I took a break for a couple of weeks in order to get reviews from some other folks out there for the readers to see. Now, here are a few books I've come across for those Christmas stocking stuffers.

Grace

By Richard Paul Evans

Simon & Schuster, 2008, $19.95

You can't go wrong with one of Evans' popular Christmas books. Several of his 12 books have been made into television movies, most notably "The Christmas Box."

Eric Welch, now a grandfather, recalls the Christmas when he was 15, living in a rundown house in Salt Lake City, concerned with the economic problems of his family and the fact that his father was in poor health.

Then along came Grace Webb. Grace, who had run away from home, was in Eric's class at school. Eric agrees to hide her in their backyard clubhouse, with the help of his brother, Joel.

This wonderful story of first love that blooms in spite of -- and because of -- the circumstances of Grace's departure from home will bring tears to your eyes.

Evans seems to have the knack when it comes to the holiday tales. It's a quick and satisfying read.

A Christmas Grace

By Anne Perry

Ballantine, 2008, $18

This is Perry's sixth novel with a Christmas theme. Set in 1895, the book features Emily Radley (sister of Charlotte Pitt, a character in Perry's mystery series) as she reluctantly gives up her holiday with family to visit an estranged aunt in Ireland.

Emily finds that she is embroiled in solving a long-ago murder that still haunts the town.

This is a wonderfully written Christmas mystery.

Between Here and April

By Deborah Copaken Kogan

Algonquin, 2008, $23.95

In her debut novel, Deborah Copaken Kogan, author of "Shutterbabe: Adventures in Love and War," scores with her story about Elizabeth Burns, who, after recalling the sudden disappearance of a former friend back in elementary school days, decides to learn all she can about what happened to April.

This is a fascinating story filled with suspenseful moments.

Away

By Amy Bloom

Random House, 2008, $14

In this novel, set in 1924, Lillian Leyb comes to the United States seeking to better herself after surviving a pogrom in Russia, during which her child supposedly died.

When Lillian learns that her daughter may have lived, she takes off on quite a journey in order to try to find the child.

And what a cast of characters she meets!

Bloom offers readers an interesting story.

Matrimony

By Joshua Henkin

Vintage, 2008, $13.95

This novel covers several years in the lives of couples who met in college and what happens to their relationships over the years.

It's another good novel.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.