DEAR SUN SPOTS: What a delightful list of Christmas stories in the Dec. 15 Sun Spots. So many authors you listed are among my favorites, too.
My Number One favorite Christmas author is Richard Paul Evans. Every Christmas he turns out a lovely uplifting story. My very favorite ever was “The Mistletoe Promise.”
Another author of the same genre is Donna VanLiere who wrote “The Christmas Shoes” and the sequel, “The Christmas Blessing,” and “The Christmas Hope.” They are great stories.I believe Richard’s book for 2023 will be out this coming week. He never disappoints.
Merry Christmas to you and all in Sun Spots Land — Louise, no town
ANSWER: Ah, yes, number one New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans is considered to be the “king” of Christmas fiction. I believe his newest Christmas book is titled “A Christmas Memory.” My personal favorite is “The Christmas Box” which was made into a movie starring Richard Thomas, Annette O’Toole and Maureen O’Hara. I have it on VHS and watch it every December.
Donna VanLiere is also a prolific New York Times bestselling author who has written over a dozen Christmas stories.
I forgot to add in my original letter that Debbie Macomber is another author who often brings Christmas into her writing.
I’m so glad you enjoyed my holiday book list, Louise, and thank you for adding to it. Hopefully, more Sun Spotters will lengthen the list with their favorites. Go ahead and add some holiday movies, too, while you’re at it.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: There was a request in the Dec. 13 Sun Spots for fixing a basement after a heavy rain. We had B-Dry System of Maine and NH, Inc. at 1040 Portland Road in Saco (https://bdrymainenh.com/ , 282-0718, karencarey@bdrymainenh.com) repair our basement and have not had any problems since they did the work.—Connie, no town
ANSWER: Thank you for the recommendation, Connie. Into the Rolodex it goes!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the inquiry about potentially expired eggs (Dec. 14 Sun Spots), the best method is to do a float test. Take a deep dish or a glass of water and place the whole egg in its shell, in the water. If the egg sinks to the bottom, it is still safe. If the egg floats, it has gone by and should be discarded. This is because the one that floats has had organisms releasing gases from their activity within the egg. — Deb, Auburn
ANSWER: Thanks for reminding us of this method that is a quick, easy way to make sure of what you’re dealing with. We don’t want any unnecessary tummy trouble for our Sun Spotters.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you and other readers have food ideas to bring to a holiday work gathering besides cookies or carb-laden snacks? I’m new at my job and only have a little money to spend. I also want to bring something that won’t be high in calories. — Mary, no town
ANSWER: Pickles and olives, celery and carrot sticks with hummus, grapes, clementine’s, popcorn, dark chocolate and nuts all come to mind. You don’t have to bring a lot. Arrange your offering on a pretty plate or in a bowl and just relax and enjoy yourself.
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