MrsK Books: MrsK's 2024 Holiday Picks for Seasoned Readers

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

MrsK's 2024 Holiday Picks for Seasoned Readers

Season's Blessings

Jennifer Sienes

ISBN: 9781962377218

Publisher's Synopsis:

Amelia Hutchinson can’t seem to find her place in the world. Or maybe she’s just watched too many Christmas Hallmark movies. But come on, how come Aurora Teagarden and Hallie Dean get more exciting careers and all Amelia gets to be is a mail carrier? Not to mention, she’s living in her sister and brother-in-law’s guest house and the only man she could find was one who didn’t appreciate the purity ring her daddy gave her.

Rayce Jasper just wants to sell his late granddad’s farm and throw away the painful past that comes with it as soon as possible. But the memories of the man who betrayed him, a ditzy mail lady, and a strange request put a kink in his agenda.

As Rayce’s and Amelia’s worlds collide, neither of them can deny that God must be weaving His own Christmas story for the two of them.

MrsK's Review:

Meet Amelia, a mail lady who had one of those moments in which what should have been a mundane event turned into a momentous "trajectory" change in her life. It all began when she was delivering her last package at an old farmhouse in Shelbyville. The delivery to a Mr. Rayce Jasper would prove to be one of the most heart stopping moments of her life.

Rayce is a copywriter who is notified that he is now the last of his bloodline. His granddad's estate is now his to clean up and get on the market. The last thing he expected on that October day was an attack on a mail lady by his "sweet" Cane Corso. That's all he needed was a possible lawsuit.

As an inspired mystery sleuth, Amelia couldn't let the encounter pass. While at the local library, she discovered a 2004 suspicious headline about a death at the Jasper Farm. Who was Bruce Benton? Why after all this time had Rayce moved into the old farmhouse? Why was he at the library while she was investigating his family?

With a plan in place, Amelia begins her "further" investigation by making a deal with Rayce. She would help him clean out his grandad's farmhouse if he would help train a puppy for her niece. Will Amelia solve the mystery of the farmhouse death... or does she embrace the pivotal reality... that some moments in life are really God's unexpected grace?

This short novella, was an unexpected reader delight. The characters are well crafted with an endearing capacity to entice an afternoon curled up with a holiday retreat. The conversations are humorous and engaging. The story line, well, is there anything more enjoyable than an old farmhouse with a library filled with first editions or a mysterious romance? This is a keeper, if you have family, friends, or a book club this is the book to pass around for your holiday read!
MrsK

Meet the Author:

Award-winning author Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance, and writing—and puts it altogether in inspirational fiction. Two of the three novels in her Apple Hill Series (set in Northern California) were inspired by actual events. Her Southern fiction Bedford County Series is set in Tennessee where she now resides with her real-life hero (and husband).

Daniel Petronelli

ISBN: 9781737485513

Publisher's Synopsis:

It’s Christmas Eve in the small foothill Village of Shiloh.

A father retells the miraculous story that no one will ever forget.

A group of young boys lost in a powerful storm

fight to survive on that glorious night.

The incredible chance encounter with a kind stranger, may be their only hope..

This award-winning book chronicles the spiritual journey of these children.

The lessons learned, the gift received and the lives that were changed.

MrsK's Review:

Meet Stephanie a bright and charming 10-year-old who is excited about preparing for the Christmas celebration. Her family lives in a cabin in Shiloh. On this Christmas eve, Stephanie is getting a cup of cocoa and a blanket to join dad for a moment before the town's celebration. Her sister, Jessica, is preparing for her first date to the Annual Christmas Eve Celebration on Faith Hill. Her mother is baking the blueberry pie for the evening's gathering. Everyone is feeling joyous anticipation and for a brief moment in time, Stephanie and her dad are enjoying a quiet time together.

"The sparkling lights were reflections of the evening's first winter stars."

With cocoa in hand, Stephanie asks her dad how the mountain became Faith Hill. And so, the story unfolds...

Two towns, six boys, and a Nor'easter blizzard. Forty years ago, Shiloh had "suffered" a devastating drought into winter. On Christmas Eve there arose two decisive plans in bringing a Christmas tree of hope to the town of Shiloh. The result of that evening became known as the "True meaning of Christmas." Seeds of faith were planted within the hearts of both towns (Joshua 1:9).

This Christmas tale is wonderous story of giving and helping others. The masterful storytelling about Faith Hill and it's two townships is woven with a purity within a period of time that has gotten lost in today's commercialized celebrations of Christmas. This novella is a perfect read-aloud for all ages. The journey of the boys, the town's committed search, and the message of hope is felt in those moments on Faith Hill in the bitter cold. The glory of the quest becomes the lesson of those who experienced the true meaning of Christmas.

Create a new Christmas tradition... bake a blueberry pie... make hot cocoa... gather some quilts... and settle in for a "read-aloud" moment in time...
Blessings to all,
MrsK

Meet the Author:

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader. Home - The Seed of Faith Christmas Story

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.

When not with his family and friends, he can be found on the first tee … asking for another mulligan.
Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today.

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

Meet the Artist:

Emily Pritchett has loved both drawing pictures and reading books since she was a little kid, so she has combined her two passions into illustrating books for young readers. She has now illustrated ten books, including three Christmas stories! Her favorite holiday memories are of building the artificial Christmas tree, branch by branch, and decorating it with her family. Emily studied illustration at Brigham Young University and now lives in Boston with her husband and son. She misses the mountains of Utah but still enjoys the snowy winters!

Family Read-Alouds:

MrsK's Review:

Since 1997, this delightful "sing a-long" version of a Christmas carol has delighted many of the learners within my home, classrooms, and or library story time. Lisa's whimsical creatures portray the hi-lights of the season... the fun of sledding in a "one-squirrel" open sleigh. Those precious giggles will jiggle your heart with joy.

MrsK's Review:

It's Christmas Eve and all should be asleep... yet there are those who would try to trap Santa! Seriously, who would want to set traps? Unfortunately, in this story those un-named children have decided this year to try to get Santa's elf instead. Even though this story will bring much delight, I feel the stress of the catastrophic dishevel within each home is most disconcerting Warning for the adult reading this story aloud... closing one eye will alleviate half of your stress!

MrsK's Review: Snow falling is one of the most delightful moments in any classroom.

So much joy, excitement, and peace-filled environments. It seems that those flakes dancing through their journey to the ground inspires childhood memories to become playful once more. Grab the paper, scissors, and tape... create uniquely beautiful snowflakes for your windows... enjoy these treasured moments.

MrsK's Review:

On the first day... It wasn't until I was at our school's Holiday concert that I realized the joy of this agitating classic. The parents were given the "privilege" of the 5 golden rings... the gym was transformed into one the most hysterical sing-alongs. Give it a try and have fun around your holiday this year!

MrsK's Review:

Much has been portrayed about the yearly Christmas tree. Whether it's a memory, the adventure of seeking the perfect tree, the stress until the tree is standing straight in the stand and the lights have been strung, or the sigh when the top must be removed for the elegance of a bought "tree-topper," all is not in vain... nope. In fact, in this story that top gets shared in many other homes. This classic tale is a merry-making delight as you read... pause... predict.... and turn its pages.

MrsK's Review:

The moment I heard this story on the radio... I was caught up in the delightful melody...

the unforgettable zip! ...pop! ... and whir!

This song brings a delight that lasts for generations.

MrsK's Review:

It's the night before Christmas when nothing on the farm is stirring not even the... duck!

Silly duck, now the whole barnyard is in a ruckus and Santa will soon be there!

Warning... there will be giggles... shout-outs... groans... and moans.

MrsK's Review:

Meet Humphrey... he is one sad, sad, sad camel who has lost his

"beauteous" and glorious carpet. As he journeys to a city called Bethlehem,

he becomes uncomfortable carrying the three burdensome chests.

And then... when the traveling kings stop at a stable...

a Beauteous and Glorious moment happens.

MrsK's Review:

In a snowy New England village there are two elf stowaways from the

North Pole. Mischief and mayhem begins up on a roof top...

and with a wink of his eye...

all will know there is nothing to dread!

Blessings for a season of Joy!

No comments:

MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)