The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans, 283 Pages

Jacob Churcher returns to his childhood home after the death of his mother.  Upon arrival he discovers that the mother he hadn't seen in over 20 years had become a hoarder.  While cleaning through layer after layer of junk he uncovers family secrets that need to be brought to life.  During this process he meets Rachel, a woman looking for answers and trying to fill holes in her own past.  Little do they know that their past lives are intertwined.  During this journey they mend family ties and discover that love is possible and deserving for two people who had given up on ever finding happiness.

I enjoyed this book, and it was a really quick read, taking me only a few hours.  However, it was a bit too wholesome for my taste.  I could have used a bit more grit, with Jacob's abusive past/mother, and a little more steam/hotness with the romance storyline between Jacob and Rachel.  I've never read Richard Paul Evans before, so I'm guessing he writes clean/wholesome stuff.  There's nothing wrong with that, and I did enjoy the story.  I was in the mood for a little, quick wintry and Christmassy themed book and this did the trick. 

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, 160 pages

I have seen "A Christmas Carol" and many movies based on the premise, but somehow had never read it.  I am so glad the Library Book Clubs are reading it. 

This is a classic that really is a treasure.  It took away any visions of scrooge I had towards this year's Christmas and entire holiday season.  I definitely recommend this slim little volume for anyone's reading pleasure in the deep dark winter. 

Christmas in London by Anita Hughes, 288 pages

I love armchair traveling especially at Christmastime. I have been lucky enough to see London at Christmastime in real life. It's been years but I can see it like it was yesterday. The first main character you met, Louisa Graham, is a baker. Reading about her concoctions made me so hungry I actually made brownies (from a box...she'd probably be ashamed that they weren't from scratch). I'm not always the biggest fan of dual stories but I really liked Kate, the producer of the TV show that brings Louisa to London to bake for the annual Christmas Eve Dinner TV special at Claridge's. Thanks to the dual main characters you have story lines for two types of romantics...fans of second chances and fans of new love. But as everyone knows there's no guarantee that you'll get a happily ever after.

A Christmas Beginning by Anne Perry. 190 Pages

If you are looking for a quick, cozy mystery then this is a good choice.  The main character, Runcorn is spending his Christmas on the coast of Wales.  Lots of characters, settings, and full, vivid descriptions, gives this who-done-it mystery a rich flavor of suspense.  The ending will surprise you, in more ways than one.  Can Runcorn find the killer? And will he find....love?  A perfect beginning to this Christmas season.  

Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber 288 pages

When Julia meets her “Scrooge” of a neighbor Cain, her best friend tells Julia that she should kill him with kindness. As Christmas approaches, Julia decides to keep a blog titled The Twelve Days of Christmas. Her first attempts at being kind to Cain are met with resistance, however her blog becomes a hit. Julia is very persistent and chips away at Cain’s icy exterior. Julia as well as Cain develop feelings for the other, but Julia has not told Cain about her blog. She is afraid how Cain will react if or when he finds out. Will their chance of love be ruined?  

Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn 352 pages

Miranda Carson travels to England on a spur-of-the-moment trip in search of her biological father. Miranda is led to Carlton Heath because a photograph of a little boy sitting on Father Christmas’s lap. The photography studio’s information is printed on the back of the photo. When Miranda starts looking for the shop, she learns that the studio is no longer. What she does find is a family who welcomes her with open arms. When Miranda discovers who her father is, she is faced with a decision that will hurt the people she is starting to love.  

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas 211 pages

Mark Nolan has become the sole guardian of his six-year-old niece Holly, after her mother died. He didn’t know how to be a parent, but he was left with the instructions from his late sister – There’s no other choice but you, just start by loving her, the rest will follow. It’s not hard to love Holly, but it is hard to communicate with her. Holly hasn’t spoken is the night her mother died.

Maggie Collins moved to Friday Harbor to start a new life. After the death of her husband, she decided to open a toy store but is afraid to open her heart to love again. When she meets Holly, Maggie tries to add a bit of magic into Holly’s life. By doing so, Holly begins to talk again.

Christmas is near and magic is in the air. Holly writes to Santa for a new mommy. Anything is possible with Mark and Maggie growing closer. 

Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber 256 pages

Ashley Davison is trying to make it home for Christmas, but things are not going her way. Dash Sutherland is heading to Seattle for a very important interview. After being turned away at the airline counter, both Ashley and Dash head toward the car rental counter. With only one car left, they decide to share the rental. There is just one problem, they can’t seem to get along.

On their journey from San Francisco to Seattle, Ashley and Dash have to deal with puppies, bikers, and teen boys who steal their license plates. Throw in a snow storm and karaoke, feelings start to change. Unknown to Ashley and Dash, the FBI is tracking them. When Ashley had tried to get an airline ticket, her name came up on the no-fly list as a known terrorist. Through everything, Ashley makes it home for Christmas and Dash gets to his interview on time.  

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber 256 pages

Carrie Slayton, a society-page columnist, is tired of attending parties with people she doesn’t know who are trying to get their names in the paper. She moved to Chicago, away from her family, to be a reporter.  In attempting to resin from her position, her boss hands her the ultimate article – find Finn Dalton, the famous survivalist author, and get an interview from him. However, Finn does not want to be found.

Carrie is able to track down Finn outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, but due to a storm, she gets stuck with him for two days. All Carrie is wanting is a quick interview with a man that everyone is talking about, but Finn is having no part in it. However, after being trapped together and playing a few games of cribbage, feelings change.

After returning home, Carrie cannot get her mind off of Finn. If Carrie and Finn want to move on with one another, they must overcome their past relationships. 

Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber 255 pages

Harry Mills, a guardian angel is sent to help Addie Folsom. He poses as a teacher at the local community college so he can keep an eye on Addie and help guide her.

Addie returns home after being away for six years, with the hope of spending the holiday season with her mother, after the death of her father. Things don’t go as planned for Addie, as her mom and next-door neighbor decide to take a cruise for the holiday.

Addie’s neighbor Erich was a tormentor for Addie when they were kids, but when he breaks both of his wrists in a car accident, Addie offers to help. As Christmas nears, feelings between Addie and Erich grow, but the two must overcome their pasts to move on with their futures.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber 256 pages

Christmas has never been the same for Jake Finley, who lost both his mother and sister on Christmas Eve, when he was little. As manager of the toy department of Finley’s Department story, he decided to buy 500 robots for the big Christmas rush. He is in need of a miracle, which comes in the form of Emily Merkle, or as her name tag reads “Mrs. Miracle.”

Holly Larson also needs a miracle. After becoming the guardian of her nephew Gabe while his father is fighting overseas, Holly is trying to make Gabe’s Christmas as best as she can. Gabe’s wish for Christmas is to have the toy robot from Finley’s.

After running into one another at Starbucks, fate keeps bringing Jake and Holly together or is it a little bit of angelic intervention. 

Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber 322 pages

Seth Webster is still mourning the death of his wife. As Christmas draws near, Seth’s life seems to be in chaos. He has lost another nanny for his 6-year-old twin boys. When he is in need of a miracle, in walks Emily Merkle or as the kids call her “Mrs. Miracle.” Everything has changed since Mrs. Miracle arrived.

Reba Maxwell has been hurt by love before and she refuses to let it in. After being volunteered to help with the Christmas pageant, Reba meets Seth, who she has admired from her travel agency’s front window.

With angelic intervention of Emily Merkle, Seth and Reba grow closer but they must overcome their pasts so that they may move one with one another. 

Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews 294 pages

Okay, so I had quite a few days off around the holidays and wanted something light to read.  This book fit the bill.  It is one of those good old southern diva books.  "Weezie" owns an antique shop and is getting married.  Her wedding to her long time lover is fast approaching but Daniel is working as a guest chef in New York and her best friend, BeBe is due to have a baby anyday.  Throw in the mix her good friends, turned flamboyant wedding planners, Cookie and Manny and Weezie has her hands full. 

An Angel for Christmas by Heather Graham 330 pages

I was looking for something that would lift my Christmas spirit, be light and quick and still have an okay enough storyline to keep me reading until the end.  An Angel for Christmas by Heather Graham was just the right book.  Was it predictable?  Yes.  Did it have moments that made me roll my eyes?  Yes.  But was it a fun read?  Yes.

Morwenna MacDougal (can you believe that name?...first eye roll) and her two brothers and parents are all gathering for Christmas.  Morwenna has a big city job, brother Shayne is a recently divorced doctor (this comes in handy later) and the youngest brother, Bobbie is "try to find himself" and has dropped out of college again.  They all travel to the family cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains where their family goes every Christmas. 

Then there is Gabe and Luke.  Gabe is the cop and Luke is the bad guy.  Of course!  Gabe is chasing Luke through the.....you guessed it!  Blue Ridge Mountains and manages to get away.  Gabe is hurt and is found and cared for by Morwenna and her family.  He worms his way into their hearts and settles in for a nice Christmas at the cabin. 

Woe!  Wait!  There is still that bad Luke running around in the woods.  What will happens when he decides that he needs to find Gabe and finish him off to truly get away with his crimes?  The suspense is killing you, isn't it?  Well, read An Angel for Christmas and find out if the MacDougal family has a happy Christmas after all.  Does Bobbie find himself?  Is Shayne really as divorced as he thinks he is?  Does Morwenna find love or is her big city/fast paced job too alluring to give up? And is that bad boy Luke served justice?