Susie has had a crush on her boss for the year she has worked for the company. Her best friend, Mark, comes over after work but she is off hand with him, and he leaves her apartment. The next day her boss tells her she is going to a charity function with him, so she asks Mark's advice for an outfit. Since he does not answer her calls all weekend, she buys lunch and goes to his worksite. Will he be happy? Will Susie be happy? Who will she choose--her boss or her best friend?

This story was so short that everything happens so fast. I never had a sense of the characters. I had no idea of who she should be with. I assume she made the right choice, but this was a vignette where I knew what was happening but not what emotions were being felt. I would like to see this expanded and more character and plot development.

Two pairs of couples who have to work through scandal to their happiness, I liked both stories but loved Bronwyn Scott's Dancing with the Duke's Heir, Vale and Viola were my kind of people.

Are you ready for Christmas time? Well, it's high time, it's one week left! Make sure your gifts are wrapped, shirts ironed, bellies empty and books ready.  We've prepared a checklist, just to make sure. 

Have you managed to find gifts for all your loved ones? If you still have no clue what to buy for Christmas, here are several things that can be found on every book lovers' gift list (Spotted on Silver Thistle. See more gifts for book lovers: 20 Gift Giving Ideas for Book Lovers...).

Dear Santa, here's our list: Bookopoly board game (read, play and have fun!), bookish phone charger and bloody good bookmark! (click image to go to blog)

Book-love found some more which could be divided into gifts in modern style: bookish lamp, book-scented perfume and Macbook Book-Case (we're sure it will fit others too), and more romantic with the spirit of the past: Penguin classic-inspired matchboxes, book-scented candle and personalized library embosser. And there's more here: 24 Insanely Clever Gifts For Book Lovers. (click the image to go to blog)

If you still don't feel like it's Christmas, we encourage you to try some craft projects which will put you in Christmas spirit and bring new decorations for your home and Christmas tree. Themis-Athena's Garden of Books found 7 Bookish Craft Projects to Put You in the Christmas Spirit (click images to go to blog).

Don't forget about Christmas Tree. It doesn't have to be huge or real tree, remember to make it look special. Here are some hints from Books2day and Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud how to make it extraordinary (click images to go to blogs).

Christmas time and family dinners require smart style. But don't resign from your individual look. Dress accurately to situation but with bookish touch :-)

Bookish skirt found on Mismatched Bookends blog, and Jane Austen Purse by Silver Thistle (click images to go to blogs).

It's holidays! Make sure you have enough book to fill up your leisure time. Christmas time is free from school, work, professional duties. And this all meas more reading time (after you cope with all Christmas duties)! You can follow December releases spotted by Debbie (see really impressive list of December new books here: December New Releases):

Or discover books matching the season: Snow, Ice and Cold Books listed on Kinga's Books blog:

and Great Wintery Reads presented by Peace ☮ Love ♥ Books blog:

We just couldn't r resist. Those cuties a la reindeer made our day :D

(via Tullia blog)

Do it on your own risk, though. The animals might not see your idea as "super-duper-funny-oh-you-look-so-cute!". Then just run ;-)

P.S. If you don't celebrate Christmas. Just hang in there and survive. We send you warms hugs. Find a peaceful place without jingle bells and all the blinks. Our survival winter kit can be useful as well: blanket, hot tea with raspberry marmalade and a good book in your hand. And enjoy your free time.

Winter Hugs for all ;-)