Mistletoe Wishes: The Billionaire's Christmas Gift / One Christmas Night in Venice / Snowbound with the Millionaire

by Carole Mortimer, Jane Porter, Catherine George

"The Billionaire's Christmas Gift" by Carole Mortimer

Nick Steele's heart is closed to everyone but his daughter. He will do anything to make this Christmas special for his little girl, though sharing the holidays with her impossibly attractive teacher wasn't at all what he had planned. But the lovely and vibrant Ms. Beth Morgan soon has Nick rethinking his own wish list. Might there be room for one more special lady in his life?

"One Christmas Night in Venice" by Jane Porter

Five years ago a car accident killed her husband and unborn child--or so Diane Mayer had thought. Then she sees Dominic Coducci alive and well before her eyes, looking as shocked as she! Dom is determined to put his family back together, whatever it takes. But Diane needs to be sure about her husband's feelings before she can share his bed again.

"Snowbound with the Millionaire" by Catherine George

Georgia had no intention of spending her Christmas marooned with a sexy millionaire. She wanted to be alone, to lick her wounds and nurse her broken heart. But Chance--her gorgeous rescuer--was making it difficult for Georgia to concentrate on her misery! Though a snowstorm raged outside the mansion, inside things were quickly heating up....

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Anthologies, Harlequin, Contemporary, Short Stories, Contemporary Romance

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

I have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.

I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.

I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man

Reviews

[Monique Takens · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 middelmatige verhalen zonder echte kerst sfeer , als ik een favoriet moet kiezen dan ga ik voor het Jane Porter verhaal .

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All three were good stories. The first one was nice with the teacher connecting so well with the little girl. I liked the way she stood up to Nick. The second was ok. Dom was a bit more arrogant than I really liked, though I was glad to see him loosen up by the end. My favorite was the third one. This seemed to be the most real of the three stories. Georgia and Chance worked well together in the storm. I liked the way they were together, even though they had their moments of idiocy.

[Georgianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of all the short Christmas books I read so far this December, this has got to be the worst. All three of the men in these short stories were rich. For someone (me) who lives according to the testimony of simplicity, reading three stories of women who fell madly in love with three somewhat domineering hard-hearted men with issues who also happen to be filthy rich was kind of preposterous. You know love will supposedly change them, still it's so unrealistic. Why did I do it? No idea. But my daughter brought a stack of Christmas home from the library for this year's holiday reading, so I'm just working my way through.

[ReadWithE · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for the middle story...no stars from me for the other two

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Although, I was not overly fond of the first story of Nick Steele and Bethan Morgan. I found the story line totally unbelievable and the relationship rushed. He is a happily single dad, she is an unhappy widow getting over her husbands death. They do not seem to like each other very much, except for the fact the he wants her because she does not want him. And in the matter of a few short occasions that they are around each other they are suddenly in love and getting married.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second story by Jane Porter. Diane Mayer and Dominic Coducci were a married couple deeply in love and expecting their first child when tragedy strikes. Each being told that the other is dead by a deceitful mother who believes Diane was never good enough for her son to being with. Five years later a chance meeting at a mask party reunites them. The are both in shock to discover the other alive, they have scars inside and out and they both have changed. The only thing the same is their love for each other, but can they get pass the pain and blame of the past and move forward to a future at also includes a child Diane thought she had lost along with the man she loved five long years ago.

I also enjoyed the third story, Georgia Smith and Chance Warner had an awkward first meeting that also involved a passionate kiss. Georgia was at a birthday part for Chance’s brother Toby, whom Georgia had gone out with a few times. When she mistakenly kiss Chance initially thinking he was Toby. The kiss was innocent until passion overrode thought and Toby walked in. Now several months later both planning on spending the Holiday alone, they finds themselves trapped together in Chance’s million dollar home do to a snow storm and flooding rains. Neither wanting to admit to the other that they have had growing feeling for each other from the time of that first kiss. Can they survive their doubts about each others motives and true intentions? Can they survive both the storm brewing outside as well as the one inside the house.

[RomLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Billionaire's Christmas Gift" by Carole Mortimer

Nick Steele's heart is closed to everyone but his daughter. He will do anything to make this Christmas special for his little girl, though sharing the holidays with her impossibly attractive teacher wasn't at all what he had planned. But the lovely and vibrant Ms. Beth Morgan soon has Nick rethinking his own wish list. Might there be room for one more special lady in his life?

"One Christmas Night in Venice" by Jane Porter

Five years ago a car accident killed her husband and unborn child--or so Diane Mayer had thought. Then she sees Dominic Coducci alive and well before her eyes, looking as shocked as she! Dom is determined to put his family back together, whatever it takes. But Diane needs to be sure about her husband's feelings before she can share his bed again.

"Snowbound with the Millionaire" by Catherine George

Georgia had no intention of spending her Christmas marooned with a sexy millionaire. She wanted to be alone, to lick her wounds and nurse her broken heart. But Chance--her gorgeous rescuer--was making it difficult for Georgia to concentrate on her misery! Though a snowstorm raged outside the mansion, inside things were quickly heating up...

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Billionaire's Christmas Gift: Meh. Had a hard time getting past the premise AKA 4 days from "I don't like you" to "Let's get married!" to really enjoy the romance. 2 stars.

One Christmas Night in Venice: This one, I liked better. I found the fast pace of the romance much more believable because of the couple's history. Probably my favorite. 4 stars.

Snowbound with the Millionaire: Middling. If I were to choose which story I'd most like to star in, I think it's this one. (With some edits, but that's just personal preference and such, not bad writing). 3 stars.

I've definitely read worse....

[Clive Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway just in time as a stocking filler for my Mother.
She read each of the three stories individually, one each night and loved them all. Although a little predictable in their outcome, she still nevertheless, found them enjoyable. #
Three charming romantic stories all based round the Christmas holiday, all with happy endings perfect for that time of year. If you're looking for a bit of escapism intto a romantic winter wonderland, she says this is the book for you.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com

This was a Christmas anthology of romance stories by three authors I have not read before - Carole Mortimer, Jane Porter and Catherine George. All three books kept my attention from the beginning although they were quite different in their setting and storylines. The stories all centered around Christmas, had some tears, laughter, lots of conflict and angst especially amongst those falling in love. One Christmas Night in Venice was heartbreaking with its separation by death story but was so realistic in its telling and evolution that you had to root for Diane and Dom to heal, rekindle their love and become a family once again. All had a happy ending but took some time to get there. Both One Christmas Night in Venice and Snowbound with the Millionaire were very vivid in their descriptions. You felt as if you were in Venice in the one and the countryside of England in the other. Although I have not read any of these authors before I will definitely add them to my to be read pile and hope I enjoy their other books as well as the ones in this anthology.

Favorite Quotes:
The Billionaire's Christmas Gift by Carole Mortimer
Not only was Nick the man who gave her a pulse-racing and heady thrill just being in his presence, who gave her pleasure just in looking at him, who filled her with tingling arousal just at a touch, but he was also the man she wanted as her best friend, her lover, and her husband.

One Christmas Night in Venice by Jane Porter
Heavens. He'd noticed that, too. What didn't he see? Curling her nails into her palms, she forced herself to meet his gaze. "It's been five years since we've been together. I'm still getting used to the idea that you're alive. For five years all I wanted was to see you again, and now we're having a meal together. Definitely surreal."

Snowbound with the Millionaire by Catherine George
...They walked on, sinking ankle-deep on the paths leading down to lawns blanketed with snow. "The man who lived here lavished far more care on the gardens than the house. Too much for my taste. I prefer a wilder, more natural look. There'll be a marvelous show of snowdrops on the terrace soon, and later on the beds and the walled garden will be full of daffodils. Then great swathes of bluebells arrive in May." He shot a look at her. "You must come back and see them."

[Kim Schellin-Rog · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was not a very enjoyable book. It’s a combination of 3 short stories so different authors for each. Each story was supposed to be set at Christmas but it felt like that was just an afterthought.

Review of book one - the male on the story was overbearing, pushy and demanding. Expecting his way and the female lead was traumatized but he was so quick to just ignore that and push her into a romance with him.

Review of book two - again Christmas was an afterthought maybe it got 3 pages total mention. I just wasnt feeling this one either.

Review of book three - if I had to pick a favorite out of the 3 it would be this one. It started out great but with about 25 pages left it took a spin where the two characters were at each others throats. I’m still not really sure of the reason.

