Christmas Books

My daughter received this last year for Christmas. It is a wonderful adaption of the Little House books. The stories are touching and emphasis in my mind how commercial christmas has become.

I rate this book 5 stars out of 5.

This book is a "Chapter Book", and as such, is an adaptation/collection of Christmas scenes from the other books in the "Little House on the Prarie" series. The time of Christmas, especially in the past, was a joyous, at times quiet and spiritual, celebration. Unlike our modern times of going to Disneyland or loud parties, "Christmas Stories" reveals the simple but true pleasures of family gatherings and preparing meals together, or even the excitement of merely "trimming" the Christmas tree. This wondrous time of simple family life is brought out in revealing and heartwarming details from the viewpoint of a little girl progressively getting older as the chapters go by.

Don't get me wrong, not all was fun and celebrations. The book revealed hard times and hardship, but all faced by a family working together and trusting in God.

I especially recommend this book to parents longing to raise their kids with just a bit more traditional flavor than what our modern politically correct public schools would allow. A chapter a day, read to and discussed with your kids (elementary through middle school) a week before Christmas would do an awful lot to instill the heartwarming feeling of a cozy traditional family Christmas.

Blessings... TLam

I rate this book 5 stars out of 5.

This book is a "Chapter Book", and as such, is an adaptation/collection of Christmas scenes from the other books in the "Little House on the Prarie" series. The time of Christmas, especially in the past, was a joyous, at times quiet and spiritual, celebration. Unlike our modern times of going to Disneyland or loud parties, "Christmas Stories" reveals the simple but true pleasures of family gatherings and preparing meals together, or even the excitement of merely "trimming" the Christmas tree. This wondrous time of simple family life is brought out in revealing and heartwarming details from the viewpoint of a little girl progressively getting older as the chapters go by.

Don't get me wrong, not all was fun and celebrations. The book revealed hard times and hardship, but all faced by a family working together and trusting in God.

I especially recommend this book to parents longing to raise their kids with just a bit more traditional flavor than what our modern politically correct public schools would allow. A chapter a day, read to and discussed with your kids (elementary through middle school) a week before Christmas would do an awful lot to instill the heartwarming feeling of a cozy traditional family Christmas.

Blessings... TLam

This is a collection of the chapters about Christmas in Laura Ingalls Wilder's books; Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prarie, On the Banks of Plum Creek, and By the Shores of Silver Lake. The chronological sequence is easy to follow and whets the appetite for reading the series. Excellent black and white illustrations in this historical family book. Recommended for students from K through the 5th grades

This is a beautifully compiled collection of short stories from Mississippi authors, including the writings by both of the editors. Tucker's short story, "CLara's Star," reminded me of much of my Mississippi past, even though I left Mississippi, reluctantly, almost forty years ago. This is a beautiful book and I am still enjoying it. A Mississippi past is helpful, but not mandatory, to become thoroughly engrossed in this book. I cannot recommend this book any higher. It is unfortunate it is so difficult to find.

Maybe Welty, Morris, Hannah and other such names sold the book, but the works of Wheelock, in Christmas Lights and Isonhood, in Morning Stove seems to have captured what the true meaning of Christmas is in our hearts. Need to hear more from them.

This is a beautiful collection of stories, not just for the Mississippian or the Southerner. With greats like Faulkner and Welty and Spencer in the crowd, it should have a wide appeal. But to my mind, the lovely, bittersweet story of Caroline Langston testifies to the fact that modern writers from Mississippi are as talented as ever, and write with as much poignancy as those from the past.

A book that makes you want to light a fire, turn up the Christmas music and decorate a tree.

From the icy path walked with Phoenix Jackson in Eudora Welty's "Worn Path," to Willie Morris' "Christmases Gone Revisited" the reader is taken through the heart of Christmas. Every story is a must read.

We gave this book as a gift as part of a gift basket we put together and everyone enjoyed it who got one.

This book broke the ice at the office/spouse holiday party! and gave the in-laws and ex-es some good laughs at the family dinner. Lots of information loaded into a stocking-sized prize.

We have bought dozens of this book for friends and family and they all love it!

It is very entertaining and educational. A great game for parties, old and young alike.

This book is a "must" to have in your library and a perfect gift for your friends and family!

