Tuesday, December 22, 2020
James Patterson's The Christmas Mystery Book Review and Book List
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Christmas Novels Review
Holiday themes are always popular novel subjects, especially around Christmas Time. It is the perfect time of year for stories of love and romance, hope and happiness.
In addition to the classic reads, such as A Christmas Carol and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, many authors publish Christmas novels for your holiday reading enjoyment and for gift-giving.
Debbie Macomber and Christmas
Perhaps the most well known author to bring out new Christmas novels is Debbie Macomber. She has earned the title of “the official storyteller of Christmas” by virtue of her annual Christmas books. Six of these stories have been made into original Hallmark Channel movies.
A Christmas Duet Synopsis
Debbie Macomber’s 2024 Christmas novel, A Christmas Duet, is her latest story for this holiday season.
Hailey Morgan is an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. Hailey’s life has always revolved around music. She once hoped to make a living composing her own songs, but the reality of life changed that.
As holiday time draws near, Hailey dreads having to again spend Christmas with her meddling family. When her close friend offers a family cabin, empty this time of year, for a solo retreat, Hailey decides it is time to do something to make herself happy.
Hailey arrives at her friend's cabin in a small Washington town, expecting a peaceful getaway. However, her plans are initially disrupted when she discovers that the cabin is unexpectedly inhabited by several wild animals.
Lucky for Hailey, the local mayor’s son - Jay - is very willing to help make the cabin livable. Jay is charming and also happens to be a former musician.
![]() |
Image Source: Pixabay |
It doesn’t take long before Hailey and Jay are inseparable, enjoying holiday traditions together. They chop down a tree and decorate it while sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire. They also spend time playing music together and, with Jay’s encouragement, Hailey begins to believe she might yet succeed as a songwriter.
Hailey is truly enjoying her snow-dusted oasis at the cabin, but her family’s holiday drama interrupts her newfound peace. Also, Jay reveals some things that present complications of their own.
With challenges and complications interrupting her Christmas paradise, Hailey has to learn to stand up for herself and find a way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Summary
Debbie Macomber’s Christmas novel “A Christmas Duet” puts us in the festive spirit. The magic of Christmas becomes a part of the plot and captures the essence of the holiday season. A delightful holiday read.
Related Links:
- For more information about Debbie Macomber’s Christmas novels, visit her website: www.DebbieMacomber.com.
- For more Debbie Macomber book and movie reviews, click here.
- For More Book Reviews on Review This Reviews, Check Out ReviewThisBooks.com
Monday, September 9, 2019
Favorite Fall Lawn Gadgets Reviewed
September is actually I think the best month for the northern United States. The air is crisper, the humidity has decreased and the leaves are just beginning their journey through the colors. Fall also means lawn work, garden clean up, Fall planting and preparing the lawn and garden for a snowy winter.
My Favorite Fall Lawn Gadgets
The Bagster - On Demand Debris RemovalIf Fall clean up involves heavy materials whether it be concrete, wood or trees then The Bagster is a great alternative to dispose of heavy loads. Simply purchase The Bagster bag either online or at a big box store, fill the bag and schedule the pick up!
Find the full review here and see if your area qualifies for The Bagster.
Greenworks Leaf Blower
This is one of my favorite lawn tools of all purchases. The lightweight Greenworks Leaf Blower is so versatile.I use it all year to blow leaves and debris off the driveway or deck, blow leaves to dispose of in the Fall and even use it for a Car Hack to blow dust out of the car.
Read the full review here of this easy to maneuver Leaf Blower.
City Pickers Raised Garden Bed
I really enjoyed this garden bed on wheels during the summer and will transition this raised bed garden for Fall planting. Maybe a pumpkin?!? I plan on rolling the bed into the Florida room for the winter and begin herb planting come spring.Read the full review here of this rolling garden bed perfect for the yard, deck or patio.
Blue Shoes Disposable Shoes
Fall means rain, mud and leaves in my area of the country. Do you have trees with those itty bitty leaves which stick to everything and every shoe?These affordable disposable shoes I have found invaluable for yard work in any weather. Pop the shoes on and dispose of in a jif if needed. If the conditions are dry the shoes can be used as a cover and then reused.
Read the full review here of these little shoe savers.
Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies
I know, these are not a lawn gadget. But Fall means Hallmark Christmas Movies are in the near future. As I recall the Christmas movies began at Halloween last year.Find the full review here.