[Min Li Li · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snowbound with the Millionaire için puanım.

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story in this book was really good in it's own special way.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 cure Christmas stories where 2 people meet, struggle getting to know each other, then decide true love means trust and respect

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by JoAnne:

This was a Christmas anthology of romance stories by three authors I have not read before - Carole Mortimer, Jane Porter and Catherine George. All three books kept my attention from the beginning although they were quite different in their setting and storylines. The stories all centered around Christmas, had some tears, laughter, lots of conflict and angst especially amongst those falling in love. One Christmas Night in Venice was heartbreaking with its separation by death story but was so realistic in its telling and evolution that you had to root for Diane and Dom to heal, rekindle their love and become a family once again. All had a happy ending but took some time to get there. Both One Christmas Night in Venice and Snowbound with the Millionaire were very vivid in their descriptions. You felt as if you were in Venice in the one and the countryside of England in the other. Although I have not read any of these authors before I will definitely add them to my to be read pile and hope I enjoy their other books as well as the ones in this anthology.

Favorite Quotes:
The Billionaire's Christmas Gift by Carole Mortimer
Not only was Nick the man who gave her a pulse-racing and heady thrill just being in his presence, who gave her pleasure just in looking at him, who filled her with tingling arousal just at a touch, but he was also the man she wanted as her best friend, her lover, and her husband.

One Christmas Night in Venice by Jane Porter
Heavens. He'd noticed that, too. What didn't he see? Curling her nails into her palms, she forced herself to meet his gaze. "It's been five years since we've been together. I'm still getting used to the idea that you're alive. For five years all I wanted was to see you again, and now we're having a meal together. Definitely surreal."

Snowbound with the Millionaire by Catherine George
...They walked on, sinking ankle-deep on the paths leading down to lawns blanketed with snow. "The man who lived here lavished far more care on the gardens than the house. Too much for my taste. I prefer a wilder, more natural look. There'll be a marvelous show of snowdrops on the terrace soon, and later on the beds and the walled garden will be full of daffodils. Then great swathes of bluebells arrive in May." He shot a look at her. "You must come back and see them."

[Mariana Bezerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Billionaire’s Christmas Gift by Carole Mortimer

Beth has problems with her relationships since an accident took away her husband and both her parents and now three years later she’s dealing with intense fellings toward Nick, a parent off one little student of her. Nick is a widower just like Beth the only diference is that he never get to know what means to love someone. So when he discovers stranges thoughts and fellings is a bit harder for him to understand what he feels really means.


I though the story was a little too fast but since this is a Christmas anthology I can accept that and knowing they had their happy ending makes everything even better. Loved Bekka she’s been through a lot and is still a sweet girl with a loving heart, and the adoptive animals was very fun.


One Christmas night in Venice



The book started very sad, bought of them suffered for years thinking the other was death. While Diane was left alone in New York, Domenico had the help of his family. They were in a car accident and their injuries were deatly. Domenico was very rich Italian Count and his family had problems accepting his marriage with a poor American, but they fought and started a family together. I loved the story and how the decided to give another chance for their relationship and accepted better this one because they had a past together so it was easy for me to understand their need to be together after three days.

Snowbound with the millionaire


Third and final book, and so far my favorite, is a quick love story. Georgia is having a not so great year and she decided to spend Christmas all alone in a cabin her parents rented a while back, but there’s also a snow avalanche and the sexy neighbor came to her rescue.

The book has a good pace and things are set during 4 days, and since both are in love with each other, they just need to find some way to really get along and discover their feelings. I liked this one and fealt really angry sometimes with a character but that’s the fun part.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane Mayer entered the ballroom of Ca' Coducci's palazzo for a masquerade gala fundraiser. She wasn't quite sure why she came? Did she need closure? This was her late husband's home. She lost him five years prior in a car accident that also took the life of her unborn child. While watching everyone dance around in their masked costumes, there were two people on the floor who were just so beautiful and moved perfectly in sync with each other. Something about him made her feel emotions that she hasn't felt in years. Hot, powerful emotions. Only one person has ever made her feel like that. Her late husband, Domenico ... but he was gone ... or was he? Could this be her husband? The only man she's loved?

I really enjoyed this story. It makes you realize that in life and love you never know what will happen next. I felt the characters to be very likable and enjoyed being a part of their reunion. I would definitely recommend this book to others. I enjoy a good love story and this one did not disappoint.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are 3 short stories in this book. The first one is called "The billionaires Christmas gift" by Carole Mortimer! This one was the only one I couldn't get into. The story was OK but how can you fall in love and get proposed to in about a week? It seemed to jump into stuff way to fast, but that's just my opinion.
The second story was called "One Christmas night in Venice" by Jane Porter. This to me was a very magical story, and you find such a warm feeling from this story. I will read more by this author. I love this story!
The third story is called " Snowbound with the Millionaire" by Catherin George. Also enjoyed this one very much. Two people who had planned to spend Christmas alone end up together due to the weather. But they also have know each other so at least they were not strangers. Very interesting and also another one I found hard to put down. Also will read more by this author too.

[Cleffairy Cleffairy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed at: Over A Cuppa Tea
Review date: 5th September 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.wordpress.com/2011/09/04/mistletoe-wishes/

‘Mistletoe Wishes’ is a collection of three stories by three different authors. Like the title suggested, they’re all Christmas themed novels. The stories are heartwarming and passionate, though I find that it’s just another one of those typical Harlequin Christmas romance.

There’s nothing out of ordinary, but all ofthe stories are enjoyable nevertheless.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

[Cláudia P. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book last year, actually this year but in January, so I decided to wait until the end 2012 to read it. I don´t say this book is bad, I guess I was just expecting something more in Christmas spirit, and read it on bad time. Besides, the style of speech isn´t one of my favorites, I like romances but not exactly on this kind. Even so, I liked more the last little story. It was small, sweet and quickly to read. The second one was interesting but I would like in a book, and not in so small story.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review for the second story in the book. One Christmas Night in Venice by Jane Porter. This story had a lot of angsty potential. Both the hero and the heroine were told the other was dead 5 years ago after a car crash. They meet again. There were plenty of angsty bits but somehow the story didn't gel for me. Maybe them getting back together just happened so fast. I liked it better the second time around so I'll raise it up to 3 stars from 2.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of three short romances is exactly what you'd expect reading the summaries above. They are what they are, and while they had steamy scenes, each of the stores was a real story with a plotline. Grade: B- (best I give this type of book).


I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

[LorettaLynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small set of Christmas stories.

These where a nice little set of stories, and I enjoyed reading each one.
You know that saying; You never no what’s going to happen! Well this is just what happened here. Each story has it’s own little plot based around the holiday season.
Recommended to romance readers..

Nice little stories..

Happy Reading Everyone!!

[Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the First Reads Book that I won and I'm so grateful that I won because while all the author's stories were good, the second story felt the most vivid to me. I now have a new author to look into in Jane Porter. (Thank you GoodReads First Reads!) Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. She took a story that would be completely unbelievable and made me believe.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

These three novellas actually had decent story lines and interesting characters but the authors included bedroom scenes with too much information that spoiled it for me.

Of the three, I especially like the plot in One Christmas Night in Venice. Felt the author could have really made this into an excellent novel.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Billionaire's Christmas Gift by Carole Mortimer:
Okay - Heroines who think about the hero! In every chapter! With exclamation points! Drive me batty!

One Christmas Night in Venice - Jane Porter:
Lots of tension and emotion. I can't get over the implausible premise of the story, however.

Snowbound with the Millionaire - Catherine George
Not a lot to say about this one...

[Tara Cadenelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

"One Christmas Night in Venice" was enjoyable, but the first and third stories were some of the worst I've read in this genre. Badly written and edited with ridiculous nonstop misunderstandings...really not worth reading IMO. Averaged out to two stars total because of the second story.

[Shallowreader VaVeros · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the Carole Mortimer story. I felt it was too short both in book length and in the time frame between the protagonists meeting and their (unbelievable) grand lurvvve declration. Romance in a short story format rarely works for me.

[Deborah (LoveToReadRomance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

review coming

[Lynette · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's well outside my usual fare, but I can enjoy the occasional light and fluffy. Note to the guys: this is definitely a chick book.

[Janice · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is were not my favorite. They were OK.