Christmas in Venice

Olivia Moretti #1

by Meadow Taylor

Olivia's Christmas trip to Venice, Italy, should be a holiday dream come true. But when her unattended luggage becomes the focus of a handsome Italian policeman’ s bomb investigation, she worries she won't even make it out of the Marco Polo Airport. Practically handcuffed to the best-looking man she’ s ever seen, can Olivia convince him she isn’ t a terrorist before he writes her off for good? Christmas in Venice is the perfect little treat to start the holidays off with a smile.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Short Stories, Contemporary, Ebooks, Fiction, Italy

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2012

About the author

Meadow Taylor is the author of Midnight in Venice, The Billionaire's Secrets, Falling for Rain, and the short stories Christmas in Alcatraz, Christmas in Venice, and Christmas in Bruges. She loves to hear from her readers - please email her at meadowtaylor1@gmail.com and join her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/meadowtaylor....

Reviews

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

28/9 - Not bad, not bad at all. Far too short, obviously, but that was my only complaint with this 'book'. This could be a great first chapter for a sweet, Christmas-themed romance book. Taylor should really make an effort to continue writing this, I would definitely be interested in reading more about Olivia and Alessandro. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the writing, not a single error that I could find. This might be the best edited book of such a short length that I've read.

PopSugar 2015 Reading Challenge: A Book Set During Christmas

[Anne OK · Rating 1 out of 5]

Took all of 15 minutes to read -- and I'm not kidding. Very short temptation for Taylor's full-length novel, Midnight In Venice and the rest of the story. Holiday airport mix-up - handsome cop and a whole lot of explaining to do regarding travel exploits. Can hardly count this as reading a book! Not really a novella either. A short story -- well, not really. How about a book blurb?

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was about to select "Midnight in Venice" as my next book to read and then discovered that the short story "Christmas in Venice" is

"adapted from the first chapter of Meadow Taylor's newest full-length novel."

Particularly, as Meadow Taylor is a new author to me, I didn't want to miss the short story, and I'm so glad I made the discovery. It's cute!

Imagine stepping off the plane in the Marco Polo airport, and suddenly the officer in charge is calling you a terrorist. Olivia Moretti can hardly believe Venice Police Officer Alessandro Rossi's accusation, regardless of how handsome he is or how complimentary of the perfection of her speaking Italian. Is it possible she'll spend Christmas in an Italian prison instead of spending the holiday with her cousin and enjoying his plans?

Sparks are flying from the opening moments of their meeting, and the outcome of his accusation is hysterical. I'll read "Midnight in Venice" very soon! The short story was a great introduction to Meadow Taylor's writing. I hope you'll try it too!

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 4 out of 5]

MOMOBOOKDIARY REVIEW

Christmas in Venice is a brilliant short story.  A very well written taster to the full novel, Midnight in Venice.

The title is slightly misleading.... this novella takes place ahead of Christmas and after Olivia leaves her luggage unattended and ends up causing a national security concern she doesnt actually reach Venice but spends the whole book inside Marco Polo Airport!

It will certainly give you a laugh as we enter the festive season.

[Pragya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read more reviews at Reviewing Shelf.

I was sifting through my owned books to read during Ho-Ho-Ho Read-A-Thon when I came across this. But well, I didn’t realize it was that short! It finished even before it began. At 18 pages, it was too short to pack a punch.

It did make for an interesting prologue though but where’s the book? Lol. Amidst confusion and Christmas and some hilarity, the book hints at romance to follow but well, the book ends there.

There was no time/ pages to hint at the beginning of a plot or development of characters but perhaps the author was testing the waters before jumping in.

Read for a feel-good holiday book peek.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed like something one would read on Wattpad, when a user uploads a single chapter of their book and then forgets about it. Nevertheless, the story holds promise, and if the author ever decides to continue it, I'd love to try it out. :)

[Margarida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uma história bem pequena, mas divertida e fofa. Fiquei curiosa em ler o segundo volume, que já é então um livro com a continuação desta história

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet!
I'm glad Alessandro gave Olivia his number at the end, geez, I was thinking they would walk away from each other with no look back. After the moment they had filled with all that chemistry, there was no denying they needed to get together. Well, that did not happen, but a number is a start.
I did get a laugh from this short story though. In was funny in ways I least expected. Which was good!
Can't wait to read, Midnight In Venice. This sounds like a perfect romance series for me and my tastes!! Not only do I get the sweetness of watching people fall in love, but what a better setting than in Italy!

[Damaskcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia has travelled to Venice to take up a new job and spend Christmas with her cousin. Unfortunately she leaves her luggage unattended which causes a few problems but she does get to meet a very good looking cop who seems not to want to let go of her arm.

Sometimes a short story is just what you want to read and this story is ideal to relax with accompanied by a glass of wine and a mince pie. It is nicely written and I felt sympathy with Olivia.

[Aijou · Rating 5 out of 5]

ได้เรื่องนี้มาฟรีจากอเมซอนค่ะ ไม่รู้ว่าตอนนี้ยังฟรีมั้ยนะ

เป็นเรื่องสั้นที่อ่านแป๊บเดียวจบ (แป๊บเดียวจริงๆ ไม่ถึงชั่วโมง)
ไม่มีพล็อตอะไรมาก (ก็เรื่องสั้นนี่นะ) เป็นเรื่องตลกๆ กับการพบกันในสนามบินค่ะ อ่านแล้วฟีลกู๊ดดีนะ
เป็นแนวคล้ายกับของคุณเบลินดา โจนส์ น่ะค่ะ
คุณพระเอกฮอตใช้ได้เลย นางเอกก็น่าสนใจ
อ่านจบแล้วอยากรู้เรื่องราวต่อไปเลย ฮือออ สั้นไปน๊า~

ศัพท์ที่ใช้ก็ไม่ยาก แนะนำสำหรับคนอยากฝึกภาษา แต่เห็นเรื่องยาวๆ แล้วท้อค่ะ

[Ezgi ☕️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a cheesy love story with bad character building. Girl is being arrested by this rude, unreasonable Italian police and all she can think about is his muscles and eyes? Really even when her luggage is opened and underwear all over the place? Also what is wrong with Marco? I can't think of any straight man who would greet his cousin while complimenting the man she is talking: - who is this sweet piece of ..., hmmmm hmm... No really?

It was a short and easy read so it got 2 stars.

[Aileen Harkwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly short but self-contained story was over in a blink, but a very enjoyable read. Taylor is a visual writer with plenty of detail that makes it easy to see the action through her characters' eyes. Wish this story had kept on going!

[Mary Mckeever · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was like the first two chapters of a book and someone wanted it submitted to see what people would think. Super disappointed and it left me thinking "where's the rest of the book?"

[Literary Chanteuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but very cute read. I'd love to see what happens to this character in a continuing novel but for now I loved this short story and would love to read more from this author.

[Melissa Vasel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish there was a little more to this books. But short and sweet!

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting short story

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning to what could/will be a fabulous book. I'm a huge fan of Meadow Taylor's novels and look forward to reading more about Oliva and Alessandro's adventure.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of eBook

This is a difficult time for Olivia Moretti, her first Christmas since her father’s death. But the promise of a short-term project . . . and a trip to Venice . . . seems perfect, especially since her cousin, Marco, plans to spend Christmas there with her before her temporary job begins in January.

Only now the uber-handsome Alessandro Rossi, a Venice policeman, has detained her in the Marco Polo Airport. Marco is nowhere to be found and Olivia has no idea what could possibly be concerning about her suitcase.

Only it does seem to be ticking . . . .

=========

This very short story serves as a prequel to the author's “Midnight in Venice” and introduces readers to Olivia and Alessandro. Although the title conjures up thoughts of romantic scenes throughout Venice, the entire story takes place inside Venice’s Marco Polo Airport with just enough character development to encourage readers to continue reading their story in the book that follows.

Set during the Christmas season, the plot . . . a mix-up/misunderstanding between police and a traveler . . . results in an unexpectedly humorous denouement as it hints at a continuing relationship between Olivia and Alessandro. Nevertheless, readers are likely to find this feel-good tale leaves them with a smile for the season . . . and for the possibilities.

Recommended.

[Carole Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to read the book after this one but realized there is this prequel-type book before that seems kinda important to read first.

Olivia is traveling to Venice, Italy for the holidays. She wants to get away and enjoy the city where her father is from. This holiday dream is dashed right away when she is confronted by an Italian cop. She had asked someone to watch her bag for just a minute, but that person left and now her luggage is unattended and she could be facing some big trouble.

OooOOOoooo Olivia. Poor naive thing. Never, ever ask a stranger to watch your bag lol! Even an elderly old lady. Airports are so particular.

