Dive deeper into the life of Sgt. Windflower in this seasonal book. "Christmas in Newfoundland" is filled with short stories that all relate to Christmas present and past. Sgt. Windflower is a likable character and genuinely enjoys small town life as the holiday comes alive to him, his family and several neighbors. I found the book to be lighthearted and fun to read, even though I haven't read any other books in this series.

"A Coke was a dime, a bag of chips five cents..."

Can you imagine heading down to the nearest convenience store and paying those prices? Mike Martin takes us way back to a time when Christmas was quite different but just as surreal and exciting as it is today.

I enjoyed reading the short Christmas stories in his collection of Christmas in Newfoundland. I loved reading the simpleness and cheer and of actually going to bed and dreaming of Santa coming. Alot of kids today have lost that magic and expect so much whereas children back in those days were happy to get a dolly, a toy truck, or even just a piece of fruit and a couple pieces of candy in their "real stockings" that were "actually" hung by the fireplace to dry!

It was a time of joy and hushed secrets. A time of family gatherings and sledding in lieu of video games. A time to cozy up by the fireplace and watch Christmas shows or bedtime stories with your family.

It was just so nice having a piece of yesteryear to look back at.

*I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

I gave up reading this book half way through, not my taste I’m afraid. The book is however well written and if you like to read memoirs of a bygone era then I am sure you will enjoy this look at life in a Newfoundland community who survive the bitter winters pre central heating and modern conveniences.

I kind of had a hard time with this book. It felt rather disjointed to me with the various stories, some of which didn't seem to be related to any of the others. There were times when I was a little enchanted, reading about the old-fashioned Christmases and times I was transported back to my own childhood. But, truth be told, if I hadn't committed to NetGalley to read and review, I probably wouldn't have finished it.

Seasons Greetings! If the most wonderful time of the year is getting to be too hectic and stressful for you, then let this charming book transport you 50 years back to Christmas in Grand Banks, Newfoundland.

At Christmas time, Grand Banks was either fogbound, snowbound, or both. In addition to plenty of weather, there was also an abundance of love and goodwill. This series of nostalgic short stories will transport you to a simpler time. You will read about the special “first times” of Christmas, the first time a young boy rides the bus with his family to see the Christmas lights around town, the first time he stays up to see the visit of the mummers. I also enjoyed the stories of the first Christmas in a new house, the first with a baby brother, and the first Christmas with a wife and adorable young daughter.

One of the most heart-warming stories was about the first time it seemed that Christmas might be postponed. Each story is simple and calm, a gem that sparkles with the Christmas blessings of love and hope. “He prayed for those who might be alone or troubled this Christmas morning…he reminded himself to be grateful for all he had received and the love that this place held in his heart.” Charming illustrations accompany each story, too.

What a delightful book to read in a quiet moment by yourself or to read aloud with your family. Many thanks to the author Mike Martin for a sweet selection of stories, and to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.

Sgt. Windflower remembers Christmases past in this volume. It seemed rather disjointed to me. The author overused "be" verbs, and no editor assisted him in cleaning up the sloppy and dull writing. This was my first and probably last venture into this series. The setting intrigued me, but its brevity is the only reason I did not abandon the read. I received an electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

For someone whose family hails from Newfoundland and have lived on "The Rock" for generations upon generations, this novel was so beautifully nostalgic that I found myself smiling throughout the entire time I was reading it. The work is wonderful, warm, and charming as we walk with the author down memory lane to simpler times in one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada. I loved reading about the traditional Newfoundland celebrations and I was immediately transported to St. John's, walking alongside the gorgeous buildings that exude history. The work is just one big warm hug that will bring back fond memories to every reader, regardless of where they hail from. You will also fall in love with the cast of characters and will be inspired to take a trip to Newfoundland yourself to experience the warmth of the locals, the magic of Christmas, and the mouth-watering, to-die-for home cooking.
A must-read for anyone looking for a cozy novel or in the mood for times gone by, b'ye.

I was honestly not sure what this book would bring. I have never read Mike Martin or about Sargent Windflower. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is so fun and nostalgic. This tells stories of winter and Christmas. Set in Canada, these stories brought back wonderful memories of times when life wasn't so fast paced. The author paints such vivid pictures that the reader only has to close their eyes to feel and see the story. Christmas time is a favorite of mine. However, in recent years it has become more about money then about memories and family. It was so nice to slow down and enjoy Christmas. The anticipation of children, the love of couples are some of the best times. I look forward to reading more by this author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Thank you to NETGALLEY for an advance copy of this book.

I truly enjoyed this charming little book of Christmas stories and mysteries. They transport you back to a time gone by. You will want to curl up in front of the fire with a hot toddy and enjoy the experience and the thoughts of the holiday season and celebrations to come.

Enjoy this gem....I certainly did.

If you ever wanted to experience Christmas in a different place and/or time, this set of short stories set in Newfoundland around the area of Grand Banks and St. John's will provide both. Some of the short stories take place in the past while others are in the present. Its stories touch on the traditions of the places and are definitely evocative of something completely different. Each story shows what Christmas meant or means to a particular person at a particular time. These are not grand stories; rather, they are quite small in scope, a little slice of life of a particular Christmas for a particular person. I've heard or read somewhere that novellas and novels are about character while short stories are about an idea. The idea of these short stories is the meaning of Christmas in relatively small towns where life is mostly uncomplicated and people find strength in traditions and in each other. I found the collection to be gently heartwarming Each story is short, so could be read over a work break or a lunch period. Travel the Newfoundland for Christmas without leaving your couch.

Christmas in Newfoundland - Memories and Mysteries by Mike Martin was an enjoyable read. I liked the plots and the characters and the Christmas theme. This is a collection of stories. It brings back memories from my own life.

This is a solid collection of stories. Martin has talent and it shows here with a variety of stories that effectively evoke a winter atmosphere and emotions with a nice style. Recommended.

I really appreciate the NetGalley copy for review!!

Newfoundland, RCMP, family, friendship, Christmas

The Mountie remembers good Christmases in their small town as he was growing up and as an adult in Newfoundland. Good memories of small town Northland with the anticipations of children and the many kindnesses of others. Lifts the spirits and restores a measure of faith in others.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Books Go Social via NetGalley. Thank you!

I voluntary read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this book.

What a delightful collection of stories of Christmas during hard times in Newfoundland. It is insightful as to how Christmas is celebrated in another country. The expectations of children the world over is much the same but the things they dream about are different. If you loved “A Christmas Story” then you will really like this one.

The weather is unpredictable, the people you meet are memorable and you will want to go to Newfoundland just to experience it for yourself. Sgt. Windflower, of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, keeps the town safe and makes sure everyone’s Christmas arrives as it should. Grab a cup of tea and sit back to really enjoy several great stories that will put you in mood for the holidays.

#ChristmasinNewfoundland#NetGalley