What do you think?
Rate this book
A Christmas Present
A Christmas Present contains three holiday stories:
"Falling Stars" (1992) by Loretta Chase;
"Gifts of the Heart" (1993) by Judith E. French; and
"Surrender" (1991) by Lisa Kleypas.
Also includes a special preview of AFTER INNOCENCE by Brenda Joyce.
"Falling Stars" (1992) by Loretta Chase;
"Gifts of the Heart" (1993) by Judith E. French; and
"Surrender" (1991) by Lisa Kleypas.
Also includes a special preview of AFTER INNOCENCE by Brenda Joyce.
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1994
About the author
Loretta Chase
49 books3,702 followersLoretta Lynda Chekani was born in 1949, of Albanian ancestry. For her, the trouble started when she learned to write in first grade. Before then, she had been making up her own stories but now she knew how to write them down to share. In her teenage years, she continue to write letters, keep a journal, write poetry and even attempt the Great American Novel (still unfinished). She attended New England public schools, before she went off to college and earned an English degree from Clark University.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 14, 2016
This book is an anthology of three historical Christmas stories by different well known authors of this gendre.
The first one is by Loretta Chase entitled Falling Stars. It's a story about a widowed mom named Christina and Marcus. Now I will say I did not like this book because the hero knew the heroine and he doesn't go after her when he knows her husband has died. He waits two years later and it's a chance meeting at that. Plus he was sleeping with others the whole time he was attracted and had affection for her. It's a cute second chance at love for those who enjoy it but for me it was NOT HAPPENING!
I would give it 2 stars. It was extremely well written for a short story and the kids are cuties.
The second short story is by Judith E French entitled Gifts of the heart. It's another Christmas story about hope and devotion. It's about testing our faith and Miracles. I enjoyed this one but it's mostly a about trying to cope during the holidays and dealing with loss.
Loved the ending so I would give it 3.5 stars.
Now last but certainly not least is a short Christmas story by Lisa Kleypas entitled Surrender. And this is my winning book amongst the three.
This is a sweet story of love at first sight. Jason (who is Irish) come to visit his friend house during the holidays and falls for Hales little sister Laura. A sweet young innocent who also develops feeling for him. They seem to share a connection. Unbeknownst to Jason, Hale mostly invited him to fluster and upset his narrow minded mother. Fortunately, Laura is there to help Jason navigate through this visit. He sees Laura as his beautiful dream girl.
Therefore, Jason is even more determined to make a success of himself in order to prove to everyone that he is worthy and to win his young darling.
Now that's all you're getting from me!
I can't tell you the whole thing or there would be no reason to read the book.
The story is so sweet and filled Christmas traditions and songs. I could almost say it's perfect but it has some conflict and drama!
I would give this story a 4.25 stars.
The first one is by Loretta Chase entitled Falling Stars. It's a story about a widowed mom named Christina and Marcus. Now I will say I did not like this book because the hero knew the heroine and he doesn't go after her when he knows her husband has died. He waits two years later and it's a chance meeting at that. Plus he was sleeping with others the whole time he was attracted and had affection for her. It's a cute second chance at love for those who enjoy it but for me it was NOT HAPPENING!
I would give it 2 stars. It was extremely well written for a short story and the kids are cuties.
The second short story is by Judith E French entitled Gifts of the heart. It's another Christmas story about hope and devotion. It's about testing our faith and Miracles. I enjoyed this one but it's mostly a about trying to cope during the holidays and dealing with loss.
Loved the ending so I would give it 3.5 stars.
Now last but certainly not least is a short Christmas story by Lisa Kleypas entitled Surrender. And this is my winning book amongst the three.
This is a sweet story of love at first sight. Jason (who is Irish) come to visit his friend house during the holidays and falls for Hales little sister Laura. A sweet young innocent who also develops feeling for him. They seem to share a connection. Unbeknownst to Jason, Hale mostly invited him to fluster and upset his narrow minded mother. Fortunately, Laura is there to help Jason navigate through this visit. He sees Laura as his beautiful dream girl.
Therefore, Jason is even more determined to make a success of himself in order to prove to everyone that he is worthy and to win his young darling.
Now that's all you're getting from me!
I can't tell you the whole thing or there would be no reason to read the book.
The story is so sweet and filled Christmas traditions and songs. I could almost say it's perfect but it has some conflict and drama!
I would give this story a 4.25 stars.
April 23, 2014
A Christmas Present
This is another of one of more enduring Christmas novella sets. I have read it many times and always look forward to its re-reading.
