Fall Into Reading Wrap-Up

This is my fourth Fall into Reading reading challenge here at Fresh-Brewed Writer, and my fourth wrap-up post.

Overall I did not do as well as I'd hoped, but at the same time I also read more books on the side, which seems to be my MO.

• Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander (for CFBA)
• While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin (for CFBA)
• Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas (for review) *skimmed*
• I Will Carry You by Angie Smith **oh my goodness, this is so sad and heartwrenching. I'm not sure I can finish it.** Update: I can't finish this one. Gave it away on Wives of Faith.
• Daddy's Delight by Dr. Karia Bunting (for Blog Tour Spot)
• Time Management from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern (finish) No.
• The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund (for CFBA)
• Havah by Tosca Lee (e-book) No.
• The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
• Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner
• Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner **started it, not loving it** Update: Did not finish. Not sure I will. Just not as good as the first one.
• Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman by Beth Moore
• Esther by Chuck Swindoll No.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr3-m5YpQpU

Summary:

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

Review:

This was a lovely book. Cora and Simon are a delightful couple once they become a couple - because it takes awhile, it is interesting that they "seem" an unlikely match in the first place. To me, they are perfectly suited from the beginning.

I think it's important to note that this is a fantasy book. It is not meant to be a realistic story. It's got a bit of the old Hollywood Christmas magic element--the fun, whimsical kind--with a Christian twist, if you will.

I found this book to be a warm and fuzzy read leading up the Christmas season.

Thanks to Waterbrook/Multnomah Press for a review copy of this novel for the Blogging for Books program.

This week

I'm over at my other blog for the Wives of Faith Christmas blog carnival.