Tag Archives: Christmas

Book Review & Giveaway ~ Snowfall at Moonglow by Deborah Garner

My Thoughts & Review

I just returned from an afternoon spent at the Timberton Hotel in Montana. Well, not really, but that is one of my favorite things about a good book, it takes you away from reality for a little while. Mist, Betty and the rest of the gang are doing great.

This is the 5^th story in Deborah Garner’s Moonglow Christmas novella series. It is a heart-warming story set at Christmastime that shows the importance of simple kindness & caring is to people. I’ve read and reviewed all of them, and they are all similar yet quite different. I look forward to them each year, reading it ushers in the Christmas season for me. Continue reading →

Book Review & Giveaway ~ Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow by Deborah Garner

My Thoughts & Review

I always enjoy my annual visit to the Timberton Hotel, I enjoy catching up with old friends (that I met in the previous books). Reading these short novellas always helps me get in the Christmas spirit. I also love that she includes recipes that are mentioned in the story. This year I plan to make, Glazed Cinnamon Nuts, Peanut Butter Fudge & Lemon Crinkles ? You can read my reviews of the previous books in the series here.

This year Betty and Mist are expecting more than the guests actually in the reservation book … they will have guests from the local theater group as well. After a tragic fire burned down the theater, the a few of the dancers performing “The Nutcracker” need to find a place to stay. In addition to the actors and their regulars, we meet a young family whose daughter, Maria, is in a wheelchair, and an elderly woman, Olga, who has a bit of a mysterious air about her.

As usual, Mist has a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner planned, along with a special surprise …

If you love feel good, happy endings kind of stories, do yourself a favor and read this one … you’ll be glad you did!

5 Stars and 2 Thumbs Up ?

NEW RELEASE….

The small Montana town of Timberton has a way of bringing magic to the holidays, especially for guests of the local hotel. Resident artist and chef Mist has a way of touching people’s lives with exquisite cuisine, imaginative art, and her own ethereal nature.

When a nearby theatre burns down just before Christmas, cast members of The Nutcracker arrive at the Timberton Hotel with only a sliver of holiday joy. Camaraderie, compassion, and shared inspiration combine to help at least one hidden dream come true. As with every Christmas season in Timberton, this year’s guests will face the New Year with a renewed sense of hope.

*Cookie and candy recipes included!

The Moonglow Series…
Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.
Mistletoe at Moonglow, Book 1
Silver Bells at Moonglow, Book 2
Gingerbread at Moonglow, Book 3
Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow, Book 4

Available to buy from……
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Paperback

Also available in The Moonglow Series

Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.

Mistletoe at Moonglow, The Moonglow Series, Book 1

The Timberton Hotel has always provided a perfect Christmas retreat for regular guests, as well as newcomers. But the small town of Timberton, Montana, hasn’t been the same since resident chef and artist, Mist, arrived, bringing a unique new age flavor to the old western town.

When guests check in for the holidays, they bring along worries, fears and broken hearts, unaware that Mist has a way of working magic in people’s lives. Old-fashioned time spent together, exquisite food, conversation and a snowball or two offer guests a chance to trade sadness for hope. One thing is certain: no matter how cold winter’s grip is on each guest, no one leaves Timberton without a warmer heart.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Nook iBooks Paperback

Silver Bells at Moonglow, The Moonglow Series, Book 2

Christmas at the Timberton Hotel arrives each year with a unique set of guests, some returning, some new. When this holiday brings a celebrity seeking reprieve, sisters who are distant yet closer to each other than they think, a widow approaching a new horizon, and an eclectic smattering of local townsfolk and visiting relatives, the season is certain to be eventful. Add in a hint of romance and there’s more than snow in the air around the small Montana town.

Elegant decor and exquisite cuisine from resident artist and chef, Mist, form a backdrop to much needed camaraderie, bringing strangers and friends together. When the last note of Christmas carols has faded away, the soft whisper of silver bells from the front door’s wreath will usher guests and townsfolk alike back into the world with hope for the coming year.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Nook Paperback

Gingerbread at Moonglow, The Moonglow Series, Book 3

The small town of Timberton, Montana, boasts an ambiance of near-magical proportions during the Christmas season, due in no small part to resident artist and chef Mist’s mysterious way of working small miracles in people’s everyday lives. Each year, return guests and new arrivals mingle with local townsfolk to enjoy companionship, exquisite decor, and exceptional cuisine at The Timberton Hotel.

As the aromas of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses mix with heartfelt camaraderie and sweet romance, guests share reflections on family, friendship, and life. Although decorating the outside of a gingerbread house may prove easier than deciding what goes inside, no one leaves Timberton without renewed hope for the future.

Available to buy from……
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Nook GPlay Paperback

About the author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now pides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

Find the author on the following sites…
Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+ Goodreads Bookbub Amazon Author Page

Follow the Book Tour

I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY !!

