Christmas Books

This lovely author is able to evoke the feelings that one longs to feel at Christmas. It's more than nostalgia. She draws the reader in with beautiful or whimsical poetry which, although old, is somehow not dated. We are treated to sweet photographs and prints chosen so well for the thoughts and feelings they stir in us. She opens up her home and those of her cherished relatives and friends, and gives the reader the experience of meeting and enjoying the quirks and wisdom of each of them. What a treasure to have stumbled upon! How many cookbooks are this rich?

This is a lovely book. Recipes and crochet projects are interspersed with old-fashioned Christmas memories. The recipes are practical and delicious. There are cakes, pies, puddings and candies. This book made me want to get right up and start baking. It will go a long way to making this 21st century Christmas as old-fashioned as possible.

My mother gave me this book for Christmas 8 years ago. I literally haven't put it down since! It not only contains recipes that were (and still are) cherished from a generation who knew what life was really all about, but the incidental tidbits of how life was lived long ago is absolutely priceless in this age when things are so inside out and everyone is looking for security and peace. The poems that were dear to the hearts of the depression era pull at the heartstrings, and the wonderful, descriptive details of families and friends that seemed to gather for any reason place the reader in that special time. The recipes are delicious and made with the easy-make-do-with-what-you-have confidence that our grandmothers prided themselves on. From Aunt Mabel's Cranberry Bread to Uncle Bud's Vinegar Pie, they're all recipes that would be welcome on any of today's contemporary tables. Granted, many of us wouldn't dream of making pie crust with lard....but one wouldn't hurt! If anyone has already read The Pioneer Lady's Country Kitchen, than The Pioneer Lady's Country Christmas is a must have for those collecting unusual and homey cookbooks. So stoke up the woodstove, grab a cup of hot chocolate and a cat for your lap, and read this book. You'll be transported to a wonderful memory!

This is a darling book which is beautifully illustrated. Even if you don't practice Halloween, it is a great book for fall. I highly recommend it.

Wonderful book for children, I used this as part of a "children's church" lesson and all age groups loved it!

This is a beautful story. This story teaches us how a farmer changes a pumpkin into a aweome sight just like Jesus changes us when we accpet his love. It was beauful illustrated with bible verses at the bottom of every page. I used this book when I taught Sunday School. My children love the pictures. This is a great book!!!!!

This is something to be cherished year after year. I will love it forever!

Young Ann Estelle aka the Queen of Christmas, began working on her Christmas list right after Christmas last year. While it may seem strange to begin wishing for new gifts right after you received a batch of splendid ones, Ann Estelle felt that it was essential to begin marking down the items she wanted the most. Now, one year later, Ann Estelle's list has grown to an amazing length, containing small items like a red skating outfit - with sparkles - all the way to large items, such as a pony. Now, as the Christmas celebrations have begun taking place, the Queen of Christmas realizes that there is much to do. From baking cookies, to sledding, to trimming the tree. With so much of her time taken up by festivities, Ann Estelle almost doesn't finish her list in time. But the Queen of Christmas knows just how Santa works - he'll bring her something great no matter what, even if it's not on her list.

Mary Engelbreit's illustrations have captured hearts around the world, but now her precocious alter ego, Ann Estelle, has the power to capture audiences with her oft-times zany, and spoiled-like musings on the world, and the holidays in general. Ann Estelle is like the world-renowned ELOISE, sans the Plaza Hotel. Her thoughts regarding the holidays, and presents, are hilarious, and mesh quite well with how young children think - that Santa will bring them anything and everything on their list, no matter how out there their requests are. Mary Engelbreit has done a marvelous job giving an enjoyable voice to Ann Estelle, while her illustrations depicting the Queen of Christmas participating in all things festive - from skating to sledding, and baking to feasting - bring the holiday tale to life, and close it with a moral that will leave every parent in smiles. Engelbreit and Ann Estelle team up to make your spirits bright this holiday season!

Erika Sorocco

If you like Mary Engelbreit, you will like this book. Even if you are not a big fan, The Queen of Christmas is a very sweet book for children of all ages. Mary's illustrations are as bright and happy as ever and she is even a decent writer. The story follows Ann Estelle through the last few days before Christmas as she adds new things to her Christmas wish list everyday. In the end she realizes that the presents were not what made Christmas so special. This book also has the added bonus of sevel pages of Ann Estelle paper dolls. I gave this book to my 2 1/2 year old daughter and she loves it.

This book was a delightful surprise. There are quilts for every different skill level and all of them are lovely.

With 126 pages, this book is loaded. There are 39 projects and the authors have designated skill levels for each: 19 beginner projects, 13 intermediate, and 7 advanced. You'll see folksy homespun projects as well as breath-takingly elegant ones. Quilts, tree skirts, wall-hangings, a gift bag, table runners, and stockings. Some applique, a few paper-piecing, and even redwork. Beautiful photography provides such inspiration, as the diagrams and instructions ensure success. What you won't see is the "quilt as desired" copout: Quilting suggestions are provided and truly helpful. Some of the items can be made with leftovers from the other projects. How cool is that? I confess that I was leery of the template method for the Dancing Stars Tree Skirt; but, it was just too pretty to pass up. Surprisingly, it came together easy and quick despite the templates and I am so enthused and confident that I may take a shot at cleaning the garage. But first, I want to make the Holly Jolly Basket.

