Book Review of An Aussie Summer Christmas

An Aussie Summer Christmas 

Blurb

Melbourne Memories by USA Today bestselling author Marion Ueckermann 
Escaping his dangerous past, former British rock star Justin “The Phoenix” Taylor flees to Australia. Intrigued by the bearded stranger visiting her coffee shop, Ella Anderson decides to discover his secrets. But when Justin’s past collides with their future, Ella must decide whether they have a future at all. 

Next Door Santa by USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams 
Will Harris is proud of his no-complications life. So why is he drawn to his upstairs neighbor, who seems obsessed with Christmas? Can Bridie soften Will-the-Scrooge’s heart in time for Christmas? 

Seaside Christmas by Narelle Atkins 
Political advisor and former bad boy Gus Donovan is intrigued by Chelsea Somers, the girl he didn’t call after their one and only date, six years ago. Chelsea is impressed by the new Gus, but can she trust him with her family secrets ... and with her heart? 

A Christmas Resolution by Rose Dee 
Breeah has avoided returning to her Australian coastal hometown of Kiisay Point for ten years—avoided the mistake that changed her life, ruined her friendships, and soured her first love. She’s never returned to Resolution, the island where it all happened. But now she’s back, and having to face up to the childhood she loved, the man she can’t forget, and the future that won’t start until she lets it all go. 

All is Bright by Andrea Grigg 
Amy’s always been a good Christian girl…except for being in love with her brother-in-law. Josh is looking for love again, surprised to find it with his late wife’s sister. But will a mountain of guilt and an unexpected letter stop them from making it to the altar? 

Falling for Maddie Grace by Meredith Resce 
Australia’s first professional female football umpire, Maddie Grace, gets knocked out in an on-field accident, crushed beneath the weight of an athletic sports star. What is it about the visual images that has the media making up stories of a secret love affair? Escaping the paparazzi is one thing, but escaping each other is quite another.

My Review

I really enjoyed this box set. Each story is different but has the Aussie connection and a beach connection.

Melbourne Memories by USA Today bestselling author Marion Ueckermann 

This is the first book and I have to say I wasn't sure how I would like this book as Justin was a rock star and its not my sort of hero but I actually really liked the story. It shows how a chance meeting when someone has hit rock bottom can help change a life. Justin ends up in Australia where he comes in contact with Ella who wants to learn his secrets not knowing how it may affect her. I really loved the way it showed how Justin turns his life around and his wanting to make amends for his past. 

Next Door Santa by USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams 

I love Bridie, I think I like her cos shes has a job I would love. She is full of life although she has had plenty of heartache in her life. Will on the other hand seems to be more focused on working and not doing much else. We see an incident happen in which the two will be brought together and then need to work together. I enjoyed the story and learning both stories of why they are how they are. It also teaches not to judge by appearances as there is often more to a story than one thinks. 

Seaside Christmas by Narelle Atkins 
In this book we see Chelsea and Gus meet up again after 6 years. Chelsea wonders if Gus really has changed or if its just an act. She is also still grieving the passing of her sister. She has also told her father she will never reveal some of the details to her sisters death. She also wonders if she can handle someone who is in the political arena. I enjoyed their story and seeing how it unfolded. 

A Christmas Resolution by Rose Dee 
Breeah has returned home after the passing of her uncle. She hasn't been back for 10 years and wants to avoid some people. She made a mistake 10 years ago and still feels guilty. This story deals a lot with forgiveness and not just of others but of yourself. In many ways I felt like Breeah found herself in this book along with reconnecting with a former friend.


All is Bright by Andrea Grigg 
Amy feels she is bad because she loves her brother in law, she has loved him for a long time but knew he was off limits and never acted on the feelings or told anyone, she would never to that to her sister. Even with her sister gone for many years she still hasn't told anyone. Josh gets a letter from his late wife which changes everything between them. I actually found this book refreshingly in the way it showed Amy and her feelings and how she struggled with them. 

