Merry Christmas! Are you ready? Thanksgiving took me by surprise, but I think I’m prepared for Christmas. I confess, I cut baking out of my schedule a few years ago, and that definitely takes the stress level way down.
One thing I love to do during the holidays is read Christmas-themed books. Because I review a lot of books, and this year I’m finishing up a novella, I’m behind on my list. I did set apart time to read one of our own, Kimberly Rose Johnson’s book, A Christmas Surprise.
About A Christmas Surprise:
Veterinarian Pete Harding doesn’t date single moms.
After showing up to a blind date to find he left before she arrived, Keira is reminded why she doesn’t date. She had true love once but a tragic accident ripped him from her and their son, who’s now four and only wants a puppy for Christmas this year.
Although off limits since she’s a single mom, Pete determines to help Keira find the perfect puppy for her son.
Keira wonders about Pete. He says he doesn’t date women with children, yet she can’t help but notice he behaves like a man who has more on mind than finding a puppy.
Will love break down Pete’s walls and bring more than a puppy for Christmas?
This was the perfect book to relax to in front of the Christmas tree with a cup of hot chocolate. Who can resist a romance with a child, a doctor, chocolate, and a puppy? I fell into the story right away as Keira is supposed to have a blind date, something she hasn’t done since losing her husband in a tragic accident. The date doesn’t come together, and they have missed cues every time they run into each other or make plans. Just when Pete and Keira seem to click, he learns she has a child. And that ends that. Or does it?
This was a fast read with well-layered characters and great conflict. Keira has a fear right on the surface at all times, and Pete needs to get past the no children rule if he has any kind of future with Keira. It’s something I think translates well into real life, and their chemistry was believable. I loved the additional thread of Pete trying to find a perfect puppy for Cody.
If you haven’t read this Christmas romance, or, if Kimberly Rose Johnson is new to you, check her work out! I know you will enjoy her writing.
While I’m here, I have an extra copy of Engaged, and it isn’t doing me any good sitting on a shelf. This is the third book in my Surrendering Time series, but it can stand alone. I have one print copy available for one US winner. Leave me a comment on your favorite Christmas-themed plot or even Hallmark movie, and I’ll choose one random winner on December 23rd.
About Engaged:
In ENGAGED, Trish Maxwell’s back in Speculator Falls with egg on her face and a lot of apologies to make. She left the mountain town for her dream job in New York City, only to come back unemployed. With no prospects, she works at her family’s department store and makes amends as she finds a new passion creating window displays for Adirondack businesses. She works hard and tries to convince the people of Speculator Falls she’s changed for the better.
As Trish pitches in with community events, she meets paramedic Wayne Peterson, the one man who doesn’t seem to judge her. She even makes friends with Jenna Regan, who helps Trish when people demand to know what’s next in Trish’s life. Living in New York City has been her goal, but the more she’s around Wayne and the Adirondack area, the more she’s drawn to revising her plans. Just when Trish thinks the plan for her life’s coming together, a second chance comes her way that could give her every career goal she’s ever wanted, but threaten to tear her and Wayne apart. Can Trish surrender fears about her future and discover God’s plan for her?
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to surrender the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of ENTRUSTED: Surrendering the Present, as well as ENTANGLED: Surrendering the Past. The last book in the series, ENGAGED: Surrendering the Future, is coming soon. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. She also blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read. She resides in Ohio with her husband, two children, and chocolate stash. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com.
Hi Julie, I’m almost finished A Christmas Surprise- the blind date set up was fun! Books/movies that reflect the true meaning of Christmas- Jesus, service etc. are my favourites. With the heavy focus on consumption, I am not really interested in books/movies that are all about getting/Santa etc. Doesn’t mean that they are not fun- just not my first preference to read/watch.
Blessings:)
I love the Christmas themed stories when they focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and involve children!
I like A Christmas Carol, the Crachett’s are poor yet they have such love and faith.
I agree about the consumption too, Wimbledon. I loved the blind date, a disaster in the works! Have a Merry Christmas!
Yes! Those are perfect. I love Christmas books like that. Merry Christmas!
Such a good story. My husband played Bob in a play, I will always think of him with that story.
Merry Christmas Julie! As a German American, I enjoyed Kimberly Rose Johnson’s holiday romance A Christmas Surprise because my husband had visited the quaint Bavarian Christmas village of Leavenworth, Washington – the story’s setting. I am always drawn to Christmas stories, especially those that have animals and children. Love seeing the delight of grandchildren during the holidays. Kimberly Rose Johnson weaves delightful puppies, a rambunctious preschooler, a fearful mom and a dateless veterinarian into an inspiring romance. This holiday season, besides reading all the wonderful Christmas stories by the talented Inspy Romance authors, my favorite series was The Twelve Days of Christmas Mail Order Brides set in Noelle, Colorado in 1786. Happy Holidays.
sounds like two hurting souls need some help. I love to read Christmas stories that involve the true meaning of Christmas being found or renewed. And if there are children and animals, well, that much better. Merry Christmas to everyone. May it be a blessed time for all.
One Christmas themed book I enjoyed was one of Dan Walsh’s in which the mom is missing having her kids around for Christmas, and the dad manages to get them all home to surprise her.
What a lovely surprise to wake up to this blog post. Thank you, Julie for your kind review! I’m glad you enjoy the book. :) Blessings and Merry Christmas.
I love Christmas movies. My daughter and I watched a sweet one last night on Hallmark: Christmas Connection. Engaged sounds delightful, and I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the giveaway! Merry Christmas! ??
I love Christmas stories that show the true meaning of the season and involve children. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas.??
Merry Christmas, Renate! I have never been to the West Coast, so I loved the setting to A Christmas Surprise. Have a beautiful Christmas!
Lori, if you haven’t read A Christmas Surprise, I believe you will love it. If you like general romance with hurting souls in need of help, Entrusted is my first in the Surrendering Time series. They are all on Amazon, and Entrusted, Book 1, is a free eBook on juliearduini.com. Entrusted, Book 2, will be a free eBook December 26-28. Have a blessed Christmas!
Margaret. I think I read that one. That’s a good one! Have a Merry Christmas!
I’m very behind reading, but I love when I am able to, especially when the authors are right here. This was a terrific book. Have a blessed Christmas!
I miss Hallmark! I get ION, but there movies didn’t seem the same. If you haven’t read book 1, Entrusted, that is a free eBook at juliearduini.com. Merry Christmas!
Lucy, I agree. Those make the best books. Merry Christmas!
Prodigal returning home for Christmas. That plot always gets to me.
I have A Christmas Surprise but it’s still on my TBR list. Hopefully I’ll get to it soon. I haven’t read Engaged yet either but I see it’s available through Kindle unlimited so I’ll try to read it soon also.
I enjoy Christmas stories, even more so with children and animals. Thanks for this opportunity.
I love to read Christmas stories, as well. They give you the feeling of Christmas in the air. They are comforting when you find a story where everything ends well and all are having a blessed Christmas.
Thanks for the chance for a win. Merry Christmas.
Kimberly’s book is one of my favorite Christmas books!! Her books are easy, fun, and encouraging reads with characters that I have fallen in love with, and am eager to see what happens next in their lives. Thank you for a fun post!!!!
Yes, usually when a relative is in need, or, a high school reunion.
I think you will be blessed, Sherri. I believe my books in the Surrendering Time series are all on KU.
You’re welcome, Nancy!
Merry Christmas, Donna! I love when you can read a story and feel the magic of Christmas.
Yes, that’s exactly right! I feel the same way. It was a joy to read her work.