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<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>

With 25th December fast approaching, what better book to read than one full of Christmas stories? <i>My True Love Gave To Me </i>is a selection of twelve winter romances (twelve stories, twelve days of Christmas…) by a handful of well-known authors of young adult literature. Stephanie Perkins, author of <i>Anna and the French Kiss</i>, is the editor of this festive volume and also includes her own short story along with Holly Black, Ally Carter, Gayle Forman and Rainbow Rowell, to name a few.

Aimed at teenaged girls or young adults, the stories focus on characters between the ages of 15 and 19, usually in a contemporary setting. Some are written as romances that just so happen to occur at Christmas time, whereas others use Christmas as a main focal point. Naturally there are a couple of tales that are pure fantasy with magic, Santa and elves, but they all involve romance.

What is great about incorporating twelve authors into one book is the various ideas about what Christmas means to different people. For some it is about family whereas other’s it is about the birth of Jesus. Authors also explore the difficulties some people face as well as what people who do not celebrate do. The stories are diverse including characters from all types of background – race, religion and sexuality.

My favourite story from this selection was by David Levithan. Unlike most of the others, it was not a story about falling in love. The main character already had a boyfriend who he (yes, HE) loved. The tale focused on what people do for love as well as keeping the magic of Christmas alive for others.

For those wanting to read something festive, this is the book for you. Its short stories let you dip in and out during this busy period meaning you can enjoy both reading and celebrating at the same time.
  
Anna and the Apocalypse (2018)
Anna and the Apocalypse (2018)
2018 | Comedy, Horror, Musical
Just Strange Overall
Anna and the Apolcalypse- is basically Shaun of the Dead meets Santa Clarita Diet meets a musical. You throw horror, comedy, action, drama and music all togther you get Anna and the Apolcalypse. I think their is too many genres in this movie. First its wants to be a drama, than a musical than a zombie film than a zombie action film than musical mix comedy in. So many genres i cant tell what this movie wants to be. And thats its major downfall.

The plot: A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven - at Christmas - forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.

Ohh i almost forgot its also trying to be a christmas film, revolving around christmas and set during christmas. Yes its one of those horror films. A horror film based/set around a holiday.

The reason im giving it a "7", because it reminds me so much of "Shaun of Dead" and i loved that film. And this film had good zombie kills in it and good action.
  
The Berenstain Bears Go Christmas Caroling
The Berenstain Bears Go Christmas Caroling
Mike Berenstain, Jan Berenstain | 2019 | Children, Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you're a Berenstain Bears fan growing up. Then this book is a must-have for your collection or your child's bookshelves. This book deals with the Christmas season and the tradition of Christmas caroling. This one put the bear family on a sleigh and caroling of Jingle Bells.

Sister Bear seems to have questions about some of the Christmas carols that are sung. You learn about some sweetly. This book takes us on a journey through the neighborhood and sings songs. The pictures are done well. Quick and easy to read.

It is also good to add to your advent calendar if you open new books and old ones for your advent calendar. You can create a new tradition by doing so. You can just read it at bedtime. Children will learn new things throughout the book and teach a lesson differently.

The Berenstain Bears Go Christmas Caroling is good for the season and holiday. These books are best for teaching and just learn some lessons. Children will learn something from each book. The pictures are done well. They are cute and enjoyable. Parents will want to read these books to their child or children throughout the year. These books are classics and a favorite. They will become a favorite of your child or children once you get them reading them. They are a favorite of mine and still are.
  
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Merissa (12969 KP) rated Write Christmas in Books

Dec 1, 2020 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)  
Write Christmas
Write Christmas
Thommy Hutson | 2020 | Contemporary, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WRITE CHRISTMAS is a seasonal story about someone who doesn't like Christmas due to an unfortunate event that shaped her life. Abby has chipped away at Christmas, slowly but surely, until her company and her home have no lights, no decorations, no nothing. Then she gets the opportunity to see what it would be like without it and the game changes.

I'm going to be honest here and say I struggled with this one. It reminded me a lot of It's a Wonderful Life which isn't one of my favourite films and the writing style took me a while to get into.

However, because I have an intense dislike for not finishing a book, I kept at it and almost against my will I found myself becoming gripped by the story. Just what would happen? How would it happen? When? You get the idea.

I thoroughly enjoyed the ending and thought it was perfect for the story as it gives everyone that seasonal glow and warm fuzzies.

I would recommend this book if you like the whole what-if part of Christmas.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 1, 2020
  
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas
Adam Kay | 2019 | Biography, Health & Fitness, Humor & Comedy, Medical & Veterinary
8
7.6 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was really excited to get this for Christmas Eve. I loved This Is Going To Hurt and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. It is filled with much of the same anecdotes and a few that make you chuckle and some that are just heartbreaking. But in all, as much as I did enjoy it, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first.
  
Tic-Tac-Mistletoe (Hartbridge Christmas #1)
Tic-Tac-Mistletoe (Hartbridge Christmas #1)
N.R. Walker | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
TIC-TAC-MISTLETOE is the first book in the Hartbridge Christmas series and, honestly, this belongs on the Hallmark Channel. The book itself says so too!

Hamish is travelling from Australia to his sister's for Christmas - and the next two years. However, nothing has gone right for him, and he ends up going headfirst into a snowbank. Luckily for him, he is rescued by the local hardware shop owner, Ren. They click instantly but spend time trying to understand just what is going on, and how it will work when Ren is going to Mossley to be with his sister.

This is a low-angst full-of-Christmas-spirit book that will definitely give you the warm fuzzies! I loved Ren and Hamish together, together with Chutney the dog. I loved the TV references and how Ren and Hamish made it 'their thing'. We hear the back story of both of them, without it being an info dump.

Honestly? I have nothing bad to say. I would LOVE for Hallmark to grab this up and make a dream come true! A warm, fuzzy, cookies in the kitchen, sweet Christmas story that I adored. Absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!