The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford

Title: The Man Who Invented Christmas
Series: None
Author(s): Les Standiford
Genre: History
Publisher: Crown
Release Date: November 25, 2008
Finished: December 30 2009
Pages: 256
Challenges: None
Rating:










My Thoughts: The literary history of Charles Dickens's books and influence on the holiday seasons. The book discusses Dickens role in the publishing of all his books, and how his holiday ghost tale, A Christmas Carol, effected many in Europe and America. This is a worthwhile read if you like Dickens.

Most interesting was this book's depictions of how the world of publishing worked in Dickens's day and the impact his stories had on people. It was unusual to discover that Dickens may have been the first commercial author to see others write "fan fiction" about his stories: there were apparently many different versions of his works in America before the real books appeared in the U.S.

About the Author: Les Standiford is the author of many books, some history and some mystery. Visit his website http://www.les-standiford.com/

The Paper Bag Christmas by Kevin Alan Milne

Title: The Paper Bag Christmas
Series: None
Author(s): Kevin Alan Milne
Genre: Holiday Fiction
Publisher: Center Street
Release Date: October 29, 2008
Finished: December 2009
Pages: 160
Challenges: None
Rating:










My Thoughts: Brothers Mo and Aaron go to the mall to meet Santa, who turns out to be more than they expected: a Doctor at the local hospital. He asks Mo and Aaron to help out there. Reluctantly they except. At the hospital they meet many other children who are sick, including one boy from India and a very angry girl who wears a paper bag on her head.

It's a short book; sadly, too short. I didn't want it to end, especially once I saw where the ending was going. A book to get you in the mood to be more giving with yourself.

About the Author: Along with being a world traveler, Kevin Alan Milne has authored two other books. Check out his website, http://kevinamilne.com

Bundle Of Trouble by Diana Orgain

Title: Bundle of Trouble
Series: A Maternal Instincts Mystery
Author(s): Diana Orgain
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: August 4, 2009
Finished: December 2009
Pages: 304
Challenges: None
Rating:









My Thoughts: Kate is pregnant and just starting labor. Before she gets to the hospital, she gets a phone call regarding her mysterious brother in law, George. She becomes obsessed with finding out what George has to do with a recent murder. Even after the baby is born, instead of going to her old job, Kate becomes a private investigator ... just not officially. The mystery runs deeper than Kate realizes, and people keep dying.

I couldn't wait to read this one; it just seemed like such fun. I had to laugh at the "To Do Lists" that Kate would come up with, which reminds me of myself. The characters were intriguing, and I couldn't figure out "who done it" until the story got around to unfolding the mystery. I can't wait for the sequel to come out in March 2010.

About the Author: This is Diana Orgain's first book. She studied writing and acting in college. Read more about her and her books at the official website http://dianaorgain.com/

Thanksgiving At The Inn by Tim Whitney

Title: Thanksgiving at the Inn
Series: None
Author(s): Tim Whitney
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Bancroft Press
Release Date: October 1, 2009
Finished: December 2009
Pages: 223
Challenges: None
Rating:










My Thoughts: Young Heath Wellington III doesn't get along with his father, which isn't a surprise because Heath's father doesn't get along with his father (Heath's grandfather) either. Now Heath Sr. has passed away and left an odd request for his son Heath Jr. to follow, or he doesn't get any inheritance. The will mentions an Inn that the grandfather owned, and he wants his son and grandson to live at the Inn and take care of the animals and people that come with it.

This story is told through the eyes of the younger Heath. He makes new friends and tries to understand his father and himself. Even though the book has Thanksgiving in the title, it does not have to be read during Thanksgiving. It's a heartwarming story with charming characters for any season.

About the Author: This is the first book from Tim Whitney. You can visit his site at http://www.thanksgivingattheinn.com/

The Book Of Fate by Brad Meltzer

Title: The Book Of Fate
Series: None
Author(s): Brad Meltzer
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: Warner Vision
Release Date: May 1, 2007
Finished: November 2009
Pages: 640
Challenges: None
Rating:









My Thoughts: A secret service agent,Wes Halloway, was shot in the face during what looked like an attempt to assassinate the president. Wes survived, but another agent, Boyle, was killed. Eight years later, Wes is still a secret service agent for the now former president and literally runs into a living agent Boyle. After years of blaming himself for the Boyle's death, Wes will do anything to unravel what really went on the day of the shooting, even if it endangers his life and others.

A well-written mystery, it was interesting watching the puzzles come together. Although I think the title is a little misleading; the Book of Fate is only mentioned about twice, and I thought there was going to be maybe a little something paranormal about the book. Turns out there is no real Book of Fate. It's just something a crazy person mentions. So I was a little bit of disappointed, but it was a somewhat entertaining book.

About the Author: Brad Meltzer is a New York Times best selling author. While researching this book, he got some help from former Presidents Clinton and Bush Sr. Here's his website, http://www.bradmeltzer.com