CHRISTMAS MUSINGS WITH MIRANDA

Dear readers, it's never too early to start your Christmas reading, IMHO. And is it just me, or is there an absolute plethora of Christmas books flooding the market this year? When I first started doing the Christmas blog there were a few Christmassy books every December. Now, whoa, stand aside before the ho-ho-ho-ing sleighs you into oblivion! (See what I did there?) I made an enormous list of all the titles I wanted to tell you about, but you'd be in Yawnsville instead of the North Pole if I went down that path.

So now - and forgive me, I haven't read all of these books, but definitely will - I've narrowed my ridiculously long list down to my Top Picks. By the time you read this I've hopefully read over half, if not more. Okay, deep breath, hang on and here we ho-ho-go!

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I'll start with the Aussies, yes? Four beloved Aussie authors deliver festive fare in A Country Practice Christmas: a physio (and a cake war, yum), a vet, a psychologist and a nurse. Just, ooh. Take a bow, Stella Quinn, Penelope Janu, Pamela Cook and Renae Black. I love love love this!

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More Aussies! Fan favourites Fiona McArthur, Barbara Hannay and Kelly Hunter have teamed up in a terrific Outback Christmas trilogy. Pictured is Fiona's book The Midwife's Christmas Miracle. Barbara's is called One Starry Christmas Night, and Kelly has The Outback Cowboy's Christmas Baby. This powerhouse trio just keep delivering the best series ever - they are so swoonworthy and so, so tender. With babies. We do need babies at Christmas, don't we? 

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I can't wait to read We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey, a new to me author. It sounds like a festive, feel-good, fun romance, with three geeky work buddies brightening up their IT department head's Christmas (which may or may not involve chasing a donkey on Christmas day). I'm told it's perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Beth O'Leary, two other fave authors of mine.

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I've loved Julia London for years (and years and years). While It Was Snowing looks rather special. Single mum Amy's trying to find time to paint for her new exhibition, but time demands on her by everyone (kids, her ex, parents) mean - wow, is she ever going to get everything done? She books into a holiday cottage to 'just' paint but a snafu occurs: professional golfer Harrison is also there recovering from an injury. And they get snowed in. Hmm. And there's a dog, always a plus.

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All Together For Christmas by Sarah Morgan is the Christmas romance you didn't know you needed, with a big dose of family festiveness, chaos and big ol' love. For those headed to US sites, the book retails as A Merry Little Lie. I do enjoy the way Sarah writes relationships. And there's another dog. It wouldn't be Christmas without a new Sarah Morgan! 

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Ditto for a new Trisha Ashley! I cannot tell you how many happy hours I've spent with Trisha at Christmas, and I'm planning on setting aside plenty of time - 'retreating' - for The Christmas Retreat, whisked away to a writer and artist's retreat on a tiny English coastal village for Christmas. Sounds like heaven. If I know Trisha Ashley, there will also be amazing treats to eat, gorgeous people around, and  definitely romance in the (freezing) air. Can't wait.

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Those of you who know me also know it wouldn't be Christmas without another Melody Carlson, who's so written so many books it's dizzying. Bravo! She writes books with a clear faith message that always touches the heart, and I'm expecting Once Upon A Christmas Carol to be full of this same inspiration. This book - excitingly - has Dickens' A Christmas Carol themes. Dear reader, I'm in.

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And speaking of A Christmas Carol themes, I've been sideswiped by Good Spirits by BK Borison. Look at that stunning cover! You all - you all - will fall in love with Nolan, the Ghost of Christmas Past. Including Harriet, an antique shop owner who, well, isn't exactly grumpy old Scrooge. This is a small-town warm fuzzy read that will totally get you into the Christmas spirit. Go on, indulge.

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Another bit of holiday magic happens in our dear friend Debbie Macomber's book A Ferry Merry Christmas. Quick enough to read in an afternoon, this is a story of two siblings unexpectedly counting their blessings when a ferry break-down almost halts their festivities. There is a Christmas miracle, and there is romance. Sigh. 

