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Christmas Town, Maine #1-12
A Heartwarming Christmas: A Boxed Set of Twelve Sweet Holiday Romances
This holiday season, warm your heart with 12 connected sweet holiday romances set in Christmas Town from 12 Harlequin Heartwarming authors who are USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors.
There are four connected books in A Heartwarming Christmas. That means each set of three novellas shares characters and storylines! This collection of PG-rated holiday romances are all set in Christmas Town, a location introduced in the 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release Christmas, Actually. A Heartwarming Christmas will bring you laughter, tears, and happily-ever-afters (no cliffhangers), for more than 1200 pages. Foreword by small town lover and New York Times bestseller Kristan Higgins.
Book 1: Coming Home to Christmas Town by Melinda Curtis, Anna Adams, & Anna J Stewart: Three adopted siblings gather for the holiday season and closure after their father dies.
Novella 1: The Comeback Christmas by Melinda Curtis, award-winning, USA Today bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 2: Bells Are Ringing by Anna J Stewart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 3: A Home by Christmas by Anna Adams, award-winning, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
There are four connected books in A Heartwarming Christmas. That means each set of three novellas shares characters and storylines! This collection of PG-rated holiday romances are all set in Christmas Town, a location introduced in the 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release Christmas, Actually. A Heartwarming Christmas will bring you laughter, tears, and happily-ever-afters (no cliffhangers), for more than 1200 pages. Foreword by small town lover and New York Times bestseller Kristan Higgins.
Book 1: Coming Home to Christmas Town by Melinda Curtis, Anna Adams, & Anna J Stewart: Three adopted siblings gather for the holiday season and closure after their father dies.
Novella 1: The Comeback Christmas by Melinda Curtis, award-winning, USA Today bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 2: Bells Are Ringing by Anna J Stewart, award-winning, USA Today bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 3: A Home by Christmas by Anna Adams, award-winning, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Book 2: The Fisher Brothers Christmas by Carol Ross, Cheryl Harper, & Amy Vastine: Three brothers with a Christmas Eve family tradition in jeopardy until love leads them home.
Novella 1: The Christmas Bell by Carol Ross, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 2: Making Up Under the Mistletoe by Cheryl Harper, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 3: My Christmas Hero by Amy Vastine, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Book 3: Gifts of the Heart by Tara Randel, Leigh Riker & Cari Lynn Webb: In the spirit of Christmas, three siblings reconnect to find romance, special gifts - and each other.
Novella 1: An Unexpected Gift by Tara Randel, Barnes and Noble bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 2: A Gift of Home by Cari Lynn Webb, Harlequin Heartwarming debut author.
Novella 3: His Christmas Gift by Leigh Riker, award-winning, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Book 4: The Gingerbread Men by Liz Flaherty, Patricia Bradley & Rula Sinara. When two sisters and their widowed mother are reunited for the holidays, falling in love isn't on any of their Christmas wish lists, but sometimes the best gifts are unexpected...
Novella 1: The Gingerbread Heart by Liz Flaherty, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 2: The Gingerbread Pony by Patricia Bradley, award-winning, Amazon bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 3: The Gingerbird House by Rula Sinara, award-winning, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 1: The Christmas Bell by Carol Ross, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 2: Making Up Under the Mistletoe by Cheryl Harper, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 3: My Christmas Hero by Amy Vastine, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Book 3: Gifts of the Heart by Tara Randel, Leigh Riker & Cari Lynn Webb: In the spirit of Christmas, three siblings reconnect to find romance, special gifts - and each other.
Novella 1: An Unexpected Gift by Tara Randel, Barnes and Noble bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 2: A Gift of Home by Cari Lynn Webb, Harlequin Heartwarming debut author.
Novella 3: His Christmas Gift by Leigh Riker, award-winning, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Book 4: The Gingerbread Men by Liz Flaherty, Patricia Bradley & Rula Sinara. When two sisters and their widowed mother are reunited for the holidays, falling in love isn't on any of their Christmas wish lists, but sometimes the best gifts are unexpected...
Novella 1: The Gingerbread Heart by Liz Flaherty, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 2: The Gingerbread Pony by Patricia Bradley, award-winning, Amazon bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Novella 3: The Gingerbird House by Rula Sinara, award-winning, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
946 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
About the author
Melinda Curtis
181 books1,160 followersPrior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 5, 2015
This Review is for The Ginerbread Men
The Gingerbread Heart by Liz Flaherty
The Gingerbread Heart introduced me to Cass, a fifty something woman who has seen life and death in her life. Who has seen happiness and sadness too. Married to her high school sweetheart, she had a happy marriage. Until her husband died. And was followed by her mother. She has been a caregiver all her life and wishes for something different.
Moving back in town, she decides not to live with her daughters so as to give them the space everyone needed at that age. Therefore she finds a job with the pastor (at least he used to be a pastor), Eli Welcome, who is now a writer.
Eli finds this woman attractive who only wants to think of herself for the time being. The clash of these two opposite thinking people make it a fun read.
Though Cass says she does not want to take care of anyone anymore, except for her children, deep down she is a caregiver and will always remain so.
But the most important thing the two learn about loving each other is that whatever either one of them decides to do with their life, the other is always there.
Life gives second chances and they are there to be lived and cherished.
The Gingerbread Pony by Patricia Bradley
Amy Logan, Cass' elder daughter, is a speech therapist who operated out of her home office at her family farm. After a unfortunate event in her past, she had been the recipient of many a piteous looks around the small Christmas Town she lives in. To save herself from all that she decides to move to Texas but before she could sign her contract, she comes face to face with her first love, Mark Bradford who needs help with his daughter. The young child suffers from selective mutism.
Unsure as to what way to move, she reluctantly agrees and falls in love with the beautiful and intelligent child. She loves the father already.
The past is a glaring hurdle in their lives still and it is up to them to accept the person who they love as they are. Not imposing someone who you can put on a pedestal and losing the person for good.
The feelings if true can stand the test of time and theirs had. Since they were in high school.
The question remains, could they make a go for it? They have to be sure because it is not only their hearts at stake but that of a child's too. A child who is engulfed in grief and guilt.
A family or parting of ways?
This one is my favourite of all three (because of the horse riding and all).
The Gingerbird House by Rula Sinara
This is the story of Lia and Quinn. Lia is the owner of an animal shelter while Quinn is a craftsman. Whatever his circumstances, that is what the man is.
This story not only shows how one must be giving to others, humans and animals both, but also how one must always believe in themselves at all times too.
Quinn has been homeless for sometime but in his struggle and fear of having let go of his son to either his ex wife or the social services, loses his enthusiasm for risk taking. Just wanting a plain old job that would keep his child housed and well fed.
Lia on the other hand wants nothing but to succeed in making her shelter and animal rehab a better place so she can help all the animals left out there.
But both are in a situation where they are left pinching pennies. One is full of hope while the other not so.
This book is about setting the right priorities and finding your true self. Once found, staying true to it. It also gives the idea of how everyday could be Christmas Season only if people can find the right vibes within them to emit.
Loved all three of the novellas.
The Gingerbread Heart by Liz Flaherty
The Gingerbread Heart introduced me to Cass, a fifty something woman who has seen life and death in her life. Who has seen happiness and sadness too. Married to her high school sweetheart, she had a happy marriage. Until her husband died. And was followed by her mother. She has been a caregiver all her life and wishes for something different.
Moving back in town, she decides not to live with her daughters so as to give them the space everyone needed at that age. Therefore she finds a job with the pastor (at least he used to be a pastor), Eli Welcome, who is now a writer.
Eli finds this woman attractive who only wants to think of herself for the time being. The clash of these two opposite thinking people make it a fun read.
