Seasonal stories, fun for Xmas eve gifts!
359387
My four year old and eleven year old will enjoy reading these stories this holiday and every holiday. Perfect condition!
2479198
A Great COllection of Chritmas Stories a wonderful gift for CHristmas that would be treasured year after year. Curl up under your quilt and enjoy a wonderful read!
385529
Having read a couple of the stories that were included in the total of nine published as Christmas Eve Stories, I have now read through all of them in a early released paperback.  Although the author says in her introduction they were first written to be read orally, I found much to be contemplated in the personal reading.  Each story expands on the true meaning of Christmas in that we have a "perhaps" glimpse into what daily life might have been during that time.  I can see these being read by a family each of the Twelve Nights of Christmas or included during Advent services, at home as well in places of worship.  The art work would appeal to younger readers as well and draw them into the spiritual aspect of each story.  My personal favorite is "Letters Home, A Roman Story" which presents a narrative of a soldier who was present at the birth and death of Christ. Appropriate for all ages, this would complement any collection of faith based Christmas literature.
1688672
Silver Bells is a delightful collection of historical novellas by different authors centered on the Christmas season. Most of these short sweet stories happen in one scene/party/event. So don't be surprised when you get pulled into a story and then you are left to imagine the details of their happily ever after. They are still worth the read!

The authors include Lucinda Brants, FAIRY CHARISTMAS, where she gives us a sweet companion novella to two of her other novels in her Salt Series and a glimpse into a 1700s yule log celebration and budding love.  Sarah M. Edens CHRISTMAS PROMISE, shares an Irish tale where Sean Kirkpatrick meets his Irish Rose, Maeve Butler. Heather B. Moores TWELVE MONTHS, is a sweet budding romance between Lucien and his best friends widow, Cora. Lu Ann Brobst Stahelis FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS, Dick discovers at a Christmas Dance that capturing the heart of Pricilla is more complicated that hed imagined. Annette Lyons A TASTE OF HOME, Claire finds herself stranded in the city for Christmas with her childhood torturer, William, and discovers he is not such a torture to be around anymore. Becca Wilhites MY MODERN GIRL, 1920's Margie discovers that her dream of working at Macys Department store in NYC isn't as dreamy as her Henry from back home.  So if you are looking to find some talented authors, this is the perfect place to start.

I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
230711
This is a collection of six short stories relating to memories, emotions, and losses during Christmas holidays.  It's not always a holiday some people can face as happy as others, and these stories reflect these types of tales.
  "HARK"  It's Christmas time, the town tree is up in a haphazard fashion.  Children will be decorating the lower branches of the tree in Harbor Springs, Michigan.  A former police officer is in a motorized wheel chair and thanks to his wife. Colleen, he is warmly dressed for their trip through downtown.
  "SEDUCING SANTA"  One woman's secret passion is to entertain Santa Claus.  The woman, in her early 30s, owner of a candle shop, doesn't date much.  There's really not many opportunities in the small town so she daydreams of the type of man she would care to date; such as Elton, dressed in a red shirt, having a white beard, and a beer belly that jiggles when he laughs.
  "BRACELET"  Callie has lost the Christmas present she had obtained for her sister, Maggie, earlier in the year.  She had given Maggie their mother's ring two years earlier and had found a matching bracelet.  But where is it hiding? Callie is a teacher of art but maybe not for long.  Her husband's ashes are in cold waters near Lopez Island.  She lives a lonely life, if it were not for her teaching job.
  "EVERYONE WANTS ME TO"  This story of Arlene, a teenager, opens with her severe fear of flying.  She is flying home to Michigan from Arizona with her mother.  She'd rather stay in Tucson with her grandmother.  Arlene had always been a burden to her selfish parents, so she lived with grandma until grandpa died, and then her parents place grandma in a retirement home.  Arlene is a girl who no one wants.  A nonexistent life of a daughter who seems to be a clone of her mother.
  "SNOW GLOBE"  A winter party in Idaho where gay couples have found beauty and comfort.  The gay community had opened many doors for many people, but then there are those who would like them to still keep there gayness locked in a closet.
  "THE HERALDS"  Ken Herald is keeping a secret from his wife, Carmel.  Two days before Christmas, his coffee espresso is not settling well in his stomach.  He doesn't like his doctor's attitude ... he lacks kindness and caring.  Four years previously he'd been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus by this doctor and placed on medicine.  Regardless of this turning into cancer, both Carmel and Ken remain upbeat looking forward to playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. This Christmas will be the best in four years.
  These tales are heart wrenching, thought provoking, sad, and very revealing of what memories are recalled during Christmas for some people.  The stories are very well written by talented author Justin Bog.
  The author has also added a short story, "POSEIDON EYES," of a young girl who lives in a different sphere as the rest of humankind.  She sees everyone as a creature from the sea and is drawn to the sea and pulled into the ocean through a sand hole.  A colorful, interesting tale.
1177053
Nice stories to read before bedtime. We especially enjoyed there being an easy way to add seasonal stories into our routine.
2076281
This anthology is a gift. If you love Christmas stories, this is for you! If you don't love Christmas stories (like me), this book is still for you. Several great authors come together to give you a range of short stories that will keep you engaged throughout. Bonus on this is that with some great reading material your purchase also helps kids in need. Very Awesome!
558034
This collection of Christmas crime stories caught my eye because of the clever title and held my attention because of the wide range of entertaining stories. The contributing authors include Peter Lovesey, Sujata Massey, Stephanie Barron, Ed Lin, Cara Black and several others. I was familiar with some authors, like Lovesey, Massey, and Barron before this, but I was happy to be introduced to several new authors. The stories take place throughout the world including Cuba, England, New York, and Korea and range from very funny to dark, to touching, and even depressing.