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I read Love Story by Lindsey Kelk earlier this year, and was highly entertained by the snappy repartee and situations that were poignant but rom-com funny. When I saw Christmas Fling by her I could not resist. It's all about Laura being mistaken for a mystery girlfriend and swept off to the Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family (instead of a solo Christmas at home). What could possibly go wrong? Loads, actually. This was merry mayhem!

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Aussie Kandy Shepherd's new Christmas book Second Chance Under the Mistletoe is a stunning second chance at love story, and is absolutely drenched in the romance of London at Christmas. I loved walking the markets with Natalie and Jon (and got a few good tips about gifts, actually). Achingly tender, you'll definitely have high hopes these two find their way back together. And there is a Christmas baby! 

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Another deliciously kissable baby. The Rancher's Mistletoe Baby by Jill Kemerer is perfect for those who enjoy an unexpected baby surprise (me) and a lovely message of faith (also me). Aww, look at that sweet little face. The book's the beginning of a new series set in Wyoming, so lots more specialness to come if (when) you get hooked!

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But wait, where's the Historicals, you say? Ta-da! Winter Rogue by Emma V Leech, a new to me author, looks such fun. Our intrepid heroine proposes a marriage of convenience to an infamous earl. One of my favourite tropes, a marriage of convenience! We all know Christmas will (probably?) work its romantic magic, but still. Sigh.

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The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M White (another new to me author) is set in Iceland, December 1944, towards the end of WWII. A publishing house extends itself in the Christmas rush for more books - anything to brighten up the bleakness and rationing of that year. In the middle of it all author Tatiana falls in love with kind editor Anders. This is the origin of Jolobokaflod, Iceland's Christmas book flood - which I totally wish happened here. I could cope with curling up with hot chocolate while I read (and gift) new books every Christmas Eve. I might have to sit under the air con in Oz, but - new books!

Well done, you made it to the end. I hope you find some fab festive reading in the above. 

We at Breathless in the Bush wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year! Be kind to each other, and may you be blessed, safe and happy.

Signing off until next year with oodles of love (and good reading) from my house to yours, 

Miranda xxx

LOVE TO LOVE: Christmas. Such a wonderful time of year. And Christmas romance is the best.

LOVE TO LAUGH: Well, that's easy. I laugh at all the crazy videos where cats climb the Christmas tree and wreak havoc with baubles batted all over the house. I might have had a cat (cough, looking at you, Tess, miss you heaps) who did exactly that. 

LOVE TO LEARN: Always, always love to learn what you're reading. Let me know in the comments!

Romance and the Magic of Christmas

by Enisa Haines

It's a season many days away yet but everywhere I turn it's looking a lot like Christmas. Streaming services such as Netflix and Hallmark bring an enticing array of Christmas romance movies while publishers spoil us with a plentiful choice of Christmas romance novels. 

What to choose? Our voracious romance reader Miranda will be talking about that in her next post, just in time for a Christmas book binge. What I'm wondering about is this abundance of Christmas romances. 

These stories have lured readers since the time of Victorian England (yes, Christmas romances were popular even then). What is it about them that calls to readers and movie-goers alike? 

Christmas is a time where happiness abounds. Families get together, as do friends and even strangers. Gifts are exchanged, delicious meals served, reminiscences shared. Moments to celebrate, where joy, generosity, a sense of belonging, and love - of family, of friends, neighbours, workmates - is all around.

And it's love that is the highlight of these beloved romances. Though many stories may not focus on the true spiritual meaning of the season, always these romances are set in the days or weeks leading up to Christmas or through the three days of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 

Magic exists at that time. Wishes are made and there's the promise that if you believe what you wish for it will come true. And what are romance novels but stories where readers get the happy-ever-after they crave in fiction. The heroine wishes the life she's experiencing at the beginning of her story will change by the end. The hero, a man beset with problems of his own, also wishes for something better. Circumstances  bring them together but it is love that heals past hurts and shows them that together they have the life they once thought would only ever be a dream.

Whether we immerse ourselves in Christmas stories for the setting and its spiritual meaning, or for the expectation that the hero and heroine will find their 'forever love', it seems to me that it's the happiness that fills us while we're immersed that we seek. And Christmas romances always give us joy.

As lovers of Christmas romances, is it the same for you?

Love to love: Several native plants fondly called Christmas Bush for their gorgeous displays of flowers from October to January are found throughout Australia. My favourite is the NSW native Ceratopetalum gumniferum and now I have one of my own for my balcony. 

Love to laugh: romantic comedies are both a joy to watch and oftentimes you can't help but laugh.

Love to learn: Christmas has so many traditions. Christmas trees, Santa Claus, the hanging of mistletoe, fruit puddings and cakes are ones that spring to mind. Each intrigue me as to their origin and so I have the urge to explore. 

MIRANDA'S CHRISTMAS MUSINGS

Hello my darlings, it's CHRISTMAS! I just love it: the music, the tree, decorations and lights, the excited faces on the children (and maybe a few adults, eg. me), church, the food, oh my gosh, the food, social get togethers, romantic Christmas movies (definitely addicted), the gifts and cards, oh my. I'm a total Christmas tragic. You?

I always start my Christmas reading early. It gets me in the mood and totally sparks joy, so why not? Here's six of the best festive reads I've found (and there's heaps more waiting on my Kindle).

I truly loved The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber. You all know I love her annual Christmas story, and this one kicked off the spirit of the season for me. Two single friends, Peter - a small town pastor, and Hank - a pub owner, impulsively decide to 'swap jobs' just before Christmas, each convinced they work harder than the other, and maybe a little concerned their busy lives have prevented them from finding romance. Ha! Cue frantic-ness with two lovely romances to enjoy.  

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One Christmas Knight by Kathleen Creighton is a blast from the past, first published in 1997 but making a charming comeback. It's a sweet story about a pregnant woman who - yes, you guessed it - goes into sudden labour when she's driving through a blizzard. A soft-hearted trucker stops to help, and he is totally fabulous the way he copes. All the love here! A baby and Christmas!

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Scrooge and the Girls Next Door by Melanie Jacobson was LOL fun, a wonderful grumpy/sunshine Christmas story. The grump is awful at the beginning, totally uptight, but I'm pleased to report there's much less grump by the end. Imagine my delight when I realised this is a series, I'm totally getting the other stories. Loved this one so big.

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Snowed In For Christmas by Sarah Morgan is an absolute delight. Get a big extended family and various assorted others and snow them into a big Scottish mansion at Christmas, and it's a recipe for disaster. No, wait, a recipe for romance, right? RIGHT? Ha, read it and see. All the feels in this one. I do love Sarah Morgan's ability to make me care so much. Ah, Christmas. 💝

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I promised you six books, but wow, I confess that Life Has Rushed Past and I still have two more I'm absolutely dying to read before Christmas. Think I'll make it? The first is Mistletoe Kisses by Nana Malone, and isn't the cover absolutely divine? A brooding billionaire (nice) gives our heroine a reason to love Christmas after she's been dumped by some loser we don't need to care about. Yes please. 

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I've been hearing a lot of buzz about Viola Shipman, so I've just picked up his book A Wish For Winter. According to the blurb, it's a book for people who love books about books, missed connections and the magic of Christmas. With a mysterious Santa in there somewhere. Tick, tick, tick, tick, wow, can't wait.

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Because I can, I'm going to add one extra. Many of you know Robin Lee Hatcher for her stunning award-winning book The Shepherd's Voice. It's how I discovered her, and I've been a faithful reader ever since. So, ta-da! here's A Carol For Christmas. I'm so looking forward to it.

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Ah, readers. So many books, so little time, but I hope and pray you do have time to sit down and enjoy some festive reading. You deserve it! Give yourself a little Christmas gift: read a book.

Be kind, be careful, be the best you can be. 

Merry Christmas precious people, and may you have a bright, shining Happy New Year!

Love from Miranda xxxx

I love to love:    you guessed it, ALL the Christmas romances. 

I love to laugh:  at unexpected humour in books. Scrooge and the Girls Next Door did that to me.

I love to learn:   what your fave Christmas authors/romances are. Do tell!

MIRANDA'S CHRISTMAS MUSINGS!

