Christmas Confessions & Cocktails

by Vicki Lesage

Party girl Vicki tells it like it us, from her crazy Christmases growing up in the Midwest (book auction, anyone?) to her even crazier holidays in her new home of Paris (like a marathon 8-hour meal sitting on a stool). Bizarre gifts, weird food, and holiday travel disasters are just some of tales you'll chuckle at in this collection.

This Christmas-themed memoir features 25 funny and heartwarming essays, all with a tenuous tie to Christmas, and pairs each with a delicious drink recipe. So grab your martini shaker and get ready for some great cocktails and some hearty laughs this holiday season!

Genres: Memoir, Christmas, Nonfiction, France, Humor, Holiday, Essays

244 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2015

About the author

Bestselling author Vicki Lesage proves daily that raising two French kids isn't as easy as the hype lets on. In her spare time, she writes, sips bubbly, and prepares for the impending zombie apocalypse. She just moved back to the US after living in Paris for 11 years, with her French husband, rambunctious son, and charming daughter in tow, all of whom mercifully don't laugh when she says "au revoir." She penned the Paris Confessions series in between diaper changes and wine refills. She writes about the ups and downs of her life at VickiLesage.com.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this delightful, seasonal anthology, Vicki Lesage has collected together 25 vignettes taken from memories of Christmases at various stages of her life. Christmases from her childhood, college days, premarried life in Paris and then more recent Christmases with her handsome French husband Mika and adorable French/American children Leo and Stella. Although some of the stories will be familiar to those who've read Vicki's previous memoirs, most are new and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them all.

Many of these stories will resonate with readers - the family Christmas for 55, the 8h long Christmas lunch and the horror cross-Atlantic trip with a young baby. Told with Vicki's usual wit and sense of fun and her keen eye for the ludicrous and amusing, they are also told with much love for family and friends past and present. And even better, they all come with a delicious Christmas cocktail recipe to go with the story. Enjoy!

With many thanks to Vicki Lesage for an ecopy of this book to read and review

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel via CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

:: 5 Hilarious Stars ::

Looking for a book that will really make you laugh? One that will inspire you for Christmas? Than this is your book! WOW. The stories included in this memoir are downright hilarious and I had to wipe tears from my eyes from laughing so hard. The author, Vicki Lesage, is so fun and I honestly cannot wait to read more about her life in other books that she has written. This one in particular chronicles Lesage’s life during Christmas time. She uses her wit and hilarity to engage readers, giving us a jolly good time. And what else is so great about this book? At the end of each chapter she includes some very delicious (and easy to make) drink recipes!

This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to readers. I honestly could not get enough of this book and plan on ordering more by the author in the immediate future. Well done!

[Bethany Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun holiday read! I LOVE how Vicki doesn't sugar coat reality, she tells it like she sees it and experiences it!

Some of my favorite pieces that she relives for us are downright hilarious!

The secret Santa exchange makes me want to set one up between me and my friends and family just to see what craziness takes place! (Let me just add I will take a Christmas Cosmo right now please, I'm sure work won't mind, right? Tis' the season!)

Pet shopping 101, how did I forget to buy a Christmas present for our kitten Lila, thank you Vicki for reminding me!

I'm sorry, no disrespect to the name Santa Claus, but I LOVE the name Pere Noel! It sounds so festive and merry!

I am personally going to be starting a gift stock pile! I get so many gifts from family and friends, that honestly I will never use and what better to save money and give a great gift! Why stuff it in the back of my cramped closet (space is at a premium), why not pass it on to someone else? I am all for it!

Fortune Cookies have always made me wonder "What are they truly trying to say?" and Vicki has now gave them a great purpose in life...When reading it add (In bed at the end of the statement)...Here's a great example: "Advice, when most needed, is least heeded." (In bed.) HAHA I love it! I will be doing this from now on!

The fun continues - from bedtime antics to international travel with a baby! I will not spoil all the fun, you have to read and experience the fun for yourself!

[Lizzie Harwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Ms. Lesage. In this latest collection of humorous essays, I especially enjoyed the peeks into growing up and her hilarious family conversations. Even though a few of these 25 essays (25 December=Christmas, geddit?) have been seen in other publications, she tied together the whole theme of Christmas with funny stories on gift-giving, love, holiday travel, etc. and the drinks are good fun.
Highly recommend this for a cozy, fun read from an author writing with heart and sass - just like it says there on the cover!!!

[Pamela King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from my American girlfriend living in France. I don’t know Ms Lesage personally but that is how all her books make you feel.

Vicki herself best describes her latest book. As she says in her introduction she has taken two things she loves – Christmas and cocktails – thrown them in a martini shaker, and mixed up a fun, seasonal collection. Each story has its own cocktail recipe themed to the story.

Vicki’s previous books mostly covered her life in France but this collection is reflective of Christmas’s past in both France and USA. They are a balanced collection of funny, happy and sad stories; all told in her honest, open way.

This is a more mature Vicki than we met in her earlier books, motherhood can do that to a party girl, but she is still able to tell a good yarn and laugh at herself.

Reading Christmas Confessions and Cocktails got me reflecting on my own Christmas’ and the funny, happy and sad, past and present family members I shared them with.

While I read the Kindle edition I am very pleased the book is also available in print. A Kindle book as a Christmas present just isn’t the same as the real thing.

If you haven’t already read Vicki Lesage’s earlier ‘confession’ books it won’t spoil the fun in this edition (but you have missed some great light reading)

A few of the stories are repeats from previous books but hey! It’s Christmas. Time to put your feet up and enjoy some fun, light reading – with cocktail in hand of course! I avoided the temptation to try each cocktail as I finished each chapter which is probably just as well because I do most of my reading early in the morning.

My only disappointment was that living in Australia I was not familiar with some of the ingredients. That means I can only try about 20 of the recipes this Christmas instead of all 25.

Living in a climate with a hot Christmas I’ve bookmarked Badajoz Sangria to serve my family this Christmas and even with our warm climate it won’t stop me trying the ‘white’ Christmas ones. Oh and for those like me that live in a ‘metric measurement’ country – get out your metric converter so you don’t spoil the final product.

Cheers Vicki! And Merry Christmas.

This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review.

My rating 5* as a good read and 5* as a Christmas gift

This review is also available on my website www.pam.id.au

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from Library Thing to read and review. In this collection of twenty-five vignettes, Vicki Lesage relates many humorous stories about growing up, her family and holiday celebrations. In addition, she has included several recipes for cocktails. I enjoyed reading about her life and holidays, and actually was relieved that there was another family as loving but still nutty as my own. I always wondered if we had the only family like that, and now I know we do not. Many of the memories she recounts brought to mind my own Christmases past and how my family and I celebrated it together. After reading, I tried some of the cocktails, and…well, never mind that! I think this is a great book to get into the spirit of things. Heck, I am already there, and it is only Labor Day. Oh well, nothing like celebrating early on all the “bah hum bug” days until then. This is a good read to get you into the holiday spirit. I know it worked for me.

[Hilary Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughs and cocktails - does it really get any better?

I loved this book! The author did an amazing job of sharing twenty-five holiday tales. Most were laugh out loud funny. Some were more tender. And a few brought tears to my eyes. This was a hard book to put down. I fell in love with the author and her entire family! This is the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit... But I honestly don't think your enjoyment would be limited to any particular time of the year. Maybe I am weird, but I would love to read this book in the summer on the beach. Added plus, the author included numerous cocktail recipes which I am dying to try!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicki shares various stories from past Christmases. Possessing a gift of humor, her tales will make you laugh as well as cry, smile and sigh in joy and sorrow. Her memories are funny, tender and romantic forcing you to inventory your most memorable holidays. Great read, worth it alone for the festive drink recipes included. Perfect stocking stuffer or pre-holiday warm up. You’ll definitely be in the holiday spirit after reading this entertaining book, even Scrooge would approve.

[Mary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretzels, mulled wine, & cute little dictators

Another wacky, sentimental journey from Vicki Lesage, with enough food and wine to elicit cravings. At the Pretzel Shack she'll have cinnamon sugar pretzels for breakfast, salted pretzels with cheese dip for lunch, and a sugar glazed delight for afternoon snack. Throw in soft, warm German pretzels with mulled wine in Cologne, Germany, and you've got an international food trend. Top it all off with German Chocolate Cake Cocktail and enough rum and liquor to make you forget your diet. Two kids ("cute dictators who are using sleep deprivation torture to weaken us into giving out information. Where's the candy, lady?") join the crowd of 55 at grandma's house for Christmas dinner, all competing for space in this jam-packed holiday-inspired treat.

[Barbara Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just pure fun to read! The author Vicki Lesage has a great sense of humor. It's a memoir of the author's Christmas memories. Each chapter is a different memory, along with a cocktail recipe.

Vicki Lesage is an American woman who married a French man. She lives in Paris with her husband and 2 children.

Vicki recalls funny stories about her Christmas experiences growing up in an American family with lots of relatives and celebrating in Paris with her husband, children & in-laws. Her comments about the cultural differences between American customs and French customs were fun to read!

I have enjoyed all the books I have read by Vicki Lesage. I look forward to reading another one!

[Chelsea Keane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a fun, mindless read to escape to, and this book delivered. If I was to rate on entertainment alone, then I would give it 4 stars. It's not a quality work of literature, but it is well written and a bit addictive. The cocktail recipes at the end of each chapter is a fun touch.

[Beatrice Richter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful addition to the series. I think the author has a great family and I really like the things her family did for Christmas, great traditions.

[Jocelyn Bincaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, light read. I read it like an advent calendar. One story a day up to Christmas.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and festive. :)

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Confessions & Cocktails is an entertaining seasonal Christmas themed collection of twenty-five memoir snippets with accompanying cocktail recipes that will definitely get the reader in the holiday spirit!

Author Vicki Lesage, an American expatriate living in Paris, France with her husband Mika and children Leo and Stella, weaves a humorous Christmas collection of memoir short stories from her childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, and from her current family home in Paris.

Written in a sassy style, Vicki gives the reader a glimpse into her family with hilarious snippets of her family's Christmas traditions (gift giving and regifting, family holiday trips, etc) interwoven with mishaps and trials and tribulations that provides plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. At the end of each memoir snippet is a cocktail recipe that ties into each snippet's theme. Just to whet your whistle ... here is a sample teaser of the cocktail recipes that you will find in this delightful book:

* Christmas Cosmo
* Chocolate Chip Cookie Martini
* Glitter & Gold
* The Bonsai
* Lucky Charm
* After Midnight
* Cinnamon Cider Sensation

Christmas Confessions & Cocktails is a fast paced and thoroughly entertaining holiday book that can be read in a day. As the reader gets a glimpse into the author's life, you can't help but take a walk down memory lane of your own family's holiday traditions and the craziness that comes with it. This sweet holiday memoir will conjure up the magic and spirit of Christmas that will leave a smile on your face!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received this book for free, in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour**

"Christmas Confessions and Cocktails" is a little ‘cracker’ of a book (sorry, I couldn’t resist!). It contains 25 unique short stories about the author’s life, all with the underlying theme of Christmas.

Vicki Lesage takes you on a journey in to her memory box, and unlocks the hidden treasures that will have you laughing or cringing all the way through.

The stories have a natural flow to them, and you feel like you are listening to Vicki perform a stand-up routine, more than actually reading about her life on paper. I love how she views the world and can make any subject matter seem engrossing.

The book is absorbing and I found myself doing that ‘one-more-chapter’ routine, right the way to the end. Turns out that I devoured the book in one sitting. I was genuinely that hooked and interested in Vicki and her family, both close and extended, whom I must say sound like a great bunch of people to share Christmas with.

At the end of each uniquely named chapter there is a much-loved cocktail recipe, tried and tested by Vicki, that ties in nicely with her story. I haven’t personally tested any yet, but I have my eye on a couple – ‘Skinny French Martini’ and ‘Appletini’.

The book is fun and engaging, and had me in fits of giggles at times – “It’s not a fart. It’s a baby”. It’s a chick lit, memoirs kind of book, that got me in the mood for Christmas and reminded me to treasure those special and daft moments in life.

I just hope that Vicki has plenty more fun and daft Christmas moments, as I would love to read about them.

Reviewed by stacey at www.whisperingstories.com

[Nash Norden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel that Christmas is fast approaching. Probably because I've been watching some Christmassy movies recently, and reading Christmas Confessions & Cocktails helps with the mood. I've read Vicki Lesage's previous books, and fell in love with the author's style and voice. They're witty, light and highly entertaining. Christmas Confession & Cocktails is no different. I'm still in love the author's voice and writing.

In this entertaining Christmas memoir, the author has collected 25 short stories of her Christmas memories from her childhood up to her married life. There are a few stories in this book which had been included in the previous books, but I'm okay with it. It was nice to reread them again. It was fun to read the parts about a few differences in celebrating the holidays in France and America. Or perhaps it was differences of family traditions?

There are some humorous, crazy, heartwarming and saddening moments. And, in the end, what really matters in this holiday is being with your family, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the author's big family through this book. It reminds me a bit of my family when everyone was still around.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to get into the holiday spirits, especially since Christmas is just months away. And even if you're not celebrating Christmas, Christmas Confessions & Cocktails by Vicki Lesage is still a light and fun book to read. Plus, the author has been generous to share a few cocktail recipes that you might want to try.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

Earlier this year, Vicki Lesage released a festive collection of short stories titled 'Christmas Confessions and Cocktails' which I looked forward to reviewing. The book consists of 25 different parts: several short stories focusing on Vicki's own memories of the Christmas season over the years, and multiple recipes for delicious festive cocktails.

Vicki Lesage really has her own voice which make her collections of stories based on her own life experiences always fun and entertaining reads. Vicki grew up in America but now lives in France with her husband Mika and two children, Leo and Stella. Her stories are set throughout her life, so back in the day when she was still a party girl to her days as a new mum. I really enjoy Vicki's writing style and loved being able to sneak in a few short stories every now and again when I found myself with some free time during the holidays.

Some of the stories have already been used in some of Vicki's other books, so people who are familiar with her work might recognise some of the stories here and there. However, there's a big selection of new fun tales and I really liked the idea of switching it up with festive cocktail recipes. 'Christmas Confessions & Cocktails' a festive seasonal anthology of stories told in Vicki Lesage's own fun and entertaining voice; once again, a Vicki Lesage story collection I really enjoyed and worth picking up if you're looking for an enjoyable and quick read with a fun French/American touch!

[Megan | A Page to Turn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5

This book was so fun and light-hearted! It was just what I needed this week to get me into the Christmas mood (while I'm currently dreading seeing all those family members I'm not even sure I'm ready to see)!! Most of the short story memories compiled into this fabulous work of art made me literally laugh until I was crying! Such a fun read and a great way to spread cheer this holiday season!



I really love the story about the 'Secret Santa Exchange'! So hilarious! I would love to get together with from friends and see how that would play out! There were so many others that I loved as well - 'Emotion Sickness', 'Something to Prove', and my most favorite was 'Bedtime Timeline'... that gave me a whole new prespective on New Years Eve!



This was my first introduction to Vicki and I have to say, she did not disaapoint!! I look forward to picking up more of her stories as soon as I can! I also can't wait to brew up one of the fabulous sounding cocktail recipes also included in the book, first up will be the Apple Crumble!!



So relatable, funny and truly inspiring! I love how she lives life so amazingly!
Reviewed on apagetoturn.net.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the latest in Vicki's Paris Confessions series of memoirs. This book is written in the same fun lively style of writing that I have come to expect from her memoirs about her life in France, but this one was a little different. I found a more mellow side to Vicki here; the wild party girl was somewhat replaced by someone to whom family life is obviously very important, as important in fact, as having a good time.

This book includes twenty-five fun snippets of her life, loosely centered on the Christmas theme; both before and after she moved to France and many of these snippets are from times in her life when her family is together and celebrating. As usual she includes the bad as well as the good, but all are told in a way that made me smile. At the end of each one is an invitation to join her in a celebratory cocktail (or two), well, OK it is just the recipes, but it felt like she was inviting me to join in her fun.

Cheers Vicki, thanks for another fun read and have a great Christmas!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Vicki .. considering we are now in the run-up to Christmas it was an ideal time to do it.

It’s like reading her diary .. a whole array of life experiences spread across different boyfriends/husbands/children/family/countries all written with a brilliant sense of humour & just to encourage us to get into the festive spirit there is a ‘drink recipe’ at the end of each chapter!

I think the ‘travelling on a plane’ & the ‘teeth’ chapters were my favourites .. I felt her traumas lol. A fun read with a smattering of sadness all adds up to pleasant entertainment. In fact it would make an ideal gift for Christmas.

Thanks to the author & Aimee @HelloChicklit for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Midwest Romantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Live Laugh & Love Books





This book is such a blast and some of the drink recipes she puts in here are marked for me to try later!!!

25 short stories that are quick reads but are oh so good! They range from hilarious to bittersweet and the writing is just wonderful.

This is the first time I have read anything by Vicki Lesage, but I will certainly be reading more from her in the future!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

[Samantha March · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy
Oh my, this book was such a blast! It is broken down into 25 short little stories, which made it super quick to read. I kept finding myself saying “I can just read one more” each time I would need to put my Kindle down, which is the mark of a great book! The stories range from laugh-out-loud to bittersweet, and I enjoyed each one. Also at the end of each story is a cocktail recipe, and I bookmarked quite a few to try out myself! Definitely one to read this holiday season!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This book reminded me of Jen Lancaster, especially as Vicki Lesage pokes fun of herself and holds no shame to sharing the embarrassing stories (along with a tasty cocktail with each new chapter!) Anyone who reads this book can relate to at least one of these stories - family gift giving dilemmas, holiday illness, travel debacles, and more!

[Connie Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Reading Deals Reading Club for giving me a copy of this book to read and give my honest review.

I got a sense of déjà vu while reading some of the stories. However, it did not make them any less interesting. I laughed at some of the stories and went oy vey ist mir (not Jewish myself) at others that I can relate to (cancelled flight). All in all, it is on par with all her other good books. I was relieved it wasn't too Christmassy. I really liked it, and can't wait for the next one!!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books by this author and her latest one, which is holiday-themed, did not disappoint. Lesage is such a fun and witty writer. This latest book is a collection of holiday-themes vignettes and each vignette is followed by a festive cocktail. I read this over the course of one day so it is definitely a fast read!

[Dana Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway. It's a mix of funny Christmas short stories of her life. After each story is a Christmas cocktail. I really enjoyed the book, a lot of laughs. And I tried a few of the cocktails and they were delicious. I will most definitely be reading her other books. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read this book and become a new fan of Vicki Lesage.

[Lynn Cornwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably a good book, but just to silly for me. Not my thing I guess.

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was easy to relate to these essays even though I don't live in Paris. The drinks sound yummy - can't wait to try some.