A Hallmark Original - Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa by Nancy Naigle - Excerpt & Giveaway

Today we have the blog tour for CHRISTMAS IN EVERGREEN: LETTERS TO SANTA by Nancy Naigle! Check out this sweet new Hallmark holiday romance and grab your copy today!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of my readers who celebrate. I hope you have a joyous day. Eat, drink, read, nap, and be merry! 

Bea Reviews How the Finch Stole Christmas by Donna Andrews

Series: Meg Lanslow #22
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 24th, 2017 
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Meg's husband has decided to escalate his one-man show of Dickens' A Christmas Carol into a full-scale production with a large cast including their sons Jamie and Josh as Tiny Tim and young Scrooge and Meg helping as stage manager.

The show must go on, even if the famous―though slightly over-the-hill―actor who's come to town to play the starring role of Scrooge has brought a sleigh-load of baggage and enemies with him. And why is Caerphilly suddenly overrun with a surplus of beautiful caged finches?

How the Finch Stole Christmas! is guaranteed to put the "ho ho hos" into the holidays of cozy lovers everywhere with its gut-bustingly funny mystery.

Excerpt & Giveaway: A Very Cowboy Christmas by Kim Redford

There's nothing like a firefighting cowboy to keep you toasty warm this Christmas...

Christmas is coming up, and single mom Sydney Steele is determined to make this a holiday to remember for Wildcat Bluff County. She still has to get those pesky, reluctant―and deliciously attractive―firefighting cowboys to pose for her charity calendar. They claim they're too busy pursuing an unknown arsonist to take a break.

Dune Barrett has been flirting with Sydney for months, so he jumps at the chance to give her a hand. And when he agrees to pose as Mr. December, she couldn't be happier. But to really win her over, Dune will have to convince eleven other guys from his crew to exploit their good looks for charity...a task much easier said than done.

Happy Holidays!!!

Hannukah began yesterday, Christmas is today, the Winter Solstice was last week, and Kwanzaa begins next week. Whatever holiday you celebrate, may it be peaceful and joyous. Peace and good tidings to you and yours.

Bea Reviews Eggnog Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis & Barbara Ross

Publisher: Kensington
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 25th, 2016
Challenges: NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit* | iTunes | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

With the fireplace crackling, the tree twinkling, and the carols humming, few things in life are as picture perfect as Christmas in Maine—until murder dampens the holiday spirit. It must be something in the eggnog . . .
 
EGGNOG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER
When a gift-wrapped bottle of eggnog—allegedly from the Real Beard Santa Club—proves to be a killer concoction for a Tinker’s Cove local, all Lucy Stone wants for Christmas is to find the murdering mixologist who’s stirring up trouble.
 
DEATH BY EGGNOG by LEE HOLLIS
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell has never cared much for Bar Harbor’s grouchy town librarian, Agatha Farnsworth. But after the Scroogy senior has a fatal—and suspicious—allergic reaction to supposedly non-dairy eggnog, it’s up to Hayley to ladle out some justice.

NOGGED OFF by BARBARA ROSS
Julia Snowden’s tenant Imogen Geinkes seems to be jinxed. First, her poorly named “Killer Eggnog” gives all her co-workers food poisoning at the holiday party, then her boyfriend’s body shows up in Julia’s moving truck as she’s headed back to Busman’s Harbor. Now Julia has to get moving to catch the cold-hearted culprit.

Cozy up with a glass of eggnog and enjoy the spirit of murder and mystery in a Yultide treat perfect for those winter holidays .

Bea Reviews Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan

Series: From Manhattan with Love #3
Publisher: HQN Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: November 29th, 2016
Challenges: Ho Ho Ho Read-A-Thon |
NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | ARe* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

It will take a Christmas miracle for two very different souls to find each other in this perfectly festive fairy tale of New York!

Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she's given an opportunity to house-sit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn't expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous—and mysterious—owner.

Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife's death looming, he's isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. He wants no interruptions, no decorations and he certainly doesn't appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings…This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist? 

Merry Christmas!!!

First was Hannukah (December 6th - 14th), then Solstice (December 22nd), and now it's Christmas! What a month of holidays!

I am celebrating with friends but expect it will be a quiet day. Wherever you are, whatever holiday you celebrate (or don't)...

Merry Christmas and may your day be full of joy, peace, and love!

Bea, Claude, and Goof

Cat Thursday - Merry Christmas!!!

 Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict.

I know I've used the first one before but I really like it. :D

Ho Ho Ho Read-A-Thon Wrap Up

The read-a-thon is over and I made my goal. Whoo hoo! *tosses confetti*

Hosted by hosted by Bookshelfery and Caffeinated Book Reviewer Nov. 12th-17th, the idea was to read holiday or winter themed books. I had an extensive list of titles to choose from and added two more during the challenge.

My goal was 5 titles from my list. I read 7 1/3, though only 7 count. I got a third of the way through book 8 but then the read-a-thon ended. The stories ranged from short stories to 300+ page novels and the genres were romances, mystery, and even erotica.

I read:

1. A Silver Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear (Read 11/17, review to come)
2. Summer Beach Vets: Playing Santa (Christmas Special) by H.Y. Hanna (Read 11/12; Click to see review)
3. The Christmas Bake-Off by Abby Clements (Read 11/12; click to see review)
4.  What Happens At Christmas (Millworth Manor) by Victoria Alexander (Read 11/14; click to see review) 
5. Christmas Kink: Five Festive Fantasies by Kay Jaybee (Read 11/12; click to see review)
6. The Cop Who Stole Christmas by Christie Craig - (Read 11/13-11/14; click to see review)
7.  Killer Christmas by Harper Lin (Read 11/14; click to see review)

 How did you do? If you didn't participate, do you plan on reading any holiday themed books?

Steph & Liam Review The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen Pictures by Dan Hanna

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Series: Pout-Pout Fish
Source: pr firm in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: September 8, 2015
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

"A gift should be big,
And a gift should be bright.
And a gift should be perfect-
Guaranteed to bring delight.
And a gift should have meaning
Plus a bit of bling-zing,
So I'll shop till I drop
For each just-right thing!"

Will Mr. Fish find perfect gifts for everyone on his list? Will he finish his shopping in time?

Swim along with Mr. Fish on his holiday shopping quest. He might just discover that the best gifts of all come straight from the heart.

Ho Ho Ho Read-A-Thon Sign Up & Updates

It's that time of year again! Time for hot cocoa, warm blankies on the couch and a good winter holiday themed book. And I have lots waiting to be read. :D

The Caffeinated Reviewer and The Book Shelfery are once again hosting the Ho Ho Ho Read-A-Thon. This year it runs from November 12th through the 17th. There will be challenges, prizes to be won, a Twitter chat, or you can just curl up and read. Whatever floats your boat. :)

The Details:

1. Write a sign up post - done!
2. Link up - done! 
3. Grab the button and share - when this post goes up
4. Tweet your progress using #HoHoHoRAT - if I remember :D
5. Twitter Party! Tuesday November 17, 2015 at 7 pm (EST)  Come chat about the books you have read. There will be prizes.
6. Read-a-thon starts on November 12th 12:01 am (your time zone) and ends on November 17 at 11:59 pm (your time zone)
   Challenges will be open from 8 am (EST) on the 12th and remain open until Nov 17th at 11:59 pm (EST)
   Grand Prize Raffle will be open until November 18th at 11:59 pm (EST) to allow you to submit entries.
7. Challenge schedule and Grand Prize widget and rules will post on November 12th at/by 8 am (EST)
8. Participate in at least one challenge to be eligible for grand prize.

Who's Your Holiday Hero? And A Giveaway!

 

The leaves are still turning color outside and the air is brisk but today is about Christmas! Today I have a fun quiz from Casablanca Books and a giveaway for you to help you get in the holiday spirit. Grab a hot drink, make yourself comfy, and enjoy. :)

Cat Thursday Christmas

 Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! We hope you have a joyous day.

Bea, Goof, Claude, and Thing Two

Bea Reviews I'm Dreaming of An Undead Christmas by Molly Harper

Publisher: PocketStar
Series: Half Moon Hollow #2.7
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review 
Release Date: November 17, 2014
Buying Links: Amazon* | Kobo* | Barnes & Noble |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Experience the vampire world for the holidays through the eyes of Gigi Scanlon in this e-novella prequel to The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire from beloved paranormal romance author Molly Harper!

College co-ed Gigi is headed home to Half-Moon Hollow for her first Christmas since her sister, Iris, was turned into a vampire by her beloved undead husband, Cal. Iris is working overtime to make this holiday as normal and special as possible. After all, it’s taken her months of working with Jane Jameson and the Hollow’s vampires to convince herself that she won’t bite her baby sister on sight.

Gigi has her own worries. She’s falling out of love with her high school sweetheart, Ben, and has no idea how to tell him. She’s got a secret job interview with terrifying teen Council official, Ophelia Lambert. And there’s a handsome but cagey vampire following her around town and then disappearing before Gigi can confirm that he’s not, in fact, a figment of her fertile imagination. Holidays with family are complicated. Christmas with an undead family can be downright dangerous. 

SPOTLIGHT: Cozy Christmas Capers, A Cozy Mystery Anthology

Christmas AND cozy mysteries? Oh yeah, works for me. I'm not familiar with most of these authors but for $1.99, it's hard to pass up.

Bea Reviews All I Want for Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

Publisher: Jessica Scott
Series:Coming Home #5.5
Format Read: Kindle ARC
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 22, 2014
Buying Links:  Amazon* | Kobo | Google Play | Barnes & Noble | iBooks
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left - and she doesn't know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what's coming for them. It's going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.

Bea Reviews Christmas with a SEAL by Tawny Weber

Publisher: Harlequin 
Format Read: eGalley
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 21, 2014 
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | ARe* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Subject: Navy SEAL Lieutenant Phillip Banks

Mission: Resist one saucy redhead's attempts to de-Scrooge him …and seduce him!

Silversmith Frankie Silvera has lost her creative mojo. And she knows how to get it back—by getting her sexy on with a certain hot sailor. Just the thought of Phillip's hard, Navy-trained body against her, and everything goes molten. He's the "inspiration" Frankie needs for the holidays!

Navy SEAL Phillip Banks is the prince of protocol. But after his last mission went horribly off-course, all of that control has dissipated. Now he's at the mercy of one very determined female who is pulling out all the stops on Operation Christmas—including red-hot lingerie and the promise of oh-so-wicked delights… But does giving in mean giving up everything he's worked for?

SPOTLIGHT: Home for Christmas by Jessica Scott and JoAnn Ross

WOO HOO! It's party time! Today is the release day for a new duet, "Home for Christmas" containing stories by Jessica Scott and JoAnn Ross. They each contributed a novella. Jessica is one of my very favorite authors and possibly the best contemporary romance writer on the market. I'm not familiar with Ms Ross's works but if Jessica likes her, I'll give her a try. :)

Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

Christmas Trees - Live or Fake? A Guest Post by Jessica Scott & An iPad Mini Giveaway

The party continues! I have a guest post from Jessica on Christmas rituals. We all have them; well, we all have rituals for holidays that we celebrate whichever holiday that may be. I could relate to this one as my father and mother's Christmas tree rituals were different from later Christmas tree rituals of my father and stepmother.

Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.