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Christmas Romance: The Best Christmas Short Romances of 2013
No longer published
212 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
8 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Danica Winters
171 books510 followersDanica Winters is an Amazon bestselling author who has won multiple awards for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. Most recently, Danica was the winner of the Paranormal Romance Guild’s Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book of the Year Award and Chanticleer Media’s Paranormal Book of the Year for her novel Montana Mustangs.
When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing). She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.
When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing). She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 3, 2013
3.25★★★Christmas Romance
I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a collection of 4 Christmas shorts.
2.5★★★Christmas Wishes by Danica Winters
This was about two people dealing with lose, coming together to begin recovery. Princess Penny is adorable saved the story for me, although the dishwasher came in as a close second. While humor and romance finally show up towards the end, I thought there was a bit too much depressing for such a short story.
★★★★Central Bark at Christmas by Jennifer Conner
Can a lost dog really heal a broken soul? Maybe if you team up with the cute jogger to find his owner. I was rather surprised by Par's house, I would have never guessed it to look like that.
★★★★Halo's Wish by Sharon Kleve
I've read this one before and liked it. Halo's Wish Review
2.5★★★Christmas Hope by Casey Dawes
Not sure what it was, but I'm not feeling this one. The ending was a lot better than the beginning, but it still felt off to me. I liked Lucy the best and she was just a side character.
Not sure if this has been through an editor or not, but I was surprised by the number of mistakes on such short stories.
I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a collection of 4 Christmas shorts.
2.5★★★Christmas Wishes by Danica Winters
This was about two people dealing with lose, coming together to begin recovery. Princess Penny is adorable saved the story for me, although the dishwasher came in as a close second. While humor and romance finally show up towards the end, I thought there was a bit too much depressing for such a short story.
★★★★Central Bark at Christmas by Jennifer Conner
Can a lost dog really heal a broken soul? Maybe if you team up with the cute jogger to find his owner. I was rather surprised by Par's house, I would have never guessed it to look like that.
★★★★Halo's Wish by Sharon Kleve
I've read this one before and liked it. Halo's Wish Review
2.5★★★Christmas Hope by Casey Dawes
Not sure what it was, but I'm not feeling this one. The ending was a lot better than the beginning, but it still felt off to me. I liked Lucy the best and she was just a side character.
Not sure if this has been through an editor or not, but I was surprised by the number of mistakes on such short stories.
November 5, 2013
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a quick read of four short-story contemporary Christmas Romances.
"Christmas Wishes" by Danica Winters: A sweet romance with lovable characters. Includes an interesting use of kitchen appliances.
"Central Bark" by Jennifer Conner: A heart-warming story of two people from different ethnicities finding a balance.
"Halo's Wish" by Sharon Kleve: A sweet and funny Christmas romance. Add in a bit of suspense and some four-legged friends and you have the perfect mix for this short story.
"Christmas Hope" by Casey Dawes: A Scrooge-like hero is drawn out of his lonely and depressing lifestyle by an exuberant heroine.
I enjoyed all four of these short stories and would like to read more by these authors.
Merged review:
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a quick read of four short-story contemporary Christmas Romances.
"Christmas Wishes" by Danica Winters: A sweet romance with lovable characters. Includes an interesting use of kitchen appliances.
"Central Bark" by Jennifer Conner: A heart-warming story of two people from different ethnicities finding a balance.
"Halo's Wish" by Sharon Kleve: A sweet and funny Christmas romance. Add in a bit of suspense and some four-legged friends and you have the perfect mix for this short story.
"Christmas Hope" by Casey Dawes: A Scrooge-like hero is drawn out of his lonely and depressing lifestyle by an exuberant heroine.
I enjoyed all four of these short stories and would like to read more by these authors.
This is a quick read of four short-story contemporary Christmas Romances.
"Christmas Wishes" by Danica Winters: A sweet romance with lovable characters. Includes an interesting use of kitchen appliances.
"Central Bark" by Jennifer Conner: A heart-warming story of two people from different ethnicities finding a balance.
"Halo's Wish" by Sharon Kleve: A sweet and funny Christmas romance. Add in a bit of suspense and some four-legged friends and you have the perfect mix for this short story.
"Christmas Hope" by Casey Dawes: A Scrooge-like hero is drawn out of his lonely and depressing lifestyle by an exuberant heroine.
I enjoyed all four of these short stories and would like to read more by these authors.
Merged review:
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a quick read of four short-story contemporary Christmas Romances.
"Christmas Wishes" by Danica Winters: A sweet romance with lovable characters. Includes an interesting use of kitchen appliances.
"Central Bark" by Jennifer Conner: A heart-warming story of two people from different ethnicities finding a balance.
"Halo's Wish" by Sharon Kleve: A sweet and funny Christmas romance. Add in a bit of suspense and some four-legged friends and you have the perfect mix for this short story.
"Christmas Hope" by Casey Dawes: A Scrooge-like hero is drawn out of his lonely and depressing lifestyle by an exuberant heroine.
I enjoyed all four of these short stories and would like to read more by these authors.
July 14, 2017
Cute, heartwarming stories, but plagued by editing issues.
CHRISTMAS ROMANCE OF 2013 is a sweet collection of four short stories that will warm your heart and bring you some cheer during the holiday season. Overall, I give it three stars and recommend another round of revisions, including making the page layout and formatting conducive to reading the pdf on a computer or e-reader.
CHRISTMAS WISHES by Danica Winters tells the story of two people who are still grieving the loss of a significant loved one – Albert, his wife Brooke, and Lee, her son Daniel. Albert and Lee meet at the cemetery, the graves being adjacent to one another. A second chance meeting outside of a diner results in Albert and Lee spending Christmas together with Albert’s daughter, Penny. Even though Christmas dinner is a disaster, these three feel the blessings of new friendships and new possibilities that go a long way to healing their broken hearts.
I enjoyed CHRISTMAS WISHES because it was so appropriate for so many people. Few people have “Normal Rockwell” Christmases, and CHRISTMAS WISHES highlights the fact that anything is possible if we give God a chance to work. The romance is sweet, focusing on the stresses and difficulties of the holiday rather than the physical attraction between Albert and Lee. This story is definitely a good read for teens and adults alike. Despite a few editing issues and a page layout that isn’t conducive to either computer or e-reader, I highly recommend this story for your holiday reading.
CENTRAL BARK AT CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Connor tells the story of Tennyson and Parkash, two dog lovers who meet at the dog park and bond over an abandoned dog. Both have to gather their courage to move forward in life; Tennyson has to get over her last relationship, and Parkash has to take a stand with his father about his future in the family company.
I had trouble enjoying CENTRAL BARK AT CHRISTMAS because, although the substance of the story was cute, the pervasive grammar, punctuation and editing issues seriously detracted from the story. Inaccuracies and inconsistencies in descriptors, awkward word choices, awkward sentence and paragraph structuring, misused homonyms, incorrect or missing punctuation, subject-verb disagreements and verb-object disagreements plagued this story. The romance was believable until the very end when both dog lovers declare their love for each other; it was just too quick and lacked enough foundational support from the plot for me to believe it.
If this story were revised with a fine tooth comb and an eye for the issues noted here, the likeable characters and sweet plot could be enjoyed by teen and adult readers alike.
HALO’S WISH by Sharon Kleve tells the story of Halo and Rich, another pair of animal lovers, who meet while Halo is undercover at Pemsky security, investigating Pemsky’s role in some animal abduction and ransom cases. Rich is immediately interested in Halo, but Halo very clearly tells Rich that she can’t date him because she is focused on her career. Pemsky is convicted, but once out of jail, he attempts to kill Halo. Will Halo come to her senses and agree to date Rich before it’s too late?
I did not enjoy Halo’s Wish. It felt stiff and awkward. The story had several subplot-lines that did nothing but mark time and add to the jolting feel of the story. The Pemsky plotline seemed like the main plot, but then Pemsky fell off the page for so long, I wondered whether he was significant at all. The characters could also use further developing. Halo’s parents make a pre-Christmas appearance, which was an opportunity to develop Halo’s character, but in the end, it felt like their appearance was merely to explain Halo’s new Sunshine yellow car, rather than help illustrate Halo as a person. So many opportunities to add depth to the characters were missed.
My biggest issue with this story was the romance, which was so thin as to be non-existent. Rich McFarlane is too forward to be attractive. What is supposed to be a sexy come-on at Pemsky’s office is just creepy. His forwardness, in reality, is assault, both criminal and civil. Moreover, at the end of the story, Halo thinks to herself that she doesn’t know Rich McFarlane well enough to buy him a Christmas present; but apparently they know each other well enough for Rich to call her honey, and sweetie and to kiss her whenever and wherever possible? The relationship just did not make sense to me. It needed a lot more substance for me to believe it.
Add to all of that some serious grammar and editing issues, and this was a difficult story to get through.
A CHRISTMAS HOPE by Casey Dawes tells the story of Clara and Sam, two people who have suffered through the loss of a loved one around the Christmas holidays, but who have had very different reactions. Clara is positivity incarnate and believes that celebrating the holiday is a way to honor her father. Sam approaches the holiday like Scrooge, refusing even to acknowledge the day. Clara and Sam meet when she approaches him with a business idea, and even though he rejects her idea at first, Clara perseveres to make her business a success, ultimately bringing Sam around to her holiday philosophy as well.
At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this story, but then I realized that what I was feeling was Clara’s uber-optimistic streak that her ex-husband called “flighty.” Clara is definitely a dreamer, and I’m more pragmatic. So it took me a bit to warm up to her. I understood Sam’s perspective much more easily, and like Sam, I was feeling the warmth of the Christmas season before the end of the story.
I’m so glad that the epilogue illustrated the time lapse between that first meeting and Clara moving to Roxbury. It added the depth and substance of Clara and Sam’s relationship necessary to make it credible.
There were some distracting editing mishaps, including places where Clara’s name was spelled Carla, but by the end of the story, I was focused more on the uplifting success of Clara’s business and growing friendships in Roxbury than I was the editing. I definitely enjoyed this story.
CHRISTMAS ROMANCE OF 2013 is a sweet collection of four short stories that will warm your heart and bring you some cheer during the holiday season. Overall, I give it three stars and recommend another round of revisions, including making the page layout and formatting conducive to reading the pdf on a computer or e-reader.
CHRISTMAS WISHES by Danica Winters tells the story of two people who are still grieving the loss of a significant loved one – Albert, his wife Brooke, and Lee, her son Daniel. Albert and Lee meet at the cemetery, the graves being adjacent to one another. A second chance meeting outside of a diner results in Albert and Lee spending Christmas together with Albert’s daughter, Penny. Even though Christmas dinner is a disaster, these three feel the blessings of new friendships and new possibilities that go a long way to healing their broken hearts.
I enjoyed CHRISTMAS WISHES because it was so appropriate for so many people. Few people have “Normal Rockwell” Christmases, and CHRISTMAS WISHES highlights the fact that anything is possible if we give God a chance to work. The romance is sweet, focusing on the stresses and difficulties of the holiday rather than the physical attraction between Albert and Lee. This story is definitely a good read for teens and adults alike. Despite a few editing issues and a page layout that isn’t conducive to either computer or e-reader, I highly recommend this story for your holiday reading.
CENTRAL BARK AT CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Connor tells the story of Tennyson and Parkash, two dog lovers who meet at the dog park and bond over an abandoned dog. Both have to gather their courage to move forward in life; Tennyson has to get over her last relationship, and Parkash has to take a stand with his father about his future in the family company.
I had trouble enjoying CENTRAL BARK AT CHRISTMAS because, although the substance of the story was cute, the pervasive grammar, punctuation and editing issues seriously detracted from the story. Inaccuracies and inconsistencies in descriptors, awkward word choices, awkward sentence and paragraph structuring, misused homonyms, incorrect or missing punctuation, subject-verb disagreements and verb-object disagreements plagued this story. The romance was believable until the very end when both dog lovers declare their love for each other; it was just too quick and lacked enough foundational support from the plot for me to believe it.
If this story were revised with a fine tooth comb and an eye for the issues noted here, the likeable characters and sweet plot could be enjoyed by teen and adult readers alike.
HALO’S WISH by Sharon Kleve tells the story of Halo and Rich, another pair of animal lovers, who meet while Halo is undercover at Pemsky security, investigating Pemsky’s role in some animal abduction and ransom cases. Rich is immediately interested in Halo, but Halo very clearly tells Rich that she can’t date him because she is focused on her career. Pemsky is convicted, but once out of jail, he attempts to kill Halo. Will Halo come to her senses and agree to date Rich before it’s too late?
I did not enjoy Halo’s Wish. It felt stiff and awkward. The story had several subplot-lines that did nothing but mark time and add to the jolting feel of the story. The Pemsky plotline seemed like the main plot, but then Pemsky fell off the page for so long, I wondered whether he was significant at all. The characters could also use further developing. Halo’s parents make a pre-Christmas appearance, which was an opportunity to develop Halo’s character, but in the end, it felt like their appearance was merely to explain Halo’s new Sunshine yellow car, rather than help illustrate Halo as a person. So many opportunities to add depth to the characters were missed.
My biggest issue with this story was the romance, which was so thin as to be non-existent. Rich McFarlane is too forward to be attractive. What is supposed to be a sexy come-on at Pemsky’s office is just creepy. His forwardness, in reality, is assault, both criminal and civil. Moreover, at the end of the story, Halo thinks to herself that she doesn’t know Rich McFarlane well enough to buy him a Christmas present; but apparently they know each other well enough for Rich to call her honey, and sweetie and to kiss her whenever and wherever possible? The relationship just did not make sense to me. It needed a lot more substance for me to believe it.
Add to all of that some serious grammar and editing issues, and this was a difficult story to get through.
A CHRISTMAS HOPE by Casey Dawes tells the story of Clara and Sam, two people who have suffered through the loss of a loved one around the Christmas holidays, but who have had very different reactions. Clara is positivity incarnate and believes that celebrating the holiday is a way to honor her father. Sam approaches the holiday like Scrooge, refusing even to acknowledge the day. Clara and Sam meet when she approaches him with a business idea, and even though he rejects her idea at first, Clara perseveres to make her business a success, ultimately bringing Sam around to her holiday philosophy as well.
At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this story, but then I realized that what I was feeling was Clara’s uber-optimistic streak that her ex-husband called “flighty.” Clara is definitely a dreamer, and I’m more pragmatic. So it took me a bit to warm up to her. I understood Sam’s perspective much more easily, and like Sam, I was feeling the warmth of the Christmas season before the end of the story.
I’m so glad that the epilogue illustrated the time lapse between that first meeting and Clara moving to Roxbury. It added the depth and substance of Clara and Sam’s relationship necessary to make it credible.
There were some distracting editing mishaps, including places where Clara’s name was spelled Carla, but by the end of the story, I was focused more on the uplifting success of Clara’s business and growing friendships in Roxbury than I was the editing. I definitely enjoyed this story.
December 3, 2019
Cute stories of love and animals
I enjoyed reading these stories. There was love and a interesting way of working with our beloved
four legged friends in each story.
All readers should enjoy this book.
I enjoyed reading these stories. There was love and a interesting way of working with our beloved
four legged friends in each story.
All readers should enjoy this book.
August 8, 2020
Magee
I loved all of the novella’s. I like it was a true romance without a lot of the physical descriptions. You let the readers mind do the pat process!
I loved all of the novella’s. I like it was a true romance without a lot of the physical descriptions. You let the readers mind do the pat process!
November 16, 2013
I received a copy of this Anthology from a contributing author in exchange for an honest review.
These four stories from four different authors all had one strong common theme, the magic of the Christmas season. In these stories this magic brings people together, helps them to find their place in this crazy, mixed-up world and softens the hardest hearts to let healing begin. As well, three of these stories contained my favorite kind of people - animals!
Christmas Wishes by Danica Winters: This first story was sweet and nice and overflowing with "the magic of Christmas". It wasn't over‑the‑top or saccharine-y but it did come close to trying to do too much at once. In fact, when I first read it that was one of the remarks I made concerning this story. Later on, as I continued to read rest of the book I began to realize that the sentiment in the first story was appropriate as I began to remember the magic of the season. This story was truly lovely and the author showed a genuine love for Christmas, especially family Christmas'.
Central Bark at Christmas by Jennifer Conner: This second story was a stray animal's dream! A stray dog gets found by two lonely animal‑lovers who meet at the dog park courtesy of their dogs. While the romance in this book was slow‑moving, due to the fact that Tennyson feels like she can't trust her heart anymore, the friendship and the intertwining of these two people's lives was delightful to read. This story shows us that the more we love, the more we are loved. That opening your heart may be scary and sometimes painful but the magic of the holiday season can heal and bring a greater love than ever imagined. All due to a stray dog making the right friends at the dog park.
Halo's Wish by Sharon Kleve: This third story has a career‑focused woman who is somehow able to resist a hunky Vet attentions as he tries to get to know her better every time he runs - accidentally and intentionally - into her. Halo is supposed to be determined to get her career as a pet detective established and then focus on what she really wants her forever to look like. But hard as she tries, especially as Christmas approaches, she can't seem to banish Rich from her head or her heart. And when she realizes he is what she needs will he be there? Will she actually get what she wants and needs from the people she loves this Christmas?
This is the perfect combination in my opinion! As a rescue veterinarian he saves the animals that are brought in hurting and as a pet detective she then tracks down the bad guys who hurt them in the first place. WIN-WIN! A Christmas miracle that brings love for all who deserve it.
As I mentioned in my ongoing updates while reading - the "second and third stories were about animals and how they bring people together. So sweet!" And I hadn't read the fourth story yet which, in an off-hand way, is about animals bringing people together as well. They say animals are a quick and accurate judge of character so we should all listen to our pets with our ears and our hearts the next time we meet someone new.
Christmas Hope by Casey Dawes: Is the fourth and final story. This story actually combines all the elements of the first three stories. It is about two people who have suffered losses during the Christmas season and how it changes them. We have a woman who needs to be career‑focused but keeps thinking about a man who wants nothing to do with her and her ideas, especially as they are about bringing other people into his private spaces with her into his heart and life and strangers in his business - literally! Again, the magic of the season and the wisdom of the people around them opens up their hearts and brings down the road blocks that are keeping these two apart.
"For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes." This is from the blurb for Christmas Wishes and I think it applies to all the stories here. Each person in these stories is trying to find the components they need to create their idea of the perfect family Christmas. As each couple is different so are their ideas, but they mesh together well. And due to the magic of the season they are able to find what they want but more importantly, what they need.
I genuinely enjoyed each story in this book. They have helped me to feel more of the "joy of the season" as it snows outside and everyday we get closer to Christmas.
These four stories from four different authors all had one strong common theme, the magic of the Christmas season. In these stories this magic brings people together, helps them to find their place in this crazy, mixed-up world and softens the hardest hearts to let healing begin. As well, three of these stories contained my favorite kind of people - animals!
Christmas Wishes by Danica Winters: This first story was sweet and nice and overflowing with "the magic of Christmas". It wasn't over‑the‑top or saccharine-y but it did come close to trying to do too much at once. In fact, when I first read it that was one of the remarks I made concerning this story. Later on, as I continued to read rest of the book I began to realize that the sentiment in the first story was appropriate as I began to remember the magic of the season. This story was truly lovely and the author showed a genuine love for Christmas, especially family Christmas'.
Central Bark at Christmas by Jennifer Conner: This second story was a stray animal's dream! A stray dog gets found by two lonely animal‑lovers who meet at the dog park courtesy of their dogs. While the romance in this book was slow‑moving, due to the fact that Tennyson feels like she can't trust her heart anymore, the friendship and the intertwining of these two people's lives was delightful to read. This story shows us that the more we love, the more we are loved. That opening your heart may be scary and sometimes painful but the magic of the holiday season can heal and bring a greater love than ever imagined. All due to a stray dog making the right friends at the dog park.
Halo's Wish by Sharon Kleve: This third story has a career‑focused woman who is somehow able to resist a hunky Vet attentions as he tries to get to know her better every time he runs - accidentally and intentionally - into her. Halo is supposed to be determined to get her career as a pet detective established and then focus on what she really wants her forever to look like. But hard as she tries, especially as Christmas approaches, she can't seem to banish Rich from her head or her heart. And when she realizes he is what she needs will he be there? Will she actually get what she wants and needs from the people she loves this Christmas?
This is the perfect combination in my opinion! As a rescue veterinarian he saves the animals that are brought in hurting and as a pet detective she then tracks down the bad guys who hurt them in the first place. WIN-WIN! A Christmas miracle that brings love for all who deserve it.
As I mentioned in my ongoing updates while reading - the "second and third stories were about animals and how they bring people together. So sweet!" And I hadn't read the fourth story yet which, in an off-hand way, is about animals bringing people together as well. They say animals are a quick and accurate judge of character so we should all listen to our pets with our ears and our hearts the next time we meet someone new.
Christmas Hope by Casey Dawes: Is the fourth and final story. This story actually combines all the elements of the first three stories. It is about two people who have suffered losses during the Christmas season and how it changes them. We have a woman who needs to be career‑focused but keeps thinking about a man who wants nothing to do with her and her ideas, especially as they are about bringing other people into his private spaces with her into his heart and life and strangers in his business - literally! Again, the magic of the season and the wisdom of the people around them opens up their hearts and brings down the road blocks that are keeping these two apart.
"For most, Christmas is a time for family, love, life, dreams, and wishes." This is from the blurb for Christmas Wishes and I think it applies to all the stories here. Each person in these stories is trying to find the components they need to create their idea of the perfect family Christmas. As each couple is different so are their ideas, but they mesh together well. And due to the magic of the season they are able to find what they want but more importantly, what they need.
I genuinely enjoyed each story in this book. They have helped me to feel more of the "joy of the season" as it snows outside and everyday we get closer to Christmas.
November 18, 2013
For fans of inspirational love stories, Christmas Romance is a wonderful anthology to cuddle up with this holiday season. Written by four best-selling romance authors, these stories will warm your heart and leave you with a cozy upbeat feeling that will linger for days.
In “Christmas Wishes,” readers will meet Lee Llewellyn, who’s lost all hope of finding happiness due to her young son’s death and the bitter divorce that followed… until she meets a handsome stranger in the cemetery on Christmas Eve, and her life takes a bright, unexpected twist. A soulful story about re-claiming joy.
In “Central Bark at Christmas,” Tennyson has just been dumped by her arrogant and insensitive lawyer boyfriend. She swears to stay away from men, believing they’re nothing but bad luck. But then, while walking her dog she meets Par, who, aside from spending time with his dog, seems only to have time for work. But fate has plans for them. They find an abandoned dog and as they care for it and try to find him a home, their destinies become intertwined… Dog lovers will love this one.
In “Halo’s Wish,” undercover pet detective Halo Ann’s dream is to have a big family and a house in the country surrounded by pets, but she denies herself these things by focusing on her career – even if that means staying away from a sexy veterinarian who keeps bumping into her. While working on a case, things go terribly wrong and she ends up with a lump on her head, a broken ankle, a bruised hip, and a demolished car. The first thing she sees in the hospital when she opens her eyes is the vet’s face. Will Christmas work its magic and make her realize she can have both a fulfilling relationship and a career? This was such a cute story with endearing protagonists.
In “Christmas Hope,” Clara is trying to lift from the ground a tasting party business called The Perfect Place — not easy when her self esteem is low due to a failed marriage and various failed businesses. One day while watching TV she discovers Sam Richards, a fourth-generation farmer from upstate New York…and she has an idea that brings her to his very doorstep. There’s only one problem: he’s super grumpy and has not interest whatsoever in collaborating with her. Will Clara succeed in melting the ice from his Scrooge heart?
What I loved most about this anthology is that it’s full of pets: dogs, puppies, kittens. As an animal lover, I really enjoyed the way the authors incorporated critters into their stories, and how the animals, in a way, had a role in uniting the characters. The protagonists are sympathetic, their troubles and concerns ones that most women can relate to. The heroes are ones to fall in love with. There’s a generous share of humor as well. These four heart-warming stories are about moving forward and start living again, about the magic of the Christmas season, about trusting our hearts and having hope. Most of all, about believing and finding true love. Recommended!
In “Christmas Wishes,” readers will meet Lee Llewellyn, who’s lost all hope of finding happiness due to her young son’s death and the bitter divorce that followed… until she meets a handsome stranger in the cemetery on Christmas Eve, and her life takes a bright, unexpected twist. A soulful story about re-claiming joy.
In “Central Bark at Christmas,” Tennyson has just been dumped by her arrogant and insensitive lawyer boyfriend. She swears to stay away from men, believing they’re nothing but bad luck. But then, while walking her dog she meets Par, who, aside from spending time with his dog, seems only to have time for work. But fate has plans for them. They find an abandoned dog and as they care for it and try to find him a home, their destinies become intertwined… Dog lovers will love this one.
In “Halo’s Wish,” undercover pet detective Halo Ann’s dream is to have a big family and a house in the country surrounded by pets, but she denies herself these things by focusing on her career – even if that means staying away from a sexy veterinarian who keeps bumping into her. While working on a case, things go terribly wrong and she ends up with a lump on her head, a broken ankle, a bruised hip, and a demolished car. The first thing she sees in the hospital when she opens her eyes is the vet’s face. Will Christmas work its magic and make her realize she can have both a fulfilling relationship and a career? This was such a cute story with endearing protagonists.
In “Christmas Hope,” Clara is trying to lift from the ground a tasting party business called The Perfect Place — not easy when her self esteem is low due to a failed marriage and various failed businesses. One day while watching TV she discovers Sam Richards, a fourth-generation farmer from upstate New York…and she has an idea that brings her to his very doorstep. There’s only one problem: he’s super grumpy and has not interest whatsoever in collaborating with her. Will Clara succeed in melting the ice from his Scrooge heart?
What I loved most about this anthology is that it’s full of pets: dogs, puppies, kittens. As an animal lover, I really enjoyed the way the authors incorporated critters into their stories, and how the animals, in a way, had a role in uniting the characters. The protagonists are sympathetic, their troubles and concerns ones that most women can relate to. The heroes are ones to fall in love with. There’s a generous share of humor as well. These four heart-warming stories are about moving forward and start living again, about the magic of the Christmas season, about trusting our hearts and having hope. Most of all, about believing and finding true love. Recommended!
December 9, 2016
Four great stories!
Surprise You're a Christmas Bride -
Maisey decided to go out to Que Syrah Syrah Wine Shop. There she meets new friends that belonged to a book club or better known as a gab session that includes wine and snacks! The ladies hand her a basket with a folded piece of paper in it and it has a name on it. Turns out the piece of paper is "The Love List". They put the names of single men in the basket and the single girls draw a name. Maisey puts the paper away without a second glance. She gets a taxi to take her home but after an incident she gets out and walks. In the snow...in heels. Someone is following her and luckily its a cop. Hot cop named Sean. They get alone and want to see each other Later she looks at the paper she drew out of the basket and there is Sean's name on it! Coincidence, fate, or a Christmas Angel brought these two together?
Christmas Kisses and Wishes -
Finn is newly divorced and traveling with her Pug. Her Grandmother insists she spend the last three months of her vacation in Washington, so she does. It's when she gets to Vine Grove she meets a hot veterinarian named Keaton.
A Home for Christmas -
Kady and her son, Noah moved to Vine Grove. Noah needed a change or scenery after he got in trouble in the town they left. Kady settles in at her parents house and makes a grocery run. That went so quickly, she decides to head to the local bar. When someone slides in beside her and uses a pick up line, she goes off on him until she sees it's Editon that she knew in high school. Will Kady and Editon be more victims of "The Love List?"
Christmas Country Wishes -
Dakota is sweet and kind. Her mother and sister are a different story! This story begins with her sister blurting out that her dad isn't Dakota's dad. After confronting him, she finds that in fact he is not her biological father. She moves to a new town with the promise of a new job in nursing. But, that's not her only reason for picking this town. She also suspects her biological father lives here. She also meets Tristan..."The Love List" strikes again! Dakota finds so much more than what she came to this town for!
Four sweet stories that all take place during the Christmas season in Vine Grove and all involve "The Love List". All the men are amazing men that didn't know their names had been put in a basket! I enjoyed each of these stories and was so happy they all had happy endings!!
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
Surprise You're a Christmas Bride -
Maisey decided to go out to Que Syrah Syrah Wine Shop. There she meets new friends that belonged to a book club or better known as a gab session that includes wine and snacks! The ladies hand her a basket with a folded piece of paper in it and it has a name on it. Turns out the piece of paper is "The Love List". They put the names of single men in the basket and the single girls draw a name. Maisey puts the paper away without a second glance. She gets a taxi to take her home but after an incident she gets out and walks. In the snow...in heels. Someone is following her and luckily its a cop. Hot cop named Sean. They get alone and want to see each other Later she looks at the paper she drew out of the basket and there is Sean's name on it! Coincidence, fate, or a Christmas Angel brought these two together?
Christmas Kisses and Wishes -
Finn is newly divorced and traveling with her Pug. Her Grandmother insists she spend the last three months of her vacation in Washington, so she does. It's when she gets to Vine Grove she meets a hot veterinarian named Keaton.
A Home for Christmas -
Kady and her son, Noah moved to Vine Grove. Noah needed a change or scenery after he got in trouble in the town they left. Kady settles in at her parents house and makes a grocery run. That went so quickly, she decides to head to the local bar. When someone slides in beside her and uses a pick up line, she goes off on him until she sees it's Editon that she knew in high school. Will Kady and Editon be more victims of "The Love List?"
Christmas Country Wishes -
Dakota is sweet and kind. Her mother and sister are a different story! This story begins with her sister blurting out that her dad isn't Dakota's dad. After confronting him, she finds that in fact he is not her biological father. She moves to a new town with the promise of a new job in nursing. But, that's not her only reason for picking this town. She also suspects her biological father lives here. She also meets Tristan..."The Love List" strikes again! Dakota finds so much more than what she came to this town for!
Four sweet stories that all take place during the Christmas season in Vine Grove and all involve "The Love List". All the men are amazing men that didn't know their names had been put in a basket! I enjoyed each of these stories and was so happy they all had happy endings!!
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
November 3, 2013
Christmas Romance: The Best Short Christmas Romances of 2013
Christmas Wishes by Danica Winters
Central Bark at Christmas by Jennifer Conner
Halo’s Wish by Sharon Kleve
Christmas Hope by Casey Dawes
Four delightful short romances for the holiday season and each one has at least one member of the couple-to-be dealing with the issue of whether or not it is time to move on and invest in a relationship. All four authors have brought their skills to the table when crafting these entertaining love stories. Whether the couple meets in a cemetery, at a dog park, in an office or on a farm there is instant attraction and a few issues to overcome. If you are looking for happy entertaining stories to read during the holiday season – or any time – this is a book that will provide just that.
Christmas Wishes by Danica Winters
Central Bark at Christmas by Jennifer Conner
Halo’s Wish by Sharon Kleve
Christmas Hope by Casey Dawes
Four delightful short romances for the holiday season and each one has at least one member of the couple-to-be dealing with the issue of whether or not it is time to move on and invest in a relationship. All four authors have brought their skills to the table when crafting these entertaining love stories. Whether the couple meets in a cemetery, at a dog park, in an office or on a farm there is instant attraction and a few issues to overcome. If you are looking for happy entertaining stories to read during the holiday season – or any time – this is a book that will provide just that.
September 8, 2014
I was given this as an ARC by the author Danica Winters to read, review and give my honest thoughts.
I loved these 4 short reads. Its getting on for December now, we are all thinking hard about Christmas and these books get you into the festivity mood.
Each book has a story of its own.
Halo's wish --- had me chuckling at times. What she wished for hardly came true.But the vet is sexy, so that'll do.
Christmas hope----can she get him to open his heart and let things in? let her in? read and see.
Christmas Wishes -- this was my fav in the book, a mom who lost her son, can she get back to a happy place? Really warm, touching and moving.
Central Park at Christmas ---Love brought together around a common like for dogs. Sweet tale.
Loved every single one of these short stories. All in their own right.
I loved these 4 short reads. Its getting on for December now, we are all thinking hard about Christmas and these books get you into the festivity mood.
Each book has a story of its own.
Halo's wish --- had me chuckling at times. What she wished for hardly came true.But the vet is sexy, so that'll do.
Christmas hope----can she get him to open his heart and let things in? let her in? read and see.
Christmas Wishes -- this was my fav in the book, a mom who lost her son, can she get back to a happy place? Really warm, touching and moving.
Central Park at Christmas ---Love brought together around a common like for dogs. Sweet tale.
Loved every single one of these short stories. All in their own right.
November 7, 2013
The four authors have created several sweet quick Christmas stories.....love, romance, pets, and Christmas! I was pleased with the precious messages of hope, second chances, and love at Christmas. I love my own sweet little furbaby so the fact that pets were featured in the stories added to the magic for me. You can easily read each of these stories in a couple of hours and they make great ones to carry along on the kindle for waiting rooms. I also enjoyed the unique names given to several of the main characters. These stories will make you laugh and cry as you read. WARNING: for those who do not like any cursing in books, there are a few mild expletives used.
I was given a copy of this book by one of the authors in exchange for my honest review.
I was given a copy of this book by one of the authors in exchange for my honest review.
November 19, 2013
At first I wasn't to sure about this story due to the multiple stories but in the end it all worked out. Once I got reading all of them I really enjoyed them. Each author had wrote them really well I wouldn't change anything about any of the stories they all had their own great parts and of course some parts that left you wondering what the heck lol. I had not so many of those which is good. I did see this stories as a page turners and for it being a multiple stories that was really good.
I want to thank Sharon Kleve for giving me this awesome chance to read these stories, she gifted me the book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a great book to get into the Christmas season makes you want to think about Christmas. )
I want to thank Sharon Kleve for giving me this awesome chance to read these stories, she gifted me the book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a great book to get into the Christmas season makes you want to think about Christmas. )
December 15, 2013
I was asked to review this for the holidays and totally jumped at the chance as I knew I'd need a little something to help me get into the holiday spirit! And this totally was the perfect trick :) I don't read shorts very often, though I don't know why--they're perfect for a short snippet before bed, and these were cute, romantic, and warmed my heart. I particularly loved the Christmas at Central Bark one (though by the end of it, I was cursing the fact that we have no good Indian food where I live...what I wouldn't give for some naan!). All of the stories were fun though, full of romance, and just generally sweet. If you're looking for a tale that will let you relax a little, enjoy the season, and get into the holiday spirit, this is a great choice!
November 16, 2013
This anthology was a quick and enjoyable read. Like anyone else during the holiday season, I am very busy and I don't have as much time for reading as I would like to have. This book contains 4 contemporary Christmas stories that are heartwarming and poignant. Sharon Kleve's story, Halo's Wish, is a suspenseful story and includes our furry friends. Casey Dawes, Jennifer Conner and Danica Winters' stories are all cozy likable reads as well. I have recommended this book to my family and friends and to anyone else that needs a quick romantic read. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2013
Christmas Romance is a collection of 4 holiday stories that will make your inner romantic sigh. Each story is unique with strong heroines that know who they are and aren't easily swayed by romance just for romance sake. I liked how each heroine has their own career and the unique situations that put them in the path of their hero. Also very impressed with the connection established by each author to the characters in a very short time which kept me interested and reading - I felt all the stories gave me a good balance of drama and romance to keep me interested. Also made just made me smile.
August 25, 2016
*I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway*
This book was cute. With each story, the relationships go from non-existence to full on within a chapter or 2. I can see how that kind of story line can annoy some readers. I even asked myself a couple times if this is realistic. But it's Christmas stories that make you say 'aww!' I love these kinds of books (I have one other one) and they put me into the Christmas spirit. So even if they didn't seem realistic at times, I enjoyed them. It even introduced me to a couple authors that I would love to read more from.
This book was cute. With each story, the relationships go from non-existence to full on within a chapter or 2. I can see how that kind of story line can annoy some readers. I even asked myself a couple times if this is realistic. But it's Christmas stories that make you say 'aww!' I love these kinds of books (I have one other one) and they put me into the Christmas spirit. So even if they didn't seem realistic at times, I enjoyed them. It even introduced me to a couple authors that I would love to read more from.
November 4, 2013
This is a wonderful collection of four Christmas novellas that will make you smile. It's a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, especially for animal lovers as each story features them in one way or another. Find love in a dog park, while undercover looking for dognappers or while learning about artisanal sheep's cheese. There's even fish in a dishwasher, but don't worry, that's for dinner and not a pet.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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December 16, 2013Good Christmas read
If you are looking for 4 sweet and quick Christmas stories then this is the book to read. I had not read books by 2 of the authors, so I got some good surprises. Very enjoyable.
If you are looking for 4 sweet and quick Christmas stories then this is the book to read. I had not read books by 2 of the authors, so I got some good surprises. Very enjoyable.
December 19, 2013
Christmas Wishes: a sentimental but decent story. Central Bark: needs editing. And commas. Halo's Wish: completely unconvincing male, 2 - dimensional villain with unconvincing come-uppance, needs copy editing and continuity editing. Christmas Hope: a nice story.
January 25, 2014
I received this book as a goodreads contest giveaway. Was a cute Christmas read. 4 short stories of Christmas miracles. I am not big on short stories since they have to get right to the point, but I did enjoy reading the books.
December 14, 2013
Collection of sweet short stories that bring love back to Christmas. Enjoyable afternoon read!
September 9, 2014
Okay great compilation of Christmas themed story! Story that made Christmas better for the characters that are going through difficulties
November 16, 2013
Great sweet collection of Christmas romance stories.
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