Reviewing: Under the Starry Skies by Tracie Peterson Love on the Santa Fe

from the publisher:Sensible and independent, Cassie Barton never anticipated being on her own at thirty-two. But after the death of her father and the marriage of her sister, she's found joy in her work as a seamstress. When a minor accident leaves her unable to sew, she decides to use her time to compile a book of stories about the men working on the Santa Fe Railroad. But worry begins to grow in San Marcial as Mexican revolutionaries set out to destroy the railroad--and put many lives in danger.

With Europe at war and his longtime friend Cassie injured, railroad worker Brandon DuBarko is burdened by his troubles. He promised Cassie's father he would watch over her, but as their comfortable friendship slowly transforms into something deeper, he feels trapped by a secret from his youth. When a vengeful man reappears in Brandon's life, intent on causing conflict, Brandon must face his past before he can move forward.

As the danger intensifies, Cassie and Brandon must rely on God to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of a brighter future.

 my thoughts:  In true Tracie Peterson fashion, our heroine, Cassie  overcomes great trials when she is injured and can't perform her job as a seamstress.  In this heartbreaking story, she overcomes her struggles compiling stories of the men working on the Santa Fe Railroad.  Compelling and once again, Ms. Peterson has researched her work with results to entertain, enrich and give the reader a front row seat into the shaping of our country.  

Cassie's friend, Brandon Dubarko has also found troubles along the way in a vengeful man who re-enters his life.  Strong faith give Cassie and Brandon the strenghth and courage to face their trials.  Truly a wonderfully inspirational book.

Reviewing: The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley

 from the publisher:

Explore this delightfully cozy and joyful novel of second chances at the most wonderful time of the year, from USA Today bestselling author Pamela Kelley.

A feel-good novel as delightful and comforting as a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night, The Christmas Inn is bestselling author Pamela Kelley’s most heartwarming and magical book yet.

Riley Sanders didn’t plan on losing her job as a content marketing manager right before Christmas. When she calls her sister Amy to vent, she learns that their mother has broken her leg and could really use some help at the inn. Riley decides to head home to the inn, nestled along the shores of Cape Cod, in time for the Christmas rush. She is happy to help and needs something to distract her as mistletoe is hung and snowflakes begin to fall.

When she gets there, she not only finds delicious cookies and a crackling fire to lift her spirits, but also the sense of family she’s been missing all along. There’s Franny, a woman who has just lost her sister and has four unopened letters from her that she plans to use to open her up to new experiences on the Cape. And there’s Aidan, her high school sweetheart, now a widower, who is staying at the inn with his nine year-old son, Luke. What begins as a quick stay over the holidays to help her mom turns into something that means much more—a second chance at romance, a deeper sense of found family, and all the joy and wonder that comes with Christmas time on Cape Cod.

my thoughts:

The Christmas Inn is my first foray into Christmas reading this season.  I enjoyed the story from the beginning.  I felt the cold chill of winter when Riley's position as a contente editor is  replaced by artificial intelligence just before Christmas as makes her way alone to her apartment.  Her boyfriend, who is on track to make partner at his law firm, cancels their date, making the day that much colder. 

 If this were a made for television Christmas movie, I could almost cast the characters with todays favorite actors.  It is not, however, because it is a book and a book is always better. Pamela Kelley has developed likable characters that come alive on the Cape at Christmas.  

Life doesn't just happen in the big city.  After losing her job, Riley returns ho
me to help her mother recover from a broken leg. As she sends out resumes for a new job, she learns more about herself than she could possibly dream of.  Her life is in New York, her boyfriend is in New York.  As the story grows, so does Riley. Just as others before her, she has some decisions to make and soon.

The story is a little predictable, it is a Christmas romance story after all but there is always one little thing that keeps you interested because the story twists are just enough to keep you reaching for this heartwarming story.  So, grab that hot chocolate, or pretend you are visiting the local wine and cheese shop for that glass of Cabernet. It is time to start reading your Christmas to-be-read pile and The Christmas Inn is just the book begin. It has all the charm and elements to make you smile.