Two of those fun little seasonal 'feel good' books today. I always enjoy the displays at the bookstore with books like this, old and new. :-)

A grandfather visits a small bookstore in a small town. His is looking for a book about the Christmas Truce of WWI to share with his grandson, who is ill. He's not had any luck finding the book yet, but it's here ... not only that, but it has been on the shelf since Nora and Simon opened their store thirty years ago. He leaves feeling much better than when he came in. This gives the store owners an idea ... to send out books to those who might be feeling down. They invite viewers of their web site to nominate someone for this, from which they will select six. They pick out and wrap six books and include an invitation to their annual Christmas party (which may be the last, as their small, independent book store is struggling to stay open). Christmas by the Book, by Anne Marie Ryan, is the story of the impact these books made. Just the right book for these times!

In The Christmas Bookshop, by Jenny Colgan, Carmen has been laid off. She has little choice but to move in with her all too perfect sister. (The sister is not all that pleased, either). Since Carmen’s background is in retail, her sister sends her out to a little bookstore that needs help, if only to make it more appealing to a buyer. It's a struggle, for sure. (The first time she tries a story reading, she picks The Little Match Girl and all the children go home in tears. The mothers are not pleased). Slowly the bookstore comes to life and becomes part of the 'community' of other stores on the block. Interesting, sometimes quirky characters, the focus is more on interpersonal relationships than books (as in the book listed above), but still a good read.

Reading Hermit With Dog