Posts Categorized: Magical

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Review: The Rosemary Spell by Virginia Zimmerman

December 23, 2015 Lily B Review 10 ★★★

The Rosemary Spell by Virginia Zimmerman
Series: Stand-Alone
Published by Clarion Books on December 1st 2015
Genres: Magical Realism
Pages: 280
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: zero-flames

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Part mystery, part literary puzzle, part life-and-death quest, and chillingly magical, this novel has plenty of suspense for adventure fans and is a treat for readers who love books, words, and clues. Best friends Rosie and Adam find an old book with blank pages that fill with handwriting before their eyes. Something about this magical book has the power to make people vanish, even from memory. The power lies in a poem—a spell. When Adam's older sister, Shelby, disappears, they struggle to retain their memories of her as they race against time to bring her back from the void, risking their own lives in the process.

A cute coming of age story about a group of friends that discover a very old book behind a secret door and the events that follow flip their world around.

Rosie, Adam and Shelby are all good friends and pretty much grew up together. Shelby seems to be a year older and is growing out of stuff that Rosie and Adam like to do, their taste and interest change and it is obviously hard for Rosie. Shelby hangs out with other people, and gets excited about boys and not about things that she used to find fun. So when Rosie and Adam discover an old book that ends up being magical and sends Shelby into the void, they must keep repeating a chant in order to bring her out of the void and briefly remember her. Time is running out though, they must dive into Shakespeare work and unravel clues that will lead them to a spell to bring Shelby back before it’s too late.

I liked the book, it was a cute, entertaining middle grade book about friendship, set in magical realism. The writing is simple and great for appropriate age kids who like a bit of fantasy and puzzle thrown into their books.

I did find it a little confusing at times, some parts had left me scratching my head. I was confused how the book seemed to have made them forget everything, including the fact that it was ‘magical’ so it took them a while to figure out that they must repeat a verse in order to remember Shelby. Especially since they found out that the book might be magic, before sending Shelby into the void.

I wish I got through it faster than I did, the book was actually a pretty quick read and overall I did not find it boring, but I did find it a bit repetitive. Maybe the whole forgetting thing didn’t completely work for me. I sort of liked the relationship between Rosie and her mother, but I did not like the way Adam’s parents, especially his father had come across.

Overall, this was my first step into Zimmerman, and I found it pretty enjoyable

The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine

December 8, 2015 Lily B Review 21 ★★★★½

The Impostor Queen (Untitled, #1) by Sarah Fine
Series: Untitled #1
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books on January 5th 2016
Genres: Young Adult High Fantasy
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: one-flame

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by magical priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule.
But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found.
Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed.

I think I am in love with Sarah Fine’s writing and I have Ali @ My Guilty Obsession to thank for that. The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine ended up being a buddy read with Ali, to whom I am thankful for introducing me to Fine’s writing.

I loved The Impostor Queen, a well crafted story about a sixteen-year-old girl named Elli who is a Saadela and the next in line to take over when the Valtia of the Kupari passes and leaves her magic to be passed on to the Saadela. When Elli’s Valtia suffers a terrible tragedy and the young girl ends up witnessing the horrid moment of her Valtia’s final breath, the Elders blame Elli for rejecting the magic when it does not enter her. With a help of her handmaiden, Mim, Elli escapes the temple and the cruel fate that awaits her and disappears beyond the village walls where she is rescued by a boy named Oskar.

Now Elli is living among the very people the Elder’s have been trying to force out of the mines, while trying to learn about her own ability that she is asked to keep a secret by the mysterious old healer.

I won’t lie. The story started out kind of slow, but this is a high fantasy, and it is kind of expected. When the story finally picked up, and boy did it pick up, not only was it impossible to put down but I found myself wanting to savor it. I admit, I was a little disappointed and sad that the book has ended. I went through a book withdrawal and it’s been a long while since any book has caused such a reaction out of me.

