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Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 11:07 PM

Allison's Book Report - Sugar and Spice

Allison's Book Report - Sugar and Spice
Photo by Allison Diegel.

The tree is decorated, the lights are twinkling, and the Christmas spirit is strong at my house – and as promised, I have been reading all of the Christmas romances I can get my hands on. For this entire month, I am reporting on all of my holiday favorites, and this week, I have a two-for-one book report for you – one book is mostly spicy, and one book is mostly sweet—a little bit of sugar and spice for your Yuletide reading pleasure.

If it is sexy and super spicy you’re looking for, author Tessa Bailey always delivers, and this one is no exception. “Wreck the Halls” follows Melody and Beat, the adult children of two former rock stars, who team up to convince their estranged mothers to play a Christmas concert. The two become involved in a reality TV show, Melody and Beat’s attempts at getting their mothers back together – as well as their crackling chemistry and palpable sexual tension – on the show for the whole world to see. I debated if I could talk about “Wreck the Halls” in the newspaper because it is so steamy, but this hilarious rom-com is also a ton of fun and a perfect way to bring some spice to your holiday reading. 

If a sweeter romance story is more your style, grab “Lovelight Farms” by B.K. Borison. Stella owns a struggling Christmas tree farm and is secretly in love with her best friend, Luka. In an attempt to save the farm, Stella enters a contest with an Instagram influencer, and the two find themselves faking a relationship, and sparks begin to fly. Don't get me wrong – while this book is the sweet part of my sugar and spice book report, it has a scene or two that get a little steamy - but for the most part, “Lovelight Farms” is a perfect sweet and funny friends to lovers Christmas rom-com. Bonus: It is the first in a series if you need more Lovelight in your “to be read" pile.

There you go – grab a cup of hot cocoa, some Christmas cookies, and one or both of these books for a little dose of sugar and spice for your holiday reading – and then pop over to my Instagram @allison.the.reader, where I'm reading and rambling my way through the season - and stay tuned to this column for more romantic holiday reads. 

Allison Diegel is the Executive Chaos Coordinator at the Diegel Home for Wayward Girls and Their Many Pets here in her hometown of Fallon. She has been reading since before she could talk, and now she likes doing lots of both.
 


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Comment author: Johnathan Skinner Comment text: I have known Jorge for decades. Anyone who even heard about will tell you he was aging and createdan incredible legacy. Comment publication date: 8/17/26, 7:40 PM Comment source: Jorge Jose Guerrero Comment author: Patti Cole Comment text: Marie will be forever treasured in memories. The memories remain of a soft-spoken, seemingly unassuming but determined individual who absolutely knew what path she wanted to take in life, and followed it. Her instinctive reactions, which highlighted her steadfast level of love and caring for her family, friends and all living things found in nature, hold lessons for us all. An unexpected splash of her self-deprecating humor, coupled with uncanny timing, will always bring a smile. For me, Marie lives on in the sighting of a Black-crowned night heron in the tules, the bloom of a beautiful spring flower and, most poetically, in the struggle of wildlife photographers handling their very large camera lenses. Comment publication date: 8/15/26, 9:31 AM Comment source: Obituary-Marie Dong Ko Comment author: John Chaney Comment text: I just figured out that Betty was my 1st cousin. Her dad Ted was my dad's brother. I never knew Ted or Betty, but I wish I did. I am 73 and live in IL. I am building my family tree and see where Betty has fit in. Blessings to you Curt and family. Comment publication date: 8/14/26, 11:04 AM Comment source: Obituary - Betty Lou (Chaney) Anderson Comment author: Karen Webb Comment text: I am so sorry to hear this. I loved coming to the carwash to see John! He always made my day. Prayers for all of his family during this difficult time. Comment publication date: 8/11/26, 8:56 PM Comment source: In Memory of John Evans
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