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
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.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked this book a lot. It touched upon real life issues that people go through. From sickness to loss to loneliness. It taught about forgiveness, taking care of yourself and being selfless. It was a great read just in time for the holidays. The majority of the book is about grief and at first I thought hmmm this isn’t going to be a feel good story but I was completely wrong. By the end of the book my heart was so full. Definitely a good read.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Crossbow Christmas
By: Ann Swann
This book takes place in a pandemic world. I love books that tackle the “new normal” that we are all facing right now. So that is major points already for me.
Carina was definitely affected by the pandemic. Haven’t we all. She was in the hospital for several months, working to recover. Now that she’s home all she wants to do is celebrate Christmas with her family. However, everyone’s lives got busier while she was in the hospital. Her husband is too busy working to show that he wants a family Christmas of times past. Her kids are grown, with families of their own. They have all moved away and are too busy to stop and have the Christmas their mother desires.
A friend offers her his cabin for Christmas. If she goes she will definitely have a white Christmas. In her journal, she writes about her desire to go to the cabin. However, she also writes about her worries about going to the cabin alone. Through her journaling, we see that she doesn’t think it is possible to go by herself. How can she? She’s been so busy taking care of everyone else she doesn’t know how to take care of herself. Really, she doesn’t know how she can have a vacation all by herself.
Carina is possibly one of the most relatable characters I have read in a long time. Every mother, wife, woman can relate to her struggles. We may not be able to relate to her struggle of wanting a big Christmas, but we can relate to her struggle to do something nice for ourselves. I don’t know any woman who would willingly take a trip by themselves without second guessing themselves. I think that Ann Swann did a great job encapsulating womens feelings in this story. She captured a women’s grief in the changing seasons of her family. I think everyone about to go through the empty nest process can also relate to those feelings.
I can say I felt the otherside of this as well. I am not a mother or a grandmother. But I am a daughter and I see the change that parents feel when I am torn about who to spend time with on the holidays.
This is such a great book! I definitely recommend it to anyone wanting relatable characters as well as a holiday theme!
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Crossbow Christmas tells the story of a woman who is lonely and sad and was ill and somewhere along the way lost who she really is. She contemplates her life and how she got to where she is.
It is a tale that I think a lot of people will relate to. Who are when the kids are grown? Who are you when you have been married for so long? Who are you when you have always been the care giver? Who are you when you feel lost and don’t know who you are anymore? Who are you when you feel like others are moving on, but you are standing still?
Carina ponders those same questions and sometimes the road to finding the answers to those questions is a frightening place to look. Some time away, some time to herself, some time in a different place may just be what she needs to find herself and her Christmas miracle.
It is an emotional read but a good read.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not long till Christmas now and this charming tale is just the way to get the Christmas spirit flowing. It is Barbara’s debut book and an enjoyable read it is.
The Perfect Mrs. Claus is a sweet romance tale where the couple are more mature. It was nice to see to lonely hearts who have lived life not beating around the bushes which only comes from maturity. Howardson’s Emporium is where the magic happens people from all walks of life come to see the wonders of Christmas and the one place you can find Mrs Claus.
This heartfelt and heart-warming tale gives you all the feels. It is a magical tale to get lost in and enjoy what it represents.
Grab a copy a hot chocolate and a warm blanket and snuggle up to enjoy.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a wonderful read. I really connected with the characters I met and came to love. The story was sweet, but had a lot of festiveness that related to the holiday spirit! Wonderful read!
Personally loved Savannah and felt for her truly. A Christmas being spent alone is hard enough, but when you lose your soul mate, its even harder. Loved her personally. She gets a chance to find the holiday spirit still through an encounter, and to say the least, it is life changing. I loved her and Matthew. Sweet together m and the spirit of the holidays was certainly strong with them. It was as if this book had a magical spell over me. I felt so warm in my hear as I read it, and felt oh so happy. It was indeed a touching read. I very much enjoyed the author’s writing skills as well. Wonderful and perfect holiday read! Loved it!
Could not get enough of this book or the charming magic that it possessed over its reader. Perfect read for this time of year. Can’t say enough good things! Highly recommend this must read holiday book and author!
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a truly adorable story! Another one that Hallmark could make into a Christmas movie. Matthew & Savannah are a cute couple that meet through a bungled attempt to tell her that she would be perfect to play Mrs. Claus. Matthew fell in love with Savannah’s hair color. They are both older with grown kids, widows and deserve happiness. I love how this story is realistic, shares their struggles, and shows their happiness. Supporting characters like Fern are a blessing as she is a fascinating lady that should have her own story. The story is so well done. You have romance, friendship, cuteness, and Santa. The memories brought up through the setting of the store display can also bring back happy memories for readers. This is a wonderful holiday story. I will be buying some copies for gifts. I hope to see more from this author.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carina is just trying to get back on her feet after the pandemic threw her life a curve ball. Max offers her the opportunity. This book is the best “feel good” that I have read this year. The writing is heartfelt. You can truly feel the emotions in the writing. She tries to get her husband and family together for a holiday. Who can’t relate to that? I never read the back because I always like to judge a book by my opinion. I went in wondering if this was an “age-gap” romance. I was so glad to see it was “second-chance” and a friendship one. The characters are all so special in this book. They each had their own role in the story. The storyline is exquisite and interesting. You can’t put the story down. You are pulled right in. Get a cup of cocoa and join everyone in town. That ending…..I love this book. Another I will be gifting to friends. A definite holiday must read.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a perfect book, to bring forth the feeling associated with the holidays! The book was touching, strong and connecting characters, and a strong sense of the beautiful holiday spirit!
Carina was such a wonderful character, was very easily to connect to her. I think especially on how she endured the pandemic, and wanted nothing more than family time. It’s true though, with the pandemic we lost so many chances to be with loved ones, we need to embrace it now. I felt for Carina truly, trying to make plans and she was so full of festive spirit in her heart, and no one would budge for her. I found what she goes through, and comes out on top of, very sweet and touching. She grew her wings for sure, it was a beautiful read, touching, and perfect holiday read. Definitely a must read in my books Very much enjoyed it!
Such a sweet holiday story. Wonderful story and cast of characters. I think everyone grew in some shape or form, and established the meaning of the holidays. Highly recommend this must read book and author!
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
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Author Interview with Barbara Matteson