A few new favorites from last Christmas to add to the list:
- Christmas At Pemberley Manor
- Christmas At The Palace
- Christmas On Honeysuckle Lane
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Browse Review This for Gift Ideas
The Review This Holiday Gift Guide
Of course all of us on Review This couldn't help but put together a marvelous collection of places online where you can select ideal gifts. Whether it's Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, showers or just because you want to gift something to yourself, the Holiday Gift Guide is the perfect place to start.
From home decor gifts to toys and just about everything in between, a great choice awaits you. Each of the sites featured is chosen by our writers so you know we picked those good ones.
Books and Movies for Fun Gifts
Books and movies are favorites for many of the writers on Review This. So we share our best picks for those. Really, can we ever have too many books to read or too many movies to enjoy?
Take a hilarious tour around Christmas Movies: Comedies for some great ideas. Then enjoy a book review just for the holidays. Noel the Christmas Ornament Book is wonderful for the whole family to enjoy for the holidays. Of course, you don't want to forget a great gift for all readers.
Uniquely Designed Gifts
Something different or unique is always welcome. But that doesn't
![]() |
Mugs Make Great Gifts |
Personally, I'm excited about giving calendars as affordable gifts and we have writers that are like me. On Review This, we include those special calendars. Not only beautiful photographic calendars, but easy ideas to make personalized ones as gifts.
Relax and Browse Review This
It doesn't matter what occasion you need a gift for, the writers on Review This have found some great ideas. So relax and browse around. The very best idea may just be sitting right here for you.
Posted by: BuckHawk

About This Contributor
BuckHawk decribes herself as "Basically a lazy person who prefers the easy things in life." So that's what she writes about. Easy home decorating, easy recipes, easy entertaining. But, she is also a lover of animals, gardening and crafting. You'll find her writing all over the Web, but with Review This Reviews! she has the opportunity to write about all of her loves.
Friday, November 22, 2024
A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) Movie Review
Reminiscent of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison are a beautiful couple that make ballroom dancing look fun, easy and very romantic.
I assure you, I don't take comparing Lilley and Morrison to Rogers and
Astaire, lightly. For as long as I can remember, I've thought Ginger
Rogers was the epitome of grace, beauty and talent. To say she was
captivating would be an understatement. Plus, she was an extremely
talented actress in a variety of movie genres, including comedy. She
is, by far, my all time favorite actress.
Fred Astaire's name is synonymous with dancing. He was, quite literally, born to dance and he made precision dance look effortless. Astaire's talent wasn't limited to dance and choreography. He was a singer, composer, and played several instruments. His talents, as well as awards and recognition, seem limitless.
As you can see, I greatly admire Rogers and Astaire's talents. They were consummate entertainers.
As for Lilley and Morrison, they have decades to share their talents with us. However, I do believe they have already captured the ability to appear to shut out the rest of the world when they are dancing with each other, just like Rogers and Astaire.
A Paris Christmas Waltz - Great American Family Movie
The movie opens with Emma Harris and her best friend, Cece, attending a Christmas Gala performance. Emma is mesmerized by the beauty of the dance and the powerful performance by Leo Monroe and his dance partner. When she expresses how she would like to dance like that, her friend immediately knows what she will give her for Christmas, ballroom dance lessons.
When the performance is over, Leo returns to his dressing room to discover an emergency call from a hospital in Paris. When he is informed that his dance teacher and mentor, Henry Fontaine, needs him, he immediately makes plans to fly to Paris. He is still in Paris helping with Henry's dance school a year later when Henry shares that he feels well enough to choreograph a new dance for Leo so he can compete in the Paris Yuletide Pro-Am. Since Leo has severed ties with his previous dance partner, he will need a new partner and decides to audition potential dance partners when he is in New York. That is where he meets Emma.
Emma's heart is touched when a co-worker is informed that his job is being cut. Since she is single with no dependents, and he has children, she offers to take the job cut herself to save his job.
After Emma sacrifices her own employment, she has plenty of time on her hands. Fortunately, she has wisely saved money so it is not imperative that she take a new job immediately. Therefore, when she is given the opportunity to dance with a renowned professional dancer in a Pro-Am competition in Paris, she is ready and excited to embrace this new adventure.
"A Paris Christmas Waltz" is a really sweet and uplifting movie about two people who sacrifice for others at Christmastime. The changes to their own lives as a result of those sacrifices are significant, yet those changes lead them to each other and much more than a Christmas waltz.
Check Out More Great American Family Christmas Movie Review
The Great American Family Channel (GAC), which began in Sept. 2021, offers us family-friendly programming with movies that are clean. Pure entertainment without foul language or disturbing scenes. It is my favorite channel to watch! Here are more Christmas movies that I have previously watched and reviewed. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
A Brush With Christmas
When the demands of her restaurant increase for the holidays, Jillian must choose between her commitment to her family & her art due to limited time.
Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023) - Great American Family Movie
A grandmother sends a text to wrong number & ends up making friends with a woman who replies. A Christmas invite is a chance for fun, family & romance.
A Dash of Christmas
Great American Family channel delivers "A Dash of Christmas" in time for the season. A delightful romantic movie with lots of cooking, baking, & fun.
Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com
A Paris Christmas Waltz Movie Review by:
Friday, December 19, 2014
Christmas Animated Classics Reviewed
A huge part of the excitement of Christmas has always been the days leading up to Christmas when we sit and watch our favorite Christmas Animated Classics together as a family.
In our household, we each have a different "favorite", but truth be told, we love them all. Watching the annual Christmas shows is part of our Christmas family tradition. We haven't always been able to be together when they aired on tv, but with a little help from vhs and dvd, we have that covered now.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph The Red Nosed ReindeerCheck PriceAs we decorated the Christmas tree this year, I found myself singing "we're on the island of Misfit Toys, here we don't want to stay". Why that particular song came to mind while hanging ornaments on the tree is absolutely beyond me. I can only assume one of the ornaments triggered some unconscious thought about toys. The song itself is a bit melancholy for the joyous occasion of tree decorating, especially since both of my children were helping me decorate.
From the book to the movie, the animated classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer has been a personal favorite. Normally, I prefer a book, but in the case of Rudolph, I actually prefer the movie. As a child, I adored Burl Ives. I would know that voice anywhere! I suspect that has a lot to do with why that particular show was my favorite of the Christmas animated classics. Besides, who wouldn't love a snowman who comes to life and scoots across the snow just to tell us a wonderful Christmas story about a red nosed reindeer?!!
The music from "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" is truly fabulous and easy enough for a child to learn, especially if they watch the movie several times each year, year after year. Rudolph may be the main character, but he is definitely not the only memorable animal in the show. Clarice wins everyone's heart when she serenades Rudolph with "There's Always Tomorrow", plus her back-up singers are adorable!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Deluxe Edition)Check PriceLet me start by saying, Dr. Seuss is fabulous! His books have always been a huge hit with children and parents alike. When you couple his genius with animated television, you are bound to have a major hit.
Here we are, almost 50 years later, and Dr. Seuss's Grinch on tv is still entertaining us each year. The fun part of animation is the suspension of reality. When the Grinch is able to gather up all of the Christmas decorations, gifts, and food from Whoville, then cram it all into bags loaded on a sleigh, we truly see animation at it's best.
The really cool thing about this show is that in less than 30 minutes, we go from detesting the "foul one" to loving him and perhaps even feeling sorry for him.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Charlie Brown Christmas 50th Anniversary, A: Deluxe EditionCheck PriceChristmas would not be complete with Charles M. Schulz and his Peanuts gang. Watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is always a fun family activity, but it is also a reminder to remember what Christmas really is all about and to reject, or at least resist, the commercialism that is always so rampant this time of year. To read the complete review of "A Charlie Brown Christmas", join me by clicking here.
Snoopy is most often the Peanuts favorite, but I do think Linus stole the show.
Now please tell us, what is your favorite Christmas animated classic!
Monday, December 23, 2024
The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows Review
Tis the holiday season and what are holidays without classic songs! And the perfect time to bring in a little holiday nostalgia courtesy of Andy Williams.
I happened upon this holiday gem while surfing Christmas shows that were streaming for free. What a find! The Andy Williams Christmas Shows were originally filmed from 1962-1974. This is a compilation from the Christmas shows, The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows.
The Voice
Smooth as silk as always, Andy Williams sings the classic and timeless holiday favorites.
