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All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
- GenresChristmas
ebook
First published November 11, 2015
73 people want to read
About the author
Laura Chapman
26 books134 followersLaura Chapman is the author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies, including Playing House, The Marrying Type, the Queen of the League series, and other stories. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 11, 2015
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Full disclosure: I am a Christmas junkie. Songs, stories, Hallmark movies ... if they've got a hint of Christmas to them, they've automatically captured my attention. So when I had a chance to review this collection of holiday novellas - written by authors I already adore - I jumped at the chance.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS did not disappoint. Each of the stories were laced with holiday shenanigans, romantic times, and plenty of Christmas magic. The authors created characters you'd love to sit down with for a great cup of coffee and a long fireside chat. Sometimes you'll want to talk some sense into them, sometimes you'll want to give them a giant high-five.
I loved the situations they found themselves in and enjoyed the relationships between best friends as much as the relationships between love interests. There's nothing quite like a little awesome girlfriend banter to keep the story fun.
This really is a great collection to add to your holiday reading list. The stories move quickly and will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling - exactly what everyone needs during this very special season.
Full disclosure: I am a Christmas junkie. Songs, stories, Hallmark movies ... if they've got a hint of Christmas to them, they've automatically captured my attention. So when I had a chance to review this collection of holiday novellas - written by authors I already adore - I jumped at the chance.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS did not disappoint. Each of the stories were laced with holiday shenanigans, romantic times, and plenty of Christmas magic. The authors created characters you'd love to sit down with for a great cup of coffee and a long fireside chat. Sometimes you'll want to talk some sense into them, sometimes you'll want to give them a giant high-five.
I loved the situations they found themselves in and enjoyed the relationships between best friends as much as the relationships between love interests. There's nothing quite like a little awesome girlfriend banter to keep the story fun.
This really is a great collection to add to your holiday reading list. The stories move quickly and will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling - exactly what everyone needs during this very special season.
November 24, 2015
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
I enjoyed this story of Ivy and Everett from beginning to end. The concept of celebrating the Christmas spirit every day from December 1st through December 25th sounds truly magical!
I may actually institute something like this with my kids this year!
They had the almost fairy tale romance - set-up from from meeting in a coffee shop one random day and starting this adventure together. Little by little letting guards down and each feeling a spark. Little does Ivy know, Everett has not had the easiest love life in the past and this could hinder her thoughts of maybe dating happily ever after with him? I will not give away each and every detail (not that wouldn't be fun would it?) but I will say that Laura does not disappoint.
Grab a glass of wine, sit by the fire and read and fall in love with Ivy and Everett.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Will this be the office party to remember or will it be the office party from hell?
Well Casey took this job on to impress Quinn and I believe she is regretting it from the day she said yes.
She thought putting this party would be easy, well think again. Now mind you this is an ALL DAY party, that's a lot of pressure for one person!
What will they eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Where will the food come from? Who will be the DJ (no one is a fan of Tyler :( ) This party is a lot of pressure for one person!
Jane is trying to be the merry match making elf of the season (my name for her) and she pushes Casey to actually talk to Quinn...great in one way and not so great in another...I won't ruin the details for ya, def. must read to believe!
The ending truly is the best and I couldn't have been smiling more if I tried! A must read for the holidays!
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
What a story! I couldn't put it down. Right when I thought I knew what was going to happen things change and that happened over and over.
I was working and reading this, thank goodness it was a slow day because I kept going back to it.
Juliette is your typical stay at home mom and her husband supports the family with his amazing job.
One day she over hears some lady's gossiping about someone...a woman who is being cheated on by her husband...and her mind starts to go in 100 different directions!
Is it her husband? Was he telling the truth about having to work late? Was his business trip for real?
She can't catch a break, just when she gets one rumor under control she heats another and the process starts all over again!
She can't lose her family, and to make it worse it's the holiday season! She decides to not confront her husband till after the holidays...Could you hold it together for that long?
A definite page turner for the holiday season!
What Happens At Midnight by Laura Chapman
My heart almost stopped...I wasn't sure I could make it to the end but I survived.
LOVED this story! It had the right amount of romance, suspense, sadness and holiday cheer all rolled into an amazing short story.
Natalie loves romance and all things romance especially romantic comedies! Then on New Year's she stumbles into a ROM COM of her own. She meets Rob and she is smitten to say the least. But...neither is ready to commit and date but they plan to meet again one day...
Then one day something happens and that all changes...I wish I could say but I do not want to ruin integral parts of this amazing story.
