This was the perfect Chanukah Romance Read! It hit all the high notes and all the lights. But I must say its completely audience specific. If you are This was the perfect Chanukah Romance Read! It hit all the high notes and all the lights. But I must say its completely audience specific. If you are Jewish, you will not believe how incredibly well crafted and perfect it is. If you are not, honestly, not only might it not hold the same power for you, it might not hold any power in the least. The cultural allusions are everywhere, and the author did not miss a single one. Jews will LOVE this, and everyone else might just kind of be like huh?
Turns out this is one of a series, where this one and the Dreidel Do Over, are all happening at the same time, on the same weekend, and it doesn't matter which one you read first. We have already met the couple, and each are connected to our current hero and heroine, who are adorable. The series stars 8 friends from a year in Israel, the OG Motzah Ballers, and we will soon see a book on the other six coming soon. This one felt special to me, and I adored it. Read it in a three hour period, largely in a Jacuzzi. ...more
Its time to put in all my brief audios! Especially the holiday ones!
I listened to this about 9 days ago, so its farther from my mind. But I really enjIts time to put in all my brief audios! Especially the holiday ones!
I listened to this about 9 days ago, so its farther from my mind. But I really enjoyed this quickie 1 hour Christmas mystery thriller. I thought she was great. Last week a patient gave me another of Frieda McFadden's books that she loved. New author for me. ...more
Oh this was a wonderful hour long Christmas audio. A woman takes a train on Christmas Eve Day, to meet her boyfriend in Paris, after months of studyinOh this was a wonderful hour long Christmas audio. A woman takes a train on Christmas Eve Day, to meet her boyfriend in Paris, after months of studying architecture in Italy. She meets an Italian man in the "quiet car" and soon an impassable snowstorm stops their train in the Italian Countryside. Our heroine has the Christmas of a lifetime, and is opened up. It was absolutely delightful. Perfect romantic holiday listen....more
Oh I just adored this cheesy Chanukah Romance. Just a year after installment one, which was unforgettable, we are back at the Bosch family Chanukah paOh I just adored this cheesy Chanukah Romance. Just a year after installment one, which was unforgettable, we are back at the Bosch family Chanukah party with side characters turned hero and heroine. I fell in love with Adam and Sarah and the group of friends, which included our couple from #1. Could not be a more perfect Chanukah tale. And Oh, Elliot, my poor wonderful man. Do not fear, there is a third installment waiting for you. Love is around the corner, and by next Chanukah it will be with you and so will I to hear your tale. Thank you for loving Sarah enough to let her go. Will there be a fourth for un-suffering but still single Tamara? Liz, you have two years for that one, I will be patiently waiting. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bosch, keep the venue booked. I am in for a Gelti Martini and more Chanukah love....more
Where is Theresa? Paris, Christmas Eve, a time traveling train? Psychic twins, a recreated murder mystery, a love that last through time. This isn't hWhere is Theresa? Paris, Christmas Eve, a time traveling train? Psychic twins, a recreated murder mystery, a love that last through time. This isn't high brow literature by any stretch, but it has you all over it. No more that 270 pages it was a quick breeze, but oh was it fun.
This was a quick, but oh so fun ditty. Felt like it could be a movie. Loved seeing the period piece swirl in my mind. It felt like it would make a great movie. I am not drawn to the others in the series, but if her books became part of a Netflix or Hulu mini-series, I would be so down. ...more
Cute YA Hannukah Romance. I skimmed a lot of it. I have learned something about myself. Perhaps I kind of already knew. I am not a real fan of YA - unCute YA Hannukah Romance. I skimmed a lot of it. I have learned something about myself. Perhaps I kind of already knew. I am not a real fan of YA - unless its done very very well. Had this not been a Chanukah Romance, I probably would have dumped it. But it was cute and sweet, and well you know the cute story in advance, if not from the title, or the book jacket, simply from the trope. But I started it on Chanukah Day Five, Night Six, and finished it less than 24 hours later. By the time we light the Seventh Candle, Shira and Tyler will be long forgotten. Already forgotten. Do you know I had just closed the book less than ten minutes ago, and was already struggling to recall Shira, our main heroine's name? Halfway through this early morning finish, I was already planning my next book. Which will be.... Ta Da..... Other Birds, by Sarah Addison Allen. Its holiday and miracle time. Feels like the perfect end of the year book.
Want to know what I have out here in Colorado? Other than the Winners and Eight Nights of Flirting?
I have.... Other Birds, Dial A for Aunties, and its sequel Four Aunts and a Wedding. I got Dial A out of the library, because I already own FA and a W, and its actually high on my TBR so I knew I would have to get the first of the trilogy first. I like to bring books I own out to visit my parents, because I can give them away, leave them on the plane, and not have to bring them back, like I have to slog all the library books back. I also have the Messy Lives of Book People, which I already own. Its also a quickie and even with those three and Other Birds, I sort of don't see that one making it home. I have another library book out here too. Just in case. But I think I won't need it. Its Flieschman is in Trouble. Why? Because I think my husband and I are going to watch it on Netflix soon, and I kind of want to read it first or I won't. I have such wonderful books planned for January and I simply can't wait! Plus, I will be surprised by my two Subdue the Shelf books! So now its just knocking these out. I am on vacation with my family, this should be easy to do. Plus, there is a plane ride back, and an entire day of New Years Eve Day back home to work with. Completing the Year.
Happy Holidays Everyone. This was my least favorite of the Chanukah Romances, and there are quite a few good ones. But it you like YA meet cute, Chanukah love for the 18 year old set, than this is certainly for you. One last note. I have always liked the name Shira - it means To Sing. There is a beautiful round called Hava NaShira (kind of have a little song) and my middle son's Hebrew Name is Chaim Shir - "Life of Song." Shain is named for my husband's grandmother Ida, who's Hebrew Name was Chaya (Life). Chaya/Chaim means Life. To Life, L'Chaim. Remember the famous Fiddler on the Roof song? We named him Shain, because he told us in a dream, before I got pregnant with my first Jaden. He literally told us that Baby Shain was coming after Baby Jaden, and at that point we were struggling so deeply with infertility, I didn't know that any babies would come at all. But the dream felt very real and gave us hope. When we woke up, I told my husband the dream and we immediately decided to spell it the way we do, which is sort a yiddish take on it, rather than Irish. Because Shain is "Beautiful/Darling" in Yiddish, and we came up with his name, Shain Jordan, that morning, long before any babies, and Jaden even entered the horizon. But when Shain was born, probably before even, we realized Chaim Shir was right, not just because of honoring Ida, with whom my husband was extremely close, but also for my grandmother Shirley, whose Hebrew name was probably her russian name, Sonya. So he is named for them both. So my husband was worried that his mother wouldn't like the name, because it wasn't close enough to Ida. She waited past our first baby to name for her mother. But when we told her, she had tears in her eyes. It was perfect. Because that's what she remembered her mother singing to her, her entire life. Shayna, Shayna, Shayna. And did she sing it at the Bris? (Public Jewish Circumcision Ritual) Why yes she did. Twice. That is the power of the dream.
So why am I suddenly telling you all this, on this Christmas Eve Morning? We are not skiing today and I am about to go into the shower, before my family heads to the Hickory House for Breakfast. Why am I telling you this? Well I really have no idea. I started with the name Shira, which I have always loved because I am a singer. And I began thinking about Shain and the miraculous situation about his name. Maybe because I am less stressed when I am on vacation, and have more time to muse. But as I was writing and thinking about my Darling Shain, and Chanukah, I am reflecting that he is almost 18, the age of the characters in this little YA thing. He is graduating from High School and heading to college, as we await to hear from another six schools. My kid who is charming and headstrong, and smart, and a little bit reactive and overly certain. Who is lovely and conversant and joyful and funny. Who has an extremely strong Jewish Identity and emulates wanting to be a role model. Who is classic middle child, and has grown into adulthood before my very eyes. My West Wing, Big Brother, Survivor kid. Who doesn't read books, but can improv and fake his way through anything. Who can talk a dog off a meat truck. Somehow I am thinking about him this morning. And maybe saying a little prayer for when all my three beautiful children fall in love for the first time. At least the older two. My youngest needs to finish Harry Potter Seven (we are in the middle), re-watch all the Marvel and DC movies, learn his Hebrew for June, raise his grades in history and math, and he still swears he will have a girlfriend before the older brothers. Ya Never Know.... We will have to see what 2023 holds. A Bar Mitzvah, a High School Graduation, and now two kids in college. Its kind of a momentous time for me. Very profound and emotional. So why am I telling you this? Perhaps I find it more interesting in the moment than Eight Nights of Flirting. Perhaps you caught me in a sentimental moment. Perhaps.... In any case, wishing everyone a beautiful Seventh Night of Chanukah and a Merry Christmas. Me we all be about Families and Love and Miracles and everything good that comes with light. May we continue to be lights to one another and to know there is a light within us. May tonight feel holy to everyone - and may we carry that feeling forth. With blessings and love to all, from our home to yours....more
This is a historical fiction novel based at the time of Chanukah, in fact Judah's Wife refers to the wife of Judah Maccabee, the Hammer. Who fought inThis is a historical fiction novel based at the time of Chanukah, in fact Judah's Wife refers to the wife of Judah Maccabee, the Hammer. Who fought in the wars the allowed our people not to be annihilated. It is both a historical fiction, and yet holiday season read. The story is told alternating between Judah and Leah, (a character she named), and each of them are trying to discover themselves as the story is unfolding. For Leah, she is the daughter of a cheese seller, and she grew up in a home with terrible domestic violence. For her, learning to love a warrior and to understand the difference between a war that saves our people from destruction, and needless violence, that was her trajectory. For Judah, middle son of five, he is the big, bulky, and strong one. Picked to be commander of the armies, despite that no one has confidence in him, not his brothers nor his wife, beyond his abilities to use his strength and fierceness. And yet as a man, he is gentle, loving, perceptive, and devoted. He too has to wrestle with violence, needless violence, and figure out who he is. Both are trying to sort it out throughout the novel. I thought that aspect was well done.
The author, Angela Hunt, is a Christian historical fiction writer, and has what seems to be over a hundred books. But what astonishes me, and where my attention keeps turning, is to the breadth and depth of her knowledge, even with pieces or aspects of Judaism that are estoteric and not well known. It's almost impossible for me to believe she hasn't studied and lived this for her lifetime. I found this author, while reading on Cleopatra last year. She had a Jewish protagonist, lifetime friend to Cleopatra. The next book in her Silent Years Series is about a female protagonist in Jerusalem. She has written books on Delilah, Batsheba, Esther. And many more. The author has a particular interest in the Silent Years, the 400 years before the old and new testament, where little is known about the history, and particularly less about its women's figures. Like a true "midrash" writer, this is her story of what might have happened, and with some incredible historical accuracy as well as a flavor for the beliefs of this culture. There is a lot of emphasis in this book about what each of our purpose in life, what God created us for. And its hard for me to know if she, the author knows, what a central aspect of Judaism that is. That each of our bodies and lives have been created as a vessel by God for a particular purpose. Coincidence? I have no idea?
Meanwhile, this is causing me to reflect about how drawn to Judaism many non-Jews are. I daresay that people see a beauty in this religion, and want to know more, or even be a part of it. While in history, they went to annihilate us, now there is almost I daresay a huge draw. The concepts are beautiful, and people seem to take to them and see its beauty. Which, if you didn't know, was predicted in the teachings, and in this generation. But for Angela Hunt to be so prolific in this area, I am wondering about the gifts that her soul was created for, and how she understands her draw to this. She appears to be a star in the Christian fiction world. Curious.
Anyway, many of the facts are indeed accurate, and some things are things even highly literate Jews wouldn't know. For one, the final war that took place, ended on the 14th of Adar, the same day as Purim. Where twice on that day, the Jewish people were delivered out of annihilation. Also, that during and within a few years of this last war, none of the Maccabee brothers survived. Nor their children. Also, the reference to Leah being a cheese makers daughter, and able to produce such delicious cheese... Well I learned earlier this week, asking a question about Judith in the historical story, who I thought was Judah's wife. Turns out she was the aunt. That her profession was Cheesemaker. And the idea that Judah has "visions"? At least one was recorded, while the author gives us three. But that to me, prophecy, has been one of the most interesting aspects that I am drawn to. What is prophecy and predestination, and what is free will? Are some people anointed by God Created by and for a certain purpose? Were we always destined to win this war?
The story of the oil lasting eight days, didn't occur in the story, and the author explains, its because it probably never happened. Which is also true. But its meant to be a metaphor, of the eternal light that never goes out. Belief, and hope, and resilience. Which our characters deal with. At this time in our collective lives and in our world, it feels like belief is a lot harder to come by. God and Faith and Miracles are shielded from us. But they are there. The trick is, how to live one's life with both predestination and prophecy, and knowing we have to act on our own conscience and free will, whether it was prophesized or not. Kind of reminds me of the feeling in Harry Potter 3, when Harry realizes something essential on this theme. Outlander, even by Book Four has a similar premise. Do we act as we do, or how we were supposed to all along? Well, I think the mystery between the two is where life and magic happens personally. And my favorite place to muse.
Thank you, Angela, for this timely Chanukah historical fiction. I enjoyed it, and the prior Cleopatra book, and I look forward to reading more of your works....more
In case the title didn't give it away, this is a Chanukah themed holiday romance. And its written in that style. It reads like any Christmas Romance, In case the title didn't give it away, this is a Chanukah themed holiday romance. And its written in that style. It reads like any Christmas Romance, (or what I imagine Christmas Romances to look like.) It's an easy prototype for a Hallmark movie, and I could totally see it turning into one.
So you can't rate and review this book the way you would high brow literature. In fact, there are tons of things you can tear apart and nitpick, but you are just supposed to enjoy the ride, which I did. In a few places I had to work very hard to remind myself to suspend disbelief. Take it for what it was. And what it was, was a very fun Chanukah Romance.
Most people know I don't describe synopses, and I never ever spoil a book. But aside from the jacket cover, this book is exactly what you would expect. It's impossible to spoil. But I will indulge a little of the synopsis. Rachel is the daughter of a prominent Orthodox Rabbi, who secretly writes as a world best selling Christmas Romance novelist. Believe it or not, this isn't even where my suspension of disbelief had to be tested. I can completely understand a love of Christmas. Its hard not to be drawn to. There are aspects of it I love myself, including Carols, and Egg Nog. But what I love most, is how much attention is paid to miracles, and how loving and kind and giving people are to one another. It is indeed a magical time. But thinking of Chanukah as boring and flat and unmagical? Now that just made zero sense to me, that she couldn't see or relate to any aspect of the holiday was bewilidering - but hey, I promised I wouldn't nitpick.
So the basic plot is that Rachel and Jacob (true loves in the Bible/Torah) were arch enemies at summer camp, and also first and never forgotten loves. Years later, Rachel's publisher forces her to write a Chanukah Romance, and to research this she falls smack into the Orbit of Jacob, who is organizing a high level classy Motzah Ball, and her parents. She must spend 8 days volunteering to get a coveted ticket, and the quarreling lovers are back again, with misunderstandings, and snafu's, and hijinks. Rachel is hiding secrets from Jacob, her parents, and the world. Jacob has more of a haunted past than we knew, that unfolds as well. Of course the Motzah Ball is at the center of it all, where everything comes develops and comes into its inexorable finish.
One of the aspects of some depth that does enter, is that Rachel suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and the author does a very nice job of showing us what this condition looks like and how it manifests. Rachel's spirit and vitality is indomitable, and vivacious, with an attitude that doesn't quit, while her body quits before it gets started. She is afraid she can never be loved and will miss her whole life. This aspect was the part that didn't fit so easily into the Hallmark model, it was treated with some respect and depth. But it, and Jacob's haunted trauma's, did have some sensitive treatment, despite the formula and model. There is also some depth in the Judaism and related concepts that are well described within.
I want to add that this story is a book about books. The central character is a writer, writing a book that we read some of during the story, and trying to both write and live the Chanukah Romance was the central vehicle of the book.
I just want to say something about the Motzah Ball Concept. This is a real Christmas Eve concept that many of us remember. Jewish Singles would gather all over the world at locations for an elegant "Motzah Ball" on Christmas Eve. I went to more than a few in my day, and our best friends met at a Motzah Ball. I don't think they even have them anymore. The local organization that threw it was called SYJP, Single Young Jewish Professionals. But did I meet my husband there? I did not. I met him at the Queen Esther's Ball, the one elegant dance ever sponsored by BBYO. But this was a real setting for couples to meet, and perfect timing during Christmas Eve, when we had no other plans. In fact, we looked forward to it. It was a fun and beautiful night, where anything could happen. And did. So I agreed this was the perfect setting for this romance. It had it all, and Rachel and Jacob do discover the magic of Chanukah, as well as love.
Again, it wasn't high brow, but it wasn't supposed to be. I read it in an entire sitting, and right along with the beginning of Chanukah. It was a great start to the holiday. Fun book, nice to have a Chanukah option, and sweet ride. Nothing more, nothing less. Perfect for the holiday season.
Oh this was just a fun pleasant Halloween themed rom-com. I mean it wasn't deep literature. It read like a very good Hallmark movie, one I'd definitelOh this was just a fun pleasant Halloween themed rom-com. I mean it wasn't deep literature. It read like a very good Hallmark movie, one I'd definitely want to see. But it was fun and great and you completely root for this couple and for the dark secret the horror thriller writer is hiding. I just had a lot of fun with it, and finished it in like a day. I think it's new. I also think there is a sequel starring minor characters introduced in this fun ride. So a new love story is happening next.
One great line, but I can't call it exactly to mind because the copy is already in the back of my car waiting to go back to the library. But it is something like, (and I won't tell you the spoiler behind where the line comes from,) but the opener is something like, we have a problem to fix, or chaos to reign in, or we need to show a person or persons that they are playing with fire, and her retort to her opener is.... "And I have just the pair of stilettos for the job!" Damned if that didn't make me smile. I liked them. Might have even shed a romcom tear or two. Definitely a smile for these two and the predictable but totally fun story. ...more
Oh I just loved this holiday Chanukah inspired Audible Original! Even if you know every detail of exactly how it's going to end, you might just find yOh I just loved this holiday Chanukah inspired Audible Original! Even if you know every detail of exactly how it's going to end, you might just find yourself crying - right where you expect to. On the eighth night of Chanukah on the balcony where it began. Even if you already guessed about the weird absence, and have had three hours of wondering when these adorable dorks were going to get it together. One spends the entire audio listen, just rooting for Rachel Bacharach. And waiting for the ending you know is coming. The story was magical and eternal, and I just loved it! Puts me in the mood for a latke and some romance coming my way....more
Wow! I just loved this three hour absolutely delightful heartfelt novella! Its an audible original - you won't find it in the stores, but it should beWow! I just loved this three hour absolutely delightful heartfelt novella! Its an audible original - you won't find it in the stores, but it should be there. Now that I think about it, it absolutely could be a movie!
Taking place over Thanksgivings over a five or so year period, we follow the Dickinson Family through the eyes of Sophie Dickinson. Not a spoiler to be found, but it's easy to fall in love with this crazy beautiful family and to see our heroine finally open her heart, as well as her kitchen. By the end I was absolutely crying - and it put me in the perfect Thanksgiving mood, only minus the aromas and delicacies that come from "The Little Plum" restaurant and Sophie herself. Beautifully done!...more
Just in the place we (my 8 year old son and I) are in the beloved series - we hit the Christmas inspired episode . Cousins Mike and Kate have visited Just in the place we (my 8 year old son and I) are in the beloved series - we hit the Christmas inspired episode . Cousins Mike and Kate have visited every ballpark of all of the national teams, and in each one they have solved a mystery that was endemic to the teams history or to the features and aspects of the parks themselves and the teams they house. In this book, they are having a sleepover at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown where they live. (Of course). They come to realize that a famous baseball card has been stolen, and naturally, they solve the case. There are some values thrown in there too, for a very nice Christmas/holiday season like ending.
We are two books short of having read every single one of the Ballpark Mysteries... Some of these last ones weren't even written when the older kids were younger. Lately, we have a literary crush on David A. Kelly. We are working our way through the Andy and Tamika Series, which let me tell you is just darling. And he has a new MVP series out that we just ordered from the library. He has been one of our top favorite early authors. Thank you David - there's been a lot of joy with your books....more
This is the best Chanukah chapter book for kids that I have ever read. Its actually so beautifully done!
The name of the title character is the same nThis is the best Chanukah chapter book for kids that I have ever read. Its actually so beautifully done!
The name of the title character is the same name as a kid my kid knows from Hebrew School - and guess what, the main character is 8, just like them. Spent a frustrating ten minutes in vain trying to find the family to catch up with them tomorrow, to give them the book on the last day of Chanukah.
Its really just so sweet - filled with everything right. ...more
Its really nice to read a holiday inspired children's book you've never read before. This one especially, because like some others that are our favoriIts really nice to read a holiday inspired children's book you've never read before. This one especially, because like some others that are our favorites - it had a really special lesson inside. In this tale, a young girl gives food to a hungry man, who later it turns out helps at their synagogue. They become friends by the end of the book, and the girl learns a lot about the importance of giving, and what you get in return.
A short but important book for kids, but also important for adults to remember too. River is a nine year old immigrant Jewish child, escaped from pogrA short but important book for kids, but also important for adults to remember too. River is a nine year old immigrant Jewish child, escaped from pogrammes in her old country. She wonders, can a Jew celebrate thanksgiving? She clearly lays out the argument to a coven of rabbis, that the Jews are like the Pilgrims. Came here for safety and to start a new life in the new world. We too know the importance of being thankful to God, and what it means to be an immigrant in a new world. She helps her entire community feel welcome and give thanks. And that's what this whole thing is about. Integration and feeling one with our country, rather than just separation and isolation. A great book to remember in these times and in any times....more
Oh we just adored this! How wonderful that Goodreads led me to it. Goblins trying to cancel Chanukah? What could be better for a seven year old adorabOh we just adored this! How wonderful that Goodreads led me to it. Goblins trying to cancel Chanukah? What could be better for a seven year old adorable curly haired monster? We loved it. Herschel is so smart, and I'm sure its not a spoiler if I tell you that he saves the day. Perfect, and perfect for holiday season. ...more
A strange little tale, with a Christmas backdrop. A quick Novella. The book is 65 pages, less with its beautiful illustrations and chapter breaks. ItsA strange little tale, with a Christmas backdrop. A quick Novella. The book is 65 pages, less with its beautiful illustrations and chapter breaks. Its more of a long eerie yet meaningful short story. Definitely open to interpretation. Bachman suggests he may have wrote it half drunk - and it has that dreamlike quality. This is the kind of review where there's nothing to tell. The story tells itself. ...more
OK - The Last Christmas in Paris, is what's called an "epistolary" novel, written entirely through letters from a number of characters in the story, tOK - The Last Christmas in Paris, is what's called an "epistolary" novel, written entirely through letters from a number of characters in the story, the setting - World War One. Primarily the letters are between Lieutenant Thomas Harding and Evelyn "Evie" Elliot, woman war correspondent, at a time when women didn't do such things, and it caused an uproar for the Harding's family owned Newspaper, the London Daily Times. The novel is about their unfolding love story through letters throughout the war and over time. Its was a beautiful story and cleverly written. One of the things that I liked about it, was in the after pages, hearing about how the process of co-writing the book between the two authors who had met through a connection, was also a process of letter exchange, that each would unfold the tale by writing letters from various characters at various times. The authors had a unique love story too, in their own vein, and that also raised the experience of the book for me.
The book itself. Much of the time it was a solid three - at times it felt actually "meh." At other points, I was more engaged or interested. There is no real twist, not that there needs to be. Everything is pretty much laid out at the start. In that way, the letters were honest, and expressed something of each of their constructed identities in time.
I admit I did become engaged in a few side themes outside the developing love story. The experience and treatment of PTSD, and how that was experienced or perceived by others in 1916. I was also interested in the related idea of varying views characters took about whether to print the truth about war, in the newspaper, and what that meant for the government and how public perception is shaped or altered. And also about who does and doesn't fight at the front, and I had never even heard of the White Feather Brigade, only mentioned briefly in the books beginning, but the were a lot of questions about men's moral fiber, and what they were intended to withstand. Evie and Thomas and their letter exchange was meant to be a thing of beauty, memory, dreams, and light, in a time where there was none. Its speckled with Shakespeare and other authors, and that added to the book and to the characters and their expression.
I guess I enjoyed it more than I thought I'd had reading it, because in the last 40 pages, I am in bed softly sobbing. Which was not how I'd felt reading it, closer to slight piquing engagement. I went from "Meh" to "moved" at the end. And that grew with the author's notes and interviews. Which shows me something I have always known but love to repeat to you guys. Sharing a book, always enhances one's reading of it. Whether I am writing or reading reviews, being in some kind of a book club, discussing sub themes, or iconic moments.... I have loved books more since book clubs and Shelfari and Goodreads and review writing. Books have become friends, and I now also have made friends from around the world. May this season be a blessing for all faiths, and for all of us - no matter who you are, what you believe or practice. May this time be a time of holiness, together, love, and peace....more
Who woulda possibly thunk it? That I would give a five star review to a book of 12 holiday themed short stories? But I actually really did love it! ArWho woulda possibly thunk it? That I would give a five star review to a book of 12 holiday themed short stories? But I actually really did love it! Around 9 of the 12 stories were 5 star reads. Why? They weren't schmaltzy, or filled with miracle and over the top schmaltz. Were talking about complicated people, in challenging situations slowly opening themselves up to love. It felt very real, and the holiday piece was often just a setting in which something slow and beautiful could happen.
This month I was challenged to read both short stories and holiday themed material - so this one was a no brainer to pick up. But also a surpassing pleasure. When the holiday fall flurry challenge comes up next year, I will be loudly recommending this one. My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories.
Just started last night, Swans of Fifth Avenue. With my sons, I am reading the Lightning Thief, the Outsiders, and Harry Potter Three. ...more
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