I have been collecting trivia for a lot of years, and have collected a lot of interesting facts and info about Christmas and holiday music. I didn't expect to find much that I didn't know when I ordered "Christmas Trivia", and was blown away by the range and depth of the information. It is set up in quiz form, with two hundred questions about various aspects of the holiday. The answers are all in the back. This is a great source of holiday fun and quizzes for your friends and family. Teachers will also find this to be a valuable reference to keep students entertained as well as teaching them some fun and interesting facts and legends. It's an inexpensive little book that you'll refer to again and again.

This was my Christmas present to me. It is beautifully illustrated with pictures of the author's home nicely decorated for Christmas. She uses natural things like pine cones and branches painted gold, ribbons, etc. Photographs of her home and family are so nice. The recipes are written for U.S. kitchens, too.

She begins with a family party at a hotel in Cornwall and then describes Christmas in Scotland. A short story finishes the book. It's all simply lovely.

For fans of Rosamunde Pilcher or any lover of all things Christmas, this is a festive book to relish. Curl up with a cup of cocoa and become entranced as the famous writer recalls her best Christmas ever. In 1996, she gathered her children and their children for a week's holiday to Zennor on the north cliffs of Cornwall, ten minutes from Land's End. The occasion was to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary. She had never been a fan of Christmas because, as she recalls, as a child it was always a rather low-key and disappointing time. When you read her recounting of this family Christmas you will see why those bleak Christmases of long ago were obliterated by what she calls "perhaps the best Christmas ever."

Fans of her work will be thrilled to share in her holiday traditions. From November when she sits down to write the first of over 300 cards she shares with friends around the world to her favorite recipes (scones, shortbread, oatcakes, and more), this is an intimate look into the private life of the renowned writer. Baking is a Christmas tradition with her because as she confides, "I love the scent of scones and mince pies as it wafts through the house." But as for her favorite scent, she emphatically records, "The smell of tangerines is one of the true smells of Christmas."

The book is filled with many full-color photos of the way she decorates her own home at Christmas, the festive touches she adds throughout the house, the delicacies ready on the big kitchen sideboard. In addition there are pictures of her with her family gathered around the fireplace and enjoying her Christmas Day Feast (recipes included).

An extra added treat at the end is the inclusion of my favorite of all her short stories, "Miss Cameron at Christmas," a touching, feel-good finale to an exceptional book.

CHRISTMAS WITH ROSAMUNDE PILCHER is indeed a festive book. It's filled with stories, beautiful photographs, delicious recipes and the charm of Rosamunde Pilcher herself. Many family photographs are included and they add personal warmth to the book.

Starting with some remembrances in A Very Special Holiday, Pilcher then discusses a little of the history of sending Christmas cards and includes some interesting lore. The practice was started in Great Britain around 1843 and the original cards were religious. Later, the family scenes were introduced, followed by pictures of Father Christmas, and snow scenes featuring birds, which were usually robins.

The Christmas Baking section was especially enjoyable. She says that her kitchen, "is comfortably warm even on the coldest days, thanks to the Aga, the typically British gas-fired stove, which is actually more an oven whose fire is never allowed to die down in the winter." Rosamunde talks about the traditional family foods that she makes and includes several recipes. She mentions mince pies, turkey and short bread, but I'm intrigued to try the more unfamiliar recipes, for example, Drop Scones, Oatcakes, and Whisky Loaf.

A short story called " Miss Cameron at Christmas," is featured and completes this wonderful Christmas offering. My favorite quotation from Rosamunde is, "The smell of tangerines is one of the true smells of Christmas." I couldn't agree more! I always associate tangerines with Christmas.

This book is most satisfying.

Without knowing what to expect, "Chrsitmas With Rosamund Pilcher" turned out to be everything one could hope for. There are numerous photos of the authur and her family, which include views of her home, her kitchen, parlour, etc., in which she gratifying shines as the warm individual we, who enjoy her books, feel she must be. But there are also wonderful photos of her beloved Cornwall, and it is an opportunity to peek into the land about which we, her readers, have read so much. The surprises (which you must read to appreciate - so telling does not really ruin them) include some family details and history, recipies of the season (particularly delightful for the Anglophile cook) and even a short story at the end of the book. All in all, it felt to me that Rosamund Pilcher and her home, and Aunt Lavinia and the Dower house of "Coming Home", have a lot in common. I felt as if I had visited both in this delightful book.

Mr. Foote does an excellent job of presenting the birth of Christ from the perspective of an innocent child. In this day and age when folks seldom appreciate the "Gift" of the birth of the son of God, it is so refreshing to happen across a work of art such as what Mr. Foote has crafted. His artwork jumps off the pages at you and the simplistic message of the gift of Jesus Christ is as always, a timely message. This isn't a Christmas book, this is something everyone should add to their library.

The Bible tells this story several times - the meaning all the same. God sent His Son as our Savior and sent him to us in a form which only a rare few could ignore--a baby. Dan again retells the story and sights some very human feelings and thoughts in a way children can relate. The story helps me as an adult realize that the birth and the coming of our King had very human aspects.

Dan shows that children play a very important part in helping others..."for you know not when you might be entertaining angels".

He makes the Birth of our King REAL!

Dan has kept the story true to the Scriptural account of the birth of Jesus with some imagination through the eyes of a child. I think it is an excellent telling of an old story and the artwork is second to none. The colors are bright and eye catching for the children. Dan, in his art, was not afraid to portray things they way they are in real life.

I bought a copy for each of my grown daughters, who each have 3 children of their own, and one for my wife and me.

The author wrote this book for children so that they can learn the wonder and joy in the birth of Jesus. I happen to know Dan and always marvel at his love for family and friends. He is truly a gift to publishing and you and your children will enjoy and treasure this Christmas season book.

My daughter and I have read tons and tons of books. This one is going on the "great list". BTW, not many go on that list. The story is absolutley perfect for Christmastime or anytime. Written in a diary format starting Dec. 21 through Christmas Day, a young girl, in 1845, tells of her life and wonderful small community and a Christmas miracle. Absolutely wonderful character names include Fliberty Jibbert, Valentine McGinty and Aunt Heddy Peggler. If you are trying to keep plenty of innocent and great literature around for your children to read, this is one to keep around. You CAN judge a children's book by its cover.

I am a 9-year-old boy (mom is typing) and I thought this book was excellent. It's about a little girl who meets a guy named Fritz Klingle, who is looking for his dog named jingle. It's a very good Christmas book.

A great granddaughter discovers a family diary from 1845. The story of a special Christmas in Cobtown unfolds. Art is a cartoon-like character with excellent illustrations in lively colors. A great read - includes receipes for dog soup! I highly recommend this family type, holiday book for students from K through 5 grades.

The Van Nutts bring us instantly back to a lost era full of magic. Somehow they have mastered the art of historical accuracy without boredom or cheesiness- something so few artists can do. The drawings have all the skill of Van Allsburg but more warmth and depth for their genuineness, while the text makes you long to search through your grandmother's closet in search of hidden treasures. It's an instant classic and a must-have for someone who takes kid's books seriously.

I read this book with my children (ages 13, 11, 7). They were more than enthusiastic about the book! They enjoyed the story content and thought that it would make a nice addition to our Church's library.

I felt that the book addresses not only diversity issues, but makes it clear that other people's beliefs are ok, and that we should respect this. It was well written and easy to understand. I give it a 5 star!

This is the most outstanding book that teaches children acceptance of different cultures. It is much more than a Christmas story. My children loved this book!

Ann has taken the American dream of writing a book to the finish line. In accomplishing this she has also addressed a dream for many of us. That is blurring the lines between race and opening the door to acceptance. This book is a must for young and old alike. It took me back to a simpler time...a happier time. Let her touch your heart with this book as she has touched mine both with the book and being a great friend.

I read this story as I was typing it to send to the publisher. I thought it was a wonderful story for parents or older siblings to read to "little ones" at Christmas time. I also found it thought provoking, and a helpful story to help children with issues about diversity.

... and own a bit of magic too. Evyind Earle's artwork is singularly unique and just as divinely beautiful. If you are a follower of his work, this book, despite the hefty price is a must-have. It's filled with page after glossy page of many of his finest works in paint and seriograph. The beauty of the artwork, which ranges from blissful snow-covered landscapes and mystical trees to graceful human figures and deep shadows with vibrant colors, is heightened by the sheer elegance of this huge cloth-bound book, decorated with gold detailing on the cover.