Fine’s writing is brilliant, her imagination runs wild in the beautifully crafted magical world. I love that there are two forces that make up the magic, fire and ice, and how the two effect the Valtia as well as the magic wielders.

The plot itself was amazing and interesting. It had me so hooked, I wanted and needed to know how it was all going to turn out, what was going to happen next and how Fine was going to leave us at the end of the book. I was so glad to learn that this is part of the series, though as of right now Goodreads lists the series as the Untitled. I also loved that the ending did NOT feel like a cliffhanger.

Let’s talk about Elli for a second. Elli lived a sheltered life in the temple because she was being molded to do what the Elder’s wanted her to do. The only knowledge she really had about anything was what the Elder’s wanted to tell her, so she comes off very naive. Boy does she learns her lessons quickly when she is forced out of the shelter of the home she knew forever and onto the streets and into the winter cold. I really enjoyed watching Elli develop as a character. Her struggles when she is brought to the camp are real. The fact that she suffers a physical “disfiguration” maker her character appear flawed, but at the same time very human.

Though the book is listed under glbt genre under Goodreads, and does have references to it (Elli’s love for her handmaiden) the book mainly follows the romance between a boy and a girl.

Oskar was amazing. Brownie points to him for taking Elli in. Their meeting in an unusual circumstance ended up being quite entertaining. I loved their interaction and the slow simmering romance that had me holding my breath more than once.

The world-building in this book was remarkable, original and very interesting. It is one of those fantasy novels that you cannot help but fall in love with everything, the writing, the world-building, the well fleshed out characters, it just keeps you wanting more. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I cannot wait to see where this story goes from here, because the ending totally blew me away.

If you enjoy a high fantasy novel with an incredible world, with talented writing, what are you waiting for? I strongly recommend this book.

Review: Soundless by Richelle Mead

November 18, 2015 Lily B Review 58 ★★★½

Soundless by Richelle Mead
Series: Stand-Alone
Published by Razorbill on November 10th 2015
Genres: Young Adult Mythology, Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 272
Format: Hardcover
Source: Own Copy
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: one-flame

From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore.
For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.
When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.
But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.
Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever...

First Impression: A story of self-perseverance in the face of the unknown.

Second Impression: I liked how the story was written. It uses certain costumes and vaguely bases a fantasy world around it. I found it quite impressive. The people of a small village where Fei is from known only one way of life. They are split into different classes. The miners, mine for the metals that keep their village alive for the village is on top of a mountain with no way down and the only thing that keeps them fed is sending metal down through a line in exchange for food. The artists supervise the daily life of the village and return to report it in an expressive artistic way that will be displayed the next day for the whole town to witness. They must only observe and never intervene.

For you see, everyone in town is deft. Their only way of communication is through sign language and reading the painted word from the artists. Unfortunately the town is also suffering from people going blind, and no one known why this is happening. It’s interfering with the mining and thus causing the man managing the zip-line below to send them more food. When Li Wei’s (a miner) father dies in an accident in the mine because he was losing his vision, Li Wei sets out to try and climb down the mountain and have the lineman reconsider sending them so little food. Fei is forced to go with him when her own sister’s sight begins to fail, and the last thing she wants is for her to become a beggar. Especially in the world so scares of food.

The only thing is, Fei is the only one that can climb down the mountain because her hearing has returned and she is the only one in the village that can hear the rock slide and thus avoid getting killed.

When Li Wei and Fei make their way to the world below, what they discover not only stuns them, but the mystery and betrayal towards her people leaves them wanting the same salvation and pleasures of life the people in the township are experiencing. As they try to get back to their people and enlighten them of the deceiving lies, the danger follows them.

Third Impression: The book was okay. No, you must understand, I really enjoyed it. I must have if I finished it so damn quickly right? And I did. I like the underlying feel of the story, it felt diverse from the normal reads that keep popping up in my kindle lately. Fei was an interesting character, but where she was strong and brave, she was also a bit naive and weak. I know she wanted what was best for her people, but ultimately failed to see the bigger picture. The entire time I was reading this book, I was curious to how she was going to accomplish what she was set out to do.

