What do you think?
Rate this book
Merry Humbug Christmas: Two Tales of Holiday Romance
A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.
In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell", a Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow's answer to this year's quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she's rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.
In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer", Reese's guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian's family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws' family cabin ablaze, she's pretty sure there won't be even ONE golden ring in her future.
In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell", a Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow's answer to this year's quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she's rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.
In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer", Reese's guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian's family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws' family cabin ablaze, she's pretty sure there won't be even ONE golden ring in her future.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2013
42 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Sandra D. Bricker
44 books265 followersSandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for more than 15 years, where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. She became a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud Fiction for the inspirational market, authored books such as the Jessie Stanton novels, and was best known for her Emma Rae Creation series. Over the years, as an ovarian cancer survivor, she spent time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure. Sandra lived in Toledo, Ohio before her passing in 2016.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 25, 2023
Easy 4 stars (4.25 if I could be specific).
About this book:
“A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.
In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell", a Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow's answer to this year's quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she's rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.
In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer", Reese's guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian's family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws' family cabin ablaze, she's pretty sure there won't be even ONE golden ring in her future.”
Series: Does not seem to be connected to any other books by this author.
Spiritual Content- Isaiah 9:6 at the beginning; Prayers, Thanking God, Blessings over food, & Two Irish Christmas Blessings are said (one over food); Talks about the true meaning of Christmas & the first Christmas; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Joss isn’t a fan of Christmas and believes that God understands (saying that while baby Jesus was thrown out with the Christmas water for her, she didn’t turn on God, she turned on Christmas instead); Patrick asks Joss if she’s a praying woman and she says “now and then” (*Spoiler* ); Patrick says that his Christian faith has played a deep and abiding part of the man he’d become; Seeing a live nativity & a mini message from a reverend; Mentions of God, Jesus, Christmas being about His birthday, & faiths; Mentions of prayers, praying, & Blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, & services; Mentions of Christian Christmas songs; Mentions of having a birthday cake for Jesus; Mentions of the history of luminarias (a Spanish tradition); A few mentions of thanking God for blessings & being Blessed; A few mentions of a person’s sweater and another’s nightgown having a manger scene; A few mentions of being Jewish & Hanukkah; A mention of Handel’s Messiah; A mention of a place being God’s country; A mention of something being a miracle (sincerely meant); A mention of something being “god-like kismet”;
*Note: Many mentions of Santas, elves, reindeer, Rudolph, and all the other classic secular Christmas items (including many songs); Mentions of something being kismet, luck, & destiny (Patrick says him and Joss meeting was destiny); A couple mentions of a place being haunted; A mention of a place being “like [H]eaven”; A mention of Beelzebub; A mention of thanking lucky stars.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, a ‘doggone’, a form of ‘ticked off’, three forms of ‘idiot’, and four forms of ‘stupid’, Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Mentions of curses (said, not written); A fire (up to semi-detailed); Pain, Injuries, & Vomiting (up to semi-detailed); Joss’ parents passed away in a car accident due to a drunk Santa (years before the book starting) & grief; Joss has a couple of times where she hyperventilates & Reese has one time as well (up to semi-detailed); Joss tells a fib (about another woman’s outfit) & a lie (about something not bothering her); Patrick debates telling Joss a lie for her own comfort & later tells a partial fib to his mother; Reese & Damian have a car accident involving a deer (the deer is hurt, but gets up and limps away; Reese feels terrible about it; up to semi-detailed); Reese helps a young teen girl who secretly got a tattoo and an infection from it (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grief (Joss for her parents, a two women for their husbands); Mentions of a house fire (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of possibly broken bones, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of tattoos, an infections, & a minor getting a tattoo without her parents knowing (*Spoiler* ); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, bars, & drunks (Joss doesn’t drink); Mentions of parents fighting over a new job & money (their daughter is very upset about it); Mentions of the possibility of a dog dying because he was given someone’s vitamins (the dog is fine); Mentions of a killed goose for a dinner & Reese vomiting after seeing it (due to her vegan upbringing, up to semi-detailed); A few mentions of deaths from a car accident & a drunk driver; A few mentions of injuries or deaths caused by sharks; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of a dog peeing on someone; A couple mentions of prison & wanting to harm someone for an illegal thing they did; A couple mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of children resenting their parents; A couple mentions of burping; A mention of someone looking like she’s been shot; A mention of an R-rated movie; A mention of Reese thinking that her parents smoke weed (but doesn’t have any proof); A mention of rumors;
*Note: Reese’s parents are more to the vegan-hippie lifestyle (and are dismayed by her and her brother eating animals products and McDonald’s); Reese fights resentment towards her parents at one point (growing up, a flashback); Going to & a couple mentions of Starbucks; Mentions of brand names (Reese peanut butter cups, Diet Coke, Hyatt, Levi, Angora, Black & Decker, Chips Ahoy, Hershey bars, Louboutin, Kool-Aid, & Neosporin); Mentions of Murphy’s Law; Mentions of TV shows & movies (Wheel of Fortune, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Meet the Parents, The Partridge Family, The Brady Bunch, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Doctor Quinn Medicine Women, The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishop’s Wife, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Jaws, The Nutcracker, Psycho, & James Bond); Mentions of actors/actresses, singers, celebrities, & songs (David Cassidy, Russell Crowe, Mathew McConaughey, Carly Rae Jepsen, Etta James, Cary Grant, Loretta Young, Ryan Seacrest, Harry Winston, George Clooney, Chris Tomlin, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Lou Ferrigno, Thomas Kincaid, Janet Leigh, Judy Garland, Norman Rockwell, Jane Seymour, & Mariah Carey); Mentions of places (Trader Joe’s, AMC, & McDonald’s); A few mentions of TV channels (Nickelodeon, Discovery Channel, E!, & Hallmark); A few mentions of Dollywood & Grand Old Opry; A few mentions of Siri; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of a Broadway show (Billy Elliot); A mention of zombies; A mention of a Pediatric AIDS fund-raiser; A mention of Joss being a groupie (for David Cassidy); A mention of a peace sign; A mention of an antifeminist statement (about women making their husbands’ favorites dishes and Reese wondering what her mother would think); A mention of therapy.
Sexual Content- Six hand/fingers kisses, five head kisses, a cheek kiss, a nose kiss, three not-detailed kisses, and seven barely-above-not-detailed kisses; Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Zings, Nearness & Smelling (x2, up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Noticing & Staring (x2, including muscles, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Talks about kisses, kissing, & chemistry; Patrick offers for his and Joss’ relationship to be just a “shipboard type of thing” when he’s not sure if she’s interested in continuing their potential after the cruise; A married co-worker tries to get Reese to introduce him to Joss (she comments on the fact he has a wife and when he says that you “can’t blame a man for trying”, she replies, “actually, I can”); Damian & Reese use separate rooms at his parents’ place and when his brother says they don’t have to because they’re engaged, his mother defends their choice; a ‘hot’ and three ‘baby’s; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of dates & dating; A few mentions of men being called “yummy”, “delicious”, and “gorgeous”; A couple mentions of weak knees over a guy winking (Joss); A couple mentions of crushes; A mention of a wife sitting on her husband’s lap; A mention of honeymooners standing very close together; A mention of a woman looking at Patrick with “more than a passing interest”; A mention of jealousy; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of a woman finding out she had ovarian cancer when she couldn’t get pregnant & having to have a hysterectomy; A mention of a woman’s ample chest; A mention of someone praying their fanny off.
-Joss Snow, age 34
-Patrick Brenneman
-Reese Pendergrass
-Damian Palmer, age 33 (?)
P.O.V. switches between them
298 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
This book was so much fun! First off, the cover: It absolutely cracks me up! It fits the book so well and gives you a teaser into the humor to expect in it.
First novella: Joss & Patrick had the cutest banter! They moved very fast in their feelings, but it was cute. I liked the sarcasm and humor. (I want my own Patrick, haha!) I do wish he would have been a little more concerned about her not having a strong faith before imaging a future with her (in his defense, though, he did imagine them attending church together weekly). It ended too rushed, which was really disappointing, but was still 4 stars for me because I related a lot to Joss and really liked her.
Second novella: I really felt for Reese, I truly did. She just precious, she tried so hard, bless her. She was great and he was a sweetheart. They were so cute together! His family was so fun too and I couldn’t believe everything that happened. An easy 4 stars for this book as well for me.
I’ll finish this review off with my letter to Santa: “Dear Santa, I would like my own Patrick or Damian for Christmas, please. Thank you. Sincerely, Lindsey”
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.
In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell", a Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow's answer to this year's quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she's rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.
In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer", Reese's guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian's family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws' family cabin ablaze, she's pretty sure there won't be even ONE golden ring in her future.”
Series: Does not seem to be connected to any other books by this author.
Spiritual Content- Isaiah 9:6 at the beginning; Prayers, Thanking God, Blessings over food, & Two Irish Christmas Blessings are said (one over food); Talks about the true meaning of Christmas & the first Christmas; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Joss isn’t a fan of Christmas and believes that God understands (saying that while baby Jesus was thrown out with the Christmas water for her, she didn’t turn on God, she turned on Christmas instead); Patrick asks Joss if she’s a praying woman and she says “now and then” (*Spoiler* ); Patrick says that his Christian faith has played a deep and abiding part of the man he’d become; Seeing a live nativity & a mini message from a reverend; Mentions of God, Jesus, Christmas being about His birthday, & faiths; Mentions of prayers, praying, & Blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, & services; Mentions of Christian Christmas songs; Mentions of having a birthday cake for Jesus; Mentions of the history of luminarias (a Spanish tradition); A few mentions of thanking God for blessings & being Blessed; A few mentions of a person’s sweater and another’s nightgown having a manger scene; A few mentions of being Jewish & Hanukkah; A mention of Handel’s Messiah; A mention of a place being God’s country; A mention of something being a miracle (sincerely meant); A mention of something being “god-like kismet”;
*Note: Many mentions of Santas, elves, reindeer, Rudolph, and all the other classic secular Christmas items (including many songs); Mentions of something being kismet, luck, & destiny (Patrick says him and Joss meeting was destiny); A couple mentions of a place being haunted; A mention of a place being “like [H]eaven”; A mention of Beelzebub; A mention of thanking lucky stars.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, a ‘doggone’, a form of ‘ticked off’, three forms of ‘idiot’, and four forms of ‘stupid’, Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Mentions of curses (said, not written); A fire (up to semi-detailed); Pain, Injuries, & Vomiting (up to semi-detailed); Joss’ parents passed away in a car accident due to a drunk Santa (years before the book starting) & grief; Joss has a couple of times where she hyperventilates & Reese has one time as well (up to semi-detailed); Joss tells a fib (about another woman’s outfit) & a lie (about something not bothering her); Patrick debates telling Joss a lie for her own comfort & later tells a partial fib to his mother; Reese & Damian have a car accident involving a deer (the deer is hurt, but gets up and limps away; Reese feels terrible about it; up to semi-detailed); Reese helps a young teen girl who secretly got a tattoo and an infection from it (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grief (Joss for her parents, a two women for their husbands); Mentions of a house fire (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of possibly broken bones, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of tattoos, an infections, & a minor getting a tattoo without her parents knowing (*Spoiler* ); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, bars, & drunks (Joss doesn’t drink); Mentions of parents fighting over a new job & money (their daughter is very upset about it); Mentions of the possibility of a dog dying because he was given someone’s vitamins (the dog is fine); Mentions of a killed goose for a dinner & Reese vomiting after seeing it (due to her vegan upbringing, up to semi-detailed); A few mentions of deaths from a car accident & a drunk driver; A few mentions of injuries or deaths caused by sharks; A few mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of a dog peeing on someone; A couple mentions of prison & wanting to harm someone for an illegal thing they did; A couple mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of children resenting their parents; A couple mentions of burping; A mention of someone looking like she’s been shot; A mention of an R-rated movie; A mention of Reese thinking that her parents smoke weed (but doesn’t have any proof); A mention of rumors;
*Note: Reese’s parents are more to the vegan-hippie lifestyle (and are dismayed by her and her brother eating animals products and McDonald’s); Reese fights resentment towards her parents at one point (growing up, a flashback); Going to & a couple mentions of Starbucks; Mentions of brand names (Reese peanut butter cups, Diet Coke, Hyatt, Levi, Angora, Black & Decker, Chips Ahoy, Hershey bars, Louboutin, Kool-Aid, & Neosporin); Mentions of Murphy’s Law; Mentions of TV shows & movies (Wheel of Fortune, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Meet the Parents, The Partridge Family, The Brady Bunch, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Doctor Quinn Medicine Women, The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishop’s Wife, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Jaws, The Nutcracker, Psycho, & James Bond); Mentions of actors/actresses, singers, celebrities, & songs (David Cassidy, Russell Crowe, Mathew McConaughey, Carly Rae Jepsen, Etta James, Cary Grant, Loretta Young, Ryan Seacrest, Harry Winston, George Clooney, Chris Tomlin, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Lou Ferrigno, Thomas Kincaid, Janet Leigh, Judy Garland, Norman Rockwell, Jane Seymour, & Mariah Carey); Mentions of places (Trader Joe’s, AMC, & McDonald’s); A few mentions of TV channels (Nickelodeon, Discovery Channel, E!, & Hallmark); A few mentions of Dollywood & Grand Old Opry; A few mentions of Siri; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of a Broadway show (Billy Elliot); A mention of zombies; A mention of a Pediatric AIDS fund-raiser; A mention of Joss being a groupie (for David Cassidy); A mention of a peace sign; A mention of an antifeminist statement (about women making their husbands’ favorites dishes and Reese wondering what her mother would think); A mention of therapy.
Sexual Content- Six hand/fingers kisses, five head kisses, a cheek kiss, a nose kiss, three not-detailed kisses, and seven barely-above-not-detailed kisses; Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Zings, Nearness & Smelling (x2, up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Noticing & Staring (x2, including muscles, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Talks about kisses, kissing, & chemistry; Patrick offers for his and Joss’ relationship to be just a “shipboard type of thing” when he’s not sure if she’s interested in continuing their potential after the cruise; A married co-worker tries to get Reese to introduce him to Joss (she comments on the fact he has a wife and when he says that you “can’t blame a man for trying”, she replies, “actually, I can”); Damian & Reese use separate rooms at his parents’ place and when his brother says they don’t have to because they’re engaged, his mother defends their choice; a ‘hot’ and three ‘baby’s; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of dates & dating; A few mentions of men being called “yummy”, “delicious”, and “gorgeous”; A couple mentions of weak knees over a guy winking (Joss); A couple mentions of crushes; A mention of a wife sitting on her husband’s lap; A mention of honeymooners standing very close together; A mention of a woman looking at Patrick with “more than a passing interest”; A mention of jealousy; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of a woman finding out she had ovarian cancer when she couldn’t get pregnant & having to have a hysterectomy; A mention of a woman’s ample chest; A mention of someone praying their fanny off.
-Joss Snow, age 34
-Patrick Brenneman
-Reese Pendergrass
-Damian Palmer, age 33 (?)
P.O.V. switches between them
298 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
This book was so much fun! First off, the cover: It absolutely cracks me up! It fits the book so well and gives you a teaser into the humor to expect in it.
First novella: Joss & Patrick had the cutest banter! They moved very fast in their feelings, but it was cute. I liked the sarcasm and humor. (I want my own Patrick, haha!) I do wish he would have been a little more concerned about her not having a strong faith before imaging a future with her (in his defense, though, he did imagine them attending church together weekly). It ended too rushed, which was really disappointing, but was still 4 stars for me because I related a lot to Joss and really liked her.
Second novella: I really felt for Reese, I truly did. She just precious, she tried so hard, bless her. She was great and he was a sweetheart. They were so cute together! His family was so fun too and I couldn’t believe everything that happened. An easy 4 stars for this book as well for me.
I’ll finish this review off with my letter to Santa: “Dear Santa, I would like my own Patrick or Damian for Christmas, please. Thank you. Sincerely, Lindsey”
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
October 9, 2013
These two novellas by Sandra Bricker are a fun spin for anyone who has had a case of the Christmas grouchies or has just not been in the Christmas Spirit.
Joss does everything that she can to avoid all things Christmas. So she makes plans to set off on the Bah Humbug Cruise with her friend Reese. When Joss tells Reese about their plans for that year, Reese announces that she is engaged and that she will be going to meet her future in laws over the holiday season.
Joss embarks on the cruise alone, only to discover that the Bah Humbug cruise has been cancelled and she has been rebooked on the 12 Days of Christmas cruise. To her horror, as she prepares to disembark, she discovers that the ship has already set sail. As determined as she is to stay holed up in her room and avoid the holiday festivities, a certain, handsome Irish gentleman is just as determined to capture all her attention.
Reese arrives to meet her future in laws and meets with disaster and catastrophe along the way. As she tries to fit in and get to know the family, she causes horrible and unbelievable "bumps" in the road.
Both of these novellas were laugh out loud hysterical! I enjoyed both of them so much. The novellas were a fun detour from the traditional Christmas novels. I highly recommend Merry Humbug Christmas. You will not be disappointed!
Joss does everything that she can to avoid all things Christmas. So she makes plans to set off on the Bah Humbug Cruise with her friend Reese. When Joss tells Reese about their plans for that year, Reese announces that she is engaged and that she will be going to meet her future in laws over the holiday season.
Joss embarks on the cruise alone, only to discover that the Bah Humbug cruise has been cancelled and she has been rebooked on the 12 Days of Christmas cruise. To her horror, as she prepares to disembark, she discovers that the ship has already set sail. As determined as she is to stay holed up in her room and avoid the holiday festivities, a certain, handsome Irish gentleman is just as determined to capture all her attention.
Reese arrives to meet her future in laws and meets with disaster and catastrophe along the way. As she tries to fit in and get to know the family, she causes horrible and unbelievable "bumps" in the road.
Both of these novellas were laugh out loud hysterical! I enjoyed both of them so much. The novellas were a fun detour from the traditional Christmas novels. I highly recommend Merry Humbug Christmas. You will not be disappointed!
October 1, 2013
Merry Humbug Christmas, Two Tales of Holiday Romance by Sandra D Bricker
This book is about best friends Joss and Reese and their mutual dislike of Christmas. They usually celebrate Jocelyn’s birthday by taking a trip but this year they are unable to go together so they each go their separate ways.
Once Upon a Jingle Bell, A Merry HUMBUG Christmas Novel
On December 25 at 7:17 a.m. in San Bernardino County, California, unto the world a child was born. Merry Christmas Snow. Not only did Merry hate her name she hated everything Christmas. She disliked it so much she changes her name to Jocelyn M. Snow, aka Joss. This year for Christmas she decides to take the Bah Humbug Cruise. Unbeknown to her the cruise is canceled and she is rescheduled on the 12 Days of Christmas Fun Cruise. There is meets gorgeous Irishman Patrick Brenneman. Join them as they take one hilarious voyage after another and get to know one another. You will have to read this outstanding story to see if they find love or not. While on the cruise Joss runs into CEO of Vandermere Hotels & Spas, Rodney Jenkins and family, she has been trying to get him to sign with her advertising company. Will misspoken words cost her their account. See how fun a family of seven can be.
It Came Upon a Midnight Deer, A Merry Humbug Christmas Novel
Dr. Reese Pendergrass is engaged to Dr. Damian Palmer. She comes from humble roots while his family lives like the rich and famous. Join Reese as she meets the Palmer family for the first time over the Christmas holidays. She will take you on one misadventure from another while she tries to prove her worth to Damian.s family. Her story will have you laughing out loud over and over again. Reese’s adventures will bring you to the ER, have the fire department swinging by and have her and everyone else questioning her sanity. Is their love strong enough to withstand the trials of Christmas. Read more to find out.
The author Sandra D. Bricker is know for her laugh out loud books and this is no exception, in fact it is hilarious. I had a hard time putting it down. Her character bring their Christmas traditions and escapades alive.
This book is about best friends Joss and Reese and their mutual dislike of Christmas. They usually celebrate Jocelyn’s birthday by taking a trip but this year they are unable to go together so they each go their separate ways.
Once Upon a Jingle Bell, A Merry HUMBUG Christmas Novel
On December 25 at 7:17 a.m. in San Bernardino County, California, unto the world a child was born. Merry Christmas Snow. Not only did Merry hate her name she hated everything Christmas. She disliked it so much she changes her name to Jocelyn M. Snow, aka Joss. This year for Christmas she decides to take the Bah Humbug Cruise. Unbeknown to her the cruise is canceled and she is rescheduled on the 12 Days of Christmas Fun Cruise. There is meets gorgeous Irishman Patrick Brenneman. Join them as they take one hilarious voyage after another and get to know one another. You will have to read this outstanding story to see if they find love or not. While on the cruise Joss runs into CEO of Vandermere Hotels & Spas, Rodney Jenkins and family, she has been trying to get him to sign with her advertising company. Will misspoken words cost her their account. See how fun a family of seven can be.
It Came Upon a Midnight Deer, A Merry Humbug Christmas Novel
Dr. Reese Pendergrass is engaged to Dr. Damian Palmer. She comes from humble roots while his family lives like the rich and famous. Join Reese as she meets the Palmer family for the first time over the Christmas holidays. She will take you on one misadventure from another while she tries to prove her worth to Damian.s family. Her story will have you laughing out loud over and over again. Reese’s adventures will bring you to the ER, have the fire department swinging by and have her and everyone else questioning her sanity. Is their love strong enough to withstand the trials of Christmas. Read more to find out.
The author Sandra D. Bricker is know for her laugh out loud books and this is no exception, in fact it is hilarious. I had a hard time putting it down. Her character bring their Christmas traditions and escapades alive.
October 9, 2013
Merry HUMBUG Christmas by Sandra D. Bricker is two stories in one book: Once Upon a Jingle Bell and It Came Upon a Midnight Deer. The story line centers around two friends (Jocelyn Merry Snow previously named Merry Christmas Snow and her best friend Reese Pendergrass) who attempt to avoid the celebration of Christmas at all costs. Each year they determine to enjoy the Christmas season by not celebrating Christmas and by dodging all Christmas festivities. Until, that is, Reese decides that she wants to spend a traditional Christmas with her fiancé’s family. This decision turns the plans for another “anti-festive Christmas” into a tail spin. Both friends are in for a Christmas season that they will never forget.
Jocelyn ends up on a “12 Days of Christmas” Cruise and finds companionship with a handsome Irishman, his stately mother, and a very sweet Christmas nut.
Reese’s traditional Christmas turns into one catastrophe after another. Your sympathetic thoughts will surely turn in Reses’ direction.
I personally love the references to the older/classic television shows and movies such as: Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, The Dick Van Dyke Show, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishops Wife and the Partridge Family.
These two stories are full of wit, charm, laughter, and plenty of Christmas merriment. You can visualize the events in your mind as they take place in the stories. This is the type of “feel good book” that should be read curled up by the fire, while drinking hot apple cider, and watching the snow fall through your window. This is the first Sandra Bricker book that I have read and I plan to read many more.
Jocelyn ends up on a “12 Days of Christmas” Cruise and finds companionship with a handsome Irishman, his stately mother, and a very sweet Christmas nut.
Reese’s traditional Christmas turns into one catastrophe after another. Your sympathetic thoughts will surely turn in Reses’ direction.
I personally love the references to the older/classic television shows and movies such as: Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, The Dick Van Dyke Show, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishops Wife and the Partridge Family.
These two stories are full of wit, charm, laughter, and plenty of Christmas merriment. You can visualize the events in your mind as they take place in the stories. This is the type of “feel good book” that should be read curled up by the fire, while drinking hot apple cider, and watching the snow fall through your window. This is the first Sandra Bricker book that I have read and I plan to read many more.
October 8, 2013
No better way to get into the holiday spirit then by reading this book Merry Humbug Christmas. It truly is a contemporary classic! Sandra D. Bricker always seems to exceed the readers expectations with each book she writes. And with this book you actually get two stories rolled into one. What a deal that is! This book is about Joss who is not a fan of Christmas and likes to escape from the whole holiday spirit almost a contemporary Grinch in reality. You and I can so relate!! But with such a twist of events Joss ends up on a 12 days of Christmas Cruise. Can you imagine one landing on this ship? Yet as Sandra seems to have a way of taking an impossible situation and adding a dose of laughter into it makes the impossible actually something to laugh about and cheer her on. On top of this her best friend Reese, who usually goes away with her at Christmas can't and has her own adventure and can't be there to help her friend thru this cruise. So Joss is all alone on this journey. Reese has her own adventures or should I say Misadventures that will keep you rolling in laughter, and tears and you leave the book realizing that you now have two new friends Joss and Ross and their friends who will now make your Christmas a time of love, family and friendships. This book will be on your mantel for years to come. Enjoy the adventure!!!
October 8, 2013
Bring on the Sequel. I just can't say it often enough how much I love every single book by Sandra. To make it even better this one is a Christmas novel. I just adore the characters. It cracked me up at how different they are. Joss hates Christmas and gets stuck on a "12 days of Christmas Cruise" instead of a "Bah Humbug Cruise" and Reese has one misadventure after another while meeting her fiance's family over the Christmas holiday. I love how both stories tie together but even more I love how they are still separate giving each character an awesome amount of action. I just can't get enough of Sandra D. Bricker. I have every book she has written. I always make sure I have enough time set aside before beginning any of her books as I won't put them down until I am finished. BRAVO Sandie yet another WINNER in my opinion. I received and advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review of this book. I also purchased the kindle edition of this book for my every growing ebook library.
August 28, 2013
My thoughts:
Joss can not stand Christmas. Usually her best friend Reese ( yes just like the buttercup chocolate ) go somewhere to get away from the holidays. This year is not the case. Reese is engaged and is spending time with his family while Joss goes on a anti Christmas cruise. To poor Joss the cruise has been cancelled and she is put on a different ship one that loves Christmas. She is in luck with Patrick a nice handsom Irishman. He might be able to save the day and have Joss love Christmas again.
Reese she should have went with Joss on the cruise might have save her some trouble. First the deer then meeting her in-laws to set their cabin on fire. It's no wonder she might be loosing Damian after they just got engaged. The story is great and you learn much more about the girls in each story.
The authors did a wonderful job and I will be reading this again and not just near the holidays.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.
Joss can not stand Christmas. Usually her best friend Reese ( yes just like the buttercup chocolate ) go somewhere to get away from the holidays. This year is not the case. Reese is engaged and is spending time with his family while Joss goes on a anti Christmas cruise. To poor Joss the cruise has been cancelled and she is put on a different ship one that loves Christmas. She is in luck with Patrick a nice handsom Irishman. He might be able to save the day and have Joss love Christmas again.
Reese she should have went with Joss on the cruise might have save her some trouble. First the deer then meeting her in-laws to set their cabin on fire. It's no wonder she might be loosing Damian after they just got engaged. The story is great and you learn much more about the girls in each story.
The authors did a wonderful job and I will be reading this again and not just near the holidays.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.
October 8, 2013
Oh my goodness! Sandie's books just keep getting better and better!
I don't know where she comes up with this stuff, but I am so glad she keeps writing.
A girl named Jocelyn Merry Snow and her best friend Reese, yes named after the peanut butter cup have reasons to avoid Christmas.
For the last five years they have avoided the holiday together, this will be the first time they will be apart. Joss is frustrated that Reese has left her for her now fiance' Damian.
Joss books herself on A Ba Humbug cruise, and finds herself on the 12 Days of Christmas cruise, with a David Cassidy look alike.
Reese and her fiance' head to his parents cabin, and on the way run into a deer, causing them to hoof it the rest of the way.
In these two hilarious stories, Sandie shows the true meaning of Christmas with some romance on the side.
You will be brought into the spirit of Christmas and may never want to leave.
I don't know where she comes up with this stuff, but I am so glad she keeps writing.
A girl named Jocelyn Merry Snow and her best friend Reese, yes named after the peanut butter cup have reasons to avoid Christmas.
For the last five years they have avoided the holiday together, this will be the first time they will be apart. Joss is frustrated that Reese has left her for her now fiance' Damian.
Joss books herself on A Ba Humbug cruise, and finds herself on the 12 Days of Christmas cruise, with a David Cassidy look alike.
Reese and her fiance' head to his parents cabin, and on the way run into a deer, causing them to hoof it the rest of the way.
In these two hilarious stories, Sandie shows the true meaning of Christmas with some romance on the side.
You will be brought into the spirit of Christmas and may never want to leave.
October 8, 2013
These were such great holiday reads. I love that Joss (formerly Christmas Eve Snow..how great is that?!?) who hates Christmas and does everything to avoid it gets stuck in her very own Christmas hell. How lucky can she be to be stuck with Patrick though?
Poor Reese and all of her mishaps during her first visit netting her soon to be in-laws. I was laughing so much at all that kept going wrong. Luckily Damien was head over heels and such a sweetheart about it all.
I didn't even mind the religious tone to the stories because they weren't over the top, in your face.
Over all these are two sweet, funny & easy reads perfect for curling up with a cup of cocoa and a warm blanket.
*I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Poor Reese and all of her mishaps during her first visit netting her soon to be in-laws. I was laughing so much at all that kept going wrong. Luckily Damien was head over heels and such a sweetheart about it all.
I didn't even mind the religious tone to the stories because they weren't over the top, in your face.
Over all these are two sweet, funny & easy reads perfect for curling up with a cup of cocoa and a warm blanket.
*I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2013
Two BFFs embark on their first Christmas apart in five years. Actually it's their first Christmas in five years! Both have had their reasons for avoiding the season and it worked well for them until this year when one of them gets engaged and is expected (and wants to) spend time with the future in-laws. The book follows first Jocelyn, then Part Two follows Reese, both parts were fun and a happy read in spite of all the missteps in the girls' situations. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift with some hot chocolate and a snuggly blanket- even if it's a gift to yourself! This book will leave you smiling and celebrating Christmas whatever time of the year you read it! I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
October 7, 2013
Ms. Bricker has given us another great book just in time to remind us that Christmas is fun and family. There are us Scrooges that aren't into shopping and hurring to get the perfect gift but do it anyway because that what we do. This book says its ok to say Bah Humbug and not do Christmas unless.... The is a handsome hunk to tell us that we can celebrate Christmas with out all the hustle and bustle. Only Sandra Bricker can help make a crummy Christmas better with Keith Partridge and naked turkeys part of a wonderful God filled Christmas. Do your self a favor a read this before you get caught in the fevor of the holiday. She reminds us this is about family fun, and not the picture perfect holiday. Its Christmas, and Jesus and family, friends are the reason for the seaon.
October 7, 2013
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from a book with 'humbug' in the title that was written by one of the funniest authors I've ever read. Well, let me say, this book did not disappoint! It is charming, sweet, and all of the things I have come to look forward to in Sandie's books. One of the best things about this book is that it is two stories in one! Just when you feel sad that the first story is over, just turn the page and you have another story. Highly recommend this book for getting into the Christmas spirit!
October 1, 2013
I love a good Christmas novel and I thoroughly enjoyed the novellas in "Merry Humbug Christmas" by Sandra D. Bricker. I fell in love with the characters and I loved the descriptive language Sandra used! Both stories are filled with Sandra's trademark humor, and I was laughing before I even finished the prologue!
This would make a wonderful gift during the coming season (for yourself or someone else)!
*I received a galley of this book, but this review is my honest opinion.
This would make a wonderful gift during the coming season (for yourself or someone else)!
*I received a galley of this book, but this review is my honest opinion.
October 8, 2013
I loved this story line. I had a sleepless night because I just could not wait to see what was on the next page. I could definitely see both of these stories movies. When she signs up for the bah humbug cruise only to find herself on the twelve days of Christmas cruise, you know your in for a good laugh. You can't help but feel a little sorry for Reese as she runs over her future brother-in-laws foot which is only the beginning of her trials. Both books were a delight and a good read.
February 13, 2015
Two stories in one that connect beautifully and seamlessly. Romantic comedy Christmas reading at its best. This story gets you in the mood for Christmas, hot chocolate and brightly decorated sugar cookies. Sandra D. Bricker has another hit on her hands with this one with just the right amount of laugh out loud funny. So wonderful!
October 7, 2013
What's better than a Sandra D. Bricker book? A Christmas book by Sandra D. Bricker! Merry Humbug Christmas arrives just in time for the holidays! You'll follow Joss as she tries to avoid Christmas and Reese as she searches for the idyllic Christmas she always longed for - or does God have other plans for them? Their adventures will certainly make your own Christmas a little merrier!
September 7, 2013
Joss and Reese are best friends who both dislike celebrating Christmas. These two novellas are how they both find the loves of their lives while trying to avoid the holiday. You will laugh with their antics and appreciate their friendship.
did-not-finish
December 5, 2021DNF at 29%
I'm really not sure that this author has ever been on an actual cruise. Or known anyone who has ever been on a cruise. Or researched cruising.
1. A cruise line would never cancel a cruise, unless it’s because of covid or an irreparable mechanical issue. If the passengers all canceled, they would not receive any kind of refund, so the cruise would still go on for those left who didn’t cancel and they would offer highly discounted last-minute bookings so they could hopefully sail with a full ship.
2. If a cruise line actually did have to cancel a cruise, they would let their passengers know. They would not tell them once they arrived to check-in. Most people fly or drive to cruises, which can take days and a ton of money. You would never, EVER arrive to a cruise port to discover that your cruise had been canceled. The uproar and anger from thousands or passengers would make the news.
3. Never, under any circumstances, would a cruise line rebook you on another ship/cruise. They especially wouldn’t do it without telling you first and getting your permission. In the real world, Joss would have been offered the opportunity to cancel and receive a refund on her fair because the line canceled the cruise she paid for. She would not have been forced to go on a completely different cruise.
4. How convenient that another ship just happened to be setting sail on the same day from the same port! Miami is large enough that they can handle the traffic and parking and baggage handling and ground crew and insanity of two ships boarding and embarking on the same day, but Long Beach would not be able to handle this. And, based on the fact that this is a 7-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, and Mazatlan), this cruise most likely left out of a California port.
5. A cruise ship terminal does not have one little ticket counter where you hand over your ticket and then board. It's not like getting on a bus. It would take DAYS to board if that's how it worked. A terminal has tons of agents at tons of counters checking you in (it looks like an airport inside). People board in groups that are numbered based on the time they were assigned to check in on their boarding pass. Even with this system, the boarding process takes 5-6 hours. You might argue that might be a small ship so things are different, but based on what the characters say, how many decks they mention, and how long it takes them to walk to various parts on this ship, this is not some little cruise ship. This is like a Carnival, Princess, or Royal Caribbean ship.
6. No, you do not hand over your ticket, board, and check in in a ballroom on board. The ship’s communal areas are not big enough to do that. You check in in the terminal and board in at staggered times to help control congestion.
7. You have to go through security and have your luggage/carry-on scanned before you board like on an airplane. Most people choose to check their bags and drop them with a baggage handler to deliver them to your cabin later that evening. Joss just walked on with her suitcase. And you can totally do this, but it has to fit through the luggage scanners and it has to be scanned. You also have to go through a metal detector. One could argue that the author just didn’t want to mention this part, but she chose to outline the rest of the boarding process so why would she leave this part out?
8. Early in the story, Joss wants to flee and get off the ship before the ship leaves port. But then she looks out the window and notices that they are already under way. Oh no! First, she would definitely feel it. Second, she would definitely hear it. Ships blow their horns when leaving port to alert other vessels in the area. Third, there was no mention of the lifeboat drill, which is required by US maritime law before a ship sets sail. All passengers are required to congregate and be instructed on on-board safety protocols. Crew members search common areas and cabins to ensure all guests are in attendance. Room cards are scanned when you arrive so they can log your attendance. If you do not attend, they can kick you off the ship. It's a huge deal and takes at least 30 minutes from the time you congregate until you're released to go have fun. Joss should have attended this, which would have told her that the ship was about to set sail as they kick off people who will not be sailing (this is almost always people who are on the ship for weddings and then get off before the ship leaves) right before they do this drill. Joss would have had to have been unconscious in a place nobody could possibly find her in order for her to not know the ship was leaving.
I understand that authors have creative license and can do whatever they want, but that's not what this is. This is a lack of research. It ruined my reading experience, and I decided to move on to a different book.
I'm really not sure that this author has ever been on an actual cruise. Or known anyone who has ever been on a cruise. Or researched cruising.
1. A cruise line would never cancel a cruise, unless it’s because of covid or an irreparable mechanical issue. If the passengers all canceled, they would not receive any kind of refund, so the cruise would still go on for those left who didn’t cancel and they would offer highly discounted last-minute bookings so they could hopefully sail with a full ship.
2. If a cruise line actually did have to cancel a cruise, they would let their passengers know. They would not tell them once they arrived to check-in. Most people fly or drive to cruises, which can take days and a ton of money. You would never, EVER arrive to a cruise port to discover that your cruise had been canceled. The uproar and anger from thousands or passengers would make the news.
3. Never, under any circumstances, would a cruise line rebook you on another ship/cruise. They especially wouldn’t do it without telling you first and getting your permission. In the real world, Joss would have been offered the opportunity to cancel and receive a refund on her fair because the line canceled the cruise she paid for. She would not have been forced to go on a completely different cruise.
4. How convenient that another ship just happened to be setting sail on the same day from the same port! Miami is large enough that they can handle the traffic and parking and baggage handling and ground crew and insanity of two ships boarding and embarking on the same day, but Long Beach would not be able to handle this. And, based on the fact that this is a 7-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, and Mazatlan), this cruise most likely left out of a California port.
5. A cruise ship terminal does not have one little ticket counter where you hand over your ticket and then board. It's not like getting on a bus. It would take DAYS to board if that's how it worked. A terminal has tons of agents at tons of counters checking you in (it looks like an airport inside). People board in groups that are numbered based on the time they were assigned to check in on their boarding pass. Even with this system, the boarding process takes 5-6 hours. You might argue that might be a small ship so things are different, but based on what the characters say, how many decks they mention, and how long it takes them to walk to various parts on this ship, this is not some little cruise ship. This is like a Carnival, Princess, or Royal Caribbean ship.
6. No, you do not hand over your ticket, board, and check in in a ballroom on board. The ship’s communal areas are not big enough to do that. You check in in the terminal and board in at staggered times to help control congestion.
7. You have to go through security and have your luggage/carry-on scanned before you board like on an airplane. Most people choose to check their bags and drop them with a baggage handler to deliver them to your cabin later that evening. Joss just walked on with her suitcase. And you can totally do this, but it has to fit through the luggage scanners and it has to be scanned. You also have to go through a metal detector. One could argue that the author just didn’t want to mention this part, but she chose to outline the rest of the boarding process so why would she leave this part out?
8. Early in the story, Joss wants to flee and get off the ship before the ship leaves port. But then she looks out the window and notices that they are already under way. Oh no! First, she would definitely feel it. Second, she would definitely hear it. Ships blow their horns when leaving port to alert other vessels in the area. Third, there was no mention of the lifeboat drill, which is required by US maritime law before a ship sets sail. All passengers are required to congregate and be instructed on on-board safety protocols. Crew members search common areas and cabins to ensure all guests are in attendance. Room cards are scanned when you arrive so they can log your attendance. If you do not attend, they can kick you off the ship. It's a huge deal and takes at least 30 minutes from the time you congregate until you're released to go have fun. Joss should have attended this, which would have told her that the ship was about to set sail as they kick off people who will not be sailing (this is almost always people who are on the ship for weddings and then get off before the ship leaves) right before they do this drill. Joss would have had to have been unconscious in a place nobody could possibly find her in order for her to not know the ship was leaving.
I understand that authors have creative license and can do whatever they want, but that's not what this is. This is a lack of research. It ruined my reading experience, and I decided to move on to a different book.
October 16, 2013
What a great start to my Holiday reading! Two great novellas by a master story-teller. This book is about two best friends Joss and Reece. Joss doesn't like to celebrate Christmas, so they always do a girls only trip over Christmas. Well, this year, Reece is engaged and is spending the Holiday with her fiancé and his family, so Joss goes on a Bah Humbug cruise. The Bah Humbug cruise gets canceled and Joss gets booked on the 12 Days of Christmas Fun cruise. She has a lot of mishaps on this cruise, but she also meets a lot of great people, Patrick Brenneman being one of them. Will Joss and Patrick have a chance after the cruise? Meanwhile, Reece goes with her fiancé Damien to his families vacation home on Sugarloaf. It seems that everything goes wrong for Reece, sometimes her mishaps will have you laughing out loud! She wants a Norman Rockwellesque Christmas, but what she gets is a "Meet the Parents" type of Christmas. Will everything turn out in the end.
Pick up a copy of this wonderful book, you won't be sorry, It is a feel good Christmas book that will get you in the Holiday spirit. Great job, as always Sandie! Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review as part of Sandie's launch team for Merry Humbug Christmas.
Pick up a copy of this wonderful book, you won't be sorry, It is a feel good Christmas book that will get you in the Holiday spirit. Great job, as always Sandie! Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review as part of Sandie's launch team for Merry Humbug Christmas.
October 2, 2013
Bah Humbug!
Joss and her BFF, Reese, always "uncelebrate" Christmas together, but life circumstances change that tradition, causing them to spend Christmas apart this year.
"Once Upon A Jingle Bell" takes us on a journey with Joss as she unexpectedly spends the holiday on an over the top Christmas cruise. Can her quirky cruise mates coax her from her cabin and show her how to enjoy the season? Will cupid make an appearance in place of Santa?
"It Came Upon A Midnight Deer" reminds us of our overwhelming desire to make that perfect impression during the first meeting with the potential in-laws. Except this meeting comes nowhere close to being perfect! Reese's escapades will leave you in tears from laughter.
Whether you are Scrooge or one of Santa's helpers, you will love Sandra Bricker's light hearted writing style. A quick enjoyable read for all ages.
Joss and her BFF, Reese, always "uncelebrate" Christmas together, but life circumstances change that tradition, causing them to spend Christmas apart this year.
"Once Upon A Jingle Bell" takes us on a journey with Joss as she unexpectedly spends the holiday on an over the top Christmas cruise. Can her quirky cruise mates coax her from her cabin and show her how to enjoy the season? Will cupid make an appearance in place of Santa?
"It Came Upon A Midnight Deer" reminds us of our overwhelming desire to make that perfect impression during the first meeting with the potential in-laws. Except this meeting comes nowhere close to being perfect! Reese's escapades will leave you in tears from laughter.
Whether you are Scrooge or one of Santa's helpers, you will love Sandra Bricker's light hearted writing style. A quick enjoyable read for all ages.
October 8, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. Joss and Reese always went somewhere for Christmas to get away from the celebrations of Christmas but this year when Joss booked a Bah Humbug cruise Reese could not go due to getting engaged and going to meet his family ( which that is what the novel is about ). Joss went on the cruise by herself and then found it was cancel but she was put on a cruise called 12 days of Christmas fun cruise. She then meets her soulmate on the cruise. Reese and future husband go meet his family and to start out with went driving there it was snowing a lot and they was on a road that did not much traffic and no houses around, a deer ran in front of them, they ended up in a ditch and had to walk almost two miles to his place, everything went downhill from there for Reese. I could see this book as a movie on the hallmark channel.
March 24, 2016
I know when I start reading a book by Sandra D. Bricker that it is going to be a lot of fun. Merry Humbug Christmas was just that. A lot of fun. A girl who avoids Christmas somehow ends up booked on a "Twelve Days of Christmas" cruise. Her best friend goes to "meet the parents" and it turns out to be a comedy of errors. I loved it. This book has everything; humor, romance, and Christmas (including an ugly sweater contest and over-the-top pajamas). What's not to love?
October 10, 2013
Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra Bricker was such a fun book to read. I literally read it in a day because I could not put it down. Told in 2 novellas, the stories follow two best friends as they each have highly unexpected and hilarious Christmas holidays. The book will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit!
I received a free copy of this book to review as a member of the Launch team.
I received a free copy of this book to review as a member of the Launch team.
March 9, 2016
I couldn't get into these stories. The main characters came across self-centered and shallow. The plotlines seemed contrived and hokey. The emotion and angst the girls were supposed to be feeling was explained, but never felt. I usually enjoy Christmas novellas but these weren't my cup of tea.
did-not-finish
December 16, 2025dnf at page 102. I'm finding this boring, pretty cringey and cheesy at times, and not funny at all. I might try it again at some point (it could get better further along) but probably not, as I'm not a fan of contemporary books, Christmas books, or comedy books, and this is all three.
December 30, 2013
Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra D. Bricker
This book is actually two stories about the holidays, Joss and Reese are best of friends also, glad each got their own story.
.
Once Upon a Jingle Bell
Love holiday tales and this is going to be a good one. Each chapter starts out with 'on the .. day of Christmas Murphy's Law gave to me..'
Merry Christmas Snow was born on Christmas day but when she becomes 26 she gets a name change to Jocelyn Merry Snow. Her bff is named Reese after a candy bar and for the past 5 Christmas' they have spent the time together away from the holiday hoopla. This year Reese is engaged and so Joss will go on a bah humbug cruise by herself to the shores of Mexico.
She and Ryan and Charlotte run the Image Public Relations. together. Nothing goes right when she gets to the cruise line-they cancelled the first trip but booked her on the second ship-much bigger and it's Christmas themed. Without thinking she checked in and is depressed and orders room service. Connie who she had met earlier takes her under her wing and they go to have dinner decked out in Christmas garb.
She meets many on the trip and one family in particular=their company is trying to get their hotel and spa as clients.
Joss also hooks up with Patrick-he's so caring to watch over his mother. Love the events they have planned on the ship-they do sound fun, even for one who's anti-Christmas. They do spend a bit of time together on land doing exciting things together and they are able to talk to one another and discover they live really close to one another in CA.
The client overhears Joss talking and misunderstands what she is saying...it could make them go elsewhere to hire a different company..
The book follows a few others on the ship and it's very easy to keep them straight.
Misunderstandings has them all divided and you wonder if they will ever meet again.
.
It Came Upon A Midnight Deer is also included.
This book concentrates on Reese and she was name after a Reese peanut butter cup. Her parents do not eat meat but her and Herscel have and they have finally told their parents after 20 years...
Reese is also Joss friend from the previous book.
This story also has the chapters with the 12 days of Christmas according to Murphy's law...
Damian had proposed to her and that's why she didn't go on the anti-Christmas cruise with Joss.
They are on their way to the family cabin at Sugarloaf Mountain and it's snowing and she's drilling him about the family members, names, ages, etc.
Problem is there are many obstacles keeping them from meeting the family...when they finally arrived she takes in the scene of the home-every room she ventures into is described in detail and you can just picture it all. She feels her life as a doctor is not going to be good enough for his family...
She does not feel like she fits in with any of the family members and she keeps apologizing to the deer...things just are not going as planned....anything that can go wrong does...
Lots of family members to keep track of and it's a bit confusing at times keeping them all straight. Love the scenes and descriptive details, so pretty of a picture it paints in ones mind.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is actually two stories about the holidays, Joss and Reese are best of friends also, glad each got their own story.
.
Once Upon a Jingle Bell
Love holiday tales and this is going to be a good one. Each chapter starts out with 'on the .. day of Christmas Murphy's Law gave to me..'
Merry Christmas Snow was born on Christmas day but when she becomes 26 she gets a name change to Jocelyn Merry Snow. Her bff is named Reese after a candy bar and for the past 5 Christmas' they have spent the time together away from the holiday hoopla. This year Reese is engaged and so Joss will go on a bah humbug cruise by herself to the shores of Mexico.
She and Ryan and Charlotte run the Image Public Relations. together. Nothing goes right when she gets to the cruise line-they cancelled the first trip but booked her on the second ship-much bigger and it's Christmas themed. Without thinking she checked in and is depressed and orders room service. Connie who she had met earlier takes her under her wing and they go to have dinner decked out in Christmas garb.
