The 7 Day Holiday Challenge is an event hosted by Parajunkee! Check out her website for more information and to participate!
Day Six: Favorite holiday book!
Oh, this is a hard one for me! I really don't have a book that I re-read each holiday season (though I want to be one of those people that do!) I really like anything that has some holiday scenes, like Harry Potter, The Christmas Shoes, Little Women...
The 7 Day Holiday Challenge is an event hosted by Parajunkee! Check out her website for more information and to participate!
Day Five: Share a holiday tradition!
Ever year on Christmas morning, my family goes to my mom's parents' house for brunch. We then go to my dad's parents' house to see all of our extended family. But the best part of Christmas day (other than opening gifts in the morning) is that my parents would make sure we were home each Xmas day by 6 pm. They always wanted to give us enough time to play with the toys we got that morning. Holidays can be hectic, and it was always a bummer to leave so soon for brunch after we opened presents! Leaving my grandparents by 6 was our immediate family time and time for us to relax and wind down after the busy holidays. I love spending time with my extended family, but those few hours at night were always my favorite and even as we've grown older, we still try to do this!
The 7 Day Holiday Challenge is an event hosted by Parajunkee! Check out her website for more information and to participate!
Day Three: Share a holiday photo moment!
Shoot, I missed yesterday! Oops... to make it up, here's my holiday photo! I'll post Day 4 later tonight!
My husband and I from 3 years ago! Wow, we look so much younger (at least I think so!) Too bad I wiped my computer and don't have my hard drive plugged in otherwise I'd have a more recent photo. Happy holidays!
The 7 Day Holiday Challenge is an event hosted by Parajunkee! Check out her website for more information and to participate!
Day Two: Favorite holiday scene in a book!
Oh, this is a little hard for me! I'm not great at remembering specifics from books...It's partly the reason I started my blog; I figured if I posted a personal review, then I would remember the book a little better after I finished reading. It has helped quite a bit, but not always, clearly. I'm going to have to say that one of my favorite holiday scenes from a book is definitely Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I know it's a bit of a cliche answer, but I really love Harry's first "real" Christmas experience. With the Dursleys he was never treated as part of the family. But at Hogwarts, he has a family and the Weasleys make sure to include him. His surprise when he first wakes up is really great. It's a scene I think I'll always remember!
Plus I also really loved reading The Christmas Shoes by Donna Van Liere. A really touching story! Plus I still tear up over the song!
The 7 Day Holiday Challenge is an event hosted by Parajunkee! Check out her website for more information and to participate!
On the first day of the challenge, we're discussing a gift we're giving this year!
I'm really excited about a couple of gifts that I'm giving this year! For both of my nephews and my niece, they're getting books (no surprise!). The youngest (about 8 mos. old) is getting one book, and the other two are getting 2-3 books each! Plus they're all getting something else too, including Green Bay Packer clothing -- Go Pack!
I think my favorite gift that I'm giving is for my mom (hopefully she doesn't read my blog!) It's a Galileo Thermometer. She had one previously, but it broke many years ago when it was knocked off a shelf. I found a smaller version of hers when I was in Door County Wisconsin earlier this year and knew I had to get it for her!
What gifts are you giving this year? Join Parajunkee's Holiday Challenge and let us know!
In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.
Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.
Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in.
My Review
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! I haven't read anything by Maggie McGinnis before, but I can guarantee you, this won't be my last! I could probably gush about how much I liked this book, but that would get boring :) But... just a little gushing won't hurt! This book drew me in right away and wouldn't let me go. I stayed up way past my bed time to keep reading. These characters were captivating. Haley is a small animal vet who wishes she could spend less with small pets and more time with animals bigger than her head. And Daniel is so busy being a big-animal vet and taking care of his twins, that he doesn't have a lot of time for himself.
This book was really well written and I thought the characters were well-rounded. I felt like I really got to know each of them, as well as some of the supporting characters. And honestly, I'm a sucker for single dads taking care of their kids. Add that to a romance, plus cowboys.... it doesn't take much! I'm addicted and I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus, I've always had this thought and dream about living in Montana - somewhere out in the middle of nowhere on a ranch with a bunch of horses and mountains in the background. I'll probably never live there, but it's a dream. Maybe I should visit the state first...
I really wish I would have known about Kyra and Decker's story before I read this, but it doesn't seem like you necessarily need to read them in order. That being said, I'm still going to grab that copy next!!! And if Jess and Cole are next, I know its going to be a good one. I can't wait to read more from McGinnis! As much as I read a variety of genres, romances are always one of my favorites and I can't give them up.
Mistletoe, holly, and cowboys, oh my! Christmas in Texas has never been sweeter.
Years ago, Chase Morgan traded in his dusty cowboy boots for the shimmering lights of New York City and a fast track up the corporate ladder. But when his shiny life is turned on end just in time for Christmas, Chase knows he needs to reevaluate even if that means going home to Texas to endure his least favorite holiday.
When Mr. Tall, Dark, and Smoking Hot walks through her door at the Magic Box Guest Ranch, Faith Walker sees just another handsome, rich exec looking to play cowboy for a week-at her expense. She’s sure the grumpy, but sexy as hell Scrooge will put a crimp in her holly jolly plans. Until a sizzling kiss has her seeing him in a new light.
