Blessings for Christmas Eve 2020

Rather than focus on the difficulties of the past year, I am focused on God's gifts.

As we prepare to Celebrate Christmas - even if only online with family - I am ever mindful of the reason we celebrate. God has given us the greatest gift of redemption through the blood of His son. That gift was planned from the beginning and reaches an important peak (not the climax) with the birth of Jesus.

I am sharing this song on Christmas Eve as it speaks to Mary's experience and how she offers what she can - herself - for God's plan. Luke 1:29-38. Do we submit and offer ourselves to the sovereignty of God?

I pray that you focus on your blessings this Christmas,
find peace and hope in God's gift,
and share His Love with others!

Notice of Delay for Friday Pick

I should have noted this last week but I will post Friday Pick and Winners Saturday 12/26 rather than Christmas morning.  Merry Christmas Everyone! 

Audio Book Review: Pupcakes: A Christmas Novel by Annie England Noblin

This is a sweet romance story with flawed characters.

Pupcakes: A Christmas Novel
Written By: Annie England Noblin
Narrated By: Amy McFadden

Date: October 2017
Duration: 9 hours 59 minutes
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Animals, Women's Divorce, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 3.75.

Summary:
Sit! Stay! Speak! author Annie England Noblin’s novel takes one woman starting over, adds an aging pug named Teddy Roosevelt, and proves the power of a well-baked dog treat.
All she wants is a settled-down life.
What she gets is a dog—and a whole new normal . . .
There he stood in the doorway: overweight, depressed and nearly homeless—a pug named Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy was Brydie Benson’s latest problem, arriving on top of her messy divorce and sudden move. Brydie needed a place to start over, so this rent-free home seemed a great idea. She just never counted on Teddy, or his owner, the Germantown Retirement Village’s toughest customer, Pauline Neumann.
And because rent-free doesn’t mean bills-free, Brydie gets a night-shift job at a big-box grocery. Whoever guessed there were so many people who wanted baked goods after midnight?
Then, she gets an idea—why not combine her baking skills with her new-found dog knowledge? And so her store Pupcakes is born. Along with a new start comes a possible new love, in the form of Nathan Reid, a local doctor with a sassy Irish Wolfhound named Sasha. And as fall turns to winter, and then to Christmas, Brydie begins to realize that life is a little bit like learning a new recipe for puff pastry—it takes a few tries to get it just right!...

Review:
Brydie is struggling to make a comeback after her husband cheated on her and divorced her for the ‘other’ woman. Her husband was also her business partner in the bakery they built together. Brydie left all of that mess, but not the heart-break, behind and has lived for months with her best friend, Elliott. Now that Elliott and her husband are preparing to welcome their second child, Brydie needs to find another place to live. Elliott recommends a house that needs ‘sitting’ for Mrs. Neumann, a woman in a nursing retirement home. The house comes with an important occupant – Mrs. Neumann’s beloved pug, Teddy Roosevelt. Brydie has never had a dog and she has to find a way to engage this elderly, reluctant animal.

Elliott suggests that Brydie take Teddy to a nearby dog park. Finally, the dog shows some enthusiasm except he throws up on the shoes of Nathan Reid who is there with his lively Irish Wolfhound, Sasha. Brydie takes off in embarrassment but gets to meet Nathan again when she visits Mrs. Neumann in the nursing facility. Nathan turns out to be a local doctor with rotating duties at the retirement home. It is clear that all the single nurses (and some of the residents) are interested in the handsome doctor. Brydie has trouble accepting the fact that Nathan is interested in dating her.

Byrdie takes a night-shift job at a local grocery where she begins to make new friends, but also makes mistakes. Byrdie experiments making dog treats to tempt Teddy to eat. This leads to a group of customers from the dog park and the nursing home.

When Byrdie uncovers a family mystery at Mrs. Neumann’s home, her curiosity is pushing her to ask Mrs. Neumann about the locked trunk. Nathan insists that doctor’s orders are not to raise the issue as it is likely to upset his patient. Byrdie takes umbrage at the doctor’s position and cuts off their growing relationship. Although Byrdie’s confidence begins to return with her baking, she continues to struggle to control her emotions.

First, I need to note that the blurb is not totally accurate as the new Pupcakes bakery isn’t really established until very near the end of the book. Second, I have to admit that I was frustrated by Byrdie’s despondency and self-absorption. I was relieved when she finally stepped away from her negative attitudes. In contrast, I found Nathan to be extraordinarily patient and kind. The romance develops with a subdued spark but some natural urges. The dogs add fun interest with birthday parties and stolen turkey antics. I liked the sweet (if predictable) surprise at the end even though the ending does seem rushed. As long as the reader can push through Byrdie's emotions, I recommend this as a sweet read/listen.

Audio Notes: Amy McFadden does a satisfactory job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and manages to convey Byrdie’s struggling emotions. I was glad to be able to listen to this story.

