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Making Spirits Bright

by Fern Michaels, Elizabeth Bass (Goodreads Author), Rosalind Noonan, Nan Parson Rossiter (Goodreads Author)

3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 · rating details · 248 ratings · 59 reviews

Making Spirits Bright: "Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly, until unexpected sparks have Melanie dreaming of forever by his side." Runaway Christmas: "A glass of wine, lounging in pajamas, and catching up on movies--that's Heidi...more

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Published (first published October 25th 2011)

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Dec 04, 2012 Nancy Narma rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Sugar, Spice & Romance Sprinkled with Mistletoe”

I have always enjoyed Ms. Michaels’ novels, and now, three literary stars join her in this volume—Elizabeth Bass, Nan Rossiter and Rosalind Noonan. With Fern Michaels’ “Making Spirits Bright”, we are introduced to wealthy graphics Designer Melanie McLaughlin
who, even though she seems to have it all, condo, car, her own business, plus friends and “Fur-Family”, lacks 2 precious items in her life—a special someone (that is until she is reunited...more "Sugar, Spice & Romance Sprinkled with Mistletoe”

I have always enjoyed Ms. Michaels’ novels, and now, three literary stars join her in this volume—Elizabeth Bass, Nan Rossiter and Rosalind Noonan. With Fern Michaels’ “Making Spirits Bright”, we are introduced to wealthy graphics Designer Melanie McLaughlin
who, even though she seems to have it all, condo, car, her own business, plus friends and “Fur-Family”, lacks 2 precious items in her life—a special someone (that is until she is reunited with friend from long ago, the extremely handsome Bryce Landry) and her heart aches for motherhood. Melanie summons her courage and calls the “World Adoption Agency”, ready to complete the first steps in acquiring a family of her own. What a chaotic and nerve-wracking time! Melanie and Bryce begin to get closer and closer as, unknown to Bryce, Melanie survives her meeting with Adoption Agency Manager, caustic Olga Krause. Melanie is well prepared and all goes well until Ms. Krause informs her that the agency requires a private meeting with her husband. Uh-Oh! She doesn’t have one! Will that cancel her dreams of a long-awaited family? Will Bryce bow out of their possible relationship after he learns of Melanie’s maternal plans?
In “Runaway Christmas” by Elizabeth Bass, we identify with 13 yr. old Erica’s sadness at Christmastime. Not only is she missing her Mom, but her Dad has remarried and she’s coping with her new Step-Mom, Leanne and infant Step-Sister, Angelica, plus snarky and pregnant Aunt Laura and Uncle Webb have no Christmas Spirit, not even a tree! Erica feels unwanted, invisible and surrounded by babies and babies-to-be. When Uncle Webb advises her to keep her eyes open and grab an opportunity when it presents itself, he never could have imagined the adventure that would unfold. Who would understand how she feels? None other than Laura’s nemesis and former Step-Sister, Heidi who lives and works in Brooklyn, N.Y.—a long way from Texas! Erica, Laura, Heidi, and even Erica’s Dad, William learn a lot about the true meaning of Christmas.
Rosalind Noonan’s “Home for Christmas” finds single Mom, Jo Truman, her cousin, Molly and 5 yr. old daughter working hard in their store, “Cousin’s Christmas Shop”. Sad memories of Jo’s late fiancé’/famous skier/ Ava’s Father, Shane Demerit haunt Jo, especially when a rude customer keeps poking at the past. But things take a wild turn when Jo learns the identity of the woman’s husband, Sid Diamond who has come to town to purchase large amounts of real estate, demolish the centuries-old structures and build one of his world famous spas in their place! This includes “The Cascade House”, where Jo’s family works and even Jo and Molly’s shop! In the midst of all the turmoil, a special person from Jo’s past arrives from his stint in Afghanistan. Both he and Jo have to come to grips with their past and present, then, perhaps their yuletide will shine brightly. If you have read Nan Rossiter’s “ Words Get in the Way” and “The Gin and Chowder Club”, you will be familiar with Asa Coleman and his son, Noah. We find Asa coming face-to-face with haunting memories of a love and friendship he is sure will never be equaled. Son, Noah will always be a reminder and Maddie Carlson is now a special part of his life and hopes to be more if she can help him past the memories and remove his blinders. Along with Asa’s parents, fond remembrances turn into the first of many wonderful Christmases to come. Don’t miss this heart-tugging volume—it will warm you like something fresh from the oven! Nancy Narma
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Apr 25, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, fiction, romance, anthology

"Making Spirits Bright" is four individual stories by Fern Michaels, Elizabeth Bass, Rosalind Noonan and Nan Rossiter. Each story takes place during the Christmas season, but this is a good book that I would read any time of the year.

The four stories will make you laugh and make you cry. Each story is a “make you feel good, I can’t help but smile” with a “few tears mixed in” experience. We share in the many different ways of finding love and happiness found in each story. This book is a true wi...more "Making Spirits Bright" is four individual stories by Fern Michaels, Elizabeth Bass, Rosalind Noonan and Nan Rossiter. Each story takes place during the Christmas season, but this is a good book that I would read any time of the year.

The four stories will make you laugh and make you cry. Each story is a “make you feel good, I can’t help but smile” with a “few tears mixed in” experience. We share in the many different ways of finding love and happiness found in each story. This book is a true winner for Fern Michaels, Elizabeth Bass, Rosalind Noonan and Nan Rossiter.

”Making Spirits Bright” by Fern Michaels is about a single woman wanting a child so badly that she decides to try and adopt. Melanie goes to an agency that gives her anything but hope about becoming a mom, but that doesn’t stop Melanie from going through all of the necessary steps. At a Christmas party, she meets Bryce Landry, an old acquaintance, and instant sparks fly between them. Together Melanie and Bryce work through their demons and together they conquer all, finding love and much more.

“Runaway Christmas” by Elizabeth Bass shares with us the unhappiness of thirteen year old Erica, since the death of her mother and her father’s new wife and baby. Erica is feeling forgotten and unloved as she believes that her family has no time for her. She decides she will run away to spend Christmas with her Aunt Heidi in New York. Heidi too is feeling alone and lonesome. She has closed her café for the Christmas weekend, planning to spend the weekend in her pajamas watching old movies. Heidi’s plans soon include her niece, her upstairs neighbor’s young son and a blackout. She reopens the café, because it has lights and heat, it soon becomes a haven for several people in the neighborhood. As the weekend continues, love is realized, and we witness a roomful of strangers becoming friends and falling in love.

“Home for Christmas” by Rosalind Noonan takes place in the small perfect town of our dreams. Jo Truman is the owner of a Christmas shop that people visit all year long. Across the street is the beautiful country inn that is the center of Woodstock. Jo’s family is a big part of the success of the community and has lived here for many years. We soon feel Jo’s pain for the finance who was killed in a skiing accident and for the inn’s rumored sale. (the owner is trying to sell to a big-time realtor who will tear it down and build a new modern spa hotel). Sam Norwood is recently home from the service and has suffered injuries which have deformed his face. Sam is battling with the embarrassment of these scars and trying to decide how to fit in again back home in Woodstock. We share the ups and downs with Jo and Sam as they together work through their personal problems, as well as finding a way to save the Inn.

“Christmas on Cape Cod” by Nan Rossiter is the story of a little boy, Noah, whose parents have been in an accident, his new dad Asa, whom he loves very much, and Maddie, a woman trying to help both man and boy to get through the Christmas season as they travel to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Cape Cod. A small Christmas tree, a puppy and some Glug change the lives of Asa, Noah and Maddie forever. We share their memories and watch them grow and join together in love.

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Jan 22, 2012 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Making Spirits Bright, Fern Michaels
Melanie is a successful business woman. She owns her condo, has a two lovable pets and great friends. There is one thing missing though. Love and family. Melanie is an only child and although she still has her parents, she doesn't have a family, other than Odie and Clovis. Friends Grace and Max along with baby Ella and Grace's brother Bryce will be visiting Stephanie and the girls. This is the perfect opportunity to do a little matchmaking and ask Melanie over...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Patricia Solla rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

Interesting Christmas anthology. Four stories in one book. The first story about a single young woman who decides she wants to adopt a child. It's Christmas time and she's not sure about the man who wants to be involved in her life. Celebrating Christmas and adopting are where the romance gets involved. The story lies in what happens. The second story is about a young girl who has lost her mother and though the family didn't celebrate Christmas the year before because of her mother's death she w...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Marcia Berg Haskell rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance

""Making Spirits Bright" by Fern Michaels

Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly. . .until unexpected sparks have Melanie dreaming of forever by his side. . .

"Runaway Christmas" by Elizabeth Bass

A glass of wine, lounging in pajamas, and catching up on movies—that's Heidi Bogue's idea of a perfect Christmas. Until her thirteen-year-old niece makes a surprise...more

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Nov 15, 2011 Lucy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Making Spirits Bright by Fern Micheals. Melanie and Bryce had known each other as casual acquaintances. After seeing each other again at a Christmas party, they start dating and begin to fall in love. Melanie has just begun the paperwork to become an adoptive parent when she begins seeing Bryce so she doesn’t even mention it to him. She is told they can’t complete her paperwork until they meet her husband. She is devastated since she doesn’t have one. When two young siblings need an emergency fo...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Leanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Each of the stories in this book is very special in it's own way. The first story by Fern Michaels starts the book of wonderfully and really does put you in the Christmas Spirit. Melanie is a Career woman who decides she wants children but does not have a husband to provide her with any, so she decides to adopt.
After she's finished applying to adopt she meets a very wonderful man.

I found this story not only sweet but intriguing. It's a real Christmas Time Fairytale. It's a little far-fetched in...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Julie Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT Fern Michaels; Elizabeth Bass; Rosalind Noonan; Nan Rossiter

4 stories for the price of one, you can't go wrong!

Making Spirits Bright by Ferm Micahels
This is just one story out of 4 in this Christmas book. This tale is of a woman that shuts down her PC during the holidays so you can devote
her whole time to the holidays and friends and fmaily. She cares for the little girls down the street and attends parties that arise suddenly.
She also meets up with her friends brother and...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

“Making Spirits Bright” is an anthology of four Christmas-inspired love stories. The first story by Fern Michaels from which the anthology draws its name is about a Colorado ski bunny heiress named Melanie with a heart-of-gold. Single, with plenty of money to spend on the people she cares about, Melanie decides that time is ticking, she’s not getting any younger, and she has the financial resources to adopt a child. She doesn’t expect things to move quite-so-quickly, however, and her desire to a...more “Making Spirits Bright” is an anthology of four Christmas-inspired love stories. The first story by Fern Michaels from which the anthology draws its name is about a Colorado ski bunny heiress named Melanie with a heart-of-gold. Single, with plenty of money to spend on the people she cares about, Melanie decides that time is ticking, she’s not getting any younger, and she has the financial resources to adopt a child. She doesn’t expect things to move quite-so-quickly, however, and her desire to adopt could complicate her budding relationship with a sexy professor named Bryce. While the secondary characters, including friends and pets, are very likeable, the relationship between the hero and heroine left something to be desired. They never overcame any hurdles, other than the fact that she threw a glass of water in his face for no reason (and he liked it). As far as the romance went, I wasn’t really feeling it.

The second story, “Runaway Christmas” by Elizabeth Bass, is about a lonely woman named Heidi who runs a café in Brooklyn. She wants to spend a simple Christmas at home, alone, watching television and relaxing, but she ends up with a dog, a baby, and a runaway niece from Texas. The romance between Heidi and the hero, a sexy cop who really cares about her, is heart-warming, and the baked goods Heidi whips up sound mouth-watering. Overall, I loved the story. It was my favorite of the bunch, and it left me teary-eyed.

The third story, “Home for Christmas” by Rosalind Noonan, is about a young woman named Jo from New Hampshire with a big loving family who says “wicked” and “ay-yeah” a little too-much. She’s a small-business owner with a five-year-old daughter. She promised herself not to bring another man into her life after her drunken boyfriend (the baby’s daddy) died in a skiing accident when she was nineteen. An old friend with a guilty conscience named Sam arrives back in town, scarred both physically and emotionally after a stint in Afghanistan, and he feels that Jo could be his last chance at happiness. They both have some emotional hurdles to overcome, and the heroine has to save the whole town from nasty developers (of course). The characters are likeable and realistic, and the story left me with a warm feeling in my heart.

The fourth story, “Christmas on Cape Cod” by Nan Rossiter, was my least favorite of the bunch. It’s about a woman named Maddie who has had a crush on a man named Asa for six years. Asa recently took custody of his son Noah, a precocious child who doesn’t seem the slightest bit damaged by the fact that his mother and father died, and he’s now living with his new dad (who is his real dad, I guess?). The back story of why Asa didn’t raise his son is hinted at but never fully explained. In addition, Maddie leaves her own big family alone on Christmas to spend time with Asa, who is still depressed about something. Asa was too moody for my taste, and he never really did anything heroic for Maddie. If I was Maddie, I would run away from Asa as fast as I could. The whole story depressed me, the only bright spot being some yummy-sounding food and a cute puppy.

While the anthology as a whole had its ups and downs, I would recommend that readers purchase it. It's a quick read with good food, good friends, and lots of Christmas spirit.
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Oct 27, 2011 Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Making Spirits Bright by Fern Michaels

Melanie McLaughlin is a single lady living with her three year old dog Odie and her newly adopted cat, Clovis. Melanie loves spending time with her best friend Stephanie's daughters Amanda and Ashley. Melanie longs to have children of her own and begins looking into adoption as a single parent, thus begins an adventure of love. Will Melanie be approved for adoption? Will Melanie find a special person to love?

This is a story of believing in yourself and belie...more

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Apr 26, 2012 Joanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Combination of four different books all taking place around the Christmas season.

MakingSpirits Bright - Melanie McLaughlin adopts two siblings who were orphaned.

Runaway Christmas - Heidi plans on closing her cafe and spending a quiet Christmas alone until her 13 year old niece show up and a snowstorm and electric failure turns her cafe into a town refuge.

Home for Christmas - Sam Norwood returns from the war with his injuries and runs into Joanne truman who he has always had a thing for.

Christma...more

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Dec 10, 2011 Krystal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Making Spirits Bright from Fern Michaels was such a joy! I had a hard time putting it down!

Runaway Christmas was much of the same with the exception it started slow. I was slightly worried by the slow start but it redeemed itself thereafter. Great holiday tale of stranded travelers and the redeeming spirit!

Home for Christmas was such a touching tale of the acceptance and finding love again. Very true to real life and the consequences of war and life in general. Very much enjoyed reading this.

Chr...more

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Nov 26, 2011 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: anthology, romance

I enjoyed all the stories, with all their Christmas spirit. In the first one, I liked the way that Melanie decided to go ahead and adopt, rather than waiting to find the "perfect" man - and then found the perfect man for her anyway. In the second one, I loved the way that Heidi kept her cafe open and created a refuge for the stormbound. In the third story, I mostly liked Jo, though I thought she was following one child care "expert" a little too closely. In the fourth, Maddie was a real sweethea...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Rosemary rated it 2 of 5 stars

Four contemporary Christmas-themed novellas.

Typical of the genre in many ways. I found the first, by the headliner Fern Michaels, to be badly written and to have annoying characters. The other three varied in quality but were, without exception, better than the Michaels in almost every respect.

Not my favorite in the genre (anthologized Christmas novellas) by any stretch of the imagination. I'm only vaguely interested in reading any of these authors again, which is my test for one of these. Oh w...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Caro rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, own

Making Spirits Bright was a pretty good story. A great happy season read. I really enjoyed reading it and it was emotionally varied. The characters were good and I totally was egging on Carla when she was 'talking' to Olga. (The name is completely appropriate) This is a great pick-up quick read and sweet and great for the winter holiday or any time. Runaway Christmas was pretty good too. I liked the events, never knew what was next *sigh*, but it kept me on my toes. I liked the characters and th...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars

I like these holiday books where multiple authors come together in order to find new authors to read. I wasn't too impressed with the story by Nan Rossiter, as it was unclear what led up to the events in the story. There was a link to read more by her, but it seemed too sad - not my interest. I very much enjoyed the story by Rosalind Noonan where a town was saved from commercialism. As a farmer's daughter, I love these stories every time.

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Nov 18, 2011 Carrie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, romance, texas, nyc, christmas, anthologies

Just finished the Elizabeth Bass story, liked it pretty well. Just couldn't seem to get into the Fern Michaels story.

The family tree in "Runaway Christmas" took a few pages for me to straighten out. A lot of stepfamilies and ex-stepfamilies going around. A lot more characters than I'm used to in Christmas romance anthologies. Overall it was pretty good though.

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Nov 18, 2012 Justin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: anthology-novella, christmas, at-library, e-book, kindle

A feel good holiday read. I started super early with my holiday reading this year and this was a perfect start. Making Spirits Bright is comprised of 3 Christmas novellas and other than Michaels they are all authors new to me. I thoroughly enjoyed all 4 novellas but Runaway Christmas was probably my favorite.

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Dec 31, 2011 Marianne Stehr rated it 4 of 5 stars

What is better than a Christmas story right around the holidays written by such talented authors. These are stories that are quick and easy reads with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Certainly a good, quick read for those cold days inside when you need a little Christmas magic, whether it is the holiday season or not.

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Dec 25, 2012 Barb rated it 4 of 5 stars

Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly. . .until unexpected sparks have Melanie dreaming of forever by his side. . . The perfect Christmas realtime story. 4 stars.

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Jul 19, 2012 Nancy added it

Shelves: kindle-fire, romance, short-stories, christmas

I enjoyed the first story, by Fern Michael's. The couple didn't jump into bed, which I appreciate. All of the stories were good. A nice change for some of the darker things I have been reading. Godd Christmas stories. Nice families. They still had problems. Sweet love stories.

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Dec 02, 2011 Marge rated it 2 of 5 stars

The Fern Michaels story was awful, basically a commercial for the Navigator & Uggs. The important part of the story was on 3 pages at the very end.

2nd story was depressing.

The 3rd & 4th were nice.

Sorry would not spend the money on this book.

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Jan 01, 2012 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars

A delightful and warm-hearted read for Christmas with 4 short stories written by gifted writers. Ms Rossiter even shares her recipe for her traditional glug and New England clam chowder upon request if you check out her website.

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Dec 05, 2012 Krista rated it 4 of 5 stars

Figured some short stories focused on the Christmas spirit would help keep me in the spirit! Between this book, Rudolph, and Lifetime/Hallmark movies, I'm definitely feeling Christmas-y.

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Aug 15, 2012 Stacey rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Four short Christmas-themed stories. Not sure why I read short stories, I just don't like them. I like character development and plot, and there just isn't enough of this in short stories.

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Feb 01, 2012 Saadia rated it 2 of 5 stars

It was okay. Four stories set around Christmas time, each featuring an unlikely couple who fall for each other. Nice little book to cuddle up with when the weather is cold outside.

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Dec 17, 2012 Tammy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I found the first story to be weak in many aspects. The characters were saccharin sweet and a little annoying the story was poorly written and felt incomplete. The remaining 3 were not as bad, but still not perfect.

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Nov 13, 2012 Corrie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I know that these stories were suppose to be short. I just didnt feel like any of them were complete.

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Dec 04, 2011 Jewett rated it 5 of 5 stars

A fun Christmas read. Sometimes these multiple books have one or two I don't like, but I like all of these.

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Dec 19, 2011 Linda Allen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Just 4 short Christmas story but they were all very good and entertaining.

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About Fern Michaels

Fern Michaels (born Mary Ruth Kuczkir) is an American author of romance and thriller novels, including nearly 50 best selling books with more than 70 million copies in print. Her USA Today and New York Times best selling books include Family Blessings, Pretty Woman, and Crown Jewel, as well as the Texas quartet and the Captive series. She started writing in 1973 when her youngest son went off to s...more

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