My Thoughts on Love Finds You in Frost, Minnesota by Judy Baer

Title:  Love Finds You in Frost, Minnesota

Author: Judy Baer

Publisher: Summerside Press

Published: October 1, 2013

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Romance

Pages: 320

Series: Love Finds You

Source: own

Format: paperback

Summary from Goodreads

When Jack returns home to Minnesota, he meets the town’s newcomer. She’s bubbly, beautiful . . . and his latest adversary.

Considering that her name is Merry Noel Blake and she was born on Christmas Eve, it’s not surprising that Frost, Minnesota’s newest resident is crazy about the holiday. She has single-handedly convinced the entire town to help her turn Frost into a Christmas destination; there’s a tableau of the stable in Bethlehem, a concert, many events at the church, and Merry’s own holiday boutique.

Jack Frost has always tried to live down his whimsical name—a gift from his playful parents—and he does his best to deter Merry from making what he considers a kitschy mockery of the town and the season. But she believes that below Jack’s frosty exterior is a warm heart—and that she is the one to thaw it.

I haven't read that many in the Love Finds You line, and I'm pretty sure this book was the first book I read by Judy Baer. This book was just okay for me. The main female character in this book was 28, I think. She was really into Christmas to the point I'm not for sure I believed it. She was able to rally a town to play up its namesake for Christmas. I don't think that's very realistic. I would have believed it more if she was more in her mid 30s. Also, I didn't like that it's realistic that around 3 to 4 guys wanted a relationship with her. I was still able to read this book at a normal pace despite my issues with the book. It's not a Christmas book I'd recommend. I've preferred the two Christmas books by Melody Carlson that I have read this year over this. If you're looking for a Christian Christmas romance, I'd definitely read one by Melody.

I've heard some of Judy's other books are funny. I'll still try to give her a chance in the future. I'm not for sure what I would rate this. It's been about a week and a half since I read it. I think this would be around a 3 for me. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Merch I'd Like to Have

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. 

For this week, we are supposed to feature bookish merch. My list has links that go to other websites like Amazon, Etsy, and a company's website, but I'm not an affiliate. The links are just for your frame of reference if you want to see what I'm talking about. I didn't quite make it to ten. I'm really new to the bookish merch scene.

1. Jane Austen and Jane Eyre Book Mug

I love Jane Austen merch. I'm not big into her actually novels yet. I mostly prefer to read retellings. However, I do love Jane Eyre.

2. Lizzy Bennet of Jane Austen Cross Stitch Design from Etsy shop MrsPeggottyArts

I'm not the best at cross stitching and haven't done it a lot, but I do enjoy it. It takes forever though. I don't see this becoming a huge hobby.

3. A Book Sleeve:Belle Book Sleeve with a Button Etsy shop FabricBound

I've watched videos on DIY Book Sleeves and searched for collections. I kind of want to try to make one because most are priced a little steep for me, but FabricBound has some for 20 percent off.

4. Bookmarks

I can never have enough bookmarks. I love quotes and animals, especially the animals.

5. Classics Page Flags by Girl of All Work

I think my sister showed me these at Barnes and Nobles. Foolishly, I didn't buy one. I looked online and they have more classics than I realized. Unfoolishly, they are more expensive than I like.

6. Jane Austen Board Games: Marrying Mr. Darcy and Jane Austen's Matchmaker

I would love to have one of these, but the Matchmaker game needs three people. I think I could get one person to attempt it with me, but I don't know about getting a second person.

7. Book Adaptations- 

I haven't watched a lot, but I do enjoy adaptations and have seen the most of Jane Eyre. I'd like to watch more and finish one for each Jane Austen book. Do you have a favorite book adaptation?

Is there any bookish merchandise from my list you're interested in?

My TBR List Winner for November: Christmas Edition

My TBR List is hosted by Berls and Michelle @BecauseReading. 

The books I picked for y'all to vote on were:

   

And the winner is :

I'm hoping to get my sister to buddy read this one because she has it, too. Is there a Christmas book you're looking forward to reading this year?

