Review - Joy to the World by Nicole Zoltack

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of --

Joy to the World by Nicole Zoltack

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

Unbeknownst to Eliza Berkeley, the second daughter of a baron, the man she thought she was going to marry was not Stephen Huntington, the Duke of Wyndale. Thankfully, the reprobate does not appear for the wedding. The true duke arrives instead. Will a match formed originally through deceit blossom into love this Christmas? Or will the imposter ensure neither experiences happiness ever again?

Joy to the World originally appeared in the Bluestocking Belles' Mistletoe, Marriage, & Mayhem box set.

Book creation ratings --

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The Christmas Quotient --- 7 

** The scale runs from 1-7 trees, and rates Christmassyness. **

The review --

She's supposed to marry one man, then another shows up, using the same name. What's a girl to do. And that's the beginning of this wonderful Christmas romance novel that has a thrilling ending.

The man whose marriage proposal she accepts, wasn't the man who the name belonged to. But on her wedding day, in search of the phony, the real Duke shows up. It's a great story, fine characters, and I loved it. Fine piece of writing here in this book, and I recommend it very much.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- historical romance

Age recommendations -- 17 plus

Sex content rating -- mild, only kisses, hand holding

Violence rating -- mild

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Joy-World-Nicole-Zoltack-ebook/dp/B01E0GLC56/

Author's Amazon page

https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Zoltack/e/B00304YARW/

Author's facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNicoleZoltack/

Author's website

http://nicolezoltack.com/

Street team on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NicolesRockinReviewCrew/

Review - On Christmas Hill by Faith Mortimer

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of --

On Christmas Hill (A Seasonal Affair) (Affair Series Book 2) by Faith Mortimer

Overall star rating --- 5   

    

About the book:

It is a few weeks before Christmas and everyone except Catherine seems to be gearing up for the big day with excitement.

Catherine is a single mum, struggling to bring up her five year old daughter, she has little time for romance, and when she learns she has lost her job and her flat is deemed inhabitable, she wonders just what else life is about to fling at her.

Where or to whom can she turn to for help? Kismet in the shape of handsome, bachelor, Jack Darcy aka Father Christmas is at hand. But can she trust the handsome stranger who seems to know a lot about her private life, and why does he introduce her to his favourite place up on Christmas Hill?

When Catherine finds a forty year old letter hidden in a village post office and seeks to reunite the letter with the addressee, little does she know what part she will play in the affair or how circumstances change her very existence. Her own ideas of weddings and being a bride seem remote. When will she find that perfect love which so far has eluded her?

Book creation ratings:

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30        

-- Story & characters -- 10        

-- Cover & title -- 10        

-- Editing & formatting -- 10        

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

Only a village idiot would give this book less than five stars. This Christmas Romance is set during the Christmas Season in England. The story is so well written and the character development is A+. The editor and proofreader needs a good slap on the back for their work on this book. It was so good that I read it in a couple of sittings and tears filled my eyes at it's conclusion. The story moves along at a nice pace and you can't help but pull for the main character, Catherine and her sweet daughter. This story will not disappoint any reader who loves romantic novels at Christmas time. Merry Christmas and enjoy this delightful book.         

                

The Christmas Quotient --- 7

** The scale runs from 1-7 trees, and rates Christmassyness. **

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Christmas Romance  

Age recommendations -- 16 and older.        

Sex content rating -- Moderate. Tastefully done.        

Violence rating -- None.

** The author's links **

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Hill-Seasonal-Affair-Book-ebook/dp/B00GGMSCNS/

Amazon author page

https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Mortimer/e/B002EQ8HH6/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/FaithMortimer.Author

Website

http://www.faithmortimerauthor.com/

Review - 12 Matchsticks by A.C. Kret

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of --

12 Matchsticks by A.C. Kret

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

12 Matchsticks

12 Days

12 Prayers

A poor young boy gets an unusual gift at a school Christmas party that will change lives forever.

Book creation ratings:

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --

The story's setting returned me to my childhood and brought back many childhood memories. We were too poor for presents; so dad and mom would fix us big treat bags of fruit, nuts, and candy for Christmas. It was the best day of the year for us.

The characters were well developed and very likable. It reminds the reader that love can be found in the darndest places if we look for them.

The theme of the 12 Days of Christmas was undeniable in this modern take on a classic. It was fast paced and well edited, which made for an enjoyable read.

I won't give the ending away, but it has a wonderful/romantic ending. Enjoy this wonderfully written book!  Dreams can come true!

The Christmas Quotient --- 7

** The scale runs from 1-7 trees, and rates Christmassyness. **

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Christmas magic/Children and the young at heart.        

