Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2023 – #Christmas #Romance Harmony Kent, Jacquie Biggar, Jan Sikes


Welcome to the Christmas Book Fair where I will be sharing books by my recommended authors that I believe would make great gifts. If you are gifting someone a Kindle this year it would be a great idea to stock it up with some great books to be enjoyed.

Christmas would not be the same without a little romance and the first featured book today with my recommendation is from award winning Harmony KentOh Baubles: A Christmas Romance Novella.

About Oh Baubles

After a tragic accident one Christmas, Charlene loses her husband and her leg.

Scarred and damaged, the losses leave her lost and reeling, and a long recovery lies ahead of her.

When John, a hot young physiotherapist, comes into her life with his ripped abs and good-god good-looks, she can’t imagine he’d give somebody like her a second glance.

Then she falls for him.

Can Charlene overcome all obstacles to gain back her life and find true love once more?

Find out in this fun-filled, clean Christmas romance novella from award-winning author Harmony Kent.

My review for the novella January 18th 2022

The aftermath of a devastating tragedy leaves body, mind and emotional well-being in jeopardy, particularly when there are permanent physical reminders of the event. For a young woman in her mid-twenties, scarring and the loss of her leg, have understandably stripped Charlene of her self-confidence and self-belief.

How could anyone be attracted to the person she has become?  Who could possibly look passed the visible scars of the accident that also broke her heart?

Thankfully the author created someone who might, because of his profession be sympathetic to Charlene’s circumstances and see her as a beautiful and vibrant young woman.

The challenge then of course is for both these star-crossed lovers to put aside their personal misgivings and realise that they have to take matters in to their own hands if they are to achieve happiness.

Harmony Kent was adept at bringing this story to a satisfactory conclusion, having steered the reader through the rollercoaster ride of emotions and challenges facing these two deserving characters.

A lovely lighthearted read.

Read the reviews and buy the book : Amazon US – And : Amazon UK

A small selection of other books by Harmony Kent

Head over to find out more about Harmony, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And : Amazon US – Follow Harmony:Goodreads – Website:Harmony KentTwitter: @Harmony_Kent

The next recommended Christmas themed romance is Mistletoe Inn from USA Today Bestselling Author Jacquie Biggar.

About the book

Fall in love this holiday season!

A grieving man finds the greatest gift is love in this heartwarming holiday romance.

Molly McCarty is in need of a new beginning after a disastrous divorce. When the opportunity to invest in a bed and breakfast appears online in Christmas, Michigan she’s intrigued.

A snow storm derails her travels and leaves her at the mercy of a grim stranger- who turns out to be her new partner!

Noah Kincaid loses his parents in a tragic fire that leaves him scarred inside and out. He’s raised by a great-aunt and is devastated when cancer takes her life. But vowing never to care about anyone again is hampered by his troublesome new partner and her son.

Will a Christmas miracle bring three lonely hearts the gift of love?

One of the reviews for the book on Goodreads

Mistletoe Inn was on my Kindle for a while, and since it was the holiday, I decided to start reading it. I was quite pleased that the setting was in snow country in a fictional place named Christmas in Michigan. A divorced mom named Molly and her son Leo is headed for the Inn in heavy snow when a deer causes Molly to have a car accident. Molly is to take up a partnership of Mistletoe Inn with Noah, the owner. Lucky for her and Leo, they were close to their destination, and Noah came to their rescue.

And so begins a love story. Noah suffers from grief over losing his aunt, who originally founded the Inn. He is also self-conscious and filled with grief over his parents’ loss when he was a kid. The fire that took their lives also burned him significantly. So, Noah is scarred inside and out. He is not a likely candidate to be a plus one in a love duet.

To explain more would risk spoilers. Let me say I’m not one for romance stories but enjoyed this novella very much. I’m not sure whether it was the writing quality or the fact that after I finished, I had a warm feeling about the characters and the conclusion. I know this story took me back to my own Christmas in Michigan and caused the kindling of those lovely memories.

If you want a heart-warming story that is well written, this one is for you. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon USAnd: Amazon UK

And if you would like an even more festive romance read over the holidays, Jacquie has a wonderful box set for you to enjoy.

Box set available: Amazon USAnd: Amazon UK

A small selection of Jacquie’s books

Find out more about Jacquie, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Jacquie : Goodreads – website: Jacquie Biggar – Twitter: @jacqbiggar

And the third recommended read today is from another award winning author… Mountain Laurel Christmas by Jan Sikes…

About the Book

Orphaned, his family torn apart by tragedy, Cole Knight has come a long way from a ramshackle miner’s cabin on the side of the Cumberland Mountain.

Daring to follow an impossible dream, he’s made it big in the music business. Now, he’s a country music sensation with a huge house, fancy cars, plenty of willing women, money, and adoring fans. He should be on top of the world. Instead, he’s drowning in a swirling pool of self-contempt and relentless guilt.

It’s easier to lose himself in a bottle than face the hard truth…he hasn’t delivered on a promise he made to his father

It’s almost Christmas, and the sting of failure drives him back to that tiny cabin in the mountains. But has he waited too late to put the shattered pieces back together—to find himself and restore a lost family?

One of the reviews for the book

Oh my goodness what a heart warming Christmas story Mountain Laurel Christmas is. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book that truly gave me the feeling I had in my heart while reading it. I can’t even find the words to describe it.

This is a true rags to riches story of a young man now named Cole Knight that goes from the poverty of a coal mining family from the Cumberland Mountains to a wealthy music star of Nashville. Cole should be one of the happiest men on earth but he has become a man who drinks too much and has lost himself.

It takes a trip back to where he came from to turn his life around after finding a paper in his mother’s dresser with the location of where his younger, mentally challenged little brother, Timmy, was taken ten years prior when their mother passed away. This was the day his family was torn apart, and when Cole struck out on foot, on his way to Nashville to live his dream. Cole left the Cumberland Moutains behind and what was left of his family. Timmy is now eighteen and has a talent that Cole could have never dreamed of and has a personality that Cole never expected. To Cole’s surprise Timmy has not forgotten Cole or their sister and Timmy is no longer the quiet boy that Cole remembers.

This is a story true to life story, a book that everyone should read. A story about how money alone cannot buy happiness. A story about how family is more important than anything money can buy. It’s a beautifully written book that is worth another read every year prior to the holiday season to remind me what is most important in life and to put me in the holiday spirit.

This book makes me wonder if every alcoholic could stop drinking if they figured out what they were trying to drowned away and attempt to remedy it or at least find a way to get past it.

I wish I could give this book more than five stars. Jan Sikes is a masterful writer that everyone should give a try. Sikes has gone from not just telling her stories in songs but to now putting them down in books for readers to enjoy. This book would be a great start for any reader to discover Jan’s talent. Just wow.

Read the reviews and buy the book:Amazon US And: Amazon UK

A small selection of other books by Jan Sikes

Discover more about Jan Sikes, read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Website:Jan SikesGoodreads: Jan on Goodreads – Twitter:@rijanjks

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books..

 

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight February 1st 2023 – #Reviews Judith Barrow, Jacquie Biggar, Toni Pike, #Burnsnight Noelle Granger, #Monsters C.S. Boyack, #Mexico D.G. Kaye, #Genres Traci Kenworth,#Interview Lisette Brodey


Welcome to a small selection of posts I have enjoyed this week.. and an outing and I hope you will head over to enjoy the posts in full.

Judith Barrow shares her review for the crime novel Remember No More by Jan Newton which has just been released on audio. It looks like a riveting read.

Head over to read Judith’s review: Judith Barrow – Audio Book Launch and review

Traci Kenworth generously shares the links of other bloggers posts and this week she also shares her thoughts on genres in writing as well as her increasing concerns about her mobility.

Head over to check out the links:The Design of Genres by Traci Kenworth

Jacquie Biggar share three reviews for recommended books and delighted to be included with two fabulous authors Kristin Hannah and Jill Shalvis..also when out and about Jacquie encountered a flock of inquisitive water birds,.

Head over to check out Jacquie’s reviews: Reviews for Sally Jill Shalvis and Kristin Hannah

Craig Boyack has begun a new series of posts on Story Empire with some monster ideas. Great for anyone who writes fantasy and it has given me a few ideas for future stories.

Head over to discover how to create a monster with Craig Boyack: Story Empire – Creature Feature

Toni Pike shares her reviews for three wonderful books from Patricia Furstenberg, Annette Rochelle Aben and Jacquie Biggar.. I can add my recommendations to them too.

Head over to enjoy the reviews: Toni’s reviews for Patricia Furstenberg, Jacquie Biggar and Annette Rochelle Aben

Debby Gies shares the background to one of the safest places in Mexico despite the new headlines filled with cartel activities it is a large place and certain tourist destinations are well known for their welcome and safety. Puerta Vallarta is Debby’s home for a couple of months a year so we won’t see her everyday.. but she has promised to pop in from time to time between margharitas.. or even with one to check up on us.. If you are thinking about holiday in the sun over the winter months you will find a lot of information in the post you will find useful.

Head over to get the information about Puerta Vallarta and vacationing in Mexico: Geography, Why Mexico and Blogging Break

Noelle Granger belongs to the Scot Society and every year they celebrate the birthday of poet Robert Burns with a dinner and musical evening. Noelle shares the history of Robbie Burns and the food and music on offer.

 

Head over to join in with the celebration: Noelle Granger and Robbie Burns Night

On Monday I went out and about to the lovely Lisette Brodey’s blog for an interview where chatted aboutabout books, publishing, blogging, contibutors and life in Ireland.

