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Lucy Stone #18.5 - The Christmas Thief
A Winter Wonderland
Four all-new holiday offerings from today’s favorite authors remind us that when love is on your list, you never have to stop believing. . . . “A Winter Wonderland” by #1 New York Times–bestselling author Fern Michaels Angelica Shepard left New York for Christmas in Colorado to relax and unwind—but an out-of-control snowboarder almost had her laid to rest. When she wakes up in the hospital, all she remembers is the handsome angel who saved her . . . “The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chamberlin, bestselling author of All Our Summers Not all happiness is good for you—or that’s what Iris Karr thinks when she decides to move away instead of marrying her sweetheart Ben. Even years later, living with that decision isn't easy—until a familiar face comes to call her home for the holidays . . . “The Christmas Thief” by New York Times–bestselling author Leslie Meier Elizabeth Stone is ready for a white Christmas in Tinker’s Cove, Maine—until a fancy Yule ball at the Florida hotel where she works dumps snow on her plans. The sponsor’s jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about her ties to a cute mystery guest. Good thing Elizabeth’s mother, Lucy Stone, flew down to surprise her. ’Tis the season for a little investigating . . . “The Christmas Collector” by New York Times–bestselling author Kristina McMorris Estate liquidator Jenna Matthews isn’t one for Christmas nostalgia. But when one grandmother’s keepsakes suggest a secret life, unwrapping the mystery leads Jenna—and her client’s handsome grandson—to the true heart of the holiday spirit.
481 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
435 people are currently reading
1482 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
424 books6,513 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 22, 2022
A cozy collection of Christmas novellas by some of my favorite authors! In the first story, a struggling actress and a surgeon having doubts about his career travel separately to Colorado for time off at a ski resort. In Leslie Meier’s story, Elizabeth Stone, Lucy’s adult daughter, is working at a resort down in Florida and has been promoted to an important position. But when something is stolen and Elizabeth may be implicated, can Elizabeth and Lucy find the real thief? I always love Lucy Stone books and novellas and this one featuring Elizabeth was especially fun.
April 1, 2025
Winter is coming, and it brings magic and murder. Lucy Stone must solve the case again, and this time, Leslie Meier pulls out all the stops! A fun in-between novel with lots to sink your teeth into as you get to know the characters and decide for yourself in the series is worth your time. Hope you enjoy them.
December 6, 2019
Tis The Season A Thon: A book that relates to music
This holiday collection was just okay. The last story The Christmas Collection by Kristina McMorris was 2 star read. It just dragged and nothing happened.
The only story I really enjoyed in this collection was The Joy of Christmas by Holly Chamberlin. This story was about a woman named Iris who in the aftermath of her mother's death breaks up with her boyfriend and moves to another state. She's miserable and definitely punishing herself for something. She's "happy" to live a life free of joy until her ex moves to town.
This story was an unusual Christmas story in that it explored grief and loneliness. I really loved it and this story completely saved the whole collection.
This holiday collection was just okay. The last story The Christmas Collection by Kristina McMorris was 2 star read. It just dragged and nothing happened.
The only story I really enjoyed in this collection was The Joy of Christmas by Holly Chamberlin. This story was about a woman named Iris who in the aftermath of her mother's death breaks up with her boyfriend and moves to another state. She's miserable and definitely punishing herself for something. She's "happy" to live a life free of joy until her ex moves to town.
This story was an unusual Christmas story in that it explored grief and loneliness. I really loved it and this story completely saved the whole collection.
December 15, 2016
“A Winter Wonderland” by Fern Michaels
Wow, talk about instalove! I know it's a novella, but wait..they met...they talked for a few secs the next day...then they were in love?
Omg so insta.
This one had a case of needed to be longer. Needed some meat on the bones. It could have made a cheesy hallmark movie for sure.
“The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chamberlin
Sad fact, but it was so boring, snooze alert.
“The Christmas Thief” by Leslie Meier
She should change jobs and make new friends...just saying.
A theft at the hotel!....at the end, so before that the book is about man meeting woman.
“The Christmas Collector” by Kristina McMorris
I finished this one yesterday...and I have forgotten what it was about. It must have been really bad
All in all a meh anthology
Wow, talk about instalove! I know it's a novella, but wait..they met...they talked for a few secs the next day...then they were in love?
Omg so insta.
This one had a case of needed to be longer. Needed some meat on the bones. It could have made a cheesy hallmark movie for sure.
“The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chamberlin
Sad fact, but it was so boring, snooze alert.
“The Christmas Thief” by Leslie Meier
She should change jobs and make new friends...just saying.
A theft at the hotel!....at the end, so before that the book is about man meeting woman.
“The Christmas Collector” by Kristina McMorris
I finished this one yesterday...and I have forgotten what it was about. It must have been really bad
All in all a meh anthology
September 19, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This e-book novel is from my local library, two of the four authors I have listened 🎶 too.
Four will written Christmas Season novellas by four different authors. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters with lots of action, misdirection , and some violence leading to each conclusion. I would recommend this novel and various authors to readers of holiday season mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒 😀😯😡🎅
I like to listen 🎶 to any holiday season fantasy mystery adventure novel. ☺😀
This e-book novel is from my local library, two of the four authors I have listened 🎶 too.
Four will written Christmas Season novellas by four different authors. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters with lots of action, misdirection , and some violence leading to each conclusion. I would recommend this novel and various authors to readers of holiday season mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒 😀😯😡🎅
I like to listen 🎶 to any holiday season fantasy mystery adventure novel. ☺😀
April 5, 2020
I thought that this book was okay
Want to read
July 23, 2012more by Kristina - squee!!!
December 19, 2024
Read as A Christmas Thief in Fern Michaels A winter Wonderland
October 10, 2012
A Winter Wonderland by Fern Michaels, Holly Chamberlin, Leslie Meier, Kristina Mcmorris
ISBN: 9781420121445
Four stories about Christmas holiday season and from such well -known authors. What a treat!
A Winter Wonderland by Fern Michaels
Angelica Shepard not only is in off off Broadway shows but has to work at the nightclub tending bar to make ends meet before her big break.
Her agent called and she didn't get the job on the show and told her to take a holiday out west, skiing.
Dr. Parker North had just lost a little girl from a traumatic accident. He was seriously thinking of another career.
She's arrived at the cabin before midnight and missed the major blizzard, so far.
He's left town on his way to his friend's ski resort and should arrive by midnight.
She ends up giving him a ride to the penthouse condo and they don't hit it off. In her cabin she puts up a tree that is sitting there with ornaments, all are angels.
Although I've never been to Colorado I think I'm in for a treat with the skiing they plan to do, very detailed in some tips.
The ski accident brings him to her side and to the nearest hospital-the one he is the neurosurgeon for. She remembers seeing an angel as she was coming out of the blackout.
.
The Joy of Christmas by Holly Chamberlin
Iris is just not into Christmas but went with Bess Wallis to the museum for the traditional carols. Her mother had passed away at the holidays.
Portland, Maine: Ben Tresch works at the museum.
Iris Karr has a studio where she designs jewelry among 40 other artists of all kinds.
Her mother was a scultopist before she had passed away and her wish was for Iris to marry before she died.
Love that DiMillo's floating ferry/restaurant is mentioned in this book as a place for Ben and Iris to meet to clear the air after they separated and live in the same section of town.
This place is the reason we still travel to Portland, Maine at least once a year.
Bess is able to draw out of Iris what happened with her and her mother and lent his ear..
Her friends try to get her out of her depressing mood as the holiday approaches..
Love the area and the detailed descriptions of the places in the city and with the love story this is a great book to read..
.
The Christmas Thief by Leslie Meier
Toni Leone and Elizabeth Stone are everything a fashionista is and they love to shop the best.
They both work at the Cavendish hotel chains, the hotel in Florida. Elizabeth can't wait to get back to Maine for the Christmas holidays, snow, cold and roaring fire with relatives.
Problem is in 2 weeks time a huge multimillion dollar family and guests will descend upon the hotel for holiday events. This means no trip to Maine but Elizabeth gets a promotion for several weeks as one is on sick leave.
Elizabeth meets Chris Kennedy and from what he's told her she thinks he's one of THE kennedy's from MA. She had helped him with some information and he bought her dinner in return.
So cool to hear of the riches and how the rich do live.
Love hearing of comparable charity events in Maine, I'd be with them vs the huge party where females get $1k ring.
Toni is rather miffed at not being able to make a delivery to a special guest and warns Elizaebeth she will get even with her.
The jewelry heist takes place and Elizabeth is blamed and her friend Chris.
To help her relax she swims at her complex pool. When she gets out of the pool, she has visitors and they are there to help her. Love how they go about trying to solve the mystery of who took the jewels.
Love this type of mystery book and will be looking for more from the author, especially because of the location-Tinker Cove in Maine.
.
The Christmas Collector by Kristina Mcmorris
I have read other books by this author and they are great!
Love hearing of the homemade doily and it's purpose.
Jenna Matthews spends what time she has with her mother.
Reece Porter is just back from London and at his girlfriend's Thanksgiving dinner, on the porch taking a break from all the noise and traditions.
Jenna is inventorying Mrs. Porters books and other collections and finds some old WW2 photos and she's told to just toss them out but Jenna thinks they should be kept.
Mrs. Porter is back at her house after spending some time at her son's house in the basement til it flooded. Her family wants her to sell the big old house.
Reece is upset when he finds Jenna is doing the inventory, dividing his grandmother's things into bags to throw away or keep or donate.
Jenna's mother also has a love interest-at her age and that upsets Jenna.
A medical emergency brings them working to help the older woman.
Love the mystery Jenna is able to uncover and the secrets Reece has hidden away for so long...
Priceless: what the women used their helmets for, in a pinch. Love hearing these types of tips and stories.
ISBN: 9781420121445
Four stories about Christmas holiday season and from such well -known authors. What a treat!
A Winter Wonderland by Fern Michaels
Angelica Shepard not only is in off off Broadway shows but has to work at the nightclub tending bar to make ends meet before her big break.
Her agent called and she didn't get the job on the show and told her to take a holiday out west, skiing.
Dr. Parker North had just lost a little girl from a traumatic accident. He was seriously thinking of another career.
She's arrived at the cabin before midnight and missed the major blizzard, so far.
He's left town on his way to his friend's ski resort and should arrive by midnight.
She ends up giving him a ride to the penthouse condo and they don't hit it off. In her cabin she puts up a tree that is sitting there with ornaments, all are angels.
Although I've never been to Colorado I think I'm in for a treat with the skiing they plan to do, very detailed in some tips.
The ski accident brings him to her side and to the nearest hospital-the one he is the neurosurgeon for. She remembers seeing an angel as she was coming out of the blackout.
.
The Joy of Christmas by Holly Chamberlin
Iris is just not into Christmas but went with Bess Wallis to the museum for the traditional carols. Her mother had passed away at the holidays.
Portland, Maine: Ben Tresch works at the museum.
Iris Karr has a studio where she designs jewelry among 40 other artists of all kinds.
Her mother was a scultopist before she had passed away and her wish was for Iris to marry before she died.
Love that DiMillo's floating ferry/restaurant is mentioned in this book as a place for Ben and Iris to meet to clear the air after they separated and live in the same section of town.
This place is the reason we still travel to Portland, Maine at least once a year.
Bess is able to draw out of Iris what happened with her and her mother and lent his ear..
Her friends try to get her out of her depressing mood as the holiday approaches..
Love the area and the detailed descriptions of the places in the city and with the love story this is a great book to read..
.
The Christmas Thief by Leslie Meier
Toni Leone and Elizabeth Stone are everything a fashionista is and they love to shop the best.
They both work at the Cavendish hotel chains, the hotel in Florida. Elizabeth can't wait to get back to Maine for the Christmas holidays, snow, cold and roaring fire with relatives.
Problem is in 2 weeks time a huge multimillion dollar family and guests will descend upon the hotel for holiday events. This means no trip to Maine but Elizabeth gets a promotion for several weeks as one is on sick leave.
Elizabeth meets Chris Kennedy and from what he's told her she thinks he's one of THE kennedy's from MA. She had helped him with some information and he bought her dinner in return.
So cool to hear of the riches and how the rich do live.
Love hearing of comparable charity events in Maine, I'd be with them vs the huge party where females get $1k ring.
Toni is rather miffed at not being able to make a delivery to a special guest and warns Elizaebeth she will get even with her.
The jewelry heist takes place and Elizabeth is blamed and her friend Chris.
To help her relax she swims at her complex pool. When she gets out of the pool, she has visitors and they are there to help her. Love how they go about trying to solve the mystery of who took the jewels.
Love this type of mystery book and will be looking for more from the author, especially because of the location-Tinker Cove in Maine.
.
The Christmas Collector by Kristina Mcmorris
I have read other books by this author and they are great!
Love hearing of the homemade doily and it's purpose.
Jenna Matthews spends what time she has with her mother.
Reece Porter is just back from London and at his girlfriend's Thanksgiving dinner, on the porch taking a break from all the noise and traditions.
Jenna is inventorying Mrs. Porters books and other collections and finds some old WW2 photos and she's told to just toss them out but Jenna thinks they should be kept.
Mrs. Porter is back at her house after spending some time at her son's house in the basement til it flooded. Her family wants her to sell the big old house.
Reece is upset when he finds Jenna is doing the inventory, dividing his grandmother's things into bags to throw away or keep or donate.
Jenna's mother also has a love interest-at her age and that upsets Jenna.
A medical emergency brings them working to help the older woman.
Love the mystery Jenna is able to uncover and the secrets Reece has hidden away for so long...
Priceless: what the women used their helmets for, in a pinch. Love hearing these types of tips and stories.
December 20, 2012
Romance, Revelations and Remembrance
In Fern Michaels’ “Winter Wonderland” , we are introduced to off-off-off Broadway actress, Angelica Shepard, who is thoroughly discouraged about her career. She has been passed over (again)for a part she felt she was perfect for—to a younger actress. Feeling old and confused, she decides to take some time off over the Christmas Holiday and get away from N.Y.C. She decides on “Maximum Glide”, a posh ski resort in Telluride, Colorado, where she will ski all day and ponder her career quietly in the evening hours. Meanwhile, Dr. Parker North, Head Trauma Surgeon at Denver’s Angel of Mercy Hospital is going through the battle of his life trying to save a little girl’s life—and loses. Despondent over the senseless accident which caused the loss of life, he takes an in terminate leave of absence from his post at the hospital, contacts his college buddy who is not only a champion skier but owner of “Maximum Glide”, Max Jorgenson. A series of events bring Angelica and Parker together. She finds him attractive but abrupt, on the verge of nasty, while Parker didn’t miss Angelica’s beauty, but getting involved was the last thing on his mind. Fate has brought them together, but after disagreements, and an accident, will love keep them together? After all, there’s quite a distance between Colorado and New York.
In “The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chambelin, we meet talented jewelry designer, Iris Karr, who is a bit of a recluse, as well as a workaholic. She has been running away from a painful part of her past—that is until ex-fiancé’ Ben Treach moves to Portland. The death of her award-winning sculptor Mother, Bonnie Karr and the termination of her wedding and future plans with Ben have come back to slap her in the face. She is sure that the relationship’s demise is all her fault. As uncomfortable as it is, meeting with Ben after a three-year absence, Iris could not deny the old, overwhelming attraction to him. She had toyed with a relationship with Alec Todd, but they both knew it could never be more than a friendship. How could she ever tell Ben the real reason she broke off their engagement and moved away so suddenly? Wouldn’t he hate her? She finally opens up to her friend, Bess and then to Alec for a male opinion. Why can’t Iris find courage and a peace of mind? Perhaps she has to come to some revelations about her inner self first?
We have all enjoyed Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone mysteries and have followed young Elizabeth growing up to a fine young lady. In “The Christmas Thief” , Elizabeth has moved to sunny Florida and is working at the reception desk in the posh Cavendish Palm Beach Hotel. Outside of a reprimand from hotel manager, Mr. Dimitri, and homesickness for Tinker’s Cove, her new life was going smoothly—that is until it is announced that Wall St. Financier, Jonah Gruber has chosen this hotel as the site for an extravaganza for 600 of his friends. It’s called the “Blingle Bells Ball”. Elizabeth has been temporarily assigned to the Concierge position as well as Asst. to party planner, Layla Fine. The Ball is also scheduled to show off “The Imperial Parure”—a stunning set of ruby and emerald jewelry that Gruber bought for his wife, porn star Noelle Jones, for the tidy sum of 47 mil. To complicate her life further, Elizabeth meets handsome Chris Kennedy and is immediately attracted, but when he hardly acknowledges her after a few dates, she thinks she was deluding herself concerning his interest. As hurt as she feels, she puts Chris on the back burner and concentrates on the mountain of chores that Layla has created for her. Finally the evening of the ball arrives, and when the case of jewels is taken from the safe, it’s found to be empty! An accusatory finger is pointed at Elizabeth, but did she really steal them? Or could it have been a plot hatched by the hotel manager and Jonah Gruber? Or the very jealous, back-biting receptionist, Toni? Elizabeth gets some unexpected help to try to prove her innocence.
In Kristina McMorris’s “The Christmas Collector”, Estate cataloger Jenna Matthews’ life is extremely complicated and stressful. It is difficult enough going through people’s possessions, their life, their memories, but dealing with her Mom’s ever-increasing collection was more than she could bear. “Things” would never replace her Father (who had left his family for a younger woman), no matter how cute the chotchkes were! When she rescues a box of photos before they ended up in the trash, she discovers two surprises, a hunky Porter Grandson and some secrets even the Porter Family didn’t know that end up helping Jenna with her life’s work as well as the relationship with her Mother and give some deserving individuals their long overdue accolades.
Put this anthology on your TBR list to enjoy before and after Santa’s arrival. Nancy Narma
In Fern Michaels’ “Winter Wonderland” , we are introduced to off-off-off Broadway actress, Angelica Shepard, who is thoroughly discouraged about her career. She has been passed over (again)for a part she felt she was perfect for—to a younger actress. Feeling old and confused, she decides to take some time off over the Christmas Holiday and get away from N.Y.C. She decides on “Maximum Glide”, a posh ski resort in Telluride, Colorado, where she will ski all day and ponder her career quietly in the evening hours. Meanwhile, Dr. Parker North, Head Trauma Surgeon at Denver’s Angel of Mercy Hospital is going through the battle of his life trying to save a little girl’s life—and loses. Despondent over the senseless accident which caused the loss of life, he takes an in terminate leave of absence from his post at the hospital, contacts his college buddy who is not only a champion skier but owner of “Maximum Glide”, Max Jorgenson. A series of events bring Angelica and Parker together. She finds him attractive but abrupt, on the verge of nasty, while Parker didn’t miss Angelica’s beauty, but getting involved was the last thing on his mind. Fate has brought them together, but after disagreements, and an accident, will love keep them together? After all, there’s quite a distance between Colorado and New York.
In “The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chambelin, we meet talented jewelry designer, Iris Karr, who is a bit of a recluse, as well as a workaholic. She has been running away from a painful part of her past—that is until ex-fiancé’ Ben Treach moves to Portland. The death of her award-winning sculptor Mother, Bonnie Karr and the termination of her wedding and future plans with Ben have come back to slap her in the face. She is sure that the relationship’s demise is all her fault. As uncomfortable as it is, meeting with Ben after a three-year absence, Iris could not deny the old, overwhelming attraction to him. She had toyed with a relationship with Alec Todd, but they both knew it could never be more than a friendship. How could she ever tell Ben the real reason she broke off their engagement and moved away so suddenly? Wouldn’t he hate her? She finally opens up to her friend, Bess and then to Alec for a male opinion. Why can’t Iris find courage and a peace of mind? Perhaps she has to come to some revelations about her inner self first?
