Book Review: Merry and Bright

Merry and Bright

Author:  Debbie Macomber

Publisher:  Ballantine Books

Pages:  272

Audience:  Adults

Genre:  Fiction

Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber is about Mery who works for Jayson Bright, a man who is not so jovial about the holidays.  Merry’s mother and brother decide they are going to surprise Merry by signing her up for an online dating site.  This surprise sends Merry on an adventurous search for romance where she learns not to judge a book by its cover.

Jayson Bright on the other hand, gets a surprise when his cousin is getting married.  This news sets Jayson on a course of self-discovery and a journey to find if there is someone out there for him as well.  These two very different characters are on their respective romantic adventures that lead them to discover more than romance.

This story is very sweet and a fun holiday read!  If you want a feel-good type of read, I would suggest picking this book up.

Happy Reading!

Note:  I have received a copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: The Crooked Christmas Tree

The Crooked Christmas Tree

Author:  Damian Chandler

Publisher:  Faith Words

Pages:  144

Audience:  Adults

Genre:  Religion/Holidays/Christian

The Crooked Christmas Tree is the true life story told from a father’s perspective.  The story starts with the way many households start the holiday season, the picking of the family Christmas tree.  Mr. Chandler tells the story of how his children picked a crooked Christmas tree.  However, as Mr. Chandler and the reader will discover this is no ordinary crooked tree. 

Mr. Chandler is set on a road of introspective discovery, set by a tree he didn’t want to begin with.  He writes about the lessons he learned through this tree; lessons of rejection, the Lord’s saving Grace, and how God loved us so much He sent His only son to earth to save us.  At Christmas, while the perfect Christmas tree is sought to adorn our homes, God sent His perfect son to save our crooked selves. 

I really enjoyed reading this book.  Mr. Chandler highlights the true meaning of Christmas and how Jesus’ birth is the light that obliterates all our crooked pieces.

I recommend you read this book.  It is heartwarming and these lessons will live in your heart beyond this holiday season.

Happy Reading!

Note:  I have received a copy of this book from the publisher and Hachette Book Group in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Paper Bag Christmas

The Paper Bag Christmas

Author:  Kevin Alan Milne

Publisher:  Center Street

Pages:  160

Audience:  Adults

Genre:  Fiction

The Paper Bag Christmas tells the story of Molar and Aaron, two young boys whose lives are changed one fateful Christmas.  Molar and Aaron meet a mall Santa Clause that sets the boys on a course of discovery of the true meaning of Christmas, with an intriguing promise of “a gift you never wanted for Christmas.”  The mall Santa Clause is really Dr. Christopher K. Ringle, who recruits the boys to spread holiday cheer to the children being treated at a hospital. 

Two such children that Molar and Aaron meet are Mandhu and Katrina.  Mandhu is a bright and funny child who leads life with positivity and curiosity.  Through all that Mandhu faces, you see his courage and heart for others.  Katrina is a child who isn’t so positive and who struggles to connect with others.  These four children unbeknownst to themselves are set on a journey that impacts each other and those around them.

I can honest report that this story made an incredible effect on me.  I laughed and cried over these endearing characters.  Kevin Alan Milne has created a cast of characters that are unforgettable.  I have definitely made this book a permanent part of my library and one story I will read each Christmas.

I would recommend that you read this book this Christmas!  This story will not only touch your heart, it will also highlight the true meaning of the season!

Happy Reading!

Note:  I have received a copy of this book from Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review.