Christmas Collection: Three Magical Romantic Suspense Novellas

Romancing the Spirit #7, 15, 19

by C.B. Samet

Three magical romance novellas to delight your holiday reading. Holly's Holiday. Gregarious Holly and her mischievous ghost elf set out to match-make the town's newest single addition for the holidays. But when they force Drex's secret as a former spy to light, looming danger closes in on them. Can Holly and Drex save Christmas and each other? Carol's Christmas. One night. Two hearts. Three spirits. A new twist on a Christmas classic. Over the course of the night, three ghosts visit bitter surgeon, Carol Sullivan, causing her to reconsider the choices she's made and the person she's become. But can she truly make the difficult transformation or is compassion--and love--lost forever? Stella's Star. When Stella loses her memory, a guiding star leads her to the Orion family's Christmas cabin. But danger on the mountain encroaches on the peaceful holiday getaway. Will Stella's memories return in time to save them all from disaster? “Samet's prose vacillates skillfully between various registers, expressing sensuality, suspense, and humor, as needed.... A collection of well-executed ... tales of love and ghosts.”
—Kirkus Review (on Romancing the Spirit Series, Books 1-6)

300 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2021

About the author

I enjoy writing and reading action/adventure, thrillers, romantic suspense, and fantasy.

I grew up reading Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, and the Bourne books. I write seeking to create that level of action and intrigue but with female heroines. The love the quote, ‘She needed a hero. So she became one.’ My novels have empowered women overcoming powerful obstacles and the strong men who support them.

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Reviews

[Ellie Spencer (catching up from hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a charming collection of novellas that were super easy to pick up and put down as the feeling suited.

The collection consists of:
- Holly’s holiday (Holly and her elf love to matchmake during Christmas, but when a spy comes to town fate has different plans)
- Carol’s Christmas (a retelling of A Christmas Carol involving a young surgeon in desperate need of guidance)
- Stella’s Star (Stella ends up in an accident that causes her to lose all memory of who she is, she crashes the Christmas of a local family, but something more sinister is lurking nearby)

Unfortunately, I started reading this collection during a difficult time in my life, which very well may have affected my enjoyment of the books. That being said, I loved the unique take of spirits leading couples into romances. It does require some suspension of belief, but it added a lovely magical quality that was just what I needed. These are nice and quick novellas, that are not mentally taxing and can be read easily.

I particularly enjoyed Carol’s Christmas, I loved the take on a classic author in such a modern and unique way. It felt a little cheesy at times, but I didn’t mind that because I was enjoying the journey! I also enjoyed Stella’s Star as it was the first book I’ve ever read involving amnesia! Having recently studied amnesia I found it particularly fun to relate what I’d learnt to this story, even though it was fiction! Overall, I enjoyed this collection and will definitely be reading more books by this author. I wasn’t blown away by any of the stories, but they kept me amused and I liked that I could dip in and out as the mood struck.

I would recommend this collection to any fans of paranormal romance and Christmas novellas. I want to thank CB Samet and Voracious Readers Only for allowing me to read a copy of this book so I could give my personal thoughts.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Paranormal Stories for Christmas

I absolutely adore the paranormal romances written by this author. Her books require no world-building as she mostly takes contemporary real life and puts a paranormal spin on it. And it is charmingly done, with well-written characters and enjoyable slots that keep you turning the pages. I think one book included in here, Carol's Christmas, is the very first book I read of hers back in 2019, and I've been an avid reader of everything she puts out ever since. I had not read one book in this collection, so it was a delight not only to reread books I had previously enjoyed but also to discover a new favorite. I love that the author has put together a Christmas collection of her stories, as I do enjoy most fiction that takes place at that special time of the year; these books certainly have that Christmas “sparkle”! I highly recommend not only this collection but the entire series these books come from.

Below you'll find my full review of one book in this collection, that first one I read several years ago. Go to

Review of Carol’s Christmas — Modern Retelling of a Christmas Classic
I love a good spin on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It truly is the perfect template to show fast-moving character growth. I think this book is a perfect reflection of what a novel or novella based on that story should be. The author did an excellent job showing who Carol is now and why and how she became the way she is along the way. The author also manages to reveal problems that definitely exist within our broken medical system in the United States. The arc of Carol's growth seemed natural and fit her past as well as what was revealed of her present. I like that the author was even able to include a Tiny Tim like character in this story, the son of her beleaguered physician’s assistant. Unlike Dickens’ story, we actually get to see more of how Carol's life changed on that pivotal Christmas Day with an extended look at what she does then and goes even further into the future to show us her much happier life. This character’s change is spectacular and imbued with all the Christmas spirit that we hope to find in a retelling of A Christmas Carol. If you enjoy retellings of classic Christmas stories and movies, this very brief novella may very well fit the bill.

I received a free copy of this collection, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreview.com

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Christmas Spirit . . .

