Wednesday, July 31, 2019

10 Days of Christmas in July (Day 10) Can't wait for Christmas!

 

Today is the last day of Christmas in July. I hope you enjoyed this year's posts. I don't know about you, but I can't wait for Christmas!


Looking ahead, stay tuned for Rudolph Day in October for Ken's (from Sounds of Christmas) annual guest post about new music for the holiday season. In November, the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge (hosted here on this site) starts Thanksgiving week, on Monday, November 25, and goes through Twelfth Night in January (6th). The Christmas Spirit Readathon, kicking off the reading challenge, runs from November 25 through December 8, and is hosted at Seasons of Reading. Also, Thanksgiving week (beginning November 25) I kick off my Sharing the Joy event here on the blog, which also runs through Twelfth Night. So, I'll have tons more Christmas content to share with you. I hope you will join us for these fun events.

Until next time, I leave you with this lovely Christmas poem, which really sums up what Christmas means to me.

Christmas

( M.E. Miro )

Christmas is more than a day in December
It's all of those things that we love to remember
Its carolers singing familiar refrains
Bright colored stockings and shiny toy trains
Streamers of tinsel and glass satin balls
Laughter that rings through the house and its halls
Christmas is more than a day in December
Its the magic and the love
That we'll always remember

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Always in spirit...



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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

10 Days of Christmas in July (Day 9) New movie...Last Christmas


I know everyone has heard the famous Christmas song, Last Christmas by George Michael. Turns out Emma Thompson and George Michael together came up with the idea of a Christmas movie based on the song. The late songster was even involved in the early stages of the Thompson written romantic comedy. I'm intrigued!


Last Christmas, starring Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians), releases (in the U.S.) November 8, 2019.
Kate is a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Her last date with disaster? That of having accepted to work as Santa's elf for a department store. However, she meets Tom there. Her life takes a new turn. For Kate, it seems too good to be true.
I'm looking forward to this one. Emma Thompson is a consummate screenwriter, having written screenplays for Sense and Sensibility, Nanny McPhee, and Bridget Jones' Baby.


Always in spirit...



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Monday, July 29, 2019

10 Days of Christmas in July (Day 8) Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus


I almost didn't get to post today. My internet is out. Well, only in certain parts of the house. Go figure. Turns out out wifi modem is outdated. Technician is bringing a new one tomorrow. Hopefully, the problem will be solved. When you work from home like I do, and blogging is your second (vanity) occupation, internet is essential. I'm sure there are many who can sympathize. Anyway, on with today's post...

One of my favorites from real life Christmas stories.


By Francis P. Church, first pub­lished in 
The New York Sun on Sep­tem­ber 21, 1897.

We take plea­sure in an­swer­ing thus promi­nently the com­mu­ni­ca­tion below, ex­press­ing at the same time our great grat­i­fi­ca­tion that its faith­ful author is num­bered among the friends of The Sun:
Dear Editor—
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Vir­ginia O’Hanlon
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been af­fected by the skep­ti­cism of a skep­ti­cal age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not com­pre­hen­si­ble by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great uni­verse of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his in­tel­lect as com­pared with the bound­less world about him, as mea­sured by the in­tel­li­gence capable of grasp­ing the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as cer­tainly as love and gen­eros­ity and de­vo­tion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child­like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tol­er­a­ble this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which child­hood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chim­neys on Christ­mas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither chil­dren nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can con­ceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and un­see­able in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil cov­er­ing the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the su­per­nal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thou­sand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will con­tinue to make glad the heart of childhood.

******

Has this been a favorite of yours as well?


Always in spirit...



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Sunday, July 28, 2019

10 Days of Christmas in July (Day 7) Christmas card notepad


Have tons of Christmas cards left over every year? Rather than throw them away, I like to find other uses for them. If you need a notepad to keep track of to-do lists during the holidays, this is an easy do it yourself idea. These would also make a great party favor.


Christmas Card Note Pads


What you need:
  • Old Christmas Cards (or how about those junk mail postcards?)
  • Homework pages that are blank on one side (if you don't have these, plain or lined paper would also work)
  • Stapler
  • Scissors or paper cutter
  • Ruler
Instructions:
  1. Cut out the portion of the card you'd like to showcase then fold the inside cover up about 1/2 inch. You will then need to trim some of the "cover" accordingly, so that it will tuck neatly into the fold.
  2. Cut your homework papers about 1/4 inches smaller than the cover in width and length. Here, the measurement is 3 1/2 x 4 inches. 20 papers per cover is about right.
  3. Insert the papers into the cover and staple near the bottom of the fold.
  4. Tuck the cover into the fold (trim as necessary to let it lay flat) and you're finished!
Image and craft from Hope Inc (visit the site for more instructional images).