Okay, I must say the ending was a bit of disappointment. I kind of expected that it was going to happen in such way, but it still left a bitter pill in my mouth. I wanted something more, I wanted to see the people stand up and rebel. I wanted to see them use that anger and sorrow that they had battled for so long and unleash it on the cruelty that kept them on top of the mountain. Yes, I admired the village folks for doing everything they can in order to survive under their circumstances, but I also envisioned some kind of a revolution for them. Not just become a sort of a fish out of the water and hope that a myth saves them.

There was also a bit of romance in the book and it was cute, but everything did end a bit too perfectly. Sure, the author did not take it to the extent of making your teeth ache, but Fei seemed to have literally got everything she could ever want. It left me wanting a bit more meat on these dry bones, so to speak and wishing that the story was not a stand-alone – maybe it would have been better for it. This is one time that I did not feel it had a strong ending and left me feeling a bit disappointed, but I guess it does bring closure to those that needed in light of the events and HEA.

I did enjoy the writing and the story telling. It had a folk book feeling, and even thought it wasn’t detailed, it was understandable. It did not bore me to tears with an influx of information, therefore I did not find the book dry. I enjoyed every minute of it, despite wanting a better, stronger, and possibly overall a different ending. Thought I liked it just fine, I felt that the story in general had a lot of potential. But, if it meant to feel like a folklore, in which it absolutely does, then it is understandable.

Tasty Book Tours Review: The Winter Laird by Nancy Scanlon

November 16, 2015 Lily B Blog Tour, Review 44 ★★★

The Winter Laird by Nancy Scanlon
Series: Mists of Fate #1
Published by Diversion Books on November 17th 2015
Genres: Adult Historical Romance, Time Travel
Pages: 262
Format: Paperback
Source: Blog Tour
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: two-flames

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I received this book for free from Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

THE PRESENTSuccessful matchmaker Brianagh O’Rourke believes in happily-ever-afters...just not her own. She’s convinced passion only exists in her dreams. When she reluctantly accepts a marriage proposal, Bri decides she needs a vacation—but she didn't expect it to be in 13th century Ireland.
THE PASTLaird Nioclas MacWilliam just wants peace for his clan. The time for him to marry has come, and after waiting years for his ally to present their daughter, he’s agreed to marry another. But on the eve of his nuptials, a daring rescue brings his missing betrothed right into his arms.
And she does not want to be there.
THE FUTUREBrianagh has to return to the future. Nioclas has to marry. He offers a solution for the both of them: She marries him and stays for three months, and they work together to convince his clan they are a love match. In return, he vows to safely return her home. But as the days turn to weeks, they both begin to see what a happily-ever-after could be. And when the time comes, does Brianagh return to the life she’s built, or does she remain in the past for a chance at true love?

Brianagh O’Rourke is one of the most coveted matchmakers in the business. It’s only a shame that she herself cannot find a love match. When a family secret comes to light, the last thing Bri expects was to be thrown back into the past, without warning, by a man she trusted her entire life.

Now she is back somewhere in the 1400s, and must fulfill her sire’s promise to the laird of the MacWilliams clan in joining their clans in marriage and her duty of producing children in order to save history. There, Bri comes to face to face with literally with the man of her dreams and the revelation stuns Nick just as much.

I liked the story. I thought the romance was sweet. I liked how Nick went out of his way to try and woo Bri into loving him because he realized he could not fulfill his promise to her of letting her go. Bri was a strong woman, but not powerful enough to deny the depth of the attraction between them. Her personality is to take charge and no sooner after arriving at the castle, does the boredom of being the lady of the castle, drives her into taking charge and making some changes.

