Book picks similar to
Lucky's Christmas by Betsy Duffey


28-29ar-level
children
giveaway-losses
holiday-reads

Arc Of A Shooting Star


Simon Northouse - 2018
    It's a far cry from the heady days when he led his band, The Shooting Tsars, to the top of the charts and sell-out tours and festivals around the world.An unwelcome phone call from his deceitful ex-manager, Chas Dupont, sets in motion a chain of events that seems unstoppable.Can Will get his fractured band back together and rediscover his mojo? Are Chas Dupont's motives purely altruistic? Who are the musical mafia? And are the legendary rumours about the lost "Bloom Tape" true?

A Silly Milly Christmas


Sheri Wall - 2019
    Pet owners will surely recognize her big dog antics!I have a Great Dane named MillyShe greets all the guests willy-nilly!Mistletoe hanging highBig dog kisses will flyOh Milly, you make Christmas silly!With plenty of rhyming and repetition, A Silly Milly Christmas is perfect for read alouds, early learning, elementary classrooms, and animal lovers everywhere. Great for ages 2-10.

Little Nemo's Wild Sleigh Ride


Roland Urbanek - 2011
    This is one of the three fantastic stories told in ‘Little Nemo’s Christmas Adventure’. Enjoy this exciting tale along with over 30 illustrations based on the classic comic strip originally created by Winsor McCay.

Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker


Marla Martenson - 2010
    matchmaker and her daily struggles to keep her self-esteem from imploding in a town where looks are everything and money talks. From juggling the demands of an insensitive boss… to the ups and downs of her own marriage to a Latin husband who doesn’t think that she is “domestic” enough, Marla writes with charm and self-effacement about the universal struggles that all women face in their lives. Readers will laugh, cringe and cry as they journey with her through outrageous stories about the indignities of dating in Los Angeles, dealing with overblown egos, vicariously hobnobbing with celebrities, and navigating the wannabe-land of Beverly Hills. In a city where perfection is almost a prerequisite, even Marla can’t help but run for the Botox every once in a while.

The Descendant


M.G. Harris - 2012
    The discovery remains a secret, guarded by a US government intelligence agency. Who will be the first to unlock its power? Can anyone save the world from a cosmic catastrophe that no-one but a long-dead civilization could foresee?Written in 2005 when author M.G. Harris was recuperating from a ski injury the story of The Descendant became the foundation of an internationally best-selling young adult series, The Joshua Files, which has been translated into 17 languages.From The Descendant to Apocalypse Moon (book 5) it’s a journey through a twisty and complex plot involving codes, genetics, ancient history, government conspiracies, time-travel, parallel realities and a dystopian future.The question is – who will win the struggle to control the future?First published after The Joshua Files concluded in 2012, The Descendant can be read as a standalone, before or after the five-part Joshua Files. The story mainly takes places chronologically between the events of Invisible City (book 1) and Ice Shock (book 2), and includes characters which appear later in the series. THE DESCENDANTAfter meeting a fellow molecular geneticist at Mexico City airport, Jackson Bennett is passed a secret message, just before his colleague is ‘disappeared’. With the help of archaeologist, Dr. Marie-Carmen Valencia, Jackson must now solve a puzzle which begins with an enigmatic DNA code and ends with a long-forgotten ancient burial chamber in Iraq. The two young scientists are dragged into a race to unlock human powers so ancient that the memory of them exists only in the human genome.Praise for The Joshua Files."As thrilling as a rollercoaster ride, this fantastical world of spies, spirits, ancient prophecies and hidden cities tests Josh to his limits and he comes to understand the conflicting demands of friendship, family, loyalty and duty." The BookTrust"A fast-paced, first-person thriller. Her book’s Mexico setting is richly evoked, and its historical and conspiracy elements are convincingly delineated." Financial Times “A very well crafted saga . . . these files are well worth diving into.” The Bookbag“Gripping, fast-paced and exciting, this is sure to get the adrenaline pumping round the readers’ body.” Lovereading4kids

The Seven Days of Christmas


Tess Thompson - 2021
    Until she discovers the dangerous secret he kept from her. One that threatens to ruin their marriage and the stability of a happy home for their two little girls.When his siblings suggest a way to gain back Shannon's love and trust, they embark on a seven-day journey to do so. Can Flynn win back her love before it's too late?Along with their focus on Flynn, the family is also helping plan Cymbeline's wedding to Viktor. Will Emerson Pass's favorite tomboy embrace a traditional wedding with all the trimmings? Her sisters are determined to make sure she does.Join the Barnes family for this bonus novella in the bestselling Emerson Pass Historicals. Christmas joy abounds as the family does what they do best, stick together no matter what happens. Don't miss this surprise holiday gift from USA Today Bestselling author Tess Thompson.

Whoever Heard of a Flying Bird?: A Children's Book About Not Giving Up


David Cunliffe - 2020
    

Ever After High: Next Top Villain--FREE PREVIEW EDITION (The First 3 Chapters)


Suzanne Selfors - 2014
    While their personalities are very different, they bond over not quite fitting in with the other Royals. Lizzie, however, has one thing that Duchess doesn't: a happily-ever-after at the end of her story. While Lizzie and the other princesses train for the day when they will rule their kingdoms, Duchess is torn between her role as the perfect, dutiful princess and her rebellious ambition to be a queen. When both girls are selected to attend General Villainy class, Duchess sees an opportunity to be a rebel while following the rules. But can she play a prank on her roomie to ace the class? Find out if Duchess' desire to change her destiny will make her Ever After High's Next Top Villain!Don't miss the companion Destiny Do-Over Diary, General Villainy, for interactive fun!

