Quilted by Christmas, book #22

This my second Christmas book was an ok book, I liked the plot but surprisingly I did not like the extra details she had in it.  Normally I'm a "the more the better" when it comes to details to help me smell it, hear it, feel it, etc but the details she wrote about were more superficial.  It took me a while to get started with it, but I'm glad I stuck it out!

Taryn McKenna believes she's easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches. When Taryn's grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have? (picture and description at amazon)

Looking forward to our Christmas Novella for Book Club next week!

O:)
Happy Reading!

Christmas at Carnton, book #21

Sigh.  I loved this book.  There was so much in here that I loved and I'm so glad Robi picked it for us to read.  

I love Christmas.  I love Civil War stuff when written from the Confederate side.  (Not trying to pick battles here, just a personal choice)  I love that this is written about a place just down the road from me.  I love that she tied in real people (with poetic license I am sure) with the characters.  I love that the author lives right here in my town.  I love the redemption that book held for Aletta.  I love the descriptive details she used when writing.  I'm pretty sure I'd love that sweet Andrew, as I can just imagine his light brown hopping up and down as he and Winder ran around the farm, similar to brother's hair when he was young like that. I am also pretty sure I'd love Tempy and can imagine she gives some of the best hugs of comfort, despite how life has treated earlier.  

In short, I highly recommend this book!

Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas - and of sacrificial love.  Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year old son. With the bank threatening to evict, she discovers an advertisement for the Women's Relief Society auction and applies for a position - only to discover it's been filled. Then a chance meeting with a wounded soldier offers another opportunity - and friendship. But can Aletta trust this man? Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffered a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears losing not only his greatest skill but his very identity. As he heals, Jake is ordered to assist with a local Women's Relief Society auction. He respectfully objects. Kowtowing to a bunch of "crinolines" isn't his idea of soldiering. But orders are orders, and he soon discovers this group of ladies - one, in particular - is far more than he bargained for. (picture and description from Amazon.com)

Happy Reading!
O:)
Melissa

Murder on the Orient Express, book # 20

After truly enjoying my first Agatha Christie book back in December 2013, I knew I wanted to read another one at some time.  Well, that sometime came now when I found out they were making a movie of this classic.  Even though I start reading Christmas books in November, I decided to squeeze this one in beforehand, and indeed I am glad I did!  

The beautiful language, the descriptive storytelling, the thought that goes into this, the page turning excitement!  I hope to read more Agatha Christie books - and I hope it won't be another four years! - but I'm not sure I could read them back to back.  I am definitely going to see this movie next Friday when it comes out!!  I only hope I am not disappointed!

“The murderer is with us—on the train now . . .”

 Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Without a shred of doubt, one of his fellow passengers is the murderer.

 Isolated by the storm, detective Hercule Poirot must find the killer among a dozen of the dead man's enemies, before the murderer decides to strike again.

 “What more . . . can a mystery addict desire?”—New York Times 

(picture and description from amazon)

And now, on to Christmas!!

Happy Reading!

O:)

Melissa