The ultimate irony of my life is that I love holiday reading—and I usually don’t have time to read holiday books.
But I am also an optimist and bought me a couple of news ones that I’m hoping to get to.
What do I love about holiday reading?
Well, for the most part it is optimistic, too. It’s not just about romance (which I also love), but about the challenges and hopes that holidays can bring to relationships.
I know there are those who go for the dark on the holidays and I totally get that. After my parents passed, all the holidays were hard. And I still have days where it hits my gut, the missing and the sense of loss.
But my parents’ legacy was for joyful and happy holidays. When I was young we were poor and yet all I remember is magic. They made me believe in Santa SO hard that I may have grieved and resisted when I had to face the truth. I still love movies that make Santa come alive.
I wasn’t as good as my parents with the magic and then a friend’s kid spilled the beans to my daughter. I wasn’t very happy about that. I brought it up and she told me they didn’t believe in their kids believing in things that weren’t real.
I said (occasionally I have moments where the words come right when I want them), “So your kids don’t believe in Santa but they believe in Godzilla?”
She might have been a bit abashed. Then I explained that it is fine for her to raise her kids the way she wants, but she should also teach her kids to respect others’ beliefs. She agreed and we remained friends until she passed away.
And here’s the thing. I still believe in what Santa represents. Kindness. Hope. Love of family. Love of others. Stepping outside ourselves and trying to find ways to help others.
Peace and Goodwill to all.
So now you know. I’m an unbashed optimist and I believe in the inherent goodness in most people.
And if you’re looking for some uplifting or make-you-laugh reads, I have some holiday stories for you to check out.
Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas
A delightful holiday twist on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, with a touch of Die Hard and plenty of holiday heart, will have you laughing and sighing.
Reviewers have called The Big Uneasy series a “strong does of noir balanced with humor and witty dialogue.” (Midwest Book Review)
Deck the halls with boughs of… chaos?
Dan Baker and Gemma Bailey have visions of sugarplums—and wedding bells—dancing in their heads. But as they’re about to say ‘I do’ on Christmas Eve, some unexpected guests might be crashing their winter-ish (this is New Orleans after all) wonderland wedding.
From family members who act like they own the place (don’t they all?) to uninvited blasts from the past, the journey to jingle all the way to the altar is not without its hitches.
Will there be silent nights or will ghosts of Christmas past make things go bump in the night in this latest installment of Pauline Baird Jones’ humorous romantic suspense series? Join the Baker Clan’s festive fiasco and see if you can guess who’s dropping in for a Yuletide surprise!
’Twas the Fight Before Christmas
She would rather fight than sing Christmas carols…
Delilah “Doc” Oliver Clementyne was trained to do the impossible—and do it yesterday—but nothing prepared her for Christmas with the family.
Join Delilah “Doc” Oliver Clementyne as she navigates a treacherous ugly sweater party in ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas.
As an expert in kicking tush and taking names, Doc is no stranger to tough situations, but can she learn to open her heart to the people who care about her—while suffering through karaoke carols?
With the help of her hostile mother-in-law and a few unexpected friends, Doc faces off against a disgruntled Santa, his army of elves, and an old enemy, proving that love and courage are the ultimate weapons.
Don’t miss this thrilling holiday tale that’s sure to warm your heart and keep you on the edge of your sleigh! It’s Die Hard in ugly Christmas sweaters in the Garradian Galaxy!
Get your copy of ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas: A Romantic Sci-Fi Adventure
Open With Care
Dive into a heartwarming sci-fi duet, Open With Care, penned by acclaimed authors Genie Davis and Pauline Baird Jones. This interstellar Christmas adventure will sweep you off your feet with its unexpected guests, magical gifts, and timeless love.
When Gini finds her holiday spirits undeterred by her quarreling family or the imminent blizzard, she hardly anticipates the uninvited houseguests – a past love and little green aliens. The extraterrestrial visitors bear a special gift for Gini, offering her a glimpse of the youth and love she once relinquished.
In contrast, Jane MacKenzie has never had a Christmas gift that altered her world, until she inadvertently opens a box to reveal a man lost in a blizzard over a century ago. She’s unsure how to deal with the enigmatic visitor and his otherworldly pact, but this yuletide encounter might just thaw her heart to a love enduring the test of time.
Open With Care intertwines two sci-fi romances ignited by the spirit of gift-giving. It’s a captivating blend of simmering chemistry, enchanting Wyoming landscapes, and family drama that you won’t be able to put down. Experience the magic of Christmas and discover why love is never alien on this festive occasion.
Buy Open With Care today to journey through an unforgettable interstellar Christmas adventure.