Good grief right into Christmas with my leisure reading and we have only JUST had Canadian Thanksgiving. Random library grab once again, what can I say? Still in my new section of choice for light reading – Love Inspired, Their First Noel by Annie Jones did not disappoint.

I felt this one was a bit rushed as compared to others in the same Heartwarming Inspirational Romance series. the main character is a young baker who has come to a sleepy town to check out the old inn her parents met at. She was conceived there one summer and then her parents were parted. Raised by a single mom who had never quite recovered from the loss Corrie has returned to her beginnings to try and find her father.

The inn in question is being restored by the current owner’s son Andy. Add in an adopted sister and their mother being gone overseas to help OTHER adopting families all during Christmas and you get the beginnings of a sweet but resisted romance.

I love that this is not a “they meet and fall in love instantly BANG” story… there is conflict and give and take on both sides. OH and don’t forget the gingerbread house competition. I found the fact that the child in this story was a SIBLING and not the daughter of either of the main characters a pleasant change. My only beef really was that I would have enjoyed a longer timeline for the relationship to be realized. But then again, I find I often lament the brevity of an enjoyable book. All in all a lovely holiday story.

Now we are slow to post but relatively quick to read. This was the case with The Lighthouse Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner, the 8th in the Boxcar Children series. We actually had to go digital with this one, which seems to add to the struggle. I think both Gavin and myself prefer the personal touch of a paperback book over a kindle in hand.

I found this mystery did a lot more foreshadowing than any of the others. Which was a definite change from the previous. The kids have also grown up. The oldest brother now is in college during the school year and the children all a little older. I do like the progression. You really SHOULD read these books in order to ensure you don’t end up ruining previous mysteries.

I love how the main goal of this family is to make themselves and everyone around them happy… there is always some wish of improvement or some person of interest they just want to help.

The mystery is interesting, the kids funny as usual and grandfather absolutely well connected and wealthy… But that is enough from me… here is Gavin! Beware of potential spoilers.

GAVIN:

I like that they were able to rent and go live in a lighthouse. I like that the dog had a huge part in solving the mystery. And that they met a lot of new characters. My favourite part was that the dog kept barking, it was funny. I liked this mystery better than all of the other books EXCEPT FOR the first book. I like that there was a dangerous rescue. It was an awesome book! I think that anyone, especially kids could read it and have fun.

And there you have it… 11 year old’s genuine opinion shared! Seriously though, I feel like this is a series for most anyone. Especially if you are reading with a child! So check them out (in order preferably). 

I seem to have slipped completely into the world of the Love Inspired series of romances. Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders is another in the Heartwarming Inspirational Romance line. A lovely combination of romance and faith. It IS a tiny bit formulaic for the genre (which is to be expected). But I really enjoy that aspect when I am looking for a light afternoon read while I craft…

Some of the same ingredients as previous library finds – a single mom with child (in this case a son), manages to get herself into a bind (this time vehicle issues). The only person around to help her out, handsome and SINGLE man (here a rancher who is over worked) who has a problem only she can help with (the planning of a town barbeque).

The faith is actually obvious from the get go. This is a book full of people who believe in prayer and good works. So if you are not interested in a very Christian romance this could be a pass for you. The characters are endearing and beyond the original issue there are other issues that are equally interesting to iron out. The location is described beautifully and the ending is lovely with all the loose ends wrapped up nicely.

Basically, are you looking for a nice, sweet romance with faith, challenge and a wee bit of adventure on a ranch? Well then this is the one for you!