An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This definitely falls into the realm of Christian romance ... so you know it’s going to be squeaky clean. Uplifting, but slightly heavy on the “cheese” factor. I’m not a huge fan of super overt, in-your-face preaching, and this book got pretty close to that. And the ending was weird. Hence the three stars.

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Starry Night

Starry Night

by Debbie Macomber

3 stars

384 pages (on my e-reader, 142 pages)

Expected publication: Oct. 8, 2013 by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine

Debbie Macomber has made a name for herself writing sweet, little love stories using a formula that guarantees a happy, uplifting ending. If you are looking for angst-ridden romances strewn with sex, language and grit, Macomber is not for you. I happen to like these innocent, little novels. But not every day … or even every month. Her plotlines are eerily similar, and if you read them one after another, this is easily seen. But as a guilty pleasure – or a palate cleanser after a particularly gruesome, bad or stupid book – these little novels are perfect.
Starry Night tells the story of a female journalist who is challenged with finding a reclusive, “no-interviews-ever” best-selling author who lives in Alaska. If she succeeds, she can have her pick of any beat at the newspaper. So … predictable? Of course it is. That’s why you read these books! You know what’s going to happen. The joy is in the journey. How do they get together?
My only gripe is that I wish that the romance were developed further. It seems that within 24 hours (if that), the two are madly in love. I like my love stories drawn out just a tad bit more.
And an Epilogue would have been appreciated, too.
Yet for all its shortcomings, I will be reading Macomber again. She’s a bit addictive.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to review this book.

Glad Tidings

Glad Tidings (Here Comes Trouble & There's Something About Christmas)

by Debbie Macomber

3 stars

475 pages

Published Nov. 1, 2006, by Mira

I'm back!! The trip was fantastic, but it's always nice to come home.
 
I've delved into "adult fiction" with this book - a rare occurrence. But there isn't anything offensive - like so many adult fiction books. Little to no swearing and zero sex. In fact, I gave it to my mother-in-law to read after I was done with it on our trip.

For what it is - two sweet, unassuming love stories - this book excels. If you're looking for angst and star-crossed lovers who are constantly faced with obstacles before they can be together, this book is not that. Sometimes, I just was plain, ol' cheese. Just a boy and a girl falling in love - your guaranteed a happy ending - if a bit abrupt.

It's definitely not fine literature, but it never pretends to be. Macomber has made a name for herself for fluffy stories - and this is a great introduction to her style.

This is a good book for every once in a while. I wouldn't be able to read one Macomber book after another. She uses too many of the same devices and formulas in her stories. It would seem like you're reading the same book over and over.

Knit Christmas Stockings, 2nd Edition

Knit Christmas Stockings, 2nd Edition

by Gwen Steege (Editor)

5 stars

 
I have always had grand dreams of knitting Christmas stocking for my children, but have never known where to start. Socks of any kind intimidate me, and adding cute charts makes me start to sweat. But this cute, beautifully photographed book has taken away most of the fear associated with trying something new.
What makes it so accessible and fun is that there is something for all levels of knitter. If you're like me (an advanced beginner), start out with something small - like Mini Felted Mitts and Socks or Ski Sweater Ornaments. That way, you learn the technique without investing hours and hours of time, just to discover you've missed a stitch or something. Frustration is limited when working on a small project.
If you are more advanced - and I bow down to you! - there are quite challenging projects, such as Winter Wonderland or Reindeer and Bells. Lots of charts, color changes and textures.
Photographs are a necessity in knitting books, and the ones contained in this one do not disappoint.
A solid offering.
Thank you NetGalley.com and Storey Publishing for allowing me to review this delightful book.