Please head over to join us: An interview with Lisette Brodey

 

Thanks for dropping in and enjoy the rest of the day.. Sally

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! – Guest Round Up – Part Three – Jacquie Biggar, Harmony Kent, Jan Sikes, Gwen M. Plano, Darlene Foster, William Price King, Toni Pike, The Story Reading Ape, Jennie Fitzkee


Over the last three months, I have been privileged to share the thoughts and wisdom of friends within the writing community in response to the prompt ‘I Wish I Knew Now What I Knew Then!’. In case you have missed any of these guest posts I will be sharing their links in this catch up series.

Romance author Jacquie Biggar shares a short story based on the prompt, that reaches out to those who are trapped in addiction and scared to reach out for help.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! #Shortstory by Jacquie Biggar

Author and poet Harmony Kent shares what wisdom she would impart to her younger self as she struggled to find her own way in the world.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! by Harmony Kent

Author Jan Sikes shares how her experiences in life may have benefitted her as a teenager in tenth grade.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! by Jan Sikes

Author Gwen Plano shares her appreciation of the love and strength she received from her father throughout her life and the lessons she absorbed.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! by Gwen M. Plano

Author Darlene Foster admits to coming from a long line of worriers and wishes she could pop back and tell her younger self that it is largely a futile exercise.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! by Darlene Foster

Jazz singer and composer, and permanent contributor to Smorgasbord, William Price King, explores dancing and its benefits, in particular tap dancing which he wishes his younger self would have taken more advantage of.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! #Tapdancing by Jazz singer and composer William Price King

Author Toni Pike shares a number of areas that she feels have impacted her life and would have benefited from her experience gained over the years.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! by Toni Pike

Chris Graham is more frequently referred to as The Story Reading Ape. Chris has been a huge supporter of my blog since the early days and this support extends out across the writing community. Chris shares his thoughts on the prompt in the form of a delightfully thought provoking piece of poetry.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! by Christopher Graham – The Story Reading Ape

Pre-school teacher Jennie Fitzkee shares her thoughts about the narrow views we tend to hold as children and young adults, and how life and experience teaches valuable lessons…

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! by Jennie Fitzkee

 

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you have caught up with any posts you might have missed.. The final recap will be next week.. I hope you will join me and my guests again.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Book Reviews – #Christmas #Romance – Love, Me by Jacquie Biggar


I caught up over Christmas with some reading and selected books that were likely to be heartwarming and in the festive spirit.. and Love Me by Jacquie Biggar ticked all the boxes.

About the book

Will a Christmas wish bring two lonely hearts together and give a little girl the family she’s always wanted?

Single parent, Grace Donovan arrives in the small town of Emerson with the hope a trial program at the local cancer clinic will be the answer to prolonging her young daughter’s life. She doesn’t expect to fall for her handsome boss.

As principal of Emerson Elementary, Kyle Roberts is aware of the students’ medical issues and his heart goes out to little Cassie Donovan and her mother. When he learns Grace needs a job, he fabricates a childcare program, and is pleasantly surprised by its success. Now, if only he could help Cassie’s recovery and get Grace to give him a chance before she learns of his duplicity.

Cassie Donovan barely remembers the father who died when she was just a toddler, but she does know her mother is sad. Even though Cassie wants a puppy more than anything, she gives up her wish to ask for a daddy from Santa Claus, that way if she gets sick again, Mommy won’t be alone.

This Christmas, two families are brought together by a Christmas wish and a child’s need for a miracle.

My review for the book January 22nd 2022

Having read other books by the author I fully expected that this story would be heartwarming and in keeping with the spirit of Christmas. The characters are always relateable and being a romance they also tend to have attractive personalities which makes them likeable too.

The interactions between those falling for each other are subtle, and much is left to your imagination, which is something I prefer when reading about love. In this particular case you are left with the wonderful feeling that love is alive and well despite the global troubles impacting us all at this time.

At the heart of this story is also the issue of childhood leukemia which the author adds details of at the end of the book. A difficult subject to cover, particularly in a feel good romance novel, but Jacquie Biggar handles it very sensitively.

A book to curl up in front of a roaring fire, with a large mug of hot chocolate and a couple of hours free for some lovely escapism. Recommended for lovers of romance and those who enjoy a heartwarming reminder that there are good things in the world.

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon USand: Amazon UK

A small selection of Jacquie’s books

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Jacquie : Goodreads – website: Jacquie Biggar – Twitter: @jacqbiggar

About Jacquie Biggar

Jacquie Biggar is a USA Today bestselling author of romance who loves to write about tough, alpha males and strong, contemporary women willing to show their men that true power comes from love. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and loves to hear from readers all over the world!

Thanks for visiting today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. thanks Sally.