Win your choice of $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal
Ending on Sunday 9th December at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Current book tours open for sign ups HERE

Book Review & Giveaway ~ Gingerbread At Moonglow by Deborah Garner

My Thoughts & Review

This is the 3^rd installment of the Moonglow Christmas themed novellas. Deborah Garner always does a wonderful job of developing her characters, it almost feels like they are real people, at a real hotel, in a real town, in Montana. It is a heart-warming story set at Christmastime that shows how important simple kindness & caring is to people. Mist certainly has a gift for making the guests at the Timberton Hotel feel welcome & special.

Sometimes the Holiday season can get so hectic that you forget what Christmas should be about. It’s not about shopping for numerous gifts, attending countless parties and extravagant decorations, but about the simple joys in life. Slowing down and taking time to spend with a dear friend – taking a walk in the snow or building a snowman with your kids – stealing a kiss under the mistletoe – baking some cookies from your grandma’s recipe that brings back fond memories of times spent with her … or maybe trying a new recipe from this book ?

This book helped put me in the Christmas spirit. It is a feel-good story with no violence – just people being kind to one another, and I loved just loved it. Definitely 5 stars and 2 thumbs up ~ can’t wait to read the next one ?

NEW RELEASE….

As the aromas of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses mix with heartfelt camaraderie and sweet romance, guests share reflections on family, friendship, and life. Although decorating the outside of a gingerbread house may prove easier than deciding what goes inside, no one leaves Timberton without renewed hope for the future.

The Moonglow Series…

Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.

Mistletoe at Moonglow, Book 1
Silver Bells at Moonglow, Book 2
Gingerbread at Moonglow, Book 3

Available to buy from…
Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Barnes and Noble Kobo iBooks GPlay Paperback

Also available in The Moonglow Series
Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.

Mistletoe at Moonglow, The Moonglow Series, Book 1

When guests check in for the holidays, they bring along worries, fears and broken hearts, unaware that Mist has a way of working magic in people’s lives. Old-fashioned time spent together, exquisite food, conversation and a snowball or two offer guests a chance to trade sadness for hope. One thing is certain: no matter how cold winter’s grip is on each guest, no one leaves Timberton without a warmer heart.

Available to buy from….</b
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Nook iBooks Kobo Amazon Paperback Barnes & Noble

Silver Bells at Moonglow, The Moonglow Series, Book 2

Elegant decor and exquisite cuisine from resident artist and chef, Mist, form a backdrop to much needed camaraderie, bringing strangers and friends together. When the last note of Christmas carols has faded away, the soft whisper of silver bells from the front door’s wreath will usher guests and townsfolk alike back into the world with hope for the coming year.

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Nook iBooks Kobo Amazon Paperback Barnes & Noble

About the author
Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

Find the author on the following sites…
Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+ Goodreads Amazon Author Page

Follow the Book Tour

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY !!

Win your choice of $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal
Ending on Sunday 10th December at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team – Apply Here x
Current book tours open for sign ups HERE

Book Review & Giveaway ~ Mistletoe at Moonglow by Deborah Garner

~ My Thoughts & Review ~

Deborah Garner does a wonderful job of developing her characters, it almost feels like they are real people, at a real hotel, in a real town, in Montana. This is a heart-warming story set a Christmastime that showcases how important simple kindness & caring is so important to people, even strangers that gather together and share their Christmas celebrations.

This novella helped put me in the Christmas spirit this year. Sometimes the Holiday season can get so hectic that you forget what Christmas should be about. It’s not about shopping for numerous gifts, attending countless parties and extravagant decorations, but about the simple joys in life. Slowing down and taking time to spend with a dear friend – baking some cookies from your grandma’s recipe that brings back fond memories of times spent with her – taking a walk in the snow or building a snowman with your kids – perhaps, stealing a kiss under the mistletoe.

I spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon during the first snowfall of the season (Chicago) reading this story, and I loved just loved it. I plan to try a couple of the recipes from the book that she includes at the end of the book. 5 stars and 2 thumbs up from me ~ can’t wait to read the next one 🙂

Available to buy from….
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Nook iBooks Kobo Amazon Paperback Barnes and Noble

“Christmas at the Timberton Hotel is special. The beauty and peace people find there is magic. Strangers come to escape their pain and find solace and strength. I loved this story. It gave me a sense of hope. The characters are amazing.”

“Deborah weaves a beautiful mosaic of Christmas sights, sounds and smells and introduces us to memorable characters. From the grieving widow to the five-year-old child who lost his brother to a reclusive scholar who only wants to sit in front of the fireplace and read, each are treated with genuine emotion and care which adds to this uplifting story.”

“Deborah did it again. What a great christmas story. I love christmas stories and this will be one that I will read year after year.”

