2019 Year in Review and 2020 New Year's Resolution

Another year has come and gone.

At the last count, I have reviewed a total of 46 books for the year to date. This works out to be an average of 3.8 books per month; almost 1 book per week. Though I have will preferred exactly 1 book a week, I think almost is good enough for me these days.

Year 2019 @ 46 (-16 YOY)
Year 2018 @ 62 (+10 YOY)
Year 2017 @ 52 (■ YOY)
Year 2016 @ 52 (-22 YOY)
Year 2015 @ 74 (-23 YOY)
Year 2014 @ 97

Review: The Noel Stranger (Noel Collection #2) by Richard Paul Evans

4 stars for The Noel Stranger (Noel Collection book 2) by Richard Paul Evans.

This is a heartwarming Christmas story on forgiveness, trust, hope and a second chance at love.

Review: Timepiece (Christmas Box Collection #2) by Richard Paul Evans

3.5 stars for Timepiece (Christmas Box Collection Book 2) by Richard Paul Evans.

It is not often that I say this but I really like the book title, Timepiece. It leaves a nice, warm, cozy feeling of unspoken marvel, timeless value and classical antiquity.

True to the title, Timepiece is a touching story of hope, love and forgiveness. Even though this is a fictional story, I know many of the names mentioned in it are not. Thus, it kind of set me thinking, and wondering if this is a real story, a secret true story after all.

Review: The Mistletoe Secret (Mistletoe Collection #3) by Richard Paul Evans

3.5 stars for The Mistletoe Secret (Mistletoe Collection book 3) by Richard Paul Evans.

Since the end of last year, right after I finish reading The Mistletoe Inn, I have been looking forward to reading this third, and perhaps final book in the Mistletoe collection. And now, here I am. I have done it!

The Mistletoe Secret is a touching story of two people who overcome solitude, loneliness and loss to find love. One can be alone but not feel lonely, this is especially so when it is one's choice to be alone. On the other hand, one can be in a group yet feel lonely. This sentence, taken verbatim from the book, "nothing makes you feel more lonely than crowds of people you are not connected to", rings so true.

Separately, on acronyms, I find it amazing that author Evans can come up with different variations of LBH to suit his novel. To have some idea on what LBH is, well, for one, it can mean Let's Be Honest.

So, LBH here. Since I love the earlier two books in the Mistletoe collection, it comes as a surprise that I take quite some time getting into the story this time. It is only after sixteen chapters, making it around 35% or so of the book, that I start to really enjoy the story more. So, that is me, being honest. Really.

Though The Mistletoe Secret may not be my favourite of the three in the collection, it is still an inspirational read. I am glad to have read this book finally.

Review: Being Santa Claus: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas by Sal Lizard and Jonathan Lane

4 stars for Being Santa Claus: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas by Sal Lizard and Jonathan Lane.

This is truly a book about the spirit of Christmas; an uplifting story full of miracles and Christmas wonder.

When I read that author Sal's hair and beard turned completely white in his twenties, I am like "seriously, what is the chance of someone looking so much like Santa Claus with the real white beard and moustache"?

In this book, Santa Sal shares with readers many amazing and delightful experiences of his. These include how he comes to personify the spirit of Santa Claus, how he learns to play Santa and be Santa himself, why he feels a growing need and responsibility to maintain Santa's unblemished image in the hearts and minds of children, why he makes a vow to himself that he will never ever leave a child waiting for an answer to a question for Santa, how he answers those so-very-tricky Christmas questions from children - questions such as "why don't I get the present I ask for?" or "where is Santa's reindeer and sleigh?" or "How do I earn the toy I want?" or "Why didn't I get everything on my Christmas wish list?" or "Are you really Santa Claus?" - and many many more.

It is heartening to see how author Sal feels about Christmas, that it is not simply a single day during the year, but rather, as any time when someone reaches out to another with love and a helping hand. As such, it is amazing to see the Christmas magic he creates for adults and children alike.

I believe that the most lasting Christmas memories are created by simple, special moments of togetherness; these are the real magic and wonder of what the holiday season is all about. And author Sal, through his stories, successfully captures these wonderful moments for his readers. Yes, read this book and feel for yourself what I mean.