Reviewing: Behind Love's Wall (Doors to the Past) by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 ...from the publisher...

Two successful women, a hundred-and-twenty-years apart, build walls to protect their hearts. Modern-day Willa, a successful interior decorator, is chosen to go to Mackinac Island and consult for the Grand Hotel’s possible redesign. During work on a room, she discovers a journal detailing the struggles of a young woman, Lily—which reveals dark secrets. The renowned singer wasn’t who she pretended to be.
 
As Willa reaches out to Lily’s descendant, a charismatic and prominent landscape artist, she lets down her guard. Should she share the journal with him—revealing hidden history—or once again erect a wall as she struggles to redesign both the Grand and her life?

...my thoughts...

Behind Love' Wall is a book where the past comes alive because of Lily's journal and the curiosity of modern day Willa, who unwittingly found her diary. The very woman who is the subject of a recent newspaper article Willa casually picked up on a ferry ride to the island. There are some parallels between the two women, each searching for clarity in their lives.  I liked the mystery both women bring to the story.  This is more than a romantic story that brings readers of Carrie's books back to Mackinac. It is a true mystery and it is not until that end that the answers truly unfold.  

I also like how the author weaves in characters from earlier books with their descendants in this time split story. I have read several of Carrie's books and it was interesting to see how she wove these characters and their talents to span generations.  It is like looking at genealogy and learning of talents shared with a great grandparent.  The setting at the Grand Hotel, rich with history is an invitation to travel across on the ferry and enjoy the sights of this well researched book. 

I hope there will be more stories coming up set in this area of our country that is so rich with stories to be shared.
 

Reviewing: The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

...from the publisher...

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it's from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy's quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

 ...my thoughts...

The Santa Suit is one of those books that you enjoy from the moment you hit page one.  From Ivy's arrival that the farmhouse to finding all the forgotten treasures left behind, I found I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolded. The journey Ivy found herself on led her to a treasure beyond her imagination.  This is one book that will remain in your heart all season long.  

Well written, with wonderful characters, this is one more book to add to your Christmas reading pile. 

Reviewing: Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

...from the publisher...

 Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic-design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up—but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter’s spirits.
 
Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she’d wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. With Ellen’s encouragement, she decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic—especially an unexpected connection with a handsome former classmate—Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

...my thoughts... 

Lindy is a young woman who left it all behind when she left home for the big city and a bright future.  Life isn't always what we dream it to be while we are making plans for the future.  Sometimes it is even better.  It all started with a letter to Santa to turn this discouraged young woman's life into a roller coaster ride of events that will change her life forever.

Skip the movie and read the book to get you into the Christmas spirit!  Set with believable characters in the beautiful state of Washington, it doesn't get any better than a little holiday fun.

Reviewing: Twisted Tea Christmas by Laura Childs

...from the publisher...

 

Tea maven Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are catering a Victorian An attack on the host of a fancy tea party sends Theodosia Browning looking for answers in the latest entry in the Christmas party at a swanky mansion in downtown Charleston. Drucilla Heyward, the hostess, is one of the wealthiest women in town.

As the champagne flows and the tea steeps, Drucilla is so pleased with the reception by her partygoers that she reveals her secret plan to Theodosia. The Grande Dame has brought the cream of Charleston society together to reveal that she is planning to give her wealth away to various charitable organizations. However, before she can make the announcement, Theodosia finds her crumpled unconscious in the hallway. It looks like the excitement has gotten to the elderly woman--except that there is a syringe sticking out of her neck. 

 ...my thoughts...

Theodosia and Drayton are at it again only this time, they are in the thick of it after catering a house full of suspects attending the grand event that Charleston will talk about for years to come.  At least one would have hoped it was because of the exceptional event itself, not the murder of a beloved hostess. 

Laura Childs has once again delivered a mystery that will keep you guessing while you turn the pages as fast as you can.  It would seem that our heroine has nine lives and each time they set upon a caper, the plot is as thick as can be.  For a mystery that will make your Christmas mystery list on high, pick up a copy of Twisted  Tea Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas With the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker

 ...from the publisher...

1941. The bombs still fall, but in St. Ives Christmas is finally approaching for the Cornish Girls…

With the war ongoing, Lily is feeling anything but festive. That is, until Eva asks if she’ll join her in working at an officers’ convalescent home, lifting her spirits no end.

Eva came to St. Ives to be near the man who almost gave his life to protect hers. But will the wounded pilot ever help to heal himself by opening his heart to love?

Rose suspects the local orphanage is mistreating its charges – and it’s her job to uncover the truth before it’s too late…

Can the Cornish Girls help one another through the darkest days in order to give everyone in St. Ives the sparkling Christmas they so deserve?

...my thoughts...

What a delightful story to ring in the Christmas season.  It seems World War II is endless and the Cornish girls are feeling it.  Lily, Eva and Rose all have issues they are dealing with privately but their professionalism keeps their problems at the door of the convalescent home where they are working tirelessly to care for the casualties of war. 

I enjoyed this book for the glimpse it gives into the lives of women of a different era who display courage and fortitude that comes with serving others.  The lives of these women, though this is a work of fiction, could be the story of our mothers, grandmothers or aunts. I admire their courage and fearless dedication to duty while finding ways to live, love and celebrate. 

Betty Walker's characters come alive, whether it is piling into an old ambulance for a Christmas visit, waiting it out in a dank bomb shelter or calling rescuing abused orphans, this book will keep you on your toes while keeping the spirit of the season alive.