Chase is haunted by secrets, and even though it goes entirely against her “hands off the guests” rule Faith is tempted to help him leave the past behind. As the magic of the season swirls around them, she is determined to succeed because now she is certain one sweet, cowboy Christmas will never be enough.
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I seriously love this series and all of Candis Terry's work! Her books are so fun, sweet and full of romance; I just can't get enough! That was no different in this book. I never used to be a huge fan of novellas or short stories, but the more I read, the more I enjoy them. Yes, I still think they're too short and I'd love to read more about these characters, but they work out well and there aren't loose ends hanging around. Faith and Chase are a really cute couple. You can tell there's instant attraction between them, but not instant love, which makes me happy! This story felt genuine and complete. I would absolutely have loved to have a full length novel about them because I liked these two characters, but like I said, I still really enjoyed this one! I also wish the Wilder brothers would have been in here more than a passing mention.... but Chase seems pretty darn hot as well! :)
About the Author
Candis Terry was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now makes her home on an Idaho farm. She’s experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to chasing down wayward steers. Only one thing has remained the same: her passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after.
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
Publisher: Doubleday
Publishing Date: 2001
177 Pages
Format: hardcover
Synopsis
Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded malls, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That's just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they'll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on Hemlock Street without a rooftop Frosty; they won't be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren't even going to have a tree. They won't need one, because come December 25 they're setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences - and it isn't have as easy as they'd imagined.
A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that have become part of our holiday tradition.
My Review
I've had this book for a while, but just never read it, so I figured with the holiday approaching, it was the perfect time to take it off my TBR shelf. I know that this story has been made into a movie with Tim Allen, called Christmas with the Kranks, but I haven't seen the movie either. This was a really fun book for the holidays. I love that the Kranks wanted to skip Christmas because their daughter was out of the country. They just wanted to relax and not worry about all the stress that often comes with the holidays. However, they soon find out that this isn't that easy (or socially acceptable, at least in their city). They get quite a shock when they are just a day away from their cruise....
There have been many times when I've just wanted to forget about all the fuss with Christmas. My family is always so incredibly busy on Christmas Eve and Day, running from one family's house to another. I had told my parents once that I was just going to skip Christmas Eve festivities, and only attend Christmas Day ones, just to take out some of the stress. I really just wanted to relax and spend the time with my immediate family. Then I met my fiance and we spent Christmas Eve at his parents, and I realized how nice it is when we don't have to run around to different houses. We will went to my family's activities on Christmas Day, but that one day of a low-key Christmas makes a big difference. I think we all need to realize that its more about spending time with family and friends, and not so much about the material things that Christmas often brings. Sometimes I just wish more people would think about this (:
Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)
This weeks question:
Cookie Exchange: Share some of your favorite holiday cookie recipes.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are some of my favorite holiday cookies. They are so simple to make, but so good! And every time I have thing, it just reminds me of Christmas! The recipe is listed below (:
Ingredients
48 Hershey's Kisses
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Additional sugar
Directions:
1) Heat oven to 375* and remove wrappers from chocolates
2) Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add both sugars and beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt in separate bowl. Gradually beat into peanut butter mix.
3) Shape dough into 1" balls. Roll in sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet
4) Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into center of each cookie. Cookie will crack around the edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
* Makes about 48 cookies.
What are some of your favorite holiday cookies?! Share your recipes!
The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere
Publisher: St Martins Press
Publishing Date: 2001
132 Pages
Format: hardcover
Synopsis
Robert is a successful attorney who has everything in life - and nothing at all. Focused on professional achievement and material rewards, Robert is on the brink of losing his marriage. He has lost sight of his wife, Kate, their two daughters, and, ultimately, himself. Eight-year-old Nathan has a beloved mother, Maggie, whom he is losing to cancer. But Nathan and his family are building a simple yet full life and struggling to hold on to every moment they have together. A chance meeting on Christmas Eve brings Robert and Nathan together - he is shopping for a family he hardly knows, and Nathan is shopping for a mother he is soon to lose. In this one encounter, their lives are forever altered as Robert learns an important lesson: Sometimes the smallest thing can make all the difference.
The Christmas Shoes, a tale of our shared humanity, is a universal story of the deeper meaning of serendipity and of how a power greater than ourselves can shape, and even save, our lives.
My Review
This book is a perfect Christmas read; it's short and makes you think about what you really need in life. This book is based on the song Christmas Shoes by NewSong, which you can find below. If you've never heard of it, you need to listen to it! I may even tear up every time I hear it. This book definitely follows the song, but it elaborates so much more. The little boy in this story is so sweet and my heart just broke for him when I was reading this. But I also felt a lot of sympathy for the second family in this story as well. I definitely teared up while reading this too! It makes you think about what is really important in your life. Material things are everything, and even if you have everything money can buy, it doesn't mean you'll be happy. If anyone is looking for a quick Christmas read, I recommend you get a copy of this book (:
Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)
This weeks question: Do you read books based on the season?
Generally, I don't read a book based on the season. I often see posts for great summer reads or books to curl up with in the fall/winter, and I may check them out from time to time, but I rarely read books based on seasons. The one exception to that however, is Christmas books (: It just doesn't feel right to be reading a Christmas book in the middle of July... That's why I've been holding on to 4 books I got from my mom that I plan to read in December. They are: Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere, and Twelve Stories of Christmas by Joe Wheeler. I CANNOT wait to start these!! I'm so tempted to start one now, but I really want to read them when I'm in the Christmas holiday spirit!