Though Cass says she does not want to take care of anyone anymore, except for her children, deep down she is a caregiver and will always remain so.
But the most important thing the two learn about loving each other is that whatever either one of them decides to do with their life, the other is always there.
Life gives second chances and they are there to be lived and cherished.
The Gingerbread Pony by Patricia Bradley
Amy Logan, Cass' elder daughter, is a speech therapist who operated out of her home office at her family farm. After a unfortunate event in her past, she had been the recipient of many a piteous looks around the small Christmas Town she lives in. To save herself from all that she decides to move to Texas but before she could sign her contract, she comes face to face with her first love, Mark Bradford who needs help with his daughter. The young child suffers from selective mutism.
Unsure as to what way to move, she reluctantly agrees and falls in love with the beautiful and intelligent child. She loves the father already.
The past is a glaring hurdle in their lives still and it is up to them to accept the person who they love as they are. Not imposing someone who you can put on a pedestal and losing the person for good.
The feelings if true can stand the test of time and theirs had. Since they were in high school.
The question remains, could they make a go for it? They have to be sure because it is not only their hearts at stake but that of a child's too. A child who is engulfed in grief and guilt.
A family or parting of ways?
This one is my favourite of all three (because of the horse riding and all).
The Gingerbird House by Rula Sinara
This is the story of Lia and Quinn. Lia is the owner of an animal shelter while Quinn is a craftsman. Whatever his circumstances, that is what the man is.
This story not only shows how one must be giving to others, humans and animals both, but also how one must always believe in themselves at all times too.
Quinn has been homeless for sometime but in his struggle and fear of having let go of his son to either his ex wife or the social services, loses his enthusiasm for risk taking. Just wanting a plain old job that would keep his child housed and well fed.
Lia on the other hand wants nothing but to succeed in making her shelter and animal rehab a better place so she can help all the animals left out there.
But both are in a situation where they are left pinching pennies. One is full of hope while the other not so.
This book is about setting the right priorities and finding your true self. Once found, staying true to it. It also gives the idea of how everyday could be Christmas Season only if people can find the right vibes within them to emit.
Loved all three of the novellas.
September 29, 2015
OK. I hope this review is not full of spoilers - but just in case, I'm going to alert you that I mention a few situations that Jules gets herself into throughout the story. So I'm whiting them out.
This review is for MY CHRISTMAS HERO. Story #3 from the Fisher Brothers trio in this collection.
I smiled from the get go,
How Ms. Vastine managed to cram love, laughter, tears and a full heart into such a short story, I will never know, but I am one happy reader, that she did. I got a little taste of all the Fisher boys (enough to know I want to read about the other two) - and even adored Tanner (a wee side character) to death.
This story was perfection in the way Vastine tied things together in the end with the little twisty turn she did there. Her words have once again made me smile and she was hugely successful in pulling me into Rick Fisher's Christmas Eve and Jules's life and head space.
*advances an ARC in exchange for an honest review - but have already pre-ordered* the collection*
This review is for MY CHRISTMAS HERO. Story #3 from the Fisher Brothers trio in this collection.
I smiled from the get go,
How Ms. Vastine managed to cram love, laughter, tears and a full heart into such a short story, I will never know, but I am one happy reader, that she did. I got a little taste of all the Fisher boys (enough to know I want to read about the other two) - and even adored Tanner (a wee side character) to death.
This story was perfection in the way Vastine tied things together in the end with the little twisty turn she did there. Her words have once again made me smile and she was hugely successful in pulling me into Rick Fisher's Christmas Eve and Jules's life and head space.
*advances an ARC in exchange for an honest review - but have already pre-ordered* the collection*
December 19, 2021
I took several years of Christmas season reading distracted by other competing titles on my holiday TBR, but I finally read this entire anthology/boxed set. Harlequin has a non-religious secular clean wholesome line called the Heartwarming line. This Christmas romance anthology/box set includes 12 titles from Harlequin Heartwarming, USA Today, national bestselling, award winning authors. All 12 of the stories take place in the same location of Christmastown, Maine during the the exact same time frame. Every 3 novellas of the 12 novellas share main characters from the same family, so the anthology is divided up into 4 "books". Every novella in the anthology though is a complete whole finished stand-alone story with no cliffhangers and no need to read any of the other novellas to understand the story you are reading.
Language: No profanity.
Sensuality content: Clean. Kisses only.
Source: My own personal purchased library.
Language: No profanity.
Sensuality content: Clean. Kisses only.
Source: My own personal purchased library.
October 13, 2015
(4.5 Stars) I received a copy of Book 2, The Fisher Brothers stories, in exchange for an honest review.
I love stories that build on each other and that's just what these novellas do. In The Christmas Bell, we meet the oldest Fisher brother, Ben. He's got a successful business in CA, but is home in Christmas Town, Maine for the holidays. Coming from a long family line of fire fighters, he decides the perfect gift for his father, the fire chief, is to find the missing bell and bring it home. Ben is a very determined character, who is also a little insecure and clueless at times. He is so adorable, in kind of a dorky way, and I couldn't help but to like him.
Andrea is an old high school classmate, one who always seemed to have it all. Determined to make her own way in life, she's now into history and antiques and Ben contacts her for help finding the bell. I love how independent Andrea is and the cautious way this friendship develops into more.
What good is a love story without a little misunderstanding, some mistletoe, and a cozy, heartwarming setting? I loved this town, this family, these characters, and their story. I love a small town with a homey feel, well established traditions, and this really came through for me.
*****
In Making Up Under the Mistletoe, we treated to the story of the next brother in the Fisher family--Josh. Josh married his high school sweetheart, Ivy, eight years ago and they've had quite a marriage. He is a fire fighter with his dad and brother, Rick, but his heart is set on moving on and having a break from Christmas Town. On the verge of divorce, Ivy and Josh have to figure out what really matters if they want to have any chance of saving their marriage.
I'm chalking it up to marrying so young, but this couple really has trouble communicating. Ivy is so set on helping her dad and doing what she thinks is best that she doesn't ever really hear Josh and his opinions. On the other hand, Josh, otherwise known as Crash, is a risk taker, knows what he wants in life, and thinks he's doing what's best for his small family, but he doesn't stop to talk about things with Ivy. Too much assumption going on!
I loved the Christmas miracles that occurred in this story. I grew to love the characters and to understand them and their motives. My heart was touched with this enjoyable story.
*****
My Christmas Hero really hit home for me! Rick is next in line to be fire chief, but has to continue to prove himself, since his dad is the current chief. He's a very commanding, yet likable guy and I easily fell for his character.
Julianna, or Jules, is a sweet local girl who does odd jobs, including that of a dog walker. What hit home most is that she's not a perfect woman. While walking a dog, she ends up stuck in a tree and has to be rescued. And that's only the beginning! Her day goes from bad to worse and Rick's right there in the middle of it all. I relate best to Jules because we're a lot alike.
I love the way Rick is able to take an embarrassing situation and turn it around. He is challenged to ask Jules out, but is determined to follow his own timetable when it comes to love and not that of someone else. The romantic sparks flickering in this wonderful Christmas setting hit the spot. The icing on the cake is the humor and banter. I completely enjoyed this one!
Content: all three stories are sweet, clean romances with mild kissing only. Clean!
I love stories that build on each other and that's just what these novellas do. In The Christmas Bell, we meet the oldest Fisher brother, Ben. He's got a successful business in CA, but is home in Christmas Town, Maine for the holidays. Coming from a long family line of fire fighters, he decides the perfect gift for his father, the fire chief, is to find the missing bell and bring it home. Ben is a very determined character, who is also a little insecure and clueless at times. He is so adorable, in kind of a dorky way, and I couldn't help but to like him.
Andrea is an old high school classmate, one who always seemed to have it all. Determined to make her own way in life, she's now into history and antiques and Ben contacts her for help finding the bell. I love how independent Andrea is and the cautious way this friendship develops into more.
What good is a love story without a little misunderstanding, some mistletoe, and a cozy, heartwarming setting? I loved this town, this family, these characters, and their story. I love a small town with a homey feel, well established traditions, and this really came through for me.
*****
In Making Up Under the Mistletoe, we treated to the story of the next brother in the Fisher family--Josh. Josh married his high school sweetheart, Ivy, eight years ago and they've had quite a marriage. He is a fire fighter with his dad and brother, Rick, but his heart is set on moving on and having a break from Christmas Town. On the verge of divorce, Ivy and Josh have to figure out what really matters if they want to have any chance of saving their marriage.
I'm chalking it up to marrying so young, but this couple really has trouble communicating. Ivy is so set on helping her dad and doing what she thinks is best that she doesn't ever really hear Josh and his opinions. On the other hand, Josh, otherwise known as Crash, is a risk taker, knows what he wants in life, and thinks he's doing what's best for his small family, but he doesn't stop to talk about things with Ivy. Too much assumption going on!
I loved the Christmas miracles that occurred in this story. I grew to love the characters and to understand them and their motives. My heart was touched with this enjoyable story.
*****
My Christmas Hero really hit home for me! Rick is next in line to be fire chief, but has to continue to prove himself, since his dad is the current chief. He's a very commanding, yet likable guy and I easily fell for his character.
Julianna, or Jules, is a sweet local girl who does odd jobs, including that of a dog walker. What hit home most is that she's not a perfect woman. While walking a dog, she ends up stuck in a tree and has to be rescued. And that's only the beginning! Her day goes from bad to worse and Rick's right there in the middle of it all. I relate best to Jules because we're a lot alike.
I love the way Rick is able to take an embarrassing situation and turn it around. He is challenged to ask Jules out, but is determined to follow his own timetable when it comes to love and not that of someone else. The romantic sparks flickering in this wonderful Christmas setting hit the spot. The icing on the cake is the humor and banter. I completely enjoyed this one!
Content: all three stories are sweet, clean romances with mild kissing only. Clean!
October 4, 2015
This review is for Tara Randel's An Unexpected Gift, and I cannot wait to read the rest of these stories once the set releases.
I loved this beautiful story about a hero looking for family and finding love along the way. Tara has a wonderfully captivating writing style and Faith and Drew were easy to fall in love with.
Definitely put me in a holiday mood!
I loved this beautiful story about a hero looking for family and finding love along the way. Tara has a wonderfully captivating writing style and Faith and Drew were easy to fall in love with.
Definitely put me in a holiday mood!
October 4, 2015
I have pre-ordered this anthology but was given an advance copy of the Coming Home to Christmas Town pod to review. As I read more of this anthology, I will post the reviews.
In The Comeback Christmas, we get to read about Chloe Wright and Ted Lincoln. Once again, these two are longtime friends who had a falling out long ago. Chloe inherited the old grist mill from her family and Ted feels he needs this building and land to save his family. Both have family issues and trauma to work thru and of course, it only works when they do it together. Feel good story and it is great to get the whole Wright family picture of Chloe, Marnie and Noelle.
In Bells Are Ringing, it was my first time visiting Christmas Town, Maine and I read this story first in this wonderful town. It is a sweet holiday story and was about Marnie and Sam. These two have their issues, of course, but reading about how they worked thru them made this such a great read for the holiday season.
Marnie finally has the chance of a lifetime, design school in NY and a ticket out of Christmas Town. She and Sam have been best friends forever and there are so many deep feelings between them that they cannot see it. Sam feels he isn’t successful enough, in anyone’s eyes, due to circumstances in his past. He is a carpenter/handyman and has amazing talent but you’ll need to read his story to see all that he has endured. And he loves Marnie, no doubt about it. He just doesn’t want to hold her back.
Great story, people, and a wonderful small town read. I love Ms. Stewart’s writing and believe you will, too. I highly recommend.
In Home by Christmas, the third story in the pod by Anna Adams, we get to read the story of Noelle. Noelle’s story is about David Parker, an old love and long ago friend, and his twin daughters. It was all about all four of them, really, overcoming past deep hurts and trauma. I loved the little girls! They are two very different characters, that’s for sure. And David broke my heart. It was great to read the entire three “girls’” stories.
[Bells are Ringing was the first story in this anthology that I read and reviewed. That review is below. The review, above, is for the entire Coming Home To Christmas Town pod of three interconnected stories and I have encompassed all three reviews, above. I have left the first, single, review and it follows this note.]
I have pre-ordered this anthology but was given an advance copy of Bells Are Ringing to review. As I read more of this anthology, I will post the reviews.
In this story, Bells Are Ringing, it was my first time visiting Christmas Town, Maine and although it is not the first story about this wonderful town, it is a standalone story. It is a sweet holiday story and was about Marnie and Sam. These two have their issues, of course, but reading about how they worked thru them made this such a great read for the holiday season.
Marnie finally has the chance of a lifetime, design school in NY and a ticket out of Christmas Town. She and Sam have been best friends forever and there are so many deep feelings between them that they cannot see it. Sam feels he isn’t successful enough, in anyone’s eyes, due to circumstances in his past. He is a carpenter/handyman and has amazing talent but you’ll need to read his story to see all that he has endured. And he loves Marnie, no doubt about it. He just doesn’t want to hold her back.
Great story, people, and a wonderful small town read. I love Ms. Stewart’s writing and believe you will, too. I highly recommend.
In The Comeback Christmas, we get to read about Chloe Wright and Ted Lincoln. Once again, these two are longtime friends who had a falling out long ago. Chloe inherited the old grist mill from her family and Ted feels he needs this building and land to save his family. Both have family issues and trauma to work thru and of course, it only works when they do it together. Feel good story and it is great to get the whole Wright family picture of Chloe, Marnie and Noelle.
In Bells Are Ringing, it was my first time visiting Christmas Town, Maine and I read this story first in this wonderful town. It is a sweet holiday story and was about Marnie and Sam. These two have their issues, of course, but reading about how they worked thru them made this such a great read for the holiday season.
Marnie finally has the chance of a lifetime, design school in NY and a ticket out of Christmas Town. She and Sam have been best friends forever and there are so many deep feelings between them that they cannot see it. Sam feels he isn’t successful enough, in anyone’s eyes, due to circumstances in his past. He is a carpenter/handyman and has amazing talent but you’ll need to read his story to see all that he has endured. And he loves Marnie, no doubt about it. He just doesn’t want to hold her back.
Great story, people, and a wonderful small town read. I love Ms. Stewart’s writing and believe you will, too. I highly recommend.
In Home by Christmas, the third story in the pod by Anna Adams, we get to read the story of Noelle. Noelle’s story is about David Parker, an old love and long ago friend, and his twin daughters. It was all about all four of them, really, overcoming past deep hurts and trauma. I loved the little girls! They are two very different characters, that’s for sure. And David broke my heart. It was great to read the entire three “girls’” stories.
[Bells are Ringing was the first story in this anthology that I read and reviewed. That review is below. The review, above, is for the entire Coming Home To Christmas Town pod of three interconnected stories and I have encompassed all three reviews, above. I have left the first, single, review and it follows this note.]
I have pre-ordered this anthology but was given an advance copy of Bells Are Ringing to review. As I read more of this anthology, I will post the reviews.
In this story, Bells Are Ringing, it was my first time visiting Christmas Town, Maine and although it is not the first story about this wonderful town, it is a standalone story. It is a sweet holiday story and was about Marnie and Sam. These two have their issues, of course, but reading about how they worked thru them made this such a great read for the holiday season.
