Book 1: Christmas At Little Beach Street Bakery

I already finished two books for this year's challenge and I am happy to recommend the first one to you.

It is Christmas At Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan. Not a romance, but chicklit. Set on a small peninsula on Britain's rough coast. It is, in fact, book 3 of a series, that I highly recommend, but it is fine to read each book alone, too.

The plot: Polly lives on Mount Polbeane on the coast of Cornwall, where she owns the Little Beach Street Bakery and lives in the old lighthouse with her boyfriend/ fiancée Huckle. As Christmas approaches, Polly's life is more than busy with her best friend Kerensa having serious relationship trouble and Huckle, who really wants to get married, but Polly is hesitant to take the last step. The whole story revolves around Christmas Eve, which Polly and Huckle want to just spend curled up on the couch with movies, but circumstances make Polly prepare pastries for a big holiday party.

This book has it all, snow storms, ice sculptures and a puffin. Yes, a puffin.

So much is happening on these pages that I don't have the words to give a good summary, but trust me on this one. Jenny Colgan's writing is funny and unique and her characters and stories are well-developed. I also saw that the audio book is for free on Amazon Prime.

Happy Reading! Love, Sanna

The Christmas Reading Challenge 2017

Hey peeps!

Long time no see, huh? Well, we are heading into fall break tomorrow and Halloween is close, so it means I am slowly getting prepared for The Christmas Reading Challenge 2017. I have to have a closer look at my book shelf to see what Christmas books are still inmy TBR and then I'll give you an update on what I am planning to read this year. I also hope life won't be as crazy as last year and I will really get some reading done and find the time to write the reviews.

I hope you will join me! Love, Sanna

The Christmas Bake Off

26 days until Christmas Eve and I managed to read two stories. Big wow. *addirony*

At least I managed to get some reading done while life was absolutely crazy, so here is my second review.

I read The Christmas Bake Off by Abby Clements. The download's for free for your Kindle on Amazon.

It is a short story about, well, a Christmas Bake Off. It is indeed pretty short. Surprisingly short, to be honest, but it was a quic and nice read. I would have liked some more of it, because the storyline was good and would have made a nice novella. I especially liked the recipes at the end, which sound really, really good.

Well, that's all I can say. If you'd like to spend half an hour with some nice writing, download this story and have fun.

Happy Reading!

Okay, I wanted the first review up on November, 1st. But then I had to work crazy hours and we had a stomach bug in our family, so that was that.

All that made it difficult to find the time to read, plus I had started on a book that didn't get me hooked. So here comes my opinion, which cannot be called a review.

The book was Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley.It's more chicklit than romance, which my anglophile self usually loves a lot. I started reading with high expectations and maybe that was the point why it all went wrong. I am into 2/3 of the book and I am not ending it. It started out good. But then after the first hundred pages it got soooo boring. I knew where all that was leading and it took the author years to come to the point. At least that's how I felt it. Maybe you have another opinion and that's fine, but the book didn't work for me and I wouldn't recommend it.

Maybe I am more lucky with book number 2: The Christmas Bake Off by Abby Clements, a short story. I'll keep you updated.

Love, Sanna

First delivery

Ho ho ho ... the first delivery of Christmas books arrived on my door step. Some, I downloaded on my Kindle, others I ordered as real books, even hardcovers. This is what I am planning to read:

Christmas At Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
Twelve Days Of Christmas by Trisha Ashley
A Cornish Christmas by Lily Graham
Mistletoe Kisses and Christmas Wishes by various writers (anthology)
The Christmas Bake Off by Abby Clements
The Reading Group: December by Della Parker (short story)

Have you read any of these? How did you like them (no spoilers please!) and do you have any must-reads for me I really, really should read this season? What's on your Christmas TBR?

The Christmas Reading Challenge 2016

Hey, hello there!

It's October in a few days and as I want to start the Christmas Reading Challenge on November, 1st I thought I'd pop in and ask who's going to join me this year.