Life happens for both Natalie and Rob, some good things and lots of not so good things.
Can the magic of the Holiday and New Year help them connect or will that connection be lost forever?
You will not be disappointed!
I enjoyed this story of Ivy and Everett from beginning to end. The concept of celebrating the Christmas spirit every day from December 1st through December 25th sounds truly magical!
I may actually institute something like this with my kids this year!
They had the almost fairy tale romance - set-up from from meeting in a coffee shop one random day and starting this adventure together. Little by little letting guards down and each feeling a spark. Little does Ivy know, Everett has not had the easiest love life in the past and this could hinder her thoughts of maybe dating happily ever after with him? I will not give away each and every detail (not that wouldn't be fun would it?) but I will say that Laura does not disappoint.
Grab a glass of wine, sit by the fire and read and fall in love with Ivy and Everett.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Will this be the office party to remember or will it be the office party from hell?
Well Casey took this job on to impress Quinn and I believe she is regretting it from the day she said yes.
She thought putting this party would be easy, well think again. Now mind you this is an ALL DAY party, that's a lot of pressure for one person!
What will they eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Where will the food come from? Who will be the DJ (no one is a fan of Tyler :( ) This party is a lot of pressure for one person!
Jane is trying to be the merry match making elf of the season (my name for her) and she pushes Casey to actually talk to Quinn...great in one way and not so great in another...I won't ruin the details for ya, def. must read to believe!
The ending truly is the best and I couldn't have been smiling more if I tried! A must read for the holidays!
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
What a story! I couldn't put it down. Right when I thought I knew what was going to happen things change and that happened over and over.
I was working and reading this, thank goodness it was a slow day because I kept going back to it.
Juliette is your typical stay at home mom and her husband supports the family with his amazing job.
One day she over hears some lady's gossiping about someone...a woman who is being cheated on by her husband...and her mind starts to go in 100 different directions!
Is it her husband? Was he telling the truth about having to work late? Was his business trip for real?
She can't catch a break, just when she gets one rumor under control she heats another and the process starts all over again!
She can't lose her family, and to make it worse it's the holiday season! She decides to not confront her husband till after the holidays...Could you hold it together for that long?
A definite page turner for the holiday season!
What Happens At Midnight by Laura Chapman
My heart almost stopped...I wasn't sure I could make it to the end but I survived.
LOVED this story! It had the right amount of romance, suspense, sadness and holiday cheer all rolled into an amazing short story.
Natalie loves romance and all things romance especially romantic comedies! Then on New Year's she stumbles into a ROM COM of her own. She meets Rob and she is smitten to say the least. But...neither is ready to commit and date but they plan to meet again one day...
Then one day something happens and that all changes...I wish I could say but I do not want to ruin integral parts of this amazing story.
Life happens for both Natalie and Rob, some good things and lots of not so good things.
Can the magic of the Holiday and New Year help them connect or will that connection be lost forever?
You will not be disappointed!
February 20, 2016
This was a really lovely collection of short stories.
Making Christmas (Laura Chapman):
The romance in this short story was absolutely gorgeous and beautiful with Everett becoming one of my fictional dream guys (which is what usually happens when I read Laura Chapman's books); the spontaneous spirit of Ivy and Everett was fun and heart-warming to read about.
Nine Ladies Dancing (Cat Lavoie):
This was a very humorous short story. I found Quinn Bryant a tad impatient and he appears to be slightly obsessed with his ex-girlfriend as well, how Casey Ellis tolerated his behaviour, I have no idea and I would have gladly passed Quinn onto Lisa West since she was into him. I came to like Harris Sullivan and loved the ending. I also found this novel light-hearted as well.
The Christmas Surprise (Samantha March):
Here you get a deeper glimpse into one of the previous characters that was in 'A Questionable Friendship'. I found Juliette Mabry quite superfical (looks orientated), which I thought was unnecessary since it was her kind and generous nature that shone through in the end, though there were times when her superficial observation of herself was noble, but mislead. It made me wonder why she thought that she needed to improve on her body with plastic surgery. It was nice to read about these characters and get a more detailed glimpse into some of the minor characters that were
in 'A Questionable Friendship'.
What happens at Midnight (Laura Chapman):
This short story branched out into more reflective territory. Here I would have liked to get more of a glimpse of Rob, since you only see him from Natalie's point of view. I ended up loving Natalie and her phrases.