Marnie finally has the chance of a lifetime, design school in NY and a ticket out of Christmas Town. She and Sam have been best friends forever and there are so many deep feelings between them that they cannot see it. Sam feels he isn’t successful enough, in anyone’s eyes, due to circumstances in his past. He is a carpenter/handyman and has amazing talent but you’ll need to read his story to see all that he has endured. And he loves Marnie, no doubt about it. He just doesn’t want to hold her back.
Great story, people, and a wonderful small town read. I love Ms. Stewart’s writing and believe you will, too. I highly recommend.
September 2, 2022
I received a copy of the novella An Unexpected Gift by Tara Randel to read and review (I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the collection as well!) In this story, Faith is stuck working in her parent's Christmas shop since her father is not doing well, and she doesn't feel she will ever be able to spread her wings and explore the world. Drew recently discovered that he was adopted and is searching to find his birth mother who used to work at the Christmas shop. There is an instant connection between the two, and as they learn each other's stories, they feel sympathy and do their best to help. Faith provides encouragement and leads for Drew to follow, and they draw close as they search for answers to his mystery. The emotions of the characters are more told than shown so I didn't feel a real connection to them, but it is a pleasant story. I was a little turned off by how Faith was just feeling sorry for herself without really trying to do anything to change her situation, but at least Drew inspired her to take her life in her own hands.
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
November 9, 2015
Ive only read 3 of the stories so here is my review for the three connecting Novellas
The Fisher Brothers Christmas
By Carol Ross, Cheryl Harper, and Amy Vastine
This Christmas set is a wonderful start to getting anyone into the Christmas spirit. A collection that shares three tales of two brothers who find love as well as one who tries to save a love that could be lost forever. Make sure you have some tissues handy because if you’re anything like me you will have plenty of happy tears.
The Christmas Bell
By Carol Ross
Ben Fisher is on a mission to find Christmas Town’s Christmas Bell for his father. The ultimate Christmas present for him. Being that he lives in California and has had no luck tracking the location of the bell, his mother suggests he talk to Andrea Talbot. The girl he tutored in high school, the girl who turned him down when he asked her out on a date. Having nowhere else to turn he asks and she agrees. Ben comes back to Christmas Town, Maine to be with his family for the holiday and see just what has become of the beautiful Miss Talbot.
Andrea Talbot was the popular rich girl in school who had everything growing up but not anymore. She left the confines of her parent’s conditional love and started her own business. She now spends her days collecting and selling antiques. She is low on money after find and procuring the very Christmas Bell that Ben has been searching for. She hasn’t told him yet because she wanted it to be a Christmas surprise and because she isn’t truly sure she hasn’t been scammed.
Carol does an excellent job giving her characters depth and making them very relatable. She has included adventure, mystery, intrigue, and some secrets in this story. It is fun and has a lot of real life elements. She has also includes a sweet, frozen kitten into the mix.
Making Up Under the Mistletoe
By Cheryl Harper
Smart and pretty Ivy Fisher has always had a plan for her life. It started with marrying her high school sweetheart right away. Now she has every intention of living her life out her in Christmas Town with her husband and one day taking over her father’s business, Coming to Town Bus Tours. That is until Josh tells her he wants to move to Portland and start fresh because he hates living in Christmas Town. Ivy is devastated and thinks that he is making plans to move on with his life without her and without consulting her.
Josh Fisher has always been a bit accident prone and his much hated nickname around town is Crash. He has also live his life in the shadow of his father the Fire Chief and his brother Rick, the fire lieutenant. He knows that he will never advance at the firehouse because they all see him as crash and also because his brother is in line to Chief one day. He wants to start fresh somewhere new, somewhere he can be Josh Fisher, rather than the son of Gus Fisher and the brother of Rick. He has allowed his wife to make all the plans for their life and now he wants a chance to make his own plans.
Oh and we can not forget the rambunctious Dash, the dog Ivy found shivering and abandoned under one of the tour bus. Ivy has always been against having a dog but has decided some change is needed and takes him home to Josh.
The emotions portrayed is this book are so profound and Cheryl writes them in a way that the reader can feel every single one. They is anger, hurt, assumed betrayal and joy. She writes of a love so profound it can weather anything as long as it is nurtured and taken care of.
My Christmas Hero
By Amy Vastine
Julianna Kramer (Jules) is working hard to find a sense of independence in her life, working several part time jobs to finally be able to get her own place. She is well organized and well-coordinated and does everything with proficiency that is until today. Today she has found herself in a few rather difficult situations that have required the handsome Rick Fisher to save her.
Rick Fisher is a responsible, respectful, goal oriented Firefighter who has spent his entire life following in his father’s footsteps. He has had one goal and that has been to be the best firefight and future chief he can be, nothing else matter. Rick has never thought of a future outside of being a firefighter, he never thought about settling down with a wife or such that is until today. After having to rescue Jules, not once or twice but three times, he starts seeing things in a different light.
Amy has written a story that like the previous novellas is extremely relatable, A story that we see all too often in real life. She has taken this realistic story and turned in to laughs and a possible happily-ever-after. She makes the reader realize that there is more to life than work, that everyone needs someone to share the spoils of their life with.
The Fisher Brothers Christmas
By Carol Ross, Cheryl Harper, and Amy Vastine
This Christmas set is a wonderful start to getting anyone into the Christmas spirit. A collection that shares three tales of two brothers who find love as well as one who tries to save a love that could be lost forever. Make sure you have some tissues handy because if you’re anything like me you will have plenty of happy tears.
The Christmas Bell
By Carol Ross
Ben Fisher is on a mission to find Christmas Town’s Christmas Bell for his father. The ultimate Christmas present for him. Being that he lives in California and has had no luck tracking the location of the bell, his mother suggests he talk to Andrea Talbot. The girl he tutored in high school, the girl who turned him down when he asked her out on a date. Having nowhere else to turn he asks and she agrees. Ben comes back to Christmas Town, Maine to be with his family for the holiday and see just what has become of the beautiful Miss Talbot.
Andrea Talbot was the popular rich girl in school who had everything growing up but not anymore. She left the confines of her parent’s conditional love and started her own business. She now spends her days collecting and selling antiques. She is low on money after find and procuring the very Christmas Bell that Ben has been searching for. She hasn’t told him yet because she wanted it to be a Christmas surprise and because she isn’t truly sure she hasn’t been scammed.
Carol does an excellent job giving her characters depth and making them very relatable. She has included adventure, mystery, intrigue, and some secrets in this story. It is fun and has a lot of real life elements. She has also includes a sweet, frozen kitten into the mix.
Making Up Under the Mistletoe
By Cheryl Harper
Smart and pretty Ivy Fisher has always had a plan for her life. It started with marrying her high school sweetheart right away. Now she has every intention of living her life out her in Christmas Town with her husband and one day taking over her father’s business, Coming to Town Bus Tours. That is until Josh tells her he wants to move to Portland and start fresh because he hates living in Christmas Town. Ivy is devastated and thinks that he is making plans to move on with his life without her and without consulting her.
Josh Fisher has always been a bit accident prone and his much hated nickname around town is Crash. He has also live his life in the shadow of his father the Fire Chief and his brother Rick, the fire lieutenant. He knows that he will never advance at the firehouse because they all see him as crash and also because his brother is in line to Chief one day. He wants to start fresh somewhere new, somewhere he can be Josh Fisher, rather than the son of Gus Fisher and the brother of Rick. He has allowed his wife to make all the plans for their life and now he wants a chance to make his own plans.
Oh and we can not forget the rambunctious Dash, the dog Ivy found shivering and abandoned under one of the tour bus. Ivy has always been against having a dog but has decided some change is needed and takes him home to Josh.