Falling Stars by Loretta Chase
This story is a rediscovery of love it is a nice change in the string of “love at first sight” stories that are so popular during the Christmas season. The writing is sweet and includes charming explanations of stars, diamonds, angels and how they are all related. These mini stories add an endearing innocence to the novella. Chase does a great job at portraying the infinite hopefulness of children which contrasts nicely with jaded adult protagonists: Christina and Marcus.
My biggest complaint against the story is that the characters are ridiculously good looking without any physical flaws at all. I couldn’t help but view them as air brushed actors in my head - right down to the gold and silver dust in their eyes. It really broke some of the story for me because they just seemed too perfect. The characters are fairly stereotyped - Christina: the formerly repressed but now ready for adventure widow and Marcus: the debonaire and devilish man that she (Christina) foolishly fell in love with prior to her marriage.
“Falling Stars” soft and sweet - it ends, as expected, with a happily ever after full of promise and love.
Gifts of the Heart by Judith E French
This story is short and sweet, with an emphasis on sweet. “Gifts of the Heart” is a very emotional and poignant story despite its short length.
The story recounts the history of Jillian and Rory, how they met, how they struggled, juxtaposed with their present separation. Its a story about falling in love but also how enduring love can be. The character’s relationship has weathered class discrimination, religious discrimination, living through slavery and the loss of a child. When the story opens it introduces the current plight of Jillian and Rory as he is off searching for their kidnapped son. Over the course of “Gifts of the Heart” Jillian relives the early days of their relationship up to the present time. The book delivers a beautiful happily ever after and I always cry at the end.
Rory is a fairly stereotypical rugged and well meaning man. He is rough around the edges but infinitely caring to his wife. While Jillian is from a wealthy background but gives up everything for him without complaint or hesitation. A perfect romance pair.
As I said - emphasis on the sweet. A holiday favourite for me.
Surrender by Lisa Kleypas
“Surrender” is the steamiest of the novellas in this set. The characters, Jason and Laura, follow the same basic pattern of the previous story; Jason is from the Irish poor. He is very gruff and touchy about his background but ultimately just wants someone to accept him. Under his rough exterior he is very sweet. Meanwhile, Laura is a wealthy lady of position, but unlike most of her peers she is more free spirited and adventurous. Her accepting spirit makes her the perfect match for Jason.
Most of the plot is based on misunderstandings, instead of being frustrating though it is very suiting. “Surrender” takes place after they are married but unlike the enduring love found in “Gifts of the Heart” these two need to figure out how to love one another. The story is set very early in their marriage. Jason and Laura are trying to sort out how to overcome each others shortcomings and learn how to have a peaceful and enjoyable life together. The story focuses more on the solution of the problem than the problem itself and only has two setbacks so its not frustrating. I loved watching their relationship unfold.
Lisa Kleypas has excellently written the stages of courtship and evolution of love. This is a really enjoyable Christmas story - filled with Christmas spirit, love and happy endings.
This is another of one of more enduring Christmas novella sets. I have read it many times and always look forward to its re-reading.
Falling Stars by Loretta Chase
This story is a rediscovery of love it is a nice change in the string of “love at first sight” stories that are so popular during the Christmas season. The writing is sweet and includes charming explanations of stars, diamonds, angels and how they are all related. These mini stories add an endearing innocence to the novella. Chase does a great job at portraying the infinite hopefulness of children which contrasts nicely with jaded adult protagonists: Christina and Marcus.
My biggest complaint against the story is that the characters are ridiculously good looking without any physical flaws at all. I couldn’t help but view them as air brushed actors in my head - right down to the gold and silver dust in their eyes. It really broke some of the story for me because they just seemed too perfect. The characters are fairly stereotyped - Christina: the formerly repressed but now ready for adventure widow and Marcus: the debonaire and devilish man that she (Christina) foolishly fell in love with prior to her marriage.
“Falling Stars” soft and sweet - it ends, as expected, with a happily ever after full of promise and love.
Gifts of the Heart by Judith E French
This story is short and sweet, with an emphasis on sweet. “Gifts of the Heart” is a very emotional and poignant story despite its short length.
The story recounts the history of Jillian and Rory, how they met, how they struggled, juxtaposed with their present separation. Its a story about falling in love but also how enduring love can be. The character’s relationship has weathered class discrimination, religious discrimination, living through slavery and the loss of a child. When the story opens it introduces the current plight of Jillian and Rory as he is off searching for their kidnapped son. Over the course of “Gifts of the Heart” Jillian relives the early days of their relationship up to the present time. The book delivers a beautiful happily ever after and I always cry at the end.
Rory is a fairly stereotypical rugged and well meaning man. He is rough around the edges but infinitely caring to his wife. While Jillian is from a wealthy background but gives up everything for him without complaint or hesitation. A perfect romance pair.
As I said - emphasis on the sweet. A holiday favourite for me.
Surrender by Lisa Kleypas
“Surrender” is the steamiest of the novellas in this set. The characters, Jason and Laura, follow the same basic pattern of the previous story; Jason is from the Irish poor. He is very gruff and touchy about his background but ultimately just wants someone to accept him. Under his rough exterior he is very sweet. Meanwhile, Laura is a wealthy lady of position, but unlike most of her peers she is more free spirited and adventurous. Her accepting spirit makes her the perfect match for Jason.
Most of the plot is based on misunderstandings, instead of being frustrating though it is very suiting. “Surrender” takes place after they are married but unlike the enduring love found in “Gifts of the Heart” these two need to figure out how to love one another. The story is set very early in their marriage. Jason and Laura are trying to sort out how to overcome each others shortcomings and learn how to have a peaceful and enjoyable life together. The story focuses more on the solution of the problem than the problem itself and only has two setbacks so its not frustrating. I loved watching their relationship unfold.
Lisa Kleypas has excellently written the stages of courtship and evolution of love. This is a really enjoyable Christmas story - filled with Christmas spirit, love and happy endings.
December 7, 2012
Rating is for Lisa Kleypas's Surrender.
Oh how I appreciate Kleypas's self-made commoner heroes and their insecurities! I just wish she wrote more American setting historicals, now that she's hit her stride, I mean.
Oh how I appreciate Kleypas's self-made commoner heroes and their insecurities! I just wish she wrote more American setting historicals, now that she's hit her stride, I mean.
November 23, 2021
Enjoyed Lisa Kleypas and Judith E. French's stories.
Reread Surrender by Lisa Kleypas November 2021
Reread Surrender by Lisa Kleypas November 2021
March 7, 2009
LISA KLEYPAS = SURRENDER
December 10, 2017
Another Christmas collection by 3 great historical romance authors.
My favorite of the three was "Fallen Stars" by Loretta Chase, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
All in all it was an entertaining read.
My favorite of the three was "Fallen Stars" by Loretta Chase, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
All in all it was an entertaining read.
July 25, 2011
Loretta Chase's Falling Stars was good, if a bit bland compared to her usual fare.
Judith French's Gifts of the Heart was just kind of sad, and told in flashback, not my favorite story structure, but done decently here. The end was predictably sweet, but the history of the couple was just brutal for such a short story (and not terribly light hearted, for an anthology in particular).
Judith French's Gifts of the Heart was just kind of sad, and told in flashback, not my favorite story structure, but done decently here. The end was predictably sweet, but the history of the couple was just brutal for such a short story (and not terribly light hearted, for an anthology in particular).
October 29, 2016
I got this book for Lisa Kleypas' story "Surrender." As I started reading, it sounded very familiar, as though I had read this before. Sure enough, this story also appears in the book "Gifts of Love" which I read in March, 2015. I was disappointed to realize that this was a tale I had already read and not some long-lost story by Ms. Kleypas that I had somehow missed.
November 8, 2020
Not an out of this world read. However it is a nice trio of stories to help start off my holiday reading, especially since it was a free gift with another holiday book purchase. Free and fun, a nice way to describe it.
February 8, 2010
Merely rating on the Lisa Kleypas story even though this is a reprint. Beautiful love story by her.
December 23, 2012
I only read Loretta Chase's and Lisa Kleypas' stories, and neither of them is anything to write home about.
July 2, 2010
After reading it, I know why it was "free with purchase."
December 11, 2015
Three nice Christmas themed stories. Enjoyed all 3!
Want to Read
October 5, 20123 stories by different authors
April 11, 2014
Only read Falling Stars...Reminiscent of J Austen's Persuasion, retold in a Christmas context. Very enjoyable, comfort read. I loved the twins and their interactions with their mama and with Marcus.
not-read-fully
May 18, 2014Surrender by Lisa Kleypas - ★★★☆☆
October 21, 2014
Same as Gifts of Love
November 23, 2014
The book looks interesting.
December 14, 2014
***Rating for Surrender by Lisa Kleypas only***
Want to Read
March 23, 2016OVERALL:
Loretta Chase: Falling Stars
Judith E. French: Gifts of the Heart
Lisa Kleypas: Surrender
Loretta Chase: Falling Stars
Judith E. French: Gifts of the Heart
Lisa Kleypas: Surrender
September 15, 2015
A very nicely narrated book! I love Loretta chase's writing so liking this book was anticipated.
Try it!
Try it!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews