CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS by Melody Carlson, Reviewed by Kim

I have really wanted to read a Christmas novella by Melody Carlson. So many say it is an annual tradition for them as she writes one every year. Since I have never read her before, I had no idea what to expect when I started A Christmas in the Alps.

First, I absolutely loved the setting of this story! I mean the French Alps at Christmastime? How beautiful would that be? I also liked the premise of Simone traveling to France to look for long lost family and to see if maybe she is the heir to some sort of treasure. Add in some romance and I’m in!

While I liked Simone and Kyle and how he helped her with her new found family, I felt like too many things that happened weren’t realistic, especially when it came to Kyle and his relationship with Simone’s family. I also wished that the story would’ve had a Christmas celebration in it and that there was more focus on the relationship between Kyle and Simone.

This story is a short sweet read in a beautiful setting that will surely get you in the Christmas mood!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. 3 stars. 

 

BackCover Blurb:
After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday.

Revell Publishing, September 2021

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover:

Buy Christmas in the Alps at Amazon

Buy Christmas in the Alps at Christianbook.com

Buy Christmas in the Alps at Baker Book House 

THE INN AT WALKER BEACH by Lindsay Harrel, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

Once again, Lindsay Harrel has penned a thought-provoking, beautiful novel about relationships, friendships, and life. The Inn at Walker Beach is the first story in The Barefoot Sisterhood series, but it features some characters we’ve already met in her Walker Beach Romance books. It was fun to revisit them, see what they’ve been up to, and meet some new characters to love.

“Don’t be so intent on getting somewhere else—or on merely surviving—that you lose yourself along the way.”

“Sometimes standing still takes more strength than moving toward a target.”

This book focuses largely on Jenna Wakefield’s story and that of Elise Griffin. They are in different stages of their lives and each has things they regret and are going through that are weighing on them. Harrel is a master at creating colorful, engaging characters with their own distinct personalities, putting them in compelling situations, and bringing them out the other side stronger.

“You are so much more than the image of yourself that you’ve concocted in your head.”

“Happiness requires being truthful with ourselves and others about what we really want and who we really are.”

This was a lovely, heart-warming story, and I’m looking forward to more books in the series. I recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary, thoughtful, inspiring stories of relationships and friendship. 4.5 stars
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
A dream years in the making becomes reality with the inaugural meeting of The Barefoot Sisterhood...

Jenna Wakefield has been through a lot in her twenty-seven years—losing her mother, becoming a teen mom, and battling depression, just to name a few. And working a dead-end job, barely paying her bills, and fighting unrequited feelings for her boss aren’t exactly part of the life she always imagined.

With her six children grown and her husband constantly traveling for work, Elise Griffin finds herself utterly without purpose for the first time ever at age sixty-three. But “retirement” isn’t as wonderful as it might sound—it gives her far too much time to think about the affair her husband had a year ago ... the one she’s never told anyone about.

When both women are invited into the mysterious Barefoot Sisterhood and asked to help restore an old beachside inn for a good cause, they find themselves supported and encouraged in new and exciting ways. This inspiration leads to dream seeking ... and new romance as well.

Discover what happens when women give each other the space to finally dream—and in doing so, make the world a better place.

This feel-good women’s fiction novel is Book 1 in The Barefoot Sisterhood Collection, a spin-off of Lindsay’s Walker Beach Romance series that takes place in the same small town and includes some of the same cast of characters. While you may wish to read that series first, it is not necessary in order to enjoy this one.

Blue Aster Press, September 2021

Available in digital ebook, and paperback at Amazon

CHRISTMAS AT MISTLETOE SQUARE by Pepper Basham, Cara Putman, Janine Rosche, and Teresa Tysinger - Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

Four noted Christian authors put their own spin on romance in a Christmas themed town.

The Christmas Clue to Finding You- Pepper Basham: An annual scavenger hunt for the perfect date. Was Piper’s old classmate really someone to avoid at all costs? She will follow the clues to her happily ever after. Told with the authors signature wit.

Silver Bell Secrets- Cara Putman: Avery Blair has a secret that makes her wary of a book deal from a persistent publisher. But Hunter tries to get on her good side by stuffing the book donation box in her combination book shop/coffee bar. A little suspense, too!

An Unscripted Christmas- Teresa Tysinger: A story of a seemingly stable marriage of an older couple. Ellie and Oliver learn to recapture their Happily Ever After and realize that communication and listening to God is important in their relationship.

Dreams In Toyland- Janine Rosche: Peyton, a small toyshop owner jumps to conclusions about Joey Killjoy, Santa’s helper in disguise. Lots of great Christmas references from nostalgic toys to A Christmas Carol.

 

These come across with the spirit of cooperation, selfless giving and forgiveness. Just the thing to get you in the Christmas Spirit. Well done ladies! 

*5 stars and a solid faith thread. I received a complimentary copy of these ebook novellas from the authors. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own *

BackCover Blurb:
Christmas is in the air in Kedgewick Creek, North Carolina, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Will romance find four couples in the month of December or will the pressure to keep the festivities Mistletoe Square is known for keep these couples apart? Find out in this collection of four novellas from inspirational authors Pepper Basham, Cara Putman, Janine Rosche, and Teresa Tysinger.

The Christmas Clue to Finding You by Pepper Basham
After five years away, Piper Dawson returns home to Kedgewick Creek and is pulled into a Christmas Scavenger Hunt that resurrects a heartbreak from Christmas past she’s not quite ready to mend. Will a matchmaking granny, a little Christmas magic, and a cute guy in a kilt make all the difference to her Christmas yet-to-come?

