The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March

The Christmas Wishing Tree

by Emily March

☆☆☆☆☆

And yet, one more Christmas book. A good friend sent

this to me. And she had it signed by the lovely Emily March

for me! What a special treat!!

 

This story is part of the Eternity Springs series. My mom

was a big fan of the series. But I have never before gotten

around to reading any of it. I believe this one might

give me a push to start from the beginning of it.

Devin Murphy has made his way to Eternity Springs for

the holiday with his family. He is living in Australia.

He answers an unexpected and unknown caller on

his cell phone one day.

 Reilly is determined to reach Santa Claus. He has

important things to ask and discuss. 

Jenna Stockton is his mom. She has no idea that

Reilly has been contacting Santa.

 The Christmas Wishing Tree is a sweet, emotional story.

So many wonderful characters. 

Eternity Springs is a welcoming place.

I can only recommend this book. But I will be picking

up more books from this series.

 Thank you, Sue, for this book.

Review by Lisa Hutson

  



The Best of Us by Robyn Carr - Audible edition

The Best of Us

by Robyn Carr

Audible Edition

☆☆☆☆☆

Every so often, a thing will make its way around on Facebook.

Someone will ask you to list your 15 favorite authors.

There are a lot of authors I like to read. But when I reply

on that FB thing, I generally list 4 or 5. There just aren't

that many that I will automatically buy. Or that will

absolutely make the time to read.

Robyn Carr is one of them.

 

I have never ever been disappointed in her stories.

To add to that, she uses Therese Plummer to narrate

her wonderful stories. I think she may be the best

narrator I have ever listened to.

 The Best of Us has been typical in that I did not want

it to end. I believe she could just keep writing and

writing these characters and this place on and on.

Generation after generation. And it would never

be boring. Not just Sullivans Crossing. Any of her

stories or places.

 

Dr Leigh Culver is a capable, smart, kind

independent woman. She was raised by her Aunt Helen.

Who is exactly the same. Both Leigh and Helen are sure

they can manage. Neither have any interest in marriage.

What kind of life is that? With no permanent strong

connection in love with another?

Can they leave themselves open to new possibilities?

Are either of them willing to turn loose of their heart?

Does the right man exist?

I highly recommend The Best of Us.

I hope you will enjoy the story however you go about it.

 

 

I bought my copy from Audible.com

Review by Lisa Hutson

 

 



Susan's Review of Mary Balogh's Someone to Trust

During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.
After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.
They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. .

I am loving Mary Balogh’s Westcott series. The characters, their relationships and the settings intrigue me. I finished Someone to Care and was thrilled that Someone to Trust took place at Brambledean Court immediately after Viola and Marcel’s Christmas Eve wedding. Loved the holiday setting, the houseful of relatives and the Westcott family’s Christmas celebrations. Elizabeth and Colin’s love story is beautifully written. The couple enjoys each other’s company and they form a close friendship during the holiday festivities at Brambledean. Elizabeth is attracted to the handsome, charming Colin but more importantly is at ease with him. Colin admires Elizabeth’s beauty but appreciates her calm and giving personality. The couple spend Christmas day outside enjoying the snow. Their sled tips over, lands in a snowbank and Colin kisses Elizabeth. The kiss and the sexual attraction between the couple changes the course of their friendship.

Elizabeth was a widow and nine years older than Colin and polite society frowned upon a marriage of an older woman to a younger man. It just wasn’t done – and the couple decides to remain friends. I loved that the author incorporated the waltz into the storyline. Colin and Elizabeth share a very romantic waltz at Brambledean and agree to share the first waltz at every function they attend.

Elizabeth’s story unfolds with each chapter. I admired her strength of character; she has endured heartache and loneliness and kept her experiences to herself. She accepts Sir Geoffrey Codaire’s proposal and this changes the course of the novel as his jealous, petty character is revealed. Elizabeth fears she can’t trust anyone and breaks her bethrothal and in doing so causes a huge scandal. Loved that Elizabeth’s family and Colin supported her during this time.

There were three anti-heroes in this novel and the author wove each one of them into the story perfectly. The most obvious villian is the veiled, creepy Lady Hodges—and I was thrilled that Elizabeth stood up to her. Elizabeth’s relationships with her first husband Desmond Overfield and Geoffrey Codaire speak to the social expectations of the time. A wife was her husband’s possession. I was surprised that Elizabeth suffered during her marriage and it was accepted.

Colin and Elizabeth's romance has all the feels; it's romantic, emotional and sensuous --think dancing the waltz! The ending was a pleasure to read-it contained several amusing surprises! Elizabeth’s decision to ignore society’s expectations of her and choose love was inspiring. Colin’s faith in their relationship and love for Elizabeth was the heart of their romance—he believed in them. He followed his heart’s desire.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased at Walmart