Together for Christmas: 5-B Poppy Lane / When We Touch / Welcome to Icicle Falls / Starstruck

Life in Icicle Falls #.05

by Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak, Sheila Roberts

This Christmas, visit four of your favorite towns, created by four of your favorite authors! Listen to some of the stories people tell at Christmas...

5-B Poppy Lane by Debbie Macomber

In Cedar Cove, Washington, you'll meet Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. You'll find out how Ruth and Paul met--and you'll learn about Helen's breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.

When We Touch by Brenda Novak

Whiskey Creek, California, the site of a Victorian Days Christmas celebration, is where you'll find out how Noelle stole Olivia's fiance, Kyle, and what happened next! But is there any chance the sisters can reconcile, especially at Christmas, the time of forgiveness and peace?

Welcome to Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts

Come to Icicle Falls, Washington, for a Christmas cookie exchange at Muriel Sterling's house. Hear about the summer Muriel fell in love with a handsome stranger. Her dad expected her to take over Sweet Dreams, the family's chocolate company, but Muriel had sweet dreams of her own...

Starstruck by RaeAnne Thayne

And in Cold Creek, Idaho, visit with former Hollywood stuntman Justin Hartford, his daughter, Ruby, and wife, Ashley. Ruby and her friends love the story of how her dad and her new mom met!

There's something special about sharing our memories when we're together for Christmas!

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Fiction, Contemporary, Anthologies, Holiday, Short Stories

480 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Loved all the stories in the book!! Love Debbie macomber, brenda Novak, Raeanne Thayne books!! Haven't read sheila Roberts before!!

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read these for just one day. Nice and lovely Christmas stories.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet collection of love stories. Can't say that it really got me in the Christmas spirit more as I was thinking it might from the title of this anthology. However it showed that true love still exists. I have to saw that my favorite story was the one by Debbie Macomber titled 5-B Poppy Lane. It is a WWII story. Which I enjoy this era. Plus I really connected with the couple in the story. Their story was a really good one. The only new author to me in this anthology is RaeAnne Thayne. Which I liked her story titled "Starstruck". It was a Western. Another of my favorite genres to read. I will be checking out full length novels by this author as I did like what I read. The other two stories were fine. I agree with another reader when she makes reference to Hallmark. Yes, the stories are like Hallmark stories. They are sweet with not too much romance and you know there is always a happy ending.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

None of the stories had a real Christmas feel. They were bookended by the fact that it was Christmas, but the bulk of the story took place as a story from the past that had no relation to Christmas whatsoever. The stories were good, but not great. My favourite of them was 5-B Poppy Lane. The memories that were the bulk of the story were set during WW2 and I enjoy reading books set in that period.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

RaeAnne Thayne's story was the best. But I was disappointed that these stories weren't really Christmas stories. Each prologue and epilogue took place at Christmas, while the main plots were memories of past events that had nothing to do with Christmas. Not what I was hoping for, but I am appreciated getting a glimpse at each author's style. Three of the four stories were good.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

Macomber and Novak's novellas are the strongest stories in the collection, but this is still not a Christmas anthology. If you enjoy these authors, give it a read. If you're looking for a holly jolly read, pick up something else.

[Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a hard time getting through some of the stories in this book.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Romance, Anthologies, Romance Collections & Anthologies, Women's Fiction

[Notserp2002 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed all these short stories..

[Ayu Wirdha · Rating 2 out of 5]

POPPY LANE - DEBBY MACOMBER
Dari semua cucunya, Ruth/cucu perempuan satu-satunya adalah kesayangannya. Tidak disangka, ketika Ruth membawa teman laki-lakinya ketika mengunjunginya malah membawa kenangan masa lalu Helen. Dimana Paul mirip sekali dengan Jean-Claude, suami pertamanya yang tewas saat Perang Dunia 2. Ruth itu aktif di kegiatan protes perang, dilalah Paul adalah tentara marinir aktif. Apalagi Ruth sebagai guru tidak bisa berpindah-pindah mengikuti lokasi tugas Paul. Lalu masuklah Helen dengan kisah cintanya dengan kakek Ruth yang tentu saja tentara juga. Dari situ Ruth bisa menerima Paul dengan pekerjaannya.
2⭐

WHEN WE TOUCH - BRENDA NOVAK
Sinopsisnya sudah menceritakan garis besarnya sih. Saya sudah membaca lumayan banyak novel di seri Whiskey Creek ini. Dan favorite saya yang tentang Phoenix dan Riley, nah si Kyle ini muncul lumayan banyak di sini dan berharap Kyle bisa move on dari Olivia dan mendapatkan happy ending juga. Di sini tidak perselingkuhan karena statusnya Kyle dan Olivia memang sudah putus, padahal mereka sudah pacaran tiga tahun. Putusnya pun karena Olivia mau mengejar karir dan pindah ke Sacramento. Lagi galau2nya masuklah Noelle menggoda Kyle dengan segala daya tariknya. Noelle ini memang selalu iri dengan segala sesuatu tentang kakaknya.
2⭐

WELCOME TO ICICLE FALLS - SHEILA ROBERTS
Ini sepertinya salah satu novel dari seri Icicle Falls, sebuah tempat/kota kecil dengan banyak cerita. Jadi otomatis banyak nama/karakter yang turun temurun ada di kota tersebut. Tiga sahabat yang berteman sejak kecil hingga usia lanjut. Ini flashback cerita mereka ketika era rebutan cowok. Padahal cowok yang diperebutkan Muriel dan Pat, cuma modal naik motor gede, cakep, gondrong tapi pengangguran yang nomaden dan berharap sukses, entah dengan cara apa. Ini dipicu ketika cucu - cucu mereka mengalami hal yang sama. Saling bertengkar gara - gara menyukai satu cowok. Tapi Stephen bisa membuktikan ke ayah Muriel kalau dia serius dan bersedia untuk kuliah dan bekerja untuk masa depan bersama Muriel.
2⭐

STARSTRUCK - RAYANNE THAYNE
Prolog-nya seharusnya jadi epilog deh, karena ending cerita sudah diobral semua jadi ga seru lagi. Walau ini cerita romance yang sebagian besar HEA tetap saja. Jadi Justin ini mantan aktor terkenal yang punya satu anak perempuan (Ruby) hasil dari era hidup serampangan jaman-jaman jahiliyah 🤣🤣. Anyway, setelah membayar banyak uang untuk mengambil hak asuh tunggal, dua tahun berikutnya ibu Ruby meninggal overdosis. Ruby ini menjadikan guru favorit Ruby di TK menikah dengan ayahnya dan berharap punya ibu baru apalagi setelah Ruby tidak sengaja mendengar pembicaraan Sheila dengan guru lain bahwa Sheila fans berat Justin dan berharap menjadi Mrs. Justin. Sebab itu Ruby pura-pura menjadi pembangkang di kelas supaya mereka bisa bertemu. Tetapi muslihatnya terbongkar dan mengakuinya di hadapan Sheila dan Justin. Kebayang dong nge-crush seseorang dari remaja dan ketahuan di hadapan crush sendiri. Sayangnya proses untuk HEA hanya butuh 2-3 halaman langsung terselesaikan.
2⭐


POPPY LANE - DEBBY MACOMBER
WHEN WE TOUCH - BRENDA NOVAK
WELCOME TO ICICLE FALLS - SHEILA ROBERTS
STARSTRUCK - RAYANNE THAYNE

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christmas, visit four of your favorite towns, created by four of your favorite authors! Listen to some of the stories people tell at Christmas...

5-B Poppy Lane by Debbie Macomber

In Cedar Cove, Washington, you'll meet Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth's husband, Paul. You'll find out how Ruth and Paul met--and you'll learn about Helen's breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.

When We Touch by Brenda Novak

Whiskey Creek, California, the site of a Victorian Days Christmas celebration, is where you'll find out how Noelle stole Olivia's fiance, Kyle, and what happened next! But is there any chance the sisters can reconcile, especially at Christmas, the time of forgiveness and peace?

Welcome to Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts

Come to Icicle Falls, Washington, for a Christmas cookie exchange at Muriel Sterling's house. Hear about the summer Muriel fell in love with a handsome stranger. Her dad expected her to take over Sweet Dreams, the family's chocolate company, but Muriel had sweet dreams of her own...

Starstruck by RaeAnne Thayne

And in Cold Creek, Idaho, visit with former Hollywood stuntman Justin Hartford, his daughter, Ruby, and wife, Ashley. Ruby and her friends love the story of how her dad and her new mom met!

There's something special about sharing our memories when we're together for Christmas!

