Handcarved Christmas by Cynthia Hickey

A Historical Christian Romance Christmas Novella

Things I look for in a good book are characters that come to life and settings I can see. I found both in this book!  I also have a soft spot for tales set in the 1800's. Laura is a mail order bride, brought there by the brother of the groom, without his knowledge.  As soon as Ben found out what Sam did, he was grateful for the Christmas gift of this beautiful girl. A girl who fulfilled the wish of his dying mother and also wanted to be a part of their ranch and his life in Montana. Both unsure of how the other really feels about them, the rest of the book is about how they get to know one another and become man and wife, following the plan that God had made for them. 

I found some inconsistencies in timelines and grammar that slowed the story down a little bit for me, which is why I gave it four stars instead of five.  Otherwise, this is one of the best Novellas I've read.

I received this book in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.

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The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I had received the e-mail from Carrie Fancett Pagels that I had won the Jen Turano book. In our correspondence as to how I would receive the book, Carrie asked if I would like to review her new Novella. Of course I said yes. Well, I now have another "favorite" author to follow!  I really enjoyed reading about Jo and Tom. Carrie brings them to life - you want to keep following their lives when you're done. Maybe there will be a sequel? Hint hint Carrie :) Maybe you did too good a job?

My review:
A lovely tale set in the white pines of a lumber camp in early Michigan.  Jo is the boss' lovely daughter and camp cook. She loves
her family but wishes to break away for a life of her own. Then Tom comes to the camp to work - actually a teacher, but taking the job of a lumberjack to earn extra money for himself and his widowed mother.  Each has been praying for God's direction in their life, and doesn't realize what He has been working out in the background for their future. The fruitcake challenge provides romantic spice and will make you hungry throughout the story, so be prepared with a cup of tea and dessert as you curl up with this story. Sweetly satisfying, a wonderful example of how God works in the lives of the faithful.

I received this book from Carrie Fancett Pagels at "Overcoming With God"
Link to Amazon: http://amzn.to/1wo6mIs
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A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

When Carrie notified me that I had won this book by Jen Turano I was so surprised. As I mentioned in my previous post, I don't usually win things, and this was the second book I had won. Very exciting for me! And the chance to "meet" Carrie Fancett Pagels, which has been a great pleasure.
If you haven't read a book by Jen Turano - do it. You'll most surely want to read the whole series of the Ladies of Distinction books. One book follows the other, going into more detail of one of the characters. Fast paced books that will leave you in stitches!

My review:
The fourth in the Ladies of Distinction series, another hit by Jen Turano. If you've read the previous books, you'll be used to the non-stop antics of the characters you've glimpsed before, each as endearing as the other. There's a mystery to be solved, by a Gilded Age lady of society - big hearted, clutsy and beautiful. And of course it wouldn't be a romance without a handsome gentleman from the same society and family connections, who is of course highly successful as well as daft when it comes to women and somewhat mixed up with his life. Oh yes, and this story includes a brilliant pig!

The completely delightful style of Jen Turano is a pleasure to read. Never a dull moment, frantically paced and also Christian, with lessons interspersed. Sit back, unwind and be completely entertained!


I received this book from Carrie Fancett Pagels at "Overcoming With God"


Link to book on Amazon

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