I loved the way the author was able to develop this story in just 110 pages!  I could really visualize the two of them building their trust and love for each other.  It grew and grew over that week long Christmas break into a long distance relationship.  I felt what they were truly feeling for, not only each other but for what they felt for their past loves too.  I rooted for this couple all the way!!! 

No Ordinary Gift by Farrah Rochon:  Kemah Griffin and Tyson Crawford broke up just six months ago but see each other every Saturday at the community center where they volunteer.  They still have feelings for each other but it’s up to Tyson to win Kemah back since he gave no real reason for why things had to end between them.  Tyson has to find the courage to open his heart fully to Kemah in order for Kemah to truly believe his intentions are real. 

This was a real page turner!  I really wanted to see these two get back together.  I liked the way the author weaved in the activities at the community center and the struggles the children went through at home to show how committed Kemah and Tyson were to the center and to each other.  Once Tyson revealed his true feelings to Kemah, she was ready to accept him back.  No games, no frivolous banter back and forth-just a true love for each other.  It was enjoyable and intensely romantic (especially the Kwanzaa celebration). 

HeavenSent.com by Stefanie Worth:  Brenna has used this dating website for just under a year and her subscription is about to expire.  Brenna has had no real prospects and has no intentions of renewing.  Everything else in her life is going well-her work, financial arena, and spiritual life. That is until she is laid off from her job and her male friend and coworker Evan helps take her work belongings home one day.  This three year work friendship turns romantic and soon fizzles to nothing.  Two guardian angels named Kay and Jay must enter their lives to help get this romance back on track.

I thought this story was a lighthearted look at love.  It was short, sweet, kind and gentle.  It shows that when others intervene, no matter whom it is, love can flourish.


There Be Dragons by Heather Graham

Read by Maddy

Marina parents Nico d'Or and Princess Elisia were killed when she was young. Now older she is arranged to marry Carlos Baristo, her step mother Geovana's son, on Christmas Day. He is a rotten person just like his mother, who cares nothing of her but the power he can get from marriage. One day when Marina was trying to avoid Carlos, she meet a falcon. A magical one that talked and told her that she can have three wishes.  

Showing the magic that love and Christmas can bring, reading this got me into the Christmas time mood. I really love how there were color photography artwork that showed the characters in the beginning of the book and what was happening throughout.