A Longing for Christmas

by Chalon Linton, Jennifer Moore, Tuft Karen

Settle in by the fireside and savor stories of unexpected romance, second chances, and lifelong love. Featuring four novellas from some of your favorite authors, this historical Christmas romance collection is sure to capture your heart. 

Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton—Judith Benson despises Christmas and has no interest in the festivities of London Society. But when she catches the attention of a handsome viscount, her holiday humbug is put to the test.

A Home for the Holidays by Jennifer Moore—As Captain Edgar Bryant nurses his wounds from his time in the army, he finds unexpected relief in creating Christmas cheer alongside the sparkling Winnie Larsen. 

Lady Walmsley and Foster by Karen Tuft—The holidays are approaching, and longtime widow Lady Walmsley turns to her staff for company—much to the dismay of her very proper butler, Foster. But what begins as friendship just might end in love. 

A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker—Since sharing a bumbling first kiss beneath the mistletoe years ago, Charles and Maria have been star-crossed. But this Christmas, love might finally be within their reach. 

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Regency, Clean Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Chalon Linton is an air force spouse, a mother of four, and a fan of all things romance. Jane Austen has long been a favorite because who can resist handsome men in tailcoats? Manners, wit, and true love, combined with a faith in God, guide her stories to a happily ever after. She has met friends from around the globe and is grateful for each experience that adds to her own faith in the goodness of people. Chalon currently lives with her handsome husband in Southern California.

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of Christmas novellas! I loved each and every one! I didn’t realize before reading that they would be connected to other stories written by the authors so that was fun!

1)Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton
-this story is connected to Chiara’s Choice
-Judith and Marcus
-Marcus helps Judith find joy in the Christmas holiday since the death of her brother
-loved this cute story

2)A Home for Holidays by Jennifer Moore
-this story is connected to Healing Hazel
-Captain Edgar Bryant
-loved this one so much!

3)Lady Walmsley’s Christmas Surprise by Karen Tuft
-couple in their 60s
-a lady and her butler
-really enjoyed this one, and was my first read by this author.

4)A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker
-Charles and Maria are so cute. And I love how she drives him crazy.
-loved this story as well.

If you want some sweet romantic stories for this Christmas season, I definitely recommend this wonderful collection!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming and delightful collection of historical holiday romances!

Memories of Christmas:
Childhood friends
Christmas traditions
Mistletoe Kisses

A Home for the Holidays:
Wounded hero
Widow/single mom
Opposites attract

Lady Walmsly's Christmas Surprise:
Mature older characters
Different social statuses
Strong friendships

A Gretna Green Christmas
First love
Memorable meet cute
The carriage ride

Each novella was unique, but each one shared the magic of Christmas combined with wit and laughter, heartwarming scenes, and a sweet holiday romance.

If you like stories with mistletoe kisses and ice skating, surprise gifts, holiday projects that spiral out of control, unexpected suitors, Christmas carols and carriage rides to Gretna Green, don't miss this delightful collection! The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Longing for Christmas is four novellas by Chalon Linton, Jennifer Moore, Karen Tuft, and Alene Wecker.
I am familiar with three of the four authors, and I have really liked everything I have read by all three authors, except for Alene Wecker, with whom this is my first read. I was somewhat disappointed with all the stories; I didn't connect with any of the novellas, the characters, or the plotlines. I am not sure why, but sometimes it just doesn't work. I have in the past liked the work of these authors, so I will continue to read future stories by each of them.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with any collection of short stories by different authors, there were some I liked more than others. I loved the middle two but the first and last were not as good. I kind of wished I would have saved these to read closer to Christmas but I enjoyed them in the off-season.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book overall, however I skipped the 3rd novella because I'm not into later-life romance. the first 2 stories were my favorite, especially the 2nd because it was in the same works at the Blue Orchid Society. the last story was pretty silly, but fairly entertaining.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a treat to listen to these four historical holiday romances by different narrators.

In MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS, childhood friends Marcus and Judith reconnect and it was sweet how he helped her find the joy of Christmas again after the loss of her brother. I love these characters and their interactions.

A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is all about a wounded war hero, Edgar, and a widow, Winnie, and the way they learned to work together in a service-oriented way. The friction between them ground down into something of worth. This sweet opposites attract story filled a piece of my heart.

In LADY WALMSLEY’S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE, an unlikely romance begins to bud between a lady and her butler in an “older, mature couple” romance. Sometimes love is all about the timing and this one had many bittersweet and tender moments. Love knows no social bounds and it was a delight to read something almost forbidden.

