Book Review: Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett

Title: Jacob T. Marley
Author: R. William Bennett
Series: None
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Released: October 12, 2011
Author's Website: http://www.rwilliambennett.com/


Book Summary:

Marley was dead to begin with . . . These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge's miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn t he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge? Or had he? Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is to A Christmas Carol as the world-famous Wicked is to The Wizard of Oz as this masterfully crafted story teaches of choices, consequences, and of the power of accountability. It is sure to become a Christmas favorite.

Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol is a story I have always loved. I've seen multiple movie versions of A Christmas Carol all multiple times and remember seeing the play at Glendale Centre Theater many times while growing up. Due to my love of this story I was interested to read this retelling from Jacob Marley's perspective.

This was a quick easy read that I knocked out in about two hours. I found it interesting to delve deeper into what might have made Ebenezer Scrooge the man he was. Jacob Marley plays a small part in A Christmas Carol but in this version we see how he influenced Scrooge for the worse and is now paying the price for his deeds. Marley is able to interact with the three spirits who visit Scrooge giving us more detail of the event.

Recommended to lovers of A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens. This was meant to be my holiday read but worked just as well as a New Years read. The story could easily be enjoyed year round as it contains a wonderful message about helping others and second chances.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher for Review

Also by R. William Bennett: The Christmas Gift

Book Review: The Chimney Sweep Charm by Marcia Lynn McClure

Title: The Chimney Sweep Charm
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Publisher: Distractions Ink
Released: December 7, 2011
Currently Available only through Marcia's WEBSITE

“There was the muffled sound of audience members standing up, and Baylee and Candice turned to look behind them.
“Holy smokes!” Baylee breathed.
“It’s like a Navy SEAL convention or something,” Candice added.
And it was! Baylee couldn’t believe that over twenty-five of the people in the orientation audience were tall, dark, handsome, buff guys dressed all in black. Each man stood with his feet apart and hands held at his back—similar if not exactly like a military “at ease” stance.
“They’re all packing heat too,” Baylee whispered to Candice as she noted all the holstered sidearms.
“I guess Mr. O’Sullivan wants to be prepared,” Candice said.
“I suppose you girls are all wowed now, right?” Tate said from the front row.
“Let’s see,” Candice began, looking to Tate and feigning an expression of thoughtfulness. “Let’s say I’m being assaulted by some weirdo in street…and who am I going to look to for protection? One of these guys?” she said, nodding toward the security staff. “Or you, Tate? You…who freaked out in June when we were in New York and you thought some guy was looking at you funny. You freaked out and slammed Megan’s finger in the door and cut it off! Who do you think I’m going to trust?”
“It was an accident, and you know it,” Tate grumbled.
Baylee did know it. Still, she found her eyes glancing down the row of chairs in front of her to Megan—to the missing first joint and fingertip on her right hand.
“Yeah, it was,” Candice admitted. “But you still cared more about yourself than Megan. The guy was stalking Megan…not you. Real heroic, Tate. Way to go to instilling a sense of confidence in me that you would have my back.”
“Whatever,” Tate grumbled, turning around in his seat to pout.”

I loved this book. It's a novella so it's short enough that can easily be read in one sitting. Perfect for getting in the Christmas Spirit.

The Chimney Sweep Charm is a sweet, romantic, "charming" Christmas Story set in a recreated Dicken's Village. Christmas carols, bell ringing, hot chocolate, mistletoe... all the elements needed to create an unforgettable holiday tale.  Marcia has created another set of fabulous characters.... From Baylee the bell ringer to the gorgeous, heroic Justice and his less than subtle grandmother fans of Marcia's books are sure to love these characters!

As is always the case with Marcia's shorter stories I just wish this book was longer. I was expecting a dramatic end to the "mysterious bad guy" element of the story and was a little surprised that things wrapped up fairly quickly and relatively drama free.  However that didn't take away from my love for this lighthearted, fun book.  The focus of this book was much more on the romance instead of the mystery and I love the way Marcia writes romance!