She meets many on the trip and one family in particular=their company is trying to get their hotel and spa as clients.
Joss also hooks up with Patrick-he's so caring to watch over his mother. Love the events they have planned on the ship-they do sound fun, even for one who's anti-Christmas. They do spend a bit of time together on land doing exciting things together and they are able to talk to one another and discover they live really close to one another in CA.
The client overhears Joss talking and misunderstands what she is saying...it could make them go elsewhere to hire a different company..
The book follows a few others on the ship and it's very easy to keep them straight.
Misunderstandings has them all divided and you wonder if they will ever meet again.
.
It Came Upon A Midnight Deer is also included.
This book concentrates on Reese and she was name after a Reese peanut butter cup. Her parents do not eat meat but her and Herscel have and they have finally told their parents after 20 years...
Reese is also Joss friend from the previous book.
This story also has the chapters with the 12 days of Christmas according to Murphy's law...
Damian had proposed to her and that's why she didn't go on the anti-Christmas cruise with Joss.
They are on their way to the family cabin at Sugarloaf Mountain and it's snowing and she's drilling him about the family members, names, ages, etc.
Problem is there are many obstacles keeping them from meeting the family...when they finally arrived she takes in the scene of the home-every room she ventures into is described in detail and you can just picture it all. She feels her life as a doctor is not going to be good enough for his family...
She does not feel like she fits in with any of the family members and she keeps apologizing to the deer...things just are not going as planned....anything that can go wrong does...
Lots of family members to keep track of and it's a bit confusing at times keeping them all straight. Love the scenes and descriptive details, so pretty of a picture it paints in ones mind.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed these two Christmas stories. Joss and Reese are best friends and it was a lot of fun to read about their Christmas adventures separately, yet in the same book. I'm a reader who reads to escape and I love to get caught up in the character's lives. While reading Joss's story, I did wonder what Reese was up to and I had no idea how crazy her holiday was...until I actually read her story.
Joss has good reasons to want to avoid Christmas altogether--I get that. I thought it was very ironic that she was put on a crazy Christmas cruise, but of course, things worked out for the best. I loved the banter and sparks that she shared with Patrick and her sense of humor was very dry, yet fitting to her personality. I loved the way she treated the older ladies on the cruise.
Reese hasn't ever celebrated Christmas in a traditional way and when she gets engaged to a picturesque family, she has a lot of excitement and high expectations. But when do things ever go as planned? This story was like a Christmas comedy--everything that could go wrong pretty much did, yet it all came together. I couldn't help but laugh and in the next breath, feel sorry for Reese. She definitely found a good man from a great family!
One thing that I really enjoyed was the headings to each chapter for each book. They were based off of The Twelve Days of Christmas, but changed to fit the story and the chapter. I couldn't wait to see what the next heading would add. I've come to realize that I love this author!!
Content: some very mild religious content; kissing. Clean.
Joss has good reasons to want to avoid Christmas altogether--I get that. I thought it was very ironic that she was put on a crazy Christmas cruise, but of course, things worked out for the best. I loved the banter and sparks that she shared with Patrick and her sense of humor was very dry, yet fitting to her personality. I loved the way she treated the older ladies on the cruise.
Reese hasn't ever celebrated Christmas in a traditional way and when she gets engaged to a picturesque family, she has a lot of excitement and high expectations. But when do things ever go as planned? This story was like a Christmas comedy--everything that could go wrong pretty much did, yet it all came together. I couldn't help but laugh and in the next breath, feel sorry for Reese. She definitely found a good man from a great family!
One thing that I really enjoyed was the headings to each chapter for each book. They were based off of The Twelve Days of Christmas, but changed to fit the story and the chapter. I couldn't wait to see what the next heading would add. I've come to realize that I love this author!!
Content: some very mild religious content; kissing. Clean.
December 10, 2015
I saw this book in the store the other day and the title is what caught my attention as that is how I feel about Christmas this year. This book read very quickly as the characters were so real that you could be friends with them.
In the first story: I loved Joss and found myself smiling the entire way through the story. I have to say she was nicer than I would have been if my bah humbug cruise got cancelled and they put me on a Christmas themed one instead. Patrick seemed so nice I am glad she found him to help her find some happiness. Now I have to say that Connie would have annoyed me to death but she meant well.
In the second story: Of course I fell in love with both Reese and Damien. I felt so bad for Reese and all the bad things that kept happening to her. In fact I even had a lump in my throat reading her story. Damien is such a good guy to keep making her feel good about herself. His family was even so nice to let all the "accidents" go by the wayside. Damien's family seemed like the "perfect" family at Christmas. If I was Reese I would have wanted to punt that little dog Paco - he was such a bad dog.
I liked how both stories told the stories of both friends and how they spent their Christmas and how their minds were changed about the holidays through love.
In the first story: I loved Joss and found myself smiling the entire way through the story. I have to say she was nicer than I would have been if my bah humbug cruise got cancelled and they put me on a Christmas themed one instead. Patrick seemed so nice I am glad she found him to help her find some happiness. Now I have to say that Connie would have annoyed me to death but she meant well.
In the second story: Of course I fell in love with both Reese and Damien. I felt so bad for Reese and all the bad things that kept happening to her. In fact I even had a lump in my throat reading her story. Damien is such a good guy to keep making her feel good about herself. His family was even so nice to let all the "accidents" go by the wayside. Damien's family seemed like the "perfect" family at Christmas. If I was Reese I would have wanted to punt that little dog Paco - he was such a bad dog.
I liked how both stories told the stories of both friends and how they spent their Christmas and how their minds were changed about the holidays through love.
January 22, 2015
I liked Merry Humbug Christmas, even though I found both main characters frustrating at times. Sometimes Joss's goal to avoid Christmas festivities at all costs seemed a little over the top (even though I understood her reasons) and Reese's attitude towards her parents' vegan lifestyle felt extreme.
Both novellas were fun, though. They each made me laugh out loud a couple times. :) I liked how the two stories went together and we got to see how both Joss and Reese spent Christmas.
Overall, Merry Humbug Christmas was a nice read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Both novellas were fun, though. They each made me laugh out loud a couple times. :) I liked how the two stories went together and we got to see how both Joss and Reese spent Christmas.
Overall, Merry Humbug Christmas was a nice read.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
October 10, 2013
While I usually do not like to even think about Christmas before Halloween, I could not pass up the opportunity to read Merry Humbug Christmas. Sandra Bricker gives us not one but two holiday tales to start off the holiday season. In her laugh out loud fashion Sandra shows us how romance and the power of Christmas will not be denied. Two friends Joss and Reese who usually spend Christmas together to avoid all of the classic Christmas festivities end up spending the holiday apart. Joss in her quest to avoid caroling and decked halls finds herself right in the middle of her own candy cane flavored nightmare. Thank goodness for the Irishman in the Christmas sweater. Reese is excited about spending the holiday with her fiancé and meeting his family. A run in with a deer starts things off on a bad note, but not all is lost, traditions and a birthday cake make help wrap up this heartwarming tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews