Under the Mistletoe by Mary Balogh

 

Do you like to read short or long books during the holiday season?  I definitely prefer short during the busy holiday season!

Under the Mistletoe by Mary Balogh is a collection of five different Regency Novellas as follows:

·       A Family Christmas – This story had it all, an arranged and estranged marriage, snobby mother-in-law, and Christmas traditions.  I loved this story of the couple finding true love with each other.

·       The Star of Bethlehem – This story also featured an unhappy couple at Christmas and a missing engagement ring.  A chimney sweep helps to bring the couple together. 

·       The Best Gift – This story had Jane Eyre vibes.  What if when Jane Eyre was a teacher that was invited to the home of a pupil and able to experience Christmas for the first time?

·       Playing House – A trio of siblings is about to be separated after the holidays due to the death of their parents and a lack of funds.  At their last Christmas together, an old sweetheart comes back to town and may change their lot in life.

·       No Room at the Inn – Numerous travelers are stranded together at an inn and unable to make their Christmas destinations.  The birth of a child has them all realize the true joys of Christmas.

My overall thoughts:

·       I loved all five of the Regency novellas.

·       This collection was recommended to me by my friend Barb who enjoys Regency Christmas romance novels as much as I do.  It was a great recommendation!

·       I loved the romance in each story and how they found out the true meaning of Christmas.

Overall, Under the Mistletoe by Mary Balogh is an enjoyable Christmas Regency Romance collection.

A Dog’s Perfect Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron

 

Do you like to read novels that feature animals?  I have always enjoyed books that feature animals, especially dogs and cats.

The Goss family is in a rut as they approach Christmas.  Grandpa Sandor is 67 and depressed.  He lives with his son after spending all he had on experimental procedures for his wife’s cancer only to have her die.  He hasn’t moved on much to his dog’s Winstead’s dismay.  He also doesn’t contribute to any household tasks much to his granddaughter Ello’s dismay.  Ello is in eighth grade and is having a hard time navigating the social scene and friendships.  Sandor’s son, Hunter, is stressed out trying to get a major project completed at work.  If he doesn’t complete it per his new boss’s requirements, he will lose his job at Christmas.  Hunter’s wife, Julianna, must keep the entire household under control including Grandpa and her two young twin sons.   She longs to work again as a lawyer and is unhappy in her marriage.  Will the Goss family be able to make some changes and have a Merry Christmas?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       The characters in this novel were well developed and relatable. 

·       Unlike other books I’ve read by W. Bruce Cameron, the book is not narrated by Winstead the dog.  The story was good, but I missed seeing it all through the point of view of the dog.

·       I really liked that we got to see the family life and troubles through the point of view of three generations of the family.  I also like they were all willing to see things from another point of view and be willing to make changes.  What are the most important things in life?

·       I liked the focus on family and on friendship.  Ello is realizing who exactly are her real friends in 8^th grade and the importance of her mother in their family.

·       Sandor realizes that he is not dead yet and that he can have perhaps a second chance at love.  He also realizes that he can help his family out and serve a purpose.

·       There is a new puppy in the story as well, which I enjoyed.

Overall, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron is a heartwarming Christmas tale about the importance of friends and family.

Book Source:  Christmas gift from last year.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.