Although the artwork in this book was primarily published as holiday cards, this is not a book to pull out only once a year! The images range from decidedly Christmasy to natural landscapes and flowers. Unlike some of the other published books about Evyind Earle, this volume contains a broader scope of his work, and literally every page is a full color glossy print.

This book is also the closest you'll come to owning some of the priceless pieces this man has created over the years. Display it proudly on your coffee table, or curl up with it every once in a while and escape into the lands of light and texture that Evyind Earle has so exquisitely painted...

The most extraordinary book of art I have ever seen - everything, from the case, the cover, the Christmas cards, all of it are wonderful. I never tire of looking through.

Even though I am fortunate to own several of Mr. Earle's prints and one original (hence am clearly a fan), I was not prepared for this book. The amazing variety of styles, the celebrations of color, the technical perfection - this book surpasses all superlatives. I had no idea that Mr. Earle could DO some of the things which he did! I can only look at a few pages at a time, as the work is overwhelming. Bravo for publishing this collection. Thank you Amazon.com for making it available.

This book is so thick and big that you may need to position yourself first before lifting it.

It is housed in a gold slip case, with a vermillion book cover profusely foiled in gold and calligraphic letterings.

There is a brief commentary and the card illustrations are presented in a chronological order.

The art work is just breathtaking & beautiful. From the simple designs of doves to grand sweeping snowscapes & forests. Each evokes the magic & spirit of Christmas.

It's a MUST for those who like Eyvind Earle's style & artistry, and appreciate the simplicity of Christmas card illustrations.

Excellent book. I've had it a few weeks and tried about ten recipes and they've all been delicious. This is definately a keeper.

This is a GREAT book! It has many, many different and interesting recipes that are not the same-old, same-old holiday fare. The suggested menus and wine pairings make it simple and undaunting to throw together a small or large party. And I love that a lot of the recipes list make-ahead components. The recipes included in this book are ones you can enjoy all year round. Don't wait for a holiday to try them!

This book has many different takes on traditional holiday food plus many unique recipes that one might not usually consider when preparing their holiday feast. There is even a section that includes ideas for edible holiday gifts. I am a subscriber to Cooking Light magazine and own many of their other books, and the recipes never dissapoint. Everything I have made has been delicious. There are so many good recipes I had trouble narrowing down what recipes to make for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One of my favorite recipes from this book is the Marbled-Chocolate Banana Bread. I plan on using this book year-round.

Lushly photographed and filled with stunning winter holiday recipes from breakfast and cocktail parties to the Big Events themselves, this cookbook features lighter versions of many old favorites and some great ideas for reducing the fat in your own recipes. Ingredient substitutions, decorating tips, make ahead meals, and even wine and food pairings are included, as the editors make the holidays a joyful time, foodwise, even for those on special diets. Clearly printed nutritional information appears with each recipe so that those on special diets, such as cardiac patients, can choose among the many selections.

Many appetizer recipes feature veggie-based dips and salsas--Tomato Crostini, Tex-Mex Black Bean Dip, and Warm Mushroom Spread all feature less than 1 g. of saturated fat per serving. "Creamy" dips use lower fat cream cheese to keep these appetizers at about 1 g. of fat per serving. One appetizer made with phyllo dough, usually a no-no for those on diets, uses butter-flavored cooking spray between the layers, instead of butter, to save fat and calories. Vietnamese spring rolls and Chicken/Lemon Pot-Stickers, use rice paper and won ton wrappers, lighter than pastry.

"Light" does not mean "dull" here. Pistachio-Crusted Rack of Lamb, Individual Beef Wellingtons (using phyllo sprayed with cooking spray, instead of puff pastry), or Ultimate Roasted Turkey, with gravy, are all on the menu. A wide assortment of side dishes--soufflés, Caramelized Onions, Potato-Gorgonzola Gratin, Pumpkin-Sage Polenta, and even Leek, Potato, and Caraway Latkes with Spiced Sour Cream--perk up the plate and the palate. The Salad section is outstanding, with unusual combinations of ingredients--Pear, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is a knockout. Fruit relishes, chutneys, salsas, and even candied cranberries are used as garnishes.

The editors have gone "all out" in the dessert section. The traditional pecan pie is here--regular pecan filling inside a lowfat, cookie-like crust--along with Vanilla or Pumpkin Cheesecake (made with 2 ½ pounds of reduced fat and non-fat cream cheese), gorgeous cakes made with less fat and fewer egg yolks, and pies with lowfat gingersnap, graham cracker, or vanilla wafer crusts. Over forty recipes are included for use as gifts--Apricot Amaretto Bread, Cranberry-Hazelnut Coffee Cake, Orange-Pistachio Baklava.

With over 500 tasty recipes offering a huge selection of elegant and even exotic recipes, this is a cookbook useful to everyone who is health-conscious, including vegetarians. Twenty pages of meatless main dishes and a vegetarian Hanukkah menu are included. A terrific compilation of healthier preparations for traditional holiday foods, this is a cookbook that has it all--and that will be used long past the holidays. n Mary Whipple

I really enjoyed this book. I have purchased copies to share with family and friends. I enjoyed the relationships that took place between the men and women. This book contained no sex, so my 13 year old daughter could read this book. I can't give enough praise to the authors of this book but, I will read this book every Christmas and it will remain on my shelf as one of my favorites.

I really enjoyed this book. I have purchased copies to share with family and friends. I enjoyed the relationships that took place between the men and women. This book contained no sex, so my 13 year old daughter could read this book. I can't give enough praise to the authors of this book but, I will read this book every Christmas and it will remain on my shelf as one of my favorites.

From the back cover:

An American Country Christmas
These heartwarming, all-American stories from five beloved authors capture all the passion, joy, and rich rural tradition of the holiday season across the nation. Patricia Rice spins a dramatic tale of romance lost and found in the bluegrass country of Kentucky. Jodi Thomas tells of a Texas tomboy who gets more than she bargained for under the mistletoe. Upstate New York is the setting of Raine Cantrell's moving Civil War story. Emily Bradshaw fills us with the spirit of the season--Western style--in her wonderful tale of a woman who melts the frostbitten heart of the man who rescues her from a Christmas blizzard, and Karen Harper paints a chaming picture of old-fashioned love from America's heartland. Filled with hope and heartbreak, touching reunion and tender devotion, this exquisite collection proves that love burns so much brighter when the heart comes home for Christmas.

And my review:

This is one of the very few Christmas romance anthologies that I bought brand-new, but it was well worth the money. While some stories were better than others (as is always the case with these collections) there were no "stinkers" in this book. And no sex scenes either, so you could let your teenage daughter read this.

1) A Husband for Holly by Jodi Thomas
This was my first sampling of her work, and I was quite impressed. She does an excellent job of weaving in historical detail without detracting from the story. Four stars.

2) Friends are Forever by Patricia Rice
Not the best one of the bunch, but still enjoyable. I liked the author's portrayal of mountain life. The romance was not quite as intense as it could have been, but it was an entertaining read. Three stars.

3) The Gift by Emily Bradshaw
Hands down, the best novella of the bunch, and one of my favorite Christmas stories. This is one that I read every single year without fail. I've read some of this author's full-length work since this story, but this one is still the best thing she's written, in my humble opinion. Not many authors can do a good job of balancing romance, Christmas, a touch of the paranormal, and an amnesia plot (which never felt contrived) but this author did it. If you read no other romance at Christmastime, read this one! (More than) five stars.

4) A Time for Giving by Raine Cantrell
Another sweet story. I've tried one of this author's other full-length novels, but my interest fizzled out halfway through. But this story was very touching, and worth a re-read. Four stars.

5) O Christmas Tree by Karen Harper
Another good story. Not as good as some of her other works, but still enjoyable. If you want a really good Christmas story by Karen Harper, check out "Promises to Keep", which is a Civil war Christmas romance. I liked her portrayal of the emmigrated German family, and the heroine's struggles to balance her heritage with her need to fit in as an American. Four stars.

For once, an anthology where every single story was worth reading (and some for re-reading!). Very rare these days. This is one that I'll never get rid of. I won't even lend it out, because I know I won't get it back. (Smile) Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed every one of the stories in this collection. I kept reading and re-reading "The Gift" by Emily Bradshaw. Another pregnant woman in a blizzard, but this time our heroine can't remember who she is or where she's from (and it's better off forgotten, anyway). But she changes the lives of the father and son who find her and she and her daughter charm their ways into a whole new life. I just loved it! "A Husband for Holly" by Jodi Thomas was enchanting! And Raine Cantrell's "A Time for Giving" was also a delight I read more than once.