Christmas Books

My in-laws got this book for all of their grandkids one year at Christmas. My son is only two and a half, but I've read it to him the past two Christmas seasons and it always makes me cry. It is a beautifully written book, with words that speak to the heart. It's nearly impossible to express in words the love that parents have for their children, but this book does a great job at doing just that. I will definitely be buying "You are My I Love You" as well.

an outstanding children's book - nice price break on it - arrived on time and in perfect shape

What a sweet, sweet message this book has...describes in a unique way just how much a child is loved.

!!!!!!Wonderful "lyrics" and beautiful message- reads like a song. This is a beautiful gift from any parent to a child who brightens your life. This would also be a lovely gift to a new parent.

Wonderful book at the chirstmas season, to help parents take a moment and read with their children. It is such a sweet book.

From the back cover:

Adorned with twinkling lights and plastic reindeer, glowing with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer, and swarming with eager merrymakers, Susan Carpenter's house is truly a sight to behold--but one that Angel Fall's resident Scrooge absolutely lothes.

Luke Potter can't stand carols, crowds, or any kind of commotion--and he's determined to put a stop to Suzi Christmas's holiday hoopla. But before his case gets to court, he gets to know the surprisingly charismatic woman he's up against. Suddenly the season seems much more joyful--but Luke's reasons for rejoicing are about to run out because he's met her under false pretenses...pretending his name is Nicolas Claus. But when Suzi learns that Nick is really Luke, will she still love him?

And my review:

Wow! This was the first book I read by Sheila Rabe, but it certainly won't be my last. I borrowed it from the library and devoured it in a day. I just couldn't put it down. (I read about 200 novels a year, so a book has to be really good for me not to be able to put it down!) As soon as I finished reading it, I ordered it off Amazon. I just had to have my own copy, because I've already re-read it, and will probably read it every year.

I thought I would hate Luke, but I didn't. He grew and changed until you loved and understood him. Even the fact that he was lying to Suzi for most of the book couldn't make you hate him, because the author showed you how much it tore him up inside to do it. You could see that underneath all the crust, he was a good person. And Suzi--she was awesome!

There was no actual sex in this book, but it was sensual, which was the perfect balance for me. Also, there were two other romance subplots going on, which were also well written, but didn't detract from the main storyline at all. And there was also humor woven in there. There were many laugh-out-loud moments. Romance, drama, laughter and Christmas. What more could you ask for?

And this was one of the few Christmas romances where the Christmas part was an integral part of the story, not something that felt tacked on afterwards.

A definate keeper. I don't give out many five-star ratings. A book really has to earn one, but this one did! I can't wait to read more stuff from this author.

Jump start into the spirit of Christmas with this witty, fun, cleaver tale. Ms. Rabe has provided me with a delightfully entertaining book, that kept the candle burning long past midnight. Truly a feel-good read, which would make a great Christmas time movie or play.

What a wonderful book Sheila Rabe has written! She wrote Regencies years ago, but while they were good, I think she's truly found her niche with this warm, funny story. The clash between Luke, who hates Christmas, and Suzy, who loves it, kept me reading well past my bedtime. I'll probably re-read it before Christmas, just for the smile.

This romance is a bit of a cross between a modern day It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Susan Carpenter, widow and mother, teaches a modern-day Grinch Scrooge, Luke Potter, the true meaning of love and the spirit of Christmas.

Sweet romance, a couple of kisses. Good to put in someone's stocking this year.

In Angel's Fall, Luke Potter is irate at Suzi "Christmas" Carpenter. Her incredible holiday display makes Times Square seem deserted, but even worse to Luke is that her activity chased away his renters. No one warned Luke about Suzi's Christmas extravaganza when he bought this property a few months ago. As he crawls through the tied up traffic to get to his rental property, Luke has since learned she has done this overkill for almost a decade.

Luke's godfather Don Rawlins lives near Suzi and detests her Yuletide show. Don offers Luke a deal. If Luke shuts down Suzi, the latter will fund, with no interest, the capital to open up a video arcade earlier than Luke planned on doing it. Luke agrees and sues Suzi. However, as he becomes acquainted with Suzi Christmas, he begins to fall in love as she melts his heart. However, he failed to inform his beloved he is the complainant in his suit and not Mr. Claus.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS is a lighthearted romantic romp with an underlying social issue. The story line is amusing though it provides insight on the complex issue of whose individual rights take precedent in a dispute between neighbors. Suzi is a warm, somewhat nutty eccentric who brightens up a neighborhood while Luke is not sure what he wants for Christmas after meeting her. Sheila Rabe illuminates the pre-holiday season with a humorous tale.

Harriet Klausner

My niece is into dancing and reading books, so the Angelina Ballerina series if perfect for her. I chose to give her this book for Christmas because it fit the holiday theme.

I really loved this book. It was my very first book I got. Of course I got it because my name is Angelina. When I was little I used to think the book was actually about me! I own the first publication of this book and noticed that in the original one I've got it says "Santa Clause" and in the new one that my little cousin has it says "Father Christmas". I don't understand the change. Although I still recommend this book for any little girl who loves to dance, or who's name is Angelina!

I came across Angelina's books a while ago. ...Great book, speaks to the kids for real

This beautifully illustrated tale gives the reader a warm feeling when a retired postal worker, who is alone in the world, is visited by Angelina and invited to appear as Father Christmas at the school Christmas show. The community appreciates his contribution and he is invited to the school show every year. This is a wonderful reminder to us all that the elderly should not only be cherished, but that they still have much to offer to the community.

Young Angelina Ballerina couldn't be more upset when she spots old Mr. Bell sitting all by his lonesome at Christmastime, looking like a sad puppy. Mr. Bell used to be the jovial postman in town, who brought gifts and cards to everyone during the holidays, and played the town Santa Claus for all of the little mouselings. Angelina, full of Christmas spirit, decides that it is up to her to make Mr. Bell's season bright. So, with the help of her young cousin Henry, as well as her father, Angelina bundles up some cookies and cakes to bring to Mr. Bell. But when they arrive, Henry is too concerned about Christmas Eve, and whether or not he will have the chance to see Santa Claus in the flesh, to notice the joy that twinkles in Mr. Bell's eyes at the prospect of visitors and good, old-fashioned holiday cheer. When Henry learns that Santa Claus comes in the middle of the night, and that he won't get to speak to the illustrious Saint Nick, he bursts out in tears. That is, until he learns that there's a live Santa Claus living amongst them all, right here in town, and that his presence will not only bring a smile to young Henry's face, but fill old Mr. Bell with the joy of the holiday, as well.

ANGELINA BALLERINA can be called nothing less than a children's icon. Her presence in numerous glorious children's books, and now in her own TV show make her more and more well-known, while her lovable, kind heart grows bigger by the day. Katharine Holabird works wonders with a pen, as she tells the tales of the young, ballet-loving mouseling who has big dreams, accompanied by an even bigger heart; while the gorgeous, full-color illustrations by Helen Craig bring each and every Angelina "tail" to life. ANGELINA'S CHRISTMAS is a charming addition to the mouseling library, and a wonderful holiday classic for all!

Erika Sorocco

One of the best Christmas books I have read. This will be a must read EVERY year for me.

At The Manger: The Stories Of Those Who Were There by Peter V. Orullian is a touching and imaginative novel about what it must have truly been like to witness the birth of Jesus Christ. Presenting viewpoints of this monumental event from a wide variety of perspectives imbued with humility and respectful wonder, At The Manger is highly recommended as uplifting, thoughtful, and thoroughly entertaining reading.

This book is a work of fiction surrounding the nativity. It doesn't tell the stories of anyone the Gospels identify as being there-- Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men (though indications are the wise men arrived a year or two after Jesus' birth, long after Joseph and Mary settled into a house in Bethlehem)-- but rather speculates on what other people might have been drawn to the manger, telling their tales from their perspectives. In general, the stories were touching and inspiring and I enjoyed the book. It was a quick read. Each story stood on its own, but there was a connecting thread between them, so the book was, indeed, a book rather than simply a collection of stories centered around the manger.

I did, however, have some... not really complaints so much as vague disaffections with the book.

For one, few of the people in the book were drawn to the manger by the shepherds' story, as one might suppose. Rather, most of them seem to have stumbled upon the scene or been drawn there by the star. That bothered me a bit. I've never felt that the star was particularly spectacular-- only the wise men, who were stargazers by profession, are ever mentioned as having even noticed it. The angels didn't instruct the shepherds to follow it, but rather to seek a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Nevertheless, various people in the stories follow the star to the manger, where they recall half-forgotten tales their parents or grandparents or whoever told them that lead them to immediately conclude that this baby must be the Messiah.

Which is, in fact, my second problem. While the prophecies are there in the Old Testament, they're not all in one place and until Jesus fulfilled them, weren't often seen as referring to the Messiah. That's why so many Jews then and to this day do not recognise Jesus as (having been) the Messiah. He didn't fit what they expected. Now, people who heard the shepherds' story might be expected to think the baby Jesus might be the Messiah, but those having just stumbled on the manger? I'm just not so sure.

My third problem is a little more difficult to explain. But I had a sense of dissatisfaction with the author's selection of characters whose tales make up the book. Oh, the characters were realistic enough, well-rounded and realised. But, they were all people who were down on their luck, unrepentant dregs of society, and/or in despair. While the birth of the Christ certainly speaks to those people, then, today and in the future, the story isn't just for them. I felt by leaving out the well-to-do (and those who were perhaps not wealthy but getting by adequately and mostly happy with their life) that the author somehow implied that the Christmas story has nothing for them, doesn't apply to them.

So, while it was an enjoyable read, to me it felt unfinished, as if the stories of the other people who, surely, must have been there got left out. While these stories were wonderful, I would like to read those other stories, too.

This is an amazing new Christmas story. I love books that make me think and take me out of my comfort zone. "At the Manger" was a cause for personal reflection and a series of short stories that all weave together the lessons of giving and personal sacrifice. At the Manger TOUCHED MY HEART. It is an awesome book to add to your collection.

I must admit I am not usually a reader of Christmas stories. In fact, I only picked this book up on the recommendation of a friend. Upon reading it, however, I found it to be a great read, with excellent writing and intriguing plotlines, brought together by the central event. I would definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy Christmas stories, as well as those who just enjoy a well written, well crafted read!

Candle is a gentle, refined Basenji who "brought a glow into human hearts when she was near." Her story explains several Basenji physical traits as relating to the birth of Christ and her journey with the wise men. This must have been written by someone who loves a Basenji as much as I love my Basenji companion. The care given to the illustrations and the joy within them captures the Basenji spirit and soul. It may seem like a child's Christmas story but anyone who loves a Basenji will delight in it. It is a small cost for something that brings deep joy and although I bought it on a whim it has become one of my most treasured books. If you know a Basenji lover, scoop this one up.

This story is not only wonderful for children, but also adult basenji lovers. A must for ever family who has ever had or known a basenji. Candle will find a place in your heart forever!

A must for a Basenji lover's library.

A delightful story for all ages, this beautifully illustrated tale of the little Basenji who shares in the joy and wonder of the first Christmas is truly a timeless classic!

A basenji friendly household boasted of a pair of breeding basenjis and their two adorable puppies. The senior basenjis told their puppies the story of Candle, a basenji ancestor who really did show everyone the way.

An African breed that boasts of a more than 2,000 year history, the famed "barkless" dog (basenjis yodel and make laughing noises instead), these dogs were the loved pets of Egyptian aristocracy and nobility. The story of Candle takes place in Egypt.

A lovable young basenji named Candle is the adored pet in a royal household. Basenjis, naturally intelligent and curious were aware that something wonderful and miraculous was about to take place. The "basenji network" were aware that the days of excess and idolatry were soon to be challenged; a miracle was on the way.

Candle and her owner, a young Egyptian gentleman saw the Star shining brightly in the East and knew they had to follow it....

Readers will yodel with delight as well. This is truly a wonderful family bonding book and it is certainly a beautiful illustration of love and faith. I can't recommend it highly enough. I love it! The lovely illustrations and the gentle story will captivate readers of all ages.

Candle will light a path to the hearts of all who read her story.

i recieved this book for christmas last year i read it in 2 days and passed it on to my mother we both enjoyed it very much

Chicken Soup books are a wonderful addition to any personal library. The Christmas Treasury stories really put you in a Christmas Holiday mood. They are heart warming stories and are a must read for this time of year. Be sure to keep a box of tissues handy.

I have never bought a Chicken Soup for the Soul book I didn't like. The stories always get to me and tug at my heart. I especially love holiday stories and read them to my kids during devotion time after dinner. Also great to read after Advent Devotions. I especially love Chicken Soup for The Christian Families Soul. You wont be dissappointed with this book.

I had never read a "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book but I had heard such good things about them that I decided to pick this one up and sure enough it's great!! It really got me in a holiday spirit which I needed and the first story made me want to cry. I can't wait to finish this book and get it out next year. I might even buy a few copies for my friends. I really want to read more of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series and I think you should too!

For the last couple of years I have shared these stories with my family at Christmas time. I am eager to see if there is a sequel to this book already published or one in the works. It is so easy to get caught in the commercial mess and frenzied pace of Christmas that it is so easy to forget what the season is about. From what I understand some of the stories were directly written for this book and others came from other Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Higher recommended reading for anyone who loves the holidays but occasionally forgets what the meaning of the season is.

I love all of the Cape Light Books. I hope there will be more than 8. They are so relaxing to read, and they make you feel like you really know all the people. They bring in the Christian parts of the book and make you feel so much closer to God. I love the books so much.

Once again, visiting the fictional Cape Light for Christmas is almost like going home for Christmas! The familiar characters are like family, and the story is always interesting, uplifting, and believable. Kinkade and Spencer are truly a team of authors that bring fiction to life and build a fan-base of people, like me, who are looking for good, clean reads that have a posative Christian message.

As with all of the Cape Light novels Thomas Kinkade brings the characters to light for a teary, jaw dropping, happy loving novel. All of the past characters are brought into this book so you don't forget anyone and we even meet a new one...who is painted perfectly, you just want to tell her to go home! A book you'll want to keep reading, then when it's over, you just want MORE! I can't wait to read the next one "A Christmas to Remember"

The book is written a bit like the Mitford Series in that it is a small united community with all the ups and downs of life. There are personality clashes, misunderstandings, discouragement and all the other negatives in human relations. However, the journey to learning to love and accept others and ourselves is full of interesting thought provoking experiences.

I have read each book in this collection in a day I can never put them down..He writes with hope just like he paints the light in his pictures..I don't know how he does it but he captured my heart with this uplifting story ..we hear of so many disturbing stories and so much trash in books these days it was just awesome to read a book that made me feel good about the world and to give me hope .I love these books waiting for the next book.

This is a wonderful and very moving book that would be a wonderful gift for anyone in your family or friends. I bought one for each of my children and their families to have for Christmas and for anytime they need to be thankful for their family.

This gorgeous little book presents a rich and heart-wracking story about a man in search of his past and identity. Jack Davenport is a successful journalist and struggling husband, trying to fulfill a holiday assignment while effectively fleeing a fight with his wife. After receiving a mysterious photograph in the mail, he heads to Texas for his work assignment and pays a visit to Clearwater, the little town from which the photograph was sent. In the midst of his trip, he finds the heart-breaking tale of two family tragedies, a Christian man rent by his past mistakes, the truth of redeeming love..and the revelation of his lost past.

In just 48 pages, amazing storyteller Max Lucado pens a beautifully haunting tale that left me marveling at its truth and power. This book is wonderfully made: not only is the story awesome, but it's accompanied with gorgeous photographs of the characters and envelopes with tokens of the tale hidden inside. I found myself sorry that the tale was over when I finished it! Buy this book; it's a treasure and you will never forget it.

This book is so great and sad. I'm not very emotional and I almost cried. It shows how any sin no matter how great it is can be forgiven by God because He loves us so much. I also recommend other Max Lucado books like Cosmic Christmas.

I started this book in the evening of Christmas Eve and finished it the minute I woke on the next morning. Never did I think a book could change my whole attitude. And on top of it all, my husband was listening to a Christian radio station and Max Lucado was reading this book on Christmas morning. My family huddled around the book and "read" along with the author. Now every year, I will be reading this book on Christmas Eve--hopefully out loud to anyone that will listen.

I got this book for Christmas last year from my Aunt and I read it that night... it was such and wonderful story it made me cry. This book really makes you think about how important it is to have family and friends around for Christmas and all through the year. The way the book is desinged and the little truesures that it holds makes you want to dive right in the story and it leaves you with a deep feeling of saddness and happiness. And when i have children i am planning on giving this book to them and to have it out every Christmas so that others can read is heart-warming story. Merry Christmas!

