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The Perfect Treat
Heart-warming short stories for cold winter nights…
Featuring short stories from Sunday Times bestselling authors Miranda Dickinson and Claudia Carroll and highly anticipated debuts from Mhairi McFarlane and Liz Trenow, this collection is the ultimate treat.
Each short story is followed up by exclusive extracts of each of the authors upcoming titles.
Love, Loss and Coffee Cake: Through tears, heartbreak and the undying hope of love, a tale of a pair of star-crossed lovers.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A comedy that proves you should be very careful what you wish for.
Driving Home For Christmas: A touching tale about a newlyweds desperate to spend their first Christmas alone.
Breaking The Spell: A moving story about the power of hope and love.
The Twelve Lies of Christmas: A hilarious feature that offers up the truth about the festive season.
Featuring short stories from Sunday Times bestselling authors Miranda Dickinson and Claudia Carroll and highly anticipated debuts from Mhairi McFarlane and Liz Trenow, this collection is the ultimate treat.
Each short story is followed up by exclusive extracts of each of the authors upcoming titles.
Love, Loss and Coffee Cake: Through tears, heartbreak and the undying hope of love, a tale of a pair of star-crossed lovers.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A comedy that proves you should be very careful what you wish for.
Driving Home For Christmas: A touching tale about a newlyweds desperate to spend their first Christmas alone.
Breaking The Spell: A moving story about the power of hope and love.
The Twelve Lies of Christmas: A hilarious feature that offers up the truth about the festive season.
129 pages, ebook
First published September 17, 2012
67 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Dickinson
28 books662 followersMiranda Dickinson has always had a head full of stories. Coming from a creative family where stories and songs were always present, it was perhaps inevitable that she would end up adoring words. A songwriter for over 15 years, Miranda has successfully penned over thirty songs, delivering both live and recorded performances in a range of venues across the UK and Europe. Her first solo project album, About Time is due for release this year. To hear her music, visit www.mirandadickinson.com - and be sure to leave a message if you like it!
Miranda began writing in earnest four years ago with her first novel, Coffee at Kowalski's - a romantic comedy set in New York's Upper West Side. This was spotted on HarperCollins' site for unpublished authors, Authonomy.com at the end of 2008 and was released by Avon (part of HC) as Fairytale of New York on 12th November 2009. She has also written several short stories, scripts and novel excerpts, many of which are published on Helium.com. Miranda is also a regular contributor for www.myvillage.com writing a range of local interest articles for the Birmingham area and national film and festival reviews.
Miranda began writing in earnest four years ago with her first novel, Coffee at Kowalski's - a romantic comedy set in New York's Upper West Side. This was spotted on HarperCollins' site for unpublished authors, Authonomy.com at the end of 2008 and was released by Avon (part of HC) as Fairytale of New York on 12th November 2009. She has also written several short stories, scripts and novel excerpts, many of which are published on Helium.com. Miranda is also a regular contributor for www.myvillage.com writing a range of local interest articles for the Birmingham area and national film and festival reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 3, 2018
When you take away the excerpts from other books there's only 5 stories in here and so it doesn't even take an hour to get through this book.
I don't like excerpts personally and don't read them. I either want the whole book or I'll wait for it so for me this was exceptionally short.
The short stories are ok but if like me that's all you want from this book you might be disappointed
I don't like excerpts personally and don't read them. I either want the whole book or I'll wait for it so for me this was exceptionally short.
The short stories are ok but if like me that's all you want from this book you might be disappointed
November 14, 2012
This is a perfect treat in bite sizes for book lovers and non readers alike. The short stories from fantastic authors to make you swoon, ahhh and ohhh. It is a perfect book for people that find books overwhelming or only like to read bite size chunks.
Each story takes the reader on a different journey and each author also shares an extract from their latest book.
I was lucky and found this on my kindle, not sure where it came from or when, but i am glad i found it and one thing is for sure.... it certainly is a perfect treat <3
Each story takes the reader on a different journey and each author also shares an extract from their latest book.
I was lucky and found this on my kindle, not sure where it came from or when, but i am glad i found it and one thing is for sure.... it certainly is a perfect treat <3
April 29, 2019
Met new authors
What a nice book filled with lovely short stories... it has introduced me to 5 new authors whom of which I added their other works to my reading list.
What a nice book filled with lovely short stories... it has introduced me to 5 new authors whom of which I added their other works to my reading list.
June 6, 2020
Perfect short stories to read in one sitting
January 22, 2013
This book was free when I downloaded it, but if I had I paid for it, I would have felt cheated. At least 50% of the book is previews of novels by the 5 short story authors. I skipped over these, although I did look up book reviews of some of them elsewhere.