Always in spirit...



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Saturday, July 27, 2019

10 Days of Christmas in July (Day 6) Weekend Baking #Cookies


I was looking for holiday baking recipes for today's post and I came across this intriguing idea. I love peanut butter cookies so why not peanut butter sugar cookies. I'm definitely going to make these during the upcoming holiday season. Yum!

Image by rawpixel from Pixabay

Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies
24 cookies
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
Directions:
Image by silviarita from Pixabay
    1. Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes or until the ingredients are blended. Scrape the bowl with a spatula.
    2. Add the eggs and vanilla. Continue to blend on high speed until the mixture is fully incorporated.
    3. Sift flour, salt, and baking powder.
    4. Add flour mixture to the mixer, and mix until just incorporated. Do not over mix, or the dough will toughen.
    5. Transfer dough to parchment paper, and refrigerate dough for 20 minutes.
    6. Remove dough from fridge, and sprinkle flour on a flat surface as well as on top of dough. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick with a rolling pin, and cut out with the cookie cutters of your choice.
    7. Use a spatula to carefully transfer cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat, spaced at least 1 inch apart. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky, refrigerate the cutouts (on the baking sheet) for 10-20 minutes.
    8. Bake in a 350°F oven for 9-11 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway, until edges are very lightly browned.
    9. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool a few minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack. Let cool completely before icing.
    Recipe credit: Brit + Co


    Always in spirit...



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    Friday, July 26, 2019

    10 Days of Christmas in July (Day 5) 2019 Christmas Book Releases


    This list is by no means everything that is being released in 2019 Christmas books, but there are quite a few on this list. I've provided Amazon links (click the title), though I'm sure they are available from other outlets as well.

    FICTION


    The 19th Christmas (Women's Murder Club)
    James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
    October 7

    If the Women's Murder Club can't be together this Christmas, a killer is to blame.

    As the holidays approach, Detective Lindsay Boxer and her friends in the Women's Murder Club have much to celebrate. Crime is down. The medical examiner's office is quiet. Even the courts are showing some Christmas spirit. And the news cycle is so slow that journalist Cindy Thomas is on assignment to tell a story about the true meaning of the season for San Francisco.

    Then a fearsome criminal known only as "Loman" seizes control of the headlines. He is planning a deadly surprise for Christmas morning. And he has commissioned dozens of criminal colleagues to take actions that will mask his plans. All that Lindsay and the SFPD can figure out is that Loman's greed -- for riches, for bloodshed, for attention -- is limitless.

    Solving crimes never happens on schedule, but as this criminal mastermind unleashes credible threats by the hour, the month of December is upended for the Women's Murder Club. Avoiding tragedy is the only holiday miracle they seek.


    Debbie Macomber
    October 1

    As the holiday season begins, Laurel McCullough could use some good news. She and her husband, Zach, have been praying for a baby that seems more and more like an impossible dream, and they’ve had to move in with her beloved grandmother, Helen, who’s having trouble taking care of herself. But when Laurel contacts a local home-care organization for help, there are no caregivers available.

    Then Mrs. Miracle appears at the door. No stranger to lending a helping hand to a family in need, Mrs. Miracle reveals herself to be nothing short of a godsend. Helen’s even convinced she’s an angel! And Laurel can’t help but notice that with Mrs. Miracle’s companionship, Helen is noticeably happier and more engaged, decorating the family Christmas tree and setting up the nativity. In the meantime, Laurel and Zach encounter curious signs, all pointing toward the arrival of a special baby.

    As Christmas approaches, there appears to be even more to Mrs. Miracle than meets the eye. In a classic tale of Debbie Macomber’s signature seasonal magic, Laurel, Zach, and Helen experience a holiday of heavenly proportions.


    Jasmine Guillory
    October 1

    Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his charming accent, and unyielding formality.

    Malcolm Hudson has worked for the Queen for years and has never given a personal, private tour—until now. He is intrigued by Vivian the moment he meets her and finds himself making excuses just to spend time with her. When flirtatious banter turns into a kiss under the mistletoe, things snowball into a full-on fling.

    Despite a ticking timer on their holiday romance, they are completely fine with ending their short, steamy affair come New Year’s Day. . .or are they?