I want it all to be a bit different, with a lot of input from my readers. Is there anybody who'd like to write a review over a Christmas romance of your choice? It doesn't have to be a brand new book. Maybe you read it years ago and liked it, we would love to hear about that! everybody is invited to join!

Also, if you have any recommendations, please leave a comment and post them. I have not one book in my TBR yet and with every year it's more and more difficult to find those I haven't read before. Also, anthologies are fine.

Okay, that's it for now. I'd love to see many of you participate. The more, the merrier. ;o)

Love, Sanna

Book 4: Snow One Like You

It took me some time, but I finally read another Christmas romance. By my favorite author, too. It is Snow One Like You by Kate Angell. It is available in the Mischief Under The Mistletoe anthology or as a single novella for 0.99$.

This is the story: Allie and Rhys are long time friends. And then one kiss under the mistletoe changes everything. When a snow storm hits on Christmas Eve, Rhys and Allie find themselves locked at Allie's place. No light, no heating. Just a warm fire and each other's company. Of yourse he is a hunk, former US Olympic skier and she is a natural beauty.

You know where that leads, right? Yes, it's predictable. But oh so romantic. Like all stories by Kate Angell, it's so well written. She has a unique way of writing. Short sentences, fast pace. She also has unique characters following along the way. Both, humans and animals. Be prepared to meet the most loveable moose ever.

I highly recommend this novella. I often don't like novellas, cause there doesn't seem to be enough time to develop characters and story line. Not in this case. It's all predictable, but I don't care. It's a lovely novella. Great characters. Two thumbs up!

Book 3: Maybe This Christmas

I saw this book made into a Lego movie (yes, you got that right) and it sounded promising, so I bought it. Here is the plot:


This winter, ex-skiing champion, reformed heartbreaker and single dad Tyler O'Neil has only one mission—making sure his daughter, Jess, has the best Christmas ever. The fact that his best friend, Brenna, is also temporarily moving into his chalet at the overbooked Snow Crystal resort is a delicious distraction he's simply going to have to ignore. Theirs is the one relationship he's never ruined, and he's not about to start now.
Ski pro Brenna Daniels knows all about the perils of unrequited love—she's been in love with Tyler for years. But living with him is absolute torture… How can she concentrate on being his friend when he's sleeping in the room next door? Then when Tyler kisses Brenna, suddenly the relationship she's always dreamed of feels so close she could almost touch it. Could this be the Christmas her dreams of a happy-ever-after finally come true?

Oh, what a lovely book. Full of snow and Christmas. And an ex-skiing champion, I love sports heroes. The story is warm-hearted, well written and lovely. I also loved the character of Tyler's daughter Jess, who gave the story a bit more depth. The cover is wonderful and sparkly and oh so christmassy.
I later found out, that this is book 3 of a series, but I had no problems to read it as a stand alone. I am planning on squeezing in the other parts of the series into my Christmas TBR. I'll keep you updated.

Title: Maybe This Christmas
Author: Sarah Morgan
Publisher: HQN
Pages: 382

Christmas book by Martha Stewart

When there is someone who knows how to celebrate the season, it must be Martha! Years ago I bought her book Classic Crafts and Recipes Inspired by the Songs of Christmas.

And what can I say? This is Martha. It's a wonderful, wonderful book full of lovely crafts and the most yummie recipes for the season. It's all based on Christmas songs, such as Jingle Bells or The First Noel and other classics. There is also sheet music for ten holday favorites.

I tried some of the crafts over the last years and they are just adorable and easy to make. I love that there are little project and bigger ones, such as building your own winter town.

In case you are into crafts, you might wanna check this one out.

Book 2: To All A Good Night

Here is my review for the second book I read this season. And since it's November, we can officially talk about Christmas season now.

Book no.2 was To All A Good Night, an anthology by Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis and HelenKay Dimon.


Four years ago, I read another anthology by these three authors and my first impression was confirmed. Here we go.



