This Christmas by Jeannie Moon

Title: This Christmas (Christmas in New York #1)

Author: Jeannie Moon

Publisher: Tule Publishing 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 141

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Single mother Sabrina Gervais has built a happy life with her daughter Charlotte in their eastern Long Island hometown of Holly Point. Having Charlie meant putting some of her own dreams on hold, but Sabrina is content to surround herself with family and friends, safe from the realities of the outside world. She had enough of that when the man she loved broke her heart.

Jake Killen’s career in professional hockey has brought him many rewards on and off the ice, but returning to New York brings back a flood of memories. When he sees Sabrina again, he discovers that he didn’t just run away from her ten years ago, but also from their unborn child.
Struggling with anger, guilt, and chemistry that’s off the chart, Sabrina and Jake wonder if they can find love again and, this Christmas, make all their wishes come true.

One of those free Kindle reads that I picked up at some point. I am always ready for a holiday romance this time of year. Unfortunately this one fell a bit flat for me. I really enjoyed Jake and Charlie. They were amazing characters! Sabrina was just way too immature and annoying. I couldn’t deal with her. Not great and definitely not for me.

Christmas in New York

• #1 This Christmas

• #2 Christmas Light

• #3 All I Want for Christmas

• #4 A Match Made at Christmas

Next up on the TBR pile:

25 Days 'Til Christmas by Poppy Alexander

Title: 25 Days ‘til Christmas

Author: Poppy Alexander

Publisher: William Morrow 2019

Genre: Holiday Fiction

Pages: 348

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Monthly Motif - December

Kate Potter used to love Christmas. A few years ago, she would have been wrapping her presents in September and baking mince pies on Halloween, counting down the days and hours to Christmas. But that was before Kate’s husband left for the army and never came home. Now she can hardly stand December at all.

Kate can’t deny she’s lonely, yet she doesn’t think she’s ready for romance. She knows that her son, Jack, needs a Christmas to remember—just like Kate needs a miracle to help her finally move forward with her life. So she’s decided if there isn’t a miracle on its way, she’ll just have to make her own.

As Kate’s advent countdown to the best Christmas ever begins, she soon realizes that even with the best laid plans, you can’t plan for the unexpected. For when the path of the loneliest woman in town crosses with that of the loneliest man, these two destined hearts might find a way to save the holiday for both of them.

I picked this one up as a fun holiday read, but it ended up being a lot more somber than I was expecting. Ultimately, I really enjoyed this story of two lost souls finding one another during the Christmas season. Kate annoyed me at times with her unwillingness to accept help and yet I found her very realistic. Daniel is a great character and I kind of wish we had spent a bit more time with him throughout the story. Be warned that there are some heavy themes in this story (death, suicide, poverty, sexual harassment) but they were all handled in a very realistic portrayal of life.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Finding Christmas by Karen Schaler

Title: Finding Christmas

Author: Karen Schaler

Publisher: William Morrow 2019

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Monthly Keyword - Dec.; Literary Escapes - WA

With all the glittering decorations, twinkling lights, snow angels, gingerbread men and mistletoe, Christmas is Emmie’s first love.

This year, she can’t wait to share her favorite Christmas traditions with her boyfriend, Grant. She thinks he’s “the one.” So when Grant’s hectic work schedule has him more “Bah Humbug” than “Ho, Ho, Ho,” Emmie creates a holiday-themed scavenger hunt to help him find his Christmas spirit. At the end of the journey, Grant will arrive at the charming town of Christmas Point where she’s planned a romantic weekend filled with holiday activities.

But Emmie’s plan backfires when a mix-up has the wrong guy following her clues! Sam, a best-selling mystery writer, thinks Emmie’s clever Christmas riddles are from his agent, who is trying to help him get over his epic writer’s block.

Pretty cute holiday romance that often reads like a movie screenplay. Makes sense as the author writes screenplays also. I loved Emmie and Sam and the setting of Christmas Point. I was let excited about some of the extra long descriptions of settings or scenes. I really want to visit the town of Holiday cheer and experience all the fun activities Emmie planned. Cute little story. Definitely felt like I was watching one of those Hallmark movies.

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Kiss of Christmas by Jillian Eaton

Title: A Kiss of Christmas

Author: Jillian Eaton

Publisher: Bay Horse 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 246

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Two Christmas novellas guaranteed to warm your heart this holiday season...

THE WINTER WISH

Lady Sarah Dawson has one simple wish for Christmas: to gain the attention of Devlin Heathcliff, the handsome viscount whom she has loved for as long as she can remember. All hope seems lost...until one afternoon fate steps in and Sarah learns that sometimes, with a little holiday magic, winter wishes can come true.

Hmmm…. I wanted to really like this story, but it was a little too time-rushed for me. I just didn’t buy Devlin’s sudden transformation. I needed more from him to understand the why. And Sarah was just a bit too much for me.

THE RISQUE RESOLUTION

Due to a clause in her father's will, Lily has until Christmas to find a husband. It's a seemingly impossible task...until she meets the mysterious, insufferable, and oh so handsome Captain James Rigby. But the last thing on the embittered soldier's mind is marriage, especially to Lily Kincaid, a woman who is as infuriatingly stubborn as she is beautiful. With time running out, can Lily convince James - and herself - that true love really does exists?

Another super rushed story. I really wished to spend more time with Lily and James, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Santa's On His Way by Lisa Jackson, Maisey Yates, Stacy Finz, and Nicole Helm

Title: Santa’s On His Way

Author: Lisa Jackson, Maisey Yates, Stacy Finz, Nicole Helm

Publisher: Zebra Books 2018

Genre: Romance

Pages: 346

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Literary Escapes - Oregon

A BABY FOR CHRISTMAS * Lisa Jackson
The uneventful Christmas Annie McFarlane expected is suddenly anything but. First, there’s the adorable baby left on the snowy doorstep of her Oregon cabin. Second, there’s the extremely attractive, yet extremely angry man claiming to be the father. Liam O’Shaughnessy may be intimidating, but this is one precious gift Annie isn’t giving up so easily . . .

My least favorite of the anthology. I just couldn’t really buy the romance of Annie and Liam at all. Everything was so incredibly rushed. I would have loved to have spend much more time with them seeing the relationship develop over time.

WHAT THE COWBOY WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS * Maisey Yates
When Meg O’Neill’s longtime boyfriend lets her down, again, on Christmas no less, she braves an Oregon blizzard to get to her best friend Noah’s comforting arms. But this time Noah’s not telling her what she wants to hear—he’s telling her the truth, from his heart . . .

This story was so steamy! Seriously, I wasn’t expected that steamy of a story starting it. But, it was really really good.

SNOWED IN * Stacy Finz
Rachel Johnson has found the perfect spot for her second Tart Me Up bakery in Glory Junction, California. Except she’s in fierce competition with hunky bar owner Boden Farmer. Worse, while the icy rivals await the city’s decision, they end up catering the same Christmas Eve mountaintop wedding—and getting snowed in . . .

This was my favorite story! I loved Rachel and Boden and their unintended Christmas. I loved the little town of Glory Junction. I loved the fun progression of their story. Really enjoyed this one.

A COWBOY WEDDING FOR CHRISTMAS * Nicole Helm
Big city art teacher Lindsay Tyler isn’t just back home in Colorado for her brother’s wedding at the Barton Christmas Tree Farm and Ranch. She’s back for good. She just hasn’t told anyone yet—including Cal Barton, the ex-boyfriend she left behind . . .

Hmmm… a decent story, but not the bestest story. I was not quite a fan of Cal even understanding his past traumas. Lindsay is a great character and I loved Sarah and Mrs. Tyler. Just wish the romance was a bit better.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Falling for Her Bachelor by Robin Bielman

Title: Falling for Her Bachelor (Palotays of Montana #1)

Author: Robin Bielman

Publisher: Tule Publishing 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 206

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Literary Escapes - Wyoming

When Navy firefighter Nick Palotay returns to Marietta to go on the bachelor auction block for a good cause, he expects it to be risk free. But when he needs someone safe to bid on him and his sister's best friend is coaxed into stepping up, Nick isn’t prepared for the effect Cassidy has on him. She sends his mind to all kinds of dirty places…places his battered heart can’t afford.

Freelance photographer Cassidy Ware is in waaay over her head. She’s always been Nick’s other little sister, but she’s all grown up now and just a glance from him leaves her hot and bothered. Still, she can stay immune to his charms and keep him at an emotional distance because she’s got an agenda, too. She’ll help the too-handsome Nick with his charitable deed, and, in return, he’ll help her keep an unwelcome suitor at bay.

A deal’s a deal, but when their “business transaction” turns into more pleasure than duty, can they walk away from each other without losing what matters most?

A cute little story of an off-limits romance. I really really liked Nick in this story, Cassidy a little less. I would have liked a bit more story in the in-between scenes. This could have been turned into a great full length novel. As it stands, I really did enjoy this story.

Palotays of Montana

• #1 Falling for Her Bachelor

• #2 Once Upon a Royal Christmas

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas with the Black Sheep by Natalie-Nicole Bates

Title: Christmas with the Black Sheep

Author: Natalie-Nicole Bates

Publisher: Books to Go Now 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 44

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

It’s Christmas time, and Eriah Jameson has returned home to restart his family’s business. Due to his wild child past, no one is friendly or welcoming to Barrow Haven’s black sheep.

Aylin Myers lost her job when Eriah’s father took ill. She knows Eriah needs her help getting his business up and running again, but she doesn’t trust him. If he fails, she knows it will dishonor his father’s memory. And Aylin knows that at Christmas, it’s the right thing to help your fellow man—no matter how wretched he might be.

As Aylin gets to know Eriah, she sees a side of him Barrow Haven never saw. That perhaps the black sheep has changed for the better. Still, can she be sure this side of Eriah is real, and not just a facade he’s perfected over time to get his own way?

Decent little short story featuring a Holiday romance. In truth, I gave this three stars because it just didn’t seem like it was finished. There was way too much missing and unsaid in this story. I would have liked it better if it had been twice as long.

Next up on the TBR pile:

My Christmas Curse by Joan Gable

Title: My Christmas Curse

Author: Joan Gable

Publisher: 2013

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 160

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Rbook

Megan Blake has been cursed with bad luck every Christmas season for as long as she can remember. This December, in an attempt to make light of her Curse, Meg—a travel journalist—writes a daily Christmas column chronicling her past misfortunes. As Christmas and her trip home to Indiana near, Meg waits for her Christmas Curse to strike again. Or has it already, causing her father’s depression? In the meantime, her walk down memory lane is conjuring up startling revelations about her present.
She discovers that there is more to her mother than just being a parent. As Meg and her mom bridge their generation gap, can these two women help with her father’s depression? When she learns that Crush—the first boy she ever liked—will also be in Indiana for the holidays, she can’t help but wonder if he’s still single or happily married with children. Will Crush turn out to be as meaningless as her ex-boyfriends of Christmas past? Will her blasts from the past leave her questioning her future?

Another dud of a holiday romance for me. It was another free Kindle book so I shouldn’t be too upset. The characters really fell flat. I didn’t like Megan at all. And we didn’t get to spend much time with any of the other characters. I spent almost 3/4 of the book wondering when the story was going to get started. Slow and uninspiring.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas Lovebirds by Rachelle Ayala

Title:Christmas Lovebirds (Have a Hart #1)

Author: Rachelle Ayala

Publisher: Lovely Hearts Press 2015

Genre: Romance

Pages: 314

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Melisa Hart has a soft spot for her brother Connor’s ex-best buddy, Rob Reed. Unfortunately, Rob slept with Connor’s girlfriend and is no longer welcome with any of the Harts.
Melisa lends her pet lovebird for a Christmas Toy Drive, but a mix-up brings her face to face with Rob and his lovebird. Melisa is drawn into a whirlwind romance with Rob and discovers he hasn’t told her the entire story.
Can two little lovebirds and Christmas cheer open Melisa’s heart to giving Rob another chance?

Oooooffff! This book was such a dud for me. Melisa was a very annoying main character. I just wanted to smack her so many times. The romance was okay but nothing very exciting. But my biggest problem with this book was the many many many many chapters about birds and bird care. I felt like I was reading a freaking veterinary pamphlet so many times. I was so incredibly bored. Judging by this volume, I suspect that the rest of the series is similar, just switching out the animals from lovebirds. I just couldn’t find myself enjoying this book at all.

Have a Hart

• #1 Christmas Lovebirds

• #2 Valentine Hound Dog

• #3 Spring Fling Kitty

• #4 Blue Chow Christmas

• #5 Valentine Wedding Hound

• #6 Summer Love Puppy

• #7 Dog Days of Love

• #8 Valentine Puppies and Kisses

Next up on the TBR pile:

Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken

Title: Unexpected Gifts (Castle Mountain Lodge #1)

Author: Elena Aitken

Publisher: Ink Blot Communications 2011

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 184

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Snowed in for Christmas…She only wants to ignore it. But he’s determined to show her everything the season has to offer…including love.
For Andi Williams, Christmas represents everything she’s supposed to have—and doesn’t. Running away to a remote mountain lodge seems like the perfect way to escape the season. And it would have been if it weren’t for the snow storm and a booking mix-up that finds her stranded. That is, until a rough around the edges, green eyed stranger offers a solution.

There was no way in good conscious that Colin Hartford could leave the woman with nowhere to stay. Especially on Christmas. He knows all too well what it’s like to be alone for the holidays. It isn’t long before Colin’s determination to enjoy the festivities he’s missed for so long sweeps Andi into the season of joy that she’s not so sure she’s ready for.

If Andi can allow herself to open up—just a little—she might finally have the chance to experience everything the holidays can really offer…including love.

Another fun Christmas book. I really enjoyed Andi and Colin’s story snowed in at the Castle Mountain Lodge. This is a sweet romance with a hint of heat in a few scenes. I wanted a bit more heat at times, but it was a good story. My only issue was the rushed ending. Doesn’t it seem like I’m always complaining about a rushed ending? That’s because it very negative trend. But I did really enjoy reading this little romance. I’m not sure I will continue with the series (mainly because I got this as a free book), but it’s a good series so far.

Title: Unexpected Endings (Castle Mountain Lodge #2.5)

Author: Elena Aitken

Publisher: Ink Blot Communications 2013

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 48

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Return to the beautiful, rustic and romantic Castle Mountain Lodge and catch up with Andi and Colin who prove that sometimes Unexpected Gifts have equally Unexpected Endings.

While I was reading the first book, I noticed that this short story was the follow-up. I tacked it onto the end of the first book. It was good, but I really really wanted more. Still a fun little read.

Castle Mountain Lodge:

• #1 Unexpected Gifts

• #2 Hidden Gifts

• #2.5 Unexpected Endings

• #3 Mistaken Gifts

• #4 Secret Gifts

• #5 Goodbye Gifts

• #6 Tempting Gifts

• #7 Holiday Gifts

• #7.5 Accidental Gifts

• #8 Promised Gifts

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Christmas Layover by Robert Tate Miller

Title: The Christmas Layover

Author: Robert Tate Miller

Publisher: Entangled Bliss 2018

Genre: Romance

Pages: 252

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Literary Escapes - Colorado

The weather forecasters said the snowstorm would miss the eastern seaboard. They were wrong. When Ally Henderson’s flight from Southern California to get married in New York City for Christmas gets diverted to the tiny Midwestern town of Bethlehem, she’s desperate to get back in the air and back to the Big Apple. But with all the airports closed, she’s forced to rely on Midwestern hospitality to wait out the storm. And she soon learns that she has a storm of her own to weather. One that could shatter her life.

Living with a kind stranger is one way to spend a snowed-in Christmas, but when she meets the local diner owner, Jake, sparks fly. Only, Ally’s a big-city girl with big-city dreams, and Jake will always be a Bethlehem boy.

This one was a mixed bag for me. I loved the overall storyline of the diverted flight. I really enjoyed Ally and Jake. I especially loved the interactions between all the characters. Unfortunately the book had major problems. So many times, there were abrupt transitions leaving me confused and lost. I had to reread so many chapter sections to understand exactly what was going on. This story would definitely have benefited from another editing pass.

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Christmas Bride by Hope Ramsay

Title: A Christmas Bride (Chapel of Love #1)

Author: Hope Ramsay

Publisher: Grand Central 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 295

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Monthly Motif - Seasons; Literary Escapes - Virginia

'Tis the season in Shenandoah Falls and the first time Willow Peterson has been home in years. But she's determined to fulfill the wishes of her recently deceased best friend and restore Eagle Hill Manor to its former glory-all in time to host the perfect holiday wedding. She just has to get the owner of the historic inn to hire her. Unfortunately, that means dealing with Scrooge himself...

After the death of his wife, David Lyndon has a bah-humbug approach to Christmas. But as December counts down and the wedding planning is in full swing, it's harder and harder to stay immune to the charms of Willow, especially when he sees how much joy she brings his eight-year-old daughter. After a simple kiss under the mistletoe turns into something more, David is hoping he can turn the magic of the holiday season into the love of a lifetime.

Such a cute Christmas story. I loved following David and Willow’s story through conflict to love. Light and fluffy is just want I want to read during the holiday season. I loved the side characters, especially Poppy and Walter, but Natalie might have been the best. I loved the town of Shenandoah Falls. I’ll be continuing to read this series soon.

Chapel of Love:

• #1 A Christmas Bride

• #2 A Small-Town Bride

• #3 Here Comes the Bride

• #4 The Bride Next Door

Next up on the TBR pile:

Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber

Title: Alaskan Holiday

Author: Debbie Macomber

Publisher: Ballantine Books 2018

Genre: Romance

Pages: 256

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit

Before beginning her dream job as sous chef in one of Seattle’s hottest new restaurants, Josie Avery takes a summer position cooking at a lakeside lodge in the remote Alaskan town of Ponder. Josie falls for the rustic charms of the local community—including Jack Corcoran, the crotchety keeper of Ponder’s famed sourdough starter, and, in particular, the quiet and intense Palmer Saxon, a famed master swordsmith.

Josie and Palmer become close during the long Alaskan summer days, but Josie knows that, come fall, she’ll be returning to reality and the career she’s worked so hard for. Palmer, on the other hand, would like nothing better than to make Josie his wife and to keep her in Ponder. But Josie can’t imagine abandoning her mother back in the Emerald City and sacrificing her career to stay in this isolated town—not even for a man she’s quickly coming to love.

I’m usually always up for a Christmas romance story (no matter how cheesy they can be), but this one just didn’t sit right with me. I was bored with the main characters. The side characters, specifically Jack, seemed very silly and one dimensional. You know how this is going to end, but it was just so repetitive. The constant internal questioning of each other’s motives instead of saying something really had me wanting to yell at all the characters. I finished it, but I just don’t think this book was for me…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas Break

It's time for my annual Christmas break from blogging. I hope everyone has a happy Holiday season and I will be back in early January with more posts!

A Christmas to Remember

Title: A Christmas to Remember

Author: Lisa Kleypas, Lorraine Heath, Megan Frampton, Vivienne Lorret

Publisher: Avon 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 420

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; New to Me

Romance stars Lisa Kleypas, Lorraine Heath, Megan Frampton, and Vivienne Lorret prove in this collection of stories that love is the most magical during Christmas…

"I Will" by Lisa Kleypas

To be reinstated into his father’s will, Andrew, Lord Drake, must court a respectable woman-his friend’s spinster sister, Miss Caroline Hargreaves. After he blackmails Caroline into helping him, the charade begins-but is it really a charade once love takes hold of their hearts…?

4/5 I loved most of this story. I enjoyed the interplay between the two main characters until we got to the sex scene. Then, I just didn't like how it played out. Too much for my taste. 

"Deck the Halls With Love" by Lorraine Heath

Alistair Wakefield, the Marquess of Chetwyn, devastated Lady Meredith Hargreaves when he proposed to another. But when he becomes free to pursue her, it’s too late for she’s on her way to the altar….. As Christmas approaches, Chetwyn vows to lure Lady Meredith back into his arms.

5/5 Loved this story so much. Great characters and great storyline.

"No Groom at the Inn" by Megan Frampton

James Archer detests his mother’s matchmaking ways. When ordered to attend a Christmastime house party filled with simpering maidens, he produces a fiancée-Lady Sophronia Bettesford. James and Sophronia pretend to be in love for one month. But their pact soon turns into love.

4/5 Another decent story although I found James to be a bit dull for my taste.

"The Duke’s Christmas Wish" by Vivienne Lorret

To the Duke of Vale, science solves everything-even marriage. When the impulsive Ivy Sutherland makes him question all of his data, he realizes that he’s overlooked a vital component in his search for the perfect match: love.

4/5 Pretty good storyline and characters. I would have liked to see more from their plot. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas Magic Collection by Ginny Baird

Title: Christmas Magic #1-5

Author: Ginny Baird

Publisher: Winter Wedding Press 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 444

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; New to Me

THE CHRISTMAS CATCH (Holiday Brides Book 1) 
A struggling single mom meets a handsome bachelor in Vermont, after running him off the road during a snowstorm. A sweet, romantic tale about fate and second chances. Set in snowy Vermont!

5/5 Cute little story set in the country. I was of the characters in this one. 

THE HOLIDAY BRIDE (Holiday Brides Book 2) 
A child asks for a new mommy for Christmas, and--much to her bachelor dad's surprise--Santa delivers. A sweet traditional romance and classic amnesia story, with a holiday twist! 

3/5 This one was a bit too cheesy for me. Just wasn't a huge fan.

MISTLETOE IN MAINE (Holiday Brides Book 3) 
A single mom takes her kids on vacation in Maine and meets a handsome innkeeper, a young widower with a teenage son. A winter wonderland love story about faith and new beginnings. 

4/5 Cute little story. 

BEACH BLANKET SANTA (Holiday Brides Book 4) 
A couple with a past spends an unexpected, yet magical, Christmas week together at the shore, where serendipity abounds. Take a sweet, sentimental journey to the North Carolina Outer Banks...

5/5 Loved loved loved this story! Such a great set-up and payoff. I was totally in on this.

BABY, BE MINE (Holiday Brides Book 5) 
A single woman gets a Christmas gift that sends her world into chaos, and has her tracking down a last-minute groom - with the help of her handsome best friend. A sweet romantic comedy novella.

4/5 Decent little story.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Merry Christmas to You!

I'll be back after the New Year.

Christmas Vacation

It's time for my annual two week vacation from the blog. I try to focus on family and fun during Christmas vacation. This break also helps me leisurely prep for the next year. I'll see everyone in 2016 with some great new blog ideas (and potentially another new blog)!

NMJ #7: Dear Santa

Title: Dear Santa

Year Released/Rating: 2011

Starring: Amy Acker, David Haydn-Jones, Emma Duke

Directed By: Jason Priestley

Written By: Barbara Kymlicka

Genre: Holiday romantic comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: Beverly Hills 90210 alumni Jason Priestly takes the helm for this warmhearted romantic comedy about a die-hard party girl struggling to change her frivolous ways. Crystal (Amy Acker) comes from a wealthy family. She loves spending money. Her parent's money. When they decide it's time for her to make something of her life they give her until Christmas to clean up her act. Should Crystal fail to comply, her credit cards will be promptly canceled. Petrified at the prospect of having no money and no boyfriend, Crystal has a flash of inspiration when she finds a letter to Santa from seven year old Olivia (Emma Duke). In the letter, Olivia asks Santa to find her widowed father Derek (David Haydn-Jones) a new wife. He owner of a local soup kitchen, Derek has dedicated his life to helping others. Though Crystal has never set foot in a soup kitchen, she soon seeks Derek out and begins volunteering her time in an effort to get closer to him. Little does Crystal realize that Derek's scheming girlfriend (Gina Holden) will do anything to keep her man to herself. Meanwhile, Crystal remains determined to prove herself, despite the obstacles that stand in her way.

Review: 

Cute little holiday themed romantic comedy. The entire movie was carried by Amy Acker's Crystal.  She could have been a completely vapid spoiled brat, but instead we see a person grow and change throughout the movie. I loved the little moments between Crystal and Olivia. A good movie for a cold afternoon.

Vacation Highlights

I came back to California a few days ago, but I thought I would share some of my vacation highlights.  I"ve spent almost three weeks in my hometown hanging out with the boys, family, and friends. Komets hockey game from the nose bleed section!  We had free tickets because the stepfather's chorus group was singing the National Anthem.  The boys' friend Tommy also came.  They seemed to have a ton of fun.

Seeing the Cougar Hunter boys play at the bar.  My my Beth, did you drink all those!  Nope, but the pic was too good to pass up.  Plus, 80s hair band music and crazy hairsprayed hair.  Who could turn that down?

Christmas extravaganza!  Based off of the looks on the boys' faces, I think they got some good presents.  Hanging out with the family for presents time and then seeing Santa Claus!  Finally stockings and Santa gifts on Christmas morning.

When I arrived in Indiana the ground was cold but bare.  A few days later, it looked like this.  Well, I definitely don't love the cold, I do love the snow.  It looks so pretty.

The pretty Christmas tree in the outdoor mall.  I couldn't get a pic of it, but at night it has changing color lights that flash and spiral up the tree.  Very cool effect!

The kids ringing in the New Year with their sparkling juice and Pepsi.

My favorite Christmas presents.  An awesome bag from my mom.  My laptop fits in it perfectly.

Tie-dying party with our friends.  They were being washed when I left, so I'll have to wait to see what they really look like.