I do really want to read the next book. This was for sure a prequel. We leave off with a huge cliffie. No - no she does not get arrested or anything, but there is a cliffie for sure. But I really want to read the next because I do not like our guy. Granted....he is just doing his job....but he was a poop.

This was fun. I'm not seeing the love yet but this is just a prequel. Can't wait to start that book. I have hope. 3 stars from me.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

🖊 My review: This short story is a pleasant enough one to read on a wintry night. 🔥The dénouement is optimistic. 💫 What I like best is that is a quick read.
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟
🟣 Media form: Kindle version.
🔲 Excerpts of note:

🔸The minutes dragged by. Airport employees joined the curious onlookers still pressed against the line of yellow police tape. The Christmas tree went on sparkling. From the café, Bing Crosby and David Bowie crooned “Little Drummer Boy.”

🔸“Signorina, would you come this way? I think you know what it’s about.” Olivia Moretti whirled around and found herself inches from a very broad chest. Her eyes followed the row of shirt buttons upward until she was looking into the eyes of the most handsome man she had ever seen. And the angriest. “No, I don’t know,” she returned haughtily in Italian.

✿●▬●✿●✿●▬●✿

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes I discover short novellas that are really detailed and layered, so much so that you barely notice you're reading a short story. This novella is not one of those.

To me this one feels like the opening chapter of a full length story. It does state in the books amazon description that the story is adapted from another novel by the author, so perhaps it is in fact the opening chapter.

I will say that I liked the writing, and I feel like another (longer length) book could be enjoyable for me. But the length of this one left me feeling like I had only part of the story, so it wasn't a great read for me sadly.

2.5🌟

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas in Venice with less tourists? (Or in Bruges in their Christmas in Bruges story) The action in Christmas in Venice takes place solely at the Venice airport but is actually an adapted version of the first chapter of her Midnight in Venice novel. I read both the Venice and Bruges stories at Christmas this year but plan to go on and read more about Olivia Moretti after she leaves Marco Polo airport. Travelling vicariously is better than not travelling at all right now,

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this Book was headed up as a Short story and that was just what I was looking for .. a nice Christmas romance to while away an hour or so ..

Although the offering was ok, it was sadly no more than a Chapter in length (didn't even leave the airport, let alone spend Christmas in Venice), so definitely not enough time to endear me to either lead character ..

If it had been advertised as a 'Sample', I wouldn't have bothered ..

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really short and kinda sweet... kinda because, I'm not sure I would still want to know the man that almost arrested me on suppositions.

I am interested, however, in reading the longer version of this book though so I can get to know the characters better and see how the relationship would and could evolve.

It was a really nice read, long enough and short enough to fill space before getting to work.

[Lu Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious Christmas short

Olivia just lost her dad in the summer and with everyone gone to spend Christmas w other ppl. An opportunity of a lifetime came to her. She took it and off to Italy she went but the whole story is around her and this handsome Italian police officer that thinks there's Bomb 💣 in her suitcase but behold it was just an old Christmas present that she gave to her dad when she was 10 years old!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Quick Read

Although not very original, this short story has a clever twist at the end. The writing is good, as is the editing. However, the story is really to short to develop either the characters or the sense of place I like to see. I'll be looking for something longer by this writer to get a better sense of her style.

[Hope Griffin Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming little story finds Olivia in Italy for Christmas and to scatter her cousin. But before she can even leave the airport, she's detained by the very attractive Alessandro who thinks there is a bomb in Olivia's suitcase.

This short story promises something in its brevity to be continued in its next installment, and I'm excited to read it. The 26 pages are worth your time.

[Agnė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gerai nuteikiantis lengvas skaitaliukas. Ši short story buvo išimta ir atskirai publikuota, kaip autorės tuomet dar tik būsimos išleisti knygos dalis/įžanga. Tad short story kaip stand alone, gali pasirodyti sausoka ir neužbaigta, bet turint minty, kad istorija rutuliojasi toliau, man užteko, kad suintriguotų. Skaitysiu ir patį romaną - Midnight in Venice 😉✨

[Klara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! It's a short and quick read. I'd give it 5 out of 5 stars, but, dang, it's just too short. The plot is fantastic and intriguing. I had a blast and some good laughs while reading. The sequel is on my wish list, for sure! 🌟📚

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t understand this is a book on its own. It’s just a couple of chapters with and intro to a long story that I guess is in a different book.
American gal lands in Venice and meets an Italian policeman who is of course gorgeous and well built.
Disappointing.