Thanks Marcia for this fabulous Christmas book!  For anyone who enjoys sweet, clean romance and is looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit give The Chimney Sweep Charm a chance.

Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it.

Source: From Author for Review

Blog Tour Part 2: Book Review: Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards

You are crazy. No Nephite has ever returned.

Most people laugh when they hear of Enoch's dream of returning to Jerusalem to find the infant Messiah. Even Enoch's future father-in-law mocks him when he asks for a postponement of his long-awaited wedding to his beloved Rebekah. A few take Enoch seriously - the shipbuilder Omnihah, Enoch's teacher David, and the prophet Nephi.

Five years before, a Lamanite named Samuel had stood on the wall of Zarahemla and prophesied that "five years more cometh" and the Christ would be born in Jerusalem. Time is running out! Enoch knows he must set sail across the great waters in search of his dream - to see the face of the Messiah.

The Star Prophacy is a surprising story of courage and love, faith and fortitude. Sail with Enoch and his friends across the sea through hardship and adventure in search of the Christ child.

I really enjoyed this adventure story.  Enoch has heard the prophesy of the birth of Christ and longs to sail back to Jerusalem to see the Messiah.  It's been nearly 5 years since Samuel the Lamanite made the prophecy so he knows the birth of Christ is drawing close.  Along with a few companions he sets out on an impossible journey across the sea back to Jerusalem.

This was a fun book to read.  Likable characters and a well written tale that left me believing this really could have happened.  Although not a "Christmas" story this is a book I will likely reread around Christmas since it is set at the time of the Savior's birth. Full of details on what life was like at the time of Christ's birth this book brought special meaning to the Christmas story.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From publisher for Review

Book Review: My Gift to You by Lori Nawyn

Trish Ingram works hard to maintain the perfect suburban household- or, at least, the appearance of one. By managing her outer world with lavish attention and rigid control, she's able to ignore and conceal the darkness of her inner world, which is plagued by traumatic childhood memories of loss. Her terminally ill sister-in-law, Jamie, sees through the facade and reaches out in love to Trish, inspiring her to seek a more meaningful life and a more authentic self. But the childhood scars run deep, and despite Trish's best efforts, she's unable to be the wife and mother her family needs. Devastated by the departure of her husband and daughter, Trish faces the challenge and opportunity of a lifetime. She desires to move forward in faith, but this desire alone cannot mend her family's shattered trust. The hollow realm of denial and fear has been her safe haven. To confront pain and transcend the shadows of her past will require a level of courage she's not sure she possesses. This gripping and hopeful story of familial love and conflict tenderly reminds us that forgiveness-of self and others-is both a difficult choice and a precious gift.



This book has a powerful message of the importance of unconditionally loving others and ourselves.  Trish appears to have the perfect life but appearances can be deceiving.  This book slowly revealed secrets of Trish's past that she had kept hidden from everyone including her husband and daughter.  As Trish faces her past she learns that some secrets had even been kept from her.  Coming to understand herself and her past helps Trish to find the peace and happiness she was longing for.

My Gift to You is author Lori Nawyn's first novel. This book was billed as a Christmas book but I think it could easily be read year round. It was much more of a family drama set in the month of December than a Christmas story.
Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author For Review

Holiday Book Review: Take A Walk With Me by Marcia Lynn McClure

“Grandma?” Cozy called as she closed the front door behind her. She inhaled a deep breath—bathing in the warm, inviting scent of banana nut bread baking in the oven. “Grandma? Are you in here?”

“Cozy!” her grandma called in a loud whisper. “I’m in the kitchen. Hurry!”
Cozy frowned—her heart leapt as worry consumed her for a moment. Yet, as she hurried to the kitchen to find her grandma kneeling at the window that faced the new neighbors yard, and peering out with a pair of binoculars, she exhaled a sigh of relief.
“Grandma! You’re still spying on him?” she giggled.
“Get down! They’ll see us! Get down!” Dottie ordered in a whisper, waving one hand in a gesture that Cozy should duck.
Giggling with amusement at her grandma’s latest antics, Cozy dropped to her hands and knees and crawled toward the window.
“Who’ll see us?” she asked.
“Here,” Dottie whispered, pausing only long enough to reach for a second set of binoculars sitting on the nearby counter. “These are for you.” She smiled at Cozy—winked as a grin of mischief spread over her face. “And now…may I present the entertainment for this evening…Mr. Buckly hunk of burning love Bryant…and company."
 
This was the perfect book to read on Christmas afternoon.  I started it 3 weeks ago when it was released but have had no time to read since then.  Finishing Take A Walk With Me was first on my list of things to do this afternoon.   
 
I loved this book just as I've loved everything Marcia Lynn McClure has written.  A wonderful holiday romance. Can't wait until this gets turned into a full length book.  Such fun characters in this sweet romance. 
 
I think I need to find recipes for raspberry almonds, mulled cider and orange almond punch!
 
Content: a couple mild swear words
 
Rating: 5 Stars
 
Source: From author for review

Holiday Book Review: The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts

Discover an unforgettable holiday treasure in Sheila Roberts’ heartwarming tale of love and laughter, magic and miracles, friendship and coming home…


On a blustery afternoon, Kylie Gray wanders into an antique shop and buys an enchanting snow globe. “There’s a story behind that snow globe,” the antique dealer tells her. The original owner, he explains, was a German toymaker who lost his wife and son right before Christmas. When the grieving widower received the handcrafted snow globe as a Christmas gift, he saw the image of a beautiful woman beneath the glass—a woman who would come into his life, mend his broken heart and bring him back to the world of the living. For years, the snow globe has passed from generation to generation, somehow always landing in the hands of a person in special need of a Christmas miracle.


Kiley could use a miracle herself. This year, all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. A hopeful shake leads her on an adventure that makes a believer out of her. When Kylie shares the story of the snow globe with her best friends—two women with problems of their own—they don’t believe it. But they’re about to discover that at Christmastime, sometimes the impossible becomes possible and miracles really do come true.

I loved the idea of this book and really liked the beginning of the story. Kylie buying the snow globe and hearing the story behind how the magic began was a great tale. I was really enjoying Kylie's story of finding Craig and his toy shop through the globe. A little over 1/2 of the way through the book Kylie passes the snow globe on to one of her friend Suzanne and Kylie's story abruptly ends. We then have her friend's story which I didn't enjoy as much. The last 30 pages the snow globe gets passed to a 3rd friend, Allison, and we have a rushed story about her.

I wish this whole book had been expanded and just been about Kylie. Either that or the book should have been much longer to fully develop the stories of her friends.

Even though this book left me wanting more it was still an enjoyable holiday read.

Content: Some language and profanity scattered throughout.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: Received a copy for review

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

Wishing you the happiest of holidays! 

I've been busy getting ready for Christmas and have not had time to get any blog posts done.  I assume most everyone else is busy too and won't have much time to read blogs and enter giveaways this weekend.  I've got a bunch more great book giveaways lined up that I'll start posting on Monday. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Book Review: The Reindeer Keeper by Barbara Briggs Ward

Abbey senses something special about the little man tending to the reindeer who, along with a century-old farmhouse, a barn full of animals, and fields abounding in woods and pasture, was a gift to Abbey from a stranger. Abbey and her husband, Steve, move in just before the holidays. They have been together since the '60s, eloping when Steve returned from Vietnam. Now with Abbey's cancer in remission, they're looking forward to their boys coming home for Christmas.


Turns out this Christmas proves to be more magical than anticipated as Abbey realizes an understanding never thought possible through the rekindling of a belief rooted in childhood. Of course it's who delivers this gift on Christmas Eve that gives Abbey and Steve the strength to face their greatest challenge.

The Reindeer Keeper was sent to me by the author to review. This is the kind of book that makes me grateful to be a book blogger.  I never would have picked this book up on my own (probably never would have even heard about it).  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was drawn into the story. 

Barbara Briggs Ward has written a wonderful holiday read.  This book is touching without being cheesy.  I had tears in my eyes more than once while reading it and felt the spirit of Christmas within it's pages. Perhaps I could relate to this story more than others might because I lost one of my parents far too early in life.

Reality meets fantasy in this wonderful mix of family life with all its struggles combined with the magic of Christmas.  The characters in these pages came to life and I felt their joy as well as their pain.  
 
I would recommend this beautifully written story to anyone looking for an uplifting Christmas read, especially to those of us who are a little older and have experienced many of the joys and trials that come with life.



Content: Basically a clean read.  Sex is mentioned but there are no details.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From author for review

Christmas Book Review: A First Christmas; Friends and Festivity by Sean Noonan

A First Christmas: Friends and Festivity by Sean Noonan


Beyond the half-sleep lies a land of dreams where anything can happen....


Join Elannah and Sam as they drift off happily into the fantastical world of their dreams where they visit Rodger the Badger and the Bridge Troll for some festive fun...or so they think...until ....


"Well" Rodger said, "The Twelve Toed Ugly Troll never did celebrate Christmas"


"Never celebrated Christmas!?" Sam exclaimed incredulously, a look of such bewilderment on his face. All thoughts of missing presents were forgotten. "That's not possible! What about his friends and family?"


"The Bridge Troll never knew his parents and, until the night of the fireworks, he has never had anyone to call a friend"
"This is not good." Elannah stated thoughtfully. She mused for a second and then announced, "Let's throw him a Christmas party, not just any Christmas party, but rather the best party there has ever been. We will make up for all the missing Christmases in this one night!"


From a harmless snowball fight to a terrifying tumble down the side of a mountain, a trek through the Mines of Abundance and the Magical Night Flower Garden. Will these traveling companions manage to gather the perfect ingredients to amaze and astound the Twelve Toed Ugly Troll!?


Follow Elannah, Sam and their dream world friends as they prepare for the most fantastical Christmas Party ever!

A First Christmas; Friends and Festivity is the second book in The Everlasting and Fantastical Adventures of Elannah and Sam.  I have not read the first book in the series and would recommend reading book one before reading this book.  It worked as a stand alone but there was some discussion on things that must have happened in the first book and I felt left in the dark.

This is an imaginative Christmas story that would make a good read aloud to younger children perhaps ages 5+ or as a read alone for children ages 8+.  The pictures in this book were drawn by the authors daughter, Elannah.  They are the black and white sketches of a young child.

The message of this book was one of giving to and doing things for others.  I think this quote summed it up:

People sometimes forget that Christmas is all about others and giving.  Such unselfish acts are blessings for the world and always produce rewards, even if they are not obvious.

Content: Clean

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Christmas Book Review: Chris Mouse and the Promise by Tina J. Lackey Adams

Travel back in time with Chris Mouse and listen while she relates her story as she remembers it of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.


Chris Mouse has just tucked her three little ones into bed when she notices the most beautiful bright shining star in the heavens. As she dreamily admires the star she remembers a prophecy she's heard stories about since her youth. A magnificent star would mark the birth of the Savior. Could this be the promise she had waited her entire life to see? What happens next will change the world forever. Life for Chris Mouse will never be the same.

Chris Mouse and the Promise retells the Christmas story from the perspective of a mouse who was in the stable the night the Savior was born.  This is a very simple, condensed version of the Christmas story.  It should easily hold the interest of young children.  Another book that focuses on the real reason for the Christmas holiday, the promised birth of the Savior of the world.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: From author for review

Christmas Book Review: The Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright

Where had it come from? Whose money was it? Was I to spend it? Save it? Pass it on to someone more needy? Above all else, why was I chosen? Certainly there were others, countless others, more needy than me...

Her reporter's intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page.

Newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the remarkable secret behind the "Christmas Jars", glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously left for people in need. But along the way, Hope discovers much more than the origin of the jars. When some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness, Hope's greatest Christmas Eve wish comes true.

The Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright is a heartwarming Christmas story. More than once I had tears in my eyes while reading the touching book.

Focusing on giving during Christmas instead of getting, I loved the message of this story. I admit it does fit somewhere on far side of the unbelievability scale and is a little sappy. However read as a feel good, remind me what Christmas is all about reason, this is a great holiday book.

I'm thinking we'll start a Christmas Jar of our own this year.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Library

Christmas Book Review: The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere

The eighty-mile journey of a common carpenter and a simple peasant girl is one of the most powerful stories in history. As books go out of print and stories fade from memory, the journey of Joseph and Mary and her delivery inside a common barn continues to bless and inspire hope in people around the world. Accompanied by moving and beautifully rendered illustrations throughout, Donna VanLiere’s retelling shows that the story of the Nativity is alive in our modern world.

The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere is a narrative Donna wrote years back to read at a Christmas banquet. The book begins with the Christmas story as found in Luke 2.  It then chronicles the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the birth of the Savior.

"Somewhere along the way the cave has been sanitized, the birth made painless and the people involved stripped of all fear or emotion."

This short book describes a little of what it must have really been like for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem with Mary ready to give birth.  Having had 5 children it made me appreciate the reality of what they must have gone through.  Traveling eighty miles on the back of a donkey just days before having a baby, no thank you.  What a miserable journey that must have been. 

Reading this book made me appreciative for what Mary and Joseph went through and made me grateful for the conveniences of modern day life. 

This is a really fast read, probably less than 30 minutes total to read.  It's filled with beautiful illustrations that accompany the story.  A great reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Received copy for review

Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway - The Christmas Chronicles by Tim Slover

In this new holiday classic, Tim Slover crafts a marvelous, magical novel about how Santa Claus became the man he is today. After reading The Christmas Chronicles, you’ll believe all over again in the magic of the season.

Snow is falling, and the clock ticks toward midnight on Christmas Eve while countless children, too excited to sleep, anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. But in Tim Slover’s deeply charming and utterly thrilling new novel, that’s the end rather than the beginning of the story. In this richly imagined tale of Santa’s origins, the man in full finally emerges. The Christmas Chronicles is at once an action-packed adventure, an inspiring story of commitment and faith, and a moving love story.

It all starts in 1343, when the child Klaus is orphaned and adopted by a craftsmen’s guild. The boy will grow to become a master woodworker with an infectious laugh and an unparalleled gift for making toys. His talent and generosity uniquely equip him to bestow hundreds of gifts on children at Christmas—and to court the delightful Anna, who enters his life on a sleigh driven by the reindeer Dasher and becomes his beloved wife.

Still, all is not snowfall and presents. Klaus will be shadowed by the envious Rolf Eckhof, who will stop at nothing to subvert him. But in the end, Santa’s magic is at last unleashed, flying reindeer come to his aid, and an epic battle between good and evil is waged in the frosty Christmas skies.

By turns enchanting, hair-raising, and inspirational, The Christmas Chronicles is a beguiling tale destined to become a holiday favorite for the ages.

About Author Tim Slover:

Tim Slover is a writer and professor of theater at the University of Utah. His plays have been produced off-Broadway and in theaters throughout the United States and in London, where he spends part of each year. His wife, usefully, is a marriage and family therapist, and their two sons were the original audience for The Christmas Chronicles. For the purposes of yuletide decorating, each Christmas, Slover continues to cut a few pine boughs at an undisclosed location.

You can learn more about Tim and The Christmas Chronicles by visiting the Publisher’s website.