HoHoHo Readathon Sign-Up and TBR

HoHoHo Readathon is a winter/Christmas reading challenge hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Reviewer on from November 9th-18th. Click on her blog name and it will take you to her website and sign-up linky with the rules.

This list is tentative, but I don't plan to read all of them. This is to give me a variety, so hopefully, my choices won't vary much. I'm going to challenge myself to read four of them. 

Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas by Sandra D. Bricker

True Love at Christmas by Juliette Duncan

Their First Noel by Annie Jones

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren 

Mistletoe Prayers by Marta Perry and Betsy St. Amant
Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts

What Christmas book on your TBR are you looking forward to read the most?

Can't Wait Wednesday #3 Rule #4: You Can't Misinterpret a Mistletoe Kiss by Anne-Marie Meyer

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly book meme hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings. This meme is based on Waiting on Wednesday that was hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. It's where we share an unpublished book we are anticipating.

Why I Can't Wait: I found a review on this by Katie @ Katie's Clean Book Collection. I haven't read anything by this author, but I really love the idea of Christmas reads. I say that because I haven't actually read that many. This cover looks really cute. I think I have one or two e-books in this series. Plus, there's only a two day wait!

Are there any new Christmas reads you are looking forward to reading?












Title:  Rule #4: You Can't Misinterpret a Mistletoe Kiss
Author: Anne Marie Meyer
Published: November 9, 2018
Series: The Rules of Love #4
Pages: 128
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Romance
Format: e-book


Summary from Goodreads

A mistletoe kiss is just a simple kiss, right? Wrong.

All I want to do during this Christmas break is survive. A week at the cabin with our family’s friends/rivals, the Stephensons, every yuletide activity is turned into a competition where my family must win. Every. One.

Yep. Lots of Christmas spirit around here.

But, I've survived past holidays, there's no reason why I can't survive this one.

Until Mom informs me that Jacob Stephenson, my brother's ex-best friend and resident bad boy, is back from his grandmothers after having been gone for the semester. I guess, after you find out your son robbed a gas station, you banish him to the most southern state.

Now my ridiculous crush is back in full force and I’m trying really hard to stay away from him. My brother is frustrated that Jacob is home and I'm supposed to put my family above boys. Right?

Maybe…

I was attempting to be loyal until Jacob and I kiss. Sure, it was a forced one brought on by mistletoe tradition, but there was something in the way he held me and pressed his lips to mine that told me, he just might be feeling something more.

But when he keeps pulling away and acting like the bad boy I'm pretty sure is fake, I begin to realize that there's more at stake here then just my heart. A truth that is eating away at him. I just hope I can unearth it before Christmas is over and any chance that I have at discovering the real Jacob disappears. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Backlist Books I Want to Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. 

For this week, we are supposed to feature ten backlist books. I can't say this are the ones I most want to read of what I had, but I am looking forward to reading this at some point. 

1. The Wild Swans by K.M. Shea



I've read Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella and the Colonel by K.M. Shea and really enjoyed them. If you love fairy tale retellings. I really recommend K.M. Shea. I personally own all of the following books that I mentioned below, except for this book by K.M. Shea.

2. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

This cover is so pretty. I actually started reading this book like four years ago but stopped because I was in a book game and had to send this to someone for them to keep. I regretted getting rid of this book and got it again for a gift from a friend. It's a fantasy/sci-fi retelling of Persuasion. I have yet to read Persuasion by Jane Austen. I have started it like two months ago, but it's hard for me to get into Jane's books. I absolutely adore retellings of Jane Austen's work though.

3. Spinning Starlight by R.C. Lewis

Another Wild Swans retelling. I do have her other retelling, Stitching Snow- a retelling of Snow White, that I still need to read. I don't think I've read a retelling of Wild Swans.

4. A Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson

I've only read like three or four of Melanie's retellings. I really enjoy regency romances, so I'm looking forward to this one.

5. Sweet Misfortune by Kevin Alan Milne

I flipped through this book once and laughed a bit. Each chapter has a bad fortune about love, and they are really funny. I hope the book lives up to the funny bad fortunes.

6. Traveler by L.E. DeLano

I love time travel books and young adult books, so I'm really excited to read this one.

7. The Wedding Dress By Rachel Hauck



This book is about four different love live's of women over the 1900s until present day with one wedding dress. Rachel has several different type stories in this line. I'm not sure what to expect, but I have read one book by Rachel and kind of like that this spans a good period of time.



8. The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

I read a short story by Denise Hunter and really like it. I'm hoping to enjoy her full-length novels just as much. Another author I have yet to read. This book deals with the amnesia trope, which I seem to enjoy. I really like the Hallmark movies that deal with this. I know this trope bugs some people, but in this book it happens to a girl that was engaged to the main male character and she just ups and left him before he got amnesia. 



9. Love, Lies, and Spies by Cindy Antsey




I picked this book up about a year ago to read. I didn't get too far only like 30+ pages. It moved kind of slow. I'm hoping to like this book better when I try to read it again.




10. The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E Ladd



This is yet another regency book. I'm expecting this one to be an atmospheric read. I really hope it is. I've seen this recommended if you like Jane Austen books. Also, I think it is supposed to have some Jane Eyre flair, too. I have yet to read anything by Sarah E. Ladd.

Have you read any of these?

My TBR List Meme #2 Christmas Edition

My TBR List is hosted by Berls and Michelle @BecauseReading. 

The first Saturday of the month, you list 3 books on your TBR, digital or physical, and let people vote on it. On the second Saturday, you announce the winner. Read the book and post a review on the fourth Saturday. Michelle mentions what to do when the months vary on the amount of weeks in the month, so I won't go into anymore details on how that will change the rules. #TBRL

Since Ho Ho Ho Readthon, a Christmas/Wintery reads readathon is being hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Review. I thought I do a Christmas edition. 

My New Crush Gave to Me by Shani Petroff

Summary from Goodreads

Charlotte Charlie Donovan knows exactly what she wants for Christmas: Teo Ortiz. He's the school's star athlete, in the National Honor Society, invited to every party, contributes to the school paper (where Charlie is co-editor), and is about to be featured as One to Watch in a teen magazine basically, he's exactly the type of guy Charlie s meant to be with. The only problem he barely knows she exists.

But Charlie is determined to be Teo's date to the Christmas ball. And she has a plan: To rig the paper's Secret Santa so that she can win his heart with five perfect gifts. But to do that she needs help. Enter J.D. Ortiz Teo s cousin, and possibly the most annoying person on the planet. He's easy going, laid back, unorganized, spontaneous, and makes a joke out of everything the exact opposite of Charlie (and Teo). But he's willing to provide insight into what Teo wants, so she s stuck with him.

Yet, the more time Charlie spends with J.D., the more she starts to wonder: Does she really know what, or rather who, she wants for Christmas?

North for Christmas by Christina Dymock


Summary from Goodreads

After Ruby’s wealthy mother donates their extra funds to yet another charity, Ruby’s forced to work as a mall elf to earn enough to go to Italy with her boyfriend. But everything changes when Ruby meets North, a lawyer-turned-elf, who seems to know exactly what Ruby really wants this Christmas. This sweet holiday romance is perfect for the book lovers on your Christmas list.

Love Finds You In Frost Minnesota by Judy Baer


Summary from Goodreads

When Jack returns home to Minnesota, he meets the town’s newcomer. She’s bubbly, beautiful . . . and his latest adversary.

Considering that her name is Merry Noel Blake and she was born on Christmas Eve, it’s not surprising that Frost, Minnesota’s newest resident is crazy about the holiday. She has single-handedly convinced the entire town to help her turn Frost into a Christmas destination; there’s a tableau of the stable in Bethlehem, a concert, many events at the church, and Merry’s own holiday boutique. 

Jack Frost has always tried to live down his whimsical name—a gift from his playful parents—and he does his best to deter Merry from making what he considers a kitschy mockery of the town and the season. But she believes that below Jack’s frosty exterior is a warm heart—and that she is the one to thaw it.

Can't Wait Wednesday #2 Five Poisoned Apples (An Anthology)

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly book meme hosted by Tressa @ Wishful Endings. This meme is based on Waiting on Wednesday that was hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. It's where we share an unpublished book we are anticipating.

Why I Can't Wait: I love love love fairy tale retellings. I haven't read this anthology yet, but I have Five Enchanting Roses as an e-book that is published by the same publisher as the book featured below. I was reading a note from the editor and found out about this book online. The cover is absolutely gorgeous. This anthology came about because of a fairy tale writing contest. Unfortunately, this is the last year for the contests. Anyway, Snow White is not a favorite fairy tale, but of course, I'm basing this on the Disney version. I don't typically read the original fairy tales. I probably will at some point, but I am nervous since they are typically darker. What fairy tale do you like to find retellings the most? Mine is probably Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid.

Title:  Five Poisoned Apples

Authors: Skye Hoffert, Jenelle Hovde, Cortney Manning, Maddie Morrow, and Rachel Wallen
Publisher: Rooglewood Press
Published: Winter 2018 (December 2018 according to Goodreads)
Genres: Retellings

Format: e-book

Summary from Goodreads:

A TALE SO DARK AND LOVELY

FALLING SNOW—Skye Hoffert
The strange dark circus is the only life she’s ever known—but is Snow a performer or a prisoner?

RAVEN'S HEIR—Jenelle Hovde
Taking her in could risk the lives of his rebel band—but how can Damien leave the young woman at the huntsman’s mercy?

THE FAIREST ONE—Cortney Manning
Her people look for the prophesied Fairest One—but can Livna find courage to step out of the shadows and save her nation?

RED AS BLOOD—Maddie Morrow
He’s been hired to assassinate the princess, no questions asked—but how can Zaig take the life of one so young, so innocent?

SNOWBIRD AND THE RED SLIPPERS—Rachael Wallen
She longs to be worthy of the scholarship that changed her life—but can Jeong Hayan survive the bitter rivalry of a prestigious New York dance school?

The final Rooglewood Fairy Tale Contest, featuring five dark and beautiful retellings of Snow White. Have an apple, pretty child . . 

To Suit a Suitor by Paula Kremser

Title:  To Suit a Suitor
Author: Paula Kremser
Publisher: Sweetwater Books
Published: November 8, 2016
Genres: Clean Romance, Regency, Romance

Pages: 256
Series: standalone (I think)
Source: own
Format: e-book

Summary from Goodreads:

Julia North is nearing the end of her third London season and has just been jilted. Again! All she wants is to leave London and its eligible gentlemen behind. When the opportunity to leave for two months comes her way, Julia jumps at the chance. But her mother will only let her leave on the condition that she choose Julia's next suitor, and her mother isn't nearly as picky as Julia would like. Against her better judgment, Julia makes the promise and leaves town, only to run into Henry Chamberlain. Julia is warned that his heart is locked up tight, but she doesn t need to be warned away from him; Julia has been jilted enough to know that his flirtatious smiles can't be taken seriously. With time running out, a change of mind and a change of heart is their only chance for the joy that only true love can bring.

At the beginning of this story, there is a little backstory into Julia’s mom and her potential snob (suitor). I’m glad the story didn’t follow them. The male was definitely a piece of work, but now that I think about it, it would probably be a little funny at times if it did follow them. The guy made Julia’s mother promise him that they wouldn’t get married until her daughters did because he didn’t want to shell out money for their doweries. Based on this alone, I can see a union between the two to be pretty loveless. As the story progresses, you’ll probably see the same traits in Julia’s mother.

Anway,I didn’t think there was a lot of action to this story.  Think there was a lot of emotional back and forth insecurity. I think I’m more a plot driven person. I liked the story a bit at times, but I really wanted more exciting things to happen. This might just be a problem that regencies can have. I do really enjoy them, but it’s much more about the people themselves. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but I just need a little more action. I did enjoy the ending and the two main characters I just needed a little more.