The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren

One of the cutest Christmas books I have read this year (and I’ve read a bunch!) is Susan May Warren’s “The Great Christmas Bowl.”

Supermom Marianne Wallace is focused on two things this holiday season. Number one - planning the greatest family Christmas ever, and number two - cheering on her youngest son’s football team in their surprise bid for the state championship.

But what is it they say about the best laid plans?

Thanksgiving is a dud. Then disaster strikes when Bob, the faithful team booster who plays the role of the school team mascot, has a heart attack and cannot fulfill his duties cheering on the team as their lucky charm. And on top of all of this, Marianne’s husband has volunteered her to be head of the church’s hospitality committee and host their annual Christmas Tea.

But Marianne rolls with the punches admirably. She agrees to take on the role of team mascot, a giant silver trout, but just until Bob can return - even if it means wearing the “stinky” costume in front of the entire town. But she meets with resistance as she tries to rethink and reorganize the traditional Christmas Tea, to the shock and dismay of the older ladies of the church. Busy beyond belief, Marianne feels her Christmas spirit fading fast, especially when one child after another call to inform their mom they won’t be home for Christmas. Can she regain her faith in time for the holidays?

Susan May Warren delivers a charming slice of family life with “The Great Christmas Bowl.” Short, sweet and full of sass, this story is sure to become a favorite Christmas read year after year. Plus, there is a delicious recipe for clam chowder that promises to be a big hit.

The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman

I haven't started my Christmas baking yet, but will later this week. But I was so inspired by this next book, that I may add a few new recipes to my bag of tricks!

Celebrating friendships this time of year is one of the best things about Christmas. In her new book, “The Christmas Cookie Club,” author Ann Perlman takes a look at a group of women friends and how their lives interconnect, especially during the holidays.

Every year, Marnie and her twelve closest friends get together to have a Christmas Cookie Exchange. An annual event for over 15 years, everyone brings their cookies in beautifully wrapped boxes or bags, a covered dish, some wine and shares what has happened in their lives over the past year!

This year, the stories are especially poignant. Marnie's oldest daughter is experiencing a risky pregnancy, and her other daughter is unmarried and also pregnant. Jeannie's father is having an affair with her best friend, Rosie's husband doesn't want children, Laurie is moving away, and Taylor's life is in shambles after her husband left her.

Each woman has a story to tell, and they are all interwoven, just as each of their lives are connected in so many ways. Through it all, however, the women band together, providing support and love for each other through thick and thin.

Ann Pearlman has delivered a passionate, heartfelt story of women’s friendships and their importance with “The Christmas Cookie Club.” Her characters are personable, and their situations are those that most women have dealt with at some point in their lives.

Each chapter begins with a delicious recipe for the cookie that chapter’s main character has brought to the party, and each chapter ends with an essay on a key ingredient found in each cookie. So not only is this a fascinating story, it is also a unique cookbook of sorts.

“The Christmas Cookie Club” would be a perfect gift for girlfriends of all ages this holiday season.

A Wish For Christmas and A Christmas Star byThomas Kinkade

This weekend has been a busy busy one, and I guess you've noticed that I didn't get any Christmas reviews posted! (my bad!!!) So today, I'll catch up and post three! Enjoy!

And don't forget, tomorrow I'll draw for a winner of the Christmas Basket!!! Just leave a comment!!!

Thomas Kinkade is famous for his beautiful paintings, full of light and love. He’s called the “People’s” artist, because he captures tidbits of everyday life with his work.

He also manages to capture these vignettes of life in his “Cape Light” series, which he co-writes with author Katherine Spencer. And his Christmas books are looked forward to each year by fans of his writing and his paintings both.

This year, it is a real treat to be able to find two of Kinkade’s beloved stories available, a new one for this year, “A Wish For Christmas,” and a paperback version of last year’s offering, “A Christmas Star.”

In “A Wish For Christmas” the people of Cape Light find themselves reflecting on their past and looking forward to their futures during the holiday season.

David has returned home after serving in Afghanistan to find his widowed father, Jack, has remarried. Further, his own physical injuries are severe enough that they may never heal. He's having trouble joining in the cheer of the Christmas season, but soon realizes that he will have to heal not only his body but also his heart.