    Karen White
    October 22

    Melanie Trenholm should be anticipating Christmas with nothing but joy--after all, it's the first Christmas she and her husband, Jack, will celebrate with their twin babies. But the ongoing excavation of the centuries-old cistern in the garden of her historic Tradd Street home has been a huge millstone, both financially and aesthetically. Local students are thrilled by the possibility of unearthing more Colonial-era artifacts at the cistern, but Melanie is concerned by the ghosts connected to the cistern that have suddenly invaded her life and her house--and at least one of them is definitely not filled with holiday cheer....

    And these relics aren't the only precious artifacts for which people are searching. A past adversary is convinced that there is a long-lost Revolutionary War treasure buried somewhere on the property that Melanie inherited--untold riches rumored to be brought over from France by the Marquis de Lafayette himself and intended to help the Colonial war effort. It's a treasure literally fit for a king, and there have been whispers throughout history that many have already killed--and died--for it. And now someone will stop at nothing to possess it--even if it means destroying everything Melanie holds dear.


    Jennifer Chiaverini 
    October 1

    Just weeks before Christmas, severe wintry weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique—an annual sale of handcrafted gifts and baked goods that supports the county food pantry. Determined to save the fundraiser, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson offers to hold the event at Elm Creek Manor, her ancestral family estate and summertime home to Elm Creek Quilt Camp.

    In the spirit of the season, Sylvia and the Elm Creek Quilters begin setting up market booths in the ballroom and decking the halls with beautiful hand-made holiday quilts. Each of the quilters chooses a favorite quilt to display, a special creation evoking memories of holidays past and dreams of Christmases yet to come. Sarah, a first-time mother expecting twins, worries if she can handle raising two babies, especially with her husband so often away on business. Cheerful, white-haired Agnes reflects upon a beautiful appliqué quilt she made as a young bride and the mysterious, long-lost antique quilt that inspired it. Empty nesters and occasional rivals Gwen and Diane contemplate family heirlooms and unfinished projects as they look forward to having their children home again for the holidays.

    But while the Elm Creek Quilters work tirelessly to make sure the Christmas Boutique happens, it may take a holiday miracle or two to make it the smashing success they want it to be.

    Praised for her ability to craft “a wonderful holiday mix of family legacy, reconciliation and shared experiences” (Tucson Citizen), Jennifer Chiaverini once again rings in the festive season with this eagerly awaited addition in her beloved series.


    Sophie Kinsella
    October 15

    ’Tis the season for change and Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) is embracing it, returning from the States to live in the charming village of Letherby and working with her best friend, Suze, in the gift shop of Suze’s stately home. Life is good, especially now that Becky takes time every day for mindfulness . . . which actually means listening to a meditation tape while hunting down online bargains.

    But Becky still adores the traditions of Christmas: Her parents host, carols play on repeat, her mother pretends she made the Christmas pudding, and the neighbors come ’round for sherry in their terrible holiday sweaters. Things are looking cheerier than ever, until Becky’s parents announce they’re moving to ultra-trendy Shoreditch—unable to resist the draw of craft beer and smashed avocados—and ask Becky if she’ll host this year. What could possibly go wrong?

    Her sister demands a vegan turkey, her husband insists that he just wants aftershave—again, and little Minnie demands a very specific picnic hamper: Surely Becky can manage all this, as well as the surprise appearance of an old-boyfriend-turned-rock-star and his pushy new girlfriend, whose motives are far from clear. But as the countdown to Christmas begins and her big-hearted plans take an unexpected turn toward disaster, Becky starts to wonder if chaos will ensue, or if she’ll manage to bring comfort and joy to Christmas after all.


    David Rosenfelt
    October 1

    Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, have started a new Christmas tradition. Their local pet store has a Christmas tree, where instead of ornaments there are wishes from those in need. One poignant wish leads Andy to a child named Danny, whose selfless plea strikes a chord. Danny asked Santa for a coat for his mother, a sweater for his dachshund, Murphy, and for the safe return of his missing father.

    It turns out Danny’s father doesn't want to be found, he’s on the run after just being arrested for a murder that took place fourteen years ago – a murder that Danny’s mother swears he didn’t commit.

    With his trademark humor and larger-than-life characters – including a police officer and his K-9 partner, Simon – Rosenfelt never fails to deliver as Andy and his eccentric crew dash to reunite a family in time for Christmas.


    Jill Shalvis
    September 24

    After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

    Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-term plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.


    Lauren Elliott
    September 24

    Addie’s getting into the spirit for the upcoming Charity Auction—especially since she’s got an 1843 copy of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol to donate. Her former colleagues at the Boston Public Library have confirmed that its worth runs toward the high five figures, which should help with the new pediatric wing. Her mood darkens, though, when a visitor from the past appears—Jonathan Hemingway, the father of her late fiancé. His presence stirs up sad memories for Addie, but also has her fuming when Jonathan, true to his womanizing ways, runs off for a lunchtime liaison with Teresa Lang, who’s in charge of the auction.

    Soon after, Addie heads to Teresa’s office at the hospital—and finds the poor woman’s dead body. What she doesn’t find is her valuable first edition. What sort of Scrooge would steal from sick children and commit murder in the process? As a Nor’easter bears down and a mystery emerges about Jonathan’s past, Addie must find out if she can appraise people’s motives and characters as well as she can appraise rare books. 


    Sheila Roberts
    September 24

    Sometimes you need to look beyond the big picture to see what really matters

    Olivia Berg’s charity, Christmas from the Heart, has helped generations of families in need in Pine River, Washington, but this year might be the end of the road. Hightower Enterprises, one of their biggest donors since way back when Olivia’s grandmother ran the charity, has been taken over by Ebenezer Scrooge the Second, aka CFO Guy Hightower, and he’s declared there will be no more money coming to Christmas from the Heart.

    Guy is simply being practical. Hightower Enterprises needs to tighten its belt, and when you don’t have money to spare, you don’t have money to share. You’d think even the pushy Olivia Berg could understand that.

    With charitable donations dwindling, Olivia’s Christmas budget depends on Hightower’s contribution. She’s focused her whole life on helping this small town, even putting her love life on hold to support her mission.

    When Guy’s Maserati breaks down at the edge of the Cascade foothills, he’s relieved to be rescued by a pretty young woman who drives him to the nearby town of Pine River. Until he realizes his rescuer is none other than Olivia Berg. What’s a Scrooge to do? Plug his nose and eat fruitcake and hope she doesn’t learn his true identity before he can get out of town. What could go wrong?


    Owl Be Home for Christmas: A Meg Langslow Mystery (Meg Langslow Mysteries Book 26)
    Donna Andrews
    October 15

    The 26th book and the sixth Christmas mystery in the Meg Lansglow series, Owl Be Home for Christmas is yet another wonderfully merry and funny book from New York Times bestselling author Donna Andrews.

    It's a few days before Christmas, and Meg's grandfather is hosting a scientific conference on owls at the Caerphilly Inn. Most of the family are there, helping out in one capacity or another, including Meg's grandmother, Cordelia--invited by Grandfather in rare gesture of peace-making, to share her expertise on rehabilitating large birds, including owls. An unexpectedly severe snow storm traps the conference-goers in the hotel, and one of the visiting ornithologists is murdered. Even if Caerphilly is able to clear the roads in time, Chief Burke doesn't want the various suspects to scatter to half a dozen continents before he identifies the killer, so there's a very real possibility that none of them will make it home for Christmas . . . at least not unless Meg comes to the rescue.

    Full of intrigue and snow, this Christmas mystery will take readers home to Caerphilly for Christmas.


    Debbie Mason
    October 1

    It's Evangeline Christmas's favorite time of the year, but instead of wrapping presents and decking the halls, she's worrying about saving her year-round holiday shop from powerful real estate developer Caine Elliot. Although the town has rallied around Evie, her attempts to stop Caine have been in vain. Now she's risking everything on an unusual proposition she hopes the wickedly handsome CEO can't refuse...

    How hard can it be to fulfill three wishes from the Angel Tree in Evie's shop? Caine's certain he'll win and the property will be his by Christmas Eve. Yet bringing joy to others also brings back the biggest disappointments in Caine's own holidays past and challenges him to forgive and forget in order to enjoy the present festivities. But just as he dares to dream that Evie could be his Christmas future, a secret from Caine's childhood threatens their merrily-ever-after.

    Includes the bonus story, "One Night in Christmas!"

    Laura Bradford
    September 24

    As the owner of Heavenly Treasures, the local gift shop, Claire is busier than ever helping her English customers (and even a few of her Amish friends, like Esther and Ben) find the perfect gift for the special people on their shopping list.

    Claire makes sure she has time for her boyfriend, Detective Jakob Fisher. But the man, who was raised and then shunned by the Amish over his choice of career, has been unusually secretive lately. She tries not to worry, to trust their relationship, but trying and doing aren't exactly matching up.

