Friday, December 12, 2014

Quickie Reviews of Holiday Reads - The Heart of Christmas and "Tis the Season

Title: The Heart of Christmas
Author: Brenda Novak
Source: NetGalley

So this was not my favorite of the holiday books I have been reading. I actually forced myself to finish it. The main character Eve drove me nuts - who tells their parents they had a one-night stand, when they don't have to tell them anything at all? Her personality just really bugged me. I didn't care for the love interest at all either. His back story just seemed too out of place, too contrived, and I just never warmed to him. I liked the setting, and supporting characters despite a weird secondary plot involving Eve's best friend. I feel had I read the other books in the series, maybe I would have liked this book better.  Maybe. Overall, I this book just wasn't my cup of tea.



Title: 'Tis the Season
Author: Robyn Carr
Source: NetGalley

I loved the two holiday stories in this book! I loved the setting and the characters, and while the stories are not going to change your world, they were fun to read and enjoyable. I in particular enjoyed the first story, "Under the Christmas Tree", where some cute little friends are discovered under a Christmas tree. The second story was a New Years story, but equally cute. They were perfect, quick, fun reads for the holiday season. The only downside was when I blundered into the bonus novella - it was totally unconnected to the first two stories, and it just threw me off. I didn't enjoy that story at all. So if you are looking for cozy holiday stories, just stick to the first two in this book. If you don't mind mixing it up, go ahead and read the bonus story. I have to say though, I don't think I would have enjoyed the bonus story at any time. I just didn't like the characters that much.

2 comments:

  1. I started reading The Heart of Christmas but I haven't finished it. I liked the earlier books in the series. Last year she published a Christmas story in the series that I liked much more. I am actually thinking of "breaking up" with this series because it is taking a bizarre turn (the subplot with Cheyenne which started in the previous book).

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    Replies
    1. Most of the other reviews I have seen of this book are positive. I just didn't connect with these characters for some reason. It really might have to do with this being my first foray into this series. And yes, the Cheyenne story line is very off-putting!!! It's really uncomfortable to read about.

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