One Torrid Beginning Written by: Leia Mann

Few more days until Christmas and with all that is going on including me catching the annual cold I decided to take a break from knitting and holiday tales to read more with my libido. A friend sent me a book saying I would appreciate this short but steamy novel, not sure what my friend thinks of me after having read this book, but yowza. The writing is a tad predictable but the there is humor here and it makes for a fun and steamy story. Liz is broke just outright penniless living a life of maxed out credit cards, student loans, and just more bills. She is 31 years old and thirty thousand dollars in debt with a degree in anthropology that just isn't working out for her. Her current jobs pays very little and she goes bar hopping for the free food at happy hour. Well it seems Liz's luck just may change at least as far as her hormones are concerned. Liz is one of those bombshells of a woman and with brains she just doesn't have any real direction, and it seems that Max a male prostitute is willing to give Liz a very special discount for his services and not just his but his and his equally sexy friend Joe. This story is just hot and I will never look at peanut butter and jelly quite the same way again not bad if you're in the mood for a quickie.

Silver Bells Written By Sadie Hart

A friend of mine thought this kind of story would be right up my ally, and it sticks to the whole Christmas theme this book reading month. Have any of you watched the Polar Express starring Tom Hanks? Well, if you haven't then there are these bells that fall from Santa's Reindeer's harnesses that it seems only those few special people who truly believe in Santa can hear so mostly children, but overtime the bell with its crisp tinkling sound of happiness vanishes. That is what happens in this story the main character Dash who has a harness of bells that for some reason no longer ring for him. He tends the Merry Go round in a not so nice part of town and this year for some reason he is quite sad the bells will no longer chime for him. It is actually quite sad to read about when Dash obviously find great joy and is somewhat depressed without the joyful sounds the bells made. So he tends to the animals of the Merry Go Round, and then a stranger enters his life and slowly things change just a little at a time. Then when Christmas Eve comes around,  Dash has to leave his new friend for perhaps his last chance to even hold those special bells. This is a story of a different color it is very short, but packs quite a bit of story in these few short pages, and it even made me want to peak behind what was going on to hear more about Dash his world and of course the magic that surrounds him still. So will the bells ring again for him? It is quite a magical twist Sadie Hart has given us.

A Gift of Snow Written by Missy Maxim

Hello fellow readers, so...books right throwing myself into them. (that and Knitting both great hobbies for the eyes by the way) This one book came to me and I thought ok A gift of Snow must be Christmas well it was, the beginning is interesting with a person begging their car not to break down in a snowstorm and obviously begging doesn't work. Then we shift gears and this story changes and it hit somewhat close to home. The main character Jennifer Donovan lives in the mountains above L.A. she's widowed 10 months her husband it seems lost touch with life and self destructed, which I really wish people could find a way not to just give up hope, but... yeah. So Jennifer knew something was wrong, but just didn't know how wrong or just what would happen, and so she has been alone widowed for 10 months. It is Christmas eve and her sister and mother cannot come out to visit so now she is all alone and snowed in with no one to celebrate with...or is she? Jennifer finds herself hosting a complete stranger Will who has bleached hair with the roots showing, a guitar case, and a slight British accent is stranded with no winter gear whatsoever.  With both of them being alone on Christmas Eve and only themselves for company it quickly becomes apparent these two strangers just may have a spark of something the story is short, but very cute and happy. There were a few print errors here and there, but I mainly blame that on the editor. The dialogue was so cute too I just kept thinking to myself mmmm... yes that can be a word especially when hot chocolate, Christmas lights, and romance are involved. A Gift of Snow was also pretty clever as you will find out there are two meanings behind that title. The book also had some um well let's just say the snow was not chilling these two as much as it might have had they not met. So a good short read I know I've been saying that a lot lately, but these books are good and short just nice little moments the authors are kind enough to let us share with them before going back to our own busy lives.

Bah, Humbug! (A Romantic Comedy) Written by: Heather Horrocks

Hello faithful book review readers... so I said I would be happy right? Well, so far I'm failing, I kept reading this book, not because I wished to, but because I needed to. Sometimes people turn to drink, friends, loved ones etc... I turned to this book because I cannot possibly begin to express my feelings to anyone in the world not even my loving husband. On December 2nd a very dear person to me passed away, he was one in a billion and someone who I knew since we played in the sandbox together, and had many memorable moments that sadly barely anyone around me in my current life knows just how much he meant to me. It is tough this time of year yes, it is a time to celebrate to be joyful and surround yourself with family, but this is the third Christmas I've had someone pass away, so a part of me wishes to say screw it, but I cannot. My friend who passed taught me to be a fighter and a kick butt gal so I'll turn on the old music, look at the old pictures, and lose myself in a book. Please though readers I ask if you have a friend or love one just remember to tell them once in a while just how much they mean to you.

 This book Bah, Humbug! Really was tough for me, but the book itself was also about healing and moving on when death occurs around the Holiday time. I admit this book was very cookie cutter, but it is just something we all need around this time of year. The main character Lexi Anderson is a young mother who is the next upcoming Martha Stewart and has created a very nice life for her and her two children. Only problem is sometimes you need to realize created perfect is no substitution for actual life. Then we have Kyle Miller a famous young adult author who has thrown himself into work 100%. Problem with him is he's a workaholic who cannot be truly bothered to see his family or have anything to do with Christmas not because he's a Grinch, but because he has his own past to deal with. These two meet and it is not romantic at all, in fact it is likely they will murder one another unless Kyle does something fast. The story is generic, the writing too, but the story and how the characters live is just well uplifting and refreshing it was just what I needed to remind myself life goes on, and it was a very nice short Christmas story that would put anyone in the Christmas loving mood so if you're looking for something to curl up with a cup of tea and maybe some gingerbread cookies next to your Christmas tree this would be the book to do it with.