Songs included: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Happy Holidays, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Ave Maria, Mary's Little Boy Child, Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, Holy Night, You Meet the Nicest People at Christmas.
Also included are the Williams Brothers! Don, Dick and Bob and Andy began as a quartet and reunited during the Andy Williams Christmas specials. Special appearances by Andy Williams family also include his mom.
The Sets
By today standards of television sets and costumes the Christmas sets are charmingly simple. But simple in a very very good way as the emphasis on the song. It is fun to look at the styles as a trip of reminiscing down vintage clothing lane. Also noted is the color coordination and classic style which holds up through the years (and may be in a store near you currently!)
At Home With Andy
One viewer aptly noted watching Andy Williams and his special guests at Christmas is like watching home movies with Andy at the holidays. What a great way to describe the feeling generated by Andy and his guests as they seamlessly harmonize through the classics.
Where To Find Freevee? And Is It Free?
Yes, the shows on the Freevee app are free and yes, access to the Freevee app is free! The app is actually loaded already on many devices and smart televisions. The app may not be evident on your device, so a search for the app can be started to see if the Freevee app is pre installed.
Amazon has announced in November 2024 it will begin integrating Freevee into the Amazon Prime service; the content will remain free and it is not required to have an Amazon Prime membership to view the content.
More Free Streaming Services
Free is relative (as in access to your local library!) But library memberships can open up a variety of streaming services included with your membership. The library is the middle party and contracts with the services and access is via your library membership /library website.
Kanopy offers free movies with an emphasis on Indie films and documentaries.
Hoopla offers free books, movies and television shows.
Freegal offers music of every genre.
Friday, December 8, 2023
Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023) - Great American Family Movie
A romantic Christmas movie review & recommendation, just in time for Christmas!
Have you ever dialed a wrong phone number and unexpectedly ended up talking to a nice person you don't personally know?
These days, phone calls are often replaced by emails or text messaging. Sending a text to the wrong person is not unheard of. Usually we send text messages to someone on our saved contact list, but it would certainly be possible to send a text message to the wrong person if you are trying to remember a phone number off the top of your head. Especially if you have a new phone without your contacts added.
Thus is the premise of the movie, "Twas the Text Before Christmas".
When a grandmother inadvertently sends a text message meant for her granddaughter to a stranger, she ends up making friends with the kindhearted woman who replies to the text. This is just the beginning of what ends up being a chance for fun, family, and romance.
Twas the Text Before Christmas Movie Synopsis
Addie (Merritt Patterson) has a good job, a loving father and brother, and an ex-boyfriend. Christmas this year is expected to be a rather lonely time for her because her father will be spending Christmas in Australia with her brother. Even though she is invited to join friends in Florida, that trip would be too expensive since she is trying to save for her own vacation in Australia.
When Addie receives a text message from an unknown person, she decides to respond to let them know that they have the wrong number. After exchanging a few messages with a sweet grandmother who meant to be texting her granddaughter, she receives a phone call from "Nana" who opts to call her instead of continuing the texting. After talking a few times, Nana invites Addie to join her family for Christmas. Since it would only be a 4 hour drive to Vermont, she decides to accept and makes a reservation for 1 night at the local Inn.
When she arrives for Christmas dinner, she is introduced to Nana's family which includes the granddaughter Nana originally intended to text, as well as her son, James.
After 3 years, Addie, Nana, and the whole family are close friends and Christmas together has become a new tradition. It is not really surprising when Addie & James discover a they have deeper feelings for each other.
Where to Watch "Twas the Text Before Christmas"
I watched "Twas the Text Before Christmas" on Frndly TV, however the Great American Channel now has their own streaming service available at PureFlix.com which thrills me! When I told my husband about the new streaming service, he happily gifted me with an annual subscription to PureFlix for Christmas. I am guaranteed a year's worth of wonderful movies and I am pretty excited to start watching them.
You can also subscribe to PureFlix through Amazon or directly at Pureflix.com.
More Great American Family Movie Reviews
Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com
Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023) - Great American Family Movie Review by:
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Gingerbread Man Aprons

- Baking Spirits Bright is a retired, bright red apron from the Disney Parks that features Mickey and Minnie Mouse. You can find it on eBay by clicking right here.
- The all-over print, full length apron with the black strap (shown second) is from CSybel on Etsy. You can find it here in her shop.
- The green apron with a solid background and the image of a large gingerbread man (shown third) is from Amazon and can be found here.
- The red checkered apron with an embroidered gingerbread boy (shown fourth) offers a warm and cheery, old-fashioned feeling. It is also from Amazon and can be found here.
- The final apron, the black one with the line up of gingerbread man, is available from Melanie Rose's Shop on Etsy. You can find it here in her shop.
MORE APRONS AND MORE CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
WestJet Christmas Miracles
For today’s post, I thought I would rework an old post and offer up a bit of Christmas cheer in the form of a review of an event that a Canadian airline sponsored in 2013. Here's my story.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS REAL TIME GIVING (2013)
Quite a video, isn't it? It must have been totally unbelievable at first. The passengers on that plane will never forget that flight with WestJet and nor will I. Not that I was there, of course. I was a participant via the video, just like you will be if you watch now.
SANTA'S BLOOPERS (2013)
FLASH MOB (2012)
MIRACLE MILES (2022)
Merry Christmas!
MORE CHRISTMAS READING:
Friday, December 9, 2016
The Spirit of Christmas (2015) Movie Review
After a brief search on Amazon, I found a new Christmas movie that sounded quite appealing to me. The description of The Spirit of Christmas reminded me of one of my all time favorite movies, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Now, it would be most unreasonable for me to think I could happen upon a current day movie equal to The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, but I did very much enjoy watching The Spirit of Christmas.
Part of what makes The Ghost and Mrs. Muir such a fabulous movie, are the actors that play the main characters. Gene Tierney is timelessly gorgeous and Rex Harrison is simply a phenomenal actor that is appropriately dark, yet dignified. By comparison, the main actress in The Spirit of Christmas, Jen Lilley, is stunningly beautiful and Thomas Beaudoin is a very handsome, distinguished ghost. Both ghosts simply wish to be left alone in their homes. Both women are determined to stay right where they are regardless of moody, sometimes overbearing spirits.
Plot of The Spirit of Christmas
The main story takes place current day, but as one would expect with ghosts, the past plays a huge part in the present. Ninety-five years ago, Daniel Forsythe was returning home to his one true love for Christmas when he was murdered in the yard of his home. Every year, he returns to Hollygrove Inn 12 days before Christmas.The Spirit of Christmas
Present-day, Kate Jordan is a successful lawyer who is not successful in love. Her career at Patton and Turner law firm comes first. And frankly, she isn't sure she even knows how to love.
After the death of Henrietta Forsythe, Patton and Turner law firm becomes the executor of the Forsythe estate, which mostly consists of Hollygrove Inn. As such, Kate is tasked with getting the inn appraised and sold before the end of the year. That only gives her 3 weeks to get the job done. The biggest problem Kate faces is getting a loyal appraiser for the property. It is widely known that Hollygrove Inn is haunted by it's previous owner, Daniel Forsythe.
Shortly after arriving at Hollygrove Inn in Vermont, Kate meets Daniel Forsythe. He is not at all what she expected. To begin with, he is well dressed and she can actually touch him. Plus, he enjoys eatting real food. He is nothing like what she expected of a ghost. After hearing the story of how he was murdered and how his fiance' subsequently married his brother, Kate decides her number one focus should be solving Daniel's murder so he can rest in peace. Thereby, also resolving the ghost problem of the inn. As Daniel and Kate start working together, digging into his past, exploring his memories, they quickly become friends. She finds that she actually cares about him and what really happened to him.
However, it is not that simple and Daniel is not the only ghost haunting Hollygrove.
This really is a wonderful romantic suspense Christmas movie that I can highly recommend! So, be sure to take a break this holiday, sit back, kick your feet up and watch The Spirit of Christmas.
The Spirit of Christmas Movie Review Written by:
Most Recent Reviews on Review This Reviews
Search for Reviews by Subject, Author or Title
The Review This Reviews Contributors
Sylvestermouse
Dawn Rae B
MbgPhoto
Brite-Ideas
Wednesday Elf
Olivia Morris
Treasures by Brenda
The Savvy Age
Margaret Schindel
Raintree Annie
Lou16
Sam Monaco
Tracey Boyer
Cheryl Paton
Renaissance Woman
BarbRad
Bev Owens
BuckHawk
Decorating for Events
Heather426
Coletta Teske
MissMerFaery
Mickie_G
Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor
We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten