Candy Cane Kisses

by Susan May Warren

Eight bestselling Christian authors…
Eight brand new Christmas romance novellas…

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful
by RITA, Christy, and Carol Award-winning Author Susan May Warren
They kept each other alive…
CJ St. John never dreamed his epic summer as a smokejumper would end with a harrowing plane crash and turn him into an invalid. He wouldn’t have survived without brave fellow smokejumper Hannah Butcher. In fact, he probably fell in love with her that night. Hannah Butcher knows that without CJ, she would have failed her rookie summer. She admired him long before the crash, but lost her heart to him during their terrifying survival.
A winter storm awakens their memories—and fears…
Six months later, a mutual friend’s wedding throws Hannah and CJ together again, and their romance is stirred to life. But when a blizzard detours them, and they run off the road, they’ll have to face their darkest fears to survive. A Christmas story about the miracles that happen when the weather outside becomes frightful.

Deadly Night, Silent Night
by USA Today Bestselling Author Margaret Daley
Revenge. Sabotage. Second Chances. Widow Rebecca Howard runs a successful store chain that is being targeted during the holiday season. Detective Alex Kincaid, best friends with Rebecca’s twin brother, is investigating the hacking of the store’s computer system. When the attacks become personal, Alex must find the assailant before Rebecca, the woman he’s falling in love with, is murdered.

The Wonder of His Love
by USA Today Bestselling Author Kimberly Rae Jordan
Noella Crawford knows exactly what she wants in a man, and it’s not Finlay Kinnaird. But in spite of Noella’s best efforts to keep Finn at arm’s length, the man is determined to prove he’s the one she needs. As the Christmas season approaches, will Noella let her heart lead the way? Or will past hurts keep her from experiencing the wonder of love?

Calm and Bright
by USA Today Bestselling Author Autumn Macarthur
Maddie Hughes knows her charming but unreliable ex-husband will once again disappoint their son with broken promises this Christmas. But Brad’s changed. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her back. Even working in her grandmother’s quirky Huckleberry Lake gift shop. Can they allow God to heal their broken marriage and broken hearts before his career tears them apart?

Heavenly Peace
by USA Today Bestselling Author Lesley Ann McDaniel
Christmas is just around the corner, but widowed mom Valerie is too stressed to enjoy it. When the tag her son picks off a Giving Tree leads her to a handsome stranger named Jake, a request for a miracle might be just what they both need to restore their joy.

Wish You Joy
by USA Today Bestselling Author Jan Thompson
Christmastown USA has a new CEO. But owning a majority share of the holiday-decorating company makes no difference for Cyrus Theroux if the other 49 percent hates Christmas. Cyrus prays for a miracle to get through Christmas with his reluctant business partner…

A Husband for Holly
by USA Today Bestselling Author Marion Ueckermann
Holly Blume loves decorating people’s homes, but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to play house. Believing a house is not a home without a woman’s touch, there’s nothing Reverend Christopher Stewart would like more than a wife. But what woman would consider him marriage material, with an aging widowed father suffering from Alzheimer’s to look after? Can Christopher reform Holly’s heart while she redesigns his home?

Maid for Marriage
by Bestselling Author Susette Williams
Her parents disinherited Zelina Zervos after she refused to honor their arranged marriage to a man she hadn’t seen since they were children. Drake Giannopoulos had his own reservations about marrying a virtual stranger, but his wounded ego isn’t about to let him take no for an answer.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Christian Fiction, Contemporary

970 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2016

About the author

I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.

Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.

Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.

I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.

I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.

God Bless and Happy Reading!

In His Grip,
Susan May Warren

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Candy Cane Kisses
by Susan May Warren, Margaret Daley, Kimberly Rae Jordan, Autumn Macarthur, Lesley Ann McDaniel, Jan Thompson, Marion Ueckermann, Susette Williams
Print Length: 876 pages
Publisher: Georgia Press LLC
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
ASIN: B01HPP4Q34

From eight USA Today bestselling Christian authors come eight brand new contemporary Christian romance and romantic suspense stories to warm your heart this Christmas. This anthology debuted at #95 on the USA Today bestselling list!

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful by Susan May Warren



They kept each other alive…

CJ St. John never dreamed his epic summer as a smokejumper would end with a harrowing plane crash and turn him into an invalid. He wouldn’t have survived without brave fellow smokejumper Hannah Butcher. In fact, he probably fell in love with her that night. Hannah Butcher knows that without CJ, she would have failed her rookie summer. She admired him long before the crash, but lost her heart to him during their terrifying survival.



A winter storm awakens their memories—and fears…

Six months later, a mutual friend’s wedding throws Hannah and CJ together again, and their romance is stirred to life. But when a blizzard detours them, and they run off the road, they’ll have to face their darkest fears to survive. A Christmas story about the miracles that happen when the weather outside becomes frightful.


My thoughts: OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL was a cute story. I liked Hannah, and remembered the scenes (from reading Ms. Warren's three other books in this series) about Hannah and CJ being stranded together. But CJ seemed a bit whiny and a big jerk in this story, and I was glad he manned up a bit to try and get help. And I'm glad he realized he was a jerk. Hannah is strong - as CJ tells her. There are some unfinished threads in this novella, but I understand Ms. Warren rewrote it and doubled the length, so she may have connected all the dots.

Deadly Night, Silent Night by Margaret Daley

Revenge. Sabotage. Second Chances. Widow Rebecca Howard runs a successful store chain that is being targeted during the holiday season. Detective Alex Kincaid, best friends with Rebecca’s twin brother, is investigating the hacking of the store’s computer system. When the attacks become personal, Alex must find the assailant before Rebecca, the woman he’s falling in love with, is murdered.

My thoughts: DEADLY NIGHT, SILENT NIGHT is book eight in this series, but it stands alone. Rebecca is a business woman and fighting to save her business and her life. I had plenty of suspects and some valid guesses, but Ms. Daley surprised me by whodunit. I thoroughly enjoyed this story but about froze to death as the hero and heroine tracked through subzero frozen tundra in Alaska when I read this.

The Wonder of His Love by Kimberly Rae Jordan

Noella Crawford knows exactly what she wants in a man, and it’s not Finlay Kinnaird. But in spite of Noella’s best efforts to keep Finn at arm’s length, the man is determined to prove he’s the one she needs. As the Christmas season approaches, will Noella let her heart lead the way? Or will past hurts keep her from experiencing the wonder of love?

My thoughts: Meh. I liked Finn okay, but Noella was a piece of work. I get that she was abandoned by an irresponsible mother, and she shared her birthday with Christmas but she needed counseling and drove me nuts. She wanted a rich man and Finn is not he because he is a mechanic and lives in a trailer. Well, I get that appearances are deceiving but talk about convenient when his true story opens up. Then Noella was all lovely dovey and all talks of a prenup ended.

Calm and Bright by Autumn Macarthur

Maddie Hughes knows her charming but unreliable ex-husband will once again disappoint their son with broken promises this Christmas. But Brad’s changed. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her back. Even working in her grandmother’s quirky Huckleberry Lake gift shop. Can they allow God to heal their broken marriage and broken hearts before his career tears them apart?

My thoughts: These types of stories always start out depressing me (divorce, kids, and fighting out their marital problems in the pages of the book) and I ended up asking my poor husband "Do you love me?" I know he does, but I need the extra reassurance. Calm and Bright is well written and engaging. I understood why Maddie wanted to live where she did and didn't want to live where Brad needed to be for work. I also understood why Brad's job wasn't conducive to her wants. Neither were prepared to give. The ending was a bit rushed and predictable, but overall it was a good story.

Heavenly Peace by Lesley Ann McDaniel
Christmas is just around the corner, but widowed mom Valerie is too stressed to enjoy it. When the tag her son picks off a Giving Tree leads her to a handsome stranger named Jake, a request for a miracle might be just what they both need to restore their joy.

My thoughts: Oh, this is a lovely story! I loved Valerie and Jake and Valerie's sweet dad and son. I loved the theme running through it. I didn't like that interfering woman who tried to convince Valerie she'd lose her salvation if she remarried even though her husband died, but Jake was sweet and kind and unassuming, accepting the tentative friendship Valerie offered and withdrawing when Val pulled away. Great story!

Wish You Joy by Jan Thompson
Christmastown USA has a new CEO. But owning a majority share of the holiday-decorating company makes no difference for Cyrus Theroux if the other 49 percent hates Christmas. Cyrus prays for a miracle to get through Christmas with his reluctant business partner…

My thoughts: This one stars with the hero and heroine fighting like cats and dogs when they met and then wham they are boyfriend and girlfriend. I didn't like either one of the main characters at all, but I did love the idea of a year-round Christmas store. The heroine had a lot to deal with that she didn't know that might have contributed to her curtness.

A Husband for Holly by Marion Ueckermann
Holly Blume loves decorating people’s homes, but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to play house. Believing a house is not a home without a woman’s touch, there’s nothing Reverend Christopher Stewart would like more than a wife. But what woman would consider him marriage material, with an aging widowed father suffering from Alzheimer’s to look after? Can Christopher reform Holly’s heart while she redesigns his home?

My thoughts: Great story. I was drawn into this one from the beginning and it didn't let loose until the end. I really loved Christopher and Holly and her sister Heather. I loved the idea of a secret tunnel. The father was a dear and I loved the way everyone acted with him and treated him. A very sweet, satisfying romance. Loved this.

Maid for Marriage by Susette Williams
Her parents disinherited Zelina Zervos after she refused to honor their arranged marriage to a man she hadn’t seen since they were children. Drake Giannopoulos had his own reservations about marrying a virtual stranger, but his wounded ego isn’t about to let him take no for an answer.

My thoughts: Very short, but the author explained that. Too quick forming romance and based on looks. Ex he fell in love with her from her picture and loved her ever since. What if he looks fade? Not my favorite in this collection.


3.25 for the collection. A few of the stories were 4/5 stars. A few were 2 stars.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a cup of hot chocolate, curl up in your favorite chair, and immerse yourself in this collection of eight Christmas novellas.
There is something for everyone with romance, suspense and fun in in the collection among widely varied settings.
I was looking forward to Christmas by the end

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of several books about love and healing. From recovering injured smoke jumper stranded in a blizzard on the way to a wedding; a widow whose chain of athletic supply stores is being sabotaged; a woman who is finally living her dreams of owning a bakery looking for Mr, Right but dealing with insecurities of foster care; mother and child and the ex-husband comes back and can they make peace and start again; a mother lets her child choose a tag off a giving tree--all the child on the tag wants is to see her mother off drugs and the hunt is on. The final two books are owning a Christmas supply store and the owners clashing and then Holly Blume decorates others houses for Christmas and looking for love.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These eight authors are truly amazing. The wonderful stories included in this set are filled with truly remarkable characters. You will feel God working throughout this whole box set. Each book will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. These books deserve a higher rating than a five star review. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for a honest review. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to these books.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this boxed set of Christian Christmas Romances. Every single story (there are eight) was interesting, well developed stories and characters that I loved with just enough conflict to keep you wondering. I would recommend this box set if you want some faith filled, clean romances.

[Pat Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebooks

Lovely stories about love and Christmas. The joy of falling in love at Christmas time and knowing the love of Christ.

[Tricia Cox garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candy Cane Kisses

Very good book. I enjoyed each story. They all had a special message. It was a great group of authors. Clean romance.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Margaret Daley’s story.

[Kathy Putillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great selection of Christian short stories.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great deal for these novellas. I've only read Susan May Warren's so far. That's actually why I bought it. I never miss anything she writes. We get to see folks from the previous Montana Fires characters AND some ones from Susan's older books! Loved seeing everyone again.
This was a great story with a wonderful message. God's there even if we can't see Him working on our behalf.

[Becky Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories by such great authors are a wonderful way to start off the Christmas season!
1. Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful by Susan May Warren
How can you not sing the song from the title of this story?! I couldn’t WAIT to read this story that Susan so wonderfully weaves about CJ and Hannah! Susan always includes so many wonderful “jewels” like: “Don’t look at the whole picture or you’ll get defeated. JUST DO THE NEXT THING.” And: “God’s love for us doesn’t change just because the circumstances do.” And: “He wouldn’t let circumstances & longing make him into a man he didn’t want to be.” This is part of the Montana Fire Series – A MUST read!
2. Deadly Night, Silent Night by Margaret Daley
Another GREAT romantic suspense by Margaret Daley that will impel you to read to the finish! This is a story of second chances, but also a story of revenge that leads to sabotage, with a great twist at the end.
3. The Wonder of His Love by Kimberly Rae Jordan
This story is so sweet and enjoyable, with fun tidbits about Scotland. Kimberly does a wonderful job of developing the characters Finlay Kinnaird & Noella Crawford. It’s a story about fears holding Noella captive & using her own wisdom for decisions, instead of praying for God’s guidance.
4. Calm and Bright by Autumn Macarthur
This sweet story about reclaiming a failed marriage is a reminder that with God’s help, anyone can be redeemed and changed. It’s also about not letting anger carry you into sin, and make you focus on the wrong things.
5. Heavenly Peace by Lesley Ann McDaniel
Lesley is a new author to me, and she did a great job of weaving this fun story & developing the characters! It continues the overall theme of second chances, and that God is a God of Restoration. There are so many things in this story that will tug at your heart.
6. Wish You Joy by Jan Thompson
Another great story of recognizing and accepting God’s love, and finding your joy in the Lord and not in the things you do.
7. A Husband for Holly by Marion Ueckermann
I had the biggest smile on my face when I started reading this story! I was first exposed to Marion’s writings in A Hero For Heather which is in the boxed set Falling For You, and I couldn’t wait to read more!
I LOVE the humor in this story! I'm so glad I got to read another one of her stories and now, I just want to have a "Marion Ueckermann" week and read everything I can get my hands on! LOVE this!!!!!!!!
8. Maid for Marriage by Susette Williams
This is a fun little novella about arranged marriages, which most Americans are not very familiar with. Also, it was fun to read about Greek food. It’s about second chances, also, and how things are not always what they seem to be. An easy but delightful read.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

made feel like the magic of Christmas and love come as one during the time of the year

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Night, Silent Night by Margaret Daley
Strong Women, Extraordinary Situations Series Book Eight
Rebecca Howard is still trying to please her father, even though he's been dead for six years now. Running their stores like he wanted them, wondering if she was doing it right, the store taking up every bit of her time. When someone starts sabotaging them, she starts looking at her life differently.

Detective Alex Kincaid is determined to find the person or persons hurting his childhood friends, Clint and Rebecca. In spending so much time helping Rebecca, the old feelings he had tried to bury most of his life came forward. He cared for her and always had. But for now, he needed to protect her.

As always, Margaret Daley writes a page turner suspense story with a romance trying to bloom on the sidelines. Plenty of pointing fingers at those who could be guilty—but not giving it away until the end. This story takes place in Alaska, so bundle up and enjoy.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Dianne Sidebottom]

Some authors I am familiar with and others are new to me. It was good to meet up with characters from previous series. Susan's CJ and Hannah and the Noble connection. Margaret's next instalment in the Strong Women series and a mysterious enemy. Kimberley bringing in a new family along with her past family characters. Some lines in the stories rang true to me as my experience especially the Mrs Wilkerson scenario. Christmas season isn't my thing even though I believe in the bible n we have just experienced a cold winter here hopefully sunshine comes in December here.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A outstanding collection of stories centered around the Christmas season by some of my favorite authors that I thoroughly enjoyed. Each story is a wonderful collection of interesting characters, romance and faith that made for some delightful reading. There wasn't one story in the collection that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Find a fireplace, grab a cup of hot chocolate and settle in for some very enjoyable reading that definitely puts the reader in the Christmas spirit.

[Bhriv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candy Cane Kisses is 8 Christian Christmas novellas that are heart-warming and get you ready for the Christmas season. As usual with this amount of different authors and types of stories, you'll find some that you love, love, love and others that you like a lot. But...all of them are God honoring and uplifting in different ways. A beautiful collection that will surely keep you turning the pages to see what story is next!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a fun set of stories to pick up and enjoy near the holiday season. My two top favorites were Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful and Deadly Night, Silent Night. These two really captured my attention. Great connections between the two main characters.

I enjoyed the other stories for the most part, with Calm and Bright being another in the collection that I especially enjoyed. I thought the author worked out the differences between these characters nicely.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read the first one (Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful by Susan May Warren) so far. I really enjoyed it. It was very intense and moving, which can be hard to achieve in a novella. I loved seeing all the characters from the Noble Legacy series again. I'm very excited to read the other books in her new Montana series.

[EmbGram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Christmastime romances

Each of these stories was a lovely story of romance in diverse areas of the world from Missouri in the U.S.A. to the Yorkshire countryside in England. Each couple must face and overcome the challenges facing them and with God's guidance they realize the joy of true love.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

All of the books in this boxed set are light reading, sweet romances with happy endings. They are feel good books that offer a bit of escapism. Some of them are companions to other books by those authors but they can be read as stand alone stories.

[JaneReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed A Husband for Holly and Deadly Night, Silent Night the most. My least favourite ones were Wish You Joy and Maid for Marriage.

Full review is on my blog: http://cjaneread.blogspot.ca/2017/01/...

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review

[Jeanette Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with any collection, this one is a mixed bag, some great, some okay and a couple of clunkers. Overall, I enjoyed the stories.

[MaryRhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Stories

These are 8 heartwarming stories. I enjoyed them so much that I have to find other books written by these authors, especially the ones in a series.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Christmas stories!

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first three stories but then I had to push through the rest of the book.

[Lonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All my favorite authors, plus a couple of new ones :-)

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candy Cane Kisses is a collection of eight Christian Christmas romances. Great stories and price.

[Nancy Holte]

Most of the stories were easy read romances, predictable and sweet. The first two stories involved some mystery and I liked them the most.