So go out and find your happiness readers it is the time of year to do it, and remember to tell your loved ones that they mean something to you.  Thank you.

Life, Love and A polar Bear Tattoo Written by: Heather Wardell

I had to sleep on this book, I was so conflicted by the main characters plight she is Candice or as some from her past know her as Candy. I know I just said only happy book, but it was in with the Christmas books! This book takes place in Canada in August, and after visiting Canada recently I have to say very nice place indeed. Any who Candice is at a point in her life where according to her Friend Larissa there are some big change coming, and great foreshadowing because yes a great amount of change is going to occur in Candice's life. Last Christmas what was to be a wonderful present from her in-laws turned into a disastrous event that has left a rift between her and her husband Ian. They appear to be in a rut and so she has let her husband go off on a one month project in India. She is home with her cat Ninja crocheting away and reading tons of novels, but then something happens she decides to change her life little by little and they're all pretty good changes and really who isn't the tattoo type?  The only thing is during all of these changes an old flame from her past comes into the picture and this is where I became very conflicted. Ian her husband has been cold, distant, and all together not very kind since Christmas when a very big event that left both him and Candice fragmented. Then there is Kegan  the man who broke Candice's heart but, he's sexy, successful, and above all else wants Candice back. She feels like she's stuck inside of one of her cheap romance novels minus the heaving bosom of course. It was really difficult to root for either guy Ian or Kegan since both have their pluses, and both have their minuses, however Candice is MARRIED to Ian. But, at 31 and married for two years was she really meant to be with Ian, or was he just the first nice man to come along after her heart break from Kegan? So soap opera, but really everyone at some point it seems questions did I make the right choice? But, Marriage is supposed to be worked at and needs both parties to do so, and in this case it doesn't seem like either party is really trying to fix their marriage. But, the book itself was written so fresh and honest I really liked Candice and her work and overall life. The sub characters in this book were a hoot too, but mostly it was all about Candice and what would be her choice? I will admit I was very happy with how this book ended and felt all warm and fuzzy at the end. It was a fun book that brings a lot of life questions into the mix, but in a way that is refresing and all together fun. Cannot give spoilers, it would just ruin the book for you, but must say read this book for a fun time that will take you just draw  you in.

Cupid's Christmas Written by: Bette le Crosby

"Watching humans fall in love is the best part of this job. What begins as a wild and passionate tango evolves into a waltz, with two bodies bending and moving together, whirling across the potholed landscape of life. After years of trial and error the waltz becomes a slow fox trot with smaller evenly matches steps and when one partner grows weary, they learn on their mate knowing they will be carried. The last dance may not be as exciting as thee first, but I can assure you there's true beauty in every step." That would be cupid talking... Love, and Christmas, can you think of a more magical time? Well, yes I'm sure we all have our special moments, but I love the winter holiday that predates Christianity and manages to still bring people together. Then throw in love and well I'm a happy girl... of course it could also be the smells of food, pine, and the twinkling of lights and shiny presents... ok sorry folks, but I'm trying to stay happy this month a lot has happened in my life this year, and I've decided December is the month to try and be happier... so happy books should be an ok investment I think. This Cupid's Christmas was just so cheeky! I absolutely adored it. Cupid is the narrator of this tale and let me tell you the Angel of love needs some serious props for what us people put him through. In this particular tale we meet Lindsay Gray, she is young but out of college and living in NYC, and looks for love in all the wrong places. Cupid has been trying for years to find her love match, but the girl just won't cooperate. This is where Cupid takes up an old case Lindsay's father John and his old flame Eleanor they were really into one another back in High school, but fate had other plans, and now here they are and love does conquer all doesn't it? Well, not if Lindsay has anything to say about it, due to a few life changing events Lindsay it seems has to move home and she believes she needs to take care of her poor, elderly, lonely father... the girl is just delusional in the beginning and I honestly cannot stand her in the beginning of the book, but Cupid sets me straight as time goes on. This story was so much fun and even had a few tears fall from my eyes a few times. Cupid has some wonderful statements and describes love so well lovely...he's also got Sass when it comes to us humans. "The problem with humans is they're in love with love. Even worse, they're determined to find it themselves." But, Cupid also loves love, even if the life management departments sometimes ruins even his best of plans. This was a really great read for Christmas time the book just brought a little sparkle to my day and had just so much Sass I loved it!

All I want for Christmas is You Written by: Lisa Mondello

Happy December everyone. Tis the season, and like last year I thought let's get this season started right. So, I found a book named after one of my favorite Christmas songs (forgive me) This is a very Hallmark kind of book. This was a very sweet, very cute, very happy book. Kristen Alexander is six years old and cute as a button, but she's never known a big family and loves her mommy so much. When most little kids at age six are asking for puppies, teddy bears, and bicycles Kristen just wants one thing and it's for her mother. Kristen wants a daddy for Christmas for her mom. Well, Santa of course cannot grant such a wish, or can he? Lauren Alexander and her daughter Kristen have been a duo for seven years and she hasn't had a big family since her daughter was born, and honestly it seems Lauren just might be ready to change that after she learns about her daughters wish. This book introduces us to Kyle Preston who of course since this is a happy go lucky Christmas story... perfect even in a tall viking way. He is a great guy and maybe just the thing Lauren needs this Christmas. There's cookie dough, doll houses, sleigh rides, singing, and family so yeah a very sweet tooth kind of book. It is just a nice happy story that makes you feel all good about Christmas time.