The knowledge the authors have on Christmas collectibles is massive. They are historical,and humorous. I bought the first book when I started collecting pixies and learned so much more from them about trim, authenticity and why people started decorating the way they did from the early 1900's through the 60's. This book is lovely, but their other book is better. I hope they write a third.

This is a such a fun little book! Warm holiday memories, lots of humor and beautiful photography. I thoroughly enjoyed every page! The best gift book you will ever find for a vintage/antique ornament collector.

Charming and nostalgic, giving us a glimpse into the history of holiday adornment. A great stocking stuffer!

Debbie Elliott

Even if you're not particularly sentimental about Christmas, the images and recollections of the authors are a delightful experience. The photos and graphics are charming and magical, obviously done by people who truely love the Christmas season. Anyone can appreciate the vintage flavor of this little gem.

This book brings back so many great memories of Christmas and decorating the tree. It was so much fun reading and looking through every page for ornaments that we might have had on our trees over the years and seeing the many different kinds of ornaments. It is a book that I will spend much time reading and viewing for many, many years.

This was without reserve the best Christmas music and movie review book I have ever read. The comments were both intelligent and funny. The whole book was both well researched and entertaining. The world is a better place because of this book.

Once you get this book, you may not want to have another Christmas without it.

In more than 280 pages, the authors discuss all things Christmas as they pick their "Top 10" in categories ranging from mistletoe to carols, from rangifer tarandus (reindeer) to animated cartoons. The choices are necessarily subjective, and much of the text is funny, filled with references to pop culture, music, TV and film. Pick your idea of the 10 worst Christmas songs on the radio, and see if your list compares with theirs.

The authors include scads of trivia and the inside scoop on holiday history and traditions you may never have heard of.

As you enjoy the nostalgia you'll also find useless but fascinating stuff like this: Somebody figured out that Santa has to visit 91.8 million homes in 31 hours, which means he has to make 822.6 visits per second and travel at 650 miles per second. Whew!

This would be the perfect book to have on hand for guests at Christmas, and it would make a great conversation-starter. It's fully indexed, and the bibliography includes quite a few Web sites for follow-up.

CHRISTMAS'S MOST WANTED is a reference book about Christmas customs, traditions, songs, films, evergreen trees, music, cards, foods, and a lot more.

Do you associate a certain film with Christmas? Well, this book gives detailed information in the chapter called Holiday Movie Classics. Some of the old movies mentioned are: Holiday Inn (1942), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), It's A Wonderful Life (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and White Christmas (1954). With each film, a brief summary of the storyline is given and all of the actors are named. I have to say that was my favorite chapter.

You can also learn about the tradition of mistletoe, sending cards, singing carols, how Santa's reindeer were named and questions you never even thought to ask!

The book answers a lot of questions and I thought it was well researched, but this is primarily a secular book so don't expect many religious topics. Most of the religious references are in the chapter called Nollaig Shona which is Merry Christmas in Irish. The two references that I found to the Magi (Wise Men or Three Kings) was in a paragraph about the song, "Twelve Days of Christmas." In the song, the Twelfth Day is the Epiphany, the day that the Three Kings brought gifts for the Baby Jesus. (That's the reason that many of us leave our Christmas trees up until, January 6, which is the twelfth day of Christmas). The other reference was about a piece that was done by Dave Brubeck.

The word Christmas comes from two words put together. They are Christ's Mass.

This book will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit as you learn everything you wanted to know about Christmas but are afraid to ask! I highly recommend this as a read for yourself and a stocking stuffer for others.

This book is a real treat. It's a lot of fun to read about all the different kinds of trivia in here. I love holiday music, and it talks about all the great ones, and some new ones I haven't heard of before! And the movies and cartoons, brings back a lot of childhood memories.

Tons of short, fun, interesting snippets of holiday information. Just perfect to pick and read for a few minutes. This book is the perfect holiday "bathroom" book, and I don't mean that in a bad way. There's something in here for everyone, and tons of short, fun, and interesting trivia about Christmas. As the other review said, you can read a chapter or two then come back to it later.

Leave it out for guests to read, too. It makes Christmas more fun!