The Village Christmas Party by Sue Roberts

 

The Village Christmas Party is about a woman named Lauren.  She has a very busy life between working in a small shop, helping others where she can, baking and hanging out with friends.  One of the biggest events she organizes every year is the pensioners Christmas party on Christmas Eve.  There is a lot to organize but Lauren is meticulous with her lists so nothing gets missed.  Lauren is meticulous about most things in life actually.  Often turning down plans with friends so she can check items off her lists.

When Lauren shows up Christmas Eve for the pensioners party she is shocked to find that the community centre has been double booked by this hot guy she's been spotting around town.  He's planning a birthday party for his 7 year old daughter and sees nothing wrong with mixing the seniors and children's parties.  This is certainly not on Lauren's checklists but hot guy seems quite certain nothing can go wrong.

The Village Christmas Party is a bit of a slower paced novel with not much action.  But it is a lovely story and gives me the Hallmark vibe I was looking for with a previous book.  It is a quick read with a happy ending. 

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

 

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern tells the story of a young Augusta growing up without a mother.  Her father owns a pharmacy and her and her sister Bess help out there from a young age.  Augusta has always known she wants to be a pharmacist when she grows up.  She loves watching her dad help people.  When Augusta's great aunt comes to leave with them she soon discovers her aunt has some creative ways of helping people that her father doesn't agree with.

Every alternating chapter tells the story of 80 year old Augusta, finally retiring to a nice place in Florida.  She is soon shocked to find out the people from her childhood also live in the same area - specifically Irvin who Augusta once dreamed she would marry and spend all of her days with.

I really enjoyed The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern.  I was a little leery as it seemed to have a fantasy theme but definitely nothing to be worried about here.  Augusta is a lovable character that I cheered on in her younger years and in her 80's.  This book has a little romance, fantasy and a touch of the Godfather all mixed into one great read.

Christmas Actually by Lisa Darcy

 

Christmas Actually is the store of Kate, a middle aged mom to two kids and wife to Matthew.  Kate spends her days catering to her family.  She had a dream of being a photographer but that's been forgotten years ago.  When she gets an offer from an old college friend to work on a magazine for a few weeks before Christmas she can't help but say yes.  This might just be what she needs to start her photography career again.

But once she goes back to work the lives of everyone around her starts to unravel and she's the only one that keeps it all together for them.  There's a crazy amount of drama that unfolds during these few short weeks which make the story quite fast paced to read but also felt a bit unrealistic that this much could go on in one month.  

I really enjoyed Christmas Actually but I don't feel the title suits.  Yes, it takes place over the Christmas season but that's about all.  It certainly didn't have the Hallmark feel I expected.  I understand the Christmas cover but even it seemed like a small part of the story.   I also felt the ending was a bit rushed.