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Christmas Past
From New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton comes a captivating tale of romantic suspense set in the heart of a rugged winter . . .
Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.
When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . .
Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.
When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . .
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2012
203 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burton
68 books4,062 followersMary Burton, whose latest novel is THE LIES I TOLD, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.
A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters and/or place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
October 29, 2019
Christmas Past by Mary Burton is a novella length romantic suspense story that is now being republished. Originally published in 2012 it once was part of a collection of four novellas from different authors. This one is a standalone story though that takes place at Christmastime.
Nicole Piper has spent the past year picking herself up and putting her life back together for not only herself but for her daughter. Nicole’s place now may not look like much but it’s hers and she’s proud she found the courage to leave her abusive ex-husband. But just when she thinks she’s finally got him out of her mind she receives a letter from his lawyer.
David Ayden is a homicide detective who is divorced himself and raising his boys on his own. David had met and fallen for Nicole as she was first getting her life back on track but Nicole wasn’ t ready then. When David hears that Nicole plans on seeing this lawyer looking for evidence from the past he insists on tagging along for protection.
Mary Burton did a wonderful job taking what feels like it could easily be one of her longer novel plots and working it into a novella length story. There was never really that moment I felt I missed anything since the past covers the relationship moving quickly and also the danger that befalls the characters. Great little quick read that mirrored the author’s other suspense novels.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Nicole Piper has spent the past year picking herself up and putting her life back together for not only herself but for her daughter. Nicole’s place now may not look like much but it’s hers and she’s proud she found the courage to leave her abusive ex-husband. But just when she thinks she’s finally got him out of her mind she receives a letter from his lawyer.
David Ayden is a homicide detective who is divorced himself and raising his boys on his own. David had met and fallen for Nicole as she was first getting her life back on track but Nicole wasn’ t ready then. When David hears that Nicole plans on seeing this lawyer looking for evidence from the past he insists on tagging along for protection.
Mary Burton did a wonderful job taking what feels like it could easily be one of her longer novel plots and working it into a novella length story. There was never really that moment I felt I missed anything since the past covers the relationship moving quickly and also the danger that befalls the characters. Great little quick read that mirrored the author’s other suspense novels.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 29, 2019
Nicole has a violent past. She married a very charming man but discovered that beneath that charming exterior, he was physically abusive and controlling. She was afraid that eventually he would kill her ... leaving her no choice but to run and pray for safety.
Not realizing that she was pregnant until she was in hiding, she's turned all her love to her infant daughter.
She only breathes easily again when she receives a letter from an attorney and discovers that her husband has died. Evidently he left something for her .. and only her.
It's only when someone tries to kill her that she's afraid her past isn't as dead as she had hoped.
This is a novella of approximately 100 pages. It's a short read, but packed with suspense and action..... a page turner. The characters are finely drawn. Toss in a romance with explicit intimate moments and you get a terrific read.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books - Zebra / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 2, 2019
Photographer Nicole Piper is trying to rebuild her life after the death of her abusive husband. She's looking forward to spending Christmas in her new home with her baby daughter. But then she receives a package from her dead husband which provides details on the murder of the woman who helped Nicole escape her abusive marriage. Nicole, joined by homicide detective David Ayden goes on a road trip to try to put the pieces of the puzzle together. I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy, fast-paced romantic suspense novella! The plot was compelling and twisted, and the characters were interesting and well developed. This was a quick, easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat and I was very pleased with the sweet ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2019
Christmas Past was an exciting, fast-paced read centered on a woman who wants to put her past behind her and the man who makes her long for the future.
Nicole Piper has built a new life for herself and her infant daughter in Virginia now that her abusive husband is dead. But on their first Christmas in their new home, Nicole receives an unwelcome surprise in the form of a video from her late husband which provides details on the murder of the woman who helped Nicole escape. Soon Nicole finds herself on a twisted scavenger hunt for the truth joined by homicide detective David Ayden. As Nicole and David follow the trail of evidence left in the video, they give in to their attraction only for their future together to be threatened by one final gift from Nicole's late husband.
Nicole and David's relationship began prior to the start of the story but the relationship stalled after Nicole wasn't ready for the next step. Nicole still has a number of lingering issues from her marriage and I understood why she wouldn't be ready to start something new. It's clear though from their first scene together that they both still have feelings for one another. When the pair's relationship eventually progresses physically, it's fantastically done with some great scenes. The final scene between the pair was wonderful and I loved watching the two find their way to happily ever after.
