A Very Harlequin Holiday Christmas Sampler

by RaeAnne Thayne, Sarah Morgan, Brenda Novak

ebook

First published December 25, 2019

About the author

I'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

Reviews

[Frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of 5 sampler books that I may or may not read full length. Thank you Harlequin & NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not realise it was a sampler, I thought it was an anthology . Teach me to read more scrupulously. Frustrating to reach the end of a sample and not reach the end of the story! Won’t do that again! So no feedback since they were only samples not actual,books.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always so fun to read a sampler of current romances. It's a great way to test out new authors and figure out if you want to read the full length stories.

I am definitely going to read Sarah Morgan's A Wedding in December. It was a nice start to a family story with three connected storylines. I"m engaged with the family and the characters, and I look forward to the trip to Aspen and learning more. I am also going to read RaeAnne Thayne's Coming Home for Christmas. To be honest, this one has a pretty dramatic start. So dramatic (it reminded me of reading Victoria Holt's gothic romances as a teenager- not the content, but the feel of it) that I have to see what happens to the characters we've met and how it can possibly be resolved.. The other three stories weren't for me right now, but I am sure they will fit with others. It is the season for Christmas romances, after all, and these all deliver.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read an advance copy of these excerpts in exchange for an honest review.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of five excerpts from Christmas romances. They are all well written, with believable characters. A couple of them were more emotional than I prefer, but there were a couple I’ll definitely be looking into getting the full book. A good way to try out several stories to see which ones you’d like to read.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found while I truly enjoy reading these samplers, it also makes me go buy more books! I am definitely looking forward to picking up the full version of these beautiful, heartwarming, romance stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin and authors for the opportunity to read and review these excerpts.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm your heart this holiday!
Look forward to cold winter days with these heartwarming Christmas reads from Harlequin.
This was a nice teaser of holiday books by some great Harlequin authors. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the full books. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully variant sampler collection from five prolific and popular authors of romance and women's fiction, designed to warm hearts and stimulate minds. Delectably set to release on Christmas Day (2019).

[Aitza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute introduction to these authors. They normally go for these ladies but I’m a sucker for a Christmas story. Some of them were too dramatic/emotional for my liking but overall I was entertained. Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for this ARC

[Michelle Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlequin at it's best, Add in come amazing authors and heartwarming Christmas stories and you have Christmas magic between the covers. Each story will warm your heart and leave you in the spirit.

[Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read the full post to realize this was a series of excerots, not complete stories. I've read 3 of the 4, and not willing to purchase the unread story, although I enjoyed the excerpt.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.