    Before she can figure out what's going on with Jakob, word comes that Ruth and Samuel Yoder are being questioned in the death of an elderly Amish couple, found murdered not long after the newlyweds were seen leaving the victims' farm. Ruth, in turn, seeks Claire's help in convincing the police that she and Samuel had nothing to do with what happened. But when Claire comes across a cryptic note tucked inside the wedding gift the victims had given the newlyweds no more than an hour before their murder, she finds herself in dire need of a little convincing as well.

    Can Claire get to the bottom of things in time to ensure a merry Christmas for all?

    Nancy Thayer
    October 15

    Christina Antonioni is preparing for the holidays at her Nantucket toy shop, unpacking last-minute shipments and decorating for her loyal Christmas shoppers. But when her Scrooge of a landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raises her rent, it seems nearly impossible for Christina to continue business on the wharf.

    Even so, Christina hopes there is a warm heart underneath Oscar’s steely exterior. When she bonds with Wink, his sweet, young granddaughter who frequents the shop, it becomes clear that perhaps he isn’t so cold after all. And with the help of Wink’s uncle, who happens to be a charming and very handsome bachelor, this may be the best Christmas any of them could have ever imagined. Nancy Thayer’s enchanting Nantucket setting provides the perfect backdrop for this holiday love story.

    Katherine Spencer
    October 22

    Liza Merritt is grateful for the many blessings in her life when she returns to Angel Island with her family to celebrate Thanksgiving. Most of all, she’s looking forward to a reunion with her dear friend, Claire North. Claire seems untouched by the years she’s spent faithfully watching over Liza’s inn. Still, it is troubling to see that the hotel is no longer the sparkling jewel it once was. It’s a hard truth to face, but big decisions must be made. Is this the last Christmas they will all be together?

    In Cape Light village, Emily Warwick and her sister, Jessica Morgan cheerfully plan a surprise party for Ezra Elliott’s 90th birthday. Ezra is so dear to his family, and everyone in town wants to honor the kind and generous doctor. But in the midst of their happy plans, Emily faces an unexpected challenge. It’s one that will test her moral courage and her bond with her adopted daughter, Jane. By the time Christmas comes, Emily must decide if she should reveal a secret that will forever alter the lives of everyone she loves.

    Anita Hughes
    October 15

    Emma can’t believe her luck when she finds an open pawn shop on Christmas Eve in Manhattan. She’s there to sell the beautiful bracelet her ex-boyfriend gave her when a familiar looking watch catches her eye. It’s the same engraved watch she gave her college boyfriend, Fletcher, years ago. On a whim, she trades the bracelet for the watch and wonders at the timing.

    Practical Emma thinks it’s just a coincidence, but her best friend Bronwyn believes it’s the magic of synchronicity that caused Emma to find the watch. Fletcher was the one that got away, and somehow Emma never quite moved on.

    When Bronwyn finds out that Fletcher is in snowy Vermont at a romantic inn for the week, she can’t help but give synchronicity a push. She signs Emma up to help the inn keeper as the children’s activity coordinator. Emma agrees that a week filled with quaint shops and maple syrup would do her good… and maybe Fate really does have a Christmas gift in store for her. That is until she sees Fletcher with his daughter and fiancée.

    Suddenly, the fairytale trip seems doomed to fail… much like the innkeeper’s dwindling cashflow. It will take a miracle to save her heart and the inn. And that just might be what Fate has in mind.

    Christmas in Vermont is a delightful and charming love story about the magic of second chances during the most festive time of year.

    Carlene O'Connor, Maddie Day, Alex Erickson
    September 24

    CHRISTMAS COCOA MURDER by CARLENE O’CONNOR
    Siobhán O’Sullivan’s hopes for a quiet Irish Christmas are dashed when the local Santa turns up dead in a carnival dunk tank of hot cocoa. Now instead of hunting down holiday gifts, she’s pursuing a heartless killer. Seems the dead Santa was no angel either, stealing neighborhood dogs to guide his sleigh. But was it his holiday antics—or worse—that led to his death by chocolate?

    CHRISTMAS COCOA AND A CORPSE by MADDIE DAY
    When local businessman Jed Greenberg is found dead with a Chocolate lab whimpering over his body, the police start sniffing around Robbie Jordan’s country restaurant for answers. Was it something in Robbie’s hot cocoa that killed Jed, or was it Cocoa the dog? As the suspects pile as high as her holiday tree, Robbie attempts to get to the bottom of the sickly-sweet murder . . .

    DEATH BY HOT COCOA by Alex Erickson
    A Christmas-themed escape game seems like the perfect pre-holiday treat for bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock and her best friend. But when the host is found dead in a pool of hot cocoa, it’s up to Krissy and her team to catch the killer—or escape before getting killed.

    There’s nothing like a hot cup of murder to warm up the holiday season!

    Jon Clinch
    October 8

    “Marley was dead, to begin with,” Charles Dickens tells us at the beginning of A Christmas Carol. But in Jon Clinch’s ingenious novel, Jacob Marley, business partner to Ebenezer Scrooge, is very much alive: a rapacious and cunning boy who grows up to be a forger, a scoundrel, and the man who will be both the making and the undoing of Scrooge.

    They meet as youths in the gloomy confines of Professor Drabb’s Academy for Boys, where Marley begins their twisted friendship by initiating the innocent Scrooge into the gentle art of extortion. Years later, in the dank heart of London, their shared ambition manifests itself in a fledgling shipping empire. Between Marley’s genius for deception and Scrooge’s brilliance with numbers, they amass a considerable fortune of dubious legality, all rooted in a pitiless commitment to the soon-to-be-outlawed slave trade.

    As Marley toys with the affections of Scrooge’s sister, Fan, Scrooge falls under the spell of Fan’s best friend, Belle Fairchild. Now, for the first time, Scrooge and Marley find themselves at cross-purposes. With their business interests inextricably bound together and instincts for secrecy and greed bred in their very bones, the two men engage in a shadowy war of deception, false identities, forged documents, theft, and cold-blooded murder. Marley and Scrooge are destined to clash in an unforgettable reckoning that will echo into the future and set the stage for Marley’s ghostly return.

    Meticulously crafted and beguilingly told, Marley revisits and illuminates one of Charles Dickens’s most cherished works to spellbinding effect.

    Nancy Naigle
    October 15

    Growing up, Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking over her grandparents inn located in the small mountain town of Angels Creek only for it to be sold before she ever got the chance. While browsing the internet, she stumbles upon a listing for what looks to be the picturesque inn and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places a bid, and by a miracle, wins the auction. But when she gets there she finds the property in significant disrepair.

    When Matt Hardy narrowly lost the inn and property that butted his land, he just hoped it wasn't another city slicker coming to make matters worse after the previous owners gutted the place for an art gallery. But the minute he recognized the sweet, freckle-faced girl from his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the inn, he jumps at the chance to help his childhood crush restore a place where he made so many fond memories.

    While working on repairs, Liz and Matt discover her grandmother’s collection of angels in one of the cabins. When the angels start mysteriously showing up all over the inn, she begins to look at them as reassurance—that restoring the inn is what she's meant to do. But when an accident leaves Liz feeling like she made a mistake, will Matt—and the residents of Angels Creek—be able to show Liz that she's found a home? And possibly true love as well?

    Melody Carlson
    September 3

    Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

    As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

    Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you'll never forget--and never want to leave.

    Patti Callahan Henry
    October 8

    Brothers Jimmy and Jack Sullivan live a nomadic life doing what they love: touring with their band, The Unknown Souls. But Jack’s recent engagement to Kara has everyone looking forward to a Christmas destination wedding in Ireland.

    Unlike his brother, Jimmy never expected to fall in love. But he feels a sense of peace and happiness whenever he’s around Kara’s best friend, Charlotte—which has him wondering what he’s missing. Over Thanksgiving, Jimmy and Charlotte write a song while sitting together on the back porch. When the band sings it at a Christmas concert the next night, Jimmy insists it’s the perfect love song—but a manager for another famous duo is adamant that it’s the perfect Christmas song. Before Jimmy knows what’s happening, he’s on tour with the hottest country band around and suddenly everyone knows his name.

    But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Jimmy finds himself far away from those he loves—especially Charlotte. Only a Christmas miracle—or two—will be able to lead Jimmy back to Ireland, to his brother, and to love.

    Judith Flanders and Gaby Morgan
    October 1

    Poems for Christmas is an exquisitely produced gift anthology which is guaranteed to get anyone in the festive spirit.

    Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library, a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold-foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features an introduction by Judith Flanders, author of Christmas: A Biography.

    Through the generations, poets from William Shakespeare to Thomas Hardy and from John Donne to Christina Rossetti have been inspired to celebrate the Christmas season in verse. Just as we cherish our Christmas traditions now, so many of the great poets wrote beautifully about the Christmas story, magical wintry landscapes, festive traditions and making merry. And then, of course, there are the much-loved songs and carols from around the world that we still sing today, many of which are included in this enchanting anthology.


    Hans Christian Andersen , August Strindberg, et al.
    September 17

    Our fourth book in the very popular Very Christmas series, this collection brings together the best Scandinavian holiday stories including classics by Hans Christian Andersen of Denmark; Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlöf, August Strindberg and Hjalmar Söderberg of Sweden; as well as the popular contemporary Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgaard. These Nordic tales—coming from the very region where so much of traditional Christmas imagery originates—convey a festive and contemplative spirit laden with lingonberries, elks, gnomes, Sami trolls, candles, church spires, gingerbread, and aquavit in abundance. A smorgasbord of unexpected literary gifts that make up a vibrant, elegant hardcover volume sure to provide plenty of pleasure and hygge, that specifically Scandinavian blend of coziness and contentment.


    25 Days 'Til Christmas: A Novel
    Poppy Alexander
    October 8

    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.
    Janice Lynn
    October 1

    Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heart broken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects—like making a quilt for a wounded warrior.

    Bodie Lewis is lost. All he’s ever wanted was his career as an Army Ranger, but he was injured in an explosion that killed his brothers in arms. In the hospital, he receives a handmade quilt. Later, he sets out on his final mission: to find and thank its maker.

    Bodie expected Sarah to be an elderly lady, not a lovely young woman. When she mistakes him for a handyman, he doesn’t immediately set her straight. Instead, he sets about repairing the home she’s turning into a bed and breakfast. Sarah’s presence and the spirit of the small town bring Bodie something he thought he’d left far behind on the battlefield: hope.

    This heartwarming sweet romance includes a free quilt pattern from the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a new original Hallmark recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

    Lili Hayward
    October 1

    It's nearly Christmas, and Jessamine Pike needs a serious life overhaul.

    Jess moves into Enysyule, a centuries-old cottage in Cornwall, and begins the process of renovating the rundown house by day and finishing her novel by night, planning to have both finished in time for the holidays. She's got good company: a beautiful, arrogant tomcat stalks around like he owns the place, and seems very skeptical of Jess' tenancy.

    But there's magic in the air... Local legends tell of a spirit that inhabits the area, and an ancient standing stone that keeps watch over the valley. As Christmas comes closer and closer, Jess uncovers treasures from Enysyule's past, and becomes involved in a fight for its future.

    For Jess has stumbled into a story that's been going on for five hundred years. A story about land, love, friendship, the Yuletide... and one remarkable cat.

    Rebecca Boxall
    September 12

    Happy-go-lucky journalist Summer has always managed to focus on the silver lining. But nothing in her life has prepared her for her husband Seth’s recent revelation: he wants a six-month break from their marriage.

    Determined to stay positive, Summer decamps to Jersey to spend six months by the sea, where every passing week makes Seth more of a distant memory. Then she meets sweet, charming Jude, whose life seems to be on permanent hold even before he receives devastating news of his own. To both of them, their chance encounter feels like fate, and with Summer’s encouragement Jude embarks on a bucket list of experiences that seem to bond them for life.

    When they’re together, the world is alive with possibilities, but as Christmas approaches, their time is running out in more ways than one. Will they return to the lives they left behind – or take a chance on an unknown future?


    NON-FICTION

    Various Authors
    October 8

    Join the Peanuts gang for some of their favorite year-round holiday treats! From Charlie Brown’s (Un) Happy Birthday Cake and Snoopy’s Dogdish Apple Pie to Linus’s Lemon Drop Bars and The Great Pumpkin Cheesecake, Charles Schulz’s beloved characters inspire delightful riffs on delicious, kid- friendly recipes for every occasion. A colorful array of classic comic strips and original illustrations offers festive embellishment on every page.

    Peanuts Holiday Cookbook brings the whole family together for irresistible goodies to make for year-round holidays and special occasions. Featuring over 50 delicious recipes—from spooky Halloween candy to whimsical Christmas gingerbread doghouses—and more than 75 classic comic strips and original illustrations, kids will share the kitchen with Charles Schulz’s beloved characters, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Pig Pen, Schroeder, and many more!

