The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson and challenge wrap-up

The people of Christmas Valley always celebrate Christmas to the fullest extent. The mayor plays Santa, every business is holiday themed, and there’s a nativity for the kids each Christmas Eve. This town knows Christmas. But this year nothing goes according to plan. Shepherd’s Inn is full of strangers, Mad Myrtle is causing problems, and a young couple with a baby due any minute rolls in to the middle of town in their Partridge Family-style bus. It’s hardly the holiday Christmas Valley wanted–but it may be just what they need. This charming novella is sure to become a new Christmas tradition for readers who love a great holiday story.

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Sounds a little familiar, doesn’t it? This is a sweet, modern retelling of the Christmas Story. Melody Carlson wrote a quiet yet sometimes humorous novella filled with quirky characters. It’s an enjoyable book that will warm your heart and remind you of “the reason for the season”.

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This fulfills my goal for the 2009 Holiday Reading Challenge.

Books read:

Bed and Breakfast by Lois Battle

On Strike For Christmas by Sheila Roberts

That Holiday Feeling (anthology)

Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson

Thanks to Nely for hosting the challenge

Show Me 5 Saturday – It Happened One Night

That’s A Novel Idea hosts a MEME called Show Me Five Saturday. This meme will give each blogger an opportunity to give a brief description of a book they have read or reviewed during the week. It will work like this: Each Saturday you will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week

2 Words that describe the book

3 Settings where it took place or characters you met

4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it

5 Stars or less for your rating

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1. It Happened One Night

2. Contemporary Romance

3. Takes place in Vermont. Characters: Lana Biel, Eli Ward

4. Liked:

the setting – Vermont and Wildflower Barn where Lana works

Charlotte – who encourages Lana to believe she can be a good mother

Eli – because he never lost faith in Lana. This could drive some readers nuts, though. *grin*

Didn’t like:

Karin – Lana’s bitter and manipulative sister.

5. 3 stars