A Christmas Journey (Christmas Stories, #1

A Christmas Journey by Anne Perry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The plot of this book was an interesting twist on the idea of punishment as attonement. A young woman guest at a stately country mansion insults another young woman who commits suicide later that evening. Everyone agrees that her cutting words could have pushed the vulnerable young woman over the edge and one of the guests contrives a quest which will atone for her ill tempered remarks and, if completed, will bind the other guests to secrecy and render the careless young woman forgiven. The trick is that she has to travel to the north of Scotland to deliver the suicide letter to the young woman's mother and confess her guilt in the tragic event.



Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould, another visitor, agrees to go with the young woman, but the journey and the story is much more than she bargained for. The plot is convoluted, but very interesting. The young woman learns more about herself and Lady Vespasia does also. For an easy read in the hectic Christmas season, this book is perfect. It has some substance, but is not too taxing.



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A Christmas Beginning: A Novel (Christmas Stories, #5)

A Christmas Beginning: A Novel by Anne Perry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book, but it ended too abruptly. I was just getting the feeling that I knew some of the suspects when the villian was unmasked. Still, it was a nice easy book to read and it is near Christmas, so it was timely. I liked getting to know Runcorn better and to see the mystery from his eyes. I'm also glad he finally got some happiness in his life.


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The Polar Express

The Polar Express by Chris VanAllsburg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book for both children and adults. It's all about a cynical little boy who is not sure he believes in Santa or Christmas. He takes a ride on the Polar Express, meets two special friends and gets a special gift from Santa.


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