Happy Holidays!

 

Merry Christmas and happy New Year from Claude, Lola, Prince, and I to you and your families. May you have peace, health, and joy now and in the future.

Merry Christmas!

 

2020 has been such an odd and stressful year; yet, in some ways it's been a good year. My plans for Christmas are low key, which actually suits me very well, although I'd originally planned to travel to visit my stepmother. Ah well. Deity willing, that can happen next Christmas.

Claude and I wish you a safe, healthy, and blessed day today, whether you celebrate Christmas or it's just another Friday. 

Blessed be!

Bea Reviews The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter, edited by Jessica Harrison

Publisher: Penguin
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: October 3rd, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* | Apple Books* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Books | Kobo |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

The perfect gift this Christmas season: a generous selection of some of the greatest festive stories of all time.

This is a collection of the most magical, moving, chilling and surprising Christmas stories from around the world, taking us from frozen Nordic woods to glittering Paris, a New York speakeasy to an English country house, bustling Lagos to midnight mass in Rio, and even outer space.

Here are classic tales from writers including Truman Capote, Shirley Jackson, Dylan Thomas, Saki and Chekhov, as well as little-known treasures such as Italo Calvino's wry sideways look at Christmas consumerism, Wolfdietrich Schnurre's story of festive ingenuity in Berlin, Selma Lagerlof's enchanted forest in Sweden, and Irène Nemerovsky's dark family portrait. Featuring santas, ghosts, trolls, unexpected guests, curmudgeons and miracles, here is Christmas as imagined by some of the greatest short story writers of all time.

Bea Reviews Always Together at Christmas by Sara Sargent & Illustrated by Mark Chambers

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: Nov. 3rd, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon*  | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Books | Kobo | 

* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Help children discover the joy of Christmas 2020 with this timely picture book that affirms the special magic of the holidays even if we're physically separated from our loved ones!

Christmas will always mean love. Even if love looks a little different this year.

As families and communities come together--and stay apart--in creative ways this holiday season, bring comfort and joy to children with this story about a Christmas like no other.

Always Together at Christmas highlights different family traditions and the ways they're changing in 2020: from Santa's elves practicing social distancing to opening presents via Zoom on Christmas morning. And it even includes ideas for new quarantine-appropriate Christmas traditions!

The sweet and cozy illustrations add classic touches, making this book the perfect gift to share with family and friends from across the miles.

Bea Reviews A Christmas Resolution by Anne Perry

Publisher: Ballantine Books
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: Nov. 3rd, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* | Apple Books* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Books | Kobo | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

A smitten woman is about to marry a dangerous man--unless Detective Hooper and his new wife, Celia, can prevent it--in this wickedly tangled holiday mystery from bestselling author Anne Perry.

Detective John Hooper, William Monk's right-hand man at the Thames River Police, is blissfully happy in his new marriage to Celia, the cousin of a victim in one of the river police's recent murder cases. Celia wants the same happiness for her good friend Clementine, who's just announced her engagement to Seth Marlowe, a member of her church. Christmas is nearing, and this should be extra cause for celebration, but when Marlowe begins receiving threatening letters about his first wife's death, it becomes clear that he is far from the devout man Clementine thought he was. In his rage, Marlowe accuses Celia of sending the letters, claiming she wants to ruin his engagement to Clementine. At a loss as to how to defend herself, Celia enlists Hooper to investigate the letters' claims, and what he finds makes her desperate to show Clementine the truth about her soon-to-be husband.

But Celia herself has not always been truthful, especially not during the murder trial following her cousin's death. How can she be believed now, when she lied on the stand? Especially when Marlowe knows that she did, and could use it against her. This Yuletide season finds love and faith put to the test--and Celia's and Clementine's lives on the line.

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.