Book Review : Once Upon the Very First Christmas

I did not grow up with Christmas traditions, if there were any (i.e. PJ Pants on Christmas Eve) they were in no way connected to Jesus and the real meaning of the celebration. I would say our home was Agnostic at best.

So when I was a young mom, I have the honor and blessing of having other women who were strong believers, pour into me. I learned that I could change the way our family looked from the way I grew up. I could decide what traditions we were going to do with our children and how we could make Christmas ALL about JESUS!!

One of our traditions is adding a Christmas book each year. I would put these up after the holidays, in their own tote. And around Thanksgiving I would did out that tote, sometimes I would wrap the books, other years just put them out in a basket. Throughout the month of December we would choose different books to read. I still love that tradition and will keep it going even though 3 of my kids are on their own and I only have one at home.

This year we are adding Once Upon the Very First Christmas – by Rory Feek. I really love this lovely book about a group of children recreating the first Christmas night. It is adorable. The story is simple, it is the one we all know. But the illustrations are darling, and the point is for children to get involved. If mine were little I think I would read this to them and then encourage them to act it out like the children in the book!

NOTE :In accordance with FTC guidelines, MHM Buzz will always disclose where products being reviewed originate.  Often, we review books/products provided for free by publishers, whether ARC’s (advanced reading copies) or post-publication.  All product reviews are voluntary, my personal opinion and not required for receipt of the product. I received a complimentary copy of Once Upon the Very First Christmas.

Book Review : A Royal Christmas

When my Melody Carlson book arrives, I always know Christmas is not far behind!

Every year I have enjoyed diving into these sweet stories to kick off the season in my heart. While it may still be warm out, and the tree is not up, reading these sweet Christmas stories is a great way to start to get in the mood for the holidays!

A Royal Christmas was a delightful story of a young woman who is working her way through law school, at the local coffee shop, trying to stay focused on her future. An unexpected letter arrives from the King of Montovia, claiming that she is his daughter. Adelaide Neve knew her father, and with her mother’s passing’s that secret went to the grave, or so she thought.

Adelaide finds the courage to explore the letter, its author and the possibilities that both hold. She accepts the all-expense paid trip to Montovia, to find secrets, love and a little romance!

This is a sweet story, super fast read, it would be perfect on a cold day with the fire roaring!!

I love Melody’s holiday books, they make great gifts for your favorite reader!

NOTE : In accordance with FTC guidelines, MHM Buzz will always disclose where products being reviewed originate.  Often, we review books/products provided for free by publishers, whether ARC’s (advanced reading copies) or post-publication.  However, MHM Buzz does not, nor do any of its book review authors, receive any compensation for reviews.  All product reviews are voluntary, my personal opinion and not required for receipt of the product. I received a complimentary copy of A Royal Christmas.

More about the book:

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She’s been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she’s determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She’s understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king’s invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament—and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

Spend this Christmas with bestselling author Melody Carlson as she whisks you away to a royal holiday you’ll never forget!

Give Books for Christmas

Here are my favorite reads for this year, these would make great gifts for the book-lover in your life!!

1. For the Beekeeper : Honeybee Deomcracy – a great book that dives a little deeper into how the colony works. Great photos and very interesting!!

Honey Bee Democracy

2. For the kids in your life : Andrew Peterson’s Wing Feather Saga – we have loved these books for years! In 2020 Andrew re-released the books with new illustrations as well and they are fantastic!

WingFeather Saga

3. For the woman who needs rhythm : Rhythms of Renewal – I read this book in late 2019, and I loved it. I read it over the 40 days that the book spans if you read it like a devotion. Rebekah takes you through 4 rhythms and it is a great book to use to take inventory of your pace of life and make healthy changes!

Rhythm of Renewal

4. For the single young adult : Relationship Goals – I loved this book! My 19 year old son and his best friend read it as well. Michael Todd writes a very enjoyable book, but he packs several punches when he talks about biblical dating and marriage! Great book!

Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex

5. For the Romantic book lover : The Love Note – Joanna Politano is one of my favorite writers! Her books take me back in history to a simpler style of life. Every story has its own twists and turns, and this one does as well! I loved this book, her characters are some of my favorites!!

The Love Note

6. For the Action/Adventure Reader : The Empires of Armageddon by Terry Brennan – I have thoroughly loved book #1 & #2, and I am about to fly through book #3! This series is incredibly relevant today. The story takes place in the Middle East with American Ambassadors, defense department employees and regional leaders. These books are super fast paced and will keep you hooked as you read! Start with book # 1 : Ishmael Covenant, read my review HERE.

Book #1 : Ishmael Covenant

These are just a few of the books I read this year (except Democracy of Bees). I have loved these and so many others too!! Hope you give the gift of Books this Christmas!!

Family

Every Christmas Eve (or just about every) we get to spend the day as a family with Robert’s brothers family, my in laws and us.  So fun to have so many years of memories of that day. Our kids at Candlelight service, eating somewhere, and lots of smiles.

 

This year, there was no Jacob, as he was not feeling great.  It was a last minute decision to stay home, he was dressed and ready to go.  Before we headed out, he did open one present early.  This boy was DYING to get his hands on a CD of the Hamilton play.  I made sure his Grammie got to see the delight on his face when he opened it!

 

Brothers on Christmas Eve.

Even got a picture of us. With an adorable photo bomber.

Sweet girl cousins.

Boy cousins.

The birthday boy – with a sweet Bloody Mary made by sister in law, Lisa.

Betsy getting a pic of the treat!

It was a fun day, and another year of family memories!

Gingerbread House Time

My sweet girl bought a Gingerbread Kit while out shopping and decided to share with her brothers!  They enjoyed an afternoon of creative gingerbread making!

One house!

Another cute house

Here is the sweet sister – sharing her treasure!

Even the big brother got involved in the creativity!

And the youngest brother – a little candy overload?

And the final house with Peter.

The kids enjoyed it much more than I expected!  Maybe next year we will have to do this again!