 Well, hello my darlings, long time no see! I'm delighted to be back with you and chatting about my absolute favourite thing: CHRISTMAS BOOKS! Christmas is tremendously special for me, and combining the love of the season with romance is a complete winner. I've got ten special books to share, so I'm going to dive straight in.

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DEAR SANTA by Debbie Macomber is a lovely way to kick off your festive reading; I always enjoy her Christmas books. How many of you remember writing letters to Santa when you were little, with a wish list? How many wishes came true? Lindy Carmichael's just had her heart broken - then her mother gives her all her old Santa letters, and Lindy realises sometimes Christmas wishes do come true, with a little help from you-know-who. No, not Voldemort, of course I mean Santa!

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Fancy a cowboy for Christmas? Don't we all! Vicki Lewis Thompson gifts us the scorching novella It's Christmas, Cowboy, and we do need to pop this in our Christmas stocking. With the always-poignant trope of second-chance-at-love, old school friends Tucker and Lacey reconnect. And boy howdy, do they ever! This is fast and furious, so if you've only got a short break, choose this.

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And speaking of cowboys - ranchers - ranch builders - Kelly Hunter's Must Love Christmas is totally fabulous, one of my 5 star reads this year. Seth Casey is such a dream hero, strong and rugged and sexy and capable and, well, also nice. Madeline is the rich girl who owns the ranch he wants to own, and she says no to his offer to buy it. I thought this might degenerate into a fight (sorry Kelly, I should've known better), but they're both so heroic it turns out to be a heart-grabbing romance. The scene on Christmas Day here is enough to move even the stoniest of Christmas scrooges (sniff). 

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Rebecca Raisin is a new-to-me author this year, and I read the two books loosely linked to Flora's Travelling Christmas Shop and loved them: Rosie's Travelling Tea Shop and Aria's Travelling Book Shop. Both were terrific, especially the latter (it's about books!). I couldn't resist the third one, set in the most fairytale of all places at Christmas: Lapland! I'm not kidding. With reindeer and snow and hot chocolate and omigosh the food, and Christmas trees and, cough, Connor, a bit of a Christmas grinch. Flora's about the sort that out, quick smart. This is a gentle romance, and it's sparkly with tinsel and glitter and everything Christmassy.

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From Lapland to Edinburgh! I discovered Jenny Colgan last year, and she combines warm humour and romance with festive fun and food: a complete reader seduction. When you add in the booky setting for The Christmas Bookshop, it's winning all the way. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like Carmen: she was aimless and a bit thoughtless. When her mother and sister foist her into a pretty hopeless destined-to-fail job at the bookstore, it takes a while for Carmen to shine. But, happily, shine she does, and just in time for Christmas. The romance is a little bit different, and the quirky characters totally capture your heart. 

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Sweet Christmas Secrets is a stunning anthology with ten festive Regency stories written by ten Aussie authors. Kudos to them all! I had a fabulous time reading my way through the lushly romantic stories. Every one is just long enough to sit and enjoy as a mini break in-between all your Christmas busyness. They each feature a letter and/or a secret, and there are many misunderstandings and broken hearts before we get our happy ending. What a Christmas bliss bomb.

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While we're in Regency mode, treat yourself to the charming novella A Christmas Love Redeemed, by fan favourite Alison Stuart. It's a second-chance-at-love story, and it's simply lovely. Another one to enjoy with a quick hot chocolate and a fruit mince pie. Our hero is French (swoon) and the heroine English, so that leads to high tension when the hero is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Such a special treat.

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Who can resist the two sweet cherubs on the cover of Their Yuletide Healing? Not I! This is another new-to-me author, Mindy Obenhaus, who writes for Harlequin Love Inspired, a series where faith is a main element in the books. Have to say, faith and Christmas sort of go together, and also reconciliation and forgiveness and healing. Here the town Scrooge suddenly finds his guarded, lonely heart invaded by these two little foster kids and their foster mom. Just. Beautiful. 

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It truly is a pleasure to read another Christmas story from Sarah Morgan, and The Christmas Escape is marvellous. And, again, shock, off we go to Lapland! Is the Universe telling me something? Do I need to book an escape to Lapland? (Yes. The answer is obviously yes.) It's not just snow and the cold and festivities, however. This is a deeply moving story of a little family in crisis, of reconciliation, and a zinger do-I-hate-you-or-love-you? romance. (Spoiler: love. The answer is obviously love.) 

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I've been told the cover of Trisha Ashley's book One More Christmas at the Castle is all glittery and gorgeous, so it almost seemed sacrilegious to read it on my Kindle. I wanted all that razzle dazzle in my hands, sigh. But any which way you read this book you'll love it. You'll also put on weight just reading about the lavish food, oh my. I have no idea how these characters stayed trim. All that walking in the snow? An elderly widow invites a few key people from her family and friends - and the Heavenly Houseparty catering company - to mastermind her last Christmas at the castle (bit sad). The burning question is who will inherit, but I kept getting distracted by the Christmas cake and cheese straws and...never mind. Not one but two romances here, so terrific, and a fabulous cast of characters. And I'm not going to mention decorations or the food any more. Although there was the mulled wine and the mistletoe...no. A wonderful book that happily wallowed in Christmas from beginning to end, and it made me happy. I now want to live in a castle and have Heavenly Houseparties cater for me, forever. Enjoy.

So that's my little list. Happily I have many, many more also ready to go, including my annual reread of the classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. If you click on the link you'll see I've indulged in a very special new edition. 

Merry Christmas, dear readers. May your festive time be merry and bright, and I hope Santa brings you some wonderful reading.

Do stay safe and well, and hug your precious ones tight.

Loads of love from Miranda xxx

Love to love: Christmas! Everything and all things Christmassy!

Love to laugh: I'm a bit like Cassandra Samuels, I love funny Christmas movies.

Love to learn: What are you reading? And some last minute hot tips for the Christmas stockings? Please tell? Pop it all in the comments. below. 

There was a time Christmas was banned - Was it all Cromwell's Fault?

By Cassandra Samuels

Believe it or not, back in 1647, Christmas celebrations were forbidden by law. No festivities were allowed and there were big consequences for disobedience, but how did it happen?

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The parliament won the Civil War in England, and Oliver Cromwell and his mates decided to incarcerate King Charles at Hampton Court. The Church of England was abolished and replaced with the Presbyterian Church. They had strict ideas about how the people should behave. The Presbyterian Church believed the religious holiday was for prayer, not parties.

"Oliver Cromwell statue outside Parliament" by UK Parliament is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

 

They brought in new restrictions that did not go down well with the populace. These new restrictions included no more than 12 days of Christmas celebrations. All the shops had to stay open on Christmas Day, and no decorations were allowed.

by Sister72 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

 

 

The people were not happy and all throughout England, Scotland and Ireland they refused to conform. Armed forces had to be brought in to control the people and stop festivities. Even the church wardens at Westminster Abbey were arrested for not stopping the celebrations. The Mayor of London was verbally abused for trying to take down decorations of holly and ivy that adorned the shops. The Mayor of Norwich turned a blind eye and was summoned to explain himself. It all ended in a riot that culminated in an explosion, and the death of forty people.

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 In the following years, there were more riots that ultimately led to the second civil war after King Charles was executed. Revolution followed. 

Christmas was reinstated and the people were happy. So, although it wasn't solely Oliver Cromwell's fault, he was part of the parliament that brought in the Puritan restrictions and caused such drama.

Love to Love: Christmas movies and books including our own Breathless Anthology.

Buy here

Love to Laugh: at the joy of my grandsons when decorating the Christmas tree.

Love to Learn: That when things are bad, I have so much love and support from friends and family.

The Christmas Movie Love Affair

 By Jayne Kingsley

Christmas time - I'm one of those who really gets into the spirit and starts itching to put the Chrissy lights up early and doesn't mind hearing Christmas carols on repeat from October onwards. 

Something I especially like around Christmas time is watching Christmas movies. In particular Christmas Romance movies - preferably Hallmark. I won't lie - I'll also happily watch them at any time of the year but there's something extra special about watching them during the festive season. 

So for my last blog of the year, I thought I'd share with you a few of my all-time favourite Christmas Romance Movies. Maybe some of these you'll have seen and maybe some can be added to your list!

