A Merry Little Lie by Sarah Morgan

 

A Merry Little Lie is the story of a group of women coming together for Christmas.  First, there's Becky, she's nervous about coming home because she thinks she made a fool of herself at her twin sister's recent wedding.  She's barely spoken to her since the wedding and how is she going to make it through the holidays without making a fool of herself.  Rosie, the other twin, is newly married to Declan.  They only just got married and they've already hit a rough patch.  How will they keep up the charade that their marriage is perfect for days in front of her parents and grandparents scrutiny.

Also, the twins brother, James, has an announcement to make this holiday and he said to plan a party and have champagne ready.  He must be engaged they all think.  He's bringing his new girlfriend Hailey home for the holiday.  Then there's Jennifer their mother.  She's been trying so hard to make this the most perfect Christmas for everyone but especially for Hailey, as she grew up in an orphanage and never had a real Christmas before.  She's also worried about everyone including her newly retired husband. 

A Merry Little Lie is probably my favourite Christmas book I've read so far this year.  I could not put this book down.  There was so much going on that I was constantly wanting to know how this was all going to unravel.  This is not a predictable Hallmark story.  I've only read one other Sarah Morgan book but I have a couple others on my shelf and I think I'll have to check out more because I really enjoyed this story.

Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer

 

Jill is at the end of her rope.  She's working at a high end arcade in LA when she dreams about writing movies.  Every call from her agent has so much hope and every call ends a little more hopelessly.  The most recent call her agent says she's got one last change to make it - write a heartfelt movie (basically our equivalent to a Hallmark movie.  But with zero love life happening how is she supposed to be inspired to write about love and Christmas.  She gave up on both of those years ago when her and her boyfriend broke up on Christmas Eve three years ago.

When Jill's mother calls wishing she'd come back home for Christmas she really can't come up with any excuse not to.  But once home trying to avoid family, ex-boyfriends, past crushes and her old best friend is enough to push her to drink way more than she's used to.  Jill soon finds herself past out on a Santa Claus sleigh setup in a park.  When she wakes up she finds herself in the middle of a heartfelt movie of her own.  What's the lesson she's supposed to learn here in this new world and how the heck is she supposed to get back to real life?

Christmas People is a fun Christmas read with great characters and in true Hallmark fashion - a happy ending.  I typically don't like books with aspects of the book that don't seem real enough but with Christmas books I can tolerate a little make believe.  But I liked the way the story unfolded that despite her being in a Hallmark movie there was still a great story line.  If you are a Hallmark lover like me be sure to pick this one up.  Also, I loved the cover.

You Make it Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan

 

Yes, it's October and I'm in full Christmas reading spirit already.  I think Hallmark movies are starting this week.  Christmas eve is about 10 weeks away.  I'm in the holiday spirit and this book sure helped the mood.  

You Make it Feel Like Christmas mostly takes place over the week of Christmas holidays.  Maise is excited to spend holidays with family and friends.  They've got all the traditional fun planned and even better her brother's husband's best friend just bought a Christmas tree farm and that's where they are all staying.

The only thing bringing Maise's Christmas spirit down is her mom who's always on her to go back to college.  Her mom thinks her photography job isn't a real job even though Maise is very good at her job and her mom can't convince her she's not.  Also, Maise's just discovered the guy she had a one night stand with a few months ago is her host's brother! 

Maise quickly discovers her one night stand is no other than Nick King - a famous hockey player and that he had a very good excuse for leaving before she woke up that morning - his mother passed away.  Maybe she's willing to give him a second look after all.  

I know romantic hockey novels are a big thing right now and if you enjoy that style you will definitely like this novel.  I really enjoyed the story despite not being a hockey lover.  Despite the Christmas title the whole novel doesn't take place over Christmas and I think this story could be enjoyed any season.

The Christmas Cure by Kristine Winters

 

Dr Libby Monroe lives in Toronto and is an emergency room doctor.  She has an extremely busy life and often forgets to check voicemails, respond to messages and never has time to call home to her parents or sister Amelia.  It's been a year since she's broken up with her boyfriend Austin, a plastic surgeon.  Libby has plans to head south for Christmas alone when her mother falls and breaks her ankle she is forced to head back to her home town, Harmony Hills.  

It doesn't take long before she meets Liam who seems absolutely perfect.  But after a Christmas wish comes true Libby ends up in Christmas past.  After getting settled back into the past Libby has a goal to alter the future and enjoys a wonderful Christmas in Harmony Hills in the meantime.

The Christmas Cure is a perfect novel for someone looking for a happy ending and enjoys a Hallmark story.  I personally loved the story and really loved how the author wrapped up the ending.  If you love Christmas novels this is definitely one to pick up to get in the spirit.