A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First holiday book of the season. I enjoyed it. I was hooked from the first chapter. I felt an instant connection to the characters. The author kept me entertained throughout the entire book. This book was beautifully written. I will be reading more from this author.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann. This is such an inspiring read. Its about Carina who has had her world turned upside in the past year. She has lost her mom, her dad and a sister in the course of a year and she also endured a long horrible battle with COVID that almost caused her own death. When she is trying to recover she realizes that the most important thing on Earth is family. She wants to spend more time with her family and they want no part of it. She and her husband are growing apart and her kids have all moved on with their lives. When she meets Max a young man who has recently lost his wife to cancer they form a friendship and that friendship saves them both. Carina learns to function thru and after a worldwide pandemic. Can she put her life back together and find joy in the world again. Read this sweet book to find out!
Ann Swann created a wondrous story that immerses the reader into Carina’s world. Swann uses elegant descriptions of the quaint cabin and town not far from the cabin to bring everything to life. The reader can relate to Carina because we have all had to deal with the after-effects of COVID in one way or another.
Because of COVID and the death of her parents, Carina has been put through the wringer, emotionally and physically. A good ol’ home-fashioned family Christmas is all Carina is looking forward to after COVID took her down for the count causing her to have an extended stay at the hospital. Unfortunately, her family regards her as a silly sentimental old woman whom they do not have time to visit even for Christmas. She turns to a young man named Max from her grief group for support. When he offers the use of his Colorado cabin, she knows it could be the answer to her prayers for a family Christmas. Will Carina be able to convince her family to enjoy a white Christmas with her at the cabin? It is unlikely and she writes about the possibility of going to the cabin alone, but she is not as brave as she used to be because she is so used to depending on other people. Will she be able to make the trip up to the cabin alone and have a wonderful Christmas with Max, even if her family cannot come? Find out by reading A Crossbow Christmas!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Feel good book. Took a bit to get into the book but once past the first chapter, I could not put the book down. Carina Prinner had a new outlook on life. She had survived Covid. Before that, she lost both of her parents and her only sibling. She knew she had her children and husband. After Carina came home, things changed. Her husband seemed to work more hours than before and her children were out of the nest. She found a grief support group where she found a friend in Max Paper. A young widower. He and his late wife owned a cabin in Crossbow, CO. Max offered it to Carina for the Christmas holiday. Everyone but her youngest son seemed to think it was a bad idea. So, she traveled by herself from TX to Colorado. She found a small kitten and befriended the local vet. She also became friends with the local Brewery owners. Here, she found peace and a sense of self worth. I love the twist of ALL the kids coming together in a surprise to give Carina the best memories ever. Her husband Alfred even joined in.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62872091-a-crossbow-christmas” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Crossbow Christmas” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664825133l/62872091._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62872091-a-crossbow-christmas”>A Crossbow Christmas</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5420711.Ann_Swann”>Ann Swann</a><br/>
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This is a different Christmas story. Carina got sick with Covid and was in hospital. When she gets out of the hospital. No one wants to spend Christmas with her. The only one that understands is a young man in a grief support group. You have to read the rest of the book to see what happens. I can’t wait to read more books from this author.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/40000500-lacy-mercado”>View all my reviews</a>
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really relatable and emotional story. The fact that the main character Carina is so relatable is what makes this story such an emotional read. Its like reading about parts of myself in this book. It deal with difficult subjects such as grief, loss of family around covid time, dealing with the illness yourself and also the realisation that life just isn’t how it used to be.
Carina has gone through a lot in the last year. From losing several family members during the pandemic to almost becoming a victim of it herself. When she recovers all she wants is a big family Christmas, however all her kids are gown and have their own lives and her husband is too busy working.
Feeling very lost and alone she starts to question herself. After so many years of caring for others what does she do now she’s no longer needed.
When she is offered the chance to stay at a friend’s cabin for a guaranteed white Christmas is she brave enough to go alone, to do something that she wants just for her? And what happens if she does that that leap of faith? Will she find her purpose in life and in the process find herself again? Or will she be to worried and scared to put herself first.
It is an emotional story which I can relate to on all different levels. I’ve never felt more connected to a character because as a wife and mother the thoughts and feelings she goes through I have had myself. It is a beautifully written story that deals with a subject not many people discuss.
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A sweet Christmas story. The Perfect Mrs. Claus is the book you cuddle up with a mug of hot chocolate on a cool December day. A wonderful story when all is said and done.
If I had one knock on it, it’s the constant flashbacks. Early on they were all over the place and I was really confused. As the book progressed the author cleaned up the transition between past and present. I still think it was a lot though. And just because I say that doesn’t mean that takes away from the story the author wrote.
This book is about love, loss, and hope. What Savannah accomplishes in this book reminds me of what I wish I could do. To selflessly help others in ways I currently can’t. Doesn’t always work out that way, but I hope my life leads me there some day.
Matthew and Savannah are two lonely souls. Both of their children are overseas. Savannah is a widow, while Matthew is a divorcée. What are the odds life leads them to one in an unexpected way?
He’s in charge of the yearly Christmas display and he needs a Mrs.Claus. In walks Savannah into the store that will change their lives forever.
The growth of these characters individually as well as together is beautifully written. It makes you root for these characters and makes you keep turning the page.
If you enjoy Christmas novels it’s worth a read!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann is a family drama set around Christmas in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Carina has struggled through so much loss that she finds herself feeling lonely trying to move on with her life. Her grown children have all moved on in life and her husband took a new job and seemingly forgot her. Carina is always taking care of others, and doesn’t know what to do when there’s nobody to take care of in her family.
Carina is reluctant, but takes up an opportunity to spend Christmas in a cabin in Colorado thanks to a friend from her support group. Carina has no idea it it’s the right move or what will become of her Christmas, but this is her chance at healing and finding herself.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This is my first read by the author and I liked it. The first journal entry in the first chapter was so raw it drew me in. I will say after that I struggled to stay drawn in but the end of the book hooked me back in. This story is such a heartwarming story overall. Carina is very relatable and the way she handles grief is touching.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reading A Crossbow Christmas was like stepping into a Hallmark movie in my head. Though it was a little longer than 2 hours and no commercials. I’m a sucker for a good Christmas novel and this one hit all the feels. I wasn’t too sure what I was jumping into, because with Christmas novels I haven’t read a bad one yet. So I decided to jump right in with this one.
The author wrote 2 characters that have had a heartbreaking last few years. Between family loss and the pandemic it was a lot to deal with. But the author wrote it beautifully and it kept me wanting more!
Carina is a mother of 4, with 4 grandchildren. Happily married or is there trouble in paradise. She has been through a lot. Losing both her parents as well as her sister in the last few years. She also had a long and tiring battle in the hospital with Covid. She needs a break, a vacation. She does everything to get her family to go away for the holidays, to no avail. Well her one son agreed, which made her decide to do it!
Max is a late 20s doctorate student, who lost the love of his life to cancer. He met Carina through a grief group on Facebook and they’ve been great friends since. He offered a cabin that his wife inherited, and they renovated to make it so much more. Located in a ski town of Crossbow CO, he thought it would be great for her family to spend the holidays there.
Carina goes through a rollercoaster of emotions on her journey. Sometimes the author had me frustrated with her. Other times I could relate because I’m the same way. When one feels alone, they are the only one who gets to break through those feelings to change that.
A feel good Christmas story for all to love!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a real tear jerker for me as I put myself in her shoes and relate to so many things Carina is feeling in this novel. Sometimes losses are not that big but impact you in a way that you could not even fathom.
Carina in her post covid world, after suffering several tragedies through the year with losing people close to her, is trying to build her world back up after being knocked around. With Christmas coming up, it seems her husband and kids have other ideas about the holidays leaving her feeling more alone than ever. Enter Max, from her support group, who offers her his cabin in the mountains to rest, relax, and get away. The cabin itself has enough room for her whole family but they seem as if they have moved on with their own lives and she is being left in the dust. Can Carina take this extravagant opportunity for herself?
This book had me all in my feelings as I am dealing with my own personal stuff to the point that the Christmas spirit is super hard to come by in my household. This feels like a rebuilding yourself book especially when several of us are looking to do just that. It reminds us that it is okay to take time for yourself, as you cannot be everything to everyone else all the time. If you like feel good novels where you might come out with a different look on life than I definitely recommend reading this book.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann is a very relatable story. Set during the pandemic, Carina is a married mother of grown children that has just had an incredibly rough year. Carina has lost several family members over the last year and has been near death with Covid. She gets invited to her friend’s cabin so that she may have a white Christmas. She finds it very difficult to take the time for herself and decides to journal her time at the cabin. This was a beautifully written story. Carina was very relatable. I definitely understand taking care of everyone but yourself. Trying to find your footing after all the changes that Covid brought is a story that everyone can relate to at this time.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book turned out to be much more emotional than I expected when I first started reading. It really feels like you go on the full journey with this character. She experiences so much and you can watch her development right from page one. I wasn’t sure which way this book was going to go but it definitely became a feel good Christmas story.
This is an author I have only recently become familiar with and so far I am enjoying her work. The book is well written and has a nice steady pace. It was easy to engage with and I wanted to see how things would turn out. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book.
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a lovely Christmas read and one that I really enjoyed. I really liked Savannah, I loved that the main lead of the story was a more mature lady – she was so lovely to read about. I really felt for her and her dilemma about how to spend her Christmas when faced with spending it alone. I loved how the author was able to get the emotion of the story across but also still get a little bit of humour in it as well.it was a very easy story to read and one that I would definitely recommend. I also loved the cover – it definitely gave me the Christmas feels!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an endearing Christmas read. I really liked that the story was so true to life at the moment, it was great that the author did bring the pandemic into the story because I think it’s definitely something we can all relate to when reading. I liked that the story featured a more mature female lead to, it was nice to read something a little different. The author did a great job with the characters and the storyline. I really liked Carina and I did truly feel sorry for her, I think there may well be readers out there who can totally relate to what has happened to her over the past few years. The author definitely planned and thought her characters out well.
Overall a nice read and one that I enjoyed. I have to say and this is something that I don’t normally take any notice of but I absolutely adored the front cover!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You are not going to get a more relatable heartwarming cozy Christmas read. The characters are so personable and relatable. After living through a pandemic, this was such a relatable read. This is truly such the perfect read to get in the Christmas Spirit. This book touched upon a pandemic, loneliness, heartache, forgiveness and filled my bucket.
This is a must read entering the Christmas Season.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Carina is not feeling the Christmas Spirit this year after caring for both of her ill parents and then her own battle with Covid. Carina is unhappy that only one of her children and a member of her online support group are planning to celebrate Christmas with her. She would really love to have all her kids, grandkids and husband together for an old fashioned Christmas. This story touched the heart. I laughed and cried. Such a good book!!
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson is a charming and delightful holiday story with all the feelgood ingredients we love about Christmas stories.
Savanah has been feeling lost and alone since her husband death. Her son has moved to the other side of the world for work, which means that Savanah is looking at being alone for Christmas. But a spur of the moment visit to one of her favourite stores results in a tempting proposal, which changes everything.
These characters were so endearing, so easy to like- I found myself quickly investing in them and the outcome of their sweet story.
Sprinkled with emotion and a little humour, this Christmas romance will warm your heart….. and is a great way to kick-off this holiday season.
Looking forward to more from Ms. Matteson…
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Barbara Matteson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Carina has had her fill of tragedy and heartbreak over the past year. Covid hit the world and in her small world was even worst, with losing her mother, Sister and father in the space of the year and contracting COVID which left her near deaths door her whole world has been drape with darkness.
Carina feels lost and wandering the path of life with no purpose anymore not quite understanding were she fits in; her husband has just carried on with life. Her children have grown and flown the nest a while ago and she is no come to a point where she feels she is does not fit in.
The only thing she looks forward to is her chats with Max a young man who knows the heartbreak of losing someone close to them as his young wife passed away from cancer which has left him lost as well. So, when a conversation occurs, and Max offers his cabin to Carina is she brave enough to take him up and start building her world back up.
I have to admit this book at the start was “Where is this going?” but I have to say the more I read the more I related to Carina in a way I have not thought about. We all struggled through the pandemic no matter where you were in the world and if you lost someone close it must have been a horrendous time. I live in the UK and my father passed away through cancer not COVID but the restrictions around his funeral were more heart-breaking than the funeral itself.
I also related to the fact of trying to “get back to normal” whatever that is in this time now, this book highlighted the struggle some people are having with the life in general. It was a great thought provoking but which I would recommend people to read just to say you’re not alone in this.
Thank you for writing a book with the characters so personable and a story which was well written and flowed beautifully through the thoughts and actions of these characters.
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book gave me so much joy. I fell in love with Savannah immediately. She just had this personality and essence about her that pulled me in. Which was the point. Savannah is extremely selfless and has an enormous heart. She really made the perfect Mrs. Claus. I loved that she was the center and not Santa. Like they say behind ever man there’s a great woman. We don’t give Mrs. Claus her props enough. Matthew is a sweetheart as well. He’s shy but caring. Awkward but kind. They make quite the pair. Nothing says the holidays like love! Please read this book it has a the feels!
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First of all who doesn’t love a Christmas romance story? I know I sure do so when I saw the beautiful cover of this amazing story I knew right away I had to read it. I know it’s a Christmas romance but overall this sorry was simply amazing, and charming. The characters were very well developed, the plot was sweet and perfect, and the author does an amazing job with descriptions for us to be able to visualize their masterpiece. So if you’re ready for the holiday spirit and need a good Christmas romance, make sure to pick this one up today.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It was a cute story but very hard for me to get into. I was waiting for that AH HA moment that would hook me in and make the book unable to put down. I usually read to escape real life and this book was very much the here and now! The characters were nice but I really wanted to feel more with this one!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE a good wholesome Christmas story and this one did not disappoint! The pandemic was a tough time for Carina. She faced many challenges and is working on learning to overcome and live her new normal. When a friend offers his cabin to her for a Christmas family getaway, she dreams of what that may be like. When her grown kids sound like they won’t make it for the holiday, Carina finds herself wondering if she could make the trip alone and what that may look like.
I was glad to see a post-pandemic world reflected in a story. Humanity as a whole experienced a big shift in everyday life. We experienced, love and loss and we are still recovering. This was a wonderful story of self-discovery, self-growth, and reflection as Carina’s story progressed. No matter what you experienced during the pandemic, you can relate. I found myself fully enveloped by the winter wonderland and it was magical. Carina is surrounded by a melting pot of supporting characters that perfectly shape her world. This was a beautiful journey that I was pleased to take alongside Carina.
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a way to start off the Christmas Season! Anyone else ready for cozy Christmas reads once November 1st hits? I truly enjoyed this cozy heart warming , Christmas Romance. It was cozy and at sometimes cheesy but I personally believe thats absolutely necessary for a cozy Christmas romance. I really enjoyed the relatable realistic characters (of all ages, I may add). If you are looking for a good read to kick off Christmas Season, this one is it!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this holiday story. This is a new author for me which I look forward to seeing what is next for her. This is a well written story about Carina. She has just spent a month in the hospital and is now looking forward to having a family holiday. What will happen when she is left to her own and is offered a cabin? What kind of Christmas will she have? I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. There is some emotional roller coaster in parts but that just makes her a stronger character. There is great growth to this story. It is fast paced and hard to put down. This is a story you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This truly was a wonderful read that fills you with the Christmas spirit along the way. You just can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy after reading this! The writing of this talented author creates such vivid images in your imagination you truly feel as if you can see it all happening right in front of you. The lead characters, Matthew and Savannah, are wonderful and draw straight into your heart. They are completely relatable and heartfelt characters. If you are after a read that has heart and emotion, that will lift your spirits and has a happy ending then this is the book for you.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann is a women’s fiction story- a family drama of sorts set around Christmas in the aftermath of the pandemic- makes for an interesting read with a bit of an emotional quality.
Carina, the mc, is such a relatable character, contemplating her life- feeling lonely, and a little melancholy. Her life reflection comes at the stage where her children have all left the nest, her husband and her have been married for so long that she feels they take things for granted. She has always been the one caring for others, but who takes care of her? Who is she if she’s not the caregiver? She’s lost herself in it all along the way and doesn’t know quite how to turn things around. After feeling overlooked and unappreciated, and with those life reflections weighing heavy on her mind- an opportunity to spend Christmas in a mountain cabin in Colorado presents itself- but she really isn’t the adventurous sort and going alone feels very daunting. Will she take a leap and go? What happens when she gets there? Will she ‘discover’ herself again and find new purpose in her life? What of her family? Will she get the Christmas she hopes for?
Emotional and relatable.
Happy reading…
Thank you, Ann Swann!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading about Carina and her Christmas adventure. It was nice to experience life in a world that has been affected by covid not because covid has been idealistic but because it is our new norm and this story shows how that has affected life in big and small ways. I love Christmas time and have always wanted a white Christmas. It was nice to be able to be transported to a place where life seems ideal and Christmases are white. I was happily surprised by the stories twists and would definitely recommend this story.
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Perfect Mrs Claus
By: Barbara Matteson
5*
This was such a cozy, sweet holiday novel. This was the perfect book to get me in the holiday spirit. This is a sweet romance story that featured more mature characters – which I loved so much! Savannah is such a sweet main character, I really felt for her as her story unfolded. From it being her first Christmas alone to her time at Howardson’s where she met another lonely soul. Meeting Matthew literally changed her life.
I truly enjoyed this story, I found both Matthew and Savannah so sweet and endearing. This is the perfect story to read on a snowy night under the lights of the Christmas Tree.
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savannah is a widow and mom who is struggling with the fact that she will spend the holidays without her family since her son has made other plans. She makes an incredible decision to visit a gorgeous location for a special holiday vacation at The Blue Spruce Inn in the gorgeous mountains in New Hampshire. The Inn’s holiday itinerary makes Savannah crave to be there ASAP. So, she has chosen to save money by limiting her spending which is always a good idea.
While visiting Howardson’s around Halloween time, she reminisces about life with her young son when visiting the location during the holidays, specifically Christmas time. Their Christmas displays were always impeccable and memorable. Little did she know that by visiting Howardson’s on that date would literally change her life forever. A chance meeting with a handsome man results in the receipt of an intriguing proposition. She was not immediately sold on the idea, but charming Matthew was able to change her mind.
This delightful story follows Savannah and Matthew’s adventure in learning about themselves and each other. I found Savvanah’s sense of humor charming. Matthew’s personality, especially after meeting Savannah was quite endearing as well.
I really enjoyed how the author built up the imagery of the Inn and I found myself wishing I could visit the location around the holidays. Who wouldn’t enjoy a gorgeous mountain vacation!?
This story was funny, dramatic and sweetly romantic. I think most readers will enjoy the journey and getting to know the characters as they progress and grow.