Above reviews from Amazon.com

NEW RELEASE also available..
Silver Bells at Moonglow

Christmas at the Timberton Hotel arrives each year with a unique set of guests, some returning, some new. When this holiday brings a celebrity seeking reprieve, sisters who are distant yet closer to each other than they think, a widow approaching a new horizon, and an eclectic smattering of local townsfolk and visiting relatives, the season is certain to be eventful. Add in a hint of romance and there’s more than snow in the air around the small Montana town.

Available to buy from….

Amazon.comAmazon.co.uk

About the author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

Find the author on the following sites…

Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+ Goodreads Amazon Author Page

Follow the book tour

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY

Win $25 Paypal Cash
Open Worldwide

Ending on Wednesday 21st December at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team – Apply Here x

Current book tours open for sign ups HERE

The Most Wonderful (aka Busiest) Time of the Year

The Holiday season is upon us, and it’s the most wonderful time of the year. There are so many fun things to do, like spending time with family & friends … traveling … going to parties … shopping … wrapping … not to mention, celebrating the actual Holiday.

All these things are wonderful, but can also be stressful. Adding these fun activities to our already busy schedules can sometimes feel overwhelming. You are only one person, and you only have so much time. It’s the perfect time to have a Personal Assistant !! Continue reading →

Black Friday Shopping ~ Yay or Nay ??

Black Friday isn’t what it used to be. When my kids were young … you know, back in the day, I used to shop on Black Friday. That was when the coolest toys were on sale, and if you didn’t want disappointed kiddos on Christmas morning, you braved the crack of dawn time, the weather & the crowds. Back in the 90’s, before everyone was online, stores ordered a certain number of the item and when they were sold out, that was pretty much it … waiting to see if another shipment came in before Christmas was a big gamble. So, I went … Continue reading →

Handmade Gifts for the Holidays ~ Update

So, it is getting toward the end of November, on the very cusp of the Holidays. Back in the end of September (while it was warm & sunny ~ unlike now, when we have measurable snow in the weekend forecast), I wrote a blog post talking about making handmade holiday gifts. You can read that post here.

In that post, I laid out some goals for myself. So, I wanted to give you an update on accomplishing them. Sadly, I haven’t met all of them … yet. There, of course, is still plenty of time ~ it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. The perfectionist in me wanted everything to be done super early, but that perfectionist won’t be getting her way this year 🙁
Continue reading →

Holiday Pet Care & House Sitting

It’s mid November, and the holidays will be here before we know it. To me, the holidays are all about spending time with family and friends ~ near and far. When you travel to see your loved ones, don’t forget about your pet care for your fur babies … they are family too! Who will take care of them?

Personally, I think in home pet care is the best option. This way, your pet stays in their familiar surroundings, even though you aren’t home with them. Another benefit of in home pet care is home security. Your home won’t appear vacant while you are away.

Pet care & house sitting is one of the many services that Tracy Helps You offers. I can come a couple times per day to feed and let them out to do their business ~ or ~ I can stay at your house. This has the added benefit of bringing in the mail, watering the plants, turning on/off lights and decorations, etc. A home that has someone coming and going throughout the day is less of a target for burglars. Plus, your fur baby will have company in the evenings … we may go for a walk, play fetch, or have a good belly rub while watching TV 🙂 Dogs especially are such social animals, I believe they feel lonely and really miss their owners when they go out of town.

You can also board your pet at a kennel while you are gone. Your pet will have their basic needs met, but will otherwise be spending most of their time alone. Most kennels don”t have the staff to offer more than food & shelter. I highly doubt there would be many good belly rubs 🙁
If you have plans to travel, please call me sooner rather than later. The holidays will be here before we know it. It will be a wonderful gift for your fur babies to have someone who will love and play with them, as well as, take care of their basic needs.

Happy Holidays … Call me 🙂

photo by: Claudio Matsuoka

Book Review & Giveaway ~ A Pet for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala

NEW RELEASE…

Dedication:
To those who still suffer the wounds of war.

>>><<<

Kelly Kennedy thought her life was finally on track. Engaged to the man of her dreams and with a baby on the way, she reassures her five-year-old daughter, Bree, that the father she picked for Christmas still loves her.

Unfortunately, war veteran Tyler Manning has been away most of the year. Recovering from PTSD isn’t easy. Rather than worry Kelly, Tyler spends his time traveling to Afghanistan to work at a children’s charity he founded.

Kelly decides to distract Bree with promises of a pet for Christmas. When Tyler is taken hostage by terrorists, she finds it hard to convince Bree that they will truly be a family in time for Christmas.

A Pet for Christmas is a sequel A Father for Christmas. While it can be read as a standalone, you’ll get more of the relationship aspect between Kelly, Tyler, and Bree by reading A Father for Christmas first.

~ My Thoughts & Review ~

A Pet for Christmas is the sequel that started with A Father for Christmas. I decided to read the first book as well, so I’ll give my thoughts on both books 🙂

~ In A Father for Christmas, we are introduced to the main characters – Bree, her mother, Kelly and Tyler, a war veteran struggling with PTSD. Tyler is also the gift (father) Bree requested from the mall Santa.

Kelly is fiercely independent, a supermom. She had Bree through artificial insemination, fully intending to be a single parent – she didn’t need a man. In preschool, Bree learns about families that have both a mommy & a daddy and sets her mind on getting herself a daddy. The rest of the story shares the rocky, romantic road that Kelly and Tyler travel together.

~ In A Pet for Christmas, the story picks up around the Holidays a year later. Kelly and Tyler are now engaged and expecting a baby. Tyler continues to struggle with flash backs from the war, as well as, survivor’s guilt. He has founded a charity to help children in war torn Afghanistan. He travels there to handle some charity business when there is a terrorist attack and Tyler has no way to communicate with his family back home.

Meanwhile, Kelly is very pregnant / hormonal. She is trying to deal with her own personal fears of abandonment and trust. Bree is showing signs of being jealous of her unborn baby brother and wants to know about her “real” daddy. They are all worried if Tyler is ok and if he will get home in time for Christmas. Getting a puppy seemed like a good idea … something to love and, hopefully provide a distraction from worrying.

Is Tyler ok? Will he get home for Christmas? Will this new little family survive? You’ll have to read the book to find out. What could be better than a nice Christmas-y romance ??

Available to buy from…

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble Kobo iBooks GPlay

“Heartwarming story of hope and second chances.” – Ruth Davis on Book 1, A Father for Christmas

“Absolutely breathtaking love story.” – Amber McCallister on Book 1, A Father for Christmas

Also Available

A Father for Christmas (A Veteran’s Christmas Book 1)

Dedication
To all the veterans who gave so much.

>>><<<

Single mother Kelly Kennedy can’t afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn’t believe he deserves a Merry Christmas.

When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly vow to keep Bree from being hurt while fighting their feelings for each other.

Tyler struggles with frightening flashbacks that scare Kelly. Meanwhile, Kelly’s criminal past threatens her chance for happiness. Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.

Available to buy from…

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble Kobo iBooks GPlay

About the author

Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling Asian American author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Rachelle is the founder of an online writing group, Romance in a Month, an active member of the California Writer’s Club, Fremont Chapter, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has won awards in multicultural and historical romance.

Find the author on the following pages….

Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+ Goodreads Amazon Author Page

Follow the tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own. NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY Win $25 Amazon.com GC / Paypal Cash (winners choice) Open Worldwide Ending on Sunday 18th October at 11.59pm EST Enter Below and Good Luck !! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Handmade Gift Ideas

It is a glorious September afternoon. I’m working on my blog post while sitting on my new patio enjoying the beautiful weather. It is warm & sunny with a gentle breeze blowing through the branches of my gi-normous maple tree.

So (on one of the last days of summer) … I decide my topic will be about ideas for making a handmade gifts for Christmas. That’s right, I said Christmas … but only because you need plenty of time to plan and work on your gift projects. Otherwise, I am a believer of enjoying each holiday as it comes, not rushing it 🙂

I have always loved doing crafts. Making or creating something is a labor of love. I feel like the finished product has a little piece of me in it ♥ However, I have learned (the hard way) that in order for me to love making the gift for someone, I have to allow plenty of time to finish it … not be rushed to get it done in time.

That being said, here is my game plan:
• Search Pinterest, craft websites & blogs to pick the projects I want to make
• Only choose a handful of recipients, so making the gift remains a joy ~ not become a burden.
• Decide early on who will be getting what gift
• Buy all the supplies I will need for each project ahead of time, (that way I can have multiple projects going at the same time)
• I’ll work on the gift while watching TV in the evening
• I can switch up which gift I’m working on, so I don’t get bored … like I can work on my knitting project if I don’t feel like making jewelry.

Some of the handmade gifts I given in the past are … a knitted or crocheted scarf, note cards for stationary, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, personalized photo frames, a “scrapbook style” keepsake shadow box, bath salts, and, of course, baked goods 🙂

I really enjoy giving handmade gifts to friends. I feel that because time is such a valuable commodity, the time I spend making the gift communicates how much I care about them. I hope they enjoy receiving them. Of course, because it is so time consuming, I only choose a few friends to make gifts for each year. My other friends receive store bought gifts … I love shopping too <3

I haven’t decided what I want to make for this year’s gifts yet, but I’m glad I’m starting to think about it early … because, as we all know, times flies by quickly.

My Thoughts & Review

My Thoughts & Review

My Thoughts & Review

~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

Happy Holidays … Call me 🙂

~~~ My Thoughts & Review ~~~

~ My Thoughts & Review ~

~ My Thoughts & Review ~