Book Review: Christmas Ever After

By Cindy Roesel

From the writer of the Netflix hit, A CHRISTMAS PRINCE, Karen Schaler, comes a new holiday delight, CHRISTMAS EVER AFTER (HawkTulePublishing).

Author, Riley Reynolds is caught off guard during a live television interview, when she's asked how she can write romance novels when she hasn't found "the one"? She answers by saying she's had some great loves in her life. Little does she know, three boyfriends from the past are all watching the interview and think they're "the one."

Riley's last book has flopped, so her publishing team come up with an idea - hold a Christmas Camp and have her fans share ideas for her new Christmas romance novel. She's called Miss Christmas even though she hasn't celebrated the holiday since she was eight and her father passed. Fans from all over the country show up at the Christmas Lake Lodge in Christmas Lake, Colorado, including those three guys from the past for camp.

The weekend is a flurry of activities including making Christmas Lake cookies and popcorn, a Christmas Lake movie night, snowshoeing, a cocktail mixology class, an ugly Christmas sweater pageant, among others all created to bring out the magic of Christmas for attendees. It's about honoring old Christmas traditions and creating new ones.

Over the weekend each old boyfriend attempts to recapture her heart, but there's someone else in her site, but she doesn't think he's interested. It's a fairy tale, a winter wonderland in Christmas Lake, even Riley starts to feel the magic of Christmas. A lot can happen in a weekend, and does.

I liked Riley a lot, because as much as she was against celebrating Christmas, there was an opening for magic in her heart. There's an entire cast of quirky characters, including Comet, the loveable Bernese Mountain dog. Eventually Riley gets her Christmas ever after.

At the end of the book are some holiday recipes like Christmas Lake blueberry muffins and cinnamon rolls. Delish! If you don't believe in the holidays, you certainly will after reading CHRISTMAS EVER AFTER.

Thanks to Kickflip PR for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Karen Schaler:

Patricia Leavy is a shining star...plus a book giveaway

You may remember when we featured Patricia Leavy's novel Shooting Stars a few months ago. Well, she now has a sequel called Twinkle. She's here today to share a letter she wrote to the version of herself from ten years ago and she has a set of both books for one lucky reader! We are not sharing the synopsis of Twinkle, as to not spoil Shooting Stars, as one picks up where the other left off. 

Patricia Leavy, PhD is an independent scholar, novelist, and public speaker (formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Founding Director of Gender Studies and Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology at Stonehill College). She holds a PhD in sociology from Boston College (2002). A champion of arts-based research and public scholarship, she has published more than 30 books including the best-seller Method Meets Art: Arts-Based Research Practice (first, second, and third editions), Essentials of Transdisciplinary Research: Using Problem-Centered Methodologies and Fiction as Research Practice: Short Stories, Novellas and Novels and the best-selling novels Spark, Film, Blue, Low-Fat Love, and American Circumstance.

She is the editor for ten book series with Oxford University Press, Guilford Press, and Brill/Sense. Frequently called on by the media, she has appeared on national television, radio, is regularly quoted by the news media, publishes op-eds and is a blogger. She makes presentations and keynote addresses at universities as well as national and international conferences. She has received numerous national and international book awards. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2016 Mogul, a global women's empowerment network, named her an "Influencer." In 2018, she was honored by the National Women's Hall of Fame and the State University of New York at New Paltz established the "Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice." (Bio courtesy of Amazon.)

Visit Patricia online:
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A Letter to Myself 10 Years Ago: Breathe, Just Breathe

Today, I’m a full-time author. Ten years ago, I was getting ready to publish my debut novel. I was a professor at a small liberal arts college with a pretty substantial catalogue of academic nonfiction books. Fiction was going to be an entirely new world. Truthfully, it’s the world I always wanted to be in, but I’d been too scared to pursue it, to wear my heart on my sleeve, something novelists do. Feeling frustrated in my career, I decided to go for it, secretly penning my first novel. In the time since, I’ve published more than ten works of fiction. In some ways, I feel like a totally different person and I’ve learned a lot along the way. As they say, if I have only known then what I know now. 

My greatest teachers over the past decade have actually been the characters in my books. All my novels center on women protagonists. They all have their own challenges and dreams. Some struggle for self-worth and positive body image in the context of toxic relationships, some struggle to be creatives in a world  in which “me too” experiences create endless barriers, some struggle to accept their own life choices, some have the kinds of friendships we all long for while others suffer in isolation. In the end, one way or another, they all come to realize that we are each possibilities and we are worthy of love. Through them, I’ve learned the same. 

Over the years people have asked me if this protagonist or that protagonist is in fact me. None of them are me. That’s what I tell people. It’s the truth. But it would also be true to say that because they’ve come through my filter, in some ways, they each represent my hopes, fears, dreams, failings, and successes. Writing fiction is a process of discovery. In writing these women characters and all the supporting casts who populate their worlds, I’ve discovered some things about myself, things I wish I had known ten years ago. If I could go back a decade, these are some things I would tell myself:

Be brave. And when you are brave, own it. It took me a long time to pursue a creative path simply because I was scared. Then when I did release my first novel, many colleagues told me I was brave. I always boohooed it, never thinking of myself that way. In hindsight I can see that it was brave. It takes courage to follow your dreams. It takes courage to put your creative work out in the world, come what may. 

Wear your heart on your sleeve. To really go for anything in life requires vulnerability. Taking that leap brings the greatest rewards. 

Do work you love. Time is the only thing we have of value. There’s nothing better than loving what you do so much that you get lost in it, forgetting to eat lunch. And while I think doing work we love is important no matter what the “outcome,” I also believe that when you do something that really touches your heart, it’s likely to resonate with others too. 

Out of all my characters, I’ve learned the most from Tess Lee, her beloved Jack Miller, and their incredible friends. Tess is my masterpiece, not because of what anyone else may or may not think of her, but because of the once-in-a-lifetime joy I’ve had writing her story over a series of novels, and all she’s given me. Tess is a novelist (yeah, I can relate to her in some ways). She believes that there is only darkness and light and love is the bridge between them, and she enacts this love in innumerable ways. An abuse survivor, her childhood was filled with darkness and healing is a lifelong process. She uses her work to help transform darkness into light. Each Tess Lee novel includes an excerpt from one of Tess’s books. Twinkle, the second novel which was just released, explores love and doubt (and each book can be read as a standalone). It includes the following excerpt from one of Tess’s books:

“She looked up at the night sky, bursting with stars. One twinkling star caught her eye. It drew her gaze as if it were the light at the end of the proverbial dark tunnel. The twinkle pulsed like her heartbeat. Mesmerized, she blocked out all the others and watched her lone star twinkle. Was it a lifeline, an anchor, or a distraction? She wondered: If she could lasso that one star and pull it to her, would the entire sky crumple like a piece of paper? Would it give her a paper cut that would then be all she felt? Overwhelmed, she squeezed her eyelids shut and opened them again. This time, she saw all the stars lighting up the sky. She inhaled deeply, oxygen filling her lungs. Breathe, she told herself, just breathe.”

From Tess I’ve learned perhaps the most important thing I wish I knew ten years ago—the thing that would have helped with everything else.

Breathe. Just breathe. 

Thanks to Patricia for sharing this lovely letter with us and for sharing her books with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 20th at midnight EST.

Book Review: One Step Behind

By Jami Denison

I was introduced to the concept of medical ethics at an early age, thanks to the TV show M*A*S*H. “He is the enemy,” Frank Burns screeched as Hawkeye began operating on a North Korean. “Funny; he bleeds just like our side,” Hawkeye answered. In Lauren North’s latest suspense thriller, One Step Behind, British emergency room doctor Jenna Lawson is fighting her own private war, and the enemy has remained unseen. Jenna is being stalked by a stranger; she sees him everywhere she goes. He sends threatening emails. He leaves burned dolls outside her home. He knows the name of her husband, Stuart, and her children, Beth and Archie. Jenna’s called the police multiple times, but there’s really nothing they can do.

Then one day, he shows up in Jenna’s A&E. As a patient. Matthew Dover, the man who’s been following Jenna everywhere, has been hit by a bus. Matthew’s life is in Jenna’s hands. If he dies, her problems will be over. Will she save him anyway?

It would be a short, and much different, book if Jenna decided to let Matthew’s brain bleed out, so it’s not really a spoiler to say she saves his life anyway. The book alternates between Jenna’s point of view and that of Sophie, Matthew’s sister, who describes Matthew’s childhood and the events that made him into the adult he became. Sophie also seems to be a victim; her boyfriend Nick is a control freak on the verge of abuse. As Jenna tries to convince the police that Matthew is her stalker, she still feels like she’s being followed. Is it PTSD, or did Matthew have an accomplice? She’s still a nervous wreck, even with Matthew unconscious in intensive care, and her nerves are affecting her job, her marriage, and her kids. Sophie, worried about her brother, suspects he’s involved with something he didn’t tell her about.

Thrillers are all about pacing; ratcheting up the tension with every new plot point. One Step Behind delivers this in spades, presenting a heroine who’s easy to root for and a scenario that is all too common. Jenna’s terror at every new email message is easily understood, and the reader feels just as scared and frustrated as Jenna’s husband, friends, and the police brush off her continued worries. Matthew’s in the hospital; why is Jenna still upset?

By presenting Sophie’s side of the story, North seems to be attempting to explain how a stalker becomes a stalker. And that’s one of the two critical questions the narrative poses; the other being whether Matthew is actually Jenna’s stalker, and if he’s working with someone. American consumers of thrillers, mysteries, and horror are notorious for their desire to have everything neatly explained and all plot holes tied up in a bow; I’m no different. And while North does answer these questions, the ultimate reveals aren’t nearly as satisfying as some of the other options she teased. 

Ultimately, One Step Behind is not about medical ethics, but about how frequently women are told to “calm down” and “get over it” when they’re being pushed around. Sadly, women’s voices are often not heard until it’s too late.

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review. 

More by Lauren North:

Book Review: The Lies You Told

By Jami Denison

I have two favorite genres—domestic thrillers and “mean moms” women’s fiction. Luckily for me, U.K. author Harriet Tyce has married the two in her sophomore release, The Lies You Told. And I’m happy to report that the genres go together as well as the much-lauded chocolate and peanut butter combination.

When her marriage inexplicably falls apart, Sadie Roper takes her 10-year-old daughter Robin back to London and the house and school where she grew up. As Sadie struggles to return to her legal career, both she and Robin have trouble fitting into the school environment, dominated by the mean mothers who are desperate for their daughters to succeed at any cost. But when these women discover that Sadie is an “old girl” who also went to the school, their hostility vanishes. Being on the inside, however, might be even worse. As Sadie becomes privy to these mothers’ competitive actions, she starts to wonder what really happened to the last girl who left the school. 

Lies is a potato-chip bag of a book; you can’t read just one chapter, and I finished it in less than a day. Sadie is extremely likeable as the mom who keeps making mistakes—sending her kid to school in a homemade costume when every other student is dressed worthy of the Met Gala. And the competition she describes is all too real, although Robin is so smart that Sadie never feels the pressure. The switch from mean moms to domestic thriller is so subtle and natural, it seems these two genres were always meant for each other. An epilogue wraps up things very nicely, clueing in readers that their insights were more accurate than those of the characters’.

Two quibbles with subplots: One, I wished the marriage breakup subplot was more directly tied to the subplot of Sadie’s cruel mother and the contents of her will; two, I wanted the legal case Sadie worked on to be linked to the main mystery with the school girls. The misogyny and corruption Sadie deals with at work were completely removed from her worries about Robin and the school, and so they distracted from the main plot rather than augmenting it. 

Overall, though, Lies is an amazing ride, and in a world where even Hollywood stars find it necessary to commit crimes to ensure their children get into good colleges, it may be closer to fact than fiction. 

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Harriet Tyce:

Book Review and Giveaway: Mom Walks: Starting in 5th

By Melissa Amster

Can a mother-daughter relationship survive fifth-grade mean girl drama? Yes, if the mom's best friends have anything to say about it.
 
When Dawn learns her oldest daughter, Kayli, is put in the same class as a manipulative and cunning queen bee, she knows she must step up her mom game and fast. Feeling ill-equipped to handle the situation, Dawn turns to her two best mom friends for advice during their weekly morning walks. At first, Dawn's grateful for their suggestions. They have similar-aged kids and a much better pulse on what's going on at school. But when their well-intentioned guidance only exacerbates the situation, Dawn's desperation and frustration grow as her relationship with Kayli deteriorates. Facing irreparable damage to their mother-daughter relationship, Dawn must decide if she'll continue to follow her friends' advice or begin to trust her own gut in how to best parent Kayli. 
 
Mom Walks: Starting in 5th is the first book in a women's fiction series that follows a mom and her two best mom friends as they navigate the chaotic trenches of parenting tweens. If you enjoy light, heart-warming stories about mother-daughter relationships and friendship, this book is for you. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

When I first heard about this novel, I thought it was about a mom walking out on her kid's class to take a stand against something. Once I started it, I realized I interpreted the title all wrong! 

I really enjoyed this novel. I could definitely relate to Dawn, especially when she reflects on her childhood. I totally understand about being bullied by mean girls and the impact it can still have later in life. I also can sympathize as a parent, with having a child close in age to Kayli. I liked Dawn's friendship with Meg and Naomi and the struggles she had with Kayli seemed genuine. It made me miss what life was like before the pandemic though, like getting together with friends and all the school activities and events. It also made me think about the walks I used to take with one of my friends. Hopefully we can get back there soon enough! 

I've been recommending this novel to my friends and am glad to recommend it to our readers, as well.  I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series!

Movie (or TV series) casting ideas:

Dawn: Courtney Henggeler

Naomi: Gillian Jacobs

Meg: Nora Zehetner

Ben: Niall Matter

Elynn: Katee Sackhoff

Thanks to Rebecca Prenevost for the book in exchange for an honest review. She has one signed copy to give away!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 15th at midnight EST.

Book Review: Christmas at the Island Hotel

By Cindy Roesel

The holidays have arrived on the tiny island of Mure, located between Scotland and Norway in Jenny Colgan's new novel, Christmas at the Island Hotel (William Morrow).

Finton and his sister Flora Mackenzie are going to turn the Rock into a luxurious destination for those seeking a little something special and incredible food. But before Christmas Day arrives, the hotel will need to get into ship shape and the kitchen staff has to blend. Once Finton hires Chef Gaspard who believes he's now working in a "kitchen in the ocean," and takes great pleasure in yelling at the staff and making them cry, we're almost there. Isla Gregor who has been working at the Seaside Little Beach Street Bakery Cafe sees being hired at the Rock as a step up. Konstantin Pederson, who is a Prince in disguise and his fat ugly hairy dog, Bjark have been banned from Norway by his father the Duke of Utsire. His phone, credit and debit cards have all been turned off, so he can focus on what its like to work for a living.

Before the big Christmas opening, there are a series of soft openings, including one to benefit a charity. Everything has been moving forward until that fateful night. Sixty people are seated for pate, red wine braised venison, potatoes and roasted carrots and turnips. Serving dinner is behind schedule, so diners are served wine, wine and more wine with some bread and butter. Unfortunately once the waiters begin serving dinner for the already sauced diners, Konstantin's dog gets out and pandemonium follows. It's all caught on video and the Rock becomes known as "Britain's Worst Hotel" - a laughingstock before it even opens.

Most of the staff think the Rock is a bust but continue working toward Christmas because the hotel is fully booked. At the same time, the town is desperate for Christmas decorations, so Konstantin hires an Norwegian artist who creates a huge, beautiful, contemporary angel that when its lights are turned on, lights up the entire island. The town is split over whether it's lovely or hideous. And then Christmas Day arrives. I'll leave you there.

Christmas at the Island Hotel  is a cozy, delightful novel full of quirky characters located on a far off stark, windy and icy island where anything that can happen, happens. I loved reading it. Although I live in Miami, I had to make a cup of hot chocolate because the remote, freezing wind and hail felt so real.

