Silent Night - Robert B. Parker - 4 stars

Chose this as my 2nd Christmas read for this month. This is book 41.5 of the Spencer series, that of which I have not yet read. After reading this one though, I decided I like Spencer as a character, as much as I like Jesse Stone. This type of character is what I describe as a laid back tough guy. They have a softer side, but look out if you cross him kind of guy.

There is not a whole lot of action in this one but it is a Christmas mystery, so I did not really expect it to be very dramatic, but it did have a good storyline that I really enjoyed. I like Spencer a lot so this may push me towards reading the whole Spencer series, all 40+ books since I like his writing style.

However, Robert B. Parker passed away in 2010 which saddens me and I can tell slight differences in the writing styles of those who carry on with his work. This one was done by Helen Brann, who was Parker's Agent and close friend. She did a great job with this one.

Comfort & Joy - Kristin Hannah - 5 stars

I just love reading books for the holiday, some how it makes them more magical that way. This was my first Christmas read for December and I have to say that I really loved it. I really do enjoy Kristin Hannah's writing a lot. The first book I read by her was Winter Garden. Also a very enjoyable read. I especially liked the characters in this book. They are very well written, they are both relatable and believable. I feel like I knew them all personally and I loved that.

There is such a great plot twist in this one, and it was one that I did not expect at all. Be prepared though and keep some tissues on hand because this one is a tear jerker. This is one of those books that you don't want to end, and when it did, it felt like a part of my life was over. I just wanted to go back and read it all again.

"It's a dangerous business...going out of your door. You step into the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." --J.R.R. Tolkien