Age recommendations -- 5 and up.        

Sex content rating -- None.        

Violence rating -- None.        

** The author's links **

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/12-Matchsticks-C-Kret-ebook/dp/B018ZSLU5W

Amazon author page

https://www.amazon.com/A.C.-Kret/e/B01M4HL7PB/

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/12-Matchsticks-944685538944471/?fref=ts

Website

http://www.ackret.com/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/12matchsticks

Review - 8 Hounds a-Howling by Marcia James

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of --

8 Hounds a-Howling: Klein's K-9s book 2 (Klein's K-9s service dogs) by Marcia James 

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

The holidays are the perfect time for ex-lovers to get a second chance at love! This sensual contemporary romance novella is the second in the dog-lovers' "Klein's K-9s" series, featuring a service dog training facility, its skilled staff, and its compassionate volunteers.

Celebrity photographer "Jax" Jackson volunteers to shoot the Klein's K-9s annual fundraising calendar. His agenda: Convince past love and calendar coordinator Amy Walters to give him a another try.

Producing the dog-themed "12 Days of Christmas" calendar includes dodging dive-bombing birds, tackling runaway pigs, and handling 78 dogs who'd rather play than pose. In the midst of the chaos, will the reunited lovers find their happily ever after?

Book creation ratings --

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The Christmas Quotient --- 7

** The scale runs from 1-7 trees, and rates Christmassyness. **

The review --

When you begin reading this book, you're immediately left wondering what the heck Jax did, because Amy seems to hate him, and the fun doesn't stop. The chapter titles are simply delightful and add to the reading fun. What can I say …. this is simply a wonderful book.

The whole story of them shooting the calendar, and him trying to get back in her good graces, and wrangling the dogs, and trying to get their shots. It's all just wonderful. I truly loved this book, and it was such a fun read.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Christmas romance

Age recommendations -- 17 and up

Sex content rating -- mild

Violence rating -- none

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Hounds--Howling-Kleins-K-9s-service-ebook/dp/B019A86N8U/

Author's Amazon page

https://www.amazon.com/Marcia-James/e/B004FV9QIC/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/Marcia_James

Author's website

http://www.marciajames.net/

Review - A Christmas Wedding by Lindsay Downs

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of --

A Christmas Wedding (The Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 6) by Lindsay Downs

Overall star rating --- 5

About the book:

Soon after being introduced to Lady Ida, Lord Warren learns that someone is apparently stalking her. The purpose at first is unclear.

With Ida and her parents attending the Duchess of Fenwick annual Christmas Eve ball Warren decides he must be present to continue courting the young lady, who he is falling in love with.

When events in London become too dangerous for Ida it is recommended they, with other former rakehells and wives, retire to the Fenwick estate.

Hostilities break out between Warren and his older brother, Nash, Marquis of Renfield which is settled on the field of honor too much laughter by some.

When Mr. Godfrey, the threat to Ida and Warren’s happiness, is seen in the village take extra care in protecting Ida.

Two bodies are found. Finally, the villain is found and brought to justice allowing Ida and Warren to marry as they wish.

Book creation ratings --

Overall total, out of 30 -- 30

-- Story & characters -- 10

-- Cover & title -- 10

-- Editing & formatting -- 10

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The Christmas Quotient --- 7

** The scale runs from 1-7 trees, and rates Christmassyness. **

The review --

Mystery and romance. I just love, love, love this book. In spite of himself, Warren finds himself watching over Ida, protecting her from a cad. The characters are delightful, the writing is a pleasure to read, and it's everything you could want in a historical romance. It's a delicious mix of romance, with a bit of mystery thrown in. And our hero Warren, is every bit the hero that you could want. This book is a stunningly good example of historical romance and I enjoyed it so much.

Yes, I thoroughly recommend this book. If you like historical romance, then you will want to read this book. Yes, it's that good.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Historical romance

Age recommendations -- 17 and up

Sex content rating -- very mild, just kissing

Violence rating -- mild

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N40NETP/

Author's Amazon page

https://www.amazon.com/Lindsay-Downs/e/B007NQAIIS/

Author's facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/Lindsay-Downs-Author-325132754200597/

Author's website

http://lindsaydowns-romanceauthor.weebly.com/about-me.html

Review - How the Texan Stole Christmas by Jacquie Rogers

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of --

How the Texan Stole Christmas by Jacquie Rogers

Overall star rating --- 3

About the book:

Winnifred Spangler has thrown herself into community work to ward off the pangs of her lonely heart. Fairview, Idaho Territory, is snowed in—and cabin fever has set in with a vengeance. Winnie organizes a gift exchange for the town’s single young adults. Her hope is that a few of them will find the loves of their lives.

Judd Shaw, a Texas cowhand, hates the ice and cold. As soon as the roads are passable, he’s headed back to Texas. But thanks to his childhood friend, he’s caught up in the Secret Christmas Angel game, and the name he draws is the prettiest widow in all of Idaho—Winnie.

Can Winnie’s smile melt his hardened Texas heart?

Book creation ratings --

Overall total, out of 30 -- 19

-- Story & characters -- 7

-- Cover & title -- 5

-- Editing & formatting -- 7

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The Christmas Quotient --- 3

** The scale runs from 1-7 trees, and rates Christmassyness. **

The review --

This is a very nice historical western romance book about a couple of widows who organize some Christmas events for the singles in their small town, and 2 cowboys who take part. It's a very nice book, and a fun read. I enjoyed it a lot. My only ding against it is the one sex scene in the book that just didn't feel like it fits. Feels like it was added to add some 'spice' to the book, which it didn't need. Otherwise, it's a great book. The characters are fun to read about, and the story is very enjoyable. If not for the thrown in sex scene, this would have been a 5 star book.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- historical western romance

Age recommendations -- 18 plus

Sex content rating -- high, pretty explicit love scene

Violence rating -- none

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

http://amzn.com/B017Y41F9Y

Author's Amazon page

http://amazon.com/author/jacquierogers

Author's facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacquie-Rogers/18676302690

Author's website

http://www.jacquierogers.com/

Twitter

http://twitter.com/jacquierogers

Review - A Heartwarming Holiday box set

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of --

A Heartwarming Holiday: 15 Connected Sweet Holiday Romances by various authors

Overall star rating --- 4 stars

About the book:

Book 1: Once Upon a Holiday - Three former college roommates start a business to bring the magic of the holidays to everyone in Christmas Town.

     Novella 1: Once Upon a Thanksgiving by Anna Adams- 5

     Novella 2: Once Upon a Christmas by Anna J Stewart- 5

     Novella 3: Once Upon a New Year’s Eve by Melinda Curtis -

Book 2: Holiday Heroes - Three former Navy SEALs come together to restore an outdated resort.

     Novella 1: Thankfully Yours by Leigh Riker

     Novella 2: Cooking Up Christmas by Tara Randel

     Novella 3: Countdown to Romance by Cari Lynn Webb

Book 3: 24 North Pole Lane - Romance is being delivered to 24 North Pole Lane this holiday season.

     Novella 1: Hers by Thanksgiving by Carol Ross

     Novella 2: Peace, Love, and Baby Joy by Amy Vastine

     Novella 3: Never Say Never on New Year’s by Cheryl Harper

Book 4: Magic Moments - Three different times, three different stories. They all bring magic to Christmas Town.

     Novella 1: Christmas Past by Tara Taylor Quinn

     Novella 2: It Only Happens in Christmas Town by Shirley Hailstock

     Novella 3: The Magic Stocking by Liz Flaherty

Book 5: Nutcracker Sweethearts by Dana Mentink, Roz Denny Fox, & Amie Denman:

As the stage production of the Nutcracker unfolds in Christmas Town, three couples find love with the help of a little holiday magic!

     Novella 1: Thanksgiving Duet by Dana Mentink

     Novella 2: Christmas Curtain Call by Roz Denny Fox

     Novella 3: Set for New Year’s by Amie Denman

Book creation ratings --

Overall total, out of 30 -- 24

-- Story & characters -- 8

-- Cover & title -- 8

-- Editing & formatting -- 8

* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The Christmas Quotient --- 5

** The scale runs from 1-7 trees, and rates Christmassyness. **

The review --

When I first checked this out on Amazon, it said it had only 30 pages, and I thought, 'What?'. But that was incorrect. It is 5 books made up of 3 different novellas, written by Harlequin romance authors. It is a very long box set, so you will definitely get your money's worth. Some novellas I like better than others, but they were all solid 3 stars and up on all the individual novellas. Not a clunker in this set at all.

I think my favorite was the first and second books. The others were good too, but I enjoyed the first and second ones best. I must admit, that around the middle, I did get a little bored and did some skimming through. But the box set winds up with a strong finish. Like I said, there isn't a book in the set that I would rate under 3 stars, which is rare in a box set.

A very well written, well formatted box set with a central theme around the town of Christmas Town Maine. A box set that I highly recommend.

Reader Recommendations

Genre -- Christmas romance

Age recommendations -- 17 and up

Sex content rating -- mild

Violence rating -- none

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Heartwarming-Holiday-Connected-Sweet-Romances-ebook/dp/B01IDY6ZTO/