Falling for Maddie Grace by Meredith Resce 
Now here is a story I can appreciate. While I love cricket more I am an AFL fan. Maddie Grace is a umpire who has the misfortune of being knocked out by a star Zac. The media have a field day with this as Zac is also referred to as the Rev due to studying ministry and being squeaky clean. They know each other from years back when her father was the coach of Zac's team but nothing more. Seeing this story play out was interesting. Once again another good read.

ACRBA Blog Tour A Simple Mistake by Andrea Grigg

7 – 11 January

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Simple Mistake

(Wombat Books 1 April 2012)

by

Andrea Grigg

Available from Light the dark this week for $14.95

About the Author:

Andrea Grigg grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, but has lived most of her life in Australia. She lives with her husband on Queensland's Gold Coast, where they have raised their three adult children – two daughters and a son. If she isn't teaching ten-year-olds, being a domestic executive or socialising, Andrea can be found in her cave, writing stories.

Short Book Description:

When Nick and Lainey meet again after 10 years so much has changed. Nick is now a famous celebrity and Lainey is the girl he left behind. As a member of a highly successful band and with an emerging acting career Nick can have any girl he wants. Now he wants Lainey back.

They had been so close when growing up, but after Nick left to seek fame and fortune, Lainey had never heard from him again. Now she has moved on from what she felt for Nick as a teenager. Or has she?

After discovering what kept them apart for so long, they tentatively rekindle their past romance. The feelings are just as strong as before but can Lainey accept Nick's lack of faith? And can their new relationship survive Lainey's secret?

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

My Review:
I bought this book last year when it was first released but hadn't had a chance to read it. It is an interesting read and I did enjoy it. At the same time there were times I found it slow reading and just wanted something to happen. I was knew it would happen and was wishing it to happen sooner. There were also times it moved quickly and as the book moved on the speed picked up. I enjoyed Lainey but had a lot of trouble relating to Nick. I think it was more the fact of his occupation its not a lifestyle I have much knowledge of but was interested in seeing where the story went. I would say for some of my American friends the book is a little edgy with some of the conversations and things that happen although at the same time real to life and while edgy it is still a very clean book, just some may be uncomfortable with some of the dialogue. I did enjoy seeing the struggles Lainey and Nick had to endure and seeing what would happen. I would read more books from the Author.

Christmas Memories with Andrea Grigg

Today we have Andrea Grigg sharing Christmas memories. Her book would also make a good christmas gift.

1.     What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Sunshine, heat, good times with family and friends 

2.     Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

One of our three children was born on Christmas Day – Hayley will be 25 this year. We always have a birthday barbecue breakfast and then we celebrate Christmas after that. When she was younger and still living at home, we would have an open night for family and Hayley’s friends to come over. We still have the open night.

We have a fairly new tradition. Up until 3 years ago, I always put up the Christmas tree, but that year I was running out of time and my husband volunteered to do it. It looked brilliant so I’ve happily let him do it ever since. He’s so much more patient and particular with the placement of the lights than I am.

I have to confess – I’ve only just stopped doing Santa sacks! I’ll do it again when we have some grandchildren. Or maybe I could do some little ones this year … (Jenny here we stopped when my brother was around 21 hes over 4 years older than me.)

3.     Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why? 

I love them all! We love three Christmas CDs in particular, the ones by Mariah Carey, Amy Grant and The Tin Lids (Jimmy Barnes’ kids - they put out an album back in the early 90s). They pump out while the tree’s going up and from then on until midnight on December 25. We’re quite glad to put them away after that!  (Jenny again I have The Tin Lids tape and still love it)

4.     If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

Exactly how we do it now except it would be nice to have my parents here as well. They live in NZ and unfortunately, it’s too difficult for them to travel these days.   

5.     Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

Haha - apart from being in labour and giving birth at 12:16am one year? Yes – mainly seeing our kids’ reactions opening presents when they were little and making it special for them. I love hearing them talk about their memories rather than mine! 

