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The Ultimate List of the Best Christmas Stories Ever

November 26, 2018 by Meet Brenda 5 Comments

It’s here! This will be the very last Quote Me Thursday post of 2014! I am taking off next week for Christmas, then I am also taking off the next week for New Year’s Day. We’ll be back again with more awesome quotes and social sharing on January 8th (which is my 10th wedding anniversary!).

This week, I thought I would do something a little different and share the best Christmas stories ever with you. After all, Christmas is the best time to curl up with a good, festive book!

This post contains affiliate links.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

This tale about how 6 unruly children turn the church Christmas pageant upside-down is heartwarming and reminds us that appearances are not everything. I first read this story when I was about 9 and it seemed to me that my siblings and I were a lot like the “bad” children in the story. I loved how in the end (spoilers), everyone embraced the chaos and had a great Christmas.

A Christmas Carol

What list of the best Christmas stories wouldn’t include this classic? One of my favorite things about A Christmas Carol is that it is a ghost story. In the song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” the lyrics talk about how ghost stories are a part of Christmas, but we don’t do that much anymore- at least not in America. A Christmas Carol is probably the only true ghost story that anyone ever tells over Christmas. If you haven’t seen the muppet version, you need to add that to your movie list this year.

The Gift of the Magi

The Gift of the Magi is one of my favorite love stories of all time. The young couple is in-love and want to give their spouse a nice Christmas gift, but they have no money. So, they sacrifice the most important thing to them to benefit the person they love.

I first read this story when I was about 13, and now, being the cynical soulless person that I am, I figure if someone did do this, the other spouse probably would have settled for the $5 gift, and then where would they be. But it is still a sweet story.

The Little Match Girl

I suppose The Little Match Girl is sort of a ghost story. The little girl does die in the end. I don’t know why, but I loved this story even as a small child. I felt bad for the girl, but I liked the story. I was a pretty strange child.

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle

If there is a Christmas-themed Sherlock Holmes adventure, count me in. In The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle a rare store goes missing around Christmas. The man who lost the jewel winds up finding it in the mouth of his Christmas goose, and Sherlock and Watson set off on an adventure to determine how it happened.

The Night Before Christmas

If you are super-traditional, you probably read this story every year on Christmas Eve. One of my favorite versions is this one, because it is full of beautiful pictures.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is one of the only Dr. Seuss stories that I actually like. I know everyone thinks he was so amazing and the art is awesome, but I’m not a huge fan of the art or books that rhyme. The Grinch, however, makes a perfect character for such a weird art style and the rhyming seems better in a Christmas story. Plus, Cindy Lou Who is cute.

Skipping Christmas

Skipping Christmaswas made into a movie in 2004 (Christmas with the Kranks). I don’t know why they changed the name. I like this book because it deals with a lot of the stress of the holiday season in a fun way as the couple tries to escape the mayhem in their traditional suburban neighborhood.

Little Women

Although not much in Little Women is about Christmas, with a first line that goes, “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” it is forever a Christmas story in my mind. Something about the old fashioned skirts, the letters, and giving their Christmas dinner to a less-fortunate family is what I remember most from this book.

Let It Snow

This Christmas anthology offers three Christmas stories written by YA masters John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. The stories are all romance-themed, which is a must during Christmas!

The Trouble with Angels

This cute story follows the adventures of three angels as they visit the City of Angels to grant three Christmas prayers- ideally without the help of divine intervention. But it isn’t long before the three angels might need divine intervention themselves.

Christmas Cookie Murder

Honestly, why wouldn’t you want to read a book called Christmas Cookie Murder? In this story, when one side of a cookie recipe rivalry is found murdered, a whole town is left wondering? Did the rival murder her for the cookie recipe?

Christmas at Thompson Hall

Christmas at Thompson Hall is an anthology of Victorian Christmas celebrations. To me, nothing says Christmas more than Victorian stories, so I love this anthology. Get the Penguin edition from this year, if you can, because it is the prettiest.

Anne of Green Gables

I know only a small portion of Anne of Green Gables takes place at Christmas, but it was such a turning point for her it seems like it is most of the book. On this Christmas, Anne’s guardians finally decide to allow her to live a little, and naturally, magic happens.

The Autobiography of Santa Claus

This is a cute “true” story on the origins of the man in the red suit. If you are big Santa lovers at your house, you will enjoy adding this book to your collection.

Quote Me Thursday Social Boost Link Up

The goal of the Quote Me Thursday link-up is to feature YOU! All posts linked up will be shared and pinned by me! Link your neglected book and quote posts for some extra juice!

Remember, you can link up as many book or quote-related posts as you want!

If you want to plan ahead, here are the upcoming topics:

25- Taking a break for Christmas

Jan 1- Taking a break for New Year’s

Jan 8- Love Quotes that Won’t Make You Sick

Jan 15- The Best Quotes from Oscar Wilde

As always, I will feature my favorite link-up in next week’s edition. When you share your post with me, you agree to for me to use one image from your post in next week’s QMT and have your post shared by awesome bloggers. I will also pin all link-ups to the new Quote Me Thursday Pinterest board.

This Week’s Post Features

Last week, my favorite link-up was from Big Hair and Books about New Year’s Eve books for kids!

Will you be next week’s feature?

Link-up Rules

1. Links must be book or quote-related (reviews, quotes, book lists, author interviews, whatever!).

2. Link to your blog-specific URL, not your home page.

3. Visit some of the other posts and have some fun!

4. Use the hashtag #quotemethursday when sharing this link-up!

What are your favorite Christmas stories?

Pumpkin Fall Quotes

October 29, 2018 by Meet Brenda 7 Comments

Last week I featured apples, so today, I thought I would feature pumpkins- the other fall fruit! It turns out, pumpkin quotes are surprisingly limited when not speaking about pies, but I’ve at least gathered a few for you. 🙂

“Only the knife knows what goes on in the heart of the pumpkin.”

–Simone Schwarz-Bart

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”

Henry David Thoreau

Pumpkin pumpkin
big and round,
I’m glad you grow
upon the ground.
I’m glad you don’t
grow in a tree
for then you might
fall down on me.

–Origin Unknown

Quote Me Thursday Link Party

Now it’s time to link up your book posts to Quote Me Thursday! Remember, you can link up any book-related post! Basically, if you’re a book blogger of any kind, all of your posts can be added.

As always, I will feature my favorite link-up and by linking up, you agree to receive Quote Me Thursday reminders and have your post shared on Daily Mayo.

My favorite link-up from last week was Leslie from Life in Every Limb. She shared a fun literary survey that anyone can take! I love the idea, and I may do it soon here on Daily Mayo.

Who will be next week’s feature? Will it be you?

Link-up Rules

1. Links must be book or quote-related (reviews, quotes, book lists, author interviews, whatever!).

2. Link to your blog-specific URL, not your home page.

3. Visit some of the other posts and have some fun!

4. Use the hashtag #quotemethursday when sharing this link-up!

More Fall-Fun at Daily Mayo

Back to School Products for Book Lovers

Quotes to Get You in the Mood for Autumn

Quotes Featuring Apples

Summer Reading Picks You Won’t Regret Reading

June 15, 2018 by Meet Brenda 2 Comments

Now that it is summer, my thoughts turn to books I can read while on vacation, traveling, or at the pool. But how can you know what is good to read? If you are wondering what you should waste your time with this summer, check out this list of summer reading picks you won’t regret reading. In this list, I tried to include a good mix of authors who are male, female, and from differing parts of the world. It’s a diverse reading list for everyone.

Summer Reading Picks You Won’t Regret Reading

Read these books from this summer reading list and have a ball!

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Science fiction and fantasy books take you away to a magical, unlikely place. The books on this list are full of adventure and drama.
Infomocracy by Malka Older

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee

Romance

Sometimes you just need some epic romance in your life. These books deliver just that with plenty of spice.
Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst

Riverbend Road by RaeAnne Thayne

See Me by Nicholas Sparks

Literary Fiction

These are the books you read to make you think. They often cover heavy issues and don’t shy away from the uglier side of life.

Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty by Ramona Ausubel

The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave

YA

No matter how old you are, there is something magical about books written for teens. There is always so much hope and promise in YA. YA books make for refreshing reads.

