Monday, November 19, 2018

Iceland for Christmas by Laura Strickland Genre Hop Part 5 #Holidays #Christmas


MUSE MONDAY


This is the last segment of Laura's posts about different genres. And I love this idea. I would love to adopt Iceland's tradition. Read on and enjoy. And if you've had a good time reading about the different genres Laura writes, please visit her web site to see how you can find all of her great books.

In Iceland, they have an amazing tradition. On Christmas Eve—an enchanted night by anyone’s standards—folks there present one another with gifts of books, following which they make some hot chocolate, snuggle up and spend the cold winter’s night reading. It’s called Jolabokaflod, or flood of books, and if there’s a better or cozier idea, I just can’t imagine it.

For me, the holidays are all about cozy. Whatever way you celebrate, whether it’s with candles, carols or family gatherings complete with comfort foods, there’s a feeling of warmth that starts at the heart and spreads outward. Good scents, great company and gratitude for shelter against the cold all combine to create deep contentment.

I don’t know about you, but I get that same feeling when I curl up with a good book. I think it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether I use an e-reader or choose the more tactile experience of a physical copy, the result’s the same. The world goes away, a new world blossoms in my mind’s eye, and bliss ensues.

That’s doubly true when the book is a holiday story. Magic is woven between those pages, complete with reindeer, Christmas cookies and snow—there has to be snow. Anything’s possible, mistletoe has the power to summon your true love, and wishes always come true.

I think that’s why we love to read holiday stories, and to write them. But why should Jolabokaflod be confined to only one night? There are so many great holiday books out there, and Christmas decorations are already in the stores. I say, gift yourself a book, grab your comforter and your favorite treat, and cuddle up. Let the flood begin!

What’s your favorite holiday story?

Blurb for Northern Magic:

When Santa asks his worker, Olja, to help make another elf’s Christmas wish come true, she believes the job calls for a love potion. Brewing it up will require her to travel all around the North Pole gathering unusual supplies, and to take a few dangerous risks. But she’s never failed Santa in the past and doesn’t intend to now. 

Elf Runi’s in the business of guiding Santa’s sleigh and making other people’s wishes come true. This year he’s dared make a wish of his own, one from the heart. When he meets Olja, he hopes he’s found his forever. But it will take assistance from a reindeer, a generous helping of love and a whole lot of magic to make his wish come true. That is, if Olja and Runi can just outwit the three troublesome trolls who decide they’d make a fine winter’s snack.

Buy links for Northern Magic:




11 comments:

  1. Brenda, thanks so much for welcoming me for this series! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, no matter how he or she celebrates!

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  2. I think every day should be a book holiday! There are so many great holiday stories, and yours top my list, Laura!

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    1. Thanks so much, Ashantay! That's very kind. Have a wonderful holiday!

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  3. Beautiful post, Laura. This time of year is my favorite! Love snuggling up with a good book. One of my favorite stories is a children's book by Tony Abbott called, "Kringle." It's all about a young boy with ghosts, elves, goblins, and frost. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

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    1. That sounds like a wonderful, magical read! Wishing you a magical holiday too!

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  4. Iceland would be a wonderful place to spend the Holidays. All the best to you and your family.

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    1. You too, C.B. Hope you have a beautiful holiday season!

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  5. A Christmas Carol was always a tradition in my family to read out loud on Christmas Eve. I still love it. Best on your book!

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    1. My sister and I loved to watch the original, black-and-white version of A Christmas Carol movie every year. There's something so comforting about it. Thanks for visiting!

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