The World Rejoices by Eliza Hule, Cyndi Logsdon, Brook Taylor, and Ashley Arey

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review

A joy to read - each day provides scripture and an activity or idea to enrich the time as a family. There are scavenger hunts, promise verses, puzzles, and more. This is obviously written by someone who loves kids and has worked with them.

If you've been looking for a family devotional for Advent that suits multiple ages, this might be just the one. Recommended for a broad understanding of what Jesus' coming and the celebration of Christmas are about.

Promises Made, Promises Kept by Marty Machowski

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review

The cover may not be exciting, but the inside is a treat. This family devotional starts the journey from creation and the God's promise to provide a Savior. 

Each day goes from one story to the next, explaining the beauty of Jesus' birth and the purpose of his coming. Beautifully illustrated, the whole family will enjoy this one. Highly recommended.

The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Oh, I hated this one ... and couldn't put it down. Rossi takes a riveting look at modeling and the treatment of women before the me-too movement became a thing.

You'll be engrossed in the world of modeling, the expectations and experiences of models, and the innocence and ignorance of those used by the fashion world.

The interpersonal relationships, the thrill of being seen, and the indifference of a dysfunctional family are told with heart and presence. If you like a decade-long personal saga of personal growth and heartbreak, you'll enjoy this one.

The House of Cross by James Patterson

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
What a nail-biter! Patterson is a master storyteller. Just when I thought things were wrapping up, we were off again.

If you're familiar with the Alex Cross series, you'll enjoy this continuation. If you're new, you can jump right in, crossing borders, considering conspiracies, and protecting family.

When you need a mystery thriller, there's no better place to start. I enjoyed it.

The Accidental Oligarch by David Hoffman - 2nd round

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
A thriller, a page turner, and a bit of history. If you want another point of view on Russia's involvement in Ukraine, you may enjoy this one.

What happens when your identity is stolen for fraud and you can't work at your boring job? Can your anger fuel revenge and a whole new saga? It's a good read, a bit of a stretch at times, and a look in the window of what's happening in Europe today.

Mary Pickford Mystery by William Baer

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 What do you get if you combine a movie star, a dead man, and a good lawyer? A murder mystery that keeps you engaged and charmed.

I enjoyed the people and the story. It messes with Hollywood history in the most interesting way and draws you in for a hopeful conclusion. Recommended on a boring commute, a day of recovery, or just to pass the time.

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 Need a pre-Christmas binge? I do enjoy the feel-good stories of finding happiness and home at Christmas. Here, Lindy is going to find out if "Santa" is reading her letters ... do wishes come true?

An entertaining story about people you'll like, with a plot that ends well, and Christmas spirit. Find a comfy chair and plunge in.

Macomber never fails to entertain and bring comfort and joy.

A Christmas Legacy Anne Perry

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Every Perry book is interesting. I love the drama, the characters, and the mystery to be solved. So, once again, I was looking forward to her new novel.

I like the continuity of story - this is an aside to the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series and just as good. You'll enjoy the family goings-on and the happy ending for Christmas.

This is one to read when you have a blanket wrapped around you, sitting in front of the fire with a cup of cocoa. Enjoy! 

A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson

★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Time for some Christmas romance? Here's one you'll enjoy if you like light reading and fun relationships. With a past, not so much of a future, and an ex nearby, how hard can Christmas be?

Take it on your commute or crack it open when you have an hour or two but little brain power for serious work.

Tidy Up Your Life Tyler Moore

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
 When you're feeling overwhelmed, you don't need a lot of systems designed by other people. You need to figure out how to downsize your brain, your to-do list, your time, and your spaces.

Moore will show you how he managed to clean up and clear out the clutter of his life and surroundings. His tips on defining and creating your own systems - with lots of suggestions - will be helpful.

So get cracking! Lay your tired self on the sofa and get reading toward your hopeful future.

Salt Water by Katy Hays

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review
 OH WOW. This one took me by surprise, time and again. Until the last page (and I reread the final chapter to make sure!), I couldn't predict the outcomes or ending.

If you like a family drama, thriller, mystery, and a touch of romance, you'll love this one. It was unexpected. At times, it was an edge-of-seat page-turner ... I shook my head at the imagination of the writer more than once.

Recommended.