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Under a Winter Sky: A Midwinter Holiday Anthology
(Thorne Manor #1.5 (Ballgowns & Butterflies))
by
Five powerhouse authors of fantasy and urban fantasy bring you a feast of romantic midwinter holiday adventures. These heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers
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Kindle Edition, 373 pages
Published
November 19th 2020
by Brightlynx Publishing
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Showing 1-30
Start your review of Under a Winter Sky: A Midwinter Holiday Anthology
The rating is only for Ballgowns and Butterflies.
I love it, as good as my expectations and more ❤️.
But, the story is only 1/5 of the whole book and part of an anthology, so it quite short for my taste, especially for the book’s cost! 😬
However, I probably will check other authors from this book, because it looks interesting 😘.
❤️
I love it, as good as my expectations and more ❤️.
But, the story is only 1/5 of the whole book and part of an anthology, so it quite short for my taste, especially for the book’s cost! 😬
However, I probably will check other authors from this book, because it looks interesting 😘.
❤️
2020 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): Happy Holidays!
2020 Jingle Books Bingo (#JingleBooks🎄): Saddle Up For Christmas (Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong)
Did not love this anthology as much as I wanted to, alas. Read via library.
2020 Jingle Books Bingo (#JingleBooks🎄): Saddle Up For Christmas (Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong)
Did not love this anthology as much as I wanted to, alas. Read via library.
I leapt at the chance to read this book because it contains stories by some of my favourite authors and wow isn’t that a beautiful cover ? The first story Ballgowns and Butterflies is a time travel romance set at Christmas with all the festive feels I could possibly ask for. I haven’t yet read the story that precedes it A Stitch In Time but found this certainly very easy to follow and I really liked the couple who feature here.
Jeffe Kennedy really threw me as her story is about the children (now ...more
Jeffe Kennedy really threw me as her story is about the children (now ...more
Rating for Kelley Armstrong and Grace Draven only. All of the stories are part of the authors' existing worlds, and the other 3 were OK but didn't really grab me or make much sense, since I didn't know the rest of the story.
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Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong
This novella picks up where "A Stitch in Time" left off. Ms. Armstrong does a good job of giving it a brief set up and background in this continuation time travel romance and I enjoyed this Christmas-themed Victorian era story. However, I highly recommend "A Stitch in Time" to fully appreciate the complex murder/mystery, romance suspense, ghost time travel story which precedes this novella. It is a five-star read. With Ballgowns & Butterflies, she brief ...more
This novella picks up where "A Stitch in Time" left off. Ms. Armstrong does a good job of giving it a brief set up and background in this continuation time travel romance and I enjoyed this Christmas-themed Victorian era story. However, I highly recommend "A Stitch in Time" to fully appreciate the complex murder/mystery, romance suspense, ghost time travel story which precedes this novella. It is a five-star read. With Ballgowns & Butterflies, she brief ...more
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong - 3.5 Stars
Ball gowns and Butterflies is a very interesting and intriguing time travel. I wish it didn’t have so much info dumping but it was still an enjoyable read. I like the world and the characters and I’m very much interested in exploring more of both.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic by Jeffe Kennedy - 4.5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon. It’s the second generation of on ...more
Ball gowns and Butterflies is a very interesting and intriguing time travel. I wish it didn’t have so much info dumping but it was still an enjoyable read. I like the world and the characters and I’m very much interested in exploring more of both.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic by Jeffe Kennedy - 4.5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon. It’s the second generation of on ...more
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong
I always enjoy a time travel story. And even though this one takes place after what I assume is book one it works, they are together and happy now. I guess book 1 was about them finding love, but it does not matter. I'd still read book 1 and see the read these. Now instead we have a novella about a couple who lives in different times and they travel back and forth. She is worried about the timeline, but hey lady you are preggers, you already changed it. ...more
I always enjoy a time travel story. And even though this one takes place after what I assume is book one it works, they are together and happy now. I guess book 1 was about them finding love, but it does not matter. I'd still read book 1 and see the read these. Now instead we have a novella about a couple who lives in different times and they travel back and forth. She is worried about the timeline, but hey lady you are preggers, you already changed it. ...more
Under a Winter Sky:A mid-winter holiday anthology was a collaboration of stories by 5 authors.Honestly, I’ve never found any interest in reading a bunch of short stories by different authors. But the cover spoke to me. And let me tell you,I had the same reaction I had to finally trying Caesar dressing. For decades I avoided it because it sounded gross to me. This year I finally tried it and realized what I had missed out on this whole time. And that’s the same reaction I got with this book. Like
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So far I read the first two stories and both are wonderful. Will update when I read more.