We have all enjoyed Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone mysteries and have followed young Elizabeth growing up to a fine young lady. In “The Christmas Thief” , Elizabeth has moved to sunny Florida and is working at the reception desk in the posh Cavendish Palm Beach Hotel. Outside of a reprimand from hotel manager, Mr. Dimitri, and homesickness for Tinker’s Cove, her new life was going smoothly—that is until it is announced that Wall St. Financier, Jonah Gruber has chosen this hotel as the site for an extravaganza for 600 of his friends. It’s called the “Blingle Bells Ball”. Elizabeth has been temporarily assigned to the Concierge position as well as Asst. to party planner, Layla Fine. The Ball is also scheduled to show off “The Imperial Parure”—a stunning set of ruby and emerald jewelry that Gruber bought for his wife, porn star Noelle Jones, for the tidy sum of 47 mil. To complicate her life further, Elizabeth meets handsome Chris Kennedy and is immediately attracted, but when he hardly acknowledges her after a few dates, she thinks she was deluding herself concerning his interest. As hurt as she feels, she puts Chris on the back burner and concentrates on the mountain of chores that Layla has created for her. Finally the evening of the ball arrives, and when the case of jewels is taken from the safe, it’s found to be empty! An accusatory finger is pointed at Elizabeth, but did she really steal them? Or could it have been a plot hatched by the hotel manager and Jonah Gruber? Or the very jealous, back-biting receptionist, Toni? Elizabeth gets some unexpected help to try to prove her innocence.
In Kristina McMorris’s “The Christmas Collector”, Estate cataloger Jenna Matthews’ life is extremely complicated and stressful. It is difficult enough going through people’s possessions, their life, their memories, but dealing with her Mom’s ever-increasing collection was more than she could bear. “Things” would never replace her Father (who had left his family for a younger woman), no matter how cute the chotchkes were! When she rescues a box of photos before they ended up in the trash, she discovers two surprises, a hunky Porter Grandson and some secrets even the Porter Family didn’t know that end up helping Jenna with her life’s work as well as the relationship with her Mother and give some deserving individuals their long overdue accolades.
Put this anthology on your TBR list to enjoy before and after Santa’s arrival. Nancy Narma
April 11, 2013
Author: Fern Michael, Leslie Meier, Holly Chamberlain & Kristana McMorris
Published By: Zebra
Age Recommended: YA-Adult
Review By: Arlena Dean
Blog Page For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"The Winter Wonderland" by these four authors: Fern Michael, Leslie Meier,
Holly Chamberlain & Kristana McMorris were four novellas with the theme
around the U.S. Christmas Holidays.
First Novella: "Winter Wonderland" by Fern Michael is where two people meet
to try to revitalize themselves and their careers at a ski resort in Colorado.
Second Novella: 'The Joy of Christmas' by Holly Chamberlain's...What will
happen when Ms. Chamberlain brings these two lovers back together again?
Third Novella: 'The Christmas Thief' by Leslie Meier where "The sponsor’s jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about Elizabeth Stone's ties to a cute mystery guest."
Fourth Novella: 'The Christmas Collector' by Kristina McMorris is when "Estate liquidator Jenna Matthews isn’t one for Christmas nostalgia. But when one grandmother’s keepsakes suggest a secret life, unwrapping the mystery leads Jenna and her client's handsome grandson to the true heart of the holiday spirit"...
Here are four well written short novellas for the holiday. Each story had some particular meaning just for the reader...whether it was to cheer you on... giving you that good feeling all over but we should remember that this isn't just for the holidays but anytime of the year.
July 18, 2014
I love Christmas anthologies, but this one is a mixed bag.
Fern Michaels's title story, A Winter Wonderland, is tied into some of her other stories, although it does stand alone. It's a cute holiday read. Probably 3 stars
Holly Chamberlain's The Joy of Christmas was definitely no light-hearted Christmas story. While I can appreciate Ms. Chamberlain's talent at creating layered characters and real-feeling situations, I found Iris, her heroine, entirely unsympathetic and had a very hard time rooting for her. I think maybe I want my romance a little more fantasy and a little less real in this case.
Leslie Meier's The Christmas Thief was a relatively fun little read. It stood on its own fine, although apparently it's loosely tied into her ongoing mystery series. The romance part felt a bit rushed, but that isn't always entirely a surprise in an anthology :)
I had a similar reaction to Kristina McMorris's The Christmas Collector--not a bad story at all, with some very real situations and feelings going on, with a bit of a quick ending.
All in all, good for your dose of holiday cheer!
Fern Michaels's title story, A Winter Wonderland, is tied into some of her other stories, although it does stand alone. It's a cute holiday read. Probably 3 stars
Holly Chamberlain's The Joy of Christmas was definitely no light-hearted Christmas story. While I can appreciate Ms. Chamberlain's talent at creating layered characters and real-feeling situations, I found Iris, her heroine, entirely unsympathetic and had a very hard time rooting for her. I think maybe I want my romance a little more fantasy and a little less real in this case.
Leslie Meier's The Christmas Thief was a relatively fun little read. It stood on its own fine, although apparently it's loosely tied into her ongoing mystery series. The romance part felt a bit rushed, but that isn't always entirely a surprise in an anthology :)
I had a similar reaction to Kristina McMorris's The Christmas Collector--not a bad story at all, with some very real situations and feelings going on, with a bit of a quick ending.
All in all, good for your dose of holiday cheer!
December 27, 2012
Because of Kristina McMorris, I didn't give this book a 1. ( if 0 would have been an option, without her, that would have been my designation!)
She is the lone reason I even took the time to read this book- normally, I don't even blink an eye at the romantic/ mushy/ winter ski bunny stories. However, I'm an avid McMorris follower so I gave it a shot.
The first two stories were so horribly predictable and boring I was literally falling asleep while reading. So bad in fact that I skipped the third story and went straight to my author of choice.
While lacking the depth that her other two novels possess, ( what did I expect, it's a novella!) she once again delivers a read full of interesting, well developed characters, and a need-to-know storyline. She never never fails to reel me in and keep me intrigued until the very end. An end which, in fact, came way too soon. Loved it!
Wish I could have given it a better rating, but alas, MOST wintery romances just aren't for this gal.
She is the lone reason I even took the time to read this book- normally, I don't even blink an eye at the romantic/ mushy/ winter ski bunny stories. However, I'm an avid McMorris follower so I gave it a shot.
The first two stories were so horribly predictable and boring I was literally falling asleep while reading. So bad in fact that I skipped the third story and went straight to my author of choice.
While lacking the depth that her other two novels possess, ( what did I expect, it's a novella!) she once again delivers a read full of interesting, well developed characters, and a need-to-know storyline. She never never fails to reel me in and keep me intrigued until the very end. An end which, in fact, came way too soon. Loved it!
Wish I could have given it a better rating, but alas, MOST wintery romances just aren't for this gal.
November 7, 2012
Didn't like this much....
the first story was OK...a bit booring and I got irritated when the staff in the hospital was giving the hero bad attitude because he'd taken time off..like he was a slave or something..not understanding that one can be burned out...really annoying...
But the Second one..OMG what is this..she's living in black hole because her mother died, HER MOTHER!! a mother that has been sick most of her life so it really shouldn't have been such a surprise in the end...YES it hurts loosing a parent I just did but hell if I'm gonna stop living..stupid,stupid woman.
The third..eh meh...just meh..
and the last one was a bit cute but overall this was a really,really boring book...not cute enough to get you in a good holiday/Christmas/winter mood..just enough to get you in a bit of bad mood
the first story was OK...a bit booring and I got irritated when the staff in the hospital was giving the hero bad attitude because he'd taken time off..like he was a slave or something..not understanding that one can be burned out...really annoying...
But the Second one..OMG what is this..she's living in black hole because her mother died, HER MOTHER!! a mother that has been sick most of her life so it really shouldn't have been such a surprise in the end...YES it hurts loosing a parent I just did but hell if I'm gonna stop living..stupid,stupid woman.
The third..eh meh...just meh..
and the last one was a bit cute but overall this was a really,really boring book...not cute enough to get you in a good holiday/Christmas/winter mood..just enough to get you in a bit of bad mood
December 31, 2012
This is a collection of Christmas stories from four authors. I enjoyed most of the stories and would read more by the other authors.
November 18, 2012
Not a bad book but not great either. The 1st story kept my interest, the 2nd I ended up not reading it was so boring and the 3rd was okay but not great.
July 12, 2018
Really a short story. Sweet and short! Seems like a prelude to something else.
February 20, 2017
I feel so free!
Holy moly, it took me a long time to read this. Why, you ask? Because it just kind of... oh, what's the word I'm looking for?
Sucked.
Yes, this is one of the worse Christmas anthologies I've ever had the displeasure of reading. Now, there were four novellas, and not all of them were wretched. The first and the third were pretty wretched. The second was just not great. The last one, however, was great! In fact, the last novella was the reason I chose to give it two stars instead of one.
The first novella, Winter Wonderland by Fern Michaels, was just bad. I've read several other Christmas-themed novellas by this author, and not one of them did I enjoy. I might try one of her other novels that are not Christmas-themed, but I've had more than enough of her Christmas stories.
The second novella was a little better. It wasn't the greatest thing I've ever read, but compared to what preceded, it was fantastic. It was a bit slow for me, and though I understand the main character's thoughts and emotions, I didn't really like her.
The third one, an attempt at mystery, might have been the worst. More than half the story was just sort of spent dragging along, setting things up. There wasn't even a case to solve until about three quarters of the way in! Besides, the characters were badly written and the general story wasn't interesting. (Not exactly relevant, but there's a certain part of the story that mentions a pepperoni kiss, that's just nasty). I haven't read any of the stories the author has written about the main character's mother, but after this story I have to say that I don't want to.
The last story. Ah, like cold, soothing water running over burns. This one was great. The romantic aspect was a little bit on the cheesy side, but I could live with it. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but again, it wasn't so terrible that I couldn't look past it. The story was interesting, the characters were pretty much as well developed as could be, and I cared about what happened. Most importantly for me, when I picked up the book, I actually wanted to read. I didn't just feel obligated to finish it, I sincerely wanted to. That's a nice feeling.
It's likely that the only way I would read this again would be for the last story. Not an enjoyable one, I'm sad to say. But if light-heartedness and cheese are your thing, give it a shot. After all, this is one woman's opinion.
Holy moly, it took me a long time to read this. Why, you ask? Because it just kind of... oh, what's the word I'm looking for?
Sucked.
Yes, this is one of the worse Christmas anthologies I've ever had the displeasure of reading. Now, there were four novellas, and not all of them were wretched. The first and the third were pretty wretched. The second was just not great. The last one, however, was great! In fact, the last novella was the reason I chose to give it two stars instead of one.
