Review: Christmas Under the Stars

Over the years Karen Swan has become synonymous with Christmas books. This year's winter offering is Christmas Under the Stars. A wintery book that's set in Canada? I'm in.

Here's the synopsis:

Worlds apart. A love without limit.
In the snow-topped mountains of the Canadian Rockies, Meg and Mitch are living their dream. Just weeks away from their wedding, they work and play with Tuck and Lucy, their closest and oldest friends. Meg and Lucy are as close as sisters - much to Meg's sister's dismay - and Tuck and Mitch have successfully turned their passion for snowboarding into a booming business.
But when a polar storm hits, tragedy strikes. Alone in the tiny mountain log cabin she shares with Mitch, Meg desperately tries to radio for help - and it comes from the most unexpected quarter, a lone voice across the airwaves that sees what she cannot.
As the snow melts and they try to live with their loss, the friendship Meg thought was forever is buckled by tensions, rivalries and devastating secrets. Nothing is as she thought and only her radio contact understands what it is to be truly alone. As they share confidences in the dark, witnessed only by the stars, Meg feels her future begin to pull away from her past and is forced to consider a strange truth - is it her friends who are the strangers? And a stranger who really knows her best?

I've never been to Banff but it's somewhere I'd like to travel to. If you don't know what that area of Canada looks like, look it up and start planning your trip. So. Beautiful. Anywho...I don't think I've ever read a novel that's set in Banff so I was excited about that. Even though I haven't been there myself, I felt that Swan managed to capture the essence of the city. Apart from a few word choices and terms, it really felt like I was in Canada and I loved that. But those few words and terms irked me quite a bit, unfortunately. Canadians do not use the term "ice-hockey", OK? We call it hockey, full stop. We use Celsius for temperature, not Fahrenheit, and while we're taught metric weights in school now, we tend to use pounds, not kilograms. Here's a big one: Canada has provinces, not states so don't have a Canadian ask someone when they last left the state, please. And yes, I did check my ARC against a finished copy (and you should be glad I did because there were two major mistakes in the advanced copy that were thankfully fixed in the published book). Oh, and my one final annoyance...the characters go to a Stanley Cup quarter final game in Calgary. The Flames are playing against, wait for it, the Toronto Maple Leafs. First of all, the Leafs are sucking so they wouldn't make it to the quarter finals. (OK, so that's just mostly a dig at the Leafs haha) Second, these two teams would not be playing each other in the quarter finals because one is an Eastern division team and the other is a Western division team. Am I reading too much into this? Maybe. But this is a novel about my countrymen (and countrywomen) and I want it to reflect my country properly, you know?

*breathes* OK. Time to be positive because the book had a lot to offer.

This story twisted and turned in so many amazing ways. It wasn't quite what I thought it was going to be and that was amazing. Swan is able to write these heart wrenching, drama filled stories that keep you interested and turning the pages right to the very end. I actually could not believe how the story ended up. I do believe my jaw dropped! 

The book wasn't all about the drama though. There was a romance woven throughout that was so sweet and such a slow burn, which it needed to be. Meg was in no place to start dating but, bit by bit, she realized that maybe she could open herself up to love again. Jonas seemed to be such an incredibly smart and decent man and I really wanted that for Meg.

I really loved that Meg and her sister, Ronnie, rediscovered their bond over the course of the novel. They were close growing up but something shifted as they got older. I'm pretty close with my sister (which I'm sure she'd agree with when she's not annoyed with her big sister haha) so I always enjoy books about sisters. It was great to see Ronnie help Meg emerge a little bit more from her grief when Meg visited her in Toronto.  

I know I'm posting my review after Christmas (and I hope everyone who celebrated had a wonderful holiday!) but you can definitely still read this book now that Christmas is over. Even though the holiday is right in the title, it doesn't have any holiday spirit. The book is written so you know what the date is for every chapter. Christmas Day is actually skipped right over. I'm glad I wasn't reading this looking for a festive novel because I wouldn't have gotten it. But it's a wonderful winter read that is perfect for reading by the fire while looking out at the snow. Or, I suppose, giving you a great image of snow if you live somewhere that doesn't get the frosty white stuff (lucky you!). 

It might not seem like it, but I did enjoy Christmas Under the Stars. Karen Swan has written a book unlike one I have ever read before. Even with the few things that annoyed me, the unique story and setting really helped me like Swan's latest novel. 

*An ARC of this novel was provided by Publishers Group Canada in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Review: What Light

I haven't read Jay Asher's other novels (Thirteen Reasons Why, The Future of Us) so when I heard about What Light wanting to read it was based on the synopsis alone. In its favour? It's a contemporary YA (pretty much the only YA books I'll read these days) and it's set at Christmas! Plus, the cover is freaking adorable.

Here's the synopsis:

Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon—it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two lives: her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other.
Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other.
By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been paying for it ever since. But Sierra sees beyond Caleb's past and becomes determined to help him find forgiveness and, maybe, redemption. As disapproval, misconceptions, and suspicions swirl around them, Caleb and Sierra discover the one thing that transcends all else: true love.

I will read pretty much any Christmas book that even hints at a romance but most of the time (almost always, in fact) they're adult novels. Sometimes Christmas books hardly mention the holiday and sometimes it's all Christmas, all the time. What Light was a perfect balance and had just enough Christmas spirit. 

What helped a lot with the holiday spirit was that Sierra's parents own a tree farm and they sell their trees in California for a month or so before Christmas. They're such an integral part of Christmas for so many people and they absolutely love it. It sounds so cheesy, that they really look forward to seeing who their trees go home with every year, but I absolutely love that sentiment. The family isn't just trying to sell trees for a profit (in fact, Sierra thinks this Christmas might be the last one they are able to sell at their lot), they're trying to supply families and individuals with one important part of Christmas. 

I struggled a lot with Caleb's past and how I felt about it. I completely understood why all the parents in the story were concerned (is that a sign that I'm an Adult? Identifying with the parents in YA novels?) but I could also see why Sierra wasn't at all concerned. She felt that she could see the damage it had done to Caleb and how he was still trying to make up for it. But, once you met the other person involved in the event from the past (no spoilers here, folks!), you realize that it should be a non-issue at this point. Now, a few days after finishing the book, I think I've settled on feeling like Sierra's parents...concerned but with trust in Sierra to make sound decisions. 

What Light is one of those YA novels that adults can totally read and love (hello, I was thrilled with it) but there are those few moments that had me smiling and thinking, thank god I'm no longer a teenager. Heather, Sierra's BFF in California, is so distraught with her boyfriend situation (he's just so dull!) that she's determined to break up with him after the holidays. Grown women don't always know what they want in relationship but there's a certain adoreableness (yes, I'm making up words here) to this particular dilemma because Heather is still so naive. It was actually kind of a sweet reminder what it really was like to be a teenager in love. But no. I do not want to go back to being 17!

Jay Asher's latest novel is exactly the book to pick up this season if you love sweet and real Christmas stories. What Light is an easy read but it will make you feel a little bit of everything - happy, sad, nostalgic, romantic. The Christmas spirit is in every single one of these pages and I adored that. It's definitely a book for the Christmas and book lover in your life (and I won't tell if that's you!). 

*An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher, Penguin Random House Canada, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

Simon & Schuster Canada's Winter Survival Package + Contest

It's no secret that Canadians deal with some cold weather in the winter. To help battle those winter blues and the bitter cold, Simon & Schuster Canada has come up with a great contest. You could win your very own stay warm kit!

Most of you reading this will probably agree that curling up with a mug of tea and a book is a perfect way to stay warm in the winter and this contest will help with that. Not only will you have the chance to win some awesome books but also included in the prize pack are mitts, tea, a mug, and more! Doesn't that sound cozy?

To enter, just head on over to the contest homepage and fill out the form. Easy peasy! While you're there, check out the five ways they recommend you stay warm this winter. What's your favourite way to stay warm? I'll take that blanket and cup of tea, please!

Good luck and stay warm!

Review: Sleigh Bells in the Snow

Christmas romance stories are my favourite kind of Christmas stories so it’s no surprise I loved reading Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan. It had some of my favourite romantic Christmas elements: small town, beautiful scenery, family traditions…oh, it was lovely!

Here’s the synopsis:

Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green's favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year.
Jackson O'Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family's resort—it's in his blood, and he can't let it fail. Now that he's got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus.
Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she's out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it's terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?

I think one of my favourite things about this novel was the setting. Snow Crystal, Vermont sounds like such a nice spot and the way Morgan described the Inn and the grounds made me want to visit. Now, I don’t ski and I’d probably be just as scared as Kayla was about the prospect of seeing a black bear but it still sounds amazing. I especially liked the idea of the secluded log cabins, complete with fireplaces and hot tubs, and I was so jealous that Kayla got to go on a dog sled. I’ve since added ‘dog sledding’ to my list of life goals! I don’t think this novel would have been as lovely as it was had it not been for the idyllic setting Morgan created.

There was a good balance of heavy emotional scenes and humorous scenes in this novel. Kayla had a lot of issues to work through (issues that, of course, were made worse at Christmas) and the Inn was in serious trouble but Morgan worked in some lighthearted moments. Personally, I loved every scene that mentioned a moose. Kayla had never seen a moose before and was terrified of them – especially after Jackson explained how dangerous it can be to hit one with your car. One example of an amusing moose scene (and there were many) was when Kayla’s assistant pulled up a picture of a moose on her computer since Kayla was under the impression they were cute looking animals. Her response? “Dear God – “ Kayla recoiled. “That is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen.” Poor moose. :)

The romance in this novel was completely predictable but I was ok with that. It was kind of amusing to read along as Kayla and Jackson tried to deny their feelings for each other. Once they gave in, woo boy, sparks flew. And the setting for their first kiss? Swoon! It was nice to watch Kayla become more relaxed the more time she spent with Jackson and I could tell that they were really good for each other. 

I can’t end this review without discussing the Christmas elements to the novel. I was so glad I got the approval from Netgalley just in time to read it before Christmas. Of course, that being said, you can still read this at any time and enjoy it. Christmas is important in this book but there’s a lot more going on in this world than just the holiday. I loved that Jackson’s family, his mother in particular, went all out for the holidays. There were oodles of cookies, a live tree, presents, and a large family meal. It sounded wonderful! I also loved that they provided real trees for the guests who were staying at the cabins over the holidays. Talk about service!

Sleigh Bells in the Snow was such a great read. I adored the world author Sarah Morgan has created and I am so glad that she’s making this into a series (not that it was surprising with the backstories she created for Tyler and Sean, Jackson’s brothers). I can’t wait to return to Snow Crystal. This is a fabulous winter read that I think all romance lovers will enjoy.

*A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Top Ten Tuesday: My Winter Reading List

Top Ten Tuesday is weekly meme created by the lovely folks at The Broke and the Bookish. They created it because they're "particularly fond of lists" and since I also enjoy lists, I've decided to participate in this fun feature.

Like any blogger, my list of books to read is kind of insane. Every month I write down the titles I want to get to that month and, if I'm lucky, I get through half of them. One problem is that I keep adding to the list! And, of course, right now I want to read as many Christmas books as possible (you'll see a few on this list). The titles on this list are from the aforementioned list and are all books I plan to get to in December/January. They may not be new releases but I want to get them read as soon as I can! What do you plan to read this winter?

Don't forget to check out their blog for a full list of everyone participating this week!

Home for Christmas - Cally Taylor
This is my pick for this month's Taking It Off...the Shelf feature. What better time to read a Christmas book that's been sitting on my shelf since earlier this year?

Just One Day - Gayle Forman
This one's a bit of a cheat because I'll have read it by the time this post goes up (it's due at the library today). I'm curious to see what all the hoopla is about and since Jamie (of The Broke and the Bookish and The Perpetual Pageturner) is always talking about it, I figure it should be a good read. More YA!

Merry & Bright - various
I am SO excited about this chick lit Christmas anthology. Some of favourite authors and ladies have contributed. My review goes up on the 20th as part of a tour so stay tuned!

Sugar Spun Sister - Anna Garner
I adore Anna's books (she also publishes under Libby Mercer) and I cannot wait to read her new series. My review will be up on the 19th!

The Parisian Christmas Bake Off - Jenny Oliver
I got this one off Netgalley and it sounds so adorable! Can't wait to dive in.

How To Fall In Love - Cecelia Ahern
This one just published in October but I still haven't had the chance to read it. I'm hoping I finally have the chance to get to my ARC this month! I know my mom is looking forward to reading it too!

The Gift - Cecelia Ahern
More Cecelia! I got this one out from the library last week because I haven't actually read it!

The Holiday Gig - Erin Brady
Erin just emailed me last week about reading her Christmas themed story and I'm really looking forward to it!

Shy Town Girls: Ivy - Katie Leimkuehler
This one's going to be my next Novel Escapes read. It's actually the second in a series but I've been assured that I don't have to read the first book. It sounds great!

Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen
This is the last Dessen reread book for the I Eat Words challenge. It's been so awesome rereading all of Dessen's novels this year with my best friend.

Reading Bingo: Winter Wonderland

I picked Winter Wonderland by Belinda Jones for a Reading Bingo square for a very particular reason: its cover. Isn't it lovely?? I won this one from the lovely ladies over at Chick Lit Central (thank you thank you thank you!) and I pretty much only entered because of the pretty cover. Of course, I was interested in the story as well! Happily, the inside of this novel matched the outside. I loved it!

Here’s the synopsis:

Imagine waking up in a snow globe...
That’s how travel journalist Krista feels when she arrives in magical Quebec to report on Canada's glittering Winter Carnival.
Over ten sub-zero days Krista's formerly frozen heart begins to melt as she discovers an enchanting world of ice palaces, husky dog-sledding and maple-syrup treats galore. And then she meets Jacques, a man as handsome and rugged as he is mysterious…
The two share a secret that could bond them forever, but can they find a way to break through the protective layers around their hearts to warm up this winter wonderland?
…let the snow-spangled adventure begin.

One of the other reasons I entered to win a copy of this book (other than the cover) was because it takes place at the Quebec winter carnival. Sometimes it seems like there aren’t any chick lit books set in Canada and I don’t think I've ever read one that takes place somewhere other than…well, Toronto, really. I loved reading about Krista experiencing some very Canadian activities. Some of the things she does had me smiling because they’re just so Canadian that I wouldn't think twice about the fact that someone wouldn't know about them. Some examples: ice skating (I doubt you’d find many adult Canadians who haven’t skated before), learning about Bonhomme (most elementary school kids in the country could tell you who that is), and eating poutine. That was probably the best out of everything she tried. I admit, poutine does sound a little weird – French fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds. But, boy oh boy, is it ever delicious. I was practically yelling at her to try it because I knew she would love it! (Spoiler: she does!)

This book had me laughing out loud right from the beginning. It was actually one of those books that I was almost afraid to read in public because I couldn't contain my giggles. I'm sure my fellow train passengers were wondering what on earth I found so hilarious. I started keeping track of the funny bits but there were just too many!

I'm also a fan of any novel featuring a travel writer. I'm not sure why but I am drawn to those characters and I love reading about them and their travels!

There were so many fabulous characters in this novel. I really liked Krista, of course, but there were some awesome secondary characters as well. Annique, the beautiful tour guide, seems lovely and provided a good girlfriend for Krista while she was in another country. Speaking of girlfriends, Krista's BFF Laurie will be the heroine in an upcoming book, The Traveling Tea Shop, and I'm looking forward to that! Jacques was a great romantic interest - a little mysterious and damaged, but a kind soul is evident. Even with all the characters (there are many more that I did not mention here), it was not confusing and the story flowed well.

I loved Winter Wonderland by Belinda Jones - so much so that I've managed to convince two others to pick this one up, too! This book was just so enjoyable and I can't recommend it enough. This is a particular must read for fellow Canadian chick lit lovers. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to plan my trip to the Winter Carnival for next year since 2013's carnival ended yesterday!

Happy reading :)