Originally published at Reading Reality
If it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays where you are, this collection is a terrific way to get into the holiday spirit. Or spirits, as the case might be, for multiple definitions thereof. It certainly made me shiver with the remembered chill and sparkle of the kiss of snow, even if we don’t get much of that around here.
There are five stories in this little collection, all featuring winter and some type of solstice or longest night type story, and ...more
If it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays where you are, this collection is a terrific way to get into the holiday spirit. Or spirits, as the case might be, for multiple definitions thereof. It certainly made me shiver with the remembered chill and sparkle of the kiss of snow, even if we don’t get much of that around here.
There are five stories in this little collection, all featuring winter and some type of solstice or longest night type story, and ...more
4 Stars
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven
This is the novella I read from the Under a Winter Sky Anthology. I tried to find the novella under Grace Draven's name, but it hasn't been listed by any of the GR librarians. I dislike getting credit for a whole anthology book when I only read 1 or 2 of the authors. I wish the librarians were required to break down all anthologies by author, title of novella and number of pages.
I liked A Memory of Summer and enjoyed the main c ...more
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven
This is the novella I read from the Under a Winter Sky Anthology. I tried to find the novella under Grace Draven's name, but it hasn't been listed by any of the GR librarians. I dislike getting credit for a whole anthology book when I only read 1 or 2 of the authors. I wish the librarians were required to break down all anthologies by author, title of novella and number of pages.
I liked A Memory of Summer and enjoyed the main c ...more
This review is based only on the story by Kelley Armstrong.
This book was set in her Stitch in Time book/series. I was so so on that book, but for some reason I liked this one. It might be because the characters are established now. I did like how William was so smitten with becoming a father and coming up with goofy names for the baby and how he wanted to show Bronwyn the joy of Christmas in his time. They were on the go the whole time and it seemed like Bronwyn loved all that she was learning.
This book was set in her Stitch in Time book/series. I was so so on that book, but for some reason I liked this one. It might be because the characters are established now. I did like how William was so smitten with becoming a father and coming up with goofy names for the baby and how he wanted to show Bronwyn the joy of Christmas in his time. They were on the go the whole time and it seemed like Bronwyn loved all that she was learning.
4.5 stars - I enjoyed all the stories and several well enough to pick up the full books that these stories tease.
Ball gowns and Butterflies - a little follow on to Kelley Armstrong's Stitch in Time. 4 stars - A nice little holiday peek into the HEA for the starring pair of the previous story - which was a enjoyable time travel Gothic mystery romance.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic by Jeffe Kennedy - 4.6 stars - I haven't read the series that this story ...more
Ball gowns and Butterflies - a little follow on to Kelley Armstrong's Stitch in Time. 4 stars - A nice little holiday peek into the HEA for the starring pair of the previous story - which was a enjoyable time travel Gothic mystery romance.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic by Jeffe Kennedy - 4.6 stars - I haven't read the series that this story ...more
A compilation of exciting and magical worlds created by brilliant authors that will leave you wanting more!
Rating for "Ballgowns & Butterflies" by Kelley Armstrong. Have not read the other novellas so far.
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I've only read "Ballgowns and Butterflies" by Kelly Armstrong so the raiting is just for this story alone.
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This anthology is a wonderful blend of magic, hope for a better future. Recommended for all fantasy lovers who are looking for a heart warming holiday treat.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
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To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
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That was such a nice and fun Anthology. I only knew Grace Draven and Kelley Armstrong but I will be checking the books of the other authors. <3 I enjoyed this so much
First and foremost, that cover is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! There are 5 stories in this book that you absolutely DO NOT want to miss. You'll either find new favorites or new worlds of old favorite authors, but you will find yourself engrossed in the books and loving every second!! This collaboration is an absolute POWERHOUSE!! Before I picked up this anthology, I'd only read books by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong, but I can say for absolute certain that I LOVED the works included by Jeffe Kenne
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Nov 12, 2020
Peggy M
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
pregnant,
anthology,
novella,
christmas,
series,
paranormal,
shapeshifter,
curves,
arc,
4-stars
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
(When I got this ARC there were only four stories in it. Grace Draven’s story wasn’t included yet.)
The first time that I saw the cover of this anthology I just fell in love with it. It’s such a beautiful cover and has a magical, fairytale and Christmas-like atmosphere about it. And when I read the blurb of the stories, I got even more curious about it. So I was very happy when I got the chance to read it. Kelley Ar ...more
(When I got this ARC there were only four stories in it. Grace Draven’s story wasn’t included yet.)
The first time that I saw the cover of this anthology I just fell in love with it. It’s such a beautiful cover and has a magical, fairytale and Christmas-like atmosphere about it. And when I read the blurb of the stories, I got even more curious about it. So I was very happy when I got the chance to read it. Kelley Ar ...more
I jumped at the opportunity to read Under a Winter Sky I love anthologies, no for real I love them it gives me the chance to discover authors that I may have never read, that I may have overlooked. This review will feature work from Kelley Armstrong, Jeffe Kennedy, Melissa Marr, and L. Penelope.
Ballgowns and Butterflies by Kelly Armstrong - 4.5 stars
In this time travelling novela, I was grateful for all of the information given since this novela, follows A Stitch in Time. Which I must confess ...more
Ballgowns and Butterflies by Kelly Armstrong - 4.5 stars
In this time travelling novela, I was grateful for all of the information given since this novela, follows A Stitch in Time. Which I must confess ...more
4 novellas, three with a winter holidays theme...
I was given an advanced reader copy from author Melissa Marr in exchange for my honest review.
Kelley Armstrong
Ballgowns & Butterflies
(1.5) second story in the A Stitch in Time Victorian gothic time travel series.
A fun and sweet novella with the fantasy of time travel that also introduces some intrigue that hopefully will be resolved in a future addition to the series. One of the dilemmas the main character grapples with is the butterfly effect of ...more
I was given an advanced reader copy from author Melissa Marr in exchange for my honest review.
Kelley Armstrong
Ballgowns & Butterflies
(1.5) second story in the A Stitch in Time Victorian gothic time travel series.
A fun and sweet novella with the fantasy of time travel that also introduces some intrigue that hopefully will be resolved in a future addition to the series. One of the dilemmas the main character grapples with is the butterfly effect of ...more
Kelley Armstrong: Ballgowns & Butterflies (Thorne Manor 1.5) - 5 stars
I haven't read the previous book, but within the first 5 pages, I knew I had to go read it. This author writes such a good, compelling story with detailed worlds.
Jeffe Kennedy: Thé Long Night of the Crystalline Moon - 2 stars
This is obviously a prequel to a spinoff series. The world is very intricate and there’s not much of a story. Of the stories in this anthology, this one was a slog and I had to make myself read it. Then it ...more
I haven't read the previous book, but within the first 5 pages, I knew I had to go read it. This author writes such a good, compelling story with detailed worlds.
Jeffe Kennedy: Thé Long Night of the Crystalline Moon - 2 stars
This is obviously a prequel to a spinoff series. The world is very intricate and there’s not much of a story. Of the stories in this anthology, this one was a slog and I had to make myself read it. Then it ...more
This fantasy anthology was a treat, and I got to add some one-click authors to my list. The anthology starts with a lovely Victorian time-travel romance Then comes one of my fave authors Jeffe Kennedy whose luminous writing includes passages like, "He was like a dragon, so beautiful and enticing with jeweled scales, the seductive dark magic in him shimmering, luring her to warm herself in the heat of his unwavering regard--until some little thing annoyed him and he turned her to ash with a cruel
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This is a collection of 4 novellas and a short story with a winter theme.
Ballgowns and Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong. This is a Victorian time travel novella set after her novel A Stitch in Time. I love her writing and you could almost feel the cold and hear the jingle of sleigh bells on the way to the ball.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon by Jeffe Kennedy. This involves a shapeshifter who has no desire to attend the festival of the Crystalline moon as there will be too many rules and a ...more
Ballgowns and Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong. This is a Victorian time travel novella set after her novel A Stitch in Time. I love her writing and you could almost feel the cold and hear the jingle of sleigh bells on the way to the ball.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon by Jeffe Kennedy. This involves a shapeshifter who has no desire to attend the festival of the Crystalline moon as there will be too many rules and a ...more
A collection of novellas and stories, with most, if not all, featuring characters connected to previous works, which is generally problematic if one's unfamiliar with what's come before. Still, here goes:
• Ballgowns and Butterflies – 2.5.
• The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon – DNF, and I tried twice, but, despite the fantasy trappings, it was just too much like annoying CW teens at prom.
• Echoes of Ash and Tears – 2.5
• Blood Martinis and Mistletoe – 3. A hot Fae, assorted draugr, and New Or ...more
• Ballgowns and Butterflies – 2.5.
• The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon – DNF, and I tried twice, but, despite the fantasy trappings, it was just too much like annoying CW teens at prom.
• Echoes of Ash and Tears – 2.5
• Blood Martinis and Mistletoe – 3. A hot Fae, assorted draugr, and New Or ...more
Anthologies are usually a great way to find new authors, but this is so-so. I really like Kelley Armstong and her story didn't disappoint, I'd give it 4.5 stars. The next by Jeffe Kennedy left me thinking do I want to read the rest of this book? It was a bunch of hormonal teenagers and I couldn't have cared less about them. Next came Melissa Marr's story, I did like it and made me curious about the story line, that was a maybe to read more of her books in this series. L. Penelope's story was the
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I absolutely LOVED Blood Martinis and Mistletoe! This is a fun short read that those who have already read book 1 will enjoy and new readers to the set can try out to see if they like the characters, although new readers starting here will have a few spoilers. We get more banter, which is amazing! We also get more of a character from book one that surprised me in the best way, giving greater insight to why the particular character may have acted a certain way in book one.
Read the Draven story, for which I bought the collection, from 11/19-11/20. Definitely not a stand-alone, and it's a good thing I know the book is coming because my goodness, what a cliff-hanger!! (which is not something Ms. Draven usually does) I liked the story and the characters, and I'm looking forward to the book.
More review to come when I (eventually) read the other stories in the collection. ...more
More review to come when I (eventually) read the other stories in the collection. ...more
This was an excellent Anthology and I loved the stories. I bought it of course because of Kelley Armstrong's Ballgowns & Butterflies which is a Xmas story to her recent Victorian time-travel novel, A Stitch in time. This short story was a definite 5 star read and was a great follow up to the novel.
The 2nd story The long night of the Crystalline moon by Jeffe Kennedy was also great. A new author for me, the story seemed to be a set up for a new series, and was quite intriguing. I enjoyed the rom ...more
The 2nd story The long night of the Crystalline moon by Jeffe Kennedy was also great. A new author for me, the story seemed to be a set up for a new series, and was quite intriguing. I enjoyed the rom ...more
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Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked a ...more
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked a ...more
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