Tis the Time, Tis the Season by Chris Posti

 

About the Book

Book: ’Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season (Next Act Series: Book Three)

Author: Chris Posti

Genre: Women’s Fiction with Elements of Faith & Later-in-Life Romance

Welcome to tiny Port Mariette, Pennsylvania, where three women in their late fifties reunite at Christmastime, facing tangled relationships with one another and the men in their lives.

Marla rushes from Manhattan to her daughter’s side in a quiet Port Mariette hospital,  determined to strengthen their relationship by backing her daughter’s dream project, no matter the cost. She wins support from the town’s general contractor, but fierce local opposition arises, spearheaded by her longtime friend Rachel.

Meanwhile, newlywed Suzanne, scarred by fears and heartbreaks, returns to Port Mariette from California, where the earth subsiding beneath her home threatens both her retirement savings and her marriage. Seeking refuge in the familiar embrace of friends, Suzanne finds herself boxed into a financial corner while navigating the delicate dynamics of friendship and rivalry.

Amidst the holiday cheer and twinkling lights, Rachel stands as a pillar of the community, deeply rooted in the small town she’s never left. Yet her steadfastness falters as she grapples with her own insecurities and desires. Unwittingly, she stirs a pot of conflict that strains her relationships with everyone who matters to her.

In this small town tale of love, friendship, faith, and forgiveness, these women will discover growth can emerge from the ashes of the past and that change is possible at any age.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chris Posti writes award-winning fiction about real-life women experiencing the joys and challenges of friendships, families, careers, and later-in-life romances. Before pivoting to novels, she was a self-employed career & executive coach, newspaper columnist, and nonfiction author.

More from Chris

I wrote “’Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season” (third book in the “Next Act” series) for women in the second half of their lives – age 50 to 100 – who want characters they can relate to, women who are facing challenges and overcoming them – along with a mix of faith, fun, and later-in-life romance.

When the Lord gave me the idea for the first book in this series, I had no idea it would morph into a trilogy. That’s the way it is with our Lord. He lights our path, we keep walking. Now, He has directed me to write a pilot for a TV series, and that’s what I’m working on right now. I pray one day you will see these characters come to life on your television screen. If you have a moment, would you offer up a prayer right now for that to happen? Thank you so much.

My Thoughts

‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season by Chris Posti continues the story of Rachel, Suzanne, and Marla as well as their family and friends.  I like that the main characters are mature women (50s).  The women are close friends despite not living in the same town any longer.  Each woman has something going on in their life, but these struggles will help them grow.  I liked how the women would work out their differences when they have a conflict. It was nice to see the characters develop and become better individuals.  The story is told from each woman’s point of view, which can be confusing, especially in the beginning.  It gets easier towards the middle of the book.  The story does touch on topics that may be a trigger for some individuals (drunk driving and abortion). There are some word choices that I did not appreciate.   

‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season is the third book in the Next Act Series.  I have not read the first two books in the series, and I believe it would have been helpful if I had.  While there were a couple of things that I did not enjoy, there were many that I did in ‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season.  I like the varied characters, the town, and its residents, and how the friends were there for each despite what was going on in their own lives.  The story touches on reconciliation, forgiveness, trust, and new beginnings. ‘Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season is a touching tale with reconnecting with old friends, an antique adventure, a chance at romance, a daughter in distress, teen troubles, and friends to the end.  

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book, and bookmarks.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.

'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Next Act Series are Falling Apart, Falling for You and Maybe Now, Maybe Never (all three can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited).  You can find Chris Posti's other novels here plus you can follow her on Amazon (they will send you an email when she has a new book release).  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor by Jennifer Beckstrand.  I hope everyone had a delightful Thanksgiving weekend.  I made my first pumpkin pie and, much to my surprise, it turned out great (according to my mother).  The pie was gone by Saturday.  I have been working on decorating our front yard for the holidays in my spare time.  I have a cute gingerbread house as the centerpiece.  I have my first printed inflatable.  The graphics are printed onto the waterproof polyester.  It gives the tree a unique (in a good way) look (I will share pictures when I am done). Don't forget to enter the giveaway before you depart!    Leave a comment for an extra entry in the giveaway.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Stories By Gina, November 27 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, November 27

Artistic Nobody, November 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

Karen Baney Reviews, November 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1

For Him and My Family, December 2

The Avid Reader, December 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 5 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, December 6 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 6

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

The Christmas House by Victoria James

 The Christmas House

Book Summary

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Victoria James is back with a heartwarming story about three generations of women trying to reconcile for the holidays.

It's Christmas in the small town of Silver Springs which is bursting with holiday spirit. The downtown shops boast twinkling lights, and the town square features an enormous Christmas tree. Every Christmas Eve for the past fifty years, Ruby Harris, the owner of the historic B&B, The Christmas House, has opened her doors to strangers in need, showing them the compassion once denied to her.

When Ruby invites her family home for the holidays, including her two adult grandchildren, Charlotte and Olivia, she hopes they will be able to put the past behind them. However, her plans for reconciliation implode as the women unravel secrets from the past that force them to confront the impact they've had on their dysfunctional family. As Charlotte grows closer to Wyatt, the neighbor next door and a friend from the past, old memories resurface that the women would rather forget. they're reminded of a man they want to forget.
 