Silver Bell Secrets by Cara Putman
Growing up with dyslexia, Avery Blair didn’t love books, but the family-owned bookshop held her heart. She never expected her little business on the backside of nowhere to garner a New York City publishing house’s attention. Hunter Chase has lived an “always winter, never Christmas” existence, and spending the holidays in Christmas Town U.S.A. wasn’t exactly on his Christmas wish list, but he had no choice when his boss gave him an ultimatum. Can small town and big city discover a Christmas future that will last far beyond the page?

An Unscripted Christmas by Teresa Tysinger
Ellie and Oliver Larson face a Christmas full of uncertainty rather than festive cheer. Ellie is tired of playing a supporting role to Oliver’s passion of running the Kedgewick Creek Playhouse. Oliver can’t imagine his life without her. When things go off script, will their love story find its second act?

Dreams in Toyland by Janine Rosche

Toy shop owner Peyton Hammond knows a secret that could take down online giant Kiljoy Toyz and its owner, Joey Kiljoy. After the two adversaries spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts for charity, will the sun rise on newfound love, or will prejudice and lost dreams keep hope in the dark?

 

Whisper Valley Press, October, 2021

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

 

THE UNLIKELY YARN OF THE DRAGON LADY by Sharon Mondragon, #ReadWithAudra Tour hosted by Trixi Oberembt #Giveaway

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady by Sharon Mondragon

First, that title made me look twice. Second, I read the back cover blurb. After that, I just knew I had to read this story! It's one that drew me in very quickly and kept me turning pages.

I've never heard of a prayer shawl ministry before, so learning about it through the lives of Margaret, Jane, Rose and Fran was quite interesting. These four ladies are different in personality and how they approach life, but their heart for wanting to comfort those who are hurting bonds them together. God definitely used each one of them to touch the lives of those who would never step foot into a church and showed the love of Christ. When Father Pete kicked them out of the Prayer chapel to go knit in public places, that's where this story really begins! Not only did they touch the lives of strangers, God began to work in each one of their hearts to deal with some heavy things they've each tried to bury. 

 

Margaret was most like me, so I especially loved seeing her transformation! She's the groups' self-appointed leader who's also a bit of control freak. In spite of her supposed hard-heart, I learned of the reason behind it when the author penned her backstory. Each one of these ladies had a backstory that was emotional and just endeared me even more to them. 

 

Throughout the book I laughed, cried and felt like I made some friendships along the way myself. It has some definite spiritual truths that resonated in my own heart. I don't read women's fiction often, but this one was especially fun, adventurous, life-changing and emotional.

What a lovely debut novel, Sharon Mondragon is one to watch for!
*I received a complimentary copy from Kregel publishing through the Read with Audra blogger program. I was not obligated to leave a favorable review; all opinions expressed here are mine. *

About the Book:

A knitting group’s change of scenery changes lives in unexpected ways

Margaret, Rose, Jane, and Fran had a good thing going: meet every week in the quiet of their peaceful chapel and knit prayer shawls. No muss, just ministry. That is, until their pastor boots them out of the church in his last-ditch effort to revive the dwindling congregation.

Uptight Margaret isn’t having it. Knitting prayer shawls where people can watch is the most ridiculous idea she’s ever heard of, and she’s heard plenty. Prayer belongs in the church, not out among the heathen masses. How are they supposed to knit holiness into these shawls if they’re constantly distracted by the public? But with no choice, the others embrace the challenge. They pack their knitting bags and drag Margaret—grumbling the whole way—to the mall with them. She can’t wait to prove them all wrong when it fails miserably, and show the pastor that she always knows best.

Without the familiar mold the group has been stuck in, their own losses, pain, and struggles rise to the surface. And the people and situations they encounter every time they try to sit quietly and knit are taking them a lot further out of their comfort zone than they ever imagined. Can they find the courage to tackle the increasing number of knotty issues they learn about in the community--or will the tangle be too much to unravel?

Sharon J. Mondragon’s debut is warm and delightful, full of real laughter, grief, and personality. It beautifully illustrates the power of women across generations to reach people for Christ.
To read an excerpt of The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady click here. 

 

From Kregel Publishing, Sept, 2021 - Buy the digital ebook or paperback at Amazon
 

About the Author:
Sharon J. Mondragón writes about the place where kindness and courage meet. Her debut novel, The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady (originally titled The Heavenly Hugs Prayer Shawl Ministry) was the 2017 winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis award in the Short Novel Category, and she has also been recognized by The Saturday Evening Post where her short story, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” was an Honorable Mention Awardee in the 2014 their Great American Fiction Contest.

Mondragón has been active in prayer shawl ministry since 2008 and currently serves as facilitator for the prayer shawl ministry at her church, St. Paul Episcopal in Waxahachie, TX. She also knits with the Circle of Healing at Red Oak United Methodist Church. She is a Level 2 Certified Knitting Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and teaches beginning knitting at a local yarn store.

Mondragón is the mother of five grown children and has four grandchildren. After 26 years as an Army wife, she has settled in Midlothian, TX with her hero/husband, her laptop, and her yarn stash.

Visit Sharon Mondragón’s website and blog at www.sharonjmondragon.com and follow her on Facebook (Sherry Mondragón) and Twitter (@SJ_Mondragón). 

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