Review: Christmas under a Cranberry Sky (Juniper Island #1) by Holly Martin

Did Not Finish Christmas under a Cranberry Sky (Juniper Island book 1) by Holly Martin.

If I am to rate this book, the few chapters that I have covered will have earned themselves a 4-star rating.

Christmas under a Cranberry Sky starts out remarkably well with an intense cozy feeling of Christmas in the air. The author brings out the festive mood really well by her association of all things Christmassy. There is mention of stone cottages, stone fireplaces, log cabins, log fires, real Christmas trees, mulled wine, pine cones, Christmas market and even tiny snowflakes dancing in the air.

The story is set in Stardust Lake Hotel, a winter resort on Juniper Island, the most northern island of the Scottish Isles. This hotel seems to be the perfect place to spend Christmas in with gorgeous Christmas trees bedecked in large gold ribbons, tiny fairy lights and red glass baubles. In short, the story setting is filled with Christmas spirit and the festive holiday feel.

However, as the story progresses, it slowly turns from a Christmas-themed story to one of long-lost romance. As it is, my patience for romance novel runs pretty short these days, especially for lengthy ones. So, with the change in tune, I decide to move on to my next Christmas story.

Review: The Book of Christmas: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Festive Traditions by Christopher Winn

3 stars for The Book of Christmas: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Festive Traditions by Christopher Winn.

I like very much to own a copy of this book the moment I set my eyes on it in the library. The lovely cover picture and wordings in gold take my breath away. Even the simple action of holding the book and flipping through the pages give me a sense of peace and the wondrous feeling of Christmas magic.

Naturally, I borrow the book and thought that I will definitely enjoy this read totally. But all too often, what we hope and want it to be may not happen in reality. In this case, much as I love this book of red cover and green flyleaf, it is not an easy read for me.

I love Christmas for the festive spirit, the simple, special moments of spending time together as a family, the giving and the receiving. Over the years, Christmas has come to mean whatever I want it to mean, more as a widely celebrated festival with secular features such as shopping, feasting, relaxing and family togetherness, rather than religious purposes. Perhaps it is for this reason that I find it hard to immerse myself in the finer details of Christmas and its origins and traditions and whatnots. That said, this book is still a good book to have to uncover the hidden stories behind our festive traditions.

Once again, I have managed to hold myself back from buying another book on impulse. While I am still very much attracted to this book with its beautiful cover and charming illustrations, I am glad for the cost savings as I am not sure if I will read it a second time.

Review: The Book of X by Sarah Rose Etter

2 stars for The Book of X by Sarah Rose Etter.

I am not sure what to make of this story after I am done reading. Oh heck, I am not even sure if I like it enough to be spending my time writing a review on it. The only bright side to this post is that it goes towards making an addition to my official list of books read.

Much of this book is focused on the female protagonist, Cassandra X, who is born with her stomach twisted in the shape of a knot, a hereditary condition passed down from the maternal side of the family. Throughout the book, Cassandra is constantly haunted by visions of another life, one which she yearns for and imagines as much better than her current one.

I will say The Book of X is somewhat dark and unsettling. Much is centered on Cassie and her relationship with her family and a few choice friends. The setting is fine but the mood is too melancholy for my taste. What's more? It gets darker still towards the end, like a never ending kind of depression, certainly too dark for my taste.

If you are looking for a sad and disturbing read, this is the book for you. If not, steer clear of this one.

Review: Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

5 stars for Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls.

A combination of friendship and kinship for both the living and the dying, Ways to Live Forever is a poignant reminder to all of us that each day we live is a gift albeit one towards death.

This story is simple really and reads as if penned by a real eleven-year-old child. Surprisingly, it is this simplicity that invokes in me a maelstrom of emotions so powerful that I cry a few times too many while reading. Words are not enough to describe my feelings for this simple yet beautiful work of fiction. It feels so real, so close and so tender. It makes me think, makes me feel and makes me sad.

It is no wonder that this Children's Fiction is the winner of the 2008 Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Indeed, it is a splendid debut novel suitable for readers of all ages; for anyone who loves an intelligent, moving story.

Review: Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Did Not Finish Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah.

The stars must have misaligned when I start out with this book. If not, why else will I keep thinking that this is a fantasy story with paranormal elements when it is obviously not.

This story has a great start. It has all the makings of a powerful story to come, one involving the so-called Ursa Major alien and her Ursa Minor dog. Unfortunately, the potential to excel is not utilised to its benefit. I did try my best to read but soon find myself skipping chunks of the story after the halfway mark. It is a sign to stop.

I will have like to know how the story ends but I also do not want to slog through all the slow and boring dialogues. In the end, I do what I need to do by adding this book to my collection of did-not-finish.