Unleashed by Donna Kauffman . It's the story of Emma, a pet sitter, who was hired to watch a billionaire's pets over the holidays in his mansion. She ends up trapped there in a snow storm, without electricity and with the billionaire's great-nephew. Who - obviously - is one handsome looking devil and on a mission of his own. I can totally recommend this story. It's believable, lovely and so romantic. You know, snow storm and no power. A classic. But well written.

Finding Mr. Right by Jill Shalvis. Maggie is the nerd kind of girl, who always ends up with Mr.Right who is so NOT right for her. So this holiday season she goes for Mr. Wrong. That would be Jacob, the hotter than hot contractor, who is working on a construction site at her company. Great, great story. Laugh out loud good and incredibly sexy. I don't really get what it's got to do with Christmas, but it was a good read.

Can You Hand Me The Tape? by HelenKay Dimon. The title of that story is as much as crap as the whole plot. End of story. Don't read.

Title: To All A Good Night
Authors: Donna Kauffman/JillShalvis/HelenKay Dimon
Publisher: Brava
Pages: 303

My TBR

In my TBR for Christmas, there are the following books:

To All A Good Night by Donny Kauffman/Jill Shalvis/HelenKay Dimon
Maybe This Christmas by Sarah Morgan
Not Another New Year's by Christie Ridgeway
Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs

Plus the anthology Mischief Under The Mistletoe, which I already wrote about. Do you have any recommendations for me? Something I really, really have to read? Something you love to pieces and want to let me know about? Please share.

Pre-order: Mischief under the Mistletoe

I have a new release for you, which I haven't read yet, but it seems to be a good deal, that's why I am writing about it. It's going to be published on November, 17th.

It's a Christmas anthology by 19 romance authors, including Kate Angell (my all time favorite), Melanie James and Holly S. Roberts. It's available as e-book only and costs - gasp - only $ 0,99!

I have no idea if the stories are good or not, I will review as soon as it is loaded on my Kindle, but really, a dollar for 19 stories can't go wrong.

The anthology is called Mischief Under The Mistletoe - Holday Hotties Just Waiting To Be Unwrapped. Run and buy, I think, it's a good deal.

Book 1: Wish Upon A Star

It's hard to believe, but I have finished my first Christmas romance already. It's called Wish Upon A Star by Sarah Morgan. It's more chick lit than romance, so beware.

The cover says it's a book full of romance and spakle and boy, it is. It contains two stories: Christy's and Miranda's. Here is my review:

Christy Christy and her husband Alessandro have seperated some weeks before Christmas. Christy moved to London with the kids, while Alessandro stayed at their home in the Lake District. Christy really wants to skip Christmas this year, but her children have other ideas. They want to spend Christmas with their father, at home. It seems as if Christy was going to spend Christmas at the Lake District with her ex.

Nice story, nice writing. Not too remarkable, but a nice Christmas story. I just didn't see the greatness of the hero, maybe that's why this book didn't really work for me.

Miranda Miranda is single - and pregnant. And then, around Christmas time, she is rescued from the snowy mountains by a complete stranger. Who, have a guess, is her new boss. By Boxing Day, Miranda is pretty sure that Jake is more than a short romance. He is a keeper.

Now, that is a great story! Jake is a super hot hero, which made it easy for me to get access to the story. Miranda is loving and keeps up with Jake's pace. The writing is fast and funny and the whole story is totally believable. Very nice read.

Conclusion: Totally worth the money. Especially for Miranda's story. I love the cover art, which is all sparkly and shiny and just right for a Christmas book.

Title: Wish Upon A Star
Author: Sarah Morgan
Publisher: Mills&Boon
Pages: 376

I'm back!

Hello, out there!

After being sick for pretty long, I am back to blogging. I thought I'd do some Christmas reading this year and post about books and crafts and baking.

Before I start, I'd love to know if there are still readers out there. Are there?!

Love, Sanna

Woohoo!

Any readers out there? I won't do the big challenge this year, but will totally post about Christmas books and Christmassy stuff I like. Who wants to join?

Book 6: Under The Mistletoe

My winter break has started and finally - finally! - I get some reading done. And slowly I feel the spirit of Christmas coming to my soul and home. Let's check out book number 6, shall we?

I am not a big fan of historicals. I like them from time to time, but usually I prefer contemporary romance.

The last historical I read was for last year's challenge and it was this one by Mary Balogh. Check out the link, cause it was high praise for that book, which I loved reading and treasure dearly.

There was one historical on the agenda for this year, again by Mary Balogh, and it is another keeper: Under The Mistletoe.

I was a bit sceptical at first, because it was a) a historical and b) it was five novellas of about 70 pages each. Huh, novellas. I am not a friend of those. Too often I feel like the storyline is rushed and implausible. There is no time to develop depth within the characters and who the hell falls in love within 70 pages?! Huh? Yeah, right.

Again, Mary Balogh taught me a lesson. None of the above is true for this amazing book. Lovely settings filled with funny, generous, loving and caring characters.

Run and grab a copy, friends. I guarantee you a wonderful time with this book and I really, really have to check out Mary Balogh other books. Oh joy, so much to explore!

Happy Reading!

P.S. See my historical influenced style of writing? *lol*

Favorites: The Farm Chicks Christmas

If you love Christmas as much as I do, you have to go and grab yourself a copy of The Farm Chicks Christmas.

Serena is blogging from her lovely farm showing off her home, sharing her recipes and introducing family life. With her second book, she offers the most inspirational Christmas ideas and cookie recipes for the season.

The book is full of crafts, ideas and colorful pictures of Serena's and her friends & family's decorations. Lovely! Honestly, lovely!

My favorite book to bring over the season to my home and my heart. Check it out. As well as Serena's blog. *click*

Book 5: The Christmas Cookie Club

Howdy, friends!

I am a slow reader this season and an even slower blogger, but here is book number 5: The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman.

"I am the head cookie bitch and this is my party."

First lines can totally thrill me, such as the above. And this first line is as special and funny as the whole book. We get to know the members of a Christmas Cookie Clb, who celebrate their cookie swap every season. They are all women and more or less connected for years and years of friendship. Each woman has a story and recipe to share. And these recipes are great!

Well, nuff said. That's it basically. We learn more about the women and their personal background and their stories. Additionally, there are little snippets of information about all kinds of groceries, which can be found in cookies: sugar, dates, salt... Very informative and in a very entertaining writing.

This book is a keeper. Not for the recipes only, but for the depth and uniqueness of characters. I laughed, I cried and I hoped for these women. I highly recommend this holiday read. Have fun!

Reading Romance

This has to be shared, cause it's too good not to. Do you read romance? Of course, you do. So do I. As do women (and a few men) all over the world. I love my romance. It's one of the most wonderful things in the world. Check this out.

Book 4: Christmas In Lucky Harbor

Hello, friends! This last week has been crazy, but here I am. Back to my former self, I managed to do some reading and here is some lovely double feature, which I highly recommend: Christmas in Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis.

The compilation contains book 1&2 of the Lucky Harbor series: Simply Irresistible and The Sweetest Thing.

Lucky Harbor is the small town setting, in which the three half-sisters Maddie, Tara and Chloe inherit an old Inn. They hardly know each other, but then they have to live and work together to make the Inn work and with it comes a sexy contractor, his best friend, a world champion sailor,  and to make the circle complete, the county sheriff. All stories are told within three books, so in case you wanna read all of them, you have to make sure to grab this week's release Head Over Heels.

Yes, this might sound predictable and when you are a wee bit clever, you might figure out who will end up with who, but I don't care about that. The author still manages to surprise me with the story line and that's what counts to me.

I love the books of Jill Shalvis. Her writing is funny (laugh out loud-funny!) and fast. Her characters are wonderful, annoying and lovely. Her heroes are sexy as hell and know how to handle their women. All alpha, but totally worth every single word written about them.

Go and grab this book. Make sure to have some coffee and cookies nearby. Cuddle up and have fun reading. I am sure you will.