Love Actually

Not Hallmark, I know :) But is there any better movie? I adore every part of this, even the storylines that don't end in the typical happy ever after. It always leaves me feeling refreshed, happy and just that slightly bit lighter and thankful for how lucky I am to live the life I'm living. 

Image credit: Imdb.com

The Perfect Christmas Present (aka Mr. Christmas)

This was light and fun - just the way I like my movie viewing these days :D I especially liked how the storyline was unique. 

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Royal New Year's Eve

Royalty. Balls. Romance. An aspiring fashion designer as the heroine? Take my money people! I adored this movie. In fact... I might have to go watch it again ;)

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Mingle All the Way

This movie is fun, fun and more fun. I really love how the heroine always has the most adorable winter coats in these Christmas movies, with perfect hair and they are always shopping whilst it's snowing. Makes me want to go back to Canada for a white Christmas! 

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So now you have some of my favourite Chrissy movie's - I'd love you to share some of yours?  

I love to love... my memories of catching snowflakes on the palm of my hand and being able to see the delicate snowflake shape

 

I love to laugh... at my cat's excitement over a house filled with Christmas decorations

 

I love to learn... how to make snowflakes from paper with my daughters

 

 

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you for reading the Breathless in the Bush blog! 

Christmas Traditions

By Jayne Kingsley

One only had to walk into their local grocery store during the month of October to know that Christmas was fast approaching. Halloween merchandise made a gallant effort to hide the Christmas paraphernalia (for a while) but we all knew it was there.

I’m one of those people who secretly rejoiced the moment I spotted the first glint of tinsel hanging from the shelves. My last writing jaunt to my local café had an additional spark with Christmas carols playing not so faintly in the background.

           

I am a Christmas tragic, in all my sparkly red and green glory, and I’m not afraid to say so.

Image courtesy of Giphy.com

My writing desk sports a mini Christmas tree (because whilst it amuses my husband ever so much to listen to me sing carols and decorate our kids fairy garden with tinsel, we have a rule that we don’t put the actual tree up until Dec 1). I have a sparkly reindeer that’s made its way to our dining room table and did I mention my website has snowflakes falling oh-so-delicately on it?

Since having kids we’ve developed a few family Christmas traditions. Our kids are young and still in that magical stage where Santa’s name is whispered reverently, and a single spotting can cause mass hysteria, so I thought I’d share a few of our Chrissy traditions with you on the blog today – to further along my Christmas cheer!

1.     We put the tree up on December 1. It doesn’t matter what day that falls on – we cook something super tasty for dinner, pop open a bottle of champagne (apple juice for the kids), play carols and we decorate the tree as a family. We have little wooden stars with each of our names carved in them and a whole range of handmade decorations by the kids. It’s a special evening that I look forward to every year.

2.     Christmas craft with my kids. Last year we built a Christmas village and as a special gift to my Instagram and FB followers I did a Christmas count down of watercolour sketches in the lead up to Christmas day. This year we’re colouring in Christmas cards to send to our loved ones and adding to our Christmas Village.

3.     We watch EVERY SINGLE Christmas movie available! Octonauts and Paw patrol Christmas rescues, Barbie helping Santa, every Hallmark movie I can get my grubby little hands on. And of course Love Actually on Christmas Eve. The cheesier and happier the movie – the better! So long as there's some Christmas element, it's on our tv. 

4.     Gingerbread house making! This is always fun (albeit a little messy and sickening to the stomach). This year we attempted a small replica of Elsa’s castle – which wasn’t structurally as sound as it needed to be, but boy did it taste great!

5.     Planning session with Mr Kingsley. This is a bit of a favourite for me. With young kids there isn’t always a lot of time or energy left at the end of the day to spend quality time together, but we always make sure we set one night aside where we just talk about the next year. We discuss holidays, life goals, and reconnect so we are on the same page for the year to come.

Image courtesy of Giphy.com

How about you? What are your family Christmas Traditions? Are they steeped in history or newly formed? Please let me know in the comments.

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I love to love... Christmas!

I love to laugh... with my kids whilst making gingerbread houses

I love to learn... new recipes that involve pumpkin and spice and all things nice