The Symmetry of Snowflakes


Paul Michael Peters - 2015
    The product of a blended family, Hank has parents, stepparents, and former stepparents—not to mention an assortment of siblings—and feels the responsibility to see them all. To give structure to his unconventional network, Hank compares it to a snowflake’s intricate design. The only missing piece in his life, the element that would form that rare, perfect snowflake, is the love of an amazing woman. When Hank meets Erin at the Thanksgiving Day parade, it seems like she might just be that woman—until pressures start to mount with his family and business, and secrets about Erin’s past spill out. In the vein of Empire Falls and Wonder Boys, The Symmetry of Snowflakes explores the complexity of modern life and relationships and the precarious nature of love.

The Big Book of Nursery Rhymes


Walter Jerrold - 1903
    

Lake Mistletoe: A Holly, Jolly and Steamy Christmas Tale


Amber Kelly - 2021
    My career was all planned out running one of the hottest hotels in Miami’s South Beach. That was until our playboy owner broke a few rules, and my perfect opportunity crumbled underneath my feet.So here I am, headed to Lake Mistletoe, a quaint little valley town in Idaho of all places. My grandmother, and namesake, left her Inn to me, and I am now sentenced to the task of getting it prepared to sell at the end of this year's holiday season. My memories of this Christmas oasis have long since faded, but I’m determined to use this experience to further my career and get back into the hospitality game. When Keller Harris, Lake Mistletoe’s resident craftsman, and unofficial handyman, offers to help me with the neverending list of repairs and upgrades, it's the perfect opportunity for me to get hands-on experience. He’s talented, driven, and sexy as sin, but he's also a know-it-all and completely unimpressed by my business sense. I can learn a lot from him but his stubborn self can also learn a lot from me. As walls start to fall, literally and figuratively, I begin to realize that success comes in many forms and passion can be found in unexpected places. Will I be able to turn this season into a stepping stone to an exciting new career in Belize?Or will I discover that everything I ever wanted was tucked away in the Rocky Mountains?

The Gift of the Magi


O. Henry - 2009
    Henry, originally published in 1906, has become one of the best known and most beloved of Chistmas tales. An exuberant couple urged on by their love, make great sacrifices in order to purchase the perfect Christmas gift for the other. The husband sells his gold watch in order to buy expensive combs for his wife's luxurious locks. While the wife sells her hair to the wigmaker in order to buy a chain suitable for her husband's handsome timepiece. When all is revealed on Christmas Eve, the sweet irony of their dual generosity leaves them, whether they know it or not, as the wisest of gift givers: "But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi."The artist Joel Priddy employs the same twists of reciprocity in his own work and is well suited to adapting and updating this classic for a modern audience.

The Heart of Christmas


Belle Calhoune - 2016
    Gran was the heart of Christmas and Eden hasn’t embraced the spirit of the season ever since losing her. In fact, she’s lived a fairly reclusive life other than her job as a vet’s assistant at The Country Vet practice. When a stranger shows up at on Eden’s doorstep one stormy evening, she is shocked to discover the handsome man is none other than her childhood friend, Brady Shepard. He’s all grown up now and gorgeous. Now a veterinarian, Brady is taking over the practice for his ailing grandmother, Vicky Shepard, who happens to be Eden’s boss. As Eden and Brady begin to work together, Eden’s heart begins to open up to the spirit of the season…and to Brady.

Before Bethlehem


James Flerlage - 2013
    By accepting the Rabbi’s request, Joseph unknowingly thrusts himself and his family into a bitter and emotionally draining life-or-death conflict. Joseph fights to maintain his spiritual integrity while trying desperately to keep his family together and his farm alive. He and James witness abhorring violence at the hands of the Romans, and outlandish abuses of power by their own religious leaders. As his family’s faith and hopes are threatened by scandal and scorn, James struggles between the boy he is and the man he must become.Before Bethlehem is an eye-opening account of the Nativity story told in a suspenseful, historical context that dares to ask the question: If Joseph should have turned Mary over to be stoned, why didn’t he? His profound answer is one that forever changes the life of his son, James. And it may just change yours, as well."Readers who've enjoyed religious fiction from Taylor Caldwell and Francine Rivers will particularly enjoy." - Kirkus Reviews

Christmas Everlasting


Nora Roberts - 2021
    Between settling in to her new apartment and chasing after her nine-year-old son, Radley, she’s beginning to feel the pressure of trying to have it all together. So when her neighbor, comic book writer Mitch Dempsey, offers to look after Radley in the afternoons, Hester reluctantly accepts. Mitch is a stranger, after all, even if he is generous and has a connection with her son. Eventually, Hester finds herself relying on Mitch…and even worse, admitting that he’s found his way into her heart.All I Want for ChristmasWanting a change from her fast-paced life in Manhattan, Nell Davis moves to the small town of Taylor’s Grove, Maryland, to revamp the local music program. Her sweet students, identical six-year-olds Zeke and Zack Taylor, have already stolen her heart—though she can’t say the same for their brooding father, Mac. A single parent, Mac firmly believes that any romance will only distract him from raising his sons. Little does he know, a mother like Nell is exactly what the boys are hoping for this Christmas…