The emotions portrayed is this book are so profound and Cheryl writes them in a way that the reader can feel every single one. They is anger, hurt, assumed betrayal and joy. She writes of a love so profound it can weather anything as long as it is nurtured and taken care of.
My Christmas Hero
By Amy Vastine
Julianna Kramer (Jules) is working hard to find a sense of independence in her life, working several part time jobs to finally be able to get her own place. She is well organized and well-coordinated and does everything with proficiency that is until today. Today she has found herself in a few rather difficult situations that have required the handsome Rick Fisher to save her.
Rick Fisher is a responsible, respectful, goal oriented Firefighter who has spent his entire life following in his father’s footsteps. He has had one goal and that has been to be the best firefight and future chief he can be, nothing else matter. Rick has never thought of a future outside of being a firefighter, he never thought about settling down with a wife or such that is until today. After having to rescue Jules, not once or twice but three times, he starts seeing things in a different light.
Amy has written a story that like the previous novellas is extremely relatable, A story that we see all too often in real life. She has taken this realistic story and turned in to laughs and a possible happily-ever-after. She makes the reader realize that there is more to life than work, that everyone needs someone to share the spoils of their life with.
October 13, 2015
Thanks to Amy Vastine for The Fisher Brother's Christmas set of novellas for me to read and review. I've not read the other books but I plan on it as soon as the book comes out. I love Christmas stories, these were a perfect read for the cooler weather we've been having. I'll go book by book so that my reviews don't run together.
Novella 1: The Christmas Bell by Carol Ross, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
The geek and the popular girl. Now adults can Andrea show Ben that she's not the shallow girl she was back then? Can Ben see that Andrea has grown up and wants more than a friendship with him?
This one was cute. Ben hasn't lived in Christmas Town for a while. He's home for Christmas, and has been working with Andrea to find a long lost bell for his dad for a present. He's been wanting to come home to stay, he just needs to know that its the right thing.
I liked Ben, even if he was a little dense sometimes when it came to Andrea. Andrea was trying to do something nice and it ended up causing strife. In the end, its Christmas and a time for miracles.
Novella 2: Making Up Under the Mistletoe by Cheryl Harper, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Ivy and Josh, high school sweethearts that just seem to have grown apart. He wants to get out from under the shadow of his brother and dad and be the firefighter he wants to be instead of Crash. All Ivy wants to do is stay and make a success out of her dads company. She can't leave him, it would crush him.
This one made me a little sad. It seemed like Ivy gave up, just threw in the towel. She heard Josh say he took a test to join another fire house in another town and all she really heard was he was leaving her. All they needed was real communication. The love was always there, it just got buried in life. Christmas is that magical time of year when all things are possible, even coming back from the brink of divorce.
Novella 3: My Christmas Hero by Amy Vastine, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Julianna and Rick, These two had me laughing and sighing. They know each other but just in a passing kind of way. Julianna has always had a crush on Rick and he on her but they've never acted on it. Rick is on course to take over for his dad as Chief, so a social life isn't even on his radar. Julianna has come home after a bad relationship and is trying to get her life back on track. Getting stuck in a tree is just the start of Rick coming to her rescue.
While I enjoyed the other two novellas in this set I have to say I loved Rick and Julianna the most. She was a regular girl with regular issues. They were both just doing enough to get through life. With Julianna in his life he saw that he could have a personal life and be Chief.
Again, I'd like to thank Amy for the gift of the set to read and review. These were just a perfect amount to whet my appetite for more Christmas stories to come. I look forward to reading more from these authors, they certainly did a fantastic job with these stories! Leave them love in the form of a review.
Novella 1: The Christmas Bell by Carol Ross, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
The geek and the popular girl. Now adults can Andrea show Ben that she's not the shallow girl she was back then? Can Ben see that Andrea has grown up and wants more than a friendship with him?
This one was cute. Ben hasn't lived in Christmas Town for a while. He's home for Christmas, and has been working with Andrea to find a long lost bell for his dad for a present. He's been wanting to come home to stay, he just needs to know that its the right thing.
I liked Ben, even if he was a little dense sometimes when it came to Andrea. Andrea was trying to do something nice and it ended up causing strife. In the end, its Christmas and a time for miracles.
Novella 2: Making Up Under the Mistletoe by Cheryl Harper, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Ivy and Josh, high school sweethearts that just seem to have grown apart. He wants to get out from under the shadow of his brother and dad and be the firefighter he wants to be instead of Crash. All Ivy wants to do is stay and make a success out of her dads company. She can't leave him, it would crush him.
This one made me a little sad. It seemed like Ivy gave up, just threw in the towel. She heard Josh say he took a test to join another fire house in another town and all she really heard was he was leaving her. All they needed was real communication. The love was always there, it just got buried in life. Christmas is that magical time of year when all things are possible, even coming back from the brink of divorce.
Novella 3: My Christmas Hero by Amy Vastine, Harlequin Heartwarming author.
Julianna and Rick, These two had me laughing and sighing. They know each other but just in a passing kind of way. Julianna has always had a crush on Rick and he on her but they've never acted on it. Rick is on course to take over for his dad as Chief, so a social life isn't even on his radar. Julianna has come home after a bad relationship and is trying to get her life back on track. Getting stuck in a tree is just the start of Rick coming to her rescue.
While I enjoyed the other two novellas in this set I have to say I loved Rick and Julianna the most. She was a regular girl with regular issues. They were both just doing enough to get through life. With Julianna in his life he saw that he could have a personal life and be Chief.
Again, I'd like to thank Amy for the gift of the set to read and review. These were just a perfect amount to whet my appetite for more Christmas stories to come. I look forward to reading more from these authors, they certainly did a fantastic job with these stories! Leave them love in the form of a review.
October 13, 2015
The Fisher Brothers Christmas
The Christmas Bell
This is the first book that I have read by Carol Ross. It is a must read for the avid romance reader. I started this book earlier today and just could not put it down.
Andrea runs an antique shop and is barely able to make ends meet. She is helping Ben find a Christmas bell that used to hang in their hometown of Christmas town.
This book tells about their search for the bell and how much it means to the town, to Ben's family, and to Ben and to her. A story you are sure to enjoy.
The second book about the Fisher Brothers features Ivy and Josh.The name of the book is Making-Up Under the Mistletoe They have issues throughout their marriage that needs resolving. One of them is a control freak who wants everyone to follow her plan. She panics when things do not go the way she wants.
Josh however is tired of making sacrifices. Throughout the store you wonder if they will make their marriage work or go their separate ways. A great book I am sure you will agree.
The last book in the Fisher Brothers group is My Christmas Hero. This is the story of Julianna Kramer and Rick Fisher. I can relate to this book because I often have days like Julianna had that Christmas Eve. If something can go wrong it will. All throughout the book things were happening to Julianna and Rick had to come and save her.
In the end I wonder who really saved who. A cute story that kept my interest and made it hard to put the book down.
The Christmas Bell
This is the first book that I have read by Carol Ross. It is a must read for the avid romance reader. I started this book earlier today and just could not put it down.
Andrea runs an antique shop and is barely able to make ends meet. She is helping Ben find a Christmas bell that used to hang in their hometown of Christmas town.
This book tells about their search for the bell and how much it means to the town, to Ben's family, and to Ben and to her. A story you are sure to enjoy.
The second book about the Fisher Brothers features Ivy and Josh.The name of the book is Making-Up Under the Mistletoe They have issues throughout their marriage that needs resolving. One of them is a control freak who wants everyone to follow her plan. She panics when things do not go the way she wants.
Josh however is tired of making sacrifices. Throughout the store you wonder if they will make their marriage work or go their separate ways. A great book I am sure you will agree.
