Karen Schaler

This latest offering by the author known as "Christmas Karen" tells the story of a contemporary version of "A Christmas Carol," the Christmas classic by Dickens. Alexis has become a successful businesswoman, at the expense of her own well-being and personal life. She treats her employees as if they are workhorses, without knowing or caring about their personal lives. Visits from the spectres of her deceased parents attempt to teach her lessons about life and the importance of family and show more friends.

I am sure this story made a great movie, which it was before it became a book, and the book read like a screenplay with a lot of descriptions. I could imagine the movie in my mind as I was reading. It was a fun holiday read with lessons to learn, despite some rather significant plot holes. It is a clean and sweet read without strong language or graphic intimacy or violence.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are mine alone. show less

LOVE ALWAYS, CHRISTMAS was so much fun! I love Christmas books that throw tinsel a that tree in big handfuls and Karen Schaler’s books always hit the mark! ❄🎄🎅

Libby is a social media marketer who is trying to land a big account. She has been struggling with the loss of her parents, who loved Christmas, and may soon lose their house. There were some hilarious scenes with “Santa Kitty” the internet star that I absolutely loved. Libby travels to the small town of Holly Peak after show more she finds a letter addressed to her mother that was unopened. When she gets there, she meets CeCe, a woman who is beloved by the town and who allowed her to say with her for a few days. She says she and her mother were friends. But there is more to that story. There’s a small romance subplot with Adam, who lives in town (and has an adorable dog named Rudolph!), but it’s very subtle. The storyline with Cece is the main focus of the book. Some of my favorite moments: the Holly Trolley (Christmas themed food trucks!), gazebos with Christmas lights and holly, all the yummy food, candy apples, fudge, 🍭peppermint pumpkin pie, Christmas bowtie pasta, glittering Christmas doughnut holes🍩… YUM! We learn more about Cece and Libby and who Cece really is and why she really sent the letter as he book goes on. And then of course the town has to help save Christmas! Enjoyed this one! 5/5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from HawkTale Publishing and NetGalley for review purposes. show less

I look forward to Karen Schaler’s Christmas book every year. EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS is a modern-day retelling of “A Christmas Carol” with Alexis Taylor as a powerful businesswoman living in Atlanta, only interested in money… with no idea she’s turned into a Scrooge. I love the Christmas details in every chapter, from the beautiful Christmas tree in the building foyer to the company employees getting in trouble for their impromptu Christmas party. The book has Christmas carols show more interspersed throughout, which was a nice touch. When Alexis sees the Christmas party and fumes, she cancels her worker’s Christmas bonuses, which causes mass panic… and the ghosts of Christmas past come in the form of her parents, who were tragically killed on Christmas years before. I liked how the backstory played into her hatred of Christmas. Seeing her scenes with her mother were nice and this modern-day story of a beloved tale was a quick, easy read with all the perfect holiday touches. I love that in any Karen Schaler book, she goes all in with the candy canes and tinsel for Christmas. There’s a romance storyline, but it’s barely there. The main story is about Alexis. There are photos from the movie set and recipes in the back of the book too, and I loved that a gluten free version of the cookies was included! 5/5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Netgalley and Hawktale Publishing for review purposes. show less

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though it was totally predictable and gushy Hallmark stuff ! The idea of someone who is rather a 'scrooge' character coming around to find the Christmas spirit is always uplifting. The setting is easily pictured by the description, and I could almost see the snow and the mountains, all the colorful Christmas decorations, smell the aroma of cookies in the oven. The whole idea of the camp and all the activities makes one wish they could actually go there! The show more characters were lovable......each with their own back-stories and challenges.... and it was heartwarming to see how they came to care for each other, and become friends, and how Hayley warmed up to them, and in the end, how Christmas Camp made changes in their all of their lives and relationships. The blossoming romance was nice to see unfold, even if it was oh so predictable! Overall a very cozy read......and I loved the escapades and intuitiveness of Max, the dog! He added so much to the story, and always made me smile
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