All I Want for Christmas by Jenny Hale

All I Want for Christmas is the perfect book to read at Christmas.  Author Jenny Hale has chosen the ideal location, added the angst of a life changing decision, and mixed in characters the reader can relate to.

After Leah's beloved grandmother dies Leah learns that her grandmother has left her estate to Leah and David a boy she knew growing up. David's family owned the estate until his grandmother sold it to Leah's grandmother. It was used by both families as  destination location for events, and Leah plans to continue in that practice.  David, however, has become wealthy during the intervening years and wants to turn the estate into a single family home.

When Leah and David reconnect he offers her one million dollars for her share of the house.  She is torn because moving there has always been her dream, but the chance to give her daughter a better chance at life is strong.  While Leah struggles with her decision, the house fills up with family and friends who plan to spend their last Christmas together at the estate.

I enjoyed the story and watching the relationship grow between Leah, David, and Leah's adorable daughter, Sadie.  If you are looking for an entertaining winter read, grab a quilt, a cup.of hot chocolate, and this book.

The Christmas Cake Cafe

The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson is a good book and I enjoyed the main theme. I liked Jen and Jon.  I liked Jen's half sister most of the time because she was definitely a big catalyst in Jen letting go of the pain of her past.  I found Jen's two friends and travel buddies people I would avoid if ever I were to meet them.  Together they were too loud, too out there, and way too full of themselves. I mean who travels with only a suitcase full of clothes that can't be worn in public, and dancing on tables is fun when you are in college, but not when you are pushing 30.

I enjoyed reading about the village, the shops, the townspeople, and the budding romance between Jen and Jon, and I wish the author had spent more time on them and Jen's coming to terms with her parents divorce.

I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Engaged in Danger

Jamie Quinn solves mysteries with a difference.  She is a single practitioner divorce/family practice lawyer who doesn't usually take on the high profile cases.  Then Nan Glasser walks into her office and says she wants a divorce.

Nan's soon to be ex husband is one of the well-known lawyers in town, and he has blocked every legal office in town from helping Nan.  He is also up to a whole lot of no good.  With the help of her best friend, Grace, Jamie is determined to help Nan.

Barbara Venkataraman has an engaging writing style.  She makes the reader feels as if Jamie is telling you the story.  The characters are real, as are the situations they get themselves embroiled in, and believe me trouble finds Jamie wherever she is.

I am enjoying reading a series where the main character isn't tripping over a body in chapter one.  It's not that I don't enjoy those books too, it's just that small towns don't really have a murder once a week.  Jamie's crimes that she must solve are different and entertaining.

I will definitely keep reading (or listening to)  the Jamie Quinn mysteries, if not just to keep up with the direction of the characters.  Could be fun!

Every Which Way Crochet Borders

When I was a kid my grandma embroidered pillowcases and she crocheted borders around the opening.  She never used a pattern and her borders always fit with the design on the pillowcase.  I love them and cherish them 40 years later.  The borders in this book are like the borders of my grandma, but the author wrote them out in easy to follow instructions.

The patterns look easy to follow and the pictures are great.  Anyone who is looking for a way to spice up their fancy work (as grandma called it) can benefit from this collection.

I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.