With Malice by Eileen Cook

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass

Children’s Literature

Even as an adult I love children’s books. These books are some of the best children’s books you’ll find this year.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

The Gallery by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

The Underdogs by Sara Hammel

Mystery/Thriller

Who did it? You’ll know if you read these exciting thrillers.

End of Watch by Stephen King

Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

Security by Gina Wohlsdorf

Beach Reads

If you want something light and fluffy as one of your summer reading picks, grab one of these easy beach reads.

The Singles Game by Lauren Weisberger

Rich and Pretty by Rumaan Alam

Modern Lovers by Emma Straub

If You Only Read One Book This Summer

You absolutely have to read The Cursed Child this year. No exceptions.

The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

What do you think of my summer reading picks? Are any of these books on your summer reading list?

Lit Lovers Link Party

Where book bloggers are loved!

Welcome yet again to another exciting week of the Lit Lovers link party! Last week, if you missed it, don’t forget to take a look at the best Game of Thrones book quotes!

Link your favorite book and quote posts (new or old) for some extra traffic! We’re here every Thursday.

Remember, you can link up as many book or quote-related posts as you want!

As always, I will feature my favorite link-up in next week’s Lit Lover’s edition. This year, I’m also sharing my favorite posts on the Daily Mayo Facebook page and Twitter as a “thank you” for linking up each week.

When you share your post with me, you agree to for me to use one image from your post in next week’s LL. I will also pin all link-ups to the new Lit Lover’s Pinterest board and send you weekly link-up reminders so you can join in every week.

Last week, Natalie shared a really fun review of the Archie comic reboot, and I really enjoyed reading Whitney’s May book recap!

An InLinkz Link-up

5 YA New Fall Books to Get Excited About This Season

September 22, 2016 by Meet Brenda Leave a Comment

If you love YA books, you won’t want to miss the new YA fall books that are coming out this fall! Your TBR pile just got much bigger.

This is a guest post written by Caroline from Culture Coverage.

5 YA New Fall Books to Get Excited About This Season

This year has already offered a slew of amazing YA titles such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and that trend isn’t slowing down. This season offers some of the best fall books from a variety of genres. You might even need a new tote to carry around all these amazing new books.

Tales of the Peculiar

Ransom Riggs

If you enjoyed Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children, then you’ll want to pick up Tales of the Peculiar when it hits bookshelves this fall. Rather than a sequel or prequel, this is more of a companion book to the bestselling novel. It collects all of the stories of the peculiar world and compiles them into a sort of fairy tale collection. It also gives clues as to the location of time loops introduced in the series. Featuring stunning illustrations and annotated by Millard Nullings (Miss Peregrine’s ward), this book is sure to keep people occupied and excited for the movie coming in December 2016. While written for the YA crowd, there are some fairly gruesome and twisted sections. If you’re squeamish, this might be a book to avoid. Otherwise, if you loved the series, you should read this book.

The Light Fantastic

Sarah Combs

April 19^th is a day that changes the life of multiple people around the country. This happens in small ways for some and huge ways for others. Nonetheless, no one is the same after that day. Not April Donovan who just turns 18 nor Phoebe who starts questioning a cross-country ploy. Combs manages to weave together a single book with multiple narrators and explores a generation of teenagers stifled in shame and isolation. Will they be able to move out of the dark and into the light?

Reviewers are already giving The Light Fantastic high praise thanks to its lyrical writing and focus on real-world issues.

When They Fade

Jeyn Roberts

At the time, confiding in an adult about an illicit affair between a teacher and a student seemed like a good idea. However, now Tatum finds herself ostracized by the entire town and branded as a liar. The bullying increases until there’s no longer any safe place for her to go.

One night, Tatum picks up a hitchhiker who has an ethereal quality about her. They don’t talk much, but suddenly the hitchhiker turns to Tatum and suddenly tells her: “You’re going to die. It will hurt and you’ll be alone.” After that, the mysterious girl disappears. Troubled by the message and disappearing girl Tatum not only starts a journey to learn more about the hitchhiker but to clear her name as well. The book manages to tackle some pretty serious issues without ever allowing them to weigh down the story too much. When They Fade is perfect for those who enjoyed The Lovely Bones.

Interference

Kay Honeyman

Kate Hamilton knows how to get what she wants. She learned it from her father, who is a Congressman in Washington DC. She doesn’t expect things to change for her when her father announces a move to Texas to run a special election. Unfortunately, her old tricks don’t seem to work, and her father’s campaign gets runs into difficulties. Even still, with some spunk, hard work and some smarts, Kate has what it takes to turn the situation around and hopefully get on the good side of star quarterback Hunter Price. Interference offers a little bit of everything from romance to football to scandals.

Like a River Glorious

Rae Carson

A sequel to the much acclaimed Walk on Earth a Stranger, Like a River Glorious follows Lee Westfall as she finally reaches her home in California. They embrace her magical powers and even welcome others with the same gifts. However, her uncle hasn’t given up his quest to control Lee and her powers. He manages to kidnap her, but she’s not the same as she was before. Her powers have grown. Gold no longer just speaks to her; it also listens to her commands. The question now is if it is enough to stop her uncle once and for all. It’s a sweeping saga of magic and history as well as a coming-of-age story.

Are there other books coming out this season that you want to read? Have you gotten to take a look at any of those mentioned above? Tell us in the comments below!

About the Author: Caroline is a freelance entertainment and technology writer. When she’s not messing around with new gadgets, she has her nose in a book or e-reader. Her bookshelves are overflowing with books from just about every genre.

Lit Lovers Link Party

Don’t miss last week’s awesome list of spooky Halloween quotes. If you link up, I will pin you to my Book Reviews Pinterest board, which currently has a follower count of about 7K. Thanks for linking up each week!

An InLinkz Link-up

10 Creepy Halloween Quotes from Horror Authors and Poets

September 15, 2016 by Meet Brenda Leave a Comment

If you are looking for creepy Halloween quotes, these Halloween quotes from authors are just the thing to set the mood and are totally whiteboard worthy.

This time of year, I’m looking forward to Halloween. I love Halloween not just for the holiday, but what it represents. The full beginning of fall, cold weather, and the best holidays of the year (plus, Christmas break is just around the corner!).

When it is cool outside, I love reading horror books. I guess there is something about the turning of the seasons that make reading spooky stories more fun. These creepy Halloween quotes will get you in the mood for cool weather within seconds.

10 Creepy Halloween Quotes from Horror Authors and Poets

“Death twitches my ear;
‘Live,’ he says…
‘I’m coming.”
― Virgil

“The dark is generous, and it is patient, and it always wins.
It always wins because it is everywhere.
It is in the wood that burns in your hearth, and in the kettle on the fire; it is under your chair and under your table and under the sheets on your bed. Walk in the midday sun, and the dark is with you, attached to the soles of your feet.
The brightest light casts the darkest shadow.”
― Matthew Woodring Stover

“Whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent.”
― Cormac McCarthy

“I’ll tell you now. That silence almost beat me. It’s the silence that scares me. It’s the blank page on which I can write my own fears. The spirits of the dead have nothing on it. The dead one tried to show me hell, but it was a pale imitation of the horror I can paint on the darkness in a quiet moment.”
― Mark Lawrence

“He stepped fully into the house. The air inside was cool on his skin. He turned, expecting the front door to close on its own. But it stayed open, as it was supposed to. He shook his head, chiding himself for letting an old house spook him. He walked into the kitchen. Behind him, the front door slammed shut.”
― Robert Liparulo

“The Devil pulls the strings which make us dance;
We find delight in the most loathsome things;
Some furtherance of Hell each new day brings,
And yet we feel no horror in that rank advance.”
― Charles Baudelaire

“Here is a list of terrible things,
The jaws of sharks, a vultures wings
The rabid bite of the dogs of war,
The voice of one who went before,
But most of all the mirror’s gaze,
Which counts us out our numbered days.”
― Clive Barker

‘Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. – William Shakespeare

“The shortest horror story:

The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door.”
― Frederic Brown

“Horror is the removal of masks.”
― Robert Bloch

What are your favorite creepy Halloween quotes?

Lit Lovers Link Party

Don’t miss last week’s awesome list of literary tote bags. If you link up, I will pin you to my Book Reviews Pinterest board, which currently has a follower count of about 7K. Thanks for linking up each week!

An InLinkz Link-up

More Halloween Fun

Creepy Quotes from Horror Masters

Creepy Psychological Thrillers

Scary Books to Read in October