Overall, as far as the story goes and the romance it was a good read. It was clean, and I came to admire both Bri and Nick. I liked watching their love for each other grow into something undeniable. I also really loved Reilly in this book and hope he eventually get’s his own story.

My only gripe is the historical accuracy with this book. First, the blurb mentions 13th century Ireland, but in the book Bri goes back to the 15th Century Ireland. Second, the Irish heads of the clans during that period were often called the Irish Lords. Lairds were a Scottish term for the highlander clan lords in Scotland, not Ireland. If you are looking for a highlander romance, this is NOT it as Highlanders originated in the Scottish Highlands. Also, Irish lords didn’t really wear kilts, which is what it looks like on the cover. They did wear leine, which is accurate in the book.

I also wished that Bri wasn’t so accepting of her faith so quickly. For a modern girl, she did not act like being thrown into 15th century Ireland and having everything ripped away from her was a problem.

Also don’t believe okay excited in 15th century 😉

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About Nancy Scanlon

Born and raised near Boston, Massachusetts, Nancy Scanlon wrote her first romance novel at age 16, when she realized that fictional boyfriends were much easier to figure out than real ones. In the time since, she managed to earn a degree in English, obtain a graduate certificate in creative writing from the University of Cambridge, and marry the man of her dreams (but she still holds tight to her fictional boyfriends).
Currently, she resides in Puerto Rico with her husband, two children, and two dogs. When not writing, Nancy spends her time reading, reviewing and blogging about romance novels, watching too much HGTV, and taking care of her family.

Review: The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle

October 30, 2015 Lily B Review 24 ★★★★

The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle
Series: Stand-Alone
Published by Kathy Dawson Books on August 18th 2015
Genres: Young Adult Paranormal, Young Adult Magical Realism
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
Source: Own Copy
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: half-flame

Every October Cara and her family become inexplicably accident-prone. Some years it’s bad, like the season when her father died, and some years it’s just a lot of cuts and scrapes. They know what they need to do—stock up on bandages and painkillers, cover sharp table edges with padding, banish knives to locked drawers, switch off electrical items. They buckle up, they batten down.
But this accident season—when Cara; her ex-stepbrother, Sam; and her best friend, Bea, are seventeen—none of that will make a difference.
Because Cara is starting to ask questions. And the answers were never meant to be found.
A haunting, untethered, addictive read that perfectly captures that time in our lives when our hearts crack open and the raw secrets of our true selves burst forth—whether we are ready or not.

This book, wow, I am pleasantly surprised! I honestly picked this one up because it sparked my attention and it looked like it might be an enjoyable read for the Halloween season. I got everything I wanted to wrap up in a nice package and delivered! Boy did this book deliver. Moïra Fowley-Doyle writing is hauntingly beautiful and creepily atmospheric! I was hooked, totally hooked from the start and once I got to the Halloween party and the last what 40%? I could not put this book down. I totally needed my sleep, but it was hard to let go I needed to know what happens in the end. I found myself chomping through the pages until I hit the end.

So let’s raise our glasses to the accident season,

To the river beneath us where we sink our souls,

To the bruises and secrets, to the ghosts in the ceilings,

One more drink for the watery road.

It’s October therefor it’s Accident season, something that has been plaguing the Cara’s family for years. They have lost many loved ones due to the season so Cara’s mother is exceptionally protective. Unfortunately, not a lot of kids in school believe them so they get a bunch of funny looks every time something happens and they get a little more banged up.

I loved the character’s in this book, including the secondary and supportive. I thought they really added to the book as a whole and deepened the already creepy plot. Bea is Cara’s friend, who reads tarot cards. I really enjoyed her character and the whole tarot card reading was a kind of a great addition to the story. Like the rest of the characters in the book Bea isn’t any different. She has her secrets and she hides them all behind her tarot cards, but she is an excellent and supportive friend to Cara.