Meanwhile, matriarch Lillian Warwick still rules her family with an iron first. Deeply disappointed when her granddaughter Sara moves out to take a job in Boston, she remains stubbornly independent, resisting help from her daughters. But when her oldest friend, Dr. Ezra Elliot, is suddenly the one in need, Lillian rises to the challenge to help. Never expecting to find love again at this time in her life, she cares for Ezra and begins to wonder if it's possible to let down her guard.

In “A Christmas Star,” Sam and Jessica Morgan look forward to celebrating the holidays. But when they're awakened by the smoke alarm in the midst of one quiet night, they barely make it outside before their beloved house is engulfed in flames.

Meanwhile, single mom Julie Newton and her young daughter appear on Jack Sawyer's doorstep, thanks to bad weather, a broken-down car, and a dead cell phone battery. And though Jack, still mourning the loss of his wife, feels none of the holiday spirit, he can't turn them away. As Sam and Jessica begin trying to piece their future back together, and Jack finds his frozen heart melting day by day, it soon becomes clearer than ever that miracles can happen even in the humblest of settings.

Kinkade and Spencer have developed a warm and loving community in Cape Light, and it is a delight to return year after year to catch up with the residents of this charming town. With “A Wish For Christmas” being the 10th book in this series, it is a comforting tradition to look forward.

Christmas Basket Giveway!

I've been asking my readers to leave comments for a chance to win a Christmas basket full of reading goodies. So I thought I'd better let ya'll see what you might have a chance to win!

Debbie Macomber's A Perfect Christmas

Mary Kay Andrews' Blue Christmas

JoAnna Carl's A Chocolate Snowman Murder

Victoria Alexander's Believe

A Soy candle in Fresh Cotton scent

A hand crocheted Christmas dishcloth by yours truly

and a few other surprises....

I'll draw for a winner on Deember 15th, so I can get this prize basket to the winner by Christmas! So go read, and leave a comment or two! And Happy Holidays!!!

Three Wise Cats: A Christmas Story

Keeping with the Christmas “kitty” theme today, here is a delightful story of three wise kitties and their adventures to find a bright and shining star!

I dedicate today’s review to my beloved cousin Lisa Wyatt, who is a champion for kitties everywhere, and who works tirelessly to make life a little better for the wild and abandoned cats along the beaches in Northern California. In my eyes, you are a hero, Lisa!

Three Wise Cats: A Christmas Story
By Harold M. Konstantelos and Terri Jenkins-Brady
Berkley Books; $18.95

Similar to the story of the Three Kings, “Three Wise Cats” is a charming tale of three brave kitties as they set out on a great quest that will change their lives (and the lives of those around them) forever.

The old Siamese Ptolemy was alongside his master when a star of unusual brightness was seen in the heavens, indicating an event of momentous significance, and leading to a great quest. Ptolemy must watch over his frail master, so he sends three young cats to journey in his place and fulfill the prophecy: The three shall find the one.

The three are Abishag, a sturdy reliable cat who has never shirked her duty; Kezia, a beautiful young tabby, delicate, a bit vain, but of good heart; and Ira, taller and stronger than the others, with a temper. Accompanying them is a fourth traveler- the rat Asmodeus, who can hear of no glorious thing without wanting to spoil it.

Together, the unlikely band will cover many miles, and have many dangerous adventures. And finally they will come to a far land, where the star bends close to the earth over a humble stable.

This book is one of the most delightful finds of my Christmas book search this year. Cat lovers, as well as any animal lovers will be charmed by this tale, and it is a sweet story that would be perfect to read aloud to the family this season as well as it parallels the beautiful story of the Three Kings search for the Messiah.

Many thanks to Caitlin Lyski at Berkley Publishing Group for the review copy of this charming book!

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a Christmas Basket full of reading goodies!

"Buckley's Story: Lessons from a Feline Master" by Ingrid King - Book Blog Tour

There are cat people and there are dog people. I happen to be a “cat person.” There is something satisfying about the warm purr of affection that a cat can offer her person. Of course, it’s has been said that cats don’t have owners, they have staff – they can be a tad bit superior at times, but in the end they are usually – usually- very affectionate and friendly.

Author Ingrid King writes about her love of cats in her warm and moving memoir, “Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master.” Anyone who loves pets, and cats in general, will find this fascinating story to be heartwarming, as well as heartfelt as King tells the story of how one tiny tortoise-colored cat made such an impact in her life.

The charming book would make an ideal gift for any pet lover on your Christmas list this year!

About the Book:

“Buckley’s Story” is the story of how one small cat changed the author’s life in ways she never could have imagined. In this warm-hearted memoir, Ingrid King shares the story of Buckley, a joyful, enthusiastic and affectionate tortoiseshell cat she meets while managing a veterinary hospital.

When Ingrid leaves her job at the veterinary hospital to start her own business, Buckley comes home to live with her and Amber, another tortoiseshell cat who had adopted the author several years earlier.

Buckley is diagnosed with heart disease after only two years of living with Ingrid, and caring for Buckley through her illness only deepens the bond between cat and human. Interspersed with well-researched information about cat health in general, and heart disease in particular, the author describes the challenges and rewards of managing illness in a feline companion, and ultimately helping her through the final transition. Ingrid shares both the day-to-day joys of living with a special cat as well as the profound grief that comes with losing a beloved animal companion.

“Buckley’s Story” is a celebration of the soul connection between animals and humans, a connection that is eternal and transcends the physical dimension.

An Excerpt from “Buckley’s Story”:

I met Buckley that spring of 2005. I had been managing the Middleburg Animal Hospital for seven years at that point. For the first four of those seven years, I had shared my office with Virginia, a beautiful tortoiseshell cat who had adopted me as her person and loved me utterly and completely. After she died in 2002, the office felt empty, but the right cat to take over this important position had not come along—until that spring day, when I walked into the kennel area of the hospital. Liz, our groomer, was brushing out a scruffy looking mixed breed dog, and we chatted for a while.“Have you seen the cute little tortie in the back?” Liz asked. Everybody at the animal hospital knew I was partial to tortoiseshell cats. There was something about the beautiful coloring and the distinct personality that is typical for these cats that appealed to me.
“No, I haven’t,” I responded. “Where is she?”

Liz pointed to the bank of cages at the very back of the kennel, and I went to see Buckley for the first time. And I fell in love. Hard. And fast.

About The Author:

Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager turned writer. She publishes the E-zine News for You and Your Pet, covering topics ranging from conscious living to holistic and alternative health. She shares her experiences with consciously creating a joyful, happy and healthy life for pets and people on her popular blog, The Conscious Cat. Ingrid lives in Northern Virginia with her tortoiseshell cat Amber. Visit http://www.ingridking.com/ for more information.

The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans - a beloved Christmas tradition!

Omigosh...fifteen days until Christmas! Time for the panic to begin! I've still got shopping to do, baking to bake, presents to wrap, cards to write...ack!!!

Ok, breath, slow down....take a couple of hours to read the latest book from Richard Paul Evans, and you're guaranteed to feel a little bit more of the Christmas spirit!

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without an uplifting novel of the season from author Richard Paul Evan’s. Best known for his bestselling debut novel, “The Christmas Box,” Evans has released a new Christmas story each year since.

This year’s offering is “The Christmas List,” a fascinating story of one man’s attempt to turn his life around during the holiday season.

Real-estate magnate James Kier has been a cold, ruthless businessman all his adult life, caring for no one but himself and getting rich any way he can, no matter who he hurts. But one day while away on a trip, Kier opens the paper to find his photo on the front page with his obituary. It was a case of mistaken identity, but Kier soon discovers what people really think of him as he reads the comments that accompany the obit online. He is shocked at how many people think of him as being a mean, miserable man.

Attending the visitation for the “other” James Kier, the “alive” Kier and is struck with how beloved the other man was, an ordinary man, but one blessed with a wealth of friends and family who were mourning his loss. It is then and there that James Kier decides to make amends to the many people he's hurt over the years.

Having his shocked secretary make a list of people she felt he had done wrong, Kier sets out to right the wrongs he had made, but nothing prepares him for the wide range of emotions he will come across along the way. From a punch in the face to dismay at a former friend’s new aggressive nature, Kier forges on, each encounter leading him back to the same place where all the damage began – his own family. Will he be able to reach them before it’s too late to find forgiveness.

A modern day take on the Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol,” Richard Paul Evans has once again created a beautiful story with a moral lesson that is destined to take its place among his beloved as well as bestselling novels.