Christmas Books

Francisco Jimenez weaves a beautiful story of a very poor, almost destitute, migrant family and their son Panchito. Panchito learns that even though he will not be getting what he most wants for Christmas, he learns the true "gift" of Christmas is having his family and their williness to sacrifice for a better life. A story for all ages and ethnicties to enjoy and savor one of the true meanings of Christmas. ..Oh, and it takes place in my own hometown which made it all the more endearing..

This is yet another powerful children's book by Francisco Jiménez. His books, based upon his own experiences as a child of migrant farmworkers, are consistently both beautiful and instructive, heart-rending and joyous. For the vast majority of Americans who don't think about the lives of the people pick and process the food we eat, this book is a gentle, but strong reminder of the continued existance of poverty in our nation.

Many Christmas books talk about wonderous gifts and fantasy that is often too commercial. This wonderful story will help children find the true meaning behind Christmas, and see that everybody does not experience Christmas in the same manner, or get every thing they want.

I actually found this book in a barber shop. The illustrations got the attention of my 2 year old. What a find! Every parent regardless of the age of their children should read this book at bed time. It had the attention of my four children, ages 2 to 10. I actually felt like I was reading my parents, and grandparents Christmas story. I was lucky enough to not have to live my life through rough times like this. I was able to have the education that my parents and grandparents worked so hard for, but only could dream of. This story helped me remember and appreciate all they had to endure. What a story it brought me back to my roots. Only warning I have for future readers... have tissues close at hand!

A true story from the author's childhood, this is a beautiful and moving tale told simply in both English and Spanish. My wife and I were both dabbing our eyes with handkerchiefs by the time we finished reading. The illustrations are very well done and enhance the message of the book. Highly recommended as an antidote to the typical materialist emphasis of Christmas.

A Christmas Guest by David LaRochelle has been our family's alltime favorite Christmas story. The story about a small boy and his mother entertaining an angel unaware is timelessly beautiful and in keeping with the true Christmas spirit. This treasure of a book is now out of print and I would love it if everybody would write to the publishers, Lerner Books Publishing, Carolrhoda books...and ask them to reprint it so that everyone can have a copy of this fine book. The pictures are poignantly lovely and the book is in rhyme. It is a great book to read to small children right before bed as it is easily read in ten minutes. It is also a great book to read to adults!

A story you won't soon forget. Had the pleasure of hearing it several years back at womens fellowship meeting. I can't get the story off my mind. I'm one who believes angels are a big part of our lives. It captured my heart and I'm thankfull for Amazon because the book is no longer in print.It will be a part of our Christmas tradition for the rest of my life. Thanks Amazon!

This beautifully written Christmas story captivates young and old readers alike. It has become a tradition for our family to read it every Christmas Eve (and throughout the year!). After only one reading of the book, it becomes a treasure. Thank you, Mr. LaRochelle, for this marvelous book.

A Christmas Guest is my families' favorite Christmas story. It captures the spirit of Christmas in a beautifully illistrated fashion. It is a wonderful book to read alone or to a group. My wife shares it with the kids' classes at school every year. It is truly a Christmas Classic!!

A story you won't soon forget. Had the pleasure of hearing it several years back at womens fellowship meeting. I can't get the story off my mind. I'm one who believes angels are a big part of our lives. It captured my heart and I'm thankfull for Amazon because the book is no longer in print.It will be a part of our Christmas tradition for the rest of my life. Thanks Amazon!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Christmas House. Once I got a few chapters into the book I had trouble putting it down. It is a well written story that throws in a few twists and will keep you involved from start to finish. I have shared it with friends and family who have enjoyed it just as much as I have. I recommend The Christmas Story for any age!

The Christmas House had me from start to finish. I couldn't wait to open the book again and find out what happened next. I'm pretty good at guessing what happens, and the Christmas House threw a few curve balls at me. It was entertaining, emotional, and ecstatic all at the same time! I've already passed this along to others to enjoy. I will recommend it to anyone and any age! I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy. Truly a classic!

The Christmas House is a wonderful, warm and healtfelt story that, although has a flavor of the movie "Its A Wonderful Life", is a unique and emotion filled exploration of the relationships
of the heart and soul at 148 Festive Lane, and the eventual magic that unfolds.

A well-written story draws you into the scenes and characters, and "The Christmas House" does just that. You become involved in the lives of Michael and Arianna and those who come to visit that special address in Lake Forest, Illinois.

As you read and feel this book, you will want such a place to exist, and the author does a convincing job of making the reader believe that it does, in the heart and mind of every person. It can be "A Wonderful Life" at "The Christmas House", and although life does indeed have many twists and turns, you'll want to walk up the peaceful snow-covered sidewalk and peer in the windows, and, as you do, you just mind find someone you know living there!

I love and recommend this book!

Robert Kramer

As a full time working mom and mother of 2 young children, it is rare that I have any time to enjoy reading a book. And if I do finally have time. . . it better be good!

The Christmas House is a wonderful book! I had not heard much about it, but once I was into the book, I couldn't put it down. It has unexpected turns and twists and a story line that was so well written. Finally a book that my whole family can read!
Thank you for adding such a classic to our library.
The Stutts Family

It made me wish it was Christmas right now! All the family coming over and visiting, all the food! (The present opening!) Ha! But this book was more than that, it had alot of heart. I sure didn't expect the ending!

There is something special and inspiring in Michelle Webster's `The Christmas Miracle' that will captivate you from the very first page.

Though Christmas is the seasonal theme, Michelle Webster's book, the Christmas Miracle, published by Four Sonkist Angels Christian Publishing Company, delves into the lives of several characters, touching your heart with the emotions each display: a mom who has turned her back to the faith she once held dear, a father who stands back and wishes for some kind of miracle to make his wife see the light once more, a wife and daughter dealing with the loss of a loved one. These are just some of the emotional upsets you will experience in The Christmas Miracle.

But by far, Michelle's little angel star throughout, four-year old Skyler Dawn, digs deep within your soul with her humor and `naïve smartness', offering bits of love and her undying faith that all will turn out for the best.

Michelle Webster has a gift, the gift of voice throughout her book. Through her characters and words, readers can perhaps see themselves in this family's situation and find their own solution to what ails them.

Christmas is said to be a season of hope and love and the Christmas Miracle is a perfect gift for this and all coming seasons.

Excellent story that reminds us of the richness of families. SUPER christmas gift.

This book is a great Christmas story for your whole family to sit around the fire and read together. Michelle Bailey Webster is a wonderful woman and also very kind. I believe this was a great start to her five book series. This book shows how many miracles God does for us. In conclusion this was the best book I've read this whole year.

I thought this book was awesome! My mom suggested I read the book and I am so glad I did. The characters reminded me of many people in my own life, and although I haven't experienced the same events, I was able to relate to the emotions of each character. I always look forward to the Christmas specials on TV and as I was reading this book, I could envision each scene on the screen. I hope this becomes a movie because I'd certainly add it to my Christmas collection.

This sweet story reminds the reader not only of the true meaning of Christmas, but also of the importance of family and the incredible healing power of love. For someone who might benefit from these reminders, there is not a more appropriate Christmas gift.

I felt Susannah's fascination with the legends of Snowbird Mountain - with Ryan Whitepath and his Cherokee heritage and his love for his daughter, Nia.

I couldn't understand how Susannah could get involved sexually with Ryan when she knew she couldn't stay.
That kind of bonding always leads to heartbreak for one partner when the other is selfishly going to go on their way.

They were adult [maybe]enough to make their choices not strong enough to avoid temptation.
Ideally one does not make a sexual advance unless one is ready to make an emotional commitment. Why do authors continually make this mistake. There is too much PMS [premarital sex] carried on today to the detriment of the young.

Wonderful story otherwise, and great but misguided characters, enough humor, emotional tension and uneasy love to make a great story. Loved Nana and the repartee with brother Joe.

I thoroughly enjoyed the revealed insights gained by the author from her research into the Cherokee of South Carolina -- I didn't know that they lived there.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED --M definitely a keeper to enjoy again.

I was totally captivated with this book. The characters, description of the scenery, heritage and traditions made me feel as if I was there with Susannah and Ryan. The touching and complete love that Ryan had for his daughter was truely wonderful to read and feel. This was the first book that I have read by Fay Robinson but certainly will not be my last. I just found a new favorite writer.

Fay Robinson, my mother, passed away on Dec. 2, 2002. Christmas on Snowbird Mountain was her fifth book published. My mother, in one form or another, has been an amazing writer her whole life. She was a journalism major in college and went on to write for several newspapers when one day my late grandmother asked her "If you could do anything, what would it be?" My mother responded that "I want to be a writer. I've always wanted to write books." My grandmother asked what was stopping her (it had also been my grandmother's dream to write). Fast forward several years later, and my mother receives word that her novel A Man Like Mac has been accepted for publication. Her dream came true. And as a dedication, my mother used Fay Robinson as her pseudonym, which was my grandmother's maiden name. Fay Robinson will be terribly missed by all of us, but thankfully we can take comfort in the fact that she got to live out her dreams. I hope you enjoy her final book, Christmas on Snowbird Mountain.