This collection contains 3 novellas in a holiday Christmas collection. Below is a review of one to give you an idea of what you will find here. Titles included are:

• Carol's Christmas
• Stella's Star
• Holly's Holiday

*** Reviewing “CAROL'S CHRISTMAS” ***
Carol Sullivan is a surgeon, cold-hearted, lonely, and so wrapped up in her work that she has no time to reach out or care for others. She has no joy in her heart, no love for family or friends. She had a man who loved her, but the love withered away when she did not even notice him. The character is portrayed so well that the reader dislikes her and wants distance from her so as not to be tainted by her bitter negative attitude.

When Carol is visited by the 3 Christmas Spirits, beginning with the ghost of her former colleague, she begins to see what is missing in her life. Just like the original this story is based on, this is a wonderful holiday story. Will she find a happy ending for her own story too?

And the book's cover is beautiful!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly's Holiday - this was a spy story mixed with some Christmas magic, it moved along quickly and held my interest. I liked both Drex and Holly and I enjoyed seeing them getting to know each other again and finding their futures. - 4 stars.

Carol's Christmas - This is a retelling of A Christmas Carol which felt real, believable, sad and hopeful. It had good characters and was a well told story - 4 stars.

Stella's Star - This novella has an interesting concept as well as developed and likeable characters. I did see some things coming but didn't mind as I enjoyed seeing how it would all play out. I liked the hope, support, connection, chemistry, family, belief, trust, honesty and love in this. - 4 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although there are bad deeds in all three stories, what they leave in the reader´s mind is the beautiful and good feelings provided by the Christmas season. All of them were all though of and had a good plot that streams from beginning to the end. I specially loved the last one, with the magic star and the family. Good romance, easy to read, some relatable characters and very entertaining! Well done!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of three short holiday stories. The author brings strong characters and weaves three great Christmas themed romances. She brings a variety of themes with humor ,danger and a bit of paranormal. She paints her scenes perfectly ,bringing her stories to life and moving them quickly and fluidly. They're well written ,heartwarming and fun and are clean romances I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed these three short stories. Holly’s holiday was a sweet Christmas romance with a touch of suspense and paranormal to keep the reader on their toes. Both Holly and Drex are likeable characters that are easy to become invested in. It was great to see their growing relationship blossom.
I loved the spin on the classic tale of A Christmas Carol. Was able to stay true to the original plot while also adding enough subtle differences to make the story unique.
Finally, Stella’s Star was another sweet story that was the perfect way to finish this collection.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Romancing the Spirit series Three Magical Romantic Suspense Novellas that held my interest until the end. The stories are Holly’s Holiday = Holly and Drex, Carol’s Christmas = Carol Sullivan and Stella’s Star = Stella and the Orion family. All three where well worth reading, I know I will read them again. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection includes three "Romancing the Spirit" holiday reads: "Holly's Holiday", "Carol's Christmas" and "Stella's Star". They are short and fairly quick reads that are very captivating and intriguing. I enjoyed the plots and love the characters. They are fairly fast paced stories with a bit of paranormal and interesting twists. I love how the stories develops as well as the mystery, suspense and romance.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Collection by CB Samet is a fantastic collection to read. This is a fantastic three story collection of Christmas stories that I have been hooked on since opening up the first page of the first book till the very end of the third book. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading romantic suspense and Holiday romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christopher Ramsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three novellas with a definite Christmas spirit. Holly and Drex try to solve their issues and save Christmas.
Then Carol tries to develop the Christmas spirit. Then aided by three Christmas spirits, Carol changes her outlook on Christmas and her friends and co-workers.
Stella gets lost while in the woods and ends up spending time with others. Including a man and his young daughter. Many different actions occur, which helps everyone have a great Christmas 🎄

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection will definitely get you in the holiday spirit and it gives you some great romances to curl up in a chair to read (even in the hot summer). If anyone is a helpless romantic, it’s a book that I would read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. There are three stories in this collection in which a spirit helps a couple find love. Each one inspires a different emotion during the story but all end in happiness. I would recommend reading this set. Hard to say which is my favorite but Stella's Star wins out in the end.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of three stories left me with the warm glow that Christmas brings. I enjoyed the retelling of traditional Christmas tales but with a bit of a supernatural twist. These stories are easy to read and entertaining. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by CB Samet; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is a three book set of Christmas stories; she has written a fantastic set of short stories; each book is well written; I love the characters.

I received a free copy of this boxset via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story lines and characters, Awesome!! Loved this Collection. The storylines were so interesting that it had me turning pages in anticipation of where it would lead. I was very intrigued with the characters in the stories. Simply awesome. Definitely recommend this Collection to anyone looking for great reads. I would recommend to others. Worth the read and the money!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice paranormal romance collection of Christmas stories.. I enjoyed it.. The stories are clever and sweet, and are very heartwarming..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of stories all around Christmas and what may or may not happen. Get pulled in and stay there until the last page

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Christmas themes of the storylines they were festive throughout the pages. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty to keep us entertained.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet feel good short stories. Received as a complimentary copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed all three of these stories.
All quite different, but all lovely romantic tales which got me into the Christmas spirit.
I'd really recommend this book.