The first novella, Winter Wonderland by Fern Michaels, was just bad. I've read several other Christmas-themed novellas by this author, and not one of them did I enjoy. I might try one of her other novels that are not Christmas-themed, but I've had more than enough of her Christmas stories.
The second novella was a little better. It wasn't the greatest thing I've ever read, but compared to what preceded, it was fantastic. It was a bit slow for me, and though I understand the main character's thoughts and emotions, I didn't really like her.
The third one, an attempt at mystery, might have been the worst. More than half the story was just sort of spent dragging along, setting things up. There wasn't even a case to solve until about three quarters of the way in! Besides, the characters were badly written and the general story wasn't interesting. (Not exactly relevant, but there's a certain part of the story that mentions a pepperoni kiss, that's just nasty). I haven't read any of the stories the author has written about the main character's mother, but after this story I have to say that I don't want to.
The last story. Ah, like cold, soothing water running over burns. This one was great. The romantic aspect was a little bit on the cheesy side, but I could live with it. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but again, it wasn't so terrible that I couldn't look past it. The story was interesting, the characters were pretty much as well developed as could be, and I cared about what happened. Most importantly for me, when I picked up the book, I actually wanted to read. I didn't just feel obligated to finish it, I sincerely wanted to. That's a nice feeling.
It's likely that the only way I would read this again would be for the last story. Not an enjoyable one, I'm sad to say. But if light-heartedness and cheese are your thing, give it a shot. After all, this is one woman's opinion.
April 25, 2020
Full disclosure: I only read The Christmas Thief by Leslie Meier because this holiday novella is part of the Lucy Stone Mysteries.
What I liked about The Christmas Thief:
Felt predictable but actually wasn't! - I honestly thought I had a couple of details pegged early on and again throughout the story. I was actually completely wrong! That was unexpected.
Different setting - I did like the freshness due to the new location. Additionally, having Elizabeth take center stage for a bit was a nice change of pace. Since she's relocated as a young adult, we don't get much from her character anymore, outside of the occasional mention, phone call, or brief visit. I also liked that this was a different kind of case than Lucy typically solves. And finally the surprise that we got to add an additional beloved character to the mix.
Some unexpected fun with the cast of characters - I have to say, it was kind of fun trying to guess which guests were inspired by actual celebrities.
What I didn't care for:
It's length - I know, I know, it's a novella, it's supposed to be short. I still wish it had gotten about another 20 pages, just to flesh out the characters a little more and maybe give a little less of an abrupt resolution. Novellas can be a tough sell for me. I enjoy the time with the characters but if it isn't paced just right, I finish feeling like I got an incomplete experience.
A final thought that bewildered me: Was a fashion icon *really* going to pair a hot pink evening gown with the showcased ruby-and-emerald jewelry collections?? Just reading that hurts my eyes. Ick!
Overall, it was a fast, festive read, and I am almost always glad I don't skip them. You just never know how these little side stories might give some interesting background or advance the overall story arc for the characters! I'll be seeing you back in Tinker's Cove soon, Lucy!
What I liked about The Christmas Thief:
Felt predictable but actually wasn't! - I honestly thought I had a couple of details pegged early on and again throughout the story. I was actually completely wrong! That was unexpected.
Different setting - I did like the freshness due to the new location. Additionally, having Elizabeth take center stage for a bit was a nice change of pace. Since she's relocated as a young adult, we don't get much from her character anymore, outside of the occasional mention, phone call, or brief visit. I also liked that this was a different kind of case than Lucy typically solves. And finally the surprise that we got to add an additional beloved character to the mix.
Some unexpected fun with the cast of characters - I have to say, it was kind of fun trying to guess which guests were inspired by actual celebrities.
What I didn't care for:
It's length - I know, I know, it's a novella, it's supposed to be short. I still wish it had gotten about another 20 pages, just to flesh out the characters a little more and maybe give a little less of an abrupt resolution. Novellas can be a tough sell for me. I enjoy the time with the characters but if it isn't paced just right, I finish feeling like I got an incomplete experience.
A final thought that bewildered me: Was a fashion icon *really* going to pair a hot pink evening gown with the showcased ruby-and-emerald jewelry collections?? Just reading that hurts my eyes. Ick!
Overall, it was a fast, festive read, and I am almost always glad I don't skip them. You just never know how these little side stories might give some interesting background or advance the overall story arc for the characters! I'll be seeing you back in Tinker's Cove soon, Lucy!
November 17, 2017
This collection of 4 novellas was quite fun to read to get me into the Christmas spirit. Story 1 by Fern Michaels takes place in Colorado where a New York actress disappears for the holidays to relax and unwind only to find herself in hospital after a skiing accident . She finds the man she had rescued the night before was not the kind of man she thought he was. The second story by Holly Chamberlain is about a young woman who moves away from her family and friends only to come across a familiar face years later, a man who has come to take her home. The third by Leslie Meier story takes place in a glamorous hotel where Elizabeth Stone has come to work. A huge Christmas gala has been planned where some famous jewels are to be unveiled. However all is spoiled when the jewels disappear and Elizabeth is blamed. Lastly a story by Kristina McMorris. Jenna Matthews is an estate liquidator and in this particular job she becomes a little to close to the nostalgic articles she is handling and becomes enthralled with their history. The things she is handling and the people that she meets makes her start to question her own ideals. Excellent stories, the last one brought tears to my eyes.
