The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit by Steven Manchester

Book Description....

"A joyous and deeply emotional collection of three unforgettable Christmas novellas.

With a series of #1 bestsellers like Twelve Months, The Rockin’ Chair and Pressed Pennies, Steven Manchester has established himself as one of the premier voices of moving and heartfelt fiction. Now, he collects his three unforgettable Christmas novellas in one volume.

The Thursday Night Club: Five college friends, three men and two women, have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. But when tragedy takes one of them, leaving the others to question the fairness of life, the Thursday Night Club decides to embark on a contest in the memory of the generous spirit of their fallen brother. The objective of the contest is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off. As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.

A Christmas Wish: Steph is on a search for truth in her heart as she faces the prospect of real love for the first time. Brian is out to enjoy his favorite season in a way that doctors never thought he could. And at the center of it all is their grandmother, affectionately known as Mama, a woman of remarkable commitment and charity who knows something very important about making Christmas wishes come true.

The Tin-Foil Manger: Published in this volume for the first time, this is the story of Nancy, an elderly woman with little to live for and Jeanne, the caretaker who wants to believe that Nancy has more to live for. Together, they embark on a journey to the past – a past of modest Christmases, tin-foil mangers, and abundant love – to rediscover the time when Nancy felt truly alive. Nancy’s memories and how they touch Jeanne, will turn this Christmas into one for the ages.

Rich with emotion and profound with meaning, these three stories of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year and make you look at the holiday season in new ways."

Title:  The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories

Author:  Steven Manchester

Publisher:  Fiction Studio Books 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit" by Steven Manchester

My Thoughts.....

What a beautiful collection of three short stories that will really grip the reader especially doing this Christmas season that is very much full of  'emotions, spirit and faith.'

 'The Thursday Night Club' ...we have five college friends that soon changed to four due to a horrible accident.  I loved what this group of friends did in order to honor the memory of their dear friend.  This story turned out to be a very inspirational read  that would definitely be one importance read especially during the Christmas season.   It was indeed wonderful seeing as these friends 'undertake the contest, the healing begins as they even  become inspired beyond their expectations.'

'A Christmas Wish'....Another wonderful story of who a Italian matriarch, Mama that is there for her grandchildren as she shares not only her 'experience, wisdom but so importantly her unconditional love.'  Will the granddaughter Steph be able to learn to have faith and courage and not be afraid of her life?'   What about the grandson Brian? Will they 'both be able to finally find the courage to be true to themselves?' 

'The Tin Foil Manager'....What will happen when a geriatric  nurse Jeanne decides that she will not let Nancy Guillmette who is suffering from dementia give up?  I liked how Jeanne pushed Nancy into remembering her 'favorite childhood Christmas memories of retelling Christmas legends from around the world' that had been told to her by her father a long time ago. In doing this it was beautiful seeing how Nancy remember being loved.  I loved how this memorizing brought back even through smiles and tears that special gift that was greatly shared among the two which helped Nancy regain the will to even want to live.

All three of these reads will definitely get one into the holiday spirit and put a smile on your face as you are turning the pages of these well written stories.  Would I recommend "The Thursday Night Club and Other Stories of Christmas Spirit?"   YES!

Thank you to the author for another good read!

Merry and Bright A Novel by Debbie Macomber

Book Description...

"Christmas is the season of the heart, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber is here to warm yours with a delightful holiday novel of first impressions and second chances.

Merry Smith is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her—minus her photo—and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.

Soon Merry finds herself chatting with a charming stranger, a man with similar interests and an unmistakably kind soul. Their online exchanges become the brightest part of her day. But meeting face-to-face is altogether different, and her special friend is the last person Merry expects—or desires. Still, sometimes hearts can see what our eyes cannot. In this satisfying seasonal tale, unanticipated love is only a click away."

Title:  Merry and Bright

Author:  Debbie Macomber

Publisher:  Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Merry and Bright" by Debbie Macomber

My Thoughts....

This was quite a thoughtful good Christmas read that will keep your attention all the way till the end.  What will happen for Merry Knight when her mother and brother [Patrick] decide to give her a special birthday present which happened to be on December 24th?  What will she do when Merry finds out that she has been signed up on a dating website... 'Mix and Mingle' due to the fact that she worked all the time and had been so busy with college [taking out a year out to work] and the upcoming holidays?  Merry's mom  has MS, a son with special needs and a husband that travels with working a lots. So, she felt that life was passing Merry by and just wanted to do something special for her. Well, for Merry everything was looking up for her until she finds out she has been signed up with a certain person that she didn't care for. Merry Knight and  Jayson Bright [her boss] didn't get along very well almost clashing on just about everything at work.  However, it seemed like Merry and Jayson liked chatting together behind their computer screens.  What will happen when Merry finds out just who her on line date is?   Will these two be able to come together as it was with each of these two individuals come from different backgrounds?   We find Merry was born near the Christmas holiday and even the spell of her name showed how much she loved all there was to offer about the holiday, however, Jayson was more of what one would call a 'Scrooge' which he never had any good memories of that holiday. So, yes they both have different childhoods but with them both wanting something more meaningful and real in their lives will there be a  friendship that will develop more for each other?   To find out what all happens you will have to pick up "Merry and Bright" to see how well this author will bring out the 'romance, drama and misunderstanding and in the end a very happy "Merry and Bright" Christmas all out so very well to the reader.  Yes, this story maybe a little predictable story but still a good read.

I liked how this author was able to give the reader quite a emotional heart-warming read with a host of well developed characters that will give the readers one memorable and delightful holiday story. This is also definitely one of those reads that will get one in the mood for a good fun family Christmas season.   

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor Book 1 in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

Book Description....

"A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger...and love?

England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of one thousand pounds.

But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.

What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

Pour a cup of tea and settle in for Book 1 of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series--a page-turning Victorian-era holiday tale--by Michelle Griep, a reader and critic favorite."

Title:  12 Days at Bleakly Manor Bleakly Manor

Author:  Michelle Griep

Publisher:   Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Series:  Book 1 in Once Upon a Dickens Christmas  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"12 Day at Bleakly Manor" by Michelle Griep

My Thoughts.....

This was quite a interesting story of Christian historical romance and mystery during 1850's holidays in England.  I liked how this author brings to the readers some really intriguing characters during the '12 Days at Bleakly Manor' that had a particular reason for being at this location. Be ready for a fast paced, fun, quirky read with a Gothic and mysterious setting with some great descriptions given and even a little bite of danger. 

What happens when Clara Chapman who was once from a well to do family, rejected by her father and later by her fiance now found to be poor living with her Aunt Deborha receives a cyptic  invitation?

"The Twelve Days of Christmas
As never's been reveled
Your presence, Miss Chapman,
Is respectfully hearld.
Bleakly Manor's the place
And after twelve nights
Five hundred pounds
Will be yours by rights."

Who was Benjamin Lane who had been in prison for stealing and is to be deportation to a labor camp from another country.  Now what on earth does he have to do with all or this?  Well, as the reader continues to read we find that Benjamin believes he was been betrayed by someone he once had loved and that he was also innocent of all of this mess he had been accused of.  What will happen when he receives the same invitation to Bleakly Manor that 10 others had received?   Now, what will Ben be promised?

Will Clara and Ben [the two main characters] who had some huge misunderstandings be able to work through it all out just be able to come to a better understanding of it all?

I enjoyed how this author was able to bring in the Christian elements [with trust and faith elements] in this very realistic story that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next in this story that was of  'second chances and choosing between revenge ad forgiveness.'  I did notice that the '12 day of Bleakly Manor 'started on December 24th  and ending January 5, 1851 which I thought was somewhat strange but as I was reading I get this  idea from the author was done for a particular reason.

This was quite a interesting story after all is said and done.  To find all of the answers to the above questions and so  much more you will have to pick up this good read that has so many twist to see it's a good story of second chances and redeemed love. This is definitely one of those stories that will keep one guessing until the very end!  Even though this novel is around Christmas holiday, I found that it's the kind of read that  one can be read at any time of the year.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Roomies by Christina Lauren

Book Description...

"From subway to Broadway to happily ever after. Modern love in all its thrill, hilarity, and uncertainty has never been so compulsively readable as in New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren’s (Beautiful Bastard, Dating You / Hating You) new romance.

Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.

Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a bigtime musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.

Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realize that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?"

Title:  Roomies

Author:  Christina Lauren

Publisher:  Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Roomies" by Christina Lauren

My Thoughts....

What a interesting read of "Roomies" where I found myself not being able to put this one down until the very end wanting to know what was going to happen to Holland and Calvin next.  I like how this author was able to deliver such a good read that involved the 'musical aspects and the Broadway musical' that was so important to the read.  Truly this marriage of convenience due to immigration was delivered so very well in this well written story.  The two main characters Holland and Calvin were simply off the chart being to incredible and even somewhat realistic with each having some issues of their own.  It was even great as the reader will see Holland finally finding herself by  figuring herself out which was so very important in this story. It was also interesting seeing how this story wasn't just about romance but of...well this is where I will stop and say you will have to pick this novel up and see how well this author gives it to the reader. Even though I felt this some of this story was somewhat predictable it was still a good read where I enjoyed the journey. Be ready for a marriage of convenience that will grow into something much more with 'emotion, drama and even sexual tension.'

Even though this story may have had a good ending it would have been even greater if this story had a epilogue but yet I guess the reader can assume it was all good in the end.  Would I recommend? Yes!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jillian by Julia A. Royston

Book Description....

"Some women wait a long time to get married. They do all of the right things. They go to school, build a thriving career, own a home, drive a luxury car and dedicate years of service to their church or community. But, where is the love? Jillian Forrester was no different. She was asking herself that same question. Where is her love? When would it be her turn? Since she waited so long, when the right man comes along, everybody should be happy right? Maybe not. Come experience the lessons, longing and love of Jillian Forrester."


Title: Jullian
Author: Julia A. Royston
Publisher: Royston Publishing
Series: Women of the Fellowship Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Jillian" by Julia A. Royston

My Thoughts.....

I felt this was a beautifully written romance that will give you food for thought long after the read. I really enjoyed how this author was able to give the reader such a good read that answered the questions for Jullian Forrester and that was ...'Where was her love?... When will it be her turn?...Will all be happy for you when the right man comes?' Well, all I will say all of the questions and a lots more will be answered as you pick up "Jillian" to see what all will go on in Jillian's life. As one will clearing see that she only wants what a lots of us wants and that is be be truly happy with the one you love. All of the characters were simply well developed, portrayed and just plain interesting helping make this story quite interesting where one will find it hard to put down until the end.

I will say this story even though was somewhat predictable in some areas it was still a good read and I liked how this author brought a Christian aspect into this story. I will say the ending did caught me by surprise ...just when you think you know someone do you really? I will say I had wished for a epilogue because there were some areas that I though may have needed to be addressed and I definitely wanted to learn more about the upcoming wedding. However, I think the readers will enjoy "Jullian" because I certainly did. Wow, if only one call find a Byron! Would I recommend this series? YES! I am also looking forward to reading the second and third books in 'The Women of Fellowship.'

A Summer Affair: A Short Story by Janae Keyes

Book Description...

"It was only supposed to be for a moment.

Just a simple escape.
Falling in love was never part of the plan.

Ashlee Rhodes was stuck. With a demanding publisher, a clingy four year old, and a husband more interested in hanging with his buddies. Something was missing for the romance writer, she needed to find her muse. The summer of her family’s big move, she finds her story in Kyle Hamilton, a New York Times Bestselling author she comes across in a coffeeshop."

Originally published in the Chasing Fireflies Summer Anthology

Title:  A Summer Affair

Author:  Janae Keyes

Publisher: J.K.     

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"A Summer Affair" by Janae Keyes

My Thoughts.....

This was a sweet but sad story.  At least in the end Ashlee who had been so very unhappy in her marriage, after an affair, losing that love but was able to find the love she had once had. The author did a wonderful job at displaying to the reader all of the emotions that can happen in a lost and new love in this well told short story. 

The Good Girl (The Kya Chronicles Book 3) by Deep

Book Description....

"“You want to tell her?” Horace asked.
“She’s your friend,” L.T. responded.
“We met last night,” I corrected him.
After they exchanged another look, L.T. turned to me and leaned forward. “Hmm … how do I say this … me and Horace, we hmm …”
“We like having sex with women at the same time,” Horace said like it was no biggie. And it was no biggie to me. In fact, the prospect that I could be the meat in this particular sandwich had me salivating.

Kya Garner has been through a lot ... of sexual conquests. Most have been deliciously satisfying so she has no reason to slow down yet. She's young, a recent college graduate, ambitious, and ready to become a contributor of society by getting a real job. So now is the time to really let go, if there can be such a thing with this naughty girl. But a complicated and forbidden emotion threatens to captivate her, transforming her into what no one would expect: a good girl."

Author: The Good Girl 

Publisher: Deep N Wet Publishing  

Series:  The Kya Chronicles Book  3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Good Girl" by Deep

My Thoughts.....

This author has given us once again another good 'Kya Chronicle' series. I liked how this main character Kya seems to grow up and be able to except what is right there in front of her.  It was quite interesting seeing Kya and Myles beginning to have true feelings for each other.  I was especially glad to see her leave that Ray guy alone.  Surely now Kya was not longer a 'Lil Girl' that she had once been now more mature, graduated, working woman and having Myles in her life definitely brought her many 'adventurous and sensual' moments that were simply off the chart.  Is Kya now beginning how important it is to have someone to care for her?  Well, we may not get a HEAFN but one can hope it is in the work for Kya.