Book picks similar to
Before and After Christmas: Activities and Ideas for Advent and Epiphany by Debbie Trafton O'Neal
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The Story of Holly and Ivy
Rumer Godden - 1958
and Mrs. Jones all have one Christmas wish. Ivy, an orphan, wishes for a real home and sets out in search of the grandmother she's sure she can find. Holly, a doll, wishes for a child to bring her to life. And the Joneses wish more than anything for a son or daughter to share their holiday. Can all three wishes come true? This festive tale is perfectly complemented by beloved Barbara Cooney's luminous illustrations, filled with the warm glow of the Christmas spirit.
Mistletoe and Mayhem
Catherine Ferguson - 2015
It looks set to be a Christmas to remember. And it is – but for all the wrong reasons.As the 25th December draws closer, Lola unexpectedly finds herself missing some key components:1. A job (but who needs one of those anyway, when you’ve got the ultimate family Christmas to prepare for?)2. Money (no job equals no money, it turns out.)3. A boyfriend (yup, Nathan the hunk has said adios to Lola – and in the *most* embarrassing way possible…)4. Somewhere to host her fabulous family Christmas (because of course, no Nathan means no des res apartment.)Lola’s at a loss about what to do. But one way or another, she’s going to make this the happiest Christmas her family’s ever had…
Christmas Day in the Morning
Pearl S. Buck - 1955
Buck and acclaimed artist Mark Buehner comes a heartwarming story that illustrates the true meaning of Christmas.Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year—something that shows how much he really loves him. But it's Christmas Eve, and he doesn't have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all...The acclaimed author of nearly a hundred books for children and adults, Pearl S. Buck captures the spirit of Christmas in this elegant, heartening story about a boy's gift of love. Originally published in 1955, this timeless story with glorious full-color art by Mark Buehner will be a welcome addition to your holiday collection.
A Sidelined Christmas
Toni Shiloh - 2018
Nothing shocks him more than running into his high-school sweetheart, Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.Bebe Gordon returned to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter, Hope. When Jahleel returns, all the memories of the past come rushing back. She can’t decide if he’s changed or if her heart is holding onto past hurts.Will Jahleel and Bebe take a chance on love or let life sidelined them at Christmas?
The Boy Who Cried Over Everything
Betsy Childs - 2011
An experience with a slingshot and a sparrow helps him realize that it's okay to cry when you are sad, but it's best not to cry when you're mad.
A Winter Cabin Christmas
Megan Squires - 2021
When a job comes along requesting the likeness of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, she knows her parents are a shoe-in. But when they arrive in Cedar Crest, along with a dozen other hopefuls, Samantha fears she made her parents a promise she can’t keep. The competition is fierce, but she is determined to secure their rightful Santa spot. Noah Jensen has made a few family promises of his own. If he can’t turn their sleepy, snow-capped hideaway into a booming Christmas destination, their rental log cabins won’t be worth more than the firewood they’re made of. Noah is willing to try anything, even film a festive commercial to draw in potential guests. As casting day approaches, Noah can’t ignore Samantha’s endearing nature, nor his growing feelings toward her. But he worries things may change once she learns the real state of the cabins. And when she calls on her ex-husband and business partner for a favor, Noah wonders if that relationship is truly in the past. Is Christmas romance in the air for Noah and Samantha? Or will the credits roll on their new relationship before it even gets off the ground
Dyno Dinosaur Family Christmas Adventures
Sharida McKenzie - 2018
Claus prepare presents for all the little girls and boys. The stories and illustrations magnificently capture the warmth and magic of the holidays. The dinosaur lover in your family will treasure this creative twist on Christmas! Perfect for kids ages 0-6. Titles include: 1. Santa and the Flying Dinosaurs 2. Dyno Kids Visit Santa’s Workshop 3. Decorating the Christmas Tree with the Dyno Family 4. Dyno Family Snow Day
Chock Full of Christmas (Heartsprings Valley Sweet Romance #5)
Anne Chase - 2019
A lesson in chocolates -- and love!
Eight years after her painful divorce, Abby Donovan is passionately devoted to making her little chocolate shop in Heartsprings Valley a delicious success.When widower John Buckley and his two adorable kids sign up for a chocolate class, Abby finds herself surprised by the immediate connection she feels with them -- and by the realization that the little shop of her dreams may no longer be enough to keep her fulfilled.With a gentle push from the Christmas spirit, can Abby overcome her wounded heart and embrace a future filled with love and happiness?The Heartsprings Valley Sweet Romance series celebrates love and romance during the most wonderful time of the year.Christmas to the Rescue! (Book 1)A Very Cookie Christmas (Book 2)Sweet Apple Christmas (Book 3)I Dream of Christmas (Book 4)Chock Full of Christmas (Book 5)
It's always Christmas in Heartsprings Valley!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Barbara Shook Hazen - 1939
Pictorial cover with Rudolph lighting the way for the sleigh with his wonderful nose.
The Last Christmas: A Mistletoe Miracle
Aubreé Pynn - 2019
Her only concern is to get through the holiday without making her family worry while taking in all she can. But when her ex heads home she's forced to feel things she thought she was over. At the top of the things she thought she was over is Ramir Patterson. Ramir Patterson has been successful in every avenue of his life but love. After failing twice at it he's decided to focus on his business and making a legacy that would hopefully out live him. But the more time goes on he's starting to face the fact that the life he dreamed of with the woman he's dreamed of sharing it with may never happen. That's until Valencia crosses his path again. Now that Ramir and Valencia are back on each other's radar can the love they once shared be rekindled or will life end everything where it stands? Find out in The Last Christmas: A Mistletoe Miracle.
Meowy Christmas
Sylvia Selfman - 2015
When Izzy goes to a posh Christmas party at her friend's fabulous home, she winds up doing a favor for the hostess that leads to mayhem, mistletoe and maybe even murder. Plus a dash of romance! & NOTHING BUNDT MURDER: While trying to heal her broken heart, journalist Rosie Kale moves into her Grandma's beach-side guest house and takes a job at the hot new Bundt Baby Bakery. But when she and her boss cater a ritzy bridal shower, murder is on the dessert menu and the Bundt cake is blamed. Rosie tries to find the real killer before she becomes the next victim. But her senior sleuth 'helpers,' Nana and Birdie, are more interested in getting her married off than in the murder case. Unfortunately their prime romantic prospect--handsome real estate mogul Casey Baron--is also her prime murder suspect. "Nothing Bundt Murder" is a fun, clean, cozy mystery with cats, cupcakes and a dash of romance.
Christmas Hope and Redemption
Indiana Wake - 2016
When Grace and Hopes pa dies he asks them to write to two men he has picked out of the paper, and that they must promise to marry them soon. So the sisters part and become mail order brides. Grace ends up on a ranch with Dempsey, a handsome man but somehow there is a wall between them. Maybe it is her grief but she does not know. One night they hear a cry in the storm and find Rose and baby Violet almost frozen in the rain. Rose is a young widow with a troubled past. She was on her way to an orphanage when she took the wrong road. Believing that everyone has abandoned her even God she was ready to give in. Maybe God had plans for her all along. Grant Hawkins works on the ranch and he is taken by baby rose and her ma, but can he break down the barriers of Rose’s past or will it destroy them both? Hope had been married to a miner just like her pa, and just like him he is dying. He makes her promise that she will live life to the full and find love. After his death Hope goes to her sisters house and falls in love with Dempsey’s cousin, only his past is making things difficult. When he lies to her she runs out into a storm and becomes lost. Will he find her in time? Can she forgive him? With Christmas fast approaching is there hope for these three couples. Will they find the faith they need to reclaim their happiness? This is a sweet and clean western romance and is suitable for all ages.
Christmas Revels: Four Regency Novellas
Hannah Meredith - 2014
Allen."A Light in Winter or The Wicked Will” – Debt-ridden Connor Grayson inherits his uncle's title and ruined estate. But in order to receive his uncle's money, the new Viscount Roxbury must marry an ancient crone—a fate he considers...until he meets her companion. “The Lord of Misrule” – Everyone expects the Earl of Morrell to propose to Alice Caruthers during the Christmas holidays. Finally! But when the earl’s best friend arrives as the lucky First Foot on New Year’s Eve, Alice’s world turns upside-down. “God Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen” – Newlywed Eugenia, Lady Hunter, wants to impress her aristocratic in-laws with her first Christmas house party — but blackmail, dead bodies, and being snowed in with a killer are not part of her plan. “A Perfectly Dreadful Christmas” – Three not-so-wise gentlemen, a pregnant stranger, several tumbling footmen, and an unexpected snowstorm will turn Elizabeth's Perfectly Ordinary Christmas into a disaster...or a Christmas miracle with the man she loves.
Escape to Christmas Cottage
C.J. Morrow - 2020
So, she’s booked herself a little escape in a secluded cottage in Devon. She has everything she needs for her hideaway holiday and intends to while away her time soaking in the bath, reading books, knitting (yes, really) going braless, and not blow drying her hair at all. That’s the plan: Christmas is officially cancelled.Just before she leaves for her break, she discovers the cottage is called Christmas Cottage – who names a cottage that is normally a summer rental that? Is it an omen? Could be, but she arrives late at night, snuggles down and has the best night’s sleep she’s had for two years.It’s going to be great, isn’t it? Except there’s been a mix-up, the cottage is double booked, it snows and she’s trapped with the ever smirky and smiley, Noah Steele. So much for going braless…Will Ruby discover the joys of Christmas again? Will Noah ever stop smiling?Let the bickering commence…