Source: November 2019 Sale at Audiobooks.com $3.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Book Review: Cold Feet: A Short Story for Christmas (Hand-Me-Downs Book 2) by Meggan Haller

This is a bit heart wrenching but heartwarming too.
Cold Feet: A Short Story for Christmas (Hand-Me-Downs Book 2)
by Meggan Haller

ASIN : B00OI8HSOQ
Publication date : October 13, 2014
File size : 1475 KB
Genre: Christmas, Young Adult, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

"He saw the distinct shape of a hand carefully placing one more stocking alongside the others. Though Jakob was sure he saw it, at first he didn’t believe it was real. It took him a long time to figure out there was no Santa, and short of a miracle, he wouldn’t be quick to change his mind."
Another Christmas and nothing had changed for 5-year-old Jakob. Papa still had no job, the family still had no money, and Jakob still had the same pair of old, threadbare socks only now with holes in them. This was the Great Depression, a time of hardship for many families, the Strumpfs included.
Year after year, Santa brought nothing for the Strumpfs but a hand-written promise that next Christmas would be better. Jakob’s older brothers and sisters believed Santa would keep his promise and bring them a gift this year—even Mama and Papa believed—but Jakob doubted. When a sensitive boy loses heart, his family must help him find it.
These days, Christmas may be a season of abundance, but this solemn tale introduces young readers to an era of struggle. A generation after Bern learned to believe in Santa in Light in the Snow, Jakob carries on the Strumpf tradition of turning hardships into happiness. With contemplative and compassionate prose, this remarkable story reminds us that where there is love, hope can flourish despite poverty.

Review:
Jakob is the youngest of six children living during the Great Depression. As the youngest, at five years old, he has never experienced a gift at Christmas (or any other time of year). He is accustomed to having only hand-me-down clothes, including a cap (which he has lost) and socks which are holey. There are only five marbles to play with, so Jakob doesn’t get to play and is shut out of the circle. Although the eldest brother tries to draw Jakob aside to play, Jakob is too sullen, angry and hurt to be cajoled.

As Christmas Eve arrives, the other children are still willing to believe that Santa will visit the family. But Jakob is ready to give up. He has determined there is no reason to believe, there is no hope and all of his life is destined to be deprivation and hardship. Will the events of Christmas be able to change Jakob’s mind?

This story is so sad and heart wrenching as we watch Jakob’s frustration and disappointments. I was further saddened by his actions on Christmas Eve/morning. Fortunately, there is a an uplifting, very sweet ending… with hope. I encourage readers to share this little gem, especially with young people who don’t always appreciate the blessings that surround them.

Source: December 2016 Free Kindle download. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.

Sunday Post December 20, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 21, 2020

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading?, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

We had a busy week as people try to get their closings done before year end knowing there will be days closed for holidays in the next two weeks. Heather gets vacation this year and I get to work.
I am also trying to get my legal and probate files in line before year's end. It won't happen but I can get organized for the New Year.
On the homefront, Hubby surprised me with breakfasts several times this week. So sweet.

This is a picture of frost on the back lawn before it is burned off by the sun.
This happened three mornings this week.
It isn't as pretty as the snow that northerners get but it isn't as cold either!

Christmas day will be our coldest this week at 28 to 46.

WISHING A BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

I enjoyed my reading and listening last week. I had three Christmas books: one audio, and two ebooks. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.
Countdown to finish challenges:
TBR -need to finish the 2 which are lined up this week.
I found a TBR audio title that has an X in it which I am using to finish my alphabet title.
NetGalley - Completed!

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Christian Bookshelf Reviews. Melanie says: "I'm a Christian and an avid reader. I enjoy many genres, but I have to say my favorite is suspense/thriller and one of my favorite series is the Patrick Bowers Files by Steven James (intense, but so good!)." I'll have to look up that series.

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 13, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 14, 2020.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Survive the Fall (EMP: Return of the Wild West Book 1) by Grace Hamilton; Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Yang Warriors by Kao Kalia Yang Genre: Children, Immigration, Refugee; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 18, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/24/2020.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Megge of Bury Down by Rebecca Kightlinger; Genre: Coming of Age, Historical Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 20, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

Cold Feet: A Short Story for Christmas (Hand-Me-Downs Book 2)
by Meggan Haller
This is a bit heartwrenching.
Source: December 2016 Free Kindle download.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Pupcakes: A Christmas Novel
Written By: Annie England Noblin
Narrated By: Amy McFadden
Duration: 9 hours 59 minutes
This is a sweet romance story with flawed characters.
Source: November 2019 Sale at Audiobooks.com $3.99.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

Thomas & the Christmas Orange: Storybook Advent Calendar Singles
by Lewis Brech
This is a nice book that speaks of sharing small blessings.
Source: August 2011 Free Kindle download.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

