ISBN-13: 9780142414996Publisher: Speak, Penguin Group
Published: 2009
352 pgs
I am in the mood of reading a holiday theme book, so when I saw this on the shelves I know I have to read it (plus Nymeth had read and loved it).
The first story is The Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson; it is about a girl named Jubilee Dougal (she has issues over her name) and one day she find herself in a train journey to Florida for a stay with her grandparents because her parents are taken into custody over the Flobie Santa Village (a series of collectable ceramic pieces that can put together to form a town and her parents are a huge fan of them) incident. Jubilee is stumped because that means her plans to celebrate the holidays with her boyfriend, Noah, is spoiled. But the worse is to come when there are problems with the train and she is stuck at a Waffle House together with fourteen overly enthusiastic cheerleaders and there she befriended Jeb (who is also travelling on the same train as her), a man dressed in tinfoil and Stuart, a boy covered in plastic bags. I will not elaborate further, but just want to say this is a heartwarming tale that leave a cozy feeling in my heart. I liked how Jubilee and Stuart are connected, and I am sure their encounter will bring a smile to your face.
The second story is A Cheertastic Christmas by John Green. John is the only author I have read among all in this novella and after reading Looking for Alaska and enjoying it, I really look forward to reading the rest of his books. In this story, John focus the relationship of three friends (two boys and a girl) and how a trip to the Waffle House in a blizzard will change their outlook of life and a new love to blossom along the way. I had fun reading this story because some parts are hilarious, and I find it romantic reading about friends turning to lovers. Though I enjoyed reading this little story, I think it lacks a little of a cozy feeling but that is just me.
And last of all, The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle left a big smile to my face because it is about a reconciliation between a couple and a teacup piglet. Addie is feeling heartbroken over her breakup with Jeb, and she thinks there will be no future between her and Jeb until an incident (and a miracle) happens that involved a teacup piglet.Let it Snow is a wonderful holiday theme anthology that really captures the spirit of the holiday season, but what I loved most is the novellas are interconnected (be it characters or settings) and each novella has great characterizations. I liked reading the different personalities of these protagonists and how they deal under difficult situations. This anthology is more than a romance stories to me as it also focus on friendships, connections and well, it is also about finding one's self. I am amazed by the three authors for connecting these stories so well that sometimes I forgot they are merely novellas. I enjoyed reading all three, but I have to say The Jubilee Express remains my favourite.
Other reviews:
Fyrefly's Book Blog
Things Mean A Lot
(Let me know if I missed yours.)
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Wow, I actually am in a mood of Short Stories and Christmasy themed books. This book sounds so good and cozy. I have not read any of the authors you mention here sadly. But this one goes into my wish list!
I almost picked this one up and now I'm regretting that I didn't.
Oh I remember hearing about this! The new cover confused me. It sounds interesting. I still need to try John Green :)
Thanks for the link! I've been debating whether I want to re-read this book before Christmas, and if so, whether I can clear a couple of hours in my schedule to make it happen. I could definitely use some heart-cozying this time of year!
Veens - I hope you'll enjoy it when you get to it!
Julie - It's always not too late to read this! Hope you'll pick this up during your next visit to the bookstore!
Jen - I'm confused over those covers too. Funnily, I could only find the first cover in the bookstores here.
Fyrefly - I've to say there aren't many YA holiday theme anthology, so I'm glad to have found this one! I hope you're able to find the time to re-read this book!
I don't generally read Christmas books, but this looks good.
This does sound like a great holiday book, Melody. I am hoping to start A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens soon. I've been wanting to read it for awhile now. Figure this would be a good time to. :-)
Melody - sound like you did some good reading! I'm in the good mood for Christmas theme to read too ;)
Wendy: Funny, I've been thinking about reading A Christmas Carol by Dickens too, but was worry I won't have the time since I'm trying to reach 50 goal with the books I picked to finish the 50 Books Challenge. But I love all A Christmas Carol movies thought :)
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Melody! It's definitely one of my favourite Christmas books :D
This sounds wonderful. I'm thinking of starting A Christmas Carol soon. I've only read 1 Christmas book so far.
This does sound really sweet! Great review :)
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Beth - It is really good! I enjoyed it!
Wendy - Oh, I haven't read that book yet but I'd love to!
Julia - Christmas is just around the corner, and reading holiday theme books surely add to the Christmasy mood. :)
Nymeth - I'm definitely looking for more Christmasy books after reading this! :D
Dar - This is the first Christmas book I read so far.
Naida - This book is sweet and romantic! :)
I have been wanting to get a copy of this for awhile. Will have to get a copy soon. I need another Christmas themed book.
You know, I always tell myself that I don't like "romance," and so I've thought this book just wasn't for me. But recently I've discovered that that is a stupid position. Romance is simply another form of human interaction, and I love reading about how people relate and interact. So I've banished myself from thinking that anymore. I think I would probably actually enjoy this book very much.
Mari - I hope you'll get this book soon!
Debi - I'm a fan of romance, hehe. Right now I'm in the mood for romance books... must be the holidays mood! :P
All the stories sound wonderful! Glad you enjoyed this anthology.
Alice - I'm glad to find two new-to-me authors after reading this wonderful anthology!