Unfortunately Mure is a fictional island. I looked it up right after reading the novel because I thought it might be a neat place to visit. Mure captures the essence of the Highland Islands off the coast of Scotland, 40-degrees south of the Arctic Pole. If you want to visit, bring your parker with you year 'round.

This was my first Christmas novel this year, and it certainly got me in the mood for the upcoming holidays. 

Thanks to William Morrow for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Jenny Colgan:

Lots to love about Jessica Topper....plus a book giveaway

Photo by Kristy Tasca

We're pleased to have Jessica Topper at CLC today to celebrate the print publication of Louder Than Love, which was only available as an e-book until now. Melissa was first introduced to Jessica after winning a copy of Dictatorship of the Dress (reviewed here) and devouring the delicious romantic novel. She's excited to read Louder soon. Jessica has an e-book and a print copy for some lucky readers!

Jessica Topper broke the rock romance mold with her 2013 debut novel LOUDER THAN LOVE. Her follow-up romantic comedy, DICTATORSHIP OF THE DRESS, was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2015.

After working almost two decades in the music industry, Jessica hung up her touring boots in order to concentrate on her writing. She lives in Western New York with two cats who love to walk across her keyboard, a teenage writer girl and a husband who wishes to remain anonymous. (Bio courtesy of Jessica's website.)

Visit Jessica online:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:

In this powerful novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband...and discovers a love that defies classification.

It's been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth...the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rockstar Adrian "Digger" Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library-not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids' TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it's unclear whose past looms larger: the widow's or the rocker's. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
Compliments from readers are such “pinch me” moments – truly surreal and inspiring. One of my favorites was on my novel Dictatorship of the Dress – the reviewer said it “masquerades as a campy beach read, but it is so much more than that!” I loved that the book was accessible and entertaining like a favorite beach read would be, but that it also delivered much more. When readers say they are still thinking about my stories and my characters long after reading them, I know I hit the right notes!

How are you similar to or different from Katrina?
Like Katrina, I was a librarian in NYC for many years– so she and I share some of the quirky habits (list-making, researching the heck out of things) that often go along with that profession. As well as a love for the city, even after moving away. I also have a core group of girlfriends to draw strength from, like Katrina does, except mine are from my college era rather than from high school. Although not a widow or a single parent, I was alone a lot when my daughter was small, due my husband’s unorthodox work schedule on the road with a rock band. So I could relate to the endless stretch of hours, wishing someone else would come entertain my toddler! But Katrina is much braver than I am, opening herself to the unknown and the possibilities, when Adrian enters her and Abbey’s life. 

If Louder Than Love were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles? 

I just saw Mackenzie Davis in The Happiest Season, and thought she would make a great Katrina. Such expressive eyes!

My prerequisites for the actor who plays Adrian: he has to be British, and it would help if he were an actual musician. Johnny Flynn is a little young, but fits those boxes…especially when his hair is shaggy! He just portrayed David Bowie in Stardust, but if he is up for trying his hand at playing a fictional heavy metal hero with a heart of gold, the role is his!

What is your favorite winter holiday snack?
My family’s recipe for cut-out cookies – they are a rich roll cookie with a simple buttercream frosting, but they just “taste” like the winter holidays. The more shapes, colors and sprinkles, the better! 

What is a favorite winter holiday tradition you have with your family?
Again, making the cut-out cookies are high on the list! I don’t think we have ever skipped a year making them. My mom taught me, and now I’ve taught my daughter so I hope she carries on the tradition. Lighting the Hanukkah candles is also a favorite – we started collecting menorahs when my daughter was small, so each year she picks out which one we will use to light the candles in for all eight nights. 

What is your favorite winter holiday themed movie?
That’s a tough one! I think I have to go with Love Actually. It has nine or ten vaguely interwoven stories dealing with different relationship scenarios. While I don’t love all the plot lines, there really is something for everyone: heartache, humor, heat, happiness. Plus Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman and Bill Nighy all in one film? Yes, please! And there’s just something magical about the setting in London during the holiday season. I’ve been to England twice and both times were in December, so the movie brings back warm and fuzzy UK memories! 

Thanks to Jessica for visiting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 13th at midnight EST.