After years of caring for her mother, Susannah Pelton needs to experience life at its fullest. She's devised a list of adventures and she tackles them one by one. During a bridge jump she lands on rocks and breaks her arm, and when she moves on to her next quest--to create a lasting work of art--she becomes the wounded red bird who will heal Cherokee Ryan Whitepath's young daughter Nia from Separation Disorder, according to the hunky mosaic artist's grandmother.

Ryan reluctantly invites Susannah into his home on the pretext of providing art lessons in exchange for office work, but he's desperate to help his young daughter who shuns everyone but Susannah, who herself has experienced great loss. It's what Susannah has come for; it's another quest to complete and mark off her list. She'll only stay until Christmas. Love gets in the way, though, and Ryan must somehow convince her that life on Snowbird Mountain is the most rewarding quest of all.

Fay Robinson's final book is a tribute to her enormous talent. Her characters' realism makes this a page turner to the very end. Not only is she a consummate artist with story and words, but in Christmas on Snowbird Mountain she has superbly dealt with real life situations in a manner where they are believable yet don't overshadow the romance. Do yourself a favor and seek out all five of her books for your keeper shelf. Talent like this comes along rarely. Very Highly Recommended.

Nine years of caring for her mother leaves Susannah Pelton longing to push the limits, to experience danger, to take life into her own hands. Unfortunately, the landing of her jump did not go very smoothly and now she wears a cast on her arm. Ironically, it is that cast and her flaming red hair that lets Ryan Whitepath know she is fulfillment of his grandmother's vision. His grandmother had said a redbird with a broken wing would bring healing to his wounded daughter.

Six-year-old Nia suffers from Separation Disorder, brought about by her mother's death to pancreatic cancer. Although the child had never lived with her mother in London, only visiting a half dozen times, Nia fears losing her father the same way she has lost her mother. Anxiety attacks and depression have replaced her vibrant personality. Then she meets Susannah, a woman who also suffered tremendous loss. But Susannah only plans to stay until Christmas, and it is up to Ryan to transform the temporary that into forever.

Author Fay Robinson's first Christmas book, CHRISTMAS ON SNOWBIRD MOUNTAIN with enthrall readers with her beauty and grace. Robinson displays rare qualities among series romance, where novels are often read and quickly, and just as quickly forgotten. She writes with the beauty of a poet, drawing the reader into a world of imagination bidding them to linger in entrancing possibilities. Susannah's life goals will charm readers, and provides the perfect introduction to Ryan. Robinson pays respective homage to the Indian customs and legends, lending the novel a rich background that proves mesmerizing. CHRISTMAS ON SNOWBIRD MOUNTAIN comes very highly recommended.

This is a timeless story about giving that is perfect for the holiday season. The author does a wonderful job in retelling this inspiring story. And the illustrations are marvelous! The artist really brings the story to life.

Also recommended: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices

You can't go wrong with this book. It is a touching story that is perfect for all ages. My younger kids as well as my older ones enjoy this story. I bought a book for each of them. Linda Bethers knows how to tell a story that goes straight to your heart. Read it! You'll be glad you did.

My brother, Jason, turned me onto two fantastic Christmas books. The first of course, was Christmas Oranges. What a great, timeless story for people of all ages!

Bethers does a wonderful job of retelling the story. And Sowards is nothing short of a GENIUS. If you don't believe me, get the book and take a look at the back cover. Notice how the light is absorbed by the orange, and the light you see is coming out from INSIDE the orange...Who knows how Sowards does it...but suffice to say he is a master painter...And all the other illustrations are just as great.

And back to the text, the tone is just perfect throughout. The story is the perfect length. It will lift your heart.

The second book my brother gave me? "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices," by John Allen. Get your kleenex, folks, for this one. The book reads like non-fiction; but it's actually a work of fiction inspired by a true event. (Allen reveals this in the afterword.)

Both books have made my Christmas giving a lot easier. A book and a card and I'm done. (And I hear nothing but good things from those on my Christmas list.)

So thanks, Jason...

Now for this year: I'm thinking of giving the great old classic A Christmas Carol...can't go too wrong with a classic, can you?

Each year I look for one or two fabulous christmas stories to add to our family collection. This year The Christmas Orange is one of our picks. Fabulous illustrations and a tender story which is a great read aloud, especially for older elementary school aged children. Highly recommended.

This book is a story wonderfully told for all ages. It is beautifully illustrated. It teaches all of us the true meaning of Christmas. It will definately become a tradition at our house.

I was looking for a different idea for a holiday party. This book provided it along with all the information I needed to make the party a success. Ms. Dytrych does party planning with such flare. I had great fun just reading the different ideas she had come up with. Can't wait to throw another party from her book.

This book makes party-throwing a pleasure - not work. Ms. Dytrych's ideas will inspire even the most reclusive reader to kick up his or her heels and party. After all, Ms. Dytrych has already done the hardest part for us - the planning. She has thought everything through for us - the theme, invitations, food, decorations, etc. All we have to do is pick the theme we like best and then do it! Many of the ideas can also be adapted for year-round party-giving, so we can party anytime we feel like it - not just at Christmas. Since this book is totally fun to read, it's not hard to imagine that the parties will turn out the same way. I can't wait for December!

I found this party book very helpful for planning gatherings with friends and family. The ideas were very detailed and quite unique. It's a great book for anyone without imagination.

This book is not only fun to read but easy to follow. I had a "Don't Be Bored, Get Out the Board" party last month with the "Mars/Venus" board game. It was a huge success and no one wanted the night to end (especially since we were all dressed in pajamas!) I am now planning a "Mad Chatter Tea Party" for my daughter's end-of-the-year school party. She and her little girl friends can't wait -- and neither can I! Needless to say, I am looking forward to Ms. Dytrych's future party ideas!

I enjoy a fun time like the next guy, But I am just a regular slob. Until I read this book, my parties would be a loud TV, louder music, beer and a bag of chips. Special parties might involve dip. This book throws the door wide open! My guests, especially the girls, think I'm loaded with great ideas. I love this book!

Kay Stockham has created a winner! A Christmas to Remember is about love lost, love found, friends, family and life. What else could you ask for?Ms. Stockham's world will draw you in and leave you waiting impatiently for the next story. In my opinion, a good story can make you laugh, cry and celebrate with the characters made real in your mind with the help of a terrific story teller like Ms. Stockham.

Harriet and Laurie have done a great job summarizing the story above, so I'll move on to what I loved. Stockham's books get better with every one she writes, but this story is special.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the way she handled the character of Beau Buchanan's father. Can you imagine how horrible it must have been for that man to find out his own son had died? Stockham doesn't shy away from these difficult feelings and the emotional journey you take with the
characters is worth the ride.

Don't miss this one!

This is the first review I have ever posted for any book or author. So, that alone should count for something. I read about 200 books a year if not more and I truly enjoyed "A Christmas to Remember". Kay is a wonderful author, who truly draws in the reader with her captivating characters and storyline. I literally could not put this book down, reading early into the AM did not make my hubby too happy. This is a great book for you to share with your friends and family who love a happy ending and a great romance. Now, I have to buy and read all of the other books from Kay Stockham. Don't you love it when you find a great author??

A Christmas To Remember is a treasure of a holiday story by Kay Stockham.

Waking up in a hospital was confusing enough, not remembering who he was frightening. They tell him his name is Beau Buchanan but nothing is clicking. Beau goes home with the man who says he is his dad and tries to get back his previous life. Helping Pop on the construction site Beau finds himself attracted to the landscaper Marley Pierce.

Marley is trying to put her past behind her. Seeing Beau again has shaken her to her very core. To top it off he doesn't remember her or the pain he cost her. Marley tries to put up walls regarding Beau but there is something different about this man. He is not the same selfish uncaring young man. Could he have really have changed that much?

As the days pass Beau and Marley are drawn closer together. Beau starts to remember things, that led him to believe he isn't this man Beau but Beau's Marine Buddy Jack Brody.

Jack's remembrance causes deep-seated feelings to come flooding back. He must come to terms with this past before he can have any type of future with Marley.

A Christmas To Remember is a book of deep emotions. It will make you cry and smile with joy. Jack and Marley's journey is not an easy one but its one to treasure.

When Beau Buchanan wakes to find himself in a military hospital, the severe pain of his injuries and the inability to recall the explosion that put him there are seriously troubling, but it's the not knowing his own identity that causes him the most distress. Once he has healed sufficiently, he goes home and begins the trying task of getting back into the workforce as an electrician with his father's company. An attractive woman doing landscaping in the same housing project catches his eye and as soon as she recognizes him, she tears into him, obviously very upset to see him. Of course, he doesn't recognize her and is determined to find out what happened between them to cause the pain in her eyes. Beau keeps pushing until he finds that her name is Marley Pierce and that they had a brief past together, one that ended with her pregnant and him skipping out on her. He is shocked to think that he could act so abominably towards her. As he begins to experience glimpses of his past in brief flashbacks, he is more confused than ever when they just don't seem to fit with the man he has become.
Marley is shocked to see Beau Buchanan working across the street. He broke her young heart years before, ditching her and leaving her alone and pregnant. Marley's pregnancy was a major source of painful gossip in their small town, contributing to her mother's breakdown, and no one in her family could forgive Beau for the destruction his actions caused within their family. The more time Marley spends with this very different Beau, the more she begins to question her feelings for him as well as her relationship with her family, especially her mother.
Kay Stockham never fails to deliver an emotion-packed story with characters whose lives and backgrounds are realistic and slightly flawed. A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER is no exception, proving that things and people aren't always what they seem. Marley and Beau had troubles in their past, but new discoveries and revelations could open their future to unexpectedly brightness, but only if they are willing to open their hearts. This book belongs on every holiday shopping list!

What a fantastic craft book: explicitly written and beautifully photographed and illustrated. I can't wait to get started, and hope I can have it for my grandchildren to enjoy this Christmas.

I am a Christmas enthusiast and this book has been great for my wife to begin a new hobby and make her own Christmas accessories. Its idea for anyone that loves Christmas and wants to start a new hobby. The step by step instructions are easy for the beginning crafter. The Christmas Tree Advent calendar is a great gift for everyone!!!!

This Advent tree quilt would be a great gift idea for all families. Children would enjoy marking each day with an ornament and make Christmas a more meaningful time, and helping the time go faster for those eagerly waiting for the big day. Children would also enjoy helping make the quilt..they could pick out the fabric and buttons they like and make it more personal.

I was looking for just the right gift for my mom to work on as an arts and crafts project with the "craft-ladies" at our church. Ruthy's book is easy to read, the pictures are clear and well sequenced so it's truly a step by step book!

A perfect gift and a lovely book.

Every child looks forward to Christmas but my son especially looks forward to each December when he can use our Christmas Tree Advent Calendar to help him remember how many more days there are until Christmas. Last December, so that all of the children in his first grade class could learn (and have fun) from using it, we let him take it to school. We hung the tree in his classroom and each day during the month of December the teacher let a different child pick an ornament to hang on it. She told me that the children absolutely loved it.

I purchased both of Susan Allen's Crocheted Christmas Cover books and was truly pleased with them. I enjoy many types of crafts, but especially crochet, so when I started working on her patterns, and saw how quickly they made up it was a real treat! I especially enjoy the gasps of pleasure and awe that I receive from family and friends when I show off my finished ornaments. They're such a treasure and a great way to make a few extra dollars during the holidays. They can also be an easy but special gift for your 'long list' of friends and co-workers. I can't wait to start my batch for Christmas 2001. Thanks Susan!

From the minute I received Susan Allen's 1st book of crochet patterns to cover ordinary Christmas balls with a crocheted cover in metallic thread, I couldn't wait to get started. Not only was I fascinated with "the look" of the metallic crocheted thread, but her clever way to cover the Christmas balls made the task go lightning quick. The patterns are easy to follow and the color photos are so glittery and festive.

I had tried other ornament cover patterns before, but they were cumbersome once you had to insert the ornament. But those days are over since these patterns use a very innovative way to cover ornaments. There are a variety of patterns to follow in this book, so you can have fun creating different color combinations. I gave some of my crocheted ornaments to a friend wrapped up in a Christmas basket this year and she said she didn't have the heart to put them away after the holidays because of their beauty!

If you love to crochet as I do, you will find this book to be a valuable addition to your collection of patterns.

I have bought both of susans books. They are wonderful !!! The instructions are very easy to follow. They make up beautifully. I also bought her yarn. This makes them sparkle so bright. My family and friends were delighted with the ones I made for them. I can't say enough about these books. If she writes more I will be first in line to buy them. Thanks susan for such great books. Keep them coming!!! Pam P.

Great book with beautiful results. I saw a great idea online and tried it with some of these patterns. Make them without the ball inside, starch them (VERY heavily, don't dilute the starch), insert a deflated balloon, inflate inside ornament, let dry completely, pop and remove balloon. You now have a lace only ornament.

Susan's books are wonderful for the beginner as well as the experienced crocheter. The directions are clear and easy to understand. Her designs are beautiful and include a full color photo for each pattern. These books are a must-have for any crocheter!