Finally, A GRETNA GREEN CHRISTMAS finished the set with a romance between Charles and Maria, who started with a mistletoe kiss and ended up being “siblings” when her parents adopted him when he became orphaned. Their adventurous story was full of mishaps and humor, but was also wrapped up in warmth. I loved the laughs, spunk, and connection these two shared.


Each story lighted my soul with warmth, like sitting in front of a cozy fire on a cold winter’s day. I loved the variety of each tale and the different author’s voices that come together in a united, magical Christmas front.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. I also paid to listen to this. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful collection of heartwarming stories from four authors of Regency romance! I enjoyed reading these stories over the holiday season, but I think they are perfect for any time of the year. There is a good variety to the stories, and I felt like I was able to get to know the characters and their situations quickly. Frustrations and trials are overcome with sweet romance combined with the special spirit of winter and Christmas, making each story a pleasure to read.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic collection of Novellas!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet collection of Christmas stories. I enjoyed each one.

Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton
This is a sweet story of childhood love that could never be. I loved the supportive parents' and I loved Marcus and his desire to truly make Judith happy again after the loss of her brother. Loved the idea that one can honor the loss of a loved one by enjoying what the loved one enjoyed. In this case, it means loving Christmas again. I loved it.

Home for the Holidays by Jennifer Moore
This is a sweet romance showing how two people can use their gifts to enhance others' lives even when they feel inadequate. These two had a rough start but doing service together helped bring their hearts to each other. Enjoyable read.

Lady Walmsley's Christmas Surprise by Karen Tuft
Loved this crossing class lines romance. It was a slow burn - 20 years of slow burn as the butler cares for Lady Walmsley by tending to every need or even what is not needed. His over the top attention to everything is an annoyance to the Lady until she realizes that it was part of the butler's charm. It reminded me of The Princess Bride and how Wesley serves her and every time he says "As you wish" he is really saying he loves her. In this story every time the butler insists she needs a blanket or to sit closer to the fire or whatever he does to increase her comfort, he is saying he loves her too. I also enjoyed the Prince Regent's role in the story. This story made me smile.

A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker
I loved this story too. Maria was quite the handful. I was glad that not everything in this story was as it seemed. It seemed that this was another childhood love that could never be. Both of them suffer tragedy. I feel like everything I'm trying to write about this just becomes a spoiler so I'll say that I liked both characters and I'm only sorry that it took so many years for them to resolve their relationship. But when the story ended I had a smile on my face and a sigh of contentment.

Loved all these stories

No sex, language or violence

[Lisa Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memories of Christmas: Judith and Marcus were the dearest of friends as children, but when Marcus‘s father forced them to end their friendship because of their difference in station, Judith thought she would never be close to him again. Years later, his father gone, Marcus is now the Viscount, and decides that he can finally pursue Judith as he had hoped. He invites her and her family to celebrate Christmas at his home, but Judith has not celebrated the holiday since her brother died three years earlier. Sweet story, but for some reason it was just missing something for me. I just did not feel the connection between the characters - 3 stars

Home for the Holidays: Captain Edgar Bryant is visiting friends, but ever since he was injured in a battle, he has debilitating headaches that keep him from living a full life. But when he meets the widow, Winnie Larsen, and sees how she finds joy in serving others, she inspires him to look outside of himself and to make a new life in spite of his disabilities I liked it, but it was only OK. I didn’t really feel the romance of it. It was a nice story though. 3 stars.

Lady Walmsley‘s Christmas Surprise: A widow of 20 years, after 25 years of marriage, Lady Walmsley is trying to make the best out of Christmas. But she has surprise coming for her this year. Foster, her Butler of 40 years, fell in love with her long ago and is finally brave enough to do something about it. Very sweet, and I really enjoyed a different type of regency romance from the normal. 4 stars

A Gretna Green Christmas: While Charles's mother, a midwife, was helping to deliver Maria's baby brother, she convinces him to share a kiss with her under the mistletoe. However, when tragedy strikes, Charles is suddenly being raised as a brother to Maria. But many years later, Maria needs Charles's help - and in the midst of it, both of them are fighting the feelings they have had since they were teenagers sharing that first kiss. Very fun and sweet - 4 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton, 3*. I liked that the female MC was working alongside her steward father. I liked that the male MC appreciated Judith's intelligence and that he sought approval from his mother and Judith's parents in being sensitive to Judith's grief. It eluded a lot to the censure that would come from society for marrying out of station but never actually has that come to pass because it is a novella.

A Home for the Holidays by Jennifer Moore, 3.5*. I liked that it was a young widow with a son as leading roles. I liked the multicultural elements, China and Morocco, as well as the service oriented storyline. As someone who suffers from debilitating migraines I empathized with the male MC. I felt it was very abrupt and rushed when they went from first confessions of "I like you" to more in chapter 6 but it was likely to fit it to novella length which is a pity.