Book Review:

If you are looking for a book that tells you the "truth" about Santa Claus this is it.  How does Santa really deliver all the gifts on Christmas Eve?  How did Santa & Mrs. Claus meet?  Can reindeer really fly?  Does Rudolph's nose really glow?  All these and many more questions are answered in this sure to be holiday classic.  Author Tim Slover has woven a wonderful Christmas tale that once and for all separates the fact from the fiction regarding Santa Claus.  Learn how Santa Claus became the legend he is now.  What started as a simple woodworker who made toys for a village of children grew into something legendary and magical.  A story that will delight adults as well as children.

Content: Clean Read

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Pump Up Your Book

For all Tour Stops Please Visit Pump Up You Book.

Classical 89 has turned this book into an 8 part radio dramatization.  Visit Classical 89 from now until January 2nd for program air times and on demand listening.  I just listened to the first episode and it was very well done!



Book Giveaway:
One copy of The Christmas Chronicles by Tim Slover
Shipping to US or Canada only
Last day to enter is December 24th.
To enter please follow this blog then fill out this form:
This giveaway is now closed.

Book Review: Christmas with the Prophets by Laura F. Willes

How did Joseph Smith celebrate Christmas? What did John Taylor say about the pioneers first Christmas in the Salt Lake Valley? What was the heartening message that Heber J. Grant included on his 1945 Christmas cards? Christmas with the Prophets provides glimpses into the individual Christmas celebrations of each President of the Church, with recurring themes of missionary efforts, Church work, family, and service. Some of the vignettes are personal, others soul-stirring, poignant, and tender. Often their experiences and messages reflect the world conditions at that time and serve as little snapshots of history. Illustrated throughout with historical photographs and illustrations, each story of a Christmas past reminds us of the wondrous birth of the baby of Bethlehem, the Lord Jesus Christ. Discover how each Church President has celebrated Christmas, from Joseph Smith to Thomas S. Monson Beautifully designed and illustrated A Christmas keepsake for every Latter-day Saint family.

This is a wonderful book for the Christmas season.  Each of the 16 prophets of the LDS church are highlighted with glimpses into how they spent Christmas.  Details are sketchy for some of the earlier prophets and full of detail for the more recent ones. 

I loved hearing the excitement over receiving fruit, nuts and a stick of candy - a vast difference from the Christmas my children are used to. Stories of serving others, Christmas traditions and messages about Christ fill the pages of this book.  Some of these stories were familiar to me and others I had never heard.

The quality of this book, Christmas with the Prophets, is incredible.  Thick, glossy, full color pages with a glittery cover make this a beautiful book to add to any LDS home.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Book Review: A Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman

Deepen the spirit that fills your heart and home this holiday season when you discover the meaning behind seven gifts of Christmas, each celebrated with an invitation from the scriptures and a simple tradition.

Each gift is based on a figure in a Nativity set, and the traditions can easily be combines with things you already do. This year as you prepare your home for the season, resolve to prepare your heart in a way that will lead you closer to Christ.

My husband and I had been discussing that we wanted to do something for Christmas this year to make it special. Our kids are getting a little older and only the youngest still believes in Santa Claus. We really wanted to focus less on getting and more on giving to others this year.

I have heard Emily Freeman speak at Time Out for Women and think she is a wonderful speaker and author so I was excited when I received a copy of her book A Christ-Centered Christmas to review.  As I started reading this book I realized this was the answer to what we needed to do to make this Christmas special. 

We have a nativity we set up each year but I opted to go purchase a new small nativity set that my children could handle without breaking to use in conjunction with this book.  There are 7 figures from the Christmas story that are used in this book.  Mary, Joseph, the Angel, the Lamb, the Shepard, the Wise Men & the Baby Jesus.  With each figure there is a song, story and activity/tradition to do to help keep the focus of the season on Christ.  The activities are simple and things that could easily be done or adapted to work in most families. 

We started tonight by talking about Mary.  Our 5 children were very receptive.  We now have a small nativity sitting on top of our TV with a the lone figure of Mary.  When we were done our 5 year old wanted to jump right in and start on the next figurine.

I'm looking forward to spending a little time each week from now until Christmas focusing on the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas.

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review