Since this is a Christmas-themed collection, a person is reminded of why Christmas is such an important time of year. For my Amazon review go here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R2U8...
Making Christmas (Laura Chapman):
The romance in this short story was absolutely gorgeous and beautiful with Everett becoming one of my fictional dream guys (which is what usually happens when I read Laura Chapman's books); the spontaneous spirit of Ivy and Everett was fun and heart-warming to read about.
Nine Ladies Dancing (Cat Lavoie):
This was a very humorous short story. I found Quinn Bryant a tad impatient and he appears to be slightly obsessed with his ex-girlfriend as well, how Casey Ellis tolerated his behaviour, I have no idea and I would have gladly passed Quinn onto Lisa West since she was into him. I came to like Harris Sullivan and loved the ending. I also found this novel light-hearted as well.
The Christmas Surprise (Samantha March):
Here you get a deeper glimpse into one of the previous characters that was in 'A Questionable Friendship'. I found Juliette Mabry quite superfical (looks orientated), which I thought was unnecessary since it was her kind and generous nature that shone through in the end, though there were times when her superficial observation of herself was noble, but mislead. It made me wonder why she thought that she needed to improve on her body with plastic surgery. It was nice to read about these characters and get a more detailed glimpse into some of the minor characters that were
in 'A Questionable Friendship'.
What happens at Midnight (Laura Chapman):
This short story branched out into more reflective territory. Here I would have liked to get more of a glimpse of Rob, since you only see him from Natalie's point of view. I ended up loving Natalie and her phrases.
Since this is a Christmas-themed collection, a person is reminded of why Christmas is such an important time of year. For my Amazon review go here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R2U8...
November 26, 2015
As soon as I saw this book I knew it was for me because I love all three authors! And I was right... All I Want For Christmas is the perfect light hearted read to get you into the holiday spirit. I devoured each and every story and fell in love with all of the characters.
December 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect holiday read.
All the stories have a great plot that keep you pulled in until the very end. Although predictable, as a reader you would be angry otherwise, it offers great stories that move quickly along and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Making Christmas-
This is a great story about a woman named Ivy, who decides to create an adult advent calendar to get her into actually enjoying the holidays this year. As she is working on her list, she winds up interacting with Everette, an avid coffee lover who always end up there the same time Ivy is. Despite his scrooge like tendencies about the holidays, she convinces him to help her complete her advent calendar. This fairy-tale like romance still manages to have it's ups and downs that will keep you enthralled while you snuggle up with your own Christmas flavored drink from Starbucks.
Nine Ladies Dancing-
I liked this story. It's about a girl named Casey, who despite her consistent bad luck during the holidays offers to throw the office Christmas party in order to get the attention of a certain employee, Quinn. What you think is going to be a predictable outcome, actually has a great twist that shows sometimes unexpected bad luck turns out to be the greatest luck of all.
The Christmas Surprise
This story was read in one sitting. From the very beginning, we meet Juliette overhearing women gossiping about a man cheating on his wife. With certain topics being a little to close to home, Juliette finds herself letting her mind spin out of control. Was the perfect marriage she thought she had falling apart? There are so many twists and turns that I would hate to spoil for everyone, but it's a great life lesson regarding gossip and what is can do to people.
What Happens at Midnight
This story starts off like a romantic comedy. Natalie meets a guy at a bar that comes to her rescue at midnight on New Years, not just once but three times in a row! The fourth time they decide to meet on purpose hoping they will be where they want to be in their lives and ready for a relationship. Only when Natalie goes to meet Rob, he never shows up. Then as life would have it, their paths cross again, but things are different now for the scorned Natalie. Will they be able to figure out what really happened on that fateful night?
The short stories are perfect reads during the holidays when you have some time to spare but not a whole lot. Each one has a heartfelt message and will have you looking at how you spends your holiday this year a little differently.
Highly recommended!
All the stories have a great plot that keep you pulled in until the very end. Although predictable, as a reader you would be angry otherwise, it offers great stories that move quickly along and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Making Christmas-
This is a great story about a woman named Ivy, who decides to create an adult advent calendar to get her into actually enjoying the holidays this year. As she is working on her list, she winds up interacting with Everette, an avid coffee lover who always end up there the same time Ivy is. Despite his scrooge like tendencies about the holidays, she convinces him to help her complete her advent calendar. This fairy-tale like romance still manages to have it's ups and downs that will keep you enthralled while you snuggle up with your own Christmas flavored drink from Starbucks.
Nine Ladies Dancing-
I liked this story. It's about a girl named Casey, who despite her consistent bad luck during the holidays offers to throw the office Christmas party in order to get the attention of a certain employee, Quinn. What you think is going to be a predictable outcome, actually has a great twist that shows sometimes unexpected bad luck turns out to be the greatest luck of all.
The Christmas Surprise
This story was read in one sitting. From the very beginning, we meet Juliette overhearing women gossiping about a man cheating on his wife. With certain topics being a little to close to home, Juliette finds herself letting her mind spin out of control. Was the perfect marriage she thought she had falling apart? There are so many twists and turns that I would hate to spoil for everyone, but it's a great life lesson regarding gossip and what is can do to people.
What Happens at Midnight
This story starts off like a romantic comedy. Natalie meets a guy at a bar that comes to her rescue at midnight on New Years, not just once but three times in a row! The fourth time they decide to meet on purpose hoping they will be where they want to be in their lives and ready for a relationship. Only when Natalie goes to meet Rob, he never shows up. Then as life would have it, their paths cross again, but things are different now for the scorned Natalie. Will they be able to figure out what really happened on that fateful night?
The short stories are perfect reads during the holidays when you have some time to spare but not a whole lot. Each one has a heartfelt message and will have you looking at how you spends your holiday this year a little differently.
Highly recommended!
January 4, 2016
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
While knee-deep in present wrapping and last-minute shopping, I made the wise decision in reading All I Want For Christmas, a holiday novella collection featuring the well-written talents of Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie, and Samantha March.
In Chapman’s “Making Christmas”, the main character, Ivy, invents her own advent calendar, inviting a stranger along for the ride. What starts out as a way to boost spirits during the season, turns into a romantic surprise. I was reminded of the simplicity of doing something wonderful for others, while reading this particular novella, and I’m inspired to create an advent calendar for my own family, next year. Chapman’s other addition to this novella, “What Happens at Midnight”, was so much fun, and unexpected. At first, the romantically infused Natalie feels she’s finally met the man of her dreams, on New Year’s Eve. After she has her heart broken, she’s ready to throw in the towel and do away with love. WIll she ever find her way back to believing in a happily ever after?
“Nine Ladies Dancing”, by Cat Lavoie, was such a sweet read, reminiscent of one of my favorite movies, Serendipity. Casey is convinced she’s gotten lucky when an office crush finally notices her, but life takes a sharp detour when her car breaks down in front of a local bar. It’s hard to know the right decisions in life, especially when you feel you’ve been marred with bad luck in the romance department. And in “The Christmas Surprise”, by Samantha March, Juliette is convinced her happy world is about to fall apart, after discovering her husband’s potential indiscretions. Everything comes to a head on Christmas Day, much to everyone’s surprise. Being a stay-at-home wife and mother, like Juliette, it was hard not to identify with her. Feeling like the rug’s been pulled from under you would be a traumatic experience, to say the least.
As much as I try to keep things light and easy during the holiday season, I always end up a little (or a lot) stressed, pulled in a few (or many) different directions. I have a feeling most of us end up like that, with the best intentions in the beginning, yet feeling like we’ve run a marathon when the festivities are over. I had a lot of fun reading All I Want For Christmas, content on living vicariously through other characters and their own adventures, giving me a much-needed break from my own. Granted, the season is nearly over, but these stories live on, relevant no matter what time of year it is. It’s never too late (or too early) in finding your own sweet retreat from the occasional stressors of life.
While knee-deep in present wrapping and last-minute shopping, I made the wise decision in reading All I Want For Christmas, a holiday novella collection featuring the well-written talents of Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie, and Samantha March.
In Chapman’s “Making Christmas”, the main character, Ivy, invents her own advent calendar, inviting a stranger along for the ride. What starts out as a way to boost spirits during the season, turns into a romantic surprise. I was reminded of the simplicity of doing something wonderful for others, while reading this particular novella, and I’m inspired to create an advent calendar for my own family, next year. Chapman’s other addition to this novella, “What Happens at Midnight”, was so much fun, and unexpected. At first, the romantically infused Natalie feels she’s finally met the man of her dreams, on New Year’s Eve. After she has her heart broken, she’s ready to throw in the towel and do away with love. WIll she ever find her way back to believing in a happily ever after?
“Nine Ladies Dancing”, by Cat Lavoie, was such a sweet read, reminiscent of one of my favorite movies, Serendipity. Casey is convinced she’s gotten lucky when an office crush finally notices her, but life takes a sharp detour when her car breaks down in front of a local bar. It’s hard to know the right decisions in life, especially when you feel you’ve been marred with bad luck in the romance department. And in “The Christmas Surprise”, by Samantha March, Juliette is convinced her happy world is about to fall apart, after discovering her husband’s potential indiscretions. Everything comes to a head on Christmas Day, much to everyone’s surprise. Being a stay-at-home wife and mother, like Juliette, it was hard not to identify with her. Feeling like the rug’s been pulled from under you would be a traumatic experience, to say the least.
As much as I try to keep things light and easy during the holiday season, I always end up a little (or a lot) stressed, pulled in a few (or many) different directions. I have a feeling most of us end up like that, with the best intentions in the beginning, yet feeling like we’ve run a marathon when the festivities are over. I had a lot of fun reading All I Want For Christmas, content on living vicariously through other characters and their own adventures, giving me a much-needed break from my own. Granted, the season is nearly over, but these stories live on, relevant no matter what time of year it is. It’s never too late (or too early) in finding your own sweet retreat from the occasional stressors of life.
January 3, 2016
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
I was excited about this short story collection which came out just in time for Christmas! It helped put me in the spirit of the season and I was hoping for some cheerful tales of hope - I wasn’t disappointed in the least! All three authors captured a sense of the season and brought in characters that were modern and relatable.
Making Christmas (Laura Chapman) probably gave me the most inspiration, one can sometimes get bogged down by the organisational aspect of the holidays and it was refreshing to relive the delight children feel through the eyes of adults. I really found it charming and I’ve never encountered the concept before done quite in this way.
Nine Ladies Dancing (Cat Lavoie) felt the most realistic to me I loved Casey’s fear of screwing everything up and the novella was funny with heart and a great twist of fate that always makes me smile. I loved her attitude to keep on persevering despite always feeling she was on the edge of catastrophe.
The Christmas Surprise (Samantha March) was written from Juliette’s perspective and I related immediately to her internal dialogue. She hovered between perfectly balanced and off the wall thoughts which made me smile despite the things she was worried about- I also really liked her relationships with her son, her husband and her best friend.
All of the novellas were strong short stories and I found each one instantly relatable and the characters were all in depth and natural. These tales of the holiday spirit will definitely make you smile!
All opinions are our own.
I was excited about this short story collection which came out just in time for Christmas! It helped put me in the spirit of the season and I was hoping for some cheerful tales of hope - I wasn’t disappointed in the least! All three authors captured a sense of the season and brought in characters that were modern and relatable.
Making Christmas (Laura Chapman) probably gave me the most inspiration, one can sometimes get bogged down by the organisational aspect of the holidays and it was refreshing to relive the delight children feel through the eyes of adults. I really found it charming and I’ve never encountered the concept before done quite in this way.
Nine Ladies Dancing (Cat Lavoie) felt the most realistic to me I loved Casey’s fear of screwing everything up and the novella was funny with heart and a great twist of fate that always makes me smile. I loved her attitude to keep on persevering despite always feeling she was on the edge of catastrophe.
The Christmas Surprise (Samantha March) was written from Juliette’s perspective and I related immediately to her internal dialogue. She hovered between perfectly balanced and off the wall thoughts which made me smile despite the things she was worried about- I also really liked her relationships with her son, her husband and her best friend.
All of the novellas were strong short stories and I found each one instantly relatable and the characters were all in depth and natural. These tales of the holiday spirit will definitely make you smile!
All opinions are our own.
December 12, 2015
What amazing tangles these four ladies get twisted up in—Casey, Natalie, Juliette, and Ivy manage to get themselves tied up in holiday knots—whether it’s the office party gone sideways, or a multi-year New Year’s promise gone empty, or a wife’s suspicions of what her husband is up to for the holidays, or an offbeat advent calendar adventure. Two of the stories span several years, the other two span several weeks, but they all move fast and flustered as the women try to fix most everything that can go wrong with the sparks flashing between them and a really hot guy (and husbands do seem hotter if they appear to have secrets, don’t they!). Somehow they manage to get into situations that made me laugh, and somehow they try so hard to fix all the snafus and snare the fellow they so very much want, only to find that their messes manage to get a helping hand from just that right man. Fast-paced, with a new twist nearly every page, these stories happily have real down-to-earth heroines—women like us who mess up, who want the wrong guy, who rush into things, who imagine all sorts of awfulness. So fix yourself a tall Nine Ladies Dancing cocktail and curl up for a holiday read that is a real romping pleasure.
November 11, 2015
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Full disclosure: I am a Christmas junkie. Songs, stories, Hallmark movies ... if they've got a hint of Christmas to them, they've automatically captured my attention. So when I had a chance to review this collection of holiday novellas - written by authors I already adore - I jumped at the chance.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS did not disappoint. Each of the stories were laced with holiday shenanigans, romantic times, and plenty of Christmas magic. The authors created characters you'd love to sit down with for a great cup of coffee and a long fireside chat. (Sometimes you'll want to talk some sense into them, sometimes you'll want to give them a giant high-five.)
I loved the situations they found themselves in and enjoyed the relationships between best friends as much as the relationships between love interests. There's nothing quite like a little awesome girlfriend banter to keep the story fun.
This really is a great collection to add to your holiday reading list. The stories move quickly and will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling - exactly what everyone needs during this very special season.
Full disclosure: I am a Christmas junkie. Songs, stories, Hallmark movies ... if they've got a hint of Christmas to them, they've automatically captured my attention. So when I had a chance to review this collection of holiday novellas - written by authors I already adore - I jumped at the chance.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS did not disappoint. Each of the stories were laced with holiday shenanigans, romantic times, and plenty of Christmas magic. The authors created characters you'd love to sit down with for a great cup of coffee and a long fireside chat. (Sometimes you'll want to talk some sense into them, sometimes you'll want to give them a giant high-five.)
I loved the situations they found themselves in and enjoyed the relationships between best friends as much as the relationships between love interests. There's nothing quite like a little awesome girlfriend banter to keep the story fun.
This really is a great collection to add to your holiday reading list. The stories move quickly and will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling - exactly what everyone needs during this very special season.
January 28, 2016
I literally loved everything about this holiday anthology! Each story was super cute and perfect in every way that it's everything one would want in a holiday themed book. I won’t go into detail when it comes to each read because I don’t want to spoil anything but I will say that each story has it funny and loving moments that I honestly didn’t want them to end. I also enjoyed how each one was totally different than the next, that each one gives you something magical that you will not be disappointed.
I was pleasantly surprised from all of these authors whom I never read anything from them before but I will be seeking out their previous works. While I loved each story so much I can honestly say Making Christmas struck a huge cord with me. I just loved the chemistry between Ivy and Everett and their whole met-cute was so adorable that I couldn’t help but fall in love with them!
So if you want something easy and fast to read with huge holiday magic between the winter season pick this one up I promise you won’t be disappointed, and if you don’t fall in love with these stories and get the feels well then you must be a scrooge! Haha!
I was pleasantly surprised from all of these authors whom I never read anything from them before but I will be seeking out their previous works. While I loved each story so much I can honestly say Making Christmas struck a huge cord with me. I just loved the chemistry between Ivy and Everett and their whole met-cute was so adorable that I couldn’t help but fall in love with them!
So if you want something easy and fast to read with huge holiday magic between the winter season pick this one up I promise you won’t be disappointed, and if you don’t fall in love with these stories and get the feels well then you must be a scrooge! Haha!
December 31, 2015
There is nothing better to end the holiday season then to read a delightful holiday romance novella collection.
All I Want For Christmas by authors Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie, and Samantha March weave a wonderful collection of four holiday romance novellas that easily keeps the magic and spirit of the Christmas season alive for their readers.
Each of these lighthearted novellas feature a holiday themed story filled with drama, romance, friendship, and the magical spirit that comes with the Christmas holiday season. The reader will easily get swept away into each of these stories, they read like a mini Hallmark Channel movie, delightfully sweet but leaving you wanting more! So cuddle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, and let the four novellas in All I Want For Christmas whisk you away on an enjoyable holiday ride!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the novella collection from the authors/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours and Marching Ink LLC.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
All I Want For Christmas by authors Laura Chapman, Cat Lavoie, and Samantha March weave a wonderful collection of four holiday romance novellas that easily keeps the magic and spirit of the Christmas season alive for their readers.
Each of these lighthearted novellas feature a holiday themed story filled with drama, romance, friendship, and the magical spirit that comes with the Christmas holiday season. The reader will easily get swept away into each of these stories, they read like a mini Hallmark Channel movie, delightfully sweet but leaving you wanting more! So cuddle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, and let the four novellas in All I Want For Christmas whisk you away on an enjoyable holiday ride!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the novella collection from the authors/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours and Marching Ink LLC.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
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