The Light by Cindy Vincent

 

In the midst of her husband dying of cancer Libby finds an outlet to help her get through the tough time. Her artistic ability helps her to focus outside of the pain that she is going through. Caleb has made the mistake of a lifetime with his choice of women. Now it is affecting the family business. Will these two be able to find light in the midst of all of their troubles? 

At first I thought this would be a romance, but even though there is a bit of that in the story it doesn't come until almost the end. I enjoyed how the story focused on Libby and Caleb separately. How the reader was able to get to know both characters and their lives and struggles. I do think that the romance was lacking a tad and would have liked to have seen that develop a bit more, but it was a sweet story aside from that and the characters were all very likable. I like how the light theme was carried out throughout the story for Libby and also how Caleb's character developed and matured. Mr. Ritchie was a great character that helped dole out great advice and was invaluable in helping both Libby and Caleb get back on their feet and pointed in the right direction. Even though the subject of Libby's husband dying was heavy I found that this story was "light" and didn't bring the reader into a depth of darkness or sadness that would make the story too depressing to read. I also enjoyed that I read it as Christmas was closing in. Even though I don't believe the theme is a Christmas one I thought it was perfect for this time of year! If you find yourself focusing on the dark this would be a good book to read to remind us that there is still light out there. 

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

 

I absolutely loved this book! If you love fairytales and books that are similar then you must definitely pick this one up. It is the 3rd(and I believe final) book in the Texas Ever After series. This had so many fairytale nods to it! Scarlett Radcliffe is sent away from home when her uncle tries to have her killed because she is heir to her father's estate. Fast forward 15 years and Letty is now days away from being able to claim her inheritance and once and for all put her uncle away. But first she needs to make it home to her mother safely. That is where Philip Carmichael comes in. He is hired to find Scarlett and get her safely home to her mother. As they get to know each other on the trip Philip can't help but wonder if the sweet girl he knows as Letty(with the red cloak and her wolf Rusty as her companion) will change once she dons her rightful place as Scarlett Radcliffe, heiress to the Radcliffe empire. 

Such a sweet story! And so many references to beloved fairytales! I loved Letty's kind and loving and natural personality. I loved her dog Rusty! He almost felt human! The suspense in a couple parts had me closing the book quickly but then opening it again because I couldn't stand not knowing what happened! Author Karen Witemeyer never disappoints and Cloaked in Beauty was I believe my favorite of the 3 books! 

A Troublesome Heart by Holly Schindler

 

Y'all! I've been looking forward to a Ruby's Place installment for several Christmases now and I have to say, they never disappoint and they always get me in the Christmas spirit. There's just something special about Ruby's Place that reminds the reader of the magic and specialness of Christmas. 

This year's installment takes us back to a few years after the speakeasy that became Ruby's Place was busted. Charlie has regrets about that time that he cannot seem to overcome. Walter is a young boy who is a "tenderheart" much to his mother's dismay. And the town crank is about to secretly remind everyone about the magic of Christmas. 

All of author Holly Schindlers books have captivated me, but the Ruby's Place books are special and truly magical. If you are looking for some books to get you in the Christmas spirit this year I highly recommend you check these books out!