6.     What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

Christmas Eve is spent watching Christmas concerts on TV with any family members who are around (there are usually several) and hoping I’ve remembered to do everything. On Christmas Day we don’t usually go to church (shock!) because of fitting in Hayley’s birthday plus our other children have in-laws’ places to go to as well, but we attend the special Christmas Carol service the Sunday night before. Christmas afternoon is spent doing as little as possible before people start arriving at night with leftovers which we eat sitting around outside on our patio overlooking the pool, surrounded by fairy lights, candles, Christmas music … love it. 

7.     Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

We’ll watch whatever Christmas movies are on. As for reading, I tend to read the latest Debbie Macomber Christmas novel. 

8.     Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Cherish the day with your family and thank God for the opportunity to do so. And remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

My first book, ‘A Simple Mistake’ was published in April, by Even Before Publishing. (Big thanks to Rochelle Manners).  Here’s the blurb:

When teenage sweethearts Nick and Lainey meet again after more than a decade, so much has changed. Nick is now a famous celebrity and Lainey is the girl he left behind. As a member of a highly successful band and with an emerging acting career, Nick can have any girl he wants. Now he wants Lainey back.

Despite Nick’s promise to keep in touch when he left to seek fame and fortune, Lainey never heard from him. Now that so much time has passed, she has moved on from what she felt. Or has she?

After discovering what kept them apart for so long, they tentatively rekindle their past romance. The feelings are just as strong as before but can Lainey accept Nick’s lack of faith? And can their new relationship survive Lainey’s secret? 

Getting to know you Thursdays with Andrea Grigg

Please join me in welcoming Australian Author Andrea Grigg. I have Andrea's debut book and waiting to read it. I am still not reading as much as I would like but am improving.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in NZ but moved to Australia when I was 25. I met my husband in Sydney, and we moved to the Gold Coast where we have raised our 3 children, all of whom are in their twenties. Time goes so fast!  Apart from writing and reading, my other passion is music.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved The Famous Five by Enid Blyton. I read them all by the time I was about eight. (Jenny here I also loved Enid Blyton. I loved The Magic Faraway Tree series as well as Mr Gilliano's Circus and also The Famous Five but was older when I read them.)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

Women’s fiction, especially romance.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Apart from Enid Blyton J I enjoyed K.M. Peyton’s Flambards trilogy, and as I grew older, I read Catherine Cookson and Daphne du Maurier. Funnily enough, all these authors are British. I’ve only just realised it now as I’ve answered the question. Something to do with the history in those books, I think.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I had an inkling when I rewrote the ending to ‘Little Women’ when I was eleven.  I was not happy when Beth died. I didn’t write seriously again until I was almost fifty. Once I’d completed my first chapter of my first draft, I was hooked.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I figured that if I’d completed a first draft, I could call myself an author. Becoming a published author was a different thing altogether. To get to that stage, I researched the internet, picked people’s brains and followed the steps as they appeared in front of me – and edited, edited, edited! When I signed a contract, then the editing really started.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

A backing vocalist for someone famous.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

Be with my husband and family; socialise with my friends; watch movies; teach; laugh a lot.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

I’d love to go to Europe and see some really old places. Australia and New Zealand are so young!

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Francine Rivers – to talk about writing

Darlene Zschech – to talk about music

Joyce Meyers – to talk about anything!

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will
be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

My first book, ‘A Simple Mistake’ was published in April, by Even Before Publishing. (Big thanks to Rochelle Manners).  Here’s the blurb:

When teenage sweethearts Nick and Lainey meet again after more than a decade, so much has changed. Nick is now a famous celebrity and Lainey is the girl he left behind. As a member of a highly successful band and with an emerging acting career, Nick can have any girl he wants. Now he wants Lainey back.

Despite Nick’s promise to keep in touch when he left to seek fame and fortune, Lainey never heard from him. Now that so much time has passed, she has moved on from what she felt. Or has she?

After discovering what kept them apart for so long, they tentatively rekindle their past romance. The feelings are just as strong as before but can Lainey accept Nick’s lack of faith? And can their new relationship survive Lainey’s secret? 

I’m currently working on three books, one of which is a sequel. I’m not sure which it will be, but the plan is to complete one by the end of the year.

You can find me on the web at www.andreagrigg.com