holidayromance – Author D.L. Finn

December Book Reviews Part 3! @sgc58 @maryjdressel @Marjorie_Mallon #whattoread #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #bookreviews

“Variety is the Spice of Life” is a wonderful collection of poetry and short stories. The poetry is presented in the first half of the book. It was moving and thoughtful, as each word was carefully crafted. The short stories in the second half were my favorite part. Each story had its gift to offer us, but I wiped away a tear or two with “Mrs. Lloyd’s Robin.” “The Healer” left me with chills wondering what-if. What connected the stories and poetry to me was their humanity—or heart of them. A must-read collection for those who love poetry and stories that make you feel.

Fairies, Myths, & Magic II: Book 2: A Winter Celebration

By Colleen M. Chesebro

I read and loved “Fairies, Myths, & Magic Book 1” and was eager to read the second book. This dips into a darker side of fairies and magic but also offers the coming light. Told through beautiful poetry and short stories with the addition of the history of the feminine lore of different cultures. I could learn as I was entertained. Although I love my forest, I have a healthy appreciation of it and the magic it holds. This collection brought to life our past and present, leaving the promise of the future or its consequences. A perfect read for a cold fall or winter night that inspired me to bring a few new traditions into our house.

Do What You Love: Fragility of Your Flame Poems Photography & Flash Fiction

By M.J. Mallon

“Do What You Love” is a beautiful collection of words and photos that invite the reader into Ms. Mallon’s life. It is connected uniquely through the three sisters of fate: past, present, and future, and their insights. Whether it’s a trip abroad or down memory lane, it found a way to tug at my heart or engage me in her experiences. It is a wonderful way to share reality and engage others with flowing words and mythical beings. A quick but satisfying read that I can easily recommend to any poetry, prose, or memoir fan.

Secret Santa’s Rundown Sleigh: Holiday Romance Novella

By Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

Terra and her young daughter, Kylee, are on their way to spend Christmas with Terra’s sick mother. Bad luck strikes when their car breaks down. They end up stranded in a small town with no hotel rooms available, and the vehicle won’t be fixed until after the holiday. Terra’s sister can’t leave their mom to rescue them, so they set out to get a bite to eat. The caring server invites them to stay at her brother Jude’s house with them. Jude’s daughter and Kylee bonded quickly while Terra kept looking for other options to stay, and Jude wasn’t pleased with his new guests. Everyone around Jude and Terra is rooting for a Christmas miracle, but Terra is determined to move on, and Jude clings to the past. This short and sweet holiday read will uplift your spirits, and I can easily recommend it.

I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews here! If I don’t like the book, I won’t finish it. It wouldn’t be fair to leave a review for an unfinished story, and life is too short not to enjoy my reading journey!

UPDATES: I have one more post tomorrow, Books That Changed Me—Winter edition. Don’t miss my final good read picks of the year! Then I’ll be off until January 9th.

I will pop in once for a post over on Story Empire on the 26th.

Also, if you are subscribed to my newsletter, check your email and see what book is featured this month along with some updates.

I wish everyone a Merry Chirstmas and a Happy New Year!

Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn

December Book Reviews Part 2! @bakeandwrite @LBroday #writingcommunity #whattoread #mustreads #readersoftwitter #bookreviews

The Christmas Bird

by Robbie Cheadle

The Deanne family was short on funds at Christmas time. They made the best of it when their hungry dogs found a bird’s nest and ate all but one baby chick. The family rescued the baby chick and set out to save it. I love the family’s selflessness as they put the needs of the bird above their own. It was a good lesson that giving of yourself is much more important than material possessions. This heartwarming story is perfect for sharing with a child or for beginning readers.

Return to Christmas

By Anne Stuart

Madison has dedicated her life to working and has lost the holiday spark. She decides to spend the day shopping at her favorite place, Macy’s. She steps out of modern times, entering the store from a world where she controls her body, mind, and word choice to the year 1947. Johnny, the window dresser, immediately comes to her rescue, even if he thinks she is insane. Madison finds herself drawn to a man who believes she should be married and home with kids while he tries to keep her at a distance. It took me a bit to warm up to Johnny because of his old-fashioned attitude and his PTSD from the war, but I was rooting for him in the end. The difference in how women were treated back in the 40s was stark compared to now, but they were still powerful characters. Madison kept trying to find her way home while developing friendships with people who had long passed in her world. This is a steamy, holiday, time travel romance for those who want an adventure different from most holiday stories.

Hope’s Angel

By Linda Broday

“Hope’s Angel” is a sweet holiday read that touched my heart. Jericho Cane has retreated from the world and hides in the darkness after a horrible, disfiguring accident. His only friend provides his staples and company, while the town believes him to be a monster based on his father’s actions. He is rumored to be responsible for the town’s mysterious deaths. A widowed doctor, Kathleen, and her daughter move into town to become the local employer’s town doctor. Kathleen and her young daughter are determined to befriend Jericho, and the doctor sets out to learn about his past and who the night phantom is. Jericho does his best to push them both away. My heart went out to Jericho and what he had been through, with peeks into what he was. I admired Kathleen, a strong female character who followed her heart and never gave up. This is a perfect holiday, or anytime, read that reminded me that people can do the right thing when they know the facts—and it only takes one person to change people’s minds. I can highly recommend this charming western romance!

Update: Still recoverying from COVID. It seems to want to stick around for a while. So, I’m still pacing myself.

We did get a half of foot of snow that is nice right before Christmas, so enjoying that since I don’t have to drive in it!

Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn