Book Review: Get into the holiday spirit in St. Joseph with these books
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The librarians at the St. Joseph Public Library are getting into the holiday spirit and sharing a list of holiday-themed books for December. The books discussed here are available at the St. Joseph Public Library, at other Missouri Evergreen libraries, or from one of the SJPL eContent vendors. Visit the library’s catalog at https://sjpl.modiscovery.org to find these or other great books to enjoy.
A Dog’s Perfect Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron. Opening on a family where each member is in a state of depression or angst, this book hardly seems to be a happy holiday book. A grandfather and his dog coping with painful old age, a mom who is overwhelmed with three-year-old homicidal twins, a distraught teenage daughter, and a father that is clueless with what is happening.  Add the arrival of a lost puppy and see what happens! 
Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley. Snowbound in a unique small town at holiday time, travelers must adjust their plans.  This year sees Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan fall together. Three families are thrown together, each with important plans that are being disrupted including a wedding. Bound for Toronto when their plane is diverted due to a blizzard, problems, personalities, and religious traditions are tossed into a wonderful blend of romance, misunderstandings, and festivities. This book does an excellent job exploring relationships and expectations. 
Eight Tales for Eight Nights: Stories for Chanukah by Peninnah Schram and Steven M. Rosman. This is a book to be used during the eight days of Chanukah. It is also a book to learn about the Jewish holiday and its traditions. Illustrations are in traditional paper-cut art form. Music and blessings and a glossary are included.  The stories are meant to be read aloud and shared between generations. As the candles are lit on each of the eight nights of Chanukkah, another story is there to be read. 
Holiday Inspirations, Food Decorating and Crafts by Better Homes and Gardens. An older book of ideas for the Christmas holiday not currently seen on TV. A dramatic entryway introduces the decorating section. Formal and informal displays are shown, many featuring natural materials. Lighting is covered, both inside and outside of the house. Small touches are presented as both finishing touches and less costly décor. Holiday food is given a large section with a variety of recipes and party ideas. Gifts ideas for all ages to make present many possibilities.   
A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber. Debbie Macomber is the author of many well written light romance novels in contemporary settings. There are ferries that travel across Puget Sound many times a day, carrying commuters and tourists. This story is set on one of those ferries during the Christmas season. When the ferry breaks down halfway on its trip each of the passengers react differently to the situation.  This is their story. 
