Sign up
Search
Advanced search settings

Search only in certain items:

Search results
All (302)
Content
People
Apps
Books
Orbs
Movies
Music
Podcasts
Shows
Tabletop Games
Tech
TV
Video Games
YouTube Channels
Videos
40x40

Hazel (1853 KP) rated Christmas in Marlow Center in Books

Nov 30, 2018  
Christmas in Marlow Center
Christmas in Marlow Center
Jordan Elizabeth Mierek | 2018 | Mystery, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Christmas in Marlow Center is a short Christmas-themed romance and mystery story by Jordan Elizabeth. Set in present-day December, Natassia is on her Winter Break and has arrived on her family farm to spend the period with her grandmother. Unfortunately, the family are unable to maintain the farm and are going to have to sell in the new year, therefore, this is Natassia's final opportunity to visit the place she loves. Yet, family secrets threaten to put an end to the Christmas festivities.

Meanwhile, Jesse, the tenant who lives in one of the farm buildings, is being plagued by horrifying family memories that occurred at Christmas-time. Unable to leave the past in the past, Jesse is dreading the coming holiday. Yet, when he meets Natassia, he feels a sense of hope. Perhaps he can move on, develop a new friendship, a relationship and learn to trust that other people will not judge him for the actions of a past family member.

While things are looking up for Jesse and Natassia in terms of relationship, problems with the farm cause enormous worry and strain. Just as things are beginning to fall into place, the remains of a body are found on the premises, unearthing family secrets dating back to 1964; secrets that affect both Natassia and Jesse.

Christmas stories are available in abundance and it is difficult to write something new and fresh without falling into traps, such as overly gushing romance or fake happiness. Jordan Elizabeth has kept the romance to a minimum, concentrating on family relationships, secrets and mystery.

Christmas in Marlow Center is a quick book to read, suitable for young adults and older. It is not too Christmassy, therefore, can be read any time of year. Unfortunately, the manuscript (at least the version I read) has numerous grammar and typographical errors, which slightly ruins the reading experience, however, it does not detract from the well thought out story.
(1)   
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2326 KP) rated Secret Santa in Books

Mar 9, 2018  
SS
Secret Santa
Fern Michaels | 2013
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Four Christmas novels - two romance, one mystery, and one chick lit. I bought it for Laura Levine's mystery novella featuring her sleuth Jaine Austen. I loved it as always. Two of the other stories were enjoyable, but Fern Michaels's contribution was just plain bad on all fronts.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/12/book-review-secret-santa-by-fern.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
40x40

Anne (15117 KP) rated One Day in December: A Christmas Love Story in Books

Nov 4, 2019  
One Day in December: A Christmas Love Story
One Day in December: A Christmas Love Story
Josie Silver | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
4
8.6 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
DNF - Disappointed with the little bit that I read. I had hoped for something else something better but it was looking like a soap opera when I was hoping for more like a meet cute/hallmark romance story. I also didn't feel like reading more after the F bombs started. Oh well, I'll do read Christmas by Accident instead because that sounds much better to me.
  
40x40

Lindsay (1752 KP) rated The Christmas Swap in Books

Dec 24, 2020  
The Christmas Swap
The Christmas Swap
Melody Carlson | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Looking for a sweet Christmas themed book that deals with a romance. This book has it and a sweet way of how it goes. This deals with a house swap at Christmas time. This book reminds me of the Hallmark Movie called “The Christmas Swap.” I do not know if this was a make on that or if it was maybe inspired by it. I do not know.

The book is about two families but mostly about a songwriter that somehow ends up taking care of this own house. The way it comes about seems kind of cute. We also have Emma who is struggling to be a musician. How will Emma and West's relationship go?

Will Gillian or maybe Harris mess up the sweet romance that is blooming? Does this seem to take a turn when someone figures out who West is? Is the caretaker who he is? Emma seems to be belated with the house they are staying in and the area in Colorado. Will the family and guest learn to ski and enjoy Christmas before going home?

The author writes this book well. This book is Christmas themed and charming. I enjoyed it. The only thing I kinda wish it was a bit more to it. Though I guess, I read too many romances to see how it ends. It is not all that bad. The story is caring and a bit different in the way that the owner is the one in more of a predicament than the heroine.
(1)