I found the pair searching for answers related to the video enjoyable and I liked how David didn't try to take over everything and instead followed Nicole's lead. The plot surrounding the video and the evidence in the murder was interesting and I liked the direction the author chose to take the story.
Overall I really enjoyed Christmas Past and would highly recommend it if you're looking for a quick romantic suspense to read.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Nicole Piper has built a new life for herself and her infant daughter in Virginia now that her abusive husband is dead. But on their first Christmas in their new home, Nicole receives an unwelcome surprise in the form of a video from her late husband which provides details on the murder of the woman who helped Nicole escape. Soon Nicole finds herself on a twisted scavenger hunt for the truth joined by homicide detective David Ayden. As Nicole and David follow the trail of evidence left in the video, they give in to their attraction only for their future together to be threatened by one final gift from Nicole's late husband.
Nicole and David's relationship began prior to the start of the story but the relationship stalled after Nicole wasn't ready for the next step. Nicole still has a number of lingering issues from her marriage and I understood why she wouldn't be ready to start something new. It's clear though from their first scene together that they both still have feelings for one another. When the pair's relationship eventually progresses physically, it's fantastically done with some great scenes. The final scene between the pair was wonderful and I loved watching the two find their way to happily ever after.
I found the pair searching for answers related to the video enjoyable and I liked how David didn't try to take over everything and instead followed Nicole's lead. The plot surrounding the video and the evidence in the murder was interesting and I liked the direction the author chose to take the story.
Overall I really enjoyed Christmas Past and would highly recommend it if you're looking for a quick romantic suspense to read.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
October 10, 2019
Christmas Past is a quick suspense read with the wintery holiday as a backdrop providing a nice little story to read by the fire.
Nicole escaped her abusive husband, now dead, and is moving on until she receives a letter promising to identify the killer of the woman who helped her escape. Nicole knows the letter will dredge up the past, and it does require she go on a goose hunt for information. Not something she’s looking forward to, but Nicole wants the man who murdered her savior brought to justice, not only for her, but for the woman’s family so that they might have some measure of peace, especially since it’s the holiday season. Also, on the upside she won’t have to face her past alone, since Detective David Ayden is determined to see her through this journey.
Nicole and David were getting close, but Nicole put the brakes on their relationship not yet ready for romance so soon after running from her horrid husband. Spending time together while they try and hunt for the killer gives them a second chance at love.
Christmas Past was a quick, entertaining read, one you could blaze through in an evening. I really liked David and didn’t understand some of Nicole’s reluctance, but I’ve never come out of an abusive relationship so what do I know? I liked Charlotte Wellington, the attorney, despite her taking on Nicole’s ex-husband’s task, and I worried for her welfare. She was a fighter and I liked that!
I didn’t realize Christmas Past was part of a collection of stories, three I think, with Fern Michaels and Judy Duarte authoring the other two novellas. Christmas Past was the only story I received for review, and I’ve never read anything by the other two authors.
A copy was kindly provided by Zebra via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole escaped her abusive husband, now dead, and is moving on until she receives a letter promising to identify the killer of the woman who helped her escape. Nicole knows the letter will dredge up the past, and it does require she go on a goose hunt for information. Not something she’s looking forward to, but Nicole wants the man who murdered her savior brought to justice, not only for her, but for the woman’s family so that they might have some measure of peace, especially since it’s the holiday season. Also, on the upside she won’t have to face her past alone, since Detective David Ayden is determined to see her through this journey.
Nicole and David were getting close, but Nicole put the brakes on their relationship not yet ready for romance so soon after running from her horrid husband. Spending time together while they try and hunt for the killer gives them a second chance at love.
Christmas Past was a quick, entertaining read, one you could blaze through in an evening. I really liked David and didn’t understand some of Nicole’s reluctance, but I’ve never come out of an abusive relationship so what do I know? I liked Charlotte Wellington, the attorney, despite her taking on Nicole’s ex-husband’s task, and I worried for her welfare. She was a fighter and I liked that!
I didn’t realize Christmas Past was part of a collection of stories, three I think, with Fern Michaels and Judy Duarte authoring the other two novellas. Christmas Past was the only story I received for review, and I’ve never read anything by the other two authors.
A copy was kindly provided by Zebra via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2019
⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Nicole Piper escaped from an abusive marriage and is slowly but surely rebuilding her life as a photographer with her infant daughter . When she receives a package from her dead husband together with Homicide Sergeant David Ayden she decides to search for the truth.
Christmas Past by Mary Burton is a fun- filled, romantic suspense short read.I didn’t realize it was part of a collection of stories but can be read as a stand alone though I did feel at times I was missing something. Overall a quick enjoyable read
I would like to thank Kensington Books/ Zebra & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Nicole Piper escaped from an abusive marriage and is slowly but surely rebuilding her life as a photographer with her infant daughter . When she receives a package from her dead husband together with Homicide Sergeant David Ayden she decides to search for the truth.
Christmas Past by Mary Burton is a fun- filled, romantic suspense short read.I didn’t realize it was part of a collection of stories but can be read as a stand alone though I did feel at times I was missing something. Overall a quick enjoyable read
I would like to thank Kensington Books/ Zebra & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 6, 2019
I'm a huge Mary Burton fan and have read most of her books. I was really happy to get this ARC from Net Galley... until I read it. And then I found myself bored with the novella and wondering what had happened. This did not feel like what I've come to expect from this author. It felt rushed, incomplete and poorly developed compared to other books I've read by Ms. Burton.
Granted this was a novella, but I still it felt like the characters and plot weren't developed enough. The machinations that Nicole's husband went through to occur after his death did not seem realistic. The racing off to DC during a snow storm seemed like a contrived plot point to create a scenario where they have to stay overnight and have sex. I love relationships but skip the sex scenes so this element was wasted on me. I would have preferred to see the development of their relationship, which was lacking.
I'm really sorry that this was such a fail for me, however, I will still look forward to Ms. Burton's next book. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Granted this was a novella, but I still it felt like the characters and plot weren't developed enough. The machinations that Nicole's husband went through to occur after his death did not seem realistic. The racing off to DC during a snow storm seemed like a contrived plot point to create a scenario where they have to stay overnight and have sex. I love relationships but skip the sex scenes so this element was wasted on me. I would have preferred to see the development of their relationship, which was lacking.
I'm really sorry that this was such a fail for me, however, I will still look forward to Ms. Burton's next book. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
October 10, 2019
This book was ok for me ... I felt like I got thrown into the middle of an awesome thriller that turned out more romance in the end.
A short quick story.
A short quick story.
December 20, 2023
3.5 - The only thing Christmassy about this short novella was that it took place between Dec 23-25. I thought I was getting 133 pages of suspense; turned out to be spicier than I thought. Big twist was lacking, but still very readable.
The problem with it being so short is that things happened so quickly and out of nowhere. Like, “I love you”, really?! Stop. I kept feeling like I missed something in the backstory. I do think it would make a good full length novel.
The problem with it being so short is that things happened so quickly and out of nowhere. Like, “I love you”, really?! Stop. I kept feeling like I missed something in the backstory. I do think it would make a good full length novel.
October 31, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher in exchange for an fair and honest review.
This novella is part of the Richmond Series from 2008 - 2012. Even though there are characters from those books, the story does very well as a standalone. One thing I didn't like is that while a Christmas novella, there is very little to do with Christmas. This is a Romantic-Suspense that happens to be set from December 23th to 25th. A lot happened very quickly and that's great.
Nicole Piper fled an abusive marriage and almost lost her life. Two years after her husband's death she and her baby girl are starting to settle into their new life in Richmond, VA with Nicole pursuing the career she had to abandon and David Ayden, who wants to be more than a friend. When a mysterious letter arrives it stirs up all kinds of nasty memories and sends Nicole and David to Washington, DC to uncover the answers to an unsolved murder. It also puts them both in the direct path of a murderer.
This novella is part of the Richmond Series from 2008 - 2012. Even though there are characters from those books, the story does very well as a standalone. One thing I didn't like is that while a Christmas novella, there is very little to do with Christmas. This is a Romantic-Suspense that happens to be set from December 23th to 25th. A lot happened very quickly and that's great.
Nicole Piper fled an abusive marriage and almost lost her life. Two years after her husband's death she and her baby girl are starting to settle into their new life in Richmond, VA with Nicole pursuing the career she had to abandon and David Ayden, who wants to be more than a friend. When a mysterious letter arrives it stirs up all kinds of nasty memories and sends Nicole and David to Washington, DC to uncover the answers to an unsolved murder. It also puts them both in the direct path of a murderer.
December 25, 2023
He’d quickly won her heart and before she thought, she’d married him. Within a year, he’d turned her life into a living hell.'
boring tbh...not what I was expecting at all..this had more smut/romance than action/thriller ..felt like I didn't care much about the characters and what's happening around them and just wanted the story to be over 🫠
E-📖
boring tbh...not what I was expecting at all..this had more smut/romance than action/thriller ..felt like I didn't care much about the characters and what's happening around them and just wanted the story to be over 🫠
E-📖
October 13, 2019
Reading Christmas mysteries cozies is my yearly tradition. I started this year with Christmas Past, a romantic suspense novella by Mary Burton. I chose it based on the cover - it looked like it would be kinda eerie and creepy, sort of a touch of Halloween at Christmas. Unfortunately, it wasn't. It was originally part of an anthology but is being released as a standalone. Trouble is, it felt like it started in the middle of the story which might have been alright if the missing parts didn't seem so central to the story. It also had very little to do with Christmas which was more a backdrop there and gone than part of the tale. My biggest criticism, though, and admittedly this is on me - I'm not usually a fan of romantic suspense but Christmas is one of the few times I make an exception. In this case, however, once I got the gist of what had occurred previously, it seemed like a decent suspense novel interrupted at the most inopportune times for romantic interludes. This tended to throw off the momentum of the story. Still, it's short enough that this didn't make me stop reading and, to be honest, I just skipped over the romantic bits to get to the action. My recommendation - if you're a fan of romantic suspense and are looking for a short, fast read, you might want to give it a try.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
September 28, 2019
Christmas Past is a well written, fast paced romantic suspense. I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in two sittings. Mary Burton always delivers a good read as was the case with this book. I highly recommend this book. Thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
October 25, 2019
Unfortunately this one just didn't do it for me at all. I didn't get that shock I expect in a thriller ... felt more like a romance. More sex scenes than twists and turns. The writing was well done but the storyline fell short for me.
November 26, 2019
A republished novella, A Christmas Past was a quick-paced read, light on the Christmas.
“He would not rule her life. She would have the last word.”
MC Nicole has escaped her abusive husband and now he’s dead, but he’s planned one last manipulative and creepy scavenger hunt for her to follow. She embarks on the hunt with detective Ayden whom she’s also apparently all about. Because this is a short story, there is a lot of backstory given quickly and told not shown. I thought this book had to be a part of a series, but nope. So you just have to go along with it.
A Christmas Past was interesting and well-written, but I think it would work better as a more fleshed-out story. I also wanted more Christmas.
“He would not rule her life. She would have the last word.”
MC Nicole has escaped her abusive husband and now he’s dead, but he’s planned one last manipulative and creepy scavenger hunt for her to follow. She embarks on the hunt with detective Ayden whom she’s also apparently all about. Because this is a short story, there is a lot of backstory given quickly and told not shown. I thought this book had to be a part of a series, but nope. So you just have to go along with it.
A Christmas Past was interesting and well-written, but I think it would work better as a more fleshed-out story. I also wanted more Christmas.
October 26, 2019
This novella was a wee bit slow and never seemed to get up to speed. It would have been better as a novel with depth to it.
October 30, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up.A romantic suspense novella set at Christmas time was just the thing for me right now. It’s not very Christmas oriented, but it does come into play a bit. I’m all about the romance and suspense so that was the delight here for me.
Piper is on her own with her infant daughter, Beth. She’s had an horrendous time in her recent past(18 months)concerning her abusive husband and his unrelenting search for her to kill her. She survived, he didn’t. Now she’s trying to pick her life back up and she’s starting to do so. She’s a photographer, has a small apartment for her and her daughter and has friends now-something her husband deprived her of. She also met a man months before who wants her. She turned him down as she is not ready. David Ayden is a detective, a widower and the father of two teenage boys. He befriended Piper in the past, but since she turned him down, he’s backed off. When Piper is in need of help from the police, she turns to him for help. Pretty soon the two are off on a search to find more answers. It seems her husband didn’t give up and has more up his sleeve-although he really is quite dead. And no this is not a supernatural book!
A romance novella is certainly easier to write than a romantic suspense, I am guessing. So much goes into the planning of the suspense element in addition to the romance. In this case, it felt like I had missed a whole other book. The author does set up the scene of what happened in the past, but I still wondered and even went looking. I couldn’t find the book it related to, but did find out that this book is a re-release and was part of an anthology with two other authors-and from what I can tell, neither of the others related to this one. So although at times it had me really wondering about the previous story, I did for the most part enjoy reading this book.
I’ve just listened to two series by this author back to back and have really enjoyed all of the books. So I was more than happy to find this book on Net Galley. I’m glad I read it, but as I said before, I really wish there had been a book about what came before. If there is, I want to read it. I’m not really fond of being dropped into the middle of a mystery as a rule, but it all worked out and the author did a good job of filling in the holes. I also really liked the characters and the romance. And while it is a dark subject matter at times, there was some good things that happen-which is always welcomed in a book set during the holidays. Since it is such a short book, I’m going to leave it at that. This is recommended to adult romantic suspense readers.
(Originally posted on Delighted Reader)My thanks to Net Galley for a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Piper is on her own with her infant daughter, Beth. She’s had an horrendous time in her recent past(18 months)concerning her abusive husband and his unrelenting search for her to kill her. She survived, he didn’t. Now she’s trying to pick her life back up and she’s starting to do so. She’s a photographer, has a small apartment for her and her daughter and has friends now-something her husband deprived her of. She also met a man months before who wants her. She turned him down as she is not ready. David Ayden is a detective, a widower and the father of two teenage boys. He befriended Piper in the past, but since she turned him down, he’s backed off. When Piper is in need of help from the police, she turns to him for help. Pretty soon the two are off on a search to find more answers. It seems her husband didn’t give up and has more up his sleeve-although he really is quite dead. And no this is not a supernatural book!
A romance novella is certainly easier to write than a romantic suspense, I am guessing. So much goes into the planning of the suspense element in addition to the romance. In this case, it felt like I had missed a whole other book. The author does set up the scene of what happened in the past, but I still wondered and even went looking. I couldn’t find the book it related to, but did find out that this book is a re-release and was part of an anthology with two other authors-and from what I can tell, neither of the others related to this one. So although at times it had me really wondering about the previous story, I did for the most part enjoy reading this book.
I’ve just listened to two series by this author back to back and have really enjoyed all of the books. So I was more than happy to find this book on Net Galley. I’m glad I read it, but as I said before, I really wish there had been a book about what came before. If there is, I want to read it. I’m not really fond of being dropped into the middle of a mystery as a rule, but it all worked out and the author did a good job of filling in the holes. I also really liked the characters and the romance. And while it is a dark subject matter at times, there was some good things that happen-which is always welcomed in a book set during the holidays. Since it is such a short book, I’m going to leave it at that. This is recommended to adult romantic suspense readers.
(Originally posted on Delighted Reader)My thanks to Net Galley for a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 16, 2021
Fast paced, short read thriller that takes place during Christmas time. I hope this author has more of these!
December 14, 2019
I have to say, when I first started reading Christmas Past, I was a bit confused thinking there must have been a previous book because there was so much that had happened previously to the main character. But, the author did do a good job keeping up the backstory throughout the whole book.
Christmas Past will grab your attention right from the beginning. Nicole is a single mother who had been in an abusive marriage and is trying to put the past behind her. When she receives a note from her dead husband, she enlists the help of a detective, David Ayden.
I received the arc of Christmas Past from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author, Mary Burton, for this opportunity.
Christmas Past will grab your attention right from the beginning. Nicole is a single mother who had been in an abusive marriage and is trying to put the past behind her. When she receives a note from her dead husband, she enlists the help of a detective, David Ayden.
I received the arc of Christmas Past from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author, Mary Burton, for this opportunity.
November 17, 2024
Having read some of Mary Burton previous full length books and enjoyed them, I decided to give her short novel a go.
Overall it was a good entertaining story with equal amount of suspence and romance happening. I think the story would have benefited from being a bit longer, so as we could have seen more character development between Nicole and David, as well as some of the other backing characters.
Despite that it was well written and a very enjoyable read for a quick escapism from real life.
Overall it was a good entertaining story with equal amount of suspence and romance happening. I think the story would have benefited from being a bit longer, so as we could have seen more character development between Nicole and David, as well as some of the other backing characters.
Despite that it was well written and a very enjoyable read for a quick escapism from real life.
November 20, 2020
I enjoyed this quick read! It was not very holiday themed as I might have thought from the title. Very quick paced thriller/romance! This was my first read from Mary Burton and I look forward to reading more by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!
December 3, 2019
Christmas Past
by Mary Burton:
400 pages ⭐⭐
Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . .
🐾My Review 🐾
Christmas Past by Mary Burton is a fun, yet confusing read.I didn’t realize it was part of a collection of stories when I requesting it on netgalley. It wasn't until I was almost finished with the story that I found out. So that changes my rating of the book. My advice would be to find the rest of the stories before you start this one. I felt like the characters and plot were really lacking. I'm really sorry that this was such a fail for me. I can't give it a good rating without reading all of the other parts of the set that need to be read together to better under stand. however, I will still look forward to Burton's next books as I am a big fan of hers. Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
#ChristmasPast #NetGalley
by Mary Burton:
400 pages ⭐⭐
Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . .
🐾My Review 🐾
Christmas Past by Mary Burton is a fun, yet confusing read.I didn’t realize it was part of a collection of stories when I requesting it on netgalley. It wasn't until I was almost finished with the story that I found out. So that changes my rating of the book. My advice would be to find the rest of the stories before you start this one. I felt like the characters and plot were really lacking. I'm really sorry that this was such a fail for me. I can't give it a good rating without reading all of the other parts of the set that need to be read together to better under stand. however, I will still look forward to Burton's next books as I am a big fan of hers. Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.
#ChristmasPast #NetGalley
October 30, 2019
I’ve become a huge fan of Mary Burton in the last year, so when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review I See You in advance of publication, I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
Christmas Past is another spin chilling romantic thriller with plenty of action. The pacing is fast as with most novels in this sub-genre. This book does have a twist that isn’t normally in Mary Burton’s books. The heroine has an infant child, which makes the heroine a nurturer.
Nicole Piper is a wonderful heroine. I fell in love with her from the start. My heart ached for what she went through with her late husband. Her fear is palpable when she receives a letter from her dead husband eighteen months after his death. I love that she turns to David Ayden for help.
David Ayden’ character is a warrior who will protect his loved ones with his life. He understands a mother’ love because he’s the father of two boys. He’s a patient man, and his willingness to accept whatever Nicole is ready for, even though he wants so much more.
The romance between Nicole and David is sweet. Even when it heats up, David lets Nicole take the lead. The chemistry between them is sensuous and lovely. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy romances with plenty of nail-biting action, and a villain that will send chills down your spine, then you will love Christmas Past as much as I did. Mary Burton never disappoints, and I always know I’m in for an exciting read. Happy reading!
Christmas Past is another spin chilling romantic thriller with plenty of action. The pacing is fast as with most novels in this sub-genre. This book does have a twist that isn’t normally in Mary Burton’s books. The heroine has an infant child, which makes the heroine a nurturer.
Nicole Piper is a wonderful heroine. I fell in love with her from the start. My heart ached for what she went through with her late husband. Her fear is palpable when she receives a letter from her dead husband eighteen months after his death. I love that she turns to David Ayden for help.
David Ayden’ character is a warrior who will protect his loved ones with his life. He understands a mother’ love because he’s the father of two boys. He’s a patient man, and his willingness to accept whatever Nicole is ready for, even though he wants so much more.
The romance between Nicole and David is sweet. Even when it heats up, David lets Nicole take the lead. The chemistry between them is sensuous and lovely. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy romances with plenty of nail-biting action, and a villain that will send chills down your spine, then you will love Christmas Past as much as I did. Mary Burton never disappoints, and I always know I’m in for an exciting read. Happy reading!
September 27, 2019
This novelette features secondary characters from Richmond Series.
Nicole Piper manage to survive an abusive marriage to a man so obsessed he killed over it. Now dead Nicole is trying to put the pieces of her live back together surrounded by friends and her 11 month old son. Even though she has come a long way she put the breaks on a relationship with homicide detective David Ayden six months ago out of fear of the past.
A dvd from her dead husband finally makes its way to Nicole. It not only sets her back emotionally it also hints that the real killer of her friend that protected her when she first escaped is still out there. Even from the grave her psychotic ex husband is still torturing her.
David vows that even though Nicole pushed him away he is going to protect her and goes with her to follow the clues her dead husband has left.
This was a great blend of suspenseful and thrilling and romance all around the time of Christmas.
Nicole Piper manage to survive an abusive marriage to a man so obsessed he killed over it. Now dead Nicole is trying to put the pieces of her live back together surrounded by friends and her 11 month old son. Even though she has come a long way she put the breaks on a relationship with homicide detective David Ayden six months ago out of fear of the past.
A dvd from her dead husband finally makes its way to Nicole. It not only sets her back emotionally it also hints that the real killer of her friend that protected her when she first escaped is still out there. Even from the grave her psychotic ex husband is still torturing her.
David vows that even though Nicole pushed him away he is going to protect her and goes with her to follow the clues her dead husband has left.
This was a great blend of suspenseful and thrilling and romance all around the time of Christmas.
December 12, 2025
Christmas Past
1 Sentence Summary: Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter, but those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her dead, abusive ex-husband.
My Rating: 1 Star - DNF
My Thoughts: So dumb. It was giving “I threw my hair up in a messy bun to run downstairs, only to find out that my mom sold me to One Direction,” but even more poorly written. Couldn’t even make it past chapter 4, it was just 5-word sentences of dialogue back and forth. It kept switching POV’s and was too hard to follow
Recommend to: nobody
(Warnings: violence, murder, abuse, swearing, etc…. Idk what else because I didn’t finish.)
1 Sentence Summary: Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter, but those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her dead, abusive ex-husband.
My Rating: 1 Star - DNF
My Thoughts: So dumb. It was giving “I threw my hair up in a messy bun to run downstairs, only to find out that my mom sold me to One Direction,” but even more poorly written. Couldn’t even make it past chapter 4, it was just 5-word sentences of dialogue back and forth. It kept switching POV’s and was too hard to follow
Recommend to: nobody
(Warnings: violence, murder, abuse, swearing, etc…. Idk what else because I didn’t finish.)
October 12, 2019
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this short story
a quick short story by one of the best authors around...
domestic violence and christmas, they go together like strawberries and wine...
a young woman has survived domestic violence and is bringing up her daughter but the scars run deep...the attraction she feels for the new man in her life triggers memories she cant seem to put behind her...
then she receives a letter from her dead ex husband..and so it begins...
brilliant written short story...not a big fan of short stories but this one is high up in my top ten...
a quick short story by one of the best authors around...
domestic violence and christmas, they go together like strawberries and wine...
a young woman has survived domestic violence and is bringing up her daughter but the scars run deep...the attraction she feels for the new man in her life triggers memories she cant seem to put behind her...
then she receives a letter from her dead ex husband..and so it begins...
brilliant written short story...not a big fan of short stories but this one is high up in my top ten...
December 7, 2020
If this was written as a thriller featuring romance I think it would have been much better.
I'm actually sad that this is a novella, because I really feel like this would do well as a full book.
Everything between the romance bits were great! Bad guys in this one actually gave me some chills.
I can't believe the number of times that someone would moisten their lips...whether it was out of fear or desire.
As for the romance parts...I dunno. I still can't get past "she was ready for the sex", that haunts me a little bit. Cringey for me, but if this was re-done as a full thriller I would definitely give it another try.
I'm actually sad that this is a novella, because I really feel like this would do well as a full book.
Everything between the romance bits were great! Bad guys in this one actually gave me some chills.
I can't believe the number of times that someone would moisten their lips...whether it was out of fear or desire.
As for the romance parts...I dunno. I still can't get past "she was ready for the sex", that haunts me a little bit. Cringey for me, but if this was re-done as a full thriller I would definitely give it another try.
November 6, 2019
Christmas Past by Mary Burton
Pulling strings from the grave – yep – Nicole Piper’s evil deceased husband found a way to get her to make a trip that would endanger her life...again. Luckily she has Homicide Sergeant David Ayden beside her to, hopefully, save the day.
This is a novella length, action-packed, suspense filled thriller that had me from page one and kept me interested to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Kensington – Zebra and NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Pulling strings from the grave – yep – Nicole Piper’s evil deceased husband found a way to get her to make a trip that would endanger her life...again. Luckily she has Homicide Sergeant David Ayden beside her to, hopefully, save the day.
This is a novella length, action-packed, suspense filled thriller that had me from page one and kept me interested to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Kensington – Zebra and NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Read
October 7, 2019I know this was billed as a Christmas book, but its' really more a mystery/women in jeaopardy book that just so happens to take place around Christmas. A good plot and solid characters make it a great story from Mary Burton and her fans will enjoy it. Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read a pre-published Arc.
May 3, 2020
It was OK but not what I expected.
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