"The Holiday Switch"

"The Holiday Switch" by Tif Marcelo

Senior year of high school is looking pretty spectacular for

Lila Santos. Hard work and determination have paid off

for this young lady with lofty goals. 

She's been accepted into Syracuse University, her dream

school, and hopes to pick up extra hours at the Bookworm

Inn during the upcoming holiday break to help with all

those college expenses. The Inn, a snug, little slice of 

heaven, sits in the center of Holly, New York, a picturesque

postcard of a town, where the famous movie, Holiday by 

the Lake, was filmed years ago.

What people don't know about Lila, is that she is the anonymous

author of a popular book blog with a loyal following. Writing is a 

secret passion, one that her parents would vehemently oppose,

considering their distaste for social media. No harm in keeping

this one, little truth from the people she loves.

But plans often hit a snag, and Lila's comes in the form of a 

flirtatious, attractive young man by the name of Teddy Rivera.

He's the nephew of the Inn's owner, and, unfortunately, he'll be

taking some of Lila's hours while she trains him. Sparks fly 

between them, and infuriatingly exasperating as Teddy can be, 

the mutual attraction is undeniable. One day, when they 

accidentally switch phones, Lila discovers she's not the only 

one hiding a secret. Together, the teenagers learn that facing fear

and uncertainty brings clarity to what lies ahead. It's a recipe for

a growing friendship that just might lead to sweet romance.

Young Adult readers will enjoy this delightfully entertaining 

paperback that captures the essence of what it means to be a 

family. But other readers will also find it to be a light and fun addition

to the festive season head. The story examines the interaction of two, 

vibrant Filipino American teenagers who learn that dreams and 

aspirations don't always fall in line with what their parents might

choose for them, and honesty goes a long way in achieving

happiness. 

And be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book, that

describe how she's managed to pursue two careers while putting

love of family at the heart of it all, much like the special

characters she's created in this rom-com called "The Holiday Switch".

 

 

"The Santa Suit"

"The Santa Suit" by Mary Kay Andrews 

Christmas comes early in this charming novella guaranteed to

warm your heart with holiday cheer. 

When Ivy Perkins arrives at Four Roses Farm, she can't help but

wonder if she's made a huge, impulsive mistake. Buying this old,

dilapidated home, sight unseen, in the tiny town of Tarburton,

North Carolina, seemed at the time to be just what she needed

for this new chapter in her life. But maybe leaving bustling

Atlanta was nothing more than a colossal, bad decision after her

recent, emotionally-charged divorce.

It's too late now, so along with her loyal pooch, Punkin, Ivy begins 

the overwhelming task of sifting through the piles of leftover 

mementoes and junk from the previous owner. And in one closet, she

finds a treasure; a vintage, plush, velvet Santa suit with a fervent note 

in a pocket. Written in a childlike scrawl, the author asks for her

daddy to return home from war, to make her mama smile again. 

Ivy sets out with steadfast curiosity to find out the story behind the

letter that touches her heart. Along the way, she meets characters

who reconnect after precious years apart, while welcoming her 

into their community with open arms. That definitely includes a

handsome realtor who seems to have been waiting forever for a lovely

stranger to arrive at this precise time in his life. Ivy's second chance 

at love, and belonging, are hers for the taking. 

An endearing, winsome prelude to the magic of the Christmas season,

this feel-good mystery/romance, set in a winter wonderland, and oozing

with joy, is the perfect start to your holiday reading.