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together for Christmas is a collection of four novellas in one perfect book. Each story is told by a bestselling favorite writer of mine. That was the really cool part. Being able to read new reads by some of my favorites in one place was great. The first tale is one about family and history at Christmas time. The second one is about siblings and forgiveness. Next story features a young woman falling for a stranger whom her daddy does not approve of only to find that he is the real deal for her. Last but not least, is the sexy star slash cowboy that has a daughter whose attitude in school is proving to be problematic and the cute teacher is mad enough to scale a wall to talk to the absent father figure. This entire collection is packed with heartfelt moments, hope, new beginnings, and hilarious romantic situations. A little of everything in romance for readers everywhere.

*I bought this from a second hand shop.*

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 2006, this collection of Christmas romance short stories still evokes holiday warm fuzzies. Each of the four stories revolves around small-town life. Written with prologues and epilogues ties each story into a neat little package. Macomber's tale tells the love stories of a grandmother and a granddaughter. Novak writes about a sister who steals her older sister's fiance. Roberts composes a story about falling in love with a stranger and falling out with a friend. Lastly, Thayne brings together a kindergarten teacher, her conniving student, and the child's celebrity father.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmmm.... I am disappointed... 5-B Poppy Lane was in 3 anthologies, 2 of which I read. I did not read it through the second time...after I realized that I had read it.

For me, Brenda Novak's story was the best!

The authors/stories included in order of appearance:

Debbie Macomber - 5-B Poppy Lane
Brenda Novak - When We Touch
Sheila Roberts - Welcome to Icicle Falls
RaeAnne Thayne - Starstruck

[Tina Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely enjoyable collection of stories by some of my favorite authors. Any of these stories can be the start of a new series as the characters are fun and relatable. Since there are 4 different stories but 4 very talented authors, you can read it in bits and pieces and enjoy every minute.

[Maura Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not amazing literary works but some nice, uplifting Christmas stories. Sort of like a Hallmark movie in print. I enjoyed the Brenda Novak story best. After ready several heavy "book club" books in a row, it was nice to have an easy read. I had several amazing mornings digging into it on my couch with a cup of coffee and the Christmas tree lit.

[christine hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I had read 3 of the authors before so it was nice to discover a new author.
I especially enjoyed Brenda Novak’s book and how she brought up the subject of forgiveness.
Especially in the times that we live in now forgiveness is what we need now if we are ever going to heal as a nation.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book 3 1/2 ⭐️. So I almost gave this 4⭐️ but some of it was a little too cheesy. But I knew going it it was going to be sappy and all happy endings, which I like to read from time to time as well! I a few of Debbie Macomber books in my to be read pile that I look forward too; the short story she wrote for this book caught my attention by adding a historical back story.

[Jo-Ann Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has 4 small reads in it. Each of them start in present day and then go back to when they fell in love with their spouses. Interesting stories, but I'm not one for flashbacks because I found they are overdone, although these weren't too badly done.

[Melissa Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome collection

I was excited to find stories by my favorite authors in one book. Each story was a short journey into the Holiday spirit. I loved reading each story and longed for more. These stories got me in a holiday decorating state of mind.

[Nyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story by Debbie Macomber was filled with terrible images of war killings. I did not expect this from a Christmas story and had a difficult time finishing the story. The other authors presented stories that I fully enjoyed.

[Sam Andersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars: I generally enjoy Debbie Macomber’s books, especially the Christmas variety with the trouble-making angels. So, when I happened upon a Christmas book with four novellas from Debbie and her pals, I was very excited. However, the collection fell short of my expectations. Debbie’s book was the best of the four, and I did enjoy the portion where the grandmother recounted her memories about her part in WWII. I did enjoy the characters in the book, especially the grandmother.

[Florence Fales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book in December of 2021. I started reading it just around Christmas. Wonderful stories from the four different authors. All Christmas stories , all have a happy ending.
What could be better than Christmas stories by these great woman authors!!!! Definitely a Good read!!!!!

[Priscilla Olcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent compilation by FOUR different authors! Couldn't put it down! Perfect for christmas busyness and short story lovers who want to catch a glimpse of new authors. Well done, ladies. I love yall. I will be looking for your names on the shelves!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the Raeanne Thayne book. It was another great addition to the series.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Doreena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick enjoyable read. I wished for a few of the stories to be a little longer.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of liked 3 of the 4 stories in this book. Short romance stories are hard to believe

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of Christmas stories by my favorite Authors. Really enjoyed reading on a snow day. I enjoyed with coffee and the fireplace. I highly recommend.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read.