The last book in the Fisher Brothers group is My Christmas Hero. This is the story of Julianna Kramer and Rick Fisher. I can relate to this book because I often have days like Julianna had that Christmas Eve. If something can go wrong it will. All throughout the book things were happening to Julianna and Rick had to come and save her.
In the end I wonder who really saved who. A cute story that kept my interest and made it hard to put the book down.
September 29, 2015
Kindle Copy for Review
This is a twelve set novellas with four connecting stories in A Heartwarming Christmas box set about finding love along the way.
In the first set Coming Home to Christmas Town by Melinda Curtis, Anna Adams, & Anna J Stewart. We meet three adopted siblings gather for the holiday season to find closure after their adopted father dies.
Novella 1: The Comeback Christmas by Melinda Curtis
Can a high school love be reconnected with magical apples and a rundown mill? Second chances and doing the right thing is not necessary mix when it comes to love and sometimes first loves can be the best love.
Novella 2: Bells Are Ringing by Anna J Stewart
Old childhood friends can be your true love even when you try to deny it. When you take a chance at one thing you dream of doing might find you on another path that you might not realized. Thrown in a wedding chapel and you might find yourself down that path.
Novella 3: A Home by Christmas by Anna Adams
After running a bakery after her failed love in Boston for a few years now. She does not expect to see him again after all this time. But this time he is not alone but has two daughters who recently lost their mother. Will he be able to steal her heart again as well as his daughters who need a dose of motherly love?
This is a twelve set novellas with four connecting stories in A Heartwarming Christmas box set about finding love along the way.
In the first set Coming Home to Christmas Town by Melinda Curtis, Anna Adams, & Anna J Stewart. We meet three adopted siblings gather for the holiday season to find closure after their adopted father dies.
Novella 1: The Comeback Christmas by Melinda Curtis
Can a high school love be reconnected with magical apples and a rundown mill? Second chances and doing the right thing is not necessary mix when it comes to love and sometimes first loves can be the best love.
Novella 2: Bells Are Ringing by Anna J Stewart
Old childhood friends can be your true love even when you try to deny it. When you take a chance at one thing you dream of doing might find you on another path that you might not realized. Thrown in a wedding chapel and you might find yourself down that path.
Novella 3: A Home by Christmas by Anna Adams
After running a bakery after her failed love in Boston for a few years now. She does not expect to see him again after all this time. But this time he is not alone but has two daughters who recently lost their mother. Will he be able to steal her heart again as well as his daughters who need a dose of motherly love?
November 9, 2015
received The Fisher Brothers Christmas for honest review.
The Christmas Bell by Carol Ross
This story was very cute. Andrea and Ben have great chemistry. Andrea is helping Ben find a bell that means a lot to his family and their town. Ben who had a crush on Andrea when they were in high school still has feelings for her now as grown-ups. Andrea who grew up as a spoiled rich girl. Ben sees how much Andrea has changed to that girl he crushed on back in high school. This a short great read.
Making up Under the Mistletoe by Cheryl Harper
Josh and Ivy high school sweethearts that are now married are having issues. Ivy a control freak that wants things her way. Josh who always gives in and does what Ivy wants. Josh is tired of making sacrifices. Josh feels he can accomplish more by moving. Ivy who's helping her dad run the business doesn't want to leave. This a great book.
My Christmas Hero by Amy Vastine
This is also cute and humorous story. This story is about Jules and Rick. Poor Jules has the worst luck throughout the story. Rick who rescues Jules everytime and the hero. Jules moves back after she gets her heartbroken. Little does she know Rick will help through all this. Also a great book.
The Christmas Bell by Carol Ross
This story was very cute. Andrea and Ben have great chemistry. Andrea is helping Ben find a bell that means a lot to his family and their town. Ben who had a crush on Andrea when they were in high school still has feelings for her now as grown-ups. Andrea who grew up as a spoiled rich girl. Ben sees how much Andrea has changed to that girl he crushed on back in high school. This a short great read.
Making up Under the Mistletoe by Cheryl Harper
Josh and Ivy high school sweethearts that are now married are having issues. Ivy a control freak that wants things her way. Josh who always gives in and does what Ivy wants. Josh is tired of making sacrifices. Josh feels he can accomplish more by moving. Ivy who's helping her dad run the business doesn't want to leave. This a great book.
My Christmas Hero by Amy Vastine
This is also cute and humorous story. This story is about Jules and Rick. Poor Jules has the worst luck throughout the story. Rick who rescues Jules everytime and the hero. Jules moves back after she gets her heartbroken. Little does she know Rick will help through all this. Also a great book.
October 10, 2015
I was given an advanced copy of "The Fisher Brothers Christmas" in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying that I love novellas. Single servings of light drama and romance are the perfect fit for me, and I loved that this set had great standalone stories that fit together and enhanced each other so well.
My favorite was the final novella, My Christmas Hero. Rick and Julianna were both likable and independent characters who couldn't help but get caught up in the festivity and romance of the holidays.
"Never in all his years with the fire department had Rick forgotten he was on duty. Until today. What was he doing? Julianna was messing with his head. There was still a lot of work to be done and even more once he finished his shift. If he wanted to earn his men’s respect as their captain someday, there was no room on his to-do list for kissing Julianna.
No matter how much he wanted to do it."
I can't help but smile while thinking about their story. It is the perfect read to get you ready for the holiday season.
Let me start by saying that I love novellas. Single servings of light drama and romance are the perfect fit for me, and I loved that this set had great standalone stories that fit together and enhanced each other so well.
My favorite was the final novella, My Christmas Hero. Rick and Julianna were both likable and independent characters who couldn't help but get caught up in the festivity and romance of the holidays.
"Never in all his years with the fire department had Rick forgotten he was on duty. Until today. What was he doing? Julianna was messing with his head. There was still a lot of work to be done and even more once he finished his shift. If he wanted to earn his men’s respect as their captain someday, there was no room on his to-do list for kissing Julianna.
No matter how much he wanted to do it."
I can't help but smile while thinking about their story. It is the perfect read to get you ready for the holiday season.
October 14, 2015
I received an ARC copy of The Fisher Brothers Christmas from the author Carol Ross in exchange for an honest review which is in the box set.
Reading The Christmas Bell you find out the struggles both Ben Fisher and Andrea Talbot go through for a bell and find their HEA ending.
Then Making Up Under The Mistletoe you see how Josh and Ivy Fisher are still struggling together after everyone felt they wouldn't make it being married so young when they realize they still have a lot of years to be together in good and bad as long as they are together.
My Christmas Hero shows that both Rick Fisher and Julianna Kramer are each others heros and how they will be good for each other together.
I loved all three brothers stories and how family is important to all of them. I purchased the box set to read the rest.
Reading The Christmas Bell you find out the struggles both Ben Fisher and Andrea Talbot go through for a bell and find their HEA ending.
Then Making Up Under The Mistletoe you see how Josh and Ivy Fisher are still struggling together after everyone felt they wouldn't make it being married so young when they realize they still have a lot of years to be together in good and bad as long as they are together.
My Christmas Hero shows that both Rick Fisher and Julianna Kramer are each others heros and how they will be good for each other together.
I loved all three brothers stories and how family is important to all of them. I purchased the box set to read the rest.
October 20, 2015
I absolutely loved this boxed set. 12 novellas for under $1 is too good a deal to pass up, but my favorite thing about this particular set is how the stories were interwoven. There are 4 'books' made up of 3 novellas each (hence the 12 sweet stories) and all are set during the holidays.
I started with Liz Flaherty's The Gingerbread Heart - as always her characters came alive for me through the pages, and I rooted for Cass from the first page. She was exactly the right mix of feisty and feminine. Liz's book is paired with Rula Sinara's and Patricia Bradley's and all three center on a family of women coming together and falling in love during the holidays. You'll love how these women find and embrace their happily ever after.
If you're looking for some quick, holiday-themed romances with character you'll root for this is a great set.
I started with Liz Flaherty's The Gingerbread Heart - as always her characters came alive for me through the pages, and I rooted for Cass from the first page. She was exactly the right mix of feisty and feminine. Liz's book is paired with Rula Sinara's and Patricia Bradley's and all three center on a family of women coming together and falling in love during the holidays. You'll love how these women find and embrace their happily ever after.
If you're looking for some quick, holiday-themed romances with character you'll root for this is a great set.
October 5, 2015
My Christmas hero by Amy Vastine
. I honestly love this novella. I want to know where Christmas town is so I can move there. I loved Rick and Julianna's characters. Julianna was feeling down and in the way since dropping out of medical school and dropping a cheating boyfriend. She moved back home with her Aunt and grandfather. Rick was determined to be the best firefighter he could be and take his father's place as chief someday. He didn't think he had time for relationships. Until he ran into Julianna, or should I say " saved Julianna" after numerous disastrous incidents. Good thing he was a fireman because with these two there were major sparks. The story had me laughing and sniffling. A great read that I didn't want to end.
. I honestly love this novella. I want to know where Christmas town is so I can move there. I loved Rick and Julianna's characters. Julianna was feeling down and in the way since dropping out of medical school and dropping a cheating boyfriend. She moved back home with her Aunt and grandfather. Rick was determined to be the best firefighter he could be and take his father's place as chief someday. He didn't think he had time for relationships. Until he ran into Julianna, or should I say " saved Julianna" after numerous disastrous incidents. Good thing he was a fireman because with these two there were major sparks. The story had me laughing and sniffling. A great read that I didn't want to end.
October 12, 2015
I read The Fisher's Brothers Christmas trilogy in this set. I like how each story is about one of 3 brothers and their women. The first book starts about a week before Christmas; the second book on December 23 and the third on Christmas Eve. All the stories end on Christmas Eve with some overlap of time and characters, but not of stories. The books are full of palpable emotion and some humor. Even though each book is written by a different author, the style and consistency in the writing made the transition to another story transparent. I thoroughly enjoyed these stories about Ben and Andrea, Josh and Ivy and Rick and Julianna.
Read
October 5, 2015Liz Flaherty’s The Gingerbread Heart
A warm romance just in time for the holidays. I swear I could smell ginger and cinnamon in the air.
My dream is to retire in a cozy Maine cottage, so this story was a lovely escape.
Eli and Cass’s story made me believe in second chances. Both had open, giving hearts and found each other at the perfect time in their lives.
Now that the novella is over, I’m craving hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies. I suggest curling up by the fire, and using this story as an escape from all the holiday madness.
A warm romance just in time for the holidays. I swear I could smell ginger and cinnamon in the air.
My dream is to retire in a cozy Maine cottage, so this story was a lovely escape.
Eli and Cass’s story made me believe in second chances. Both had open, giving hearts and found each other at the perfect time in their lives.
Now that the novella is over, I’m craving hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies. I suggest curling up by the fire, and using this story as an escape from all the holiday madness.
October 19, 2015
Wonderful Christmas stories
I absolutely loved this collection of stories set in the small town called Christmas Town. Each story made me feel like I was in Christmas Town and part of the town, each set showed the love of family, community and happily ever after. Showed also how to work through things that seem impossible to get that happily ever after. I will be rereading this book often
I absolutely loved this collection of stories set in the small town called Christmas Town. Each story made me feel like I was in Christmas Town and part of the town, each set showed the love of family, community and happily ever after. Showed also how to work through things that seem impossible to get that happily ever after. I will be rereading this book often
October 12, 2015
This review is for My Christmas Hero by Amy Vastine
I was provided a copy of this story for my honest review.
I ADORED this novella. Amy always writes women I want to befriend and men I wanna meet!I laughed out loud many times and was also touched. It made me excited to read more of the Fisher brothers stories and I am planning on doing so when this box set comes out!
I was provided a copy of this story for my honest review.
I ADORED this novella. Amy always writes women I want to befriend and men I wanna meet!I laughed out loud many times and was also touched. It made me excited to read more of the Fisher brothers stories and I am planning on doing so when this box set comes out!
October 1, 2015
I'm a huge fan of Liz Flaherty's work and I was lucky enough to beta her contribution to this boxed set, The Gingerbread Heart. A fantastic and touching story about two people ready to try love one more time. If the rest of the stories are as wonderful as Liz's, I'm in all the way!!
November 29, 2015
This is a set of 12 heartwarming and clean Christmas novellas set in Christmas Town, Maine... they are broken into 4 sets of 3 novellas. I have read the first set of 3 novellas, and I will update my review as I read more of them.
Set 1: Coming Back to Christmas Town. Marnie, Chloe, and Noelle are all the same age and are all the adopted daughters of the Wrights. Both of their adopted parents have now passed on, leaving Marnie the wedding chapel, Chloe the mill, and Noelle the house.
The first story is about Teddy Lincoln and Chloe. Years ago Teddy declared his love to Chloe and then did the right thing by marrying his ex-girlfriend who was pregnant with their baby. Their marriage only lasted three years, and since then he's been working hard to save the family apple farm to pay medical bills for his dad and help his younger sister get to college. When Chloe comes back she wants to sell the mill to pay off her own debts, but the only interested buyer is Teddy... and she does NOT want to sell to him. This was a great second-chance story!
The second story is about Marnie and Sam Collins. Sam has always been Marnie's best friend and has always been supportive of everything she has done... until she wants to go away to New York for design school. Sam realizes the time to play it safe has passed, and it's time to go for what he really wants!
The third story is about Noelle and David Parker. Years ago they kissed under the mistletoe on Christmas Eve (which was supposed to guarantee they would be married by the end of the new year). Instead Noelle walked away from a workaholic David who seemed to put work and all of his cases before Noelle. Now several years later he is vacationing in Christmas Town with his 6-year-old twin daughters and he needs Noelle's help to show his daughters what a merry Christmas feels like.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
Set 2 - The Fisher Brothers Christmas - There are three Fisher brothers: Ben, Rick and Josh. Their father is the fire chief and two of his sons work with him: Rick (who is practically perfect) and Josh (who is impulsive and has a hard time living in Rick's shadow). Ben, the oldest, works at his own software company in California.
The first story is about Ben and Andrea Talbot, the local antiques dealer. In high school Ben was the math tutor with the crush on the homecoming queen (Andrea), and Andrea was the self-centered girl who had once treated him badly. But Ben Fisher is no longer the nerdy geek; he is flourishing and Andrea is floundering. Ben hired Andrea to find the original Christmas Town bell to give his father for Christmas. As they have been corresponding and getting to know each other over the past yea while they have been searching for the bell, they have been falling in love with each other. And Andrea is determined to show Ben how much she really has changed since high school.
The second story is about Josh and Ivy, who are married. Ivy has definite plans for everyone in her life and Josh has been just going along with them until now. But with his reputation as the impulsive son of the fire chief, and constantly being in the shadow of his perfect older brother Rick, he needs a fresh start outside of Christmas Town. Ivy is determined to stay in Christmas Town. If a Christmas miracle doesn't come along soon, they will be announcing their split right after Christmas.
The third story is about Julianna Kramer - "Jules" - and Rick. Rick is practically perfect and never gets himself in binds, has no lapses in judgment, and always does the right thing. Rick has to save Jules three times in the same day, and Jules is totally humiliated until she discovers Rick needs saving, too. I loved how Rick and Jules really saw each other, and helped each other see themselves better.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
Set 3 - Gifts of the Heart - William Sullivan and his wife Joy have run the store Comfort and Joy for years. Recently William has had a stroke, and this set of novellas are the stories of their three children.
The first story is about their daughter Faith who is their youngest and would love to travel, but she is needed to run Comfort and Joy. Her two older siblings have left and can't return to Christmas Town for their own reasons, and so she is the only one left to run the store. Life throws her a curve ball the day Drew Montgomery comes into her shop looking for his birth mother and she helps him on his search.
The second story is about Hope Sullivan who has come back for two weeks to run the store at Christmas time so her younger sister Faith can travel. She is a lawyer who likes to make plans (and have others fall in line with those plans). She has her 4-1/2 year old son with her, and she needs to confront her son's father... who doesn't even know he has a son. She has known Chris, the father of her son, her whole life and knows that he never planned to have children of his own because he was raised in a toxic home. She has good reasons for not having told him about his son before now... I wish there had been a little more to their reconciliation story.
The third story is about Brady Sullivan, the oldest and one-time golden boy of Christmas Town. Because of his father's failing health, he has decided that he wants to "come clean" and tell his family what really happened 12 years ago when he got caught up in the cheating scandal with his English teacher, Miss Beth Crawford. And he would also like to receive forgiveness from Beth's younger sister, Cara so he can have a chance at happiness with her.
Content: Clean, few mild swear words
Source: Amazon.com
Set 4 - The Gingerbread Men
Set 1: Coming Back to Christmas Town. Marnie, Chloe, and Noelle are all the same age and are all the adopted daughters of the Wrights. Both of their adopted parents have now passed on, leaving Marnie the wedding chapel, Chloe the mill, and Noelle the house.
The first story is about Teddy Lincoln and Chloe. Years ago Teddy declared his love to Chloe and then did the right thing by marrying his ex-girlfriend who was pregnant with their baby. Their marriage only lasted three years, and since then he's been working hard to save the family apple farm to pay medical bills for his dad and help his younger sister get to college. When Chloe comes back she wants to sell the mill to pay off her own debts, but the only interested buyer is Teddy... and she does NOT want to sell to him. This was a great second-chance story!
The second story is about Marnie and Sam Collins. Sam has always been Marnie's best friend and has always been supportive of everything she has done... until she wants to go away to New York for design school. Sam realizes the time to play it safe has passed, and it's time to go for what he really wants!
The third story is about Noelle and David Parker. Years ago they kissed under the mistletoe on Christmas Eve (which was supposed to guarantee they would be married by the end of the new year). Instead Noelle walked away from a workaholic David who seemed to put work and all of his cases before Noelle. Now several years later he is vacationing in Christmas Town with his 6-year-old twin daughters and he needs Noelle's help to show his daughters what a merry Christmas feels like.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
Set 2 - The Fisher Brothers Christmas - There are three Fisher brothers: Ben, Rick and Josh. Their father is the fire chief and two of his sons work with him: Rick (who is practically perfect) and Josh (who is impulsive and has a hard time living in Rick's shadow). Ben, the oldest, works at his own software company in California.
The first story is about Ben and Andrea Talbot, the local antiques dealer. In high school Ben was the math tutor with the crush on the homecoming queen (Andrea), and Andrea was the self-centered girl who had once treated him badly. But Ben Fisher is no longer the nerdy geek; he is flourishing and Andrea is floundering. Ben hired Andrea to find the original Christmas Town bell to give his father for Christmas. As they have been corresponding and getting to know each other over the past yea while they have been searching for the bell, they have been falling in love with each other. And Andrea is determined to show Ben how much she really has changed since high school.
The second story is about Josh and Ivy, who are married. Ivy has definite plans for everyone in her life and Josh has been just going along with them until now. But with his reputation as the impulsive son of the fire chief, and constantly being in the shadow of his perfect older brother Rick, he needs a fresh start outside of Christmas Town. Ivy is determined to stay in Christmas Town. If a Christmas miracle doesn't come along soon, they will be announcing their split right after Christmas.
The third story is about Julianna Kramer - "Jules" - and Rick. Rick is practically perfect and never gets himself in binds, has no lapses in judgment, and always does the right thing. Rick has to save Jules three times in the same day, and Jules is totally humiliated until she discovers Rick needs saving, too. I loved how Rick and Jules really saw each other, and helped each other see themselves better.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
Set 3 - Gifts of the Heart - William Sullivan and his wife Joy have run the store Comfort and Joy for years. Recently William has had a stroke, and this set of novellas are the stories of their three children.
The first story is about their daughter Faith who is their youngest and would love to travel, but she is needed to run Comfort and Joy. Her two older siblings have left and can't return to Christmas Town for their own reasons, and so she is the only one left to run the store. Life throws her a curve ball the day Drew Montgomery comes into her shop looking for his birth mother and she helps him on his search.
The second story is about Hope Sullivan who has come back for two weeks to run the store at Christmas time so her younger sister Faith can travel. She is a lawyer who likes to make plans (and have others fall in line with those plans). She has her 4-1/2 year old son with her, and she needs to confront her son's father... who doesn't even know he has a son. She has known Chris, the father of her son, her whole life and knows that he never planned to have children of his own because he was raised in a toxic home. She has good reasons for not having told him about his son before now... I wish there had been a little more to their reconciliation story.
The third story is about Brady Sullivan, the oldest and one-time golden boy of Christmas Town. Because of his father's failing health, he has decided that he wants to "come clean" and tell his family what really happened 12 years ago when he got caught up in the cheating scandal with his English teacher, Miss Beth Crawford. And he would also like to receive forgiveness from Beth's younger sister, Cara so he can have a chance at happiness with her.
Content: Clean, few mild swear words
Source: Amazon.com
Set 4 - The Gingerbread Men
November 2, 2021
This book consists of 12 novellas. Each can be read independently. These novellas are short enough that they can be read during the short breaks people have during the season leading to Christmas (or anytime really, I read them in October). I love the way that many authors contributed stories that all take place in the same small town. All their styles are similar, so the overall feel of the entire book is cohesive unit.
I enjoyed this collection very much.
I enjoyed this collection very much.
January 24, 2022
Good Reading
Loved each story and that they overlapped with each other. Characters reappeared or were alluded to in each story, and everything occurred during the same period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. What I disliked was that the series ended! Why stop at12? I always become attached to the characters and hate to say goodbye. I would recommend this series to anyone
Loved each story and that they overlapped with each other. Characters reappeared or were alluded to in each story, and everything occurred during the same period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. What I disliked was that the series ended! Why stop at12? I always become attached to the characters and hate to say goodbye. I would recommend this series to anyone
March 1, 2018
Christmas Town
One of the best collections of stories about a town I have read.The characters in the books are amazing .Each book keeps you wanting to know more about the town and the people in it.
One of the best collections of stories about a town I have read.The characters in the books are amazing .Each book keeps you wanting to know more about the town and the people in it.
September 5, 2019
No heat
Drags on. Absolutely no chemistry whatsoever. It’s a dull read that drolls has n and on. Would be great short stories. Clean Christian romances have far more heat. It’s a no go for me. I read the first three (gotta give it a chance) and it was a complete waste of time.
Drags on. Absolutely no chemistry whatsoever. It’s a dull read that drolls has n and on. Would be great short stories. Clean Christian romances have far more heat. It’s a no go for me. I read the first three (gotta give it a chance) and it was a complete waste of time.
December 24, 2017
This is a very sweet, loving story that just makes your heart smile. I love this type of story during the holiday season. It just like watching a great Hallmark Christmas movie
December 1, 2018
12 beautiful Christmas stories, all set in Christmas Town, Maine, with characters showing up in many of the stories. I really liked this series, all together to read one after another.
May 2, 2019
I adore and enjoy any and all well written Christmas Stories, these fit the bill.
February 19, 2022
Heart warming Christmas stories that made me feel good inside.
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