You're Next
By: Gregg Hurwitz
Narrator: Scott Brick
Duration: 14 hrs and 1 min
This isn't Christmas but I pulled it in for the "X" in the title as that is the closest I can get to finish my audio alphabet.
Source: Audible 8/31/2017 sale $4.95.
Publisher's Summary
Mike Wingate had a rough childhood  —  he was abandoned at a playground at four years old and raised in foster care. No one ever came to claim him, and he has only a few, fragmented memories of his parents. Now, as an adult, Mike is finally living the life he had always wanted  —  he’s happily married to Annabel, the woman of his dreams; they have a precocious eight-year-old daughter, Kat; and his construction company is about to finish a “green” housing development that will secure a solid future for them all. Then the unimaginable happens: Something from Mike’s own past, a past he doesn’t even remember, comes back to visit terror upon him and his family. Menacing characters show up and begin threatening Mike, and when he reports them, the police seem more interested in Mike’s murky past than in investigating or protecting his young family. Now, with Mike, his wife, and their daughter suddenly under attack from all sides, Mike must turn to Shep, a truly dangerous man  —  and Mike’s only true friend  —  from their childhood days together in foster care. Together, the two of them will do whatever it takes to protect Mike’s family against the hidden men behind the terrifying warning “You’re Next!”
©2011 Gregg Hurwitz (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

2. Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

Message in a Bauble (Big Honey Dog Mysteries #3)
by H.Y. Hanna
I was drawn by this cover.
Source: Free Kindle November 2014.
Christmas intrigue. Daring rescue. Serious slobber.
When Honey the Great Dane finds a hidden note inside a strange Christmas bauble, the festive season takes a sinister turn. Was the note from a trapped child? Join Honey and her canine friends as they set off on a Search & Rescue--from snowy playgrounds to eerie libraries--while they race to solve the mystery of the message in the bauble.
Kids and dog lovers will love this action-packed Christmas mystery filled with suspense and humour - not to mention candy canes, gingerbread cookies and lots of mince pies!
This short novella is part of the Big Honey Dog Mysteries - don't forget to check out the full novels in the series: Curse of the Scarab(#1) and A Secret in Time(#2)
* EACH BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE MYSTERY

I complete my TBR and Goodreads challenges with these two books above.
I am pretty sure I will pick another audio and ebook before the end of the week but I haven't decided which yet. I might even read a print Christmas book.
I have a short audiobook ready for the last week, for New Year's. Maybe I'll look for an ebook about New Years too.

I am counting my Audio Alphabet as completed (when I finish the book). I had two letters left in the NetGalley Alphabet:
NETGALLEY:   X and Z
AUDIO:  COMPLETED when I finish the audio book!     X 

December 21, 2020 - I continue enjoying reading first thing each morning, even this week while away.
I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I enjoyed the ten day Advent study: 10 Days of Christmas Truths to Live All Year.

I completed three books, posted three reviews and I continue to be up to date.
I added Six NetGalley titles and still have the three remaining titles from 2012-13. I plan to have half of my NetGalley challenge as TBRs for 2021.
I have two author titles in queue which will carry over to 2021. (Plus a few that I received from newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I picked up six new NetGalley titles this week and have a few more requested.

I selected my two Audible picks for November credits. I will have two more credits to pick before the end of the month.
I also bought four Audible titles on sale and had several free from Audible Plus.
One free Kindle title this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up one Audio NetGalley title and five other titles. (I still have four on request.)

The Salvage Crew
by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne
Narrated by Nathan Fillion
Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Chicken Talk Around the World
by Carole Lexa Schaefer

Forever Phoebe
by Chalon Linton

Too Crowded
by Lena Podesta

The Pugly Duckling
by Carla Siravo
(I absolutely could not resist this cover!)

Aftershocks
Christians Entering a New Era of Global Crisis
by Jeff Kinley

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/16/2020 November Audible Credits

Vision in Silver
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 03-03-15

Commune: Book Three
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 11-15-18


12/17/2020 Audible Sale – Four for $5.00 each.

Alexander X
Battle for Forever, Book 1
By: Edward Savio
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
Release date: 06-05-19

The Age of Embers (A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller)
The Age of Embers, Book 1
By: Ryan Schow
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins

The Ranch: Jack Sterlings Legacy
The Legacy Series, Book 1
By: Sean Liscom
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 01-09-20

Contact Front
Drop Trooper, Book 1
By: Rick Partlow
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 8 hrs
Release date: 04-28-20

Free

12/17/2020 Titles from Audible Plus Downloads:
Six books in An Unofficial Gamer's Adventure

When Winter Comes
By: V. A. Shannon
Narrated by: Susannah Jones

Cruel Winter
A County Cork Mystery
By: Sheila Connolly
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

Inside Jobs
Tales from a Time of Quarantine
By: Ben H. Winters
Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Kevin T. Collins, Ellen Archer

One Free Kindle this week:

Christmas of Love: A Holiday Western Romance Novel (Long Valley Romance Book 5)
Erin Wright
I saw this at An Imperfect Christian Mom through Mailbox Monday.

One free Kindle title this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.