As the clock inches closer to the New Year, can the magic of the season bring the family closer? Or will a surprise guest threaten their tentative truce and test newly formed bonds?
 

This light-hearted Christmas tale draws inspiration from Victoria James's own historical fixer-upper, offering plenty of warmth and holiday cheer. 

My Thoughts

The Christmas House by Victoria James is the story about three generations of women and how their choices in men have affected their lives.  Grandma Ruby owns The Christmas House where the family will be spending the holidays.  Charlotte, a professional organizer, arrives first and discovers that a boy she had a crush on when she was twelve lives next door.  Wyatt is a cop just like Charlotte’s father who walked out on the family when she was twelve.  Wyatt has an adorable twelve-year-old daughter who clicks with Charlotte.  Olivia, Charlotte’s sister, arrives with her baby, Dawn and she is a hot mess.  Add their unreliable mother and you have a family holiday.  Each family member has a secret as well as issues that need to be dealt with along the way.  

I liked the flashbacks to Ruby’s life as she deals with being pregnant at eighteen and on her own.  We get to see how she came to own The Christmas House and began the open-door policy on Christmas Eve.  Ruby was my favorite character.  She is a delightful woman who is strong, caring, and generous.  Ruby has a big heart, and she was truly hoping the family would have a special Christmas.  I also liked Wyatt and Sam.  Wyatt’s wife left him and Sam.  He is having to raise Sam on his own while we working as a police officer.  He works hard to make sure she has the type of childhood he never did.  Ruby and Wyatt’s Aunt Mary were busy playing matchmaker when not spoiling Olivia’s daughter, Dawn.  There is plenty of family drama and emotions in The Christmas House. Charlotte needs to make a choice about her life.  Is she going to let the past take away her chance at a happy future or she is going to leave the past in her rearview mirror while she gets her happily ever after?  There is mild foul language in the story which is disappointing because they should not be in a Christmas tale.  The Christmas House also delves into topics that some people might find upsetting (suicide, alcoholism, infidelity, child neglect, and abandonment).    There are sections of the book that will have you smiling, but there are some areas that are depressing (and they dragged on a little too long).  The moral of the story is that we are not perfect.  We all have baggage and must decide if we will let it hinder us or make us better.  One of my favorite lines from The ChristmasHouse is, “It’s never too late for a happy ending.”  The Christmas House is an emotional, dramatic Christmas story with an endearing neighbor, a meddling grandmother, a topsy-turvy pantry, an orderly organizer, a twirling tween, family fuss, and one magical home. 

The Christmas House is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers (Barnes & Noble, BAM, Kobo).  You can find Victoria James' other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I appreciate you reading my review.  Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook is scheduled for tomorrow.  It is the 5th A Haunted Library Mystery.  I am heading outside to work on my Thanksgiving decorations for the yard.  I have inflatable turkeys, cute signs, and lights that I need to install.  It will be cute when it is all done.  I hope that you have amusing day.  Laughter is good for the soul.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stage Fright by Kate Lloyd

 Stage Fright

Book Summary

Stage Fright by Kate Lloyd has Jessica Nash blowing a community theater audition when stage fright takes hold.  Jessica is determined to put it behind her and enjoy the trip to England with her church choir.  The trip gets off to a rocky start when she is seated next to Martin Spear, a famous tenor, who has joined their choir for the tour.  Jessica is taken aback by his attitude toward women.  Jessica is looking forward to sharing a room with her best friend, Roxanne Miller.  Unfortunately, Jessica ends up with the entitled Clare Van Arsdale who thinks only about herself.  Jessica’s luck takes a turn when their dashing tour guide, Nick Toscano takes an interest in her. When Nick takes over for their driver, Jessica will have the whole tour to get to know him.  Fate, though, seems to keep putting Martin and Jessica together.  Jessica will find herself challenged during her week in England in unanticipated ways.  What does the future hold for Jessica?

My Thoughts

Stage Fright by Kate Lloyd is a sweet story.  I thought it was well-written with a diverse cast of interesting characters.  The story moves along at a good pace as we follow Jessica Nash on her journey.  Jessica Nash is a schoolteacher, single mother, and a member of her church choir.  She also takes singing lessons.  Jessica’s son, Cooper is becoming a teen and his behavior reflects it (angsty).  Her church choir is going on a weeklong tour in England and Jessica is looking forward to it.  This is her one chance to travel the country of her favorite authors.  Jessica did not expect to find romance along the way.  There is a mystery in the story along with some secrets.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the sights as the choir made its way through England as well as the music they sang.  We get to see Jessica challenged to go beyond her comfort zone.  I could certainly understand Jessica’s stage fright.  I have a fear of public speaking that haunts me to this day.  Stage fright is not something that is not easy to overcome.  I liked the humor is the story that kept it lighthearted.  The ending will leave you smiling.  Stage Fright is an encouraging tale with a rotten roommate, a tricky tenor, an eye-catching Italian, a dedicated director, a tremendous tour, and a frightening fear.  

Stage Fright is available from Amazon*.  If you enjoy Stage Fright, then you should check out From Rome with Love.  You can find Kate Lloyd's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  The East End Girl in Blue by Fenella J. Miller is on deck for tomorrow.  It is the 2nd book in The Girls in Blue series.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.