It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Reads) GIVEAWAY: Surprise Christmas Family (+ guest post)

today’s book: Surprise Christmas Family

Welcome to another post in my annual blog series spotlighting new and recently-released Christmas reads! (Over 50 this year – And I’m SO EXCITED about it!)

Christmas is only 11 days away (Can you believe it?!?) and I think we all could benefit from some extra Christmas cheer this year, right? Continuing through just before Christmas, I’m going to spotlight several new/recent Christmasy releases. So… snuggle in, grab your fave hot beverage and comfiest blanket, turn on some Christmas tunes and start your bookish Christmas list! Oh… and did I mention there are GIVEAWAYS with EACH POST in this series??!! (Because authors are awesome!)

Today’s next book is an inspirational Christmas romance that starts with a merry mistake – plus author Renee Ryan shares her fave Christmas movies (and I see several of my own faves on her list too!)

SURPRISE CHRISTMAS FAMILY
SERIES: Thunder Ridge #1
GENRE: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
PUBLISHER: Love Inspired
RELEASE DATE: November 1, 2020
PAGES: 192

Can a very merry mistake lead to a perfect holiday?

He isn’t the man she’s searching for…

but he could be the one she needs.

Hope Jeffries is determined to gain full custody of her twin nieces from their absentee dad. But when she finally confronts Dr. Walker Evans, Hope discovers she has the wrong man—this handsome Colorado widower is the girls’ uncle! While Hope and Walker try to locate his brother, can they also give their nieces a perfect family Christmas?

affiliate links used

by Renee Ryan, author of Surprise Christmas Family

Thank you, Carrie, for inviting me to join you today. I adore Christmas. The decorations, the music, the getting together with friends and family. I also love a good Christmas Romance, the sappier the better, with the requisite happy ending. Add in puppies and twins and I’m a goner. My book, SURPRISE CHRISTMAS FAMILY, has all of the above. A happy ending, puppies, and adorable five-year-old twin girls hoping to meet their father for the first time. They not only end up finding him—well, after a few misfires—they inherit an entire family of their own including aunts, uncles, cousins and lots of puppies. I really loved writing this book.

I would be remiss if I didn’t admit the other reason why I love Christmas. The movies. The newer ones on Hallmark, Lifetime, and Netflix, as well as my annual go-to choices. Here’s a list of some of my favorites, and brief explanation why.

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS—A classic, with a wonderful message that sets the tone for the rest of the Christmas season.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS—Who doesn’t love a good transformation story? This is one of the best ever written. Thank you, Dr. Seuss.

THE HOLIDAY—Two miserable, heartbroken women switch homes for the holidays and end up finding the life they were always meant to live. So much to love here.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL—Another great transformation story. Of all the versions, I still love the 1938 movie with Reginald Owen as Ebenezer Scrooge. If you prefer a darker retelling, the 2019 BBC version with Guy Pierce is the one for you. Too scary for me, but probably more accurate to the time period and mood portrayed in the book.

THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS—A reimagining of A Christmas Carol from the perspective of the author, Charles Dickens, played by the incomparable Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey fame. This has become one of my all-time favorites.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE—I love how George Bailey is given a glimpse into the impact he’s made on other people in his hometown. What a nice twist to a transformation story.

WHITE CHRISTMAS—Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye…need I say more?

THE FAMILY MAN—Starring Nicholas Cage and Tea Leoni, this is a modern-day spin on a twist between IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Nick’s character is given a glimpse into the life he could have had if he’d made different choices. A surprisingly sweet movie.

LOVE ACTUALLY—This movie has the best ensemble casts and is so very British. I love how each storyline is interwoven with the others. Brilliant storytelling. But, let’s be honest here, this one is worth watching for the scene with Hugh Grant dancing through the Prime Minister’s private residence. Oh, and the opening song. A feel it in my fingers. I feel it in my toes…

CHRISTMAS VACATION—The zaniness is worth at least one viewing a year, as is the spot-on look into suburban family life during the holidays.

Honorable Mentions: A CHRISTMAS STORY, ELF, and, of course, DIEHARD.

Now it’s your turn. Tell me your favorite Christmas movies.

Renee Ryan grew up in a Florida beach town outside Jacksonville, FL.  Armed with a degree in Economics and Religion from Florida State University, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park and a modeling agency. She currently lives in Savannah, Georgia with her husband and a large, fluffy cat many have mistaken for a small bear.  Renee can be contacted through her website at www.reneeryan.com

website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Renee Ryan is offering a copy of Surprise Christmas Family (print or ebook) to one of my readers! (US only for print. Ebook only if international winner. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What about you? What makes you want to read Surprise Christmas Family by Renee Ryan? What are some of your fave Christmas movies?