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Bells Will Be Ringing
‘Tis the season…to fall in love! In this quartet of holiday tales, mistletoe magic sweeps from a Philadelphia candy company to the ballrooms of Regency England, across the shores of a Hawaiian island to a snowstruck cabin in Colorado.
HER SECRET SANTA by Monica Tillery
Neighbors and co-workers at Morgan Confectioners, Rebecca Sinclair and Ben Redding have been best friends since grad school. When their feelings turn more than friendly, will they be able to get past their fear of ruining their friendship? A holiday gift exchange might just bring the best present of all—Christmas love.
MERRY’S WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT by Carolynn Carey
The winter holidays used to be Miss Merry Damonson’s favorite time of year. Until her almost-fiancé Edward Everton abandoned her two days before Christmas. Now he’s returned to their country village, but is it too late to reignite old flames? A holiday ball might just offer these unlucky lovers a second chance.
HIS HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS by Diana Jean
Humbug in Hawaii? When Clara O’Fallen gets a promotion to paradise, she can’t help feeling homesick for her Wisconsin winters, complete with real snow, family traditions, and Christmas festivities. But smiling surfer Kai Schmitt might just show this scrooge how to hang loose and catch the spirit of the season—the aloha spirit!
GAVIN FEVER by Angelita Gill
A sudden snowstorm unexpectedly strands Julia Winthrop with her ex, reality TV star Gavin Beckett, at a cozy mountain cabin for the holidays. Trapped till the weather lets up, their attraction resurfaces. It’s not long before they realize their fling might’ve been the real thing, and this surprise reunion might just be a Christmas miracle.
HER SECRET SANTA by Monica Tillery
Neighbors and co-workers at Morgan Confectioners, Rebecca Sinclair and Ben Redding have been best friends since grad school. When their feelings turn more than friendly, will they be able to get past their fear of ruining their friendship? A holiday gift exchange might just bring the best present of all—Christmas love.
MERRY’S WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT by Carolynn Carey
The winter holidays used to be Miss Merry Damonson’s favorite time of year. Until her almost-fiancé Edward Everton abandoned her two days before Christmas. Now he’s returned to their country village, but is it too late to reignite old flames? A holiday ball might just offer these unlucky lovers a second chance.
HIS HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS by Diana Jean
Humbug in Hawaii? When Clara O’Fallen gets a promotion to paradise, she can’t help feeling homesick for her Wisconsin winters, complete with real snow, family traditions, and Christmas festivities. But smiling surfer Kai Schmitt might just show this scrooge how to hang loose and catch the spirit of the season—the aloha spirit!
GAVIN FEVER by Angelita Gill
A sudden snowstorm unexpectedly strands Julia Winthrop with her ex, reality TV star Gavin Beckett, at a cozy mountain cabin for the holidays. Trapped till the weather lets up, their attraction resurfaces. It’s not long before they realize their fling might’ve been the real thing, and this surprise reunion might just be a Christmas miracle.
- GenresChristmas
162 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2013
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 18, 2014
As the weather turns cooler, curling up with a great book is my favorite past time. This collection of short stories was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. I loved that each had its own feel and offered something for everyone. I especially loved Her Secret Santa, by Monica Tillery. It was a modern day romance that drew me in from the beginning. Add this to your holiday must read list!
March 17, 2014
This is an anthology that will definitely delight the holiday reader!
Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 9, 2013
Gah, the writing is just too juvenile for me.
November 25, 2013
Four short stories, all very different. Something for anyone.
Secret Santa by Monica Tillery
This was a sweet story about love being right in front of you all the time.
Rebecca Sinclair has had a crush on her boss, Richard Morgan, since working at Morgan Confectioners. But, she has a fear of being rejected and failing, so she never pursues it. Her best friend, Ben, has always been there for her. He's supported her through what ever she has needed and been there for advice. He's the one she hangs out with after work for fun. One crazy night leads to a bit more then the average friendship. But, can they risk the friendship they have created for love? Or, will this just be one more mistake on Rebecca's part?
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey
I don't read a lot of period romances, but I really did enjoy this short story.
Merry Damonson grew up in the estate next to Edward Everton. He spent most of his time away at school. But, on Christmas holidays, he would come home to visit. It was one of those holidays that him and Merry met at the big oak tree on their property borders. Both were out taking a walk. They would meet each day and and formed a very special friendship. They planned to marry. But, Edward was called away when his cousin Howard was killed. He was to take the title of Earl of Branford. A few years later he returns to Summerton with a pretty lady named Regina. Merry is heart broken, but won't let it show. What does Regina mean to Edward? Will the marry soon or can Merry make him remember what how much they were in love?
His Hawaiian Christmas by Diana Jean
Spending her first Christmas in Hawaii, Clara O'Fallen, is missing her family back in Wisconsin. She gets off work and decides to go to the beach to relax before heading home for the night. Only does she find a lone surfer out on the water in the middle of the night. He turns out to be the lifeguard at the Lareton Resort where they both work. Kai Schmitt always seems so egotistical acts immature. he gets on Clara's nerves. But this night, Clara gets to know the real man behind the hot body. He takes her on an adventure she never expected to find on a Hawaiian island.
Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill
Do second chances really work out? Julia met Gavin Beckett at a Halloween party and they hit it off pretty quick even though he had the reputation of being a ladies man. He was a former reality star that a lot of women would cling to. But, Julia couldn't handle all the gossip and rumors of him and his former girlfriend getting back together. So, Julia called it off. A year later, Julia plans to spend Christmas with her friends Ashley and Bruce at their Denver cabin. When she gets there only one person is there, Gavin. Not who she wanted to see at all. Was she set up and by whom? Can they work through their problems and pick up where they left off? Or, is it too late for them?
Secret Santa by Monica Tillery
This was a sweet story about love being right in front of you all the time.
Rebecca Sinclair has had a crush on her boss, Richard Morgan, since working at Morgan Confectioners. But, she has a fear of being rejected and failing, so she never pursues it. Her best friend, Ben, has always been there for her. He's supported her through what ever she has needed and been there for advice. He's the one she hangs out with after work for fun. One crazy night leads to a bit more then the average friendship. But, can they risk the friendship they have created for love? Or, will this just be one more mistake on Rebecca's part?
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey
I don't read a lot of period romances, but I really did enjoy this short story.
Merry Damonson grew up in the estate next to Edward Everton. He spent most of his time away at school. But, on Christmas holidays, he would come home to visit. It was one of those holidays that him and Merry met at the big oak tree on their property borders. Both were out taking a walk. They would meet each day and and formed a very special friendship. They planned to marry. But, Edward was called away when his cousin Howard was killed. He was to take the title of Earl of Branford. A few years later he returns to Summerton with a pretty lady named Regina. Merry is heart broken, but won't let it show. What does Regina mean to Edward? Will the marry soon or can Merry make him remember what how much they were in love?
His Hawaiian Christmas by Diana Jean
Spending her first Christmas in Hawaii, Clara O'Fallen, is missing her family back in Wisconsin. She gets off work and decides to go to the beach to relax before heading home for the night. Only does she find a lone surfer out on the water in the middle of the night. He turns out to be the lifeguard at the Lareton Resort where they both work. Kai Schmitt always seems so egotistical acts immature. he gets on Clara's nerves. But this night, Clara gets to know the real man behind the hot body. He takes her on an adventure she never expected to find on a Hawaiian island.
Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill
Do second chances really work out? Julia met Gavin Beckett at a Halloween party and they hit it off pretty quick even though he had the reputation of being a ladies man. He was a former reality star that a lot of women would cling to. But, Julia couldn't handle all the gossip and rumors of him and his former girlfriend getting back together. So, Julia called it off. A year later, Julia plans to spend Christmas with her friends Ashley and Bruce at their Denver cabin. When she gets there only one person is there, Gavin. Not who she wanted to see at all. Was she set up and by whom? Can they work through their problems and pick up where they left off? Or, is it too late for them?
November 30, 2013
This was a really good collection of Christmas Stories, I enjoyed it very much. There are four stories in this collection and they are quite different offering something for everyone. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Her Secret Santa by Monica Tillery is a contemporary friends to lovers story and was one of my favorites in this collection. Ben and Rebecca have been friends since grad school. They are very attracted to each other but neither one wants to risk their friendship to see if they could be more. One night changes everything and they have to be honest about their feelings or risk losing everything.
Merry’s Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey is a Regency Christmas story and the only historical in the collection. I liked this one quite a bit too. Merry and Edward are children of country gentlemen and grew up near each other. They fell in love and planned to get engaged at Christmas when Edward’s Uncle dies without an heir leaving Edward the title and his estate. Edward has to go to sort everything out and leaves Merry behind. It’s a year later and Edward is back in the neighborhood for Christmas, does he still love Merry after a year with no contact? Is Merry still available if he does?
His Hawaiian Christmas by Diana Jean is another contemporary story and was my least favorite of the group. Clara has a new job at a resort in Hawaii, cannot go home to Wisconsin for Christmas, and is feeling homesick which is making her rather Scrooge like. Kai works for Clara at the resort and decides to help her find her Christmas Spirit. I just couldn’t connect with either of these characters; maybe the story was just too short. I just couldn’t by Clara’s transformation from witchy to sweet in the short span of time covered by the story.
Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill is a contemporary second chance at love story and my other favorite in this collection. Julia and Gavin dated for a while and were falling in love when she suddenly broke up with him. He was a reality TV star with a reputation for womanizing and she decided to dump him before he could dump her. With some help from their friends and a snow storm they are trapped together at a mountain cabin and are forced to face the feelings they still have for each other.
Her Secret Santa by Monica Tillery is a contemporary friends to lovers story and was one of my favorites in this collection. Ben and Rebecca have been friends since grad school. They are very attracted to each other but neither one wants to risk their friendship to see if they could be more. One night changes everything and they have to be honest about their feelings or risk losing everything.
Merry’s Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey is a Regency Christmas story and the only historical in the collection. I liked this one quite a bit too. Merry and Edward are children of country gentlemen and grew up near each other. They fell in love and planned to get engaged at Christmas when Edward’s Uncle dies without an heir leaving Edward the title and his estate. Edward has to go to sort everything out and leaves Merry behind. It’s a year later and Edward is back in the neighborhood for Christmas, does he still love Merry after a year with no contact? Is Merry still available if he does?
His Hawaiian Christmas by Diana Jean is another contemporary story and was my least favorite of the group. Clara has a new job at a resort in Hawaii, cannot go home to Wisconsin for Christmas, and is feeling homesick which is making her rather Scrooge like. Kai works for Clara at the resort and decides to help her find her Christmas Spirit. I just couldn’t connect with either of these characters; maybe the story was just too short. I just couldn’t by Clara’s transformation from witchy to sweet in the short span of time covered by the story.
Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill is a contemporary second chance at love story and my other favorite in this collection. Julia and Gavin dated for a while and were falling in love when she suddenly broke up with him. He was a reality TV star with a reputation for womanizing and she decided to dump him before he could dump her. With some help from their friends and a snow storm they are trapped together at a mountain cabin and are forced to face the feelings they still have for each other.
December 26, 2013
All the stories were good in their own right. Some had a little of the spice, some were funny but all were sweet. Perfectly suitable if you're in the mood for a quick, holiday romantic read.
I mostly enjoyed Her Secret Santa by Monica Tillery. This was a sweet friends to lovers story with some emotional undertones. I enjoyed this one the best. Right after is Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey. I don't read Regency Romance and when I've done so I haven't enjoyed it much but this story was so sweet and heartwarming that I found myself liking it very much. Next is His Hawaiian Christmas by Diana Jean. Now this one was fun. I enjoyed Kai's personality and the way he related to Clara. Their story truly made for a fantastic read. Last but not least would be Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill. This was a hard one to get through but only because because I couldn't feel the connection between the characters. They had some chemistry but it wasn't enough for me to become invested in their relationship.
One thing I found lacking in all of them was the fact that they were too short for me to form any kind of attachment to the couples. I wished I could have gotten to know more of the characters, maybe that would have improved my rating. Other than that, I enjoyed this set of holiday-themed stories.
All in all, a set of short, sweet and romantic stories.
*I received this title from the publisher in exchange of my honest opinion.
I mostly enjoyed Her Secret Santa by Monica Tillery. This was a sweet friends to lovers story with some emotional undertones. I enjoyed this one the best. Right after is Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey. I don't read Regency Romance and when I've done so I haven't enjoyed it much but this story was so sweet and heartwarming that I found myself liking it very much. Next is His Hawaiian Christmas by Diana Jean. Now this one was fun. I enjoyed Kai's personality and the way he related to Clara. Their story truly made for a fantastic read. Last but not least would be Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill. This was a hard one to get through but only because because I couldn't feel the connection between the characters. They had some chemistry but it wasn't enough for me to become invested in their relationship.
One thing I found lacking in all of them was the fact that they were too short for me to form any kind of attachment to the couples. I wished I could have gotten to know more of the characters, maybe that would have improved my rating. Other than that, I enjoyed this set of holiday-themed stories.
All in all, a set of short, sweet and romantic stories.
*I received this title from the publisher in exchange of my honest opinion.
December 4, 2013
I enjoyed all of the stories in this anthology, they're a mix of genres, heat levels, styles and humor—there is something for everyone. Lovely collection for the holiday season.
Secret Santa by Monica Tillery
This romance reminded me a bit of “When Harry Met Sally” one of my favorite romantic movies. Ben and Rebecca are understandably cautious about trading in their friendship for love. What if things don’t work out? After all, they’re not just best of friends, they’re co-workers. There was a lot of emotion and heat packed into this lovely, sexy, sweet, short story.
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey
A delightful regency romance of a love that comes home for Christmas after being called away by duty. Perfect for curling up by the fireplace on a cold winter’s night.
His Hawaiian Christmas by Diana Jean
This one was quirky and fun. Kai is the laid-back surfer dude/lifeguard that no one takes seriously, Clara is his boss and she takes everything and everyone seriously. It’s a mismatch made in heaven and all the more enjoyable for it.
Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill
Second chance at love story between a former reality TV star and a woman who bailed on him the first time because she couldn’t deal with his past, her growing feelings or her fears that her love was unrequited. Their friends arrange for a second chance for these two and they make the most of it. Light, sweet and enjoyable romance.
Secret Santa by Monica Tillery
This romance reminded me a bit of “When Harry Met Sally” one of my favorite romantic movies. Ben and Rebecca are understandably cautious about trading in their friendship for love. What if things don’t work out? After all, they’re not just best of friends, they’re co-workers. There was a lot of emotion and heat packed into this lovely, sexy, sweet, short story.
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey
A delightful regency romance of a love that comes home for Christmas after being called away by duty. Perfect for curling up by the fireplace on a cold winter’s night.
His Hawaiian Christmas by Diana Jean
This one was quirky and fun. Kai is the laid-back surfer dude/lifeguard that no one takes seriously, Clara is his boss and she takes everything and everyone seriously. It’s a mismatch made in heaven and all the more enjoyable for it.
Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill
Second chance at love story between a former reality TV star and a woman who bailed on him the first time because she couldn’t deal with his past, her growing feelings or her fears that her love was unrequited. Their friends arrange for a second chance for these two and they make the most of it. Light, sweet and enjoyable romance.
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January 17, 2014Sarah's Review:
Thanks to Monica Tillery for reaching out and asking if we would review this anthology. I, of course, jumped on it because I love Christmas stories and I love anthologies.
These four short stories are such great Christmas romances and they were such an enjoyable read for me. I love that there was a historical story included in it as well. I normally have a favorite in an anthology, but not this time. I enjoyed each story but in different ways.
If you want lighthearted romances, then this anthology is a good one to read. They are all short stories, so it won't take long to read it.
Thanks to Monica Tillery for reaching out and asking if we would review this anthology. I, of course, jumped on it because I love Christmas stories and I love anthologies.
These four short stories are such great Christmas romances and they were such an enjoyable read for me. I love that there was a historical story included in it as well. I normally have a favorite in an anthology, but not this time. I enjoyed each story but in different ways.
If you want lighthearted romances, then this anthology is a good one to read. They are all short stories, so it won't take long to read it.
December 12, 2013
I liked all 4 of the stories in this book. The first story with Ben and Rebecca was my favorite I love it when best friends realize that they are meant to be more. The second story was a time piece from the 1800's and Merry and Edwards story was very sweet. The third book with Clara and Kai was the funniest of the group. The last story with Gavin and Julia was cute and funny. I would recommend it to anyone looking for short romantic stories with a Christmas feel.
December 15, 2013
Bells will be Ringing is a wonderful book of four short stories about Christmas. They are all delightful and will fill your heart with holiday joy. This is a must read during the holiday season.
short-stories
February 28, 2014For star rating and complete review please visit InD'tale Magazine online, March 2014 issue.
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January 16, 2014
Fun Quartet of books with only Christmas as a binder. Something for everyone! I enjoyed Rebecca & Jeff's story the best. Sweet romance that was fun and quick to read!
December 25, 2016
Please see individual stories for review.
December 2, 2013
For me, the standout feature of this anthology was its sheer range. Bravely, the editors picked four stories which have nothing in common except Christmas... well, and sweet romantic storylines! The settings range from historic England to contemporary Hawaii and the mainland US.
I think my favourite story was 'His Hawaiian Christmas', for its charm and originality. In any other context, snow at Christmas would be a cliche, but in Hawaii it's magical and eye-opening. When laid-back-to-the-point-of-horizontal surfer-dude Kai takes uptight hotel manager Clara up a mountain to discover Hawaii's one and only chilly spot, he shows her there's more to him - and to the island paradise - than she's previously realised.
Another strong contender for favourite story was 'Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift', an endearing historical romp with an English village setting, complete with oak trees and mistletoe. With a charmingly natural heroine and a hero as upright as the proverbial oak, this story left me thoroughly nostalgic for traditional village Christmases.
'Her Secret Santa' was another touching tale, putting a fresh seasonal twist on the old, old story of best friends who almost miss realising that the way they care for each other is so much more than just friendship. Candy developer Rebecca and lawyer Ben are made for each other, but keeping each other at arm's length, until a secret Santa with an uncanny insight into her tastes forces her to open her eyes to her true feelings.
Last but by no means least, 'Gavin Fever' is a light and funny story, as Julia's friends and an unexpected snowstorm conspire to reunite her with the ex she ran from, and force her to consider whether she's really managed to put him back in the past.
All in all, there's something here for everyone, and although not all the stories were ones I would have picked to read as standalone books, every one was a sweet and satisfying read.
I think my favourite story was 'His Hawaiian Christmas', for its charm and originality. In any other context, snow at Christmas would be a cliche, but in Hawaii it's magical and eye-opening. When laid-back-to-the-point-of-horizontal surfer-dude Kai takes uptight hotel manager Clara up a mountain to discover Hawaii's one and only chilly spot, he shows her there's more to him - and to the island paradise - than she's previously realised.
Another strong contender for favourite story was 'Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift', an endearing historical romp with an English village setting, complete with oak trees and mistletoe. With a charmingly natural heroine and a hero as upright as the proverbial oak, this story left me thoroughly nostalgic for traditional village Christmases.
'Her Secret Santa' was another touching tale, putting a fresh seasonal twist on the old, old story of best friends who almost miss realising that the way they care for each other is so much more than just friendship. Candy developer Rebecca and lawyer Ben are made for each other, but keeping each other at arm's length, until a secret Santa with an uncanny insight into her tastes forces her to open her eyes to her true feelings.
Last but by no means least, 'Gavin Fever' is a light and funny story, as Julia's friends and an unexpected snowstorm conspire to reunite her with the ex she ran from, and force her to consider whether she's really managed to put him back in the past.
All in all, there's something here for everyone, and although not all the stories were ones I would have picked to read as standalone books, every one was a sweet and satisfying read.
December 24, 2013
I love Christmas stories and this is a fun collection that has wide appeal. It has both contemporary and regency novellas.
Her Secret Santa by Monica Tillery is a sweet delicious Novella that is a friends to lovers story. Ben and Rebecca have been friends forever and even though they have an attraction they haven't wanted to take a chance and possibly ruin their friendship. I enjoyed this short story and it is the 2nd book of Tillery's I have read and I look forward to more.
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey is a reunion story regency style. Merry was abandoned by her almost fiancé Edward and when he returns she believes that he is engaged to someone else. I thought the Carey did a nice job of describing the countryside and felt like I was back in time.
His Hawaiian Christmas By Diana Jean is kind of a take on the Scrooge story. Clara is away from home and trying to prove herself at a very busy resort in HA, and she has a hard time understanding Surfer Kai and his easy going attitude when there is so much to be done at the resort. I think that I would have liked it in a longer story. I felt that the chemistry was too rushed.
Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill is another reunion story. Julia and Gavin had been in a reality show together and Gavin enlists his friends help to prove to Julia that they are meant to be together by getting her alone in a cabin. A little snowstorm helps him out as well.
Overall I enjoyed the quick reads of this collection, but I did feel some of the stories were stronger and look forward to reading more full length books by the authors.
Her Secret Santa by Monica Tillery is a sweet delicious Novella that is a friends to lovers story. Ben and Rebecca have been friends forever and even though they have an attraction they haven't wanted to take a chance and possibly ruin their friendship. I enjoyed this short story and it is the 2nd book of Tillery's I have read and I look forward to more.
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Carolynn Carey is a reunion story regency style. Merry was abandoned by her almost fiancé Edward and when he returns she believes that he is engaged to someone else. I thought the Carey did a nice job of describing the countryside and felt like I was back in time.
His Hawaiian Christmas By Diana Jean is kind of a take on the Scrooge story. Clara is away from home and trying to prove herself at a very busy resort in HA, and she has a hard time understanding Surfer Kai and his easy going attitude when there is so much to be done at the resort. I think that I would have liked it in a longer story. I felt that the chemistry was too rushed.
Gavin Fever by Angelita Gill is another reunion story. Julia and Gavin had been in a reality show together and Gavin enlists his friends help to prove to Julia that they are meant to be together by getting her alone in a cabin. A little snowstorm helps him out as well.
Overall I enjoyed the quick reads of this collection, but I did feel some of the stories were stronger and look forward to reading more full length books by the authors.
December 21, 2013
A happy holiday quartet of short romances - this collection has something for everyone, whether you're a fan of Regency romance (in which case, Carolynn Carey's festive short story of sweethearts Merry and Edward reunited will be your favourite) or modern.
Monica Tillery's sweet story opens the collection - set in the world of a confectionery company, Rebecca has to figure out the mystery of her secret Santa as well as the more pressing mystery of why she's never given into the attraction she shares with longtime friend Ben. My favorite in the collection was Diana Jean's Hawaiian-set Christmas tale of overworked and homesick Wisconsinite Clara finding unexpected romance with surfer dude Kai. It even features some surprising snow scenes! The last story in the quartet is Angelita Gill's Gavin Fever where another reunion is at the story's heart, at an isolated cabin for a holiday happily-ever-after.
My one complaint is that all of the stories are over much too quickly. These are great stories but you'll be left hanging a bit with the lack of space each set of lovers receives. However, if you want some great reads as a quick holiday treat, you couldn't do much better than this collection!
Monica Tillery's sweet story opens the collection - set in the world of a confectionery company, Rebecca has to figure out the mystery of her secret Santa as well as the more pressing mystery of why she's never given into the attraction she shares with longtime friend Ben. My favorite in the collection was Diana Jean's Hawaiian-set Christmas tale of overworked and homesick Wisconsinite Clara finding unexpected romance with surfer dude Kai. It even features some surprising snow scenes! The last story in the quartet is Angelita Gill's Gavin Fever where another reunion is at the story's heart, at an isolated cabin for a holiday happily-ever-after.
My one complaint is that all of the stories are over much too quickly. These are great stories but you'll be left hanging a bit with the lack of space each set of lovers receives. However, if you want some great reads as a quick holiday treat, you couldn't do much better than this collection!
December 27, 2013
The best part of this book is the wide range of Christmas short stories! There's a little bit of everything for everyone. My two favorites were Her Secret Santa by Monica Tillery and Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift. Of course, Christmas in Hawaii isn't a bad idea, either -- as His Hawaiian Christmas.
Her Secret Santa is my fave because I'ma sucker for friends to lovers stories. When Rebecca and Ben finally realize their love for each other, it tugged my heart. What really got me was Ben's reaction to Rebecca whenever he saw her -- just looking at her warming his heart. This is a sweet sweet read that won't disappoint.
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift was a surprisingly favorite story, too. I'm not usually a regency historical romance fan, but this was a story that nagged me immediately. Again, a love meant to be despite all odds. Merry thought her love was forgotten, but he was far from gone -- he just needed to get his life in order. Lovely read!
Want a little bit of everything in romance centered around the holidays? Pick up Bells Will Be Ringing!
Her Secret Santa is my fave because I'ma sucker for friends to lovers stories. When Rebecca and Ben finally realize their love for each other, it tugged my heart. What really got me was Ben's reaction to Rebecca whenever he saw her -- just looking at her warming his heart. This is a sweet sweet read that won't disappoint.
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift was a surprisingly favorite story, too. I'm not usually a regency historical romance fan, but this was a story that nagged me immediately. Again, a love meant to be despite all odds. Merry thought her love was forgotten, but he was far from gone -- he just needed to get his life in order. Lovely read!
Want a little bit of everything in romance centered around the holidays? Pick up Bells Will Be Ringing!
December 19, 2013
Wonderful!
Often when you buy a book of short romances there is always a ho-hum book. Not so with this group – these are all fast paced, well developed and fun! Some sizzle and some laughs – this is a holiday present to you! This is my second Carolynn Carey book and she is now on my must read list! All four stories take place during the holidays and, of course, have happy endings! Sweet stories with plenty of depth! This would be a perfect stocking stuffer - buy extra copies to share! Enjoy! NetGalley and Crimson Romance provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Often when you buy a book of short romances there is always a ho-hum book. Not so with this group – these are all fast paced, well developed and fun! Some sizzle and some laughs – this is a holiday present to you! This is my second Carolynn Carey book and she is now on my must read list! All four stories take place during the holidays and, of course, have happy endings! Sweet stories with plenty of depth! This would be a perfect stocking stuffer - buy extra copies to share! Enjoy! NetGalley and Crimson Romance provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2015
This is a collection of four short stories, HER SECRET SANTA, MERRY'S WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT, HIS HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS and GAVIN FEVER. If you have previously read A SWEET DEAL by Monica Tillery, the first story has some of the same characters. All four stories were very romantic and I loved them all in their own way. The only thing I wish is that instead of being four short stories in one book, I wish they were four stories in four separate books. I would love to here more on the different couples. I would definitely recommend this book to all you hopeless romantics or anyone who just loves a nice short love story.
April 21, 2015
I loved this book of novellas! They were all so different, but all had the Christmas theme to them! It is a great chance to read new authors and get a feel for their writing. I have read other books by Monica Tillery and this one actually included some past characters which was terrific. Each story is short and sweet and is great to read at Christmas-time or when it is super hot out! Perfect for when you have some time and want to read a 'quickie'. Loved happy Christmas stories and these stories had me smiling throughout! I will be reading these again in December!
February 12, 2014
This collection of romantic novellas feature four very different stories that will no doubt get you in the mood for the holidays. The variety is wonderful... from regency to modern love story and locales as varied as a mountain cabin in Colorado and sunny Hawaii. There's a little something for everyone. All four tales were fun to read and short enough to finish in an afternoon. Perfect for fans of lighthearted romances... definitely a Christmas-time must-read.
December 2, 2013
Like romance stories? This collection of Christmas short stories will be right up your alley. There are 4 short stories and they are all quite different. There is something for everyone in this collection and they're all indulgent.
August 12, 2016
Its a season to be jolly and this holiday collection will certainly put you in the holiday mood! I look forward to reading more by these authors. Its a must read for the holidays really enjoyed all the storys.
I received a free copy from netgallery in exchange for a honest review.
I received a free copy from netgallery in exchange for a honest review.
December 22, 2014
very cute holiday novellas for this time of year. light and to the point.
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