I was split over the short stories themselves. I like having something I can read in a half hour break and all these stories fitted that criteria. The first few stories I really enjoyed, although they were predictable and written to a formula, but there were others which I struggled to see as short stories at all.
Overall good as a taster of author's writing styles, but lacks any real substance and instantly forgettable.
I was split over the short stories themselves. I like having something I can read in a half hour break and all these stories fitted that criteria. The first few stories I really enjoyed, although they were predictable and written to a formula, but there were others which I struggled to see as short stories at all.
Overall good as a taster of author's writing styles, but lacks any real substance and instantly forgettable.
Read
November 11, 2022short and lovely
October 20, 2024
Five short stories by five authors, ranging in quality from 'okay' to 'fantastic'. I'll give each one its own mini-review.
Love, Loss and Coffee Cake: 3 stars
An ambitious story that simply tries to do too much in too few words. A shame as there are some great concepts here.
It’s A Wonderful Life: 4 stars
A great affectionate parody of that classic Christmas film 'It's A Wonderful Life', with a good lesson about not having regrets or looking back.
Driving Home For Christmas: 5 stars
The best of the bunch, a perfect combination of emotion, drama and being grateful for what you have. A terrific tale.
Breaking The Spell: 3 stars
An unusual twist on the 'Sleeping Beauty' fairy tale, but without much meaningful conclusion and surprisingly little tension given the nature of the plot.
The Twelve Lies of Christmas: 3.5 stars
This one isn't even a story, really, as there's no plot to speak of, but it is witty and amusing, an enjoyable mickey take at some of the silly clichés around the Christmas season.
All in all a solid collection of short stories, especially 'Driving Home For Christmas'. Well worth a read.
Love, Loss and Coffee Cake: 3 stars
An ambitious story that simply tries to do too much in too few words. A shame as there are some great concepts here.
It’s A Wonderful Life: 4 stars
A great affectionate parody of that classic Christmas film 'It's A Wonderful Life', with a good lesson about not having regrets or looking back.
Driving Home For Christmas: 5 stars
The best of the bunch, a perfect combination of emotion, drama and being grateful for what you have. A terrific tale.
Breaking The Spell: 3 stars
An unusual twist on the 'Sleeping Beauty' fairy tale, but without much meaningful conclusion and surprisingly little tension given the nature of the plot.
The Twelve Lies of Christmas: 3.5 stars
This one isn't even a story, really, as there's no plot to speak of, but it is witty and amusing, an enjoyable mickey take at some of the silly clichés around the Christmas season.
All in all a solid collection of short stories, especially 'Driving Home For Christmas'. Well worth a read.
December 18, 2022
Great little book of stand alone short stories, perfectly placed between excerpts from full length novels. I want to read them all! But the short stories are excellent in themselves - especially driving home for Christmas, which has a very strong, powerful message but an important one too, in my opinion. Also love, loss and coffee cake - the first short story in the the book is absolutely fantastic. Trigger warning of domestic abuse, but again a message portrayed on pages, that I again believe is important for everybody. I would recommend every one of these stories as stand alone books, so having them in one book is just brilliant. Excellent authors. Excellent stories.
July 5, 2018
Lovely short stories
Lovely little stories some leaving you wanting more others finish well. Couldn't put the book down. There are snippets from other stories which most of them I brought.
Lovely little stories some leaving you wanting more others finish well. Couldn't put the book down. There are snippets from other stories which most of them I brought.
December 23, 2017
Fab read
March 14, 2021
I had only one issue with the shorts stories I wanted to know more....
It was a nice little read I chose for my me time on Mothers day and it did the job ❤️
It was a nice little read I chose for my me time on Mothers day and it did the job ❤️
January 24, 2022
A collection of short stories with excerpts from the authors' full length novels
December 29, 2012
A tantalizingly tempting treat for Christmas that will melt the heart and fill one with joy and optimism!
This special treat is filled with five different short stories, each with their own unique message and inner meaning. Containing teasers and short features by Sunday Times bestselling authors, this brilliant book is a great seasonal read and fabulous chick-lit treasure trove. Including also exclusive extracts of each author’s upcoming titles, you will certainly find other works of fiction to read as well. This is the perfect book to curl up with, huddled under a warm blanket by the fire and sipping mulled wine on Christmas Eve. It explores not only the true meaning of love that sets us free, but also paints a clear picture of the prejudices that can blind us. Relationships, trust and prejudgment these stories contain many issues through the various characters, that can affect us in our lives (or which at some point we may encounter).
Story one: Love, Loss and Coffee cake by Miranda Dickinson is a heart wrenching, emotive and truth-drawing tale that touches your inner soul with such meaning. Through the tears, the heartbreak and the undying hope of love, this is a tale about a pair of star-crossed lovers who are re-united; highlighting the restorative power of true love.
Story two: It’s a wonderful life by Claudia Carroll is a witty, humorous comedy that will have you laughing out loud and which I guarantee will bring a smile to your face. It is a tale that proves one should always be most careful for what you wish for!
Story three: Driving home for Christmas by Julia Williams is a touching, poignant and thought-provoking tale about a newlywed couple who are desperate to spend their first Christmas together alone.
Story four: Breaking the spell by Liz Trenow is a moving short story about the power of hope and love. I am constantly amazed at how this one emotion alters, shapes and defines our lives and this is apparent within this tale.
Story five: The twelve lies of Christmas by Mhairi McFarlane is a short feature that offers up the truth of the festive season.
Love, Loss and Coffee cake was the most powerful, affecting story of them all as I fell in love with Dudley and Margaret’s story of true love and its real meaning. The dry wit and humor added a touch of lightness to the tale, whilst contrary to the seriousness about domestic violence and its implications that brought such awareness to ones mind. It’s a wonderful life explored the middle-aged female and her quest for that inner ‘spark’ feeling of youth, that is truth-drawing and emphasis’s the meaning of life & the importance of having people around you that you love. Angela and Jack in ‘driving home for Christmas’ are so individualistic that you cannot help but connect with them, and I loved the line “…when there is life there is also hope; out of the darkness a light will shine” which is so true! Mhairi McFarlane’s story was so touching, moving and profoundly affecting that it left me speechless, and which based on such real events has to be the most significant, ‘real’ story out of them all. The final story is so humorous and reminds me of the television series ‘grumpy old women’ which observes the older lady at Christmas and all the hassle, annoying things that ultimately turn you into a Grinch (in the spirit of the season!).
This collection of winter warmers and festive treats is a brilliant gift for anyone at Christmas, and which I certainly recommend as a seasonal spectacular to add to your bookshelf. Each story contains a moral message (remicent of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Dickens) and yet is in the style of classic chick-lit at its best. A small teaser that introduces you to the authors and their work…so 3 *.
This special treat is filled with five different short stories, each with their own unique message and inner meaning. Containing teasers and short features by Sunday Times bestselling authors, this brilliant book is a great seasonal read and fabulous chick-lit treasure trove. Including also exclusive extracts of each author’s upcoming titles, you will certainly find other works of fiction to read as well. This is the perfect book to curl up with, huddled under a warm blanket by the fire and sipping mulled wine on Christmas Eve. It explores not only the true meaning of love that sets us free, but also paints a clear picture of the prejudices that can blind us. Relationships, trust and prejudgment these stories contain many issues through the various characters, that can affect us in our lives (or which at some point we may encounter).
Story one: Love, Loss and Coffee cake by Miranda Dickinson is a heart wrenching, emotive and truth-drawing tale that touches your inner soul with such meaning. Through the tears, the heartbreak and the undying hope of love, this is a tale about a pair of star-crossed lovers who are re-united; highlighting the restorative power of true love.
Story two: It’s a wonderful life by Claudia Carroll is a witty, humorous comedy that will have you laughing out loud and which I guarantee will bring a smile to your face. It is a tale that proves one should always be most careful for what you wish for!
Story three: Driving home for Christmas by Julia Williams is a touching, poignant and thought-provoking tale about a newlywed couple who are desperate to spend their first Christmas together alone.
Story four: Breaking the spell by Liz Trenow is a moving short story about the power of hope and love. I am constantly amazed at how this one emotion alters, shapes and defines our lives and this is apparent within this tale.
Story five: The twelve lies of Christmas by Mhairi McFarlane is a short feature that offers up the truth of the festive season.
Love, Loss and Coffee cake was the most powerful, affecting story of them all as I fell in love with Dudley and Margaret’s story of true love and its real meaning. The dry wit and humor added a touch of lightness to the tale, whilst contrary to the seriousness about domestic violence and its implications that brought such awareness to ones mind. It’s a wonderful life explored the middle-aged female and her quest for that inner ‘spark’ feeling of youth, that is truth-drawing and emphasis’s the meaning of life & the importance of having people around you that you love. Angela and Jack in ‘driving home for Christmas’ are so individualistic that you cannot help but connect with them, and I loved the line “…when there is life there is also hope; out of the darkness a light will shine” which is so true! Mhairi McFarlane’s story was so touching, moving and profoundly affecting that it left me speechless, and which based on such real events has to be the most significant, ‘real’ story out of them all. The final story is so humorous and reminds me of the television series ‘grumpy old women’ which observes the older lady at Christmas and all the hassle, annoying things that ultimately turn you into a Grinch (in the spirit of the season!).
This collection of winter warmers and festive treats is a brilliant gift for anyone at Christmas, and which I certainly recommend as a seasonal spectacular to add to your bookshelf. Each story contains a moral message (remicent of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Dickens) and yet is in the style of classic chick-lit at its best. A small teaser that introduces you to the authors and their work…so 3 *.
November 25, 2014
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...#
TUESDAY IS FREE BOOK DAY ON MY BLOG
TODAY IT IS
THE PERFECT TREAT BY MIANDA DICKINSON
THE BLURB
Heart-warming short stories for cold winter nights…
Each short story is followed up by exclusive extracts of each of the authors upcoming titles.
Love, Loss and Coffee Cake: Through tears, heartbreak and the undying hope of love, a tale of a pair of star-crossed lovers.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A comedy that proves you should be very careful what you wish for.
Driving Home For Christmas: A touching tale about a newlyweds desperate to spend their first Christmas alone.
Breaking The Spell: A moving story about the power of hope and love.
The Twelve Lies of Christmas: A hilarious feature that offers up the truth about the festive season.
WHAT I SAY
THIS BOOK WAS FREE BUT PLEASE CHECK AS NOT SURE HOW LONG IT IS FREE
It a collection of short stories from Claudiac Carroll . Julia Williams , liz Trenowc and Mhairi Macfarlane as well as the five short stories you get to tempt you a extract from their new books . i would of prefer a longer story than having the extract in there but i think you may like if not read the author books before .
The twelve lies of christmas was my favourite it was so funny all about family traditions we all have them and follow them it just made me laugh you could see yourself doing it too i could just see it so clear in my mind it was so funny .
Some of the plots were a bit to predictable but it did not put me off
The love lies and coffee good story i like it was all about love and trying to please your mum it was a very nice well written story it had a few twist to the plot
If you like short reads you will like this book. i felt it like reading the equivalent of a magazine with short stories in . It great when you got 10 mins to spare All the stories were entertaining and very easy to read also great for when you minds not on reading much as you not got to conceit to much on the plot .
All the writing styles were good and some of the plots were more engaging that others i did find that i just get into the story then it ended so my only criticism would be is a bit to short i would of like the stories longer with no author sample in . It would have be better i think but it still a good read one story very sad i felt for them all I enjoyed the different mixed of stories
A ok read 3 stars not a book i want to read again but good as free not one of the best free ones i had read but still a very good read
Thanks for reading my review amandajayne x
Publisher
Avon
Release date
17 sept 2012
Source free amazon
Buy in link
The Perfect Treat: Heart-warming Short Stories for Winter Nights by Miranda Dickinson http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008TGMPBO...
TUESDAY IS FREE BOOK DAY ON MY BLOG
TODAY IT IS
THE PERFECT TREAT BY MIANDA DICKINSON
THE BLURB
Heart-warming short stories for cold winter nights…
Each short story is followed up by exclusive extracts of each of the authors upcoming titles.
Love, Loss and Coffee Cake: Through tears, heartbreak and the undying hope of love, a tale of a pair of star-crossed lovers.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A comedy that proves you should be very careful what you wish for.
Driving Home For Christmas: A touching tale about a newlyweds desperate to spend their first Christmas alone.
Breaking The Spell: A moving story about the power of hope and love.
The Twelve Lies of Christmas: A hilarious feature that offers up the truth about the festive season.
WHAT I SAY
THIS BOOK WAS FREE BUT PLEASE CHECK AS NOT SURE HOW LONG IT IS FREE
It a collection of short stories from Claudiac Carroll . Julia Williams , liz Trenowc and Mhairi Macfarlane as well as the five short stories you get to tempt you a extract from their new books . i would of prefer a longer story than having the extract in there but i think you may like if not read the author books before .
The twelve lies of christmas was my favourite it was so funny all about family traditions we all have them and follow them it just made me laugh you could see yourself doing it too i could just see it so clear in my mind it was so funny .
Some of the plots were a bit to predictable but it did not put me off
The love lies and coffee good story i like it was all about love and trying to please your mum it was a very nice well written story it had a few twist to the plot
If you like short reads you will like this book. i felt it like reading the equivalent of a magazine with short stories in . It great when you got 10 mins to spare All the stories were entertaining and very easy to read also great for when you minds not on reading much as you not got to conceit to much on the plot .
All the writing styles were good and some of the plots were more engaging that others i did find that i just get into the story then it ended so my only criticism would be is a bit to short i would of like the stories longer with no author sample in . It would have be better i think but it still a good read one story very sad i felt for them all I enjoyed the different mixed of stories
A ok read 3 stars not a book i want to read again but good as free not one of the best free ones i had read but still a very good read
Thanks for reading my review amandajayne x
Publisher
Avon
Release date
17 sept 2012
Source free amazon
Buy in link
The Perfect Treat: Heart-warming Short Stories for Winter Nights by Miranda Dickinson http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008TGMPBO...
July 2, 2015
Published: 17/09/2012
Author: Miranda Dickinson
Recommended for: fans of short sweet stories
Edition: Kindle
I found this little short story (129 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and as I love these kind of books I thought I would give it a try.It does what it says on the tin...it is a good heartwarming book of short stories for them cold winter nights. If you want quick little reads with a nice happy ending..then look no further than this book. I thought that they were all good reads and they each have a little hint of christmas in them which makes the just right for winter.
Author: Miranda Dickinson
Recommended for: fans of short sweet stories
Edition: Kindle
I found this little short story (129 pages) on the Kindle Store for free and as I love these kind of books I thought I would give it a try.It does what it says on the tin...it is a good heartwarming book of short stories for them cold winter nights. If you want quick little reads with a nice happy ending..then look no further than this book. I thought that they were all good reads and they each have a little hint of christmas in them which makes the just right for winter.
December 28, 2012
Lovely collection of short stories from popular authors. I disliked the "hard sell" with the initial chapters from the author's next book. It is something I never read as it doesn't encourage me to buy it and if it was something I bought I hate to re read the start of a book. Those chapters were longer than the stories themselves!
December 26, 2014
Nice quick little read - just what I wanted at the time.
Most of the stories had a hint of Christmas in them - just right for this time of year.
The stories were mostly just the right length, though I think the take on It's A Wonderful Life would've been better if it was longer.
May look out for longer stories by these authors in the future, if I'm in the mood for something fluffy.
Most of the stories had a hint of Christmas in them - just right for this time of year.
The stories were mostly just the right length, though I think the take on It's A Wonderful Life would've been better if it was longer.
May look out for longer stories by these authors in the future, if I'm in the mood for something fluffy.
December 8, 2012
5 bite-sized stories all with the common these of Christmas. Some to make you smile, some to make a lump in your throat, all with the feeling of human compassion. Also includes a chapter on each author's next available novel.
May 18, 2013
Perfect for the cold chilly winters as it can make you warm and snuggly in the stories themselves. The stories could have been more grasping but it was an enjoyable book that you can read with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.
March 13, 2013
This was a mixed bag. Each short story was accompanied by an excerpt from the authors upcoming or most recent novel. Editing was surprisingly patchy and there was a mixture of quality in the shorts and in the excerpts. On balance while it was a nice idea, it didn't work very well.
October 22, 2013
This is a collection of 5 short story's, each followed by an extract from each of the authors recent book publications. The stories were OK but not as engaging as I would like. Not the best book of short stories I've read. Disappointing.
November 26, 2013
Two different stories so far, sweet and festive. Oh the third was a little sad, not the Christmas feeling I was looking for. Okay the forth was depressing. Lol the last one was priceless, this is worth picking up just for the last one.
January 30, 2015
Short stories were good but i was a bit annoyed with all the extras they put in. They took almost half of the book. Would rate it 2.5, so, i decided to give it only 2 stars as it didn't reach 3 for me.
January 2, 2016
Not one of my favourites
A lot of advertising for other stories written by the authors of the tales in this book. Books that you then wish to buy as you want to know how it all pans out. Glad the book was free as was not the best reads
A lot of advertising for other stories written by the authors of the tales in this book. Books that you then wish to buy as you want to know how it all pans out. Glad the book was free as was not the best reads
October 7, 2012
Not particularly impressed by this one...poor editing, and just an advert for new books along with some rather lacklustre short stories.
October 9, 2012
Some really heatwarming short stories!
Plus a few more books added to my "To read" lists!
Plus a few more books added to my "To read" lists!
November 28, 2012
This book was ok but I kind of felt it was more like an advert for the authors newly released books. The short stories were entertaining enough though for my train ride home from work.
December 26, 2012
I really enjoyed this!
A nice mix of stories...Brilliant! :)
A nice mix of stories...Brilliant! :)
January 17, 2013
Great little wintry stories. I particularly enjoyed The Twelve Lies of Christmas by Mhairi McFarlane, very funny and oh so true. I'm going to make You Had Me at Hello as my next read.
January 17, 2013
Enjoyed the short stories but the had already read most of the books that had exerts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews