This book not only fed my eyes with a plethora of lush, holiday visions, it romanced my heart in ways that it will forever be imprinted upon my bookish memory.  Page after page, the magic of the holidays filled my vision but I must admit, it is the exquisite front and back hardcovers that commenced this love affair. It boasts a bold, red backdrop adorned with gorgeous florals, fruits all immortalized in a smooth, matte texture that feels like soft velvet under your fingertips. It is expertly designed and easily merits an above-average rating to the most discerning eye.

The back cover blurb eloquently sums up the contents of the book, instantly engaging the reader:

"Celebrate Christmas the Southern Lady way! Within these pages you'll find hundreds of ideas to make the season merry and bright.  Decorations for every room in the house, fabulous and festive table settings, delicious holiday recipes to make, take, and share- all the makings for your best Christmas ever is waiting inside."

The book sports a warm introduction and contents detailing what to expect as you flip through the pages.  The mix of gorgeous Christmas decorations, how-tos in crafting the perfect wreath, festive ribbons on chairs, advice on creating the perfect table settings; et al, and exquisite recipes with accompanying photos were nothing less than a king's feast for the eyes. 

I am usually pretty good with words but somehow, I feel like I cannot adequately convey the magnitude of the positive impression I had exploring this book. It offered all that is mentioned- and more... I obtained a few ideas in decorating for the season and it affirmed my love affair with gold accents.  It would be remiss of me not mention that I picked out some scrumptious recipes to try such as the "winter vegetable chowder," "vegetable cobbler," hazelnut cake," and  "chocolate peanut butter bars."

It is quite obvious that I have a very high opinion of this book.  From the beginning to the end, I was deeply engrossed and it is now a part of my priceless, "book vault." An oldie but "goodie."

In addition to volume 1, I purchased volume 2 and I am looking forward to exploring that book in the near future.

5/5.... would give in 10/5 if it was permissible. 

Merry Christmas!  Wishing you the best for 2022!

You can find out more about Hoffmann Media by visiting the following website: Hoffman Media - Women's interest and lifestyle publisher
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If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing.  It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book.  Writers are super appreciative of this kind act.

Book Reviewed: "Christmas With Southern Lady: Holiday Decorating, Recipes & Table Ideas From Southern Lady Magazine-  Volume 1; Editor: Andrea Fanning; Publisher: Hoffman Media, September 1st, 2013.
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Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo ​

Witty and well orchestrated with a dynamic plot and characters that flawlessly intermingle with each other to create the perfect novel. 

As a great lover of "Pride And Prejudice" and all things "Jane Austin," I had set high standards prior to reading an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)  of "Reputation, An Easy Thing to Lose." Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Bennet, the Bingleys, Mr.Collins; et al... they all came back to life in such a flawless way, I felt as though the author, E.M. Storm-Smith, was touched by the spirit of Jane Austen- so authentically written and true-to-life is her variation.

This book is delightfully "intense" in the sense that Ms. Storm-Haus created a whirling plot with a series of sub-plots that she brilliantly executed from the beginning to the end of the book. This is not a flimsy read for the webs she weaves are tangled and brimming with the wit and electricity that emanates from her engaging characters.  The contents within are meaty and my full concentration immersed itself deeply into the way she breathed life into the characters and meticulously paid attention to details with each one.  This was all perfectly tied in together through very witty dialogue conveyed by the characters, keeping me riveted page after page.  Many things happened simultaneously and the author flawlessly kept the plot flowing without skipping a beat. 

The characters really grew on me and my gosh, I must say- that Caroline Bingley got on my nerves with all her scheming and lofty attitude! This intense reaction that was extracted from me is proof positive that the author skillfully brought life to the characters.  This is critical when an abundance of dialogue takes place within a book.  There was no "dropping the ball" here.

In summation, this author has clearly done her research and invested a huge effort in executing her first book.  This is something readers would appreciate, especially fans of Jane Austen.  It is difficult to create a variation of a universally beloved novel that will appeal to loyal readers of the original book but Ms. Storm-Haus does a very fine job of taking the pertinent care and attention needed to pull off such a huge feat.  It is a monumental undertaking, indeed.  

Take a chance on this new writer. She is worth it. Thank you to Ms. Storm-Smith for this ARC of "Reputation, An Easy Thing To Lose." It was an honor to read and write a review.  This review is also uploaded on Goodreads. All opinions are my own.

​A beaming 5/5!

You can find out more about the author, E.M. Storm-Smith, by visiting the following website: Storm Haus Publishing.
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If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing.  It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book.  Writers are super appreciative of this kind act.

Book Reviewed: "Reputation, An Easy Thing To Lose;" Author: E.M. Storm-Smith; Publisher: Storm Haus Publishing, LLC; Advanced Reader Copy; (November, 2021)
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Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo ​