My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday, by Stephanie Perkins - Starting December 18th 2019

[Felicia, Head of Team Quarterly & BOTM]

If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year's there's something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love.

[Patty]

Midnights - Rainbow Rowell 5/5 stars
(view spoiler)[
Centered around New Years Eve, Noel and Mags have known each other for three years. This night is actually the anniversary of their friendship and when they first met.
Noel has a few food allergies, and that's how the two hit it off back then when Mags saved Noel's life by not letting him eat the foods he was allergic to. Throughout the night Noel is trying to get Mags to dance with him and the two have a cute dynamic where they are bickering about ideas like if it's silly to kiss someone just because it's midnight on NYE (it is), but at times they were a little nostalgic and sad. The story takes place in a short period of time, but we quickly see that these two characters have grown to be more than just friends in their three years of knowing one another.
(hide spoiler)]

The Lady and the Fox - Kelly Link 1/5 stars
(view spoiler)[
Really didn't like this one, couldn't hold my interest. Seemed to be too fantastical and I was having a hard time grasping it when there was such a limited story...
(hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[
Angels in the Snow - Matt de la Pena

Polaris is Where You'll Find Me - Jenny Han

It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown - Stephanie Perkins

Your Temporary Santa - David Levithan

Krampuslauf - Holly Black

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? - Gayle Forman

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus - Myra McEntire

Welcome to Christmas, CA - Kiersten White

Star of Bethlehem - Ally Carter

The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer - Laini Taylor
(hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

I got a little delayed with my last book, starting today!

[Keri]

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell: 5/5 stars
(view spoiler)[ This was super cute and I loved it and read it so fast! Great first story to get me into this and I really liked how we started with the final NYE, then went back to last years and then back for the full detail of the final one. Even thought it was a short story I felt it was a full story. (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link 1/5 stars
(view spoiler)[ okay, this was confusing, and never cleared up. I never really understood what was actually going on with Fenny and if he was real or why he could only stare in the window when it snowed on Christmas? Also I just didn’t feel like I was invested in any of the characters enough that I cared, unfortunately. This story just wasn’t for me I guess. (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Pena: 3/5 stars
(view spoiler)[I enjoyed this one, it started out kind of abruptly to get into and it was weird the main character kept calling his sister ‘little sis’ when referring to her, even once we were told her name...
But I liked him and the connection he made with Haley. It was fun to follow them getting to know each other. I know the story was short but I would’ve liked some background or explanation on why he was so poor he couldn’t even eat and some of that. (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

Polaris is Where You’ll Find Me by Jenny Han: 4/5 stars
(view spoiler)[This was so cute and reminded me of the premise of the movie Elf, with a human living at the North Pole and among the elves. It was very bittersweet with Natalie wanting to grow up and fall in love with Flynn, but the no humans dating elves stopping things. The end was so sad finally seeing that Flynn loved her too, he was only with Eleanor to stop himself from getting hurt since he knew Natalie would have to leave. :-( (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

It's A Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins: 4/5 stars
(view spoiler)[I really liked this story and was easily sucked in. It felt like a whole story even though it was so short. I liked Marigold and North, and it was cute and showed such kindness how he helped her organize her house. I felt like as I read it I could feel Marigold's life improving as I imagined the house becoming more of a home. This was a touching story with a cute romance. I think I would have liked it better without the added reason she originally went to North. That was just added info that felt thrown in and somewhat forced to me when it finally came back up. I feel like it would have worked better if she was just going there to get a tree or wishing to get a tree and then unfolded the same way. Just my opinion. (hide spoiler)]

Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan: 2/5 stars
(view spoiler)[This was a weird story with some good parts. I liked the parts where the main character was acting as Santa and interacting with Riley the best, then also the scenes with Lana, though I would have rather had more focus on getting through to her or figuring her out. I did not care at all about the inner monologue about him and his boyfriend, or the random parts with them because they were more superficial seeming, rather than meaning anything. Most of the parts where the main character was in his head thinking did not make sense to me. and then it ended. I would have liked it more if it focused on being Santa for the two younger girls to inspire them to believe. (hide spoiler)]

Krampuslauf by Holly Black: 2/5 stars
(view spoiler)[I enjoyed that this story added in a little of fantasy which is my favorite type of story, but the plot wasn’t very strong and a lot of the time I wasn’t totally sure what was going on... I did like the two girlfriends realizing they were both being played and banding together to have the guy punished, but otherwise there wasn't really much of a plot. (hide spoiler)]

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman: 1/5 stars
(view spoiler)[I just did not connect at all with this story and didn't feel at all invested in the characters so the story just didn't matter to me, I had a hard time focusing. (hide spoiler)]

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire: 1/5 stars
(view spoiler)[This one was weird for me b/c the characters were I think teenagers but sometimes in the dialogue it felt like they were little kids? I kept thinking they read younger than they were and then was reminded when they'd talk about the car. Because of that it made it hard for me to connect and the story just didn't capture my interest. (hide spoiler)]

Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White: 3.5/5 stars
(view spoiler)[This felt like a full story. I really liked the aspects of the cook who could make food for each person which was what he/she needed, and the part when she finds out her mom and stepdad have been doing everything for her when she had always felt they were just taking advantage of her. I also liked how they helped Candy get away. I didn't really feel the romance part with the Maria and the cook was necessary, it almost seemed forced. The rest of the elements of the story held it on their own for me. (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter: 3.5/5 stars
(view spoiler)[I really liked this one a lot but felt the end portion when we learned Lydia was a famous singer and the results was extremely rushed, almost like the author got to the last couple pages and suddenly had to stop instantly. Up until that point I really liked the story though with the swapping places, Lydia’s mystery surrounding her, and the getting to know the characters. (hide spoiler)]

The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor: 5/5 stars
(view spoiler)[This story was very different and fantastical, along with somewhat odd...but it really worked for me. It didn’t feel rushed at all, I was intrigued right away and wanted to learn more. I loved the fantasy element and the writing style just drew me in and was great. This is the first thing I’ve read by Laini Taylor and now I’m really wanting to get to her books that I own! (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

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Date changed. Restarting December 18th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Midnights 4 Stars
(view spoiler)[This was a really cute little story. Girl meets boy at New Years party. They become BFFs, girl fall for boy and takes boy years to realize he liked her back. It was pretty funny how he had that allergic reaction from kissing her when he kept telling her she’d be the one to save his life lol. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Lady and the Fox 2 Stars
(view spoiler)[So I'm more confused by this than anything. It was just weird. Was Fenny a ghost? And who the hell was the Lady? Like what was the actual point of this story because I have NO IDEA lol. It honestly brought out more questions than anything most notably her mother being imprisoned in Thailand. I didn't find this really holiday themed either, just all around WEIRD!!! (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Angels in the Snow 3 Stars
(view spoiler)[ I don’t get the point of this one. Shy is not planning on staying in New York anyways so I don’t see a prospective HEA in their future. What a weird story, once again I feel like I’m missing something 🤷🏼‍♀️ (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "Lady and the Fox 2 Stars
[spoilers removed]"

I don't even know what really happened in this one either, but I enjoyed hearing Fiona Hardingham read it lol

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Up to Angels in snow. (view spoiler)[Okay these have all been really cute. almost midnight was definitely my favorite so far but I can’t wait to see what’s next! (hide spoiler)]

Up to Your temporary Santa. (view spoiler)[I didn’t really care for the Polaris story. It was weird and I didn’t feel like I got any closure from it? But I loved the Yuletide one and the Santa one with a Jewish Santa 😂 that was so great. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Beer buckets and ____. (view spoiler)[That was a fun story. I absolutely loved Gayles story. It was so good. Holly’s story was interesting with Krampus and the fae. Not surprised fae showed up 😂 (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ These last three stories were my favorite!! I loved Ben in the kitchen with his magical cooking ability. I cried a little bit when Maria and her mom talked finally. The Laini Taylor story was utterly beautiful and magical. I loved the ending!! (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Polaris is Where You’ll Find Me 3 Stars
(view spoiler)[I found this one a little depressing. She’s pining over this elf, all alone yet surrounded by others in the North Pole. And I mean that was a pretty straightforward knockdown to her since he gave her the info on another guy. (hide spoiler)]
It’s a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown 4.5 Stars
(view spoiler)[Finally a story I really enjoyed. It was adorable and fun. I really enjoyed both characters and it was cute watching them spend the day together. This one actually left me feeling like the story was complete and the HEA believable. There wasn’t the usual ‘hidden meanings’ I always miss that most short stories have. (hide spoiler)]
Your Temporary Santa 3 Stars
(view spoiler)[I mean this was cute but kinda pointless. I mean he pretends to be Santa for his boyfriends little sister, that’s it 🤷🏼‍♀️ (hide spoiler)]
Krampuslauf 4 Stars
(view spoiler)[This one was odd but enjoyable. The Krampus angle was a bit weird but also comical. Wonder how long they left rich boy Roth a donkey lol?!? (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? 4 Stars
(view spoiler)[This was a really cute & sweet short story. The coming together of two outsiders, brought together by their randomness and holiday traditions. Oh yeah and their appreciation for all things sarcasm lol. (hide spoiler)]
Beer Buckets & Baby Jesus
(view spoiler)[Another story I really enjoyed. The outcast/troublemaker who ruins the day ends up being the one to save it as well. And I mean it seems he ends up with the girl too, the preacher's daughter at that :) I like how they combined the two plays, sounds like an interesting mashup I almost wish it didn't end with the curtain going up lol. Don’t quite see how the title works for the story 🤷🏼‍♀️ (hide spoiler)]
Welcome to Christmas, CA 4.5 Stars
(view spoiler)[This was the most meaningful story yet. In a cheesy way I think it captured the essence of Christmas and proved it’s more a feeling than anything else. I enjoyed both Ben and Maria. I was honestly not sure Ben was who he said he was given his amazing cooking skills and knowing exactly what ppl wanted, thought maybe he was like a guardian angel or something lol. And Maria, poor thing didn’t realize all she had but I guess it’s better late than never. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Star of Bethlehem 4.5 Stars
(view spoiler)[Well this was damn adorable. Cute little country romance and I loved the idea of trading plane tickets with a stranger. Super sweet, loved this one! (hide spoiler)]
The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer 4 Stars
(view spoiler)[that was weird but really sweet and awesome. I’m glad she got a HEA and the preacher got what was coming to him. I think it’s a cute idea to be courted for 24 days like that too! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina, Head of Monthly Challenges & Keeper of BR Threads]

Midnights: (view spoiler)[omg this was so cute although always having an anniversary on NYE sounds kind of awful - or is that just me? (hide spoiler)]
Angels in the Snow: (view spoiler)[low-key didn't like this one. it's like everything that happened just annoyed me or gave me the creeps.. (hide spoiler)]
Welcome to Christmas, CA: (view spoiler)[phew, okay the stories are back to getting better. There was another weird one that I didn't quite like but very happy that I came to this one. Ben and Maria were adorable and I really enjoyed their growth in this one. (hide spoiler)]
Finished: (view spoiler)[uhhh the last one was weird - right? I mean that in the nicest way possible though because I could see the sweet moments but for some reason my brain wasn't liking anything in it lol. I blame the preacher - he was weird. (hide spoiler)]