“If you wonder, you should ask rather than speculate.” pg 119

‘Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, and loving someone deeply gives you courage,’ pg 136

“To accept charity is much more difficult than to give it.” pg 161

Typos: he is missing an 's' "until she sees how much progress" on pg 134, Miss should be "Mrs. Larsen" on pg 149

Lady Walmsley and Foster by Karen Tuft, 4*. This is the one I was most looking forward to after being familiar with the two main characters from the author's other books. I thought it realistic for Foster to fall for his employer given their similar ages and spending most of their adult life together. I liked how the cook and lady's maid were also vocal and encouraging to him. Love crosses social divides.

Typos: "two you" likely should say "two of you" on pg 215, pg 217 says "dared considering, might not" should be "consider", pg 249 "who know who else," should be "who knows", pg 299 "so bold as you call you" should be "so bold as to"

A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker, 2.5*. I liked Charles but not Maria as much. She is headstrong and seems to do whatever she wants without consequence. I liked Charles' backstory. I felt the event that brought Maria to Scotland seemed sudden and continually claiming to be siblings didn't really work.

Typo: "fitting way repay his" should be "fitting way to repay" pg 408

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these Christmas collections every year! Each of the novellas are quick, easy reads. This one is so good!

Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton is first. I loved Judith and Martin. They've been friends forever. Judith's family works for Marcus's and Marcus's dad ended their friendships when they were younger. But they both still have strong feelings for each other. I loved the way Marcus sets out to help Judith enjoy the Christmas season again. The things he does for her are so sweet. This was such a cute story!

Next up is Jennifer Moore's A Home for the Holidays. I loved Winnie and Edgar. Winnie is in charge of a charity drive and she is very driven. She has strong opinions on how things should be done. Edgar is a soldier dealing with the leftover effects from being injured. I loved how he jumped in to help Winnie. She wasn't easy to work with, but he kept at it. I loved watching these two learn to work together. They balance each other so well.

Then we have Karen Tuft's Lady Walmsley's Christmas Surprise. I have loved Lady Walmsley from the very first book. She's such a great lady. I loved the way she feels blue, but knows that the best way to cheer herself up is to help others. Then there's Foster. I loved that he has loved Lady Walmsley for a long time, and he's ready to make some changes in his life. This story was so cute!

Last is A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker. This story starts when Charles and Maria are young. They met each other and shared their first secret kiss under the mistletoe. Things end up really complicated when Maria's parents decide that the orphaned Charles is Maria's adopted brother. I loved that Maria goes to him when she needs help. And their misadventures are a bit crazy in the end!

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year I look forward to these Christmas collections. I get stories from some of my favorite authors and sometimes find a new author.

Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton introduces us to Judith Benson, a woman with no love for the holiday season, but reluctantly finds herself pulled into Christmas festivities—and into the path of a dashing viscount. Watching her frosty exterior start to thaw was heartwarming.

A Home for the Holidays by Jennifer Moore tells the sweet story of Captain Edgar Bryant who's recovering from war. He finds comfort in creating a joyful Christmas for others, aided by the lively Winnie Larsen. Their connection grows through holiday preparations, creating a tender and sweet romance.

Lady Walmsley and Foster by Karen Tuft offers a more mature love story, where a widowed lady and her loyal butler navigate the unexpected stirrings of affection during the festive season. Lady Walmsley is a beloved character and I loved that she found love again.

A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker brings a sweet, second-chance romance. Charles and Maria's history, marked by a comical first kiss and years of missed opportunities, finally has a chance to have a happy ending.

The collection is perfect for readers seeking a lighthearted and heartwarming escape during the festive season.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to the sweet Christmas anthologies produced by Covenant Communications each year and A Longing for Christmas was another heartfelt addition to their line-up.
With four novellas from four authors I have read and enjoyed, I liked how I was able to read a novella a day and each was well-paced to give me what felt like a complete story, but in more of a bite sized read. I also thought it was fun how all four had characters that connected to the authors' other series and books, many of whom I had hoped I would one day get their story. That being said, each works as a full standalone and you can read them without any other prior experience with the other full-length books.
I felt like a common theme with each of these novellas this year was finding home and family during the holidays even when feeling grief or longing for family. It was like a rekindling of love and joy. The romances were all sweet and unique particularly with the varied circumstances and backgrounds of the multiple main characters in each novella. I’m glad to add this book to my collection and recommend it.

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton—Judith Benson despises Christmas and has no interest in the festivities of London Society. But when she catches the attention of a handsome viscount, her holiday humbug is put to the test.

A Home for the Holidays by Jennifer Moore—As Captain Edgar Bryant nurses his wounds from his time in the army, he finds unexpected relief in creating Christmas cheer alongside the sparkling Winnie Larsen.

Lady Walmsley and Foster by Karen Tuft—The holidays are approaching, and longtime widow Lady Walmsley turns to her staff for company—much to the dismay of her very proper butler, Foster. But what begins as friendship just might end in love.

A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker—Since sharing a bumbling first kiss beneath the mistletoe years ago, Charles and Maria have been star-crossed. But this Christmas, love might finally be within their reach.

MY TAKE
Four fun Christmas novellas that stretch what's acceptable at the time. 4 1/2 stars

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean romance

Four wonderful stories from four different authors that weave individual stories around love and Christmas.

I have read three of the four authors before and each of their stories tied to other series that I read. They bring back familiar characters yet continue with unique storylines. I enjoyed seeing “familiar “characters in different settings.

The last author was new to me and I enjoyed her story very much as well. I am planning on reading more from her as well.

I recommend this book for the four heart warming stories that adds another twist to love and joy.

[Emily Cronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful book!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas anthologies Covenant publishes every year, and this one was no different. Chalon Linton, Jennifer Moore, and Karen Tuft beautifully delivered on their novellas in this year's collection.

From childhood friends to lovers, opposites attract, and an older couple of differing social classes to finding joy in the season and all the fun Christmas traditions (including ice skating, snow angels, and kissing boughs), there is a little bit of everything you could ever want in this collection. These stories are seriously the sweetest romances. And they perfectly deliver the holiday spirit!

Trust me friends, this is one book you won't want to miss!

Many thanks to the authors and publisher for the early copy; all thoughts are my own.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading these Christmas stories from several different authors. It was fun to also see characters from previous full length novels, too. I liked the fact that Karen Tuft's story centered around two people in their 60's. The Regency books I read are usually about younger couples, so this was a neat change. Jennifer Moore's story was probably my favorite, about a former soldier trying to find his way in life again after an injury. I also loved that Hazel from the Blue Orchid Society books was in this story. This was definitely a fun book to read at Christmastime.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could rate this higher because the 2nd half of “Lady Walmsley’s Christmas Surprise“ and “A Gretna Green Christmas“ were phenomenal. “Memories of Christmas“ and “A Home for the Holidays“ just didn’t do it for me. I found the stories slow and didn’t catch my attention.

Charles and Maria in “A Gretna Green Christmas“ by Alene Wecker we’re fantastic. I can’t wait to read more by her. Their development and passion for each other was amazing. I could feel their connection and desire for one another.

My opinion is to skip the first two module novellas and just read the second two.

[Aneesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the second story by Jennifer Moore. The other ones were not my favorite. The first one was cringe. The third one was too slow and too much repetition. The last one was a love story that started with a 14 year old kissing a 13 year old. I never quite got past that . .maybe that is fine with you but it felt awkward to me.

[Pam Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ❤️❤️❤️ these stories!! All were amazing! I loved how each author carried on a story from their books! I wanted to pick a favorite, and I’m guessing it would be the last story, but all were so, so good!

[Christy Peterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was sadly disappointed in this, I was really looking forward to some holiday fluff.
The first story was too cringy.
The second story fell flat.
The third story was meh.
The forth story was the best, probably a 3 star, but not enough to save the rest.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four shorter stories by four experienced authors.

If you like historical Christmas stories about lifelong love, love across social classes, second-chance romance, and found family, you will enjoy these stories.

I enjoyed three of the four and skipped one for now. Which one? Not telling. 😁

[Billy Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story

I liked this book- it developed in more than one unexpected way. It is a Regency so it has
characteristics of Regency time period. I thought it was a interesting story and I
enjoyed it.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don’t enjoy LDS fiction, but I super enjoyed this first little novella by Linton. Short, sweet and just a fun little story you can enjoy without a major conflict to be resolved because of the length. A nice change! I’d read more of her work.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent collection of holiday romance stories. . Each story had charming and funny moments and each was also more or less hard to believe. My least favorite was the last which may have colored how I looked at the entire collection.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a superb collection of clean historical Christmas romances that brought a smile to my face! All of the narrators did a wonderful job, and portrayed the mood and voice inflections very well. I plan on listening to this every Christmas!

[Jenny Koim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I borrowed this beautiful Christmas book and each story was unique and special! I will definitely be getting this for my own and reread it again and again!

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming collection of Christmas novellas - several are tied to other books by the authors.

[Southern Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to see some characters again from other books I've read by the author. Delightful stories that put you in spirit of Christmas!