Some of the Christmas hours I like best are the quiet ones just before and after the big celebrations. In my own quiet hours this week, I actually read a whole book in two days, and it was so utterly charming I just have to tell you about it. It's the 1997 book "A Victorian Christmas Tea," four novellas about Christmas, all with a teatime plotline somewhere in the mix, and the authors are Catherine Palmer, Dianna Crawford, Peggy Stoks and Katherine Chute.
I had saved two of my "12 Days of Christmas" teas from Janet in Texas just for this time, and I thoroughly enjoyed Bigelow's Gingersnappish and Eggnogg'n. (I've never had eggnog, because it just doesn't appeal to me, but I absolutely adored this tea!) And the book itself was such a sweet treat! These four inspirational romances are set in the mountains of New Mexico, a stormy New England coast, rural Minnesota, and a Louisiana plantation, all at Christmas, all with budding romances promising to unfold. It was such a lovely time back when ladies and gentlemen were courted and gave such care to that all-important decision of choosing a life's mate. I ended each of these tender stories heartened—and wanting a cup of their story's tea.
Each tale also concludes with one special recipe from the plot, so that was a treat as well, but mostly I just enjoyed reading uplifting fiction with a Christmas theme at Christmas. If you haven't read this book, I'd suggest you get a copy now—or at least put it on your reading list for next year!
This looks like a very cozy read. I just reserved it at my library. Thank you! Dee
ReplyDeleteDefinitely gonna look for that book -sounds charming
ReplyDeleteI'll be looking for this book at my library. I usually devour a lot of books & tea all through the winter.
ReplyDeleteHello Angela
ReplyDeleteYou have recommended some good books this year and I'll see about getting this one for my ereader since I received a gift certificate for Christmas. :-)
My plan today is to sit and read with a cup of tea and a couple of sweets. Hubby is gone for a few days helping our daughter and SIL prep for their new kitchen going in next month. Guess I'll get a git of reading done.
Judith
The book sounds great !!
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds like a wonderful book - once again you are so helpful with awesome recommendations, Angela!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a wonderful holiday!
I wish you a truly tealightful new year, too. Best wishes.
Hugs,
Michele
What a lovely post, Angela. This sounds like a good book. Sometimes quiet moments around the holiday are the most memorable moments, I agree! Hope you had a nice holiday, Joanie
ReplyDeleteA friend gave me that book -- I haven't found time to read it...now you have motivated me!! I am currently reading In the Company of Others by Jan Karon -- It was published in 2010 -- so I am behind...but was on sale at BN for $5...hardback and all -- I had so enjoyed the previous series...so working through this one these wintery days. Thanks for the info on the previous mentioned book...will have to get to it!! ~Donna
ReplyDeleteI read this book when it first came out but maybe I should get it at the library tomorrow and reread it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteWe used to live in New Mexico. Looks like a trip to the bookstore is on the to-do list now. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI love to read Christmas fiction at this time of year, so this one will go on my reading list for sure.
ReplyDeleteI received this book previously as a Christmas gift from a friend, but have never taken the time to sit down and read it. You've inspired me! We got A LOT of snow last night so maybe I'll get it read while I'm homebound.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely book. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteNow I think I would enjoy that book.
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