Dear Friends, Happy Halloween! I hope you are planning a fun holiday. Do you dress up for the day? I have a costume and wear it when Momma asks nicely. Last year we didn't have many trick or treaters, which is okay by me. I am not a fan of lots of knocking and doorbell ringing! I do love Halloween pictures of dachshunds and dogs. I found some fun ones at Pinterest, and thought you might enjoy them too.
A dachshund stands with an elaborate carved Jack O' Lantern:
Three pumpkins make a special dachshund picture:
A dachshund says "We are never too old for Halloween." I agree!
A dachshund poses with pumpkins and fall leaves:
A beautiful black and tan dachshund wears a string of light up pumpkins:
A little witch dachshund stands with pumpkins:
Dachshunds pose for Halloween with a log, pumpkins, and fall leaves:
Book Synopsis With all the glittering decorations, twinkling lights, snow angels,
gingerbread men and mistletoe, Christmas is Emmie’s first love. This year, she can’t wait to share her favorite Christmas traditions
with her boyfriend, Grant. She thinks he’s “the one.” So when Grant’s
hectic work schedule has him more “Bah Humbug” than “Ho, Ho, Ho,” Emmie
creates a holiday-themed scavenger hunt to help him find his Christmas
spirit. At the end of the journey, Grant will arrive at the charming
town of Christmas Point where she’s planned a romantic weekend filled
with holiday activities. But Emmie’s plan backfires when a mix-up has the wrong guy following
her clues! Sam, a best-selling mystery writer, thinks Emmie’s clever
Christmas riddles are from his agent, who is trying to help him get over
his epic writer’s block. When he arrives at Christmas Point and finds the stunned Emmie, he
immediately feels she’s someone special, but she can’t see beyond the
fact that the wrong guy has shown up. Inspired by the small, charming
town, Sam decides to stay and convinces Emmie to join him in a little
holiday fun while she waits for Grant. When Grant finally shows up, Emmie is disappointed to discover he’s
not enjoying the activities she planned and can’t help wonder if he’s
really the one for her. She also can’t get Sam out of her mind and all
the great times they had together. With Christmas coming fast, Emmie
will need the magic of the season to help steer her in the direction of
true love…
My Review Emmie loves Christmas more than anything, so naturally she plans to make her first Christmas with boyfriend Grant extra special. She plans an elaborate holiday scavenger hunt that will take him to a small mountain town called Christmas Point, so they can have a romantic holiday weekend together. The catch? The wrong man gets the scavenger hunt clues. Sam is a mystery novelist with writer's block. He thinks the clues are from his agent, and he arrives at Christmas Point for the weekend. Emmie's boyfriend is too busy working to join her, so she becomes friends with Sam and sparks start to fly.
I wanted to read this book from first description because I love Christmas! I love Christmas novels and Christmas movies, and knew I would like this book because of the author's background. Karen Schaler has written a number of Christmas movies for Hallmark, Netflix, and Lifetime.
Finding Christmas reads like the most charming Hallmark Christmas romance imaginable. Emmie starts out a little grumpy because she is on a big Christmas shopping trip and her perfect wreath purchase is blocked by another customer - Sam (we will see him again later). At first I thought Emmie was going to be a shopaholic character, but she really isn't. She works hard managing a nonprofit community center and helping families in need. Christmas is her one special time that she likes to shop - and often for others.
Sam is such a charming character. He is a great sport who is up for anything - from decorating cookies to ice skating. From the start I wanted him to get together with Emmie. I absolutely loved their scenes together.
I especially loved the Christmas scavenger hunt that Sam (mistakenly) went on. Every little stop of the hunt was great fun. The author even has tips on how to plan your own holiday scavenger hunt in the back of the book!
Christmas Point is a charming setting for this story. It is a little town (population 720) dedicated to all things Christmas. Emmie stays at an inn there that is owned by a widow named Ruby. Ruby is a lovely, warm character and her friendship with Emmie adds a lot to the book. I loved all the details of Christmas celebrations in this little town too. I have to add that Ruby even has a sweet Border Collie named Dasher! (I enjoy all books more when they feature a lovable dog or cat.)
I also loved Emmie's passion for all things Christmas. I could just picture her apartment from the book's description:
"Her entire apartment looked like a scene from a Christmas fairy tale. There were hundreds of white twinkle lights hanging overhead, attached to the loft's old wooden ceiling beams. The lights also outlined all the windows. From top to bottom, Emmie's apartment was filled with all kinds of Christmas decorations from vintage to modern, similar to how her office was decorated. Emmie didn't discriminate. She had a snow globe collection, an angel collection, and a snowman collection, as well as several antique nativity sets. ... It was the perfect balance of old and new, and it felt genuine and real" (p. 57).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and know that other fans of Christmas novels will like it too. Finding Christmas is a perfect holiday read -- just settle in with a cup of cocoa and prepare to get in the holiday spirit!
Author Bio Karen Schaler is a three-time Emmy Award–winning storyteller, author,
screenwriter, journalist, and national TV host. She has written
original screenplays for Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime Christmas
movies, including the Netflix sensation A Christmas Prince. Karen wrote the Hallmark movie and novel Christmas Camp, and the sequel novella, Christmas Camp Wedding. Traveling to more than sixty-five countries as the creator and host of Travel Therapy TV, Karen
is constantly inspired by the diverse people, places, and cultures she
encounters. All of Karen’s stories are uplifting, filled with heart and
hope. Find out more about Karen at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.
Book Synopsis Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big
enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take
over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to
serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871.
What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none
other than the man she once refused to marry.
Captain Ben
Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who
broke his heart. He can't afford to be distracted during this survey,
which is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot
share with any member of his team.
As dangers arise from all
sides--and even from within--Meg and Ben must work together to stay
alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that
neither had completely left behind.
My Review A Distance Too Grand is a historical novel set in 1871. It tells the story of Meg Pero, a photographer who has signed on to take photographs for an Army survey of the Grand Canyon. The officer leading the survey, Captain Ben Coleridge, is her old beau. As they reconnect, they also face danger and a mystery on the trip. I wanted to read this novel from first description because of the unique character - a woman photographer in the 1870's - and setting - the Grand Canyon. Meg is such a wonderful, strong female character. She wants a career as a photographer during a time period when women just did not have careers. She is also very brave when dangers occur as part of the survey. I loved Ben and Meg together; it was great seeing him appreciate her intelligence and creativity and support her dreams. The novel is well written, and the descriptions really captured the time and place. I found the details about 1870's photography especially interesting. Meg does photos for stereoscopes, and the photographic process for these pictures was fascinating. The book includes passages like this:
"The view was quaint. It might make a popular stereograph, particularly if she titled it something romantic, 'Glen in Far-Off Arizona Territory,' perhaps, or 'Forgotten Wilderness.' People slid her pictures into their stereoscopes and peered through the dual lenses to view exotic places and foreign cultures they'd never visit in person, after all. The best pictures told a story" (p. 62).
There is a lot of western adventure on the trip, as well as an ongoing mystery. Although I figured the mystery out early on, I enjoyed reading the resolution in the novel. This is the first in a series, and I look forward to reading the next novel, which is about Yellowstone. I recommend A Distance Too Grand for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone interested in the old west or early photography. Author Bio Regina Scott is the author of more than 40 works of warm, witty historical romance. Her writing has won praise from Booklist and Library Journal, and she was twice awarded the prestigious RT Book Reviews
best book of the year in her category. A devotee of history, she has
learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in
the name of research. She and her husband of 30 years live south of
Tacoma, Washington, on the way to Mt. Rainier.
Dear Friends, There is a new special day coming up next week. It is October 22, National Make A Dog's Day. This is a day that focuses on rescuing "underdogs" from shelters. These are special dogs - very big dogs, old dogs, blind dogs, deaf dogs, dogs who were born were three legs, dogs with underbites - dogs who may not find homes as easily. I read information about this day and was very sad to read that although more dogs are adopted from shelters than in the past, approximately 35% of all shelter dogs are euthanized. Subaru is sponsoring Make a Dog's Day. I am in no way affiliated with Subaru, but go them! This is a wonderful program that is happening in conjunction with the ASPCA. There is more information at this site: Make a Dog's Day. Here is a very short video about underdogs: There are a number of things you can do to help shelter dogs: You can adopt them! You can volunteer at a local shelter. You can contribute money or goods to a local shelter. Many local shelters seek donations of food, blankets, towels, sheets, etc. You can find your local animal shelter online and look for dogs who may have a harder time finding a home. You can then share these dogs on social media - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest. (I have helped my Momma do this before.) I think this is a great cause to get behind and hope you will share the word as well. In the meantime, don't forget to also make your own dog's day special next week - a long walk, a toy, a special treat, some extra play time. Thank you for visiting me today! Love, Abby xoxoxo
Book Synopsis A bold, heartfelt tale of life at Green Gables . . . before Anne: A
marvelously entertaining and moving historical novel, set in rural
Prince Edward Island in the nineteenth century, that imagines the young
life of spinster Marilla Cuthbert, and the choices that will open her
life to the possibility of heartbreak—and unimaginable greatness. Plucky and ambitious, Marilla Cuthbert is thirteen years old when her
world is turned upside down. Her beloved mother dies in childbirth, and
Marilla suddenly must bear the responsibilities of a farm wife:
cooking, sewing, keeping house, and overseeing the day-to-day life of
Green Gables with her brother, Matthew and father, Hugh. In Avonlea—a small, tight-knit farming town on a remote island—life
holds few options for farm girls. Her one connection to the wider world
is Aunt Elizabeth “Izzy” Johnson, her mother’s sister, who managed to
escape from Avonlea to the bustling city of St. Catharines. An
opinionated spinster, Aunt Izzy’s talent as a seamstress has allowed her
to build a thriving business and make her own way in the world. Emboldened by her aunt, Marilla dares to venture beyond the safety of
Green Gables and discovers new friends and new opportunities. Joining
the Ladies Aid Society, she raises funds for an orphanage run by the
Sisters of Charity in nearby Nova Scotia that secretly serves as a way
station for runaway slaves from America. Her budding romance with John
Blythe, the charming son of a neighbor, offers her a possibility of
future happiness—Marilla is in no rush to trade one farm life for
another. She soon finds herself caught up in the dangerous work of
politics, and abolition—jeopardizing all she cherishes, including her
bond with her dearest John Blythe. Now Marilla must face a reckoning
between her dreams of making a difference in the wider world and the
small-town reality of life at Green Gables.
Marilla of Green Gables tells the story of Marilla Cuthbert's early life, long before Anne of Green Gables. When the novel begins, Marilla is 13 years old, living with her parents and brother Matthew on a farm in Canada. Her mother is experiencing a difficult pregnancy, so her sister Izzy has come to stay with them. After tragedy befalls the family, Marilla ends up taking care of her family, and this changes her whole future. Later we see Marilla tentatively beginning a romance with a neighbor boy named John Blythe Their love story is at the heart of this book - and Marilla's story.
I love children's literature but did not grow up with Anne of Green Gables. I first read the novel as an adult. Reading with adult eyes, and as a single woman, I was curious about Marilla and Matthew, two independent adult siblings who never married but lived independently at Green Gables. I wondered what their backstory was. It is a delight to me that Sarah McCoy wrote Marilla's story.
I love the way this novel travels in time -- beginning with a Prologue in 1876 that hints at an orphan coming to Green Gables (Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables). The book then has a section focusing on Marilla's 13th year, the year that changed her life. This is followed by a section about Marilla's settling in to her new life and being courted by a young John Blythe. Later the book flashes forward to 1860, when Marilla, through a trip to Nova Scotia and her closeness with her Aunt Izzy, has become interested in helping in some way with runaway slaves seeking safety in Canada.
I loved the old fashioned storytelling of this novel. The chapter titles alone were a delight -- Marilla Entertains a Caller, Two to Study, John Blythe Suggests a Walk, etc.
The descriptions in this book were breathtaking and really helped set the time and place. The novel begins:
"The sun and moon shine during snowstorms. They cast similar shadows, soft-edged, like dandelion clocks in the breeze. Marilla noticed that when she saw the silhouette of her father's sleigh coming down their snowy lane. The Farmer's Almanac had forecast a mild winter. But it was late February, and the snowbanks continued to grow, leaving thirteen-year-old Marilla to wonder if spring would ever return. It was hard to imagine the apple orchard alive and green under this blanket of white and shadows" (p. 7).
Marilla, as written in this novel, is such a wonderful character. She loves her home, family, and community so much. There is a scene where she sits with her father Hugh and brother Matthew and they name their farm Green Gables. "The three of them stayed sitting there as the purple haze of night fell over all and the crickets began their bittersweet song. Marilla was exactly where she wanted to be - where she was meant to be. Home at Green Gables" (p. 124).
This love of Green Gables is both Marilla's strength and a stumbling block to moving on to another separate life. I really felt for her as she worked through this as a young adult, and later as a middle aged woman in the novel.
I finished reading Marilla of Green Gables last night and have been thinking about it today. It is a novel that stays with you, one that will make a special impression on fans of Anne of Green Gables. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Author Bio
Sarah McCoy is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of the novels The Mapmaker’s Children; The Baker’s Daughter, a 2012 Goodreads Choice Award nominee; and The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico.
She has taught English and writing at Old Dominion University and at
the University of Texas at El Paso. She lives with her husband, an
orthopedic sports surgeon, and their dog, Gilbert, in North Carolina. Sarah enjoys connecting with her readers on Twitter at @SarahMMcCoy, on her Facebook Fan Page, on Instagram at @sarahmmccoy, or via her website, www.sarahmccoy.com.
I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.