One of my favorite stories in the collection is by Helene Tursten, a Swedish author who was new to me. The story about an elderly woman who isn't as helpless as she appears is clever and dark and since finishing it, Ive read a couple of Turstens full-length novels. Author Mick Herron is also new to me, and I enjoyed his amusing story The Usual Santas about the commercialism of Christmas. Ive enjoyed Stephanie Barrons novels and was glad to see a story featuring the sleuth from her novels, Jane Austen.

Along with several stories I loved, there were a few that didn't appeal to me, but thats to be expected with just a wide variety of stories. Although I wouldnt rate each story with 5 stars, I do think the overall collection is worthy of that high rating. The stories in this book kept me entertained from the beginning to the end.

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Soho Crime. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
107782
Yvonne has lit a cozy fire for the reader and wrapped a warm blanket around the holidays.  She'll give you great ideas for making snow angels, hot chocolate, magic and memories.  The holidays come at us, faster and harder every year and can fill us with worry and empty our pocketbooks.  Have some fun with this yourself and give it a as a gift to anyone you love who needs to take a deep breath and  take a fresh look at what's important this season and how to really enjoy it with friends and family.
4497959
These are three beautiful Christmas stories that will warm your heart and get you ready for the season. Logan packs a lot of emotion into each short story. Perfect to read while you're waiting for your cider to mull or your turkey to roast! :)
1234908
A fun read of a variety of short Christmas stories that one can pick up at leisure. Makes a great seasonable gift, or just set it out on the coffee table for others to pursue. The pleasantness and inspiration of the tales adds to the fullness of Christmas.
2755188
These stories all take a unique and delightful speculative twist on LDS concepts. They also share themes of getting back in touch with our humanity, healing, and drawing closer to our families and those we love. My favorite story in this collection is Millys Gift. The characters cling to hope of a bright future while working to rebuilt their devastated world. I fell in love with the characters (and the fact there was a functional LDS Family Search Center that played prominently into the storyso cool!), and became intrigued about other stories Angie has set in this particular sphere. This is a delightful LDS sci-fi collection, perfect for the holiday season.
4434820
Great, feel good short story for the Christmas season. Perfect to share with your family for a read aloud with hot chocolate and cookies - completely appropriate for all ages to enjoy. Enjoyed it! :)
4114782
I loved these stories! They remind me why Christmas is so special. Five stars.
1022738
Here's an enjoyable holiday gift from Ann McMan!  Diz and Clarissa should be sharing the most perfect, romantic Christmas Eve--instead they're babysitting 3 rambunctious boys for a sick friend. Throw in a couple of dogs, a trip to the Mall, a bully and the Baltimore police and you have a delightful story as only Ann can tell it.  Fun and light and the perfect holiday read.  Five stars.
3909055
I enjoyed the short stories written by four authors in this seasonal anthology. These are quick, easy reads, perfect for those few minutes between chores, errands, shopping and taking care of the children!
1585183
Short Christmas themed stories.  Some are part of a series and some are new characters.  All are full of loving couples enjoying the holidays.  My favorite is by Kelsey Kingsley, it's a slight take off of her new series.  Something for everyone from firefighters to military to regular joes.  I received my copy from the authors.