the world.

    Leo Ricci’s already handling all he can, between taking care of his little sister Gabby, driving a cab, and being the super of his apartment building in the Bronx. But when Gabby spots a “princess” in a gown outside of the UN trying to hail a cab, she begs her brother to stop and help. Before he knows it, he’s got a real-life damsel in distress in the backseat of his car. 

    Princess Marie of Eldovia shouldn’t be hailing a cab, or even be out and about. But after her mother’s death, her father has plunged into a devastating depression and the fate of her small Alpine country has fallen on Marie’s shoulders. She’s taken aback by the gruff but devastatingly handsome driver who shows her more kindness than she’s seen in a long time. 

    When Marie asks Leo to be her driver for the rest of her trip, he agrees, thinking he’ll squire a rich miss around for a while and make more money than he has in months. He doesn’t expect to like and start longing for the unpredictable Marie. And when he and Gabby end up in Eldovia for Christmas, he discovers the princess who is all wrong for him is also the woman who is his perfect match.

    My thoughts: I love both royal- and holiday-themed romances, so this one is right up my alley.

    Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan

    Another heartfelt and delightful Christmas tale from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner and Christmas on the Island.

    New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan returns to the setting of Christmas on the Island and Endless Beach for a heartwarming new novel celebrating the season, and Scotland.

    On the tiny, beautiful, and remote island of Mure, halfway between Scotland and Norway, a new hotel opening is a big event. New mother Flora MacKenzie and her brother Fintan are working themselves half to death to get it ready in time for Christmas. 

    The new hotel’s impressive kitchens throw together two unlikely new friends: Isla Gregor is the hardworking young girl who has been a waitress in the island’s cafe, dreaming of a bigger, better life now that she’s at a proper fancy hotel. Konstantin Pederson is working his way up in the hotel’s kitchens too
but he is also, secretly, the only son of the Duke of Utsire. Konstantin has been sent to learn what it is to work hard for a living, before receiving his inheritance. Although he’s initially resentful, the place grows on him; he has never met anyone quite like Isla and her fellow Murians before. 

    As the island’s residents and special VIP guests gather for the hotel’s grand opening gala, Christmas is in the air. But so are more than a few small-town secrets


    My thoughts: I love books where the characters travel to a foreign setting, and this one sounds really interesting.

    Her Christmas Cowboy by Jessica Clare

    From New York Times bestselling author Jessica Clare comes a Christmas Western filled with holiday cheer.

    Caleb Watson has been crushing on elementary school teacher Amy Mckinney ever since he saw her. She’s oblivious to his feelings–probably because he’s never said a word to her. But when he learns Amy’s going to be Mrs. Claus in the local Christmas celebration, he volunteers to be Santa so he’ll finally have the chance to introduce himself. Even more than that, he’ll use this opportunity to shower her with presents.

    Amy’s been receiving all kinds of Secret Santa gifts at work — and she has no idea who her secret admirer is. She wishes he’d make himself known so they can go on a date, though, because being a newcomer in close-knit Painted Barrel, Wyoming, is pretty lonely. When her flaky landlord claims he’s the gift giver
it’s not quite the bachelor Amy had in mind. However, she’s doubly shocked when gruff newcomer Caleb Watson crashes her date and insists he’s really the one leaving her presents.
     
    Amy’s not sure what to think. Caleb’s never indicated that he likes her, much less wants to date. Can he prove to Amy he’s not just the perfect Santa to her Mrs. Claus, but the man of her dreams?

    My thoughts: A Secret Santa and cowboy romance? Yes, please!

    His Princess by Christmas by Therese Beharrie

    When single mom


    
meets crown prince!

    Amari Hayes just knew hiring the mysterious Kade would be nothing but trouble. But with Christmas approaching, she needs the help, and there was something about the tall, dark and handsome guy that called to her. Kade is running from something, a painful secret, and Amari knows that feeling all too well
 After one incredible kiss, Kade’s secret is about to be revealed! Is Amari prepared for the royal consequences?

    My thoughts: Have I mentioned how much I love royal- and holiday-themed romances?

    The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Lizzie Shane

    A delightful holiday romance about a small-town single dad and an animal rescue owner as they try to find forever homes for a dozen lovable pups before Christmas.
     
    Pine Hollow has everything Ally Gilmore could wish for in a holiday break: gently falling snow in a charming small town and time with her family. Then she learns some Grinch has pulled the funding for her family’s rescue shelter, and now she has only four weeks to find new homes for a dozen dogs! But when she confronts her Scroogey councilman nemesis, Ally finds he’s far more reasonable — and handsome — than she ever expected.
     
    As the guardian of his dog-obsessed ten-year-old niece, Ben West doesn’t have time to build a cuddly reputation. But he does feel guilty about the shelter closing. So he proposes a truce with Ally, agreeing to help her adopt out the pups. As the two spend more time together, the town’s gossip is spreading faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. And soon Ben is hoping he can convince Ally that Pine Hollow is her home for the holidays. . . and the whole year through.
     
    My thoughts: Who doesn’t love dogs?
     
    What holiday romances do you want to read this season?

  • Happy Thanksgiving!

    2 Comments

    Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂 

    Eating turkey, dressing, and more. Putting up my Christmas tree. Watching football and holiday rom-coms on TV … I’m looking forward to all that and more. This is usually my favorite weekend of the year.

    However you celebrate, I hope that you have a great (and safe) holiday weekend. Take care!

  • Happy Holidays …

    I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season. May your days be merry and bright and filled with friends, family, food, and good times. And I hope that Santa brings you lots of good books to read in the New Year.

    Happy Holidays to all! 😎 

  • Happy Thanksgiving …

    4 Comments

    I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone gets to enjoy some time with friends and family, some good food, and of course football.

    Cheers! 😎 

  • ·

    Holiday romance books in my TBR pile …

    2 Comments

    Can you guys believe that it’s time to start thinking about the holidays? I don’t know where this year has gone. Here are some holiday-themed books that I’m hoping to check out. Note that the descriptions are from Amazon:

    A Dash of Christmas by Samantha Chase

    Available now

    With a dash of Christmas magic…
    Two people who have spent most of their lives being rivals…
    Learn a little something about following their hearts…

    Carter Montgomery broke the family mold when he went to culinary school. Now a successful restauranteur, he’s at a crossroads: should he continue on his successful path or look for a new challenge? What he needs is time alone to think things through. But his matchmaking family has other ideas…

    Emery Monaghan’s no-good fiancĂ© has embroiled her in scandal and she needs a way out. When mentor Eliza Montgomery offers her a refuge, she’s relieved—until she realizes that the deal means rubbing elbows with Eliza’s son Carter—Emery’s childhood nemesis.

    My thoughts: Chase is an author that I’ve been meaning to try, and I love an enemies-to-lovers plot.

    A Texas Kind of Christmas by Jodi Thomas, Celia Bonaduce, and Rachael Miles

    Available now

    It’s Christmas Eve, 1859, and everyone who’s anyone is headed to the glorious St. Nicholas Hotel for the most talked about ball of the season. It’s the kind of Texas night where anything can happen—even love . . .
     
    ONE NIGHT AT THE ST. NICHOLAS
    New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas
     To escape her stepmother’s plot to marry her off, Texas heiress Jacqueline Hartman spends Christmas Eve sharing a hideout with an accused bank robber. After a night in Nathaniel Ward’s arms, Jacqueline is certain she has met her match after all. But will his heartfelt promise of love lead to his demise at the hands of the law?
     
    BIRDIE’S FLIGHT * Celia Bonaduce
    Seamstress Birdie Flanagan gets the surprise of her life when she receives a beautiful gown—and a sudden invitation—for the ball of the season! Birdie creates a stir from the moment she arrives, capturing the eye of the dashing Captain Douglas Fairbanks.  But will a secret from her past keep her from her long-awaited happily-ever-after?
     
    SPIRIT OF TEXAS * Rachael Miles
    When lovely spinster Eugenie Charpentier makes a trip across the Texas frontier with former Texas Ranger Asher Graham, she dreams of an adventure, and the rough-and-tumble cowboy is happy to oblige. But both Eugenie and the rugged lawman are keeping secrets. Can they find each other—and love—on the dance floor at the Christmas ball?

    My thoughts: I’m buying this for Little Debbie, aka my mom, who loves historical westerns. I always try to buy her at least a couple of westerns for Christmas, and this looks like a good one.

    Longing for a Cowboy Christmas by Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, and Amy Sandas

    Available now

    Find your very own cowboy to keep warm these long, wintry nights as you cozy up with six sweeping, epic tales of heroism, passion, family and celebration from bestselling authors Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, and Amy Sandas.

    Fall in Love with Christmas

    Whether it’s a widower finding an unexpected new start, a former outlaw and his new wife welcoming their very own Christmas miracle, a long-lost lover returning just in time for a special holiday celebration, a second chance at love between two warring hearts given peace at last, an unlikely pair working together to bring joy to a small Texas town, or a cowboy and his dark-eyed beauty snowed in one unforgettable wintry eve…every Christmas with a cowboy is filled with light, laughter, and a forever kind of love.

    My thoughts: I’m also buying this anthology for Little Debbie.

    Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

    Available now

    From the New York Times bestselling author of The Proposal and a “rising star in the romance genre” (Entertainment Weekly) comes a dazzling new novel about a spontaneous holiday vacation that turns into an unforgettable romance.

    Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his charming accent, and unyielding formality.

    Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen for years and has never given a personal, private tour—until now. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling.

    Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy affair come New Year’s Day. . .or are they?

    My thoughts: I’m been meaning to try Guillory’s books for a while. Plus, I love holiday- and royal-themed romances so this one really appeals to me. And that cover is so cute. (Yes, I can be swayed by cover art.) 😎 

    10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

    Available now

    Sophie wants one thing for Christmas—a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship. Cue devastation. Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents’ house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That’s when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby. When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she’s started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available. This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever . . . or is it?

    My thoughts: This sounds like a really fun YA holiday romance.

    What about you guys? What holiday books are in your TBR pile right now?