“Beasley's Christmas Party” by Booth Tarkington // 12 DOC 2020

Beasley's Christmas Party

by Booth Tarkington

Synopsis: 

A melodramatic folksy Christmas story, a little like Dickens - with a Tiny Tim, but also with some romance. Tarkington's writings are very much set in his early 1900s American culture. 

(Arnold Banner;

from Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

 5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is a hilarious and very sweet story. I loved seeing how the grown men played along with and humoured little Hamilton <33 and it was certainly very funny at times!! There was a few mentions of smoking, a few euphemisms, and absolutely no mention of Christ, but I still very much enjoy this story. I love David Beasley—he is such a nice man! And the ending is perfect. <3

A Favourite Quote: “Yet there was a gayety in this eager gale; the crowds pressed anxiously, yet happily, up and down the street in their generous search for things to give away. It was not the rich who struggled through the storm to-night; these were people who carried their own bundles home. You saw them: toilers and savers, tired mothers and fathers, worn with the grinding thrift of all the year, but now for this one night careless of how hard-saved the money, reckless of everything but the joy of giving it to bring the children joy on the one great to-morrow.”

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘...of all the idiotically romantic girls—‘

“‘But she’s a teacher,’ I interrupted, ‘of mathematics.’

“‘Yes.’ She nodded wisely. ‘I always thought that explained it: the romance is a reaction from the algebra. I never knew a person connected with mathematics or astronomy or statistics, or any of those exact things, who didn’t have a crazy streak in ‘em SOMEwhere. They’ve got to blow off steam and be foolish to make up for putting in so much of their time at hard sense.’”

Get this book.

Faith is doing a Christmas Pack Giveaway! The giveaway opens December 14th at 12am ET and closes Christmas Eve night. The winner will be announced Christmas Day. 

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a652fbb10/? 

~

Don't forget to swing by Faith's blog to see the other 12 Days of Christmas posts!

“In the Heart of the Christmas Pines” by Leona Dalrymple // 12 DOC 2020

In the Heart of the Christmas Pines

by Leona Dalrymple 

Synopsis: 

Jean Varian comes to the small town to fulfill a mission. But she has only been there a few hours before she meets crippled Aunt Cheerful, and the meeting bades fair to change all her plans and give her a revelation about the meaning of life and love. 

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This was such a sweet Christmas story!!! <33 It was just beautiful and happy and satisfying and sweet and... I loved it. A tiny bit of romance, a dear old woman, a sweet little boy, and some delightful setting, all wrapped up in a heartwarming plot. ^_^

A Favourite Quote: “‘There is ever a song somewhere, my dear; / In the midnight black or the midday blue; / The robin pipes when the sun is here, / And the cricket chirrups the whole night through. / The buds may blow and the fruit may grow, / And the Autumn leaves drop crisp and sere; / But whether the sun or the rain or the snow, / There is ever a song somewhere, my dear.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Mildly the Christmas moon rose over Westowe, silvering the snowy hill-gables to the north and the covered bridge; trailing a snow-white ribbon of light through Pine Tree Lane, and mantling the cottage among the pines with the peaceful moon-fire of a Christmas Eve.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘May I,’ [the little boy] queried politely—"may I—er—take you to my—er—bachelor 'partments for something to eat first?’ ...
“‘Let me thank your Lordship," [the young man] said gratefully, ‘but I've already dined. From now on, sir, my time is yours.’
“Lord Chesterfield grasped his arm in a spasm of excitement. “‘Oh, sir, Mr. Robert,’ he burst forth in great relief, ‘I am so awful glad, for there ain't a single minute to lose. Bill Flittergill, sir, he went and bust his arm a while back and oh, sir, will you come to the chapel and take his place[—]oh—sir, will you?’ ...“‘Old chap[,] I want you to understand that I leave everything, absolutely everything to you. I've managed things long enough and it seems to me I've made a most astonishing mess of it!’”

Get this book.

Faith is doing a Christmas Pack Giveaway! The giveaway opens December 14th at 12am ET and closes Christmas Eve night. The winner will be announced Christmas Day. 

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a652fbb10/? 

~

Don't forget to swing by Faith's blog to see the other 12 Days of Christmas posts!

“A Police Force for Christmas” by Rebekah A. Morris // 12 DOC 2020

A Police Force for Christmas

(Christmas Collection)

by Rebekah A. Morris

Synopsis: 

These weren't the Christmas surprises they expected... Christmas chaos at the Melson house usually involves wrapping paper and toys, not a broken window and a bare space under the tree. After a morning of questioning officers and chattering children, Amanda resigns herself to a very un-Christmasy day. But can the heroes on the Pineville police force find a way to save the family's Christmas?

(from Amazon)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I loved the plot of this story! Such a good reminder about what the police force does for us. The kids were precious and I loved their interaction! ;)

A Favourite Quote: “She realized for the first time that the officers who had responded to her call had all been working on Christmas Day. They hadn’t been home enjoying the holiday with their families. And they weren’t the only ones helping keep the citizens of Pineville safe.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘And here comes Captain Reagan with your children.’
“Amanda looked up, and a slight smile crossed her face. The captain looked more like the Pied Piper than a police officer, as, with a twin in either arm and the other five children tagging along behind him, he stepped into the kitchen.”

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Canada | America 

Faith is doing a Christmas Pack Giveaway! The giveaway opens December 14th at 12am ET and closes Christmas Eve night. The winner will be announced Christmas Day. 

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a652fbb10/? 

~

Don't forget to swing by Faith's blog to see the other 12 Days of Christmas posts!

“The Birds' Christmas Carol” by Mrs. Kate Douglas Smith Wiggins // 12 DOC 2020

The Birds' Christmas Carol

by Mrs. Kate Douglas Smith Wiggins

Synopsis: 

The Birds' Christmas Carol is a novel by Kate Douglas Wiggin printed privately in 1886 and published in 1888 with illustrations by Katharine R. Wireman. 

The story is about Carol Bird, a Christmas-born child, a young girl who is unusually loving and generous, having a positive effect on everyone with whom she comes into contact.... At about the age of 5, Carol contracts an unspecified illness ..., and, by the time she is 10, she is bedridden; physicians say that she does not have long to live. Most of the brief novel's plot involves Carol making plans for a Christmas celebration for the nine Ruggles children, a poor, working-class family living near the Birds.

(from Wikipedia)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. This is my favourite Christmas story. It’s short, but oh, so beautiful!! It’s got some hilarious moments (the scene in the Ruggleses kitchen—oh my word!!) and some sad parts (the ending <33) and some beautiful parts (the last chapter ^_^) and it’s just so, so beautiful and Christmassy. I love it so much. <33

A Favourite Quote: “‘"Mamma, dear, I do think that we have kept Christ's birthday this time just as He would like it.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “Suddenly a sound of music poured out into the bright air and drifted into the chamber. It was the boy choir singing Christmas anthems. Higher and higher rose the clear, fresh voices, full of hope and cheer, as children's voices always are.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘If yer tell me one more thing, I can't set up an' eat,’ said Peter gloomily; ‘I'm so cram full o' manners now I'm ready ter bust, 'thout no dinner at all.’ ...
“‘Well, I'm sorry for yer[,’] rejoined Mrs. Ruggles sarcastically; ‘if the 'mount o' manners yer've got on hand now troubles ye, you're dreadful easy hurt! Now, Sarah Maud, after dinner, about once in so often, you must git up 'n' say, “I guess we'd better be goin';” ‘n' if they say, “Oh, no, set a while longer,” yer can set; but if they don't say nothin' you've got ter get up 'n' go.—Now hev yer got that int' yer head?’ ....“‘Well,’ answered Sarah Maud mournfully, ‘seems as if this whole dinner-party set right square on top o' me! Mebbe I could manage my own manners, but to manage nine mannerses is worse 'n staying to home!’”

Get this book.

Faith is doing a Christmas Pack Giveaway! The giveaway opens December 14th at 12am ET and closes Christmas Eve night. The winner will be announced Christmas Day. 

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a652fbb10/? 

~

Don't forget to swing by Faith's blog to see the other 12 Days of Christmas posts!

“The Case of the Very Bad Cat” by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

The Case of the Very Bad Cat

 (The Kitten Files Book 4) 

by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Synopsis: 

"I'm Mia.
I know how to write.
Why's that a big deal?
Because... I'm a cat."
After nearly being discovered by the scientists from Caput Laboratories and having to fake her own death, Mia has been lying low. As Christmas approaches, she gets herself temporarily adopted by College-Guy, also known as Tommy. 
Something is afoot in the neighborhood, though, and when Mia is accused of leaving dead mice and birds on the neighbors' doorstep, she's determined to get to the bottom of it. But even the mystery isn't what it seems.
Will Mia be able to solve the case of the Very Bad Cat? Will she be able to return home so Keith doesn't spend Christmas all alone?

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

4 stars & 4/10 hearts. Somehow I didn’t enjoy this story quite as much as the others. It was still quite humorous and cattish (and I love Mia’s opinion on Tommy’s slow waking up!!). It just fell a little flat to me somehow... I think perhaps I just missed Keith. ;)

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Tommy had barely made it through his first cup of coffee before a knock on our door made me duck back inside my box.
“‘Uh, hi, Mrs. Chandler,’ Tommy croaked when he opened the door.
“‘You look awful!’ she said by way of greeting.
“‘Still working on waking up,’ he said.
“The understatement of the century.”

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“Hana's Suitcase” by Karen Levine

Hana's Suitcase

by Karen Levine

Synopsis: 

In March 2000, a suitcase arrived at a children's Holocaust education center in Tokyo, Japan from the Auschwitz museum in Germany. Fumiko Ishioka, the center's curator, was captivated by the writing on the outside that identified its owner: "Hana Brady, May 16, 1931, Waisenkind (the German word for orphan)." Children visiting the center were full of questions. Who was Hana Brady? Where did she come from? What was she like? What happened to her? Inspired by their curiosity and her own need to know, Fumiko began a year of detective work, scouring the world for clues. Her search led her from present-day Japan, Europe and North America back to 1938 Czechoslovakia to learn the story of Hana Brady, a fun-loving child with wonderful parents, a protective big brother, and a passion for ice skating, their happy life turned upside down by the invasion of the Nazis.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

4 stars & 4/10 hearts. I don’t often cry when reading children-aimed Holocaust stories, but this one made me tear up. Hana’s and George’s story was so tragical and yet so beautiful. ❤️💔

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“Brothers Far From Home” by Jean Little

Brothers Far From Home:

The World War I Diary of Eliza Bates,
 Uxbridge, Ontario, 1916

(Dear Canada Book)

by Jean Little

Synopsis: 

It has been two long years since Eliza's beloved older brother, Hugo, went away to war. Caught up in his enthusiasm, she couldn't understand her parent's less-than enthusiastic reaction. Now that her other brother Jack has also enlisted, she yearns for the safe return of both brothers. If only she had a friend that she could talk to about her feelings....

(from Amazon)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is one of my favourite Dear Canada books. I love Hugo and Jack and Rufus, and even Richard a little. It’s also very funny sometimes, and it has some very good quotes. Don’t let the opening paragraph make you shy off. Eliza is like that only in the first entry and she never acts like that again. She and Verity are a little nasty at first but not even one-quarter though the book they’re good friends. There is a mention of “girls’ bodies changing” and a couple mentions of a kiss; one mention of Eliza making a bit fun of a fictional heroine who “saves her kiss for her husband”; and in the Historical Note a mention that the soldiers urinated on their handkerchiefs & held them to their months to try to protect themselves from poison gas. Hugh and Jack’s relationship is so sweet, even if you barely see it, and the Infants & Isaac bring a lot of humour and realisticness to the story. I also enjoyed how I’ve read many of the books Eliza mentions!

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “In our house there is always noise, someone singing, the Twins and Belle scrapping, Father roaring ‘Who hid my spectacles?’ or ‘Who took the newspaper?’, Mother talking to herself, Verity practising her violin or elocution, Susannah or myself practising on the piano. Or Ezekiel [the parrot], of course. He says things like, ‘Move along, sir.’ Or ‘Brush your hair, you bad girl.’ Jack taught him that.”

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“A Place Called Lonesome” by Jesseca Wheaton

A Place Called Lonesome

by Jesseca Wheaton

Synopsis: 

All seems lost for a wounded soldier left behind on Utah beach after the Normandy invasion. As he gives up all hope for a rescue and resigns himself to never making it off the sand, a touch on his shoulder startles him.
Is it possible that help can come from a man who is his enemy? And just where are the hardest battles of the war fought? 
A short story, about 3,000 words.

(from Amazon)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 7/10 hearts. This book is so well written. It is an amazing description of what a soldier would feel. The first time I read it, I literally cried. The whole story is one amazing description. The author has a wonderful talent with words and emotions. Definitely my favourite of Jesseca Wheaton’s short stories.

A Favourite Quote: “... to the two solitary figures, this beach was far more. For one, it represented life. For another, death. But for both of them, it was a promise. A promise that even when all seems to be lost, God steps in, and makes a mess into His beautiful masterpiece.”
A Favorite Sentence: “... some battles are not fought with others. They do not have battlefields that can be visited, or memories erected in their honor. These battles are fought every day, as people struggle to go on living after the war. These are lonely battles that are fought within a person. Fought in a place called lonesome.”

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“Untitled” by Jesseca Wheaton

Untitled

by Jesseca Wheaton

Synopsis: 

Okinawa, 1945

Two brothers. Two Separate Paths.

A Navy corpsman assigned to the Marines, Jess Walker’s world is shaken as he struggles to aid the men around him. But the battlefield isn’t his hardest challenge. The nagging memory of how he lost his brother weighs on him, serving as a constant reminder of his failure. War has no mercy for anyone and Jess isn’t sure he can survive the war inside. As his world comes crashing down around him, he struggles to believe there is a future beyond the pain. 

Clay Walker has moved on from the life he once lived. A successful Marine pilot, he wants nothing to do with his family and the God he left behind. Japan is on the brink of surrender when his unit is shipped off to Okinawa, and it’s there that Clay is forced to realize his past is not as deeply buried as he thought. Faced with heavy losses and questions without answers, Clay has a choice to make. Is he willing to step back and let God take the controls? Or is it too late for a second chance? 

As WWII rages, the two brothers must face their demons — or be lost to the burning world around them.

COMING NOVEMBER 11

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. What a book. I’m not even sure how to review this. Jesseca Wheaton did it again, guys. The humour. I have yet to see anyone beat her sarcastic dialogue. It isn’t laugh-out-loud really—but it’s snicker after snort after snicker after snort... the whole book long. And I love it. The story itself kept me hooked. There was no way I was going to put it down! The characters were all so loveable and so real. One of the side characters in this book is homosexual. It isn’t really touched upon, and when it is, the focus is on the fact that he needs love and kindness and prayers to point him to Jesus, not instant destroying and anger and hate. I really appreciate that. There was some language—gosh, darn, dang, bloody, heck, hell, and one damn. The men talked a lot about girls/girlfriends in a light/causal/playthings type of attitude. Also, wounds and death were graphically described, but I personally was not bothered. I really appreciate how realistic it was. Sometimes we forget just how awful WWII really was. I also really appreciated the message about the forgotten ones who died for our freedom. I appreciated also the small message on PTSD. And the message of second chances and hope. And most of all, the message that God has a plan and He still reigns. I related to Jess’ struggles a lot just now, and that message really touched me. I needed it right now. Recommended age: 18+. 

A Favourite Quote: “He was tired of the tears and the pain. He was tired of feeling this way. ‘Oh, God, help me.’ In everything, he’d somehow lost sight of eternity. God was still alive. Still on the throne. He still had some sort of plan, even when Jess couldn’t see it.”

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The sun was setting overhead, turning the crystal water into sparkling hues of purple, pink, and orange. Wispy white clouds dusted the sky, adding to the vibrancy of the colors. Seagulls screamed overhead, and the sound of waves crashing against each other filled in the background.”

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Yeah, saw him the other day…. Told him how I saved your life. He found it pretty … interesting, considering how you were convinced you’d be saving me.’ 

“‘What?!’ Clay leaped to his feet, ready to protest. ‘First off, I didn’t ask you to save me. And secondly, you didn’t need to go and tell everybody!’

“‘Mmhm. And if our roles had been reversed, would you have told everyone?’

“‘I mean ... Clay stopped. Ivan had a point — not that he would admit to it. ‘That’s different!’

“‘Oh, really?’ Ivan grabbed the wrench Clay had tossed aside and twirled it around. ‘How so?’ 

“Arguing with Ivan when he knew he was right was becoming a real problem.”

I will update this review when I reread it. I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts & opinions. 

About the Author:

Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. When she’s not busy at her full time job as a first responder, her days are spent reading, spending time with siblings, watching movies that make her cry, and playing piano. Oh, and writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

Blog

Goodreads

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Goodreads link

Giveaway:

GIVEAWAY LINK + INFO

(U.S. only)

One winner of the giveaway will receive…

Paperback copy of Untitled 
Box of compass cards
God Bless America Wooden Sign
Bookmark 
USMC keychain 
U.S. Navy Medallion

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY LINK!

“Fair in War” by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Fair in War
(The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott, #8)

by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Synopsis: 

She expected popcorn and cheap prizes -- not a front-row seat to crime and conspiracy...
When Brent's brother Carter, unexpectedly arrives in Phoenix bearing important intel, Brent disappears into their world of espionage and world-saving, leaving Emily feeling left out. Telling herself she doesn't really belong in their world anyway, she determines to enjoy her afternoon at the state fair with Izzy.
But as she sees more and more familiar faces in the crowds and among the vendors, and when Izzy is arrested by security on trumped-up charges, it becomes clear something more is going on. She's never been happier to accidentally run into Brent Peterson, but finding Izzy might come down to her own determination more than either of them expect.

(from Goodreads)

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Okay, so did I read this in maybe 30 minutes flat? Yes. Did I freak out at the end? Yes. Am I more hooked than ever? YES!! Oh, man, I LOVED the interaction between Brent and Carter!! It was sooo awesome. Emily & Brent were as fun as ever. And Santa barely showed up but he was pretty cool. XD This was a very intense story with a crazy plot but so, so cool and snaps some more pieces from the past 7 books into place. This one does deal with a sensitive/triggering/intense issue, so recommended for ages 14-16+ depending on sensitivity. 

AND CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT HER REMEMBERING TO TALK TO GOD ABOUT THE ISSUE AND BEING SORRY SHE CALLED BRENT BEFORE SHE PRAYED???

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Carter glared at Brent. ‘But this  mission? Surely you can see why this is possibly the worst idea you’ve had since you decided to try making a candle out of pieces of straw tied together with baling twine.’

“Brent rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Look, she was already here at the fair…. I didn’t ask her here. And at this point, it’s safest for her to be where I can keep an eye on her—don’t you think? This is nothing like the candle incident. That was literally 20 years ago.’”

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts & opinions. 

Goodreads link

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“The Lady of Lanaria” by Michaela Bush

The Lady of Lanaria

by Michaela Bush

Synopsis: 

A kidnapped princess, a promise, and a kingdom cursed with mysterious plagues. 

"Mark my words, Evangeline; if you set foot outside this tower, you will surely die."
Evangeline has spent her entire life hidden in an ancient watchtower, gazing through a window as the world passes her by. She heeds her mother's warning closely, the truth hidden from her always. When a young guard stumbles upon the tower, Evangeline's life is changed forever. As she strikes up a secret friendship with the guard, she learns about the Kingdom of Lanaria and the mysterious plagues that haunt all who live there. But as she delves into the world she barely knows, not everything her mother says adds up. Will they find the truth before it's too late? 
A Rapunzel retelling. 

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I was honestly unsure about this book, since it dealt with magic. But I was very impressed. First off, the fantasy world. It was a fascinating mixture of contemporary & medieval. Most medieval kingdom fiction, gets ruined when its too contemporary, but this one was perfect. I also really, really loved the mixture of Lady of Shalott + Rapunzel--both fascinating stories! I loved Evangeline because I related to her in several ways, and besides she was just so sweet and lovely. Gabriel was nice too, and I liked his relationship with Horace. The magical part was super well handled. Of course witches & magic exist, but they were not actually in this book, and the "curse" was non-magical (can't say more because of spoilers). Some parts were a bit unrealistic but I didn't care about that too much. The romance was very gradual and more of a slow, side thing which I really enjoyed. There was some hugging/kissing but not much and totally undetailed. I liked the theme of the Light vs. darkness and how God's power vanquished the Evil and protected Evangeline. Overall, it was a great Christian medieval adventure fairytale retelling and basically perfect for me. :) 

 A Favourite Quote: “‘Nothing is truly safe, but nothing is truly hopeless either.  It is the fallen world that we live in, full of sin and sorrow.  You can choose to despair and wallow in it, or you can find the light in the situation you’re in.’” 

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “He felt glad as he noticed the change in her eyes—the deep sadness they’d held in their emerald depths when he had arrived made way for shimmery awe.” 

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Stop trying to make it seem like your fault.’ 

“‘But I’m the only one left that I can blame!’” 

 I will update this review when I reread it. I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts & opinions. 

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