Choosing Christmas

Piper Anderson #2.5

by Danielle Stewart

All Chris wants is a normal Christmas. He’s spent his life dodging the police and trying to protect his son from the life he’s caught up in. He’s just returned from killing a killer and he swears it's his last act as a criminal. That is until his boss, the sexy blonde who is too uptight for her own good, ends up in a compromising position.

Sydney Collingsworth doesn’t celebrate Christmas. She doesn’t celebrate anything anymore. Unless you count a bottle of champagne every time she breaks up with another deadbeat boyfriend.

Will these two opposites fall under the spell of the holidays long enough to realize they’re perfect for each other or will each of their pasts catch up with them before they get the chance?

99 pages, ebook

First published October 31, 2013

About the author

Writing is a way to make a lot of different people do exactly what you want them to do. When I can’t get my toddler to listen to me, I turn to my characters. They always cooperate!

I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and seven year old son. I have perfected the ability to write in a noisy house and create story lines while folding laundry.

Ten Things to know about me:

1. I have a fear of whales. All whales. The noise they make. The sight of them (even on tv). I don't think this phobia has a name and I've never met anyone else who feels this way. I blame it on the 3D movie when I was 7 at the Boston Museum of Science. (Thanks Dad.)

2. When I get hungry it brings out the worst in me. My friends and family know to keep me well fed. They pack snacks now.

3. I can cook but not bake. Not even a little. Not even a box of brownies.

4. If there is a song I like it is normal to hear me listening to it a hundred times (give or take) in a row.

5. I do not, under any circumstances, read directions. Who has time for that? Making mac & cheese by the seat of my pants for the last 25 years.

6. Like a black-out drunk, I have lost hours of my life mysteriously to Pinterest. If you haven't tried it yet... don't. Save your self.

7. Before I became a mother, lots of things grossed me out. Now nothing does.

8. My favorite food is food... my least favorite food is no food. I love food. (apply the same rule to wine)

9. I do not have a green thumb. I have the kind of thumb that kills any type of plant ever given to me. Whatever kind of thumb that is... I have it.

10. Writing has changed my life. Not just the career it's created but the way I feel when I write. If you have something you love to do I hope you get the opportunity to do it.



Piper Anderson Series:
Book 1: Chasing Justice (FREE)
Book 2: Cutting Ties
Book 3: Changing Fate
Book 4: Finding Freedom
Book 5: Settling Scores
Book 6: Battling Destiny
Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection (Choosing Christmas & Saving Love)

Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)

The Edenville Series:
Book 1: Flowers in the Snow (FREE!)
Book 2: Kiss in the Wind
Book 3: Stars in a Bottle
Book 4: Fire in the Heart (pre-order)

The Clover Series:
(Book 1 & 2) Half My Heart & Change My Heart (FREE)
(Book 3) All My Heart
(Book 4) Facing Home

The Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm(FREE)
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
Book 3: The Rising Storm

The Barrington Billionaire Series
Book 1: Fierce Love (Free)
Book 2: Wild Eyes
Book 3: Crazy nights
Book 4: Loyal Hearts

The Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery
Book 1: Three Seconds to Rush (Free)
Book 2: Just for a Heartbeat
Book 3: Not just an Echo

Stand Alones:
Yours for the Taking
Sweet Rendezvous
Running from Shadows

Reviews

[Renita Lofton McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Stewart is my favorite author and she has done it again!!! This novella is just what's needed to get you in the Christmas spirit. I felt the characters, I shivered in the snow, I smelled the food, I understood the anger and that is exactly what Danielle does. She makes you feel. She puts you in the midst of her character's world. They become your friends, your family, your neighbors and even your enemies.

Chris needs a do over, Sydney's been looking for love in all the wrong places, Sean is on the path to redemption and 'Lil Chris is all boy!!! Oh yea....and Betty, well Betty's always gonna be Betty!! Love this novella, but then there is absolutely NOTHING about Danielle Stewart that I don't love!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming holiday story of Chris & Sydney - two lost souls looking for a happy life. Together they may find it. Definitely a recommended read.

[Ginny Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choosing Christmas is a great story. It picks up where Chris and Sydney's story ended in Cutting Ties, Book 2 of the Piper Anderson Series, and lets the readers finally know what happened with these fantastic characters. I have loved Chris since book 1 so I was thrilled to see him and his son find a happy ending...or as Piper says, "a happy beginning".

One of the first things I noticed when I read the synopsis was that it states that this could be read as a standalone or as a complement to the series so I made sure to pay attention to see if this was true. I would say I did this to help people reading my review but in truth it is just because I'm anal. So, to answer the question...yes, it really does work well as a standalone story. It gives you the background on the characters without it being redundant information for fans of the series and tells a complete story of love, hope, family, and Christmas in less than 100 pages. I loved it!!!

However, I do recommend the series. It is one of my favorites, if not my favorite, in this genre. If you haven't read the Piper Anderson series I would love for you to give it a chance. It is really, really great and book 1, Chasing Justice is FREE.

So, to summarize...Choosing Christmas is a perfect warm fuzzy holiday story to get you in the spirit of Christmas. It has romance, a little bit of suspense, and a big dose of joy. Oh! Did I forget to mention the cover? Isn't it pretty?! Yes! Yes, it is. It was designed by yours truly and I smile every time I look at it.

**Originally posted on Gins Book Notes http://ginsbooknotes.com**

[Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a novella it was chock full of emotion and love... So glad to see the story of Chris,Little Chris and Sean progress with positive results... The love the have for eachother is so strong you can help but be overwhelmed by it .. and now add the love of a good strong woman and things can only get better.. I look forward to seeing what happens with all the characters in Betty's journal.... and hope to see more books in the future for some of the other characters who have been brought to light in this series...

[Deborah Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. I couldn't put it down until I finished the book. I can't wait to read more about Chris' journeys in your other books. I've already downloaded #1and #3 I just need #2 in the series.

[Tracey Quintin · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW DO YOU DO IT DANIELLE?? I'm in love with Choosing Christmas! Yet another knock out of the ball park! The story is truly believable and now I'm also SO in love with Chris and Sydney!! This story is ABSOLUTELY amazing. Those that wanted more of Chris are going to fall SO in love with him.

The story was fantastic and real. I also fell in love with Sydney. When we were first introduced to her she was a b**ch and you get to see what makes her who she is and then get to know her soft side. Danielle, you are a brilliant writer!! The way you write your stories is pure magic. I fall in love with your stories and that is hard for me as I'm picky but girl you just NAIL IT EVERY TIME! When I can't imagine loving characters or stories more than your previous books, you surprise me, my heart opens up with love more! Astounds me how you do it but you do. Your writing brings these characters and stories to life for me. I can't gush enough about your work. Congrats. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ALL <3

[Shauna Stewart Hougham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been Chasing the Piper Anderson series and this time I am chasing Chris and Sydney. We met Chris in Piper's other books. Chris wants the old fashion Christmas like he used to have and Sydney wants nothing to do with Christmas. So, we find ourselves rooting for Chris to have it all..Sean his brother has been tucked away in rehab as well. Will he make it out in time for Christmas. Sydney is dealing with an ex that is threatening her. Danielle has done herself proud once again as we find ourselves rooting for every character to get what they long for. What Sydney really wants is the love that she seems she just can't have..that is until Chris entered his life...........If you haven't read any of the Piper Anderson series I suggest you do so.. HOWEVER, you can still read this book now as it is a stand alone book in itself and then you can go back and catch up on some of them history of the others.. KUDOS to Danielle!!

[Bette Stanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I've already read this, and rated it, actually. Either I didn't save it or Goodreads lost it. Oh, well. This is all about Chris, Little Chris, and Sean, Chris's brother, after their move into witness protection. It opens with Chris almost blowing his cover while trying to help his boss out of a situation with her ex. Sydney has always picked the "winners." She has decided to change all of that, if she could just get rid of the ex. Chris's protective instincts are running of full force.

This is a quick and easy read. It's entertaining, predictable, and at times has some good one liners. I read it in an evening and don't consider it an evening wasted.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book by Danielle stewart, this is sydney and chris's christmas story, i loved how chris stood up for sydney even though at this time they weren't friends at this point, how they support each other, Sydney has had her heart broken so many times before will chris be any different, counting down to christmas day, chris is hoping for a christmas for his son like he remembers as a child, another great book Danielle, congratulations, looking forward to more of your books, you Rock

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute wonderful holiday novella by Danielle Stewart. She took these characters and really made this a not only a love store but story of hope and change.

I was extremely happy that this was not the normal love story and it was one of heart felt emotion and totally not rushed and nothing missing. So yes it is worth reading and recommending to all your Romance Loving Friends.

[Sophia Gooden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Chris and Sydney's love story. I especially loved that Sean was able to get his addiction under control which in turn brought him and Chris closer in their relationship. It's just a shame that the story wasn't longer, I'm hoping that we get to read more about them beyond Betty's journal which I'm looking forward to read when it becomes available in January.

[Jennifer Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book of the Piper Anderson Series..This time a Christmas story this one fits in so well..I loved the book again by the fantastic Danielle Stewart.. this is a Christmas story of Sydney and Chris.. their relationship you feel should fail.. but no Danielle makes it work.. so Looking forward to Betty's Journal.. you have to read this series.. it is awesome !!!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a novella, this was really quick to read but it was satisfying just the same. I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue between Chris and Sydney; it was easy to picture the sparks igniting a flame between them. Of course, given they each had "baggage" when they met, the romance couldn't ever be trite.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is so full of love, laughter and crisis I don't think Chris and Sydney have it any easier than the rest of the Edenville group there are so many things wrapped up in a few hours reading and I loved every minute. Chris is so like and lovable and the way he is with Chris jr. and Sydney is so sweet I hope this is the last we hear from this group I've loved reading about them

[Cheri Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another heartwarming book by a great author - I highly recommend this book!! Read the Piper Anderson Series!!! You can't miss with this author - all of her characters are real, down to earth, could be your next door neighbor!

[Sandy Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney and Chris are great

I enjoyed this novella. it showed that even broken hearts can be mended, and people can change for the better. it was a very nice romantic story. I highly recommend reading the entire series

[Tonya VanWinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris & Sydney

Great story of love and protection. What wouldn't you do for your child? This book also contains a small amount of language. The story ties nicely into the Piper Anderson series.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book and great addition to the series!

[Sandra Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very warm characters that tend to make you pull for them. It is nice to read about people getting second chances. Danielle is a great young author that will rise in the literary world.

[Theresa Lind-oberlohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so glad this story came out especially after the let down of the last Piper Anderson book. I have a soft spot for bad boys gone good and Chris is a great bad boy.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great novella helps see more of the characters another hit!!

[Lori Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as usual! Danielle Stewart ROCKS!

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people who thought they loved but didn't feel worthy. The sailboat segment was good. Well done.

[Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still enjoying this series even if this was a novella and they usually don't leave me filled! Side story still interesting and nice to have.

[linda s keeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love keeping up with the gang.

Yes people can change if they want to bad enough. Chris proves it time and time again. Good read. Enjoyed the plot.