Stories Engaging and Perfect for Holidays
586256
"Twice Blessed" by Barbara  Cameron contains two novellas - "Her Sister's Shadow" and "His Brother's Keeper". Both are stories are about Amish twins. There is no sexual or violence passages within this book. The main characters are well fleshed out and realistic.  Both stories are engaging and perfect for the holiday season. They are what I would call warm, cozy stories that give you a nice feeling when done reading. They relax the reader and erase the tension one might have when reading about murders, tragedies, and/or graphic sexual within some of the books currently on the market.. It is nice just to enjoy a heartwarming story once in a while. The stories give a glimpse into Amish living which I enjoy.
4058112
I recommend this book filled with wonderful stories about the holidays. Timeless and moving, the stories just might give you ideas to start your own family traditions.
4227259
I love Regencies and my favorite stories seem to be those that take place during the holidays. I just can't get enough and you will be well satisfied by the stories in this book. Without giving anything away, I will simply echo my sentiments with the rest of the reviewers that this book is superior in plots and writing styles. Thank you, authors. I will be looking for more novels by your hand.  If you want more Christmas, but with a modern women's fiction feel, see the following.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Christmas-at-Magnolia-Hill/dp/B00AH4TK8W/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Christmas at Magnolia Hill</a>
4087713
This holiday book by David Sedaris is a collection of sophisticated, sardonic, and quite superb stories.  His style reminds me of Cleveland Amory (remember him? several years ago he wrote reviews for TV Guide--yes, this bit of information dates me)--somewhat crumudeonly, but very entertaining and funny.

Among other things, Sedaris shares his take on Christmas pageants and working as an elf during the holidays.

Written in a totally different style,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Christmas-Gifts-Christmas-Voices/dp/0757300537/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices</a>&nbsp;takes a look at how simple acts of thoughtfulnes came have a great impact.
2738496
Sweet, touching Christmas stories, perfect for reading aloud to both young and old family members every Christmas Eve. I recommend this book to all who find Christmas a special time, and to those who are perhaps searching for the "special" in a Christmas that has become all too stressful and impersonal in our too busy world.
297468
With short stories it's sometimes hard to really build interest in the characters and make the relationship seem like it didn't just spring up out of nowhere, but all three authors did a great job of making you root for the heroes. Samantha Hunter's Holiday Rush was both sweet and funny, and a great example of the 'Best Friend / Little Sister' trope, which is one of my favorites. I loved the way that Calla's prospective customers played a role in getting her and Gideon together. It added a vein of humor to the story and really played off the spirit of the holidays.

Playing Games was my favorite of the three stories, which didn't surprise me as I'm already a big fan of Meg Maguire (even under her other pen name, Cara Mckenna). Carrie and Daniel had so much history and intensity that you couldn't help but feel like this romance had been stewing for a long time. Their banter is hilarious and their revelations sweet. But damn, the sex scenes were just fantastic, with the perfect amount of dirty talk. I honestly couldn't get enough of Carrie and Daniel together and if this were ever turned into a full length novel I would buy it in a heartbeat. But that said, I think the story was well paced for its short length and used the headache of holiday travel and awful winter weather as a springboard for a sexy, enthralling story.

The final story in the anthology, All Night Long by Debbi Rawlins, revolved around a holiday party and a business relationship that turns into much more. Rawlins did a great job of creating characters we could route for and laugh with. I loved the secondary characters at the factory and the facets of the hero's personality that they brought to the forefront. Carly and Jack definitely got in a few quips and we got just the right amount of back story to understand who these characters really were and how they got to be in this predicament. Overall, it was a short and sweet conclusion to a great holiday anthology.

If you're looking for a read to get you in the Christmas spirit, Wild Holiday Nights has three sexy stories that'll add some sugar and spice to your holiday cheer.

Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.
1059185
These stories were very sweet and fun for the holidays.  I enjoyed reading them to see Christmas how it used to be, with a bit less commercialism.
239578
There is something about these stories that resonates for me. I read them and appreciate my own childhood more. Simple tales wrapped in the love of family. I am buying another copy as a gift for my nieces... I think it is the perfect book of good-night stories.
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.
3325189
Lots of fun, light holiday stories great to read on a snowy night!
4810569
One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to read a few Christmas romances as a treat for myself. This year I chose to read A Plain and Sweet Christmas Romance Collection. The stories are full of the plain faith, community, love and the spirit of Christmas. With authors such as Melanie Dobson, Lauralee Bliss, Ramona Cecil, Diane Christner, Jerry Eicher, Olivia Newport, Rachael Phillips, Claire Sanders and Anna Shmidt .... how could it not be a wonderful Christmas read!

I highly recommend A Plain and Sweet Christmas Romance Collection and I plan on visiting these enchanting stories again and again throughout the year to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book. I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
1534079
I was so happy to finally pick up and read this anthology. I think that the holidays is the best time to read short stories and novellas since we are all so busy and rushed. Little bite size pieces are sometimes just what are neededand when they help one get into the holiday spirit? What could be better!

I had previously only read a few of these authors (Levithan, Rowell, Forman & Black) and loved the chance to test the writing styles of the others before picking up any full length volumes.

Below youll find my quick thoughts on each short story.

1  Midnights by Rainbow Rowell 

I loved this one, but then Rainbow Rowell really can do no wrong, can she? This was a great coming of age story that followed the main character through several years and several New Years eve parties. Plus I am a sucker for the friends to more trope!

2  The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link  

I liked the magic and the folksy feel of this one but I never real got it or connected with the characters.

3  Angels in the Snow by Matt De La Pena 

This was a cute story that sort of took a long time to build and then was over? I don't knowI enjoyed it but wanted more

4  Polaris is Where Youll Find Me by Jenny Han 

This one really disappointed meI was expecting great things from Han due to all the hype for her books but I really just didn't get into this story at all. No investmentno connection

5  Its a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins 

This one was another big winner. I really felt like I connected immediately to Marigold and I love North (and his name)! Definitely my favorite of the bunch North is totally swoonworthy and I was left with all the warm fuzzies!!

6  Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan 

So I normally love, love , love Levithan but this one just fell short for meIt just all felt contrived to make a point and there was no real holiday spirit in it for me.

7  Krampuslauf by Holly Black 

EhThis one just didn't do anything for me

8  What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman  1/2

This was a really cute feel good story that also reminds us not to make assumptions. Forman here, succeeded in both making a point and leaving one with a sweet read. I think this may be what Levithan was trying for but didn't quite manage.

9  Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire 

A cute story with a hint of romance and a bit of holiday spirit turning a prankster whos always in trouble around. I enjoyed this one but didn't fall in love.

10  Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White 

Another cute short. I loved Ben and his ability to sense the food that would evoke the sensibilities in the patron. Sadly I think I might have enjoyed this more had it come earlier in the anthology.

By this point I was sort of just pushing for the end.

11  Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter 

Another ok tale that I could have taken or left.

12  The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor 

I am so glad that the anthology ended with this story. What beautiful and evocative writing!! I will definitely be checking out Taylors full length booksthis one was so magical and special.
1584164
this is a great book to give to your best friends for the holidays- the stories are unique and the photos are spectacular- you can read one story every day for inspiration.
259497
My kids and I have enjoyed this book, exploring our country's holidays and why we celebrate.  The text rhymes and is a delight to read aloud.  My kids loved the cute illustrations, very heart-warming characters.  I enjoyed how the illustrated characters were placed over black and white photographs of past holidays.  My children range in age from 3 through 7, and the book was appropriate for all these ages.  There is also a section in the back for children to add a pic and text about their favorite holiday, their traditions, and memories of gifts given and received.  Great to extend the holiday discussion.  Look forward to seeing more from this author and illustrator.
489623
This anthology takes place in Christmas Town, Maine, a lively little village to put you into Christmas mode; it is an important character in the stories. I read the pod of three related stories in The Gingerbread Men, which is about a widowed mother and her two daughters as they live near Christmas Town and prepare physically and mentally for Christmas. The stories of the three women are titled The Gingerbread Heart, The Gingerbread Pony, and the Gingerbird House. The three stories are sweet romances involving a widower-pastor, a widower-father of a young daughter who has selective mutism, and a divorced and homeless woodworker artist with a small son in tow. All of the stories have good characterization, vivid descriptions, and strong plots. A very entertaining selection of Christmas novellas.
4653084
We love Radio Theater by Focus on the Family at our house.  These stories make our holidays enjoyable while travelling especially.  Keep them coming!
2111022
These short stories contain enough conflict to pull you in and keep the storyline moving along, yet they come to wholesome resolutions that made me smile in surprise or cry with joy.

Debra Holland's characters come to life, whether they are being mean or resourceful, unkind or endearing. The characters of one story often interact with characters of a previous story. Although each story in this collection is very different, you keep reading about old friends.

Whether for Christmas time or any time you want to fill your mind and heart with something wholesome, I highly recommend you read these stories.