A Log Cabin Christmas

A Log Cabin Christmas: 9 Historical Romances during American Pioneer Christmases by Margaret Brownley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Back in the 1800s a cozy, safe, little cabin, snug from winter storms, was a necessity and all these stories showcase a cabin around Christmas time. There are 9 short endearing romances in this hardworking, homespun, historical book that feature our early pioneers from all over America - working hard, trying to survive, and take care of their family at the same time. It seems like we've come so far from those days when little things made us happy - a warm hearth, a job well done, and simple but loving Christmases.



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Out of Control

Out of Control by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I don't know how Mary Connealy does it - but her books always make me giggle. The thoughts and dialog between the main characters are quite witty.



Rafe Kinkade has everything under control, especially since that fateful day when he and his two brothers were lost and hurt in the deep cave that runs under his Colorado ranch. When he forces himself to return to scene to make peace with his guilt, he hears screams echoing out of the hole and ends up saving a feisty, young woman named Julia Gilliland who had been looking for fossils. The story continues with Rafe and his brother Ethan returning Julia to her rundown cabin and family, hidden on the mountain. As Rafe and Julia spar with each other, you can see the sparks begin to ignite and more caving happening in their future.



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The Sisters

The Sisters by Nancy Jensen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A misunderstanding in one generation can affect the future of generations to come. Sadly, two young sisters, Mabel and Bertie, who loved and looked out for the other allow a misunderstanding to come between them. If only Bertie knew the sacrifice that Mable had made to keep Bertie safe from their step-father....the heartbreaking story continues through their daughters, the Great Depression, World War ll and Vietnam and beyond.

As Bertie said, "...I mean it's when something happens - like a war, but not only a war, not just that. Something that makes you see that what you thought would happen won't ever be. Not ever. Something can happen to change your life so sudden, you can't get over it fast enough. And so you do things you wouldn't ever have thought of doing. Maybe hurt other people. And that changes things for them, too, all in a line."

The family tree at the beginning of the book was a huge help, as I kept turning to it, when a new character was brought into the story. I found myself getting exasperated with the stubbornness or insensitivity of some of the characters, but I had to remember that when this storyline was introduced - sexual abuse, especially between family members, was swept under the rug and victims, as today, suffered horribly. An interesting, but tortured read.....



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An Angel for Christmas

An Angel for Christmas by Heather Graham

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The MacDougals love each other, but you know how families are, they also irritate the heck out of each other. Every Christmas it's tradition for them to get together at the old cabin up in Blue Ridge Mountains. This year their holiday turns out decidedly different! Two strangers, one very dangerous, appear at their cabin in a dense snowstorm. Where did they come from and which one is telling the truth?

I haven't read a book by Heather Graham in years and was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this little Christmas novel. A bit of mystery, light romance, and something worth pondering - definitely is worth sharing...



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A Lawman's Christmas

A Lawman's Christmas: A McKettricks of Texas Novel by Linda Lael Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I don't often read Linda Lael Miller, but this little Christmas novel was a light, sweet romance set in Texas. Dara Rose is a widow with two small, precocious children. Her husband, the former lawman in town, died a rather embarrassing death and she is soon to be removed from the small home that they lived in. When the new marshall arrives, Dara is relieved that he has decided to room in the jail with his new found friend, an old mangy dog. Over the course of the book, the marshall, Clay McKettrick, falls for the children and the beautiful, hardworking Dara and full intends on making her his McKettrick wife by Christmas.



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Valley of Dreams

Valley of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Cassie Lockwood is the new Annie Oakley, riding her beloved pony Wind Dancer and sharpshooting her way into the hearts of her audience that attend the Wild West Show. But, when money runs out and the show folds, Cassie's only choice is to head south and search for her late father's land out in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Joining her are Micah and Chief, Cassie's cohorts from the show and a ragtag bunch of animals, including George the buffalo.

At the same time, down in Argus, South Dakota, another family is introduced - the Engstroms who are working a ranch and struggling to make ends meet. As the story goes back and forth between the two "families" you begin to question when they will meet and wonder if there is there a story behind the story!

One of the reasons I like Snelling is that she includes in her novels how difficult is was for people to work farms, ranches, etc. in the 1800s to early 1900s. Working hard from daylight to dusk was a necessity and Snelliing doesn't shirk from working details into the storyline. As this is a new series, book one is laying down the groundwork for more to follow.



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Christmas Treasures

Christmas Treasures by Thomas Kinkade

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another wonderful Christmas release by Kinkade and Spencer - Cape Light's favorite minister, Ben suffers a heart attack right before the Christmas season. As he slowly recovers, Ben considers giving up the pulpit for a well deserved retirement. At the same time, a young, troubled family moves into a small rundown home on Cape Light, hoping for a fresh start or at least a clearcut ending with bittersweet memories.

Kinkade's Christmas series is another personal favorite. A small cozy town, kind and resourceful residents, and hope born at Christmas always makes for a great story.



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The Touch

The Touch by Randall Wallace

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Jones has an amazing gift - he has the touch - hands for surgery and saving people. He also has fallen in love with Faith, a woman who lives up to her name and who inspires Jones. When both are involved in a tragic accident on the way to their clinic in the mountains - Jones hangs up his own personal surgical instruments and teaches his fellow doctors to use their hands instead. At the same time a young woman named Lara Blair, who owns a biomedical engineering company, has been searching for a surgeon to operate the special tool she has designed to save lives. Jones, when discovered by Lara's team, wants nothing to do with surgery again and instead shows Lara the clinic in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the people who desperately need doctoring. When Jones also tells of Faith's anonymous acts of love, Lara begins to understand and believe in the selflessness and freedom of such an action.

An amazing novel of faith, belief, and the inner goodness of men. This author/producer/director is also the screenwriter of Braveheart and We Were Soldiers.



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The Nine Lives of Christmas

The Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila Roberts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ambrose is a ragtag cat on his ninth life, especially when a big black beast trees him right before Christmas. When he makes a plea to the universe for a miracle, a sturdy fireman comes along and saves the day. Following him home, Ambrose is bent on returning the favor.

A hilarious, contemporary book, sometimes written from the viewpoint of Ambrose, the fireman by the name of Zach (who is determined to have fun and stay single), and a lonely, shy woman (lover of cats) named Merilee. As you read, you'll find out how ornery Ambrose is determined to get Zach and Merilee together for Christmas.



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Longing (Bailey Flanigan #3)

Longing by Karen Kingsbury

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I believe I enjoyed this book, number three in the Bailey Flanigan series, more than the second release. Bailey and Brandon Paul's relationship grows stronger and moves forward, whereas Cody - thanks to his friend Cheyenne, discovers something about himself and reconnects with the Flanigan family. It seems to have a faster pace than number two and doesn't just bog down forever in the past relationship of Cody and Bailey. Bailey also finds her stint on Broadway ending, opening doors to new possibilities in Hollywood



This book is an emotional read as Cheyenne's illness worsens, but her faith in God remains strong, stretching Cody's own faith and beliefs. I look forward to the fourth and final book in this series, Loving to be released in the Spring of 2012. As much as I enjoy Kingsbury's books, I believe this series has been stretched a wee bit too long.....



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