Sam is Cara’s ex-step-brother who is also plagued by the accident season even thought they are not blood related. I found that oddly interesting. I liked Sam, he is very protective of Cara and has his own demons when it comes to his father.

Alice is the older sister of Cara, and is very troubled and probably sees things more clearly when it comes to the accident season over Cara.

The story itself was creepy and hauntingly beautiful, the writing was fantastic a bit lyrical and filled with magical realism. The story was fast paced and I did not find it dull, even with the well done descriptions, especially all the scenes in the haunted house. Cara’s comparison to the changelings that shed their human skin for one night a year was so different and freaky. Alice’s struggles with the boyfriend was well done, especially in the situations like this, not only was it realistic it was a bit frightening in its own way.

The mystery behind the Accident season had me hooked until the very end. Especially wanting to know more about this mysterious girl named Elsie, who happens to pop up in all of Cara’s pictures, no matter where she takes them.

Accidents happen. Our bones shatter, our skin splits, our heart break. We burn, we drown, we stay alive.

There is romance in this book, it’s a bit unusual. I was honestly mostly surprised this subject made it into the YA genre. I was recently amused to myself how popular it is right now. It’s a bit taboo, but it works. My husband and I had a discussion about it, because I did not know it was considered a taboo, given the circumstances, but I get it.

The teens in this book felt realistic, even if I was particularly grumpy that they drank and smoke. Looking back at my teen years, I realize it is part of the “teen culture” it does happen, and it’s stupid to remain ignorant.

I am still lost about this, metal, tin? Man that Cara has several run’s in with. I am not sure that part was ever explained fully.

Overall, if you are looking for at least one book to read this Halloween, I do strongly recommend this one. The hauntingly beautiful creepy writing, the characters, the mystery and the magical realism wrap this book up nicely and make it worth the read!

Review: The Goodbye Witch (A Wishcraft Mystery #4) by Heather Blake + Giveaway

May 11, 2014 Lily B Review 22 ★★★★★

The Goodbye Witch (A Wishcraft Mystery, #4) by Heather Blake
Series: A Wishcraft Mystery
Published by NAL on May 6th 2014
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 299
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating:

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

As Enchanted Village’s resident Wishcrafter, Darcy Merriweather has the power to make other people’s wishes come true, but what she really wishes is that she had the power to uncloak the invisible man who’s stalking her best friend.... Darcy’s closest friend and fellow witch, Starla Sullivan, hoped she’d never see her ex-husband, Kyle, again. Two years ago he tried to kill her, and he has been a fugitive ever since. Now Starla claims to have seen him back in Enchanted Village, but it seems she’s the only one who can see him. To everyone else, her ex is invisible. Darcy only wishes his motives were as transparent as the rest of him. Since the police can’t arrest someone they can’t see, it’s up to Darcy to find the secret behind Kyle’s latest disappearing act—before he does something they can’t see coming….

Enchanting and magical!Darcy Merriweather is a resident Wishcrafter in an Enchanted Village. What does that mean? She has the power to grant people their wishes, as long as it’s approved by the elders. But now, the only thing Darcy wishes is that she had the power to help her best friend a fellow witch uncover her invisible husband.Starla never really thought she would see her ex-husband again. Not since the night he tried to kill her. Which in turn had left a lot of unanswered
questions. How could the man she fell so in love with, change before her very eyes?

When her ex’s family turns a cold shoulder on Starla and accuses her of making the thing up, things only turn for the worse when Kyle (the ex) turns up dead in Starla’s home. With mounting evidence turning up against, it’s up to Darcy to put this one to rest.

This was very original. I love the uniqueness of this series and how it’s done. I especially loved the little magical town, full of very interesting characters. From familiars that talk to people with special powers living among people who do not have any. Darcy was charming, a loyal friend, trusting and compassionate. I totally fell in love with her character and wished I had her powers - heh wished.

The way the mystery turned out I thought was unique as well. Blake has crafted a really alluring series. I had the most difficult time putting this one down. I really wanted to know the big secret behind what happened to Kyle and why he treated Starla the way he did. What I got in return was news so heartbreaking, I could almost feel Starla’s shattering pain and the unfairness of it. Especially since he is now gone.

By the end of the book I found myself in tears. Not only for Kyle, but for Darcy’s best friend as well. I was so glad that the real ending was pulled together so well, and surprising kind of beautiful. With a touch of romance and some magic, this was a very heartwarming and really enjoyable read. In the end, I found myself wishing I could live in the enchanted village.

So my loveliess. Thanks to the publisher I have for you today (1) copy of The Goodbye Witch Just fill out a really quick raffle and comment below.

Open to US Address only

Must be at least 13+ to enter

Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Giveaway ends May 13.

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Review: Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

December 11, 2013 Lily B Review 7 ★★★★

Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber
Series: Angelic Intervention #8
Published by Mira on September 28th 2010
Genres: Adult Contemporary Romance
Pages: 253
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: half-flame

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This Christmas, Emily Merkle (call her Mrs. Miracle!) is working in the toy department at Finley's, the last family-owned department store in New York City. And her boss is none other than Jake Finley, the owner's son.
For Jake, holiday memories of brightly wrapped gifts, decorated trees and family were destroyed in a Christmas Eve tragedy years before. Now Christmas means just one thing to him and to his father. Profit. Because they need a Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat.
Holly Larson needs a miracle, too. She wants to give her eight-year-old nephew, Gabe, the holiday he deserves. Holly's widowed brother is in the army and won't be home for Christmas, but at least she can get Gabe that toy robot from Finley's, the one gift he desperately wants. If she can figure out how to afford it.
Fortunately, it's Mrs. Miracle to the rescue. Next to making children happy, she likes nothing better than helping others and that includes doing a bit of matchmaking!
This Christmas will be different. For all of them.

Yes, I think Debbie Macomber has found a new fan. This is my second Debbie Macomber novel of the month and ever read. I truly do enjoy her writing and Call Me Mrs. Miracle has ended up meeting my expectations! I did not realize till today that some may call her books Christian books as well. If that is the case, I am actually more than okay with this one. They don’t read as Christian books, and they do not sound at all preachy. All they are to me is wonderful, magical, yet simplistic writing with heart-warming story-lines of clean romance.

I did not realize this was an eight book in the series, but it reads as a stand-alone so it does not feel like you just walked in on a movie in the middle of it. I have heard of Mrs.Miracle books and have actually seen the first movie on Hallmark a couple of days ago, well at least the second half of it anyway. It was Thankgiving day and not much time to watch anything.

anyway in Call Me Mrs. Miracle, Emily Merkle is working at the department store in a toy section. Jake Finley, the owners son took a huge gamble when he ordered hundred of toy robots that are over $200 each in a very bad economy. Jake truly believes that the toy robots are going to be the hottest item this season, but when he only sells a couple on Black Friday, he is going to need a miracle to sell the rest.

Holly Larson is taking care of her nephew, who’s father is a soldier and currently away. So it will be another Christmas that the little boy will be spending without his father. It’s bad enough that Holly has financial problems and connection with the boy when on top of it all he also wants the expensive robot for Christmas.

With Emily Merkle to the rescue, it will be the Christmas to remember for the both of them.

Loved the story, it was so wonderful. I loved the connection between Holly and Jake. Though kind of instant there was something about it that was believable. I enjoyed watching the romance blossom between the two. Jake has had a terrible Christmas past when his mother and sister died on Christmas day in a car accident and now he and his father don’t even celebrate. It was so sweet seeing how Holly brought the spirit of Christmas back into the Finley household.

The toy store seemed to be a wonderful additional setting to the Christmas holiday feel of this book. Plus there is something about the character’s and their actions that really touches my heart. I am looking forward to my next read from Macomber and have already borrowed one from the library!