    Recipes include:
    Violet’s Valentine’s Candies
    Snoopy’s Pot o’ Gold
    Woodstock’s Easter Egg Nest
    Flying Ace Rocket Pops
    The Great Pumpkin Cheesecake
    Pigpen’s Pecan Pie
    Snoopy’s Dog-Dish Apple Pie

    Hannah Hart
    October 22

    New York Times bestselling author and Food Network star Hannah Hart is back with her biggest book ever: a humorous cookbook celebrating year-round holidays with food, drink, and friends.
    In a world where everyone is looking for some good news and something to celebrate, Hannah Hart is there with almost fifty ideas, arranged into twelve months of themes and recipes for how to celebrate with family and friends.

    A collection of recipes, activities, and suggestions about hilarious and joyous ways to celebrate with family, friends, pets, and your entire community, My Drunk Kitchen Holidays! will commemorate holidays from Valentine's Day to Graduation, Pride Month and International Left-Handers’ Day (really!). The book will cumulate with the fall holidays that get much deserved attention: recipes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and a celebration of Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Christmas that is festive, inclusive, and incredibly hilarious.

    Lorna Ables Reeves (Editor)
    August 1

    For tea devotees, there is no better way to mark the holiday season than with festive tea parties.

    This collection of ten beautiful, yet varied, table settings, accompanied by more than 70 delectable recipes for scones, savories, and sweets, will inspire anyone who is planning a Christmastime celebration. Tea pairings, along with a tea-steeping guide, make it simple to select and perfectly prepare a pot of tea to serve along with the array of tempting treats in this 136-page book.

    DK 
    October 1

    Build holiday crafts, treats and presents with this fun LEGO festive ideas book

    Need to keep a little LEGO® fan entertained over the holiday season? Packed full of original, inspirational build ideas for LEGO holiday decorations, gifts and games, this is perfect for LEGO fans and children who enjoy building and crafting. Building ideas include tree decorations, a family of adorable penguins, an obstacle course for elves-in-training, quick LEGO building challenges suitable for the whole family, and many more things to make and do. You won't run out of ideas over the holiday season with this perfect stocking-stuffer.

    50 winter holiday-themed activities will keep kids busy counting down to and throughout the winter holidays. The book comes with the bricks you need to make an exclusive festive LEGO mini model!

    Charles Phoenix
    September 17

    You're invited to celebrate America’s favorite seasonal traditions like never before. Ambassador of Americana Charles Phoenix mixes and mingles spectacular vintage Kodachrome slides of New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with his eye-popping, original recipes for epic edible centerpieces and party pleasers from his colorful Test Kitchen―including his legendary Cherpumple creation! Be prepared for your imagination to be inspired and your holiday spirit to soar!

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    October 15

    From The Metropolitan Museum, this Christmas treasury of stories, poems, recipes, and songs is sure to light up the holiday season
    It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and this richly illustrated treasury celebrates everything there is to love about the holiday season! It’s filled with favorite Christmas stories, such as “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and “Little Women, A Merry Christmas,” and songs as well as original poems from Lee Bennett Hopkins, Naomi Shihab Nye, and others; original recipes from Erin Gleeson, Yvette van Boven, and Yotam Ottolenghi; and other holiday trappings. All the artwork is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, ranging from religious paintings depicting the Nativity, to 20th-century illustrations showing Santa Claus, to wintry scenes of snowy landscapes and ice skaters. With beautiful art and joyful text, this is a wonderful book for the entire family to share.

    Holly Carpenter
    October 15

    Cook up Christmas cheer with inspiration from the beloved Hallmark holiday movies!
    ‘Tis the season for cozy comforts, delicious holiday treats, and having a good cry while watching your favorite Christmas movies from the Hallmark Channel! The Countdown to a Cozy Christmas Cookbook: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Hallmark Moviesbrings you 100 recipes inspired by America’s most adored Christmas films, from Northpole to The Christmas Train, A Royal Christmas, and many more! Give the gift of seasonal fun to the Hallmark film-lover in your life, or enjoy the dozens of recipes—from snacks and small bites, to Christmas cookies and cakes, to warming drinks and cocktails, with a recommended film to watch with each—while curled up next to your Christmas tree, in the seasonal glow of your own home.

    Snack on popcorn treats as you wrap gifts, pipe frosting onto Christmas cookies with your favorite Lacey Chabert or Danica McKellar film on in the background, and bake up a storm for your next party. Have a lovely Christmas with the perfect companion cookbook to the most wonderful time of year. You’ll find yourself cozying up to your most cherished films with delectable recipes from this very special cookbook!

    ******

    Wow! There are SO many on this list I would love to get. If only money grew on trees! Which ones are you most looking forward to?

    Always in spirit...



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