December 18, 2024
I bought this mainly for the :The Christmas Thief” by Leslie Meier. I thought that was a good addition to the Lucy Stone series. I didn't know what to expect from the rest of the stories. The first two turned out to be traditional, predictable romance. I'm not a fan of the genre, so I pretty much read the first two and last two chapters of each and moved on, but they seemed to be well written and would appeal to those who do enjoy the genre. I was pleasantly surprised by the final story of the book, “The Christmas Collector” by Kristina McMorris. I appreciated all the women's history she uncovered. I would definitely want to visit that collection at a museum. That story accomplished what a good anthology should do���it inspired me to read her novel, Letters from Home. I would consider this to be a collection that has something to interest almost everybody.
December 3, 2016
Short Fun stories
1. Winter Wonderland:
Short sweet love story it seemed rushed and too short. The concept would have been better as a novel or novella. Christmas seemed to be more of a back drop than a christmas story I felt it suited as a winter story. The story was a cute breeze sweet romance.
2. The Joy Of Christmas
This story was more about sadness and death. Its also about how we over come them and hos it changes us. That true love stands the of time and always comes back.
3. The Christmas Thief
Short fun Christmas mystery. I enjoyed the sweet little story.
4. The Christmas Collector
The best one in romance department sweet and well written short. I enjoyed this story the most.
1. Winter Wonderland:
Short sweet love story it seemed rushed and too short. The concept would have been better as a novel or novella. Christmas seemed to be more of a back drop than a christmas story I felt it suited as a winter story. The story was a cute breeze sweet romance.
2. The Joy Of Christmas
This story was more about sadness and death. Its also about how we over come them and hos it changes us. That true love stands the of time and always comes back.
3. The Christmas Thief
Short fun Christmas mystery. I enjoyed the sweet little story.
4. The Christmas Collector
The best one in romance department sweet and well written short. I enjoyed this story the most.
September 3, 2020
I'm not always a fan of these cozy romance short stories but since I have been reading the Lucy Stone mysteries over the years (kind of guilty pleasure/palate cleanser reads) and this contained a short from that series, I thought I'd give it a try. So, ok...I'm going to have to admit that these 4 shorts were all entertaining. In fact, the last one (by Kristina McMorris) had me in tears at the end. The first story is about an unexpected new love, the second about recentering your life and giving love another chance, the third was about Lucy Stone's oldest daughter who is out on her own now and stumbling over her own mystery and the 4th about a long lost love reappearing at just the right moment. Four very entertaining cozies.
December 28, 2020
I bought this because I love Kristina McMorris' novels and I couldn't find the Christmas Collector on it's own. It was a perfect time to read these Christmas stories because it's December and in the middle of the pandemic and I wanted something to bring me cheer. The first two stories were ok. The characters lacked the depth I like and I felt like I was sort of reading a Danielle Steele love story on both. The third story by Holly Chamberlin was great and was more interesting to me because I like mysteries. Winter Wonderland introduced me to her writing and so I'm glad about that and will read more. And then Kristina McMorris' Christmas Collector was the hit of the book. Interesting and heart warming (like all of her stories) the best was indeed saved for last.
November 29, 2020
Giving it 3 stars because it is a Christmas themed book of 4 novellas. This is just not my kind of reading so it really didn't do much for me but I read it as one of my books that centers around Christmas. I skimmed all the stories somewhat and didn't finish the last one, just couldn't continue any longer, needed to move on. "The Christmas Thief" was the better of the four for me.
December 12, 2023
I read this book which includes four stories. Most were good, but not all of them. Of course I enjoyed the mystery one and there was one about a women who hoarded things, but among them were some surprises from her past during WWII. That was the best part as I enjoy reading about past veterans and during that time period.
July 31, 2017
A short read about two people who have doubts in their life and job choice. They go on vacation to forget about their problems and search for answers. Instead they find each other and come to figure out what is next. I thought the story was OK. It would make a great longer book.
December 12, 2018
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland has four quick read holiday stories that I really enjoyed. Full stories with HEA endings. I am very glad that I borrowed this book from my Online Library.
Winter Wonderland has four quick read holiday stories that I really enjoyed. Full stories with HEA endings. I am very glad that I borrowed this book from my Online Library.
November 12, 2021
Great anthology
Sometimes in Christmas anthologies a good story line gets overlooked and buried in holiday cliches. That didn't happen here. I think I liked the last story best. Three women looking forward instead of back to make something new and better of their lives.
Sometimes in Christmas anthologies a good story line gets overlooked and buried in holiday cliches. That didn't happen here. I think I liked the last story best. Three women looking forward instead of back to make something new and better of their lives.
December 11, 2021
DNF. I read the first one thinking it was a novel, not a love at first sight short story. Following that disappointment, I started the second only to be bored in three pages. Started the third and had it figured out in four pages. Skipped the fourth.
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