I bought this book to fill in an order from Amazon, and it was a wonderful surprise. Every pattern in it is one that I want to make. Very well put together and a wonderful Christmas book for any quilter.

I read this book in one evening. I found it touching and remarkably insightful. I enjoyed each and every page.

"Rachel's Daughters" is a powerful and important work of Christian historical fiction. The story begins in Bethlehem at the time of the census ordered by Caesar and unfolds over the next 32 years. The reader is drawn into the life of Rachel, her family and friends. A young, pregnant, Jewish woman , Rachel anticipates a full life with her husband Jacob. Walking home one day she meets a young couple, Joseph and Mary, on their way into Bethlehem. This encounter begins the intertwining of biblical and fictional characters and events that form the fabric of the tragedies and joys of Rachel's life. With incredible expertise in the cultural and historical details of the times, the author, Donna Swanson, not only tells an intriguing story, but also enlightens the reader with the intelligent and accurate geographic, social and religious renderings of her characters' lives. From Bethlehem to Arimathea to Galilee we journey with Rachel and experience what life was really like for her people. But her journey also moves us to another level-we sense the spiritual crisis in her soul as she struggles to reconcile the losses and sufferings of life with faith in a good and sovereign God. Through the discovery of the Christ child by the shepherds, the atrocity of Herod's slaughter of the innocents, a new start with family ties to Joseph of Arimathea, a re-acquaintance with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and an unforgettable conclusion, the reader will enjoy every step of this journey. Make sure you bring tissues for tears, a receptive mind for learning and an open heart for the joy this book will bring you.

Review by Joe Ellis, author of the Christian suspense novel, "The Healing Place."

"Rachel's Daughters" is a powerful and important work of Christian historical fiction. The story begins in Bethlehem at the time of the census ordered by Caesar and unfolds over the next 32 years. The reader is drawn into the life of Rachel, her family and friends. A young, pregnant, Jewish woman , Rachel anticipates a full life with her husband Jacob. Walking home one day she meets a young couple, Joseph and Mary, on their way into Bethlehem. This encounter begins the intertwining of biblical and fictional characters and events that form the fabric of the tragedies and joys of Rachel's life. With incredible expertise in the cultural and historical details of the times, the author, Donna Swanson, not only tells an intriguing story, but also enlightens the reader with the intelligent and accurate geographic, social and religious renderings of her characters' lives. From Bethlehem to Arimathea to Galilee we journey with Rachel and experience what life was really like for her people. But her journey also moves us to another level-we sense the spiritual crisis in her soul as she struggles to reconcile the losses and sufferings of life with faith in a good and sovereign God. Through the discovery of the Christ child by the shepherds, the atrocity of Herod's slaughter of the innocents, a new start with family ties to Joseph of Arimathea, a re-acquaintance with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and an unforgettable conclusion, the reader will enjoy every step of this journey. Make sure you bring tissues for tears, a receptive mind for learning and an open heart for the joy this book will bring you. Review by Joe Ellis, teacher, lay pastor and author of the Christian suspense novel, "The Healing Place"

This was an excellent book to use in my 4th grade class for read aloud. It had developed, believable characters and a great plot. We used it for predicting and the story left us many opportunities to make inferences. We can all identify with the character of Meg and her struggles to make her life seem normal with a stressful home and a special needs brother. There were many opportunities to make personal connections with the story. The book also has a tremendous ending that left some students, and myself, with tears in our eyes because we were so touched. The theme defintely helps us look at ourselves to figure out what is really important about Christmas which was very good for all my students since they come from very difficult backgrounds. All could relate to and see what was really important. Each student loved this book and so did I.

This was a very enjoyable book, particularly good to read during the Christmas holidays. It puts things into perspective. It gives kids insight into the difficulties families experience when a family member is disabled.

The book A Real Christmas This Year is probably the best book I have ever read. It's about a girl who's brother is mentaly challenged. She thinks he's going to ruin christmas. This is a really good book.

Robbie is in 2nd grade. He is shy and nervous. His classmates do the unexpected as Robbie searches for a Christmas story to present. I would recommend. Great character trait story! Beautiful illustrations!

This story of a nervous boy who has to write and tell a Christmas story at school is touching, and fun. While asking for help from his friends, and being a moral example to them, Robbie doesn't realize he's writing the perfect Christmas story. This will soon be a Classic!

I"m taking a reading course and the instructor read this book... everyone was in tears. This is a wonderful story!! I left class and found the nearest book store and bought it. I love children's books that teach valuable lessons. I plan to use it to teach my students how to identify the character, goal or problem and the solution.

I read this book to my first grade class. It really got them involved and wanting to know more. They were so engaged! I suggest this book to anyone who has young children! It tells all about how the reindeer came to be the ones to pull Santa's sleigh!

Moe Price's simple but effective humor is the perfect tone for this tongue-in-cheek telling of Santa's first sleigh and the search for the proper "livestock" to pull it. Morozumi's illustrations lend a lovely holiday atmosphere without gooey sugar coating to glop up this funny Christmas "tail."

Without a doubt, Morozumi's illustrations are the most beautiful we have seen. The story tells of Santa's decision to use reindeer instead of other animals to make his deliveries. Read this book to see how they were chosen. This continues to be a favorite in our household.

Doug Dauntless captures the true spirit of Christmas in this book. These simple yet insightful suggestions are a refreshing contrast to the world's commercialized view of this precious holiday. Hallelujah! Someone gets it!

If you want to read a great yarn, don't buy this book. If you want simple and very practical ways to celebrate the greatest season of the year, this is just for you. Doug Dauntless' book focuses on working out Christmas in real life with your family. I was so excited about this beautiful little book, we bought ten and kept them near the front door to give out as gifts (especially for those who had unexpectedly dropped by with presents for our family). We went through them like hotcakes, but I refused to give up the last copy.

Today the restless waters of the culture constantly wash against us, creating a storm all around us. In his book, Reviving the True Meaning of Christmas, Doug Dauntless has given us reason to find peace in the midst of the storm. His book is intensely practical with 101 `keys' to unlock Christmas's real meaning and helps us find realistic ways to point the way to Christmas's true significance. As a former Pastor on staff of two churches, I can attest to the value of his book--I wish I had a copy to give every one of my congregants, to be "a shining light on a hill" to borrow one of President Reagan's favorite phrases. Dauntless helps us in a wonderful, yet pragmatic way to return to the center of what Christmas is all about.

I heartily recommend this book to everyone! My only regrets are that I didn't read it sooner and that Christmas is come and gone. I can't wait until next Christmas to share it with my friends and those who I meet. The next book you read should be Reviving the True Meaning of Christmas. It'll be a journey you're glad you traveled on!

Room at the Inn contains two great Christmas novellas. Great stories to curl up and read over and over.

Orange Blossom Christmas by Kristy Dykes. A cute story about two very different personalities who are pushed together by circumstances not of their own choosing. A great read.


Mustangs & Mistletoe by Pamela M. Griffin
A wonderful story that keeps you entertained from the first to the last page. Ms Griffin brings the characters to life & makes you feel their joy & heartache along with them. This is a timeless story that can be enjoyed and learned from for a long time. Amazing what can happen when you are not looking for love.

The two novellas in this book, by Kristy Dykes and Pamela Griffin, are heartwarming and sweet. Perfect stories to snuggle up and read by the Christmas tree lights. The characters are well developed and so likeable. Readers will remember their sweet journey toward love and marriage long after the last page of the book is turned. A definite must-read during the holiday season. For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.robinmillerbooks.com

ROOM AT THE INN offers two light, contemporary novellas for some delightful reading this Christmas season.

Orange Blossom Christmas, by Kristy Dykes, takes us to a run-down bed-and-breakfast in Florida. Owner Landon Michael is expecting the imminent arrival of the first guest to stay at the inn since his wife had died, over a year ago. Lois Delaney, secretary at a church in north Georgia, is sure this little vacation is exactly what she needs for a relaxing Christmas vacation. What she finds, instead, does not quite live up to her expectations.

Landon, on the other hand, is wondering what possessed him to open the inn again, yet is strangely drawn to his guest. When Lois learns she is the inns only guest, she is curious about Landon. The two are drawn together, and Landon is pulled out of his reclusive existence as he gets closer to Lois, even though he is convinced she is as crazy as a loon.

It is fun reading and you'll love getting acquainted with Landon and Lois as they each come face to face with their own loneliness and find a special brand of peace at Christmastime. Oh, there are a couple of delicious-sounding recipes at the end of this novella you just have to try.

In Mustangs and Mistletoe, by Pamela Griffin, we meet Taylor Summerall, content to work with her parents at the Silver Spur B&B Ranch. When brother Chad coerces Taylor into taking on the responsibility for a friend Chad has invited to spend the holiday at the ranch, Taylor detects some match-making mischief afoot. She is sure she can thwart any attempts to throw her into the arms of Derrick Freeborn, Chad's accountant friend from Chicago.

Derrick, seeking some rest and relaxation from the corporate jungle, finds himself at the mercy of Taylor and her `schedule' to teach him all about what happens on a ranch - from learning to ride a horse to camping out on a freezing Texas winter night. Taylor's obvious attempts to keep herself aloof from Derrick only pique his interest in her.

Here is a really fun, light-hearted romance with the wonderful backdrop of a Texas Christmas.

This is good reading for the season, curled up in front of a cozy fire with a cup of hot chocolate, cappuccino, or just a plain old cup of tea - or any favorite winter-time beverage.