OMG Christmas Tree: a country boy-city girl Christmas romance

OMG Christmas Tree is the first book in the Holidays in Crystal Cove series by Stephanie J. Scott. Three nights before Christmas, Megan reluctantly comes home to their small town of Crystal Cove to spend the holidays with her mom and her new husband. On her way in, her mom asked Megan to pick up a Christmas tree and she did. Nick Bennington heads to the Christmas tree farm to pick up the tree on hold for the charity event at the mayor’s historical mansion. However, he learns that the tree was sold to someone else. He is determined to get the tree back and luck may be on his side as he helps Megan out of a snowy ditch. As they fight over the tree, what Megan and Nick don’t account for is their instant attraction. Can the city girl and the country boy find love during the magic of the Christmas season? 

OMG Christmas Tree is described as a “sweet, slow burn, holiday romantic comedy.” However, I did not find it sweet, romantic or comedic. However, as a novella, there is no time for a full development of the characters or a slow burn story. From the very beginning I did not like Megan. She does not know what she wants in life, which is fine as many struggle with future decisions, and has an attitude about it when others talk about her choices. Then suddenly, at the end, she knows exactly what she wants. I also did not like Nick as he constantly degrades Megan because she knows how to live life in the country. And then, suddenly, he decides she is everything he didn’t know he needed. I could see this story as a Hallmark Christmas movie; however, it is one I would not watch. I do not recommend OMG Christmas Tree.  

OMG Christmas Tree is available in paperback and eBook

 

Christmas in Snow Valley: a second chance romance novella

Christmas in Snow Valley is the first book in the Hometown Christmas series by Tammy L. Grace. After leaving Snow Valley for college and building a life in New York City, Emily Bishop is returning to her hometown for Thanksgiving. When her sister and her husband have to leave town, Emily reluctantly extends her stay and helps fill her sister’s shoes for the upcoming Christmas festivities. She hopes she doesn’t run into Nick Morgan, the boy who broke her heart fifteen years ago. That is until he walks in. She is shocked and prepared to give him a piece of her mind. When a massive snowstorm hits, leaving them snowed in, it is the perfect opportunity to clear the air. Could they even have a second chance at love? 

Christmas in Snow Valley is a quick novella filled with second chance romance and the magic of Christmas. Of course, there are two adorable, lovable dogs. It wouldn’t be a Tammy L Grace book if there wasn’t. The way she writes about dogs almost makes me want one, almost. I enjoyed Emily and Nick’s reconciliation and the snowy atmosphere definitely gives it a romantic feel. I loved the small town feel as they threw themselves into the holiday season. Overall, I enjoyed this novella and I am looking forward to other books in this series. If you are looking for a Christmas romance for an afternoon of reading, I highly recommend Christmas in Snow Valley. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and bundle up to enjoy this Christmas romance. 

Christmas in Snow Valley is available in eBook

Christmas at Yuletide Farm: a grumpy-sunshine romance with the magic of Christmas

Christmas at Yuletide Farm by Megan Squires is a story of two very different people falling in love at Christmas time. For her news section, On the Job, Kate Carmichael follows a local business, works in the field and learns the trade. The newest assignment is learning how to run a Christmas tree farm. However, Deacon Winters, the farm’s owner, thinks she is there simply as a hired seasonal farmhand and doesn’t want the cameras around and certainly doesn't want to be interviewed. He is too gruff to be a man whose livelihood revolves around Christmas. Little does she know that Deacon carries the weight of his family’s legacy and he reluctantly agrees to allow Kate to work the farm; hoping the publicity generates new customers. Kate’s joyful attitude chips away the icy around his heart that he finds himself hoping for a merry-ever after. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is a sweet, clean, grumpy-sunshine romance. I loved the fun banter and the feel of the Christmas season. I enjoyed Deacon who hides a painful broken heart and Kate’s willingness to try any task, the growth in their relationship was fun to read. I also enjoyed his commitment to his family’s farm and his determination to see it thrive. Kate’s sunshine attitude certainly melts Deacon’s grumpy demeanor. Of course, the reason behind his broken heart is revealed and causes plenty of drama. I loved all the aspects of Christmas, the snow, the gingerbread houses and hot cocoa. I swear I could smell the pine scent of the trees. There’s even fun moments with a lovable puppy. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were smiles, laughs and great romantic moments. If you enjoy Christmas romances, I highly, highly recommend Christmas at Yuletide Farm. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is available in paperback and eBook

The Unfinished Gift: a war time Christmas story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles

The Unfinished Gift is the first book in the Homefront series by Dan Walsh. December 1943, Ian Collins is an old man who has lost his beloved wife and is estranged from his only son. Patrick Collins recently lost his mother in a horrible accident and his father is a bomber pilot fighting in Europe. Grandfather and grandson are put together as the only family each other has. Ian isn't prepared to care for the seven year old and Patrick only has three Christmas wishes: he wants his father to come home, he wants to leave his grandfather’s house and he wants the dusty wooden soldier he found in the attic, the one he has been forbidden to touch. As Christmas Day approaches, and with the help of Miss Katherine Townsend, the kindhearted social worker and Mrs Fortini, Ian’s formidable Italian neighbor, can grandfather and grandson come together and find the magic in hope and faith of Christmas? 

Dan Walsh is a retired pastor and now full time writer with The Unfinished Gift is his first novel. The Unfinished Gift is a story of a family in need of forgiveness and hope. The story is an engaging story that the small things can lead to powerful change in our hearts. It is an emotional and heartwarming story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles. Ian is a gruff man who hides a grieving heart. Patrick is a little boy who prays for his father’s return. I also loved Katherine Townsend and Mrs Fortini who fall in love with the little boy and want Ian to love him too. There were many emotional moments where my heart broke and I cried tears of sadness and joy. Overall, I could not put this story down as I wanted to see if Patrick gets his Christmas wishes. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I highly, highly recommend The Unfinished Gift. 

The Unfinished Gift is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Simon the Zealot: militant rebel or devoted follower?

Simon the Zealot is the disciple I studied this month. I can say that I had preconceived ideas of who Simon was and I went into this study thinking I knew what I wanted to discuss and highlight. However, I was wrong and I loved it. There is very little information in the gospels about who Simon was. His occupation is unknown. His hometown is unknown. It isn’t recorded if Jesus said anything about him. His name only appears in the lists of the disciples in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts. However, there are assumptions made about him. With a title like “the Zealot,” The Chosen portray him as a member of the Zealots. Who were the Zealots? Was Simon a Zealot? If he wasn’t, why would have that title? What does it mean to have zeal for God? 

The Zealots were one of the four Jewish philosophies of the time. Philosophies which blended politics and religious denomination. The other three are the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the Essenes. I plan to study each one in the future; but for this post, I will focus briefly on the Zealots. They were the Rebels. They were a radical political party working for the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Israel. The Roman-Jewish historian, Jospehus, wrote about the Zealots in Antiquities of the Jews, written in about 93/94 AD. The Zealots were responsible for the first Roman-Jewish War (AD 66-70) about 35 years after Jesus, which led to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Zealots were hyperfocused on freedom and liberty and viewed God as their only ruler. They were willing to die and kill for their beliefs. According to Josephus, the Zealots were founded in AD 6. There is little evidence that the Zealots were officially organized prior to the war in AD 66 (Tate, 2021). 

Being called the Zealot is ambiguous. Matthew and Mark use the Greek word kananaios which is from the Aramaic word qan’an meaning zealous one (Nelson, 2019). There are three possibilities for Simon the Zealot. First, he was a member of the earliest corroboration of the Zealot party. Second, he belonged to a different Zealot party. Or third, Simon was simply zealous and was nicknamed the Zealot to distinguish him from Simon Peter. The Chosen (2017) definitely takes the first two possibilities that Simon was a member of a Zealot party prior to becoming a disciple. Since the gospels are silent on any discussion between Jesus and Simon have led many, including myself, to believe that Simon was a zealous believer than a militant agent against an oppressor. Simon could have been simply a zealous believer. A passionate and dedicated believer about Jesus and his faith, although he may have been quiet in word and deed that the gospel writers didn’t feel the need to record them. 

Zeal is having an intense, passionate and unwavering commitment to God. Characterized by a deep devotion, spiritual enthusiasm and a strong desire to honor God, it is a wholehearted pursuit of a relationship with God, actively serving Him (Romans 12:11). What does zeal look like in practice? First, a life dedicated to prayer, study of God’s word and personal devotion. I must admit I struggle with this one. A busy life often pushes aside prayer and study to the back of my mind. I strive every day to do better. Second, enthusiastic commitment to living a life worthy of the Gospel and standing firm in faith. This is an everyday commitment. Jesus is a prime example of someone who had zeal for God. John 2:12-16 records Jesus clearing the temple of sellers and money exchangers who had turned the temple into a market. Seeing his passionate fervor, the disciples remembered the Psalm “for the zeal for your house consumes me” (John 2:17, Psalm 69:9). 

In conclusion, the Zealots were a militant group who sought to overthrow the Roman occupation. A group who saw only God as their ruler and was willing to kill and be killed in order to show their devotion to God. Simon the Zealot may not have been the militant rebel that I thought he was; although militant rebel to disciple is a highly possible extreme conversion. However, I believe he was a zealous believer who was passionate and committed to following Jesus. Having zeal for God is an enthusiastic, daily commitment to seek a relationship with Him. In prayer and study, a believer can be zealous for God as they seek to honor Him with their lives. Do you have a passion for God? Do you have an enthusiastic commitment to studying His Word and show His love to the world?

Reference

Nelson, Ryan (August 7, 2019). Who Was Simon the Zealot? The Beginner’s Guide. Overview Bible. https://overviewbible.com/simon-the-zealot/. Retrieved October 4, 2025

Tate, David (November 21, 2021). The Life of Simon the Zealot. Now Let’s be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/GRGEhN7JwkY?si=knAJ3yyH71zisRRb. Retrieved October 4, 2025. 

Call of the Camino: a deeply emotional and moving story about the transformative journey along the Camino de Santiago

Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn is a deeply emotional and moving novel about the transformative journey along the legendary route of the Camino de Santiago. In 2024, twenty-five year old Reina Watkins lost her father when she was eight, even seventeen years later, the grief is still heavy on her heart. When an opportunity comes up that would boost her budding journalism career, Reina finds herself on the ancient five-hundred-mile path, the same route that her father took many years ago.  Armed with his journal, Reina takes the journey with her father at her side, little does she know that she will learn much more about her father, their family and the past. In 1997, seventeen year old Isabelle Vidal is a teenager on the run, after she flees from her boarding school. Hearing that the Camino will provide, she heads for the Way of Saint James, and comes in the form of new friends and a handsome young American who brings the promise of a new life. 

I have loved Suzanne Redfearn’s books for years and I was excited to read Call of the Camino. It is a powerful story of faith, self-discovery that involves learning the past to help shape your future. It is a story of two women who find courage, strength and love on the hallowed trail. Ms. Redfearn’s description of the trail and the experiences of those who walk it reminds me of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), 2,650 miles from the US-Mexico border through California, Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border. Although not as long as the Camino, I have heard the same types of life-changing, transformative journeys. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I was hooked on Reina’s and Isabelle’s story. I felt as if I was on the path with them and I could not put the book down. I read on the edge of my seat as Reina’s and Isabelle’s story intertwine. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly, highly recommend Call of the Camino. 

Call of the Camino is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Night Guests: a haunting gothic story which a young woman questions her own sanity

The Night Guests by Marina Scott is a haunting gothic story which has the one young woman questioning what is truly going on. It is 1903 in Omaha, Nebraska and Nina Wilson is drowning in debt and disgrace after the sudden death of her father. Once a part of Omaha’s high society, she struggles as her engagement has been broken off, the family’s estate is in desperate need of repair and her mother is consumed with grief. In an attempt to help her mother move on, Nina invites Leroy Marshall, a mysterious medium, into their home. However, Leroy leaves Nina deeply unsettled with his brand of charisma, both alluring and repellent. One he arrives, something seems to happen in the house. Something from another world and now refuses to leave. Now Nina is in a fight she doesn’t know how to fight or that she has a power no one expects.

The Night Guests was an option for Amazon’s First Reads in October and while I am not a gothic story fan, I was intrigued by the premises. Were there really unwanted guests in the house or is someone playing with Nina’s mental health? That is the question that hovers in the reader’s mind for most of the book until the final act. It is a slow burn that keeps readers guessing as the action heats up. There are plenty of shocking moments and jaw dropping events. The Night Guests reminded me of the films The Haunting (1999) and The House of Haunted Hill (1959 and 1999). It was spooky and the atmosphere descriptions were very vivid and I could see this book being made into a movie. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I closed the book with one single word “Wow!” If you enjoy haunting gothic stories, I highly recommend The Night Guests. 

The Night Guests is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook