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Merry Chick Lit Celebrate the Season with Six Sassy Shorts
In the spirit of giving, six chick-lit authors "present" a charming collection of seasonal shorts sure to inspire holiday cheer-plus love and hope throughout the year, with all proceeds donated to Rocking the Road for a Cure! Featured authors & stories include:
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
In "Santa's Gift," journalist Jessica thinks Santa's just a silly myth for children, so when he asks what she most wants for Christmas she tells him the one thing she knows he can't deliver--true love. Or can he...?
Sarah Hitchcock
In "The Christmas Lights," one competition pits two families against each other...who will win this war?
Francine LaSala
Pretty Izzy knows exactly what she wants for Christmas: hunky sales manager Jake Harrington wrapped up with a shiny silver bow--and nothing else. Except Santa may have other plans in "Carol of the Belles."
Nikki Mahood In "Spinster Christmas," Cara's looking forward to spending Christmas alone until she learns her old--and she believes very gay--crush needs a place to stay. Though it soon becomes clear that while still hot, Ronan isn't gay after all...
Holly Martin
Ella's dreams of making a better life for her and her daughter seem further away than ever in "Iced Dreams." But as Christmas approaches, and she wishes for a fairy godmother to wave a magic wand to fix her life, things begin to change in ways she never imagined!
K.C. Wilder
In "The Mermaid," Allie's content to spend Christmas by herself at a vacant beach house to make good on a promise made to her true love lost, Jeff. Until Jeff's gorgeous college roommate Tim crashes in on her with his own promise to keep...
So snuggle up near the fire, drink a glass of wine or a cup of cocoa and enjoy these festive holiday shorts, knowing your purchase of this book is helping women with breast cancer.
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
In "Santa's Gift," journalist Jessica thinks Santa's just a silly myth for children, so when he asks what she most wants for Christmas she tells him the one thing she knows he can't deliver--true love. Or can he...?
Sarah Hitchcock
In "The Christmas Lights," one competition pits two families against each other...who will win this war?
Francine LaSala
Pretty Izzy knows exactly what she wants for Christmas: hunky sales manager Jake Harrington wrapped up with a shiny silver bow--and nothing else. Except Santa may have other plans in "Carol of the Belles."
Nikki Mahood In "Spinster Christmas," Cara's looking forward to spending Christmas alone until she learns her old--and she believes very gay--crush needs a place to stay. Though it soon becomes clear that while still hot, Ronan isn't gay after all...
Holly Martin
Ella's dreams of making a better life for her and her daughter seem further away than ever in "Iced Dreams." But as Christmas approaches, and she wishes for a fairy godmother to wave a magic wand to fix her life, things begin to change in ways she never imagined!
K.C. Wilder
In "The Mermaid," Allie's content to spend Christmas by herself at a vacant beach house to make good on a promise made to her true love lost, Jeff. Until Jeff's gorgeous college roommate Tim crashes in on her with his own promise to keep...
So snuggle up near the fire, drink a glass of wine or a cup of cocoa and enjoy these festive holiday shorts, knowing your purchase of this book is helping women with breast cancer.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
5 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
147 books543 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 11, 2013
First and most important of all, I should mention that ALL proceeds from this book goes to a New York cancer charity, Rocking The Road for a Cure, as mentioned in the blurb.
I loved this collection of holiday shorts and I'm not even a short story fan. The most unexpected was The Christmas Lights, the shortest story, but which I thought had the biggest twist. I'd already read one of Francine La Sala's novels, so was intrigued by her short story. I have to say I loved the ending of that one, for various reasons and everyone needs a C Oliver in their lives! For those who love the magical, and after all, what is Christmas about, Iced Dreams has it covered. I would definitely read a Holly Martin novel after this short. All the stories are good, and diverse, but these three were my favourites. If you need a little Christmas lift and can only afford a short amount of time in one go, these festive shorts are perfect.
I loved this collection of holiday shorts and I'm not even a short story fan. The most unexpected was The Christmas Lights, the shortest story, but which I thought had the biggest twist. I'd already read one of Francine La Sala's novels, so was intrigued by her short story. I have to say I loved the ending of that one, for various reasons and everyone needs a C Oliver in their lives! For those who love the magical, and after all, what is Christmas about, Iced Dreams has it covered. I would definitely read a Holly Martin novel after this short. All the stories are good, and diverse, but these three were my favourites. If you need a little Christmas lift and can only afford a short amount of time in one go, these festive shorts are perfect.
December 20, 2013
I adore romantic Christmas stories, but I don't have a lot of reading time in December because I'm always crazy busy with holiday prep. So, this anthology of six shorts was perfect for me! I was able to breeze through each of the stories when my schedule allowed and I loved getting a quick holiday fic fix! Some of the shorts were humorous, some poignant, some had a dash of magic, all had an element of romance (things even got spicy in a few of them), so I felt like I got everything I could possibly want out of this collection. The writing was excellent and the premises of all the shorts were very clever. Kudos to the authors for their creativity and for supporting a great cause with their work!
If you love Chick Lit or holiday-themed girl-gets-guy stories, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book! I guarantee you'll enjoy every minute of reading it.
If you love Chick Lit or holiday-themed girl-gets-guy stories, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book! I guarantee you'll enjoy every minute of reading it.
December 2, 2013
BUY THIS BOOK! It's only 79p and EVERY one of your pennies go to the Breast Cancer Charity, Rocking the Road to a Cure!
ANY book that has 100% of its royalties going to charity gets 5 stars from me!
The six stories in this festive little compilation are all very different reads - and that's what makes Merry Chick Lit so enjoyable. It's great to read these cute seasonal snippets of love & hope and they certainly help to get you in the Christmas spirit! All for a special cause too - fantastic.
ANY book that has 100% of its royalties going to charity gets 5 stars from me!
The six stories in this festive little compilation are all very different reads - and that's what makes Merry Chick Lit so enjoyable. It's great to read these cute seasonal snippets of love & hope and they certainly help to get you in the Christmas spirit! All for a special cause too - fantastic.
July 2, 2019
This collection was really hit-or-miss for me.
There were some well written stories where I felt the characters were so interesting and I became so wrapped up in their story, I wished the short was a prequel for a longer book as I would have loved to read more about them.
There were other stories where I was reminded of the "infinite monkey" theory of writing, and I feel like some of the monkey's castoffs were put into this book. They were really bad.
So, here what worked for me and what didn’t ...
0 stars - Santa's Gift by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
This story has an unbelievable premise that I found I just couldn't suspend disbelief enough to accept. The characters were average - but between their constant giggling, insta-love and "OMG, right?" at the unbelievable plotline, I just couldn't connect to them, or bring myself to care about what happened to them.
Much like the later story 'Spinster Christmas', this seemed like a poorly combined bunch of tropes that wasn't really fleshed out well. The plot itself had a really good idea, it's just the delivery of it fell totally flat for me.
0 stars - The Christmas Lights by Sarah Hitchcock
This "short story" was only TWO PAGES LONG. That's not a short story, that's an OUTLINE of a short story. I understand this is for charity, but IMO the author really "phoned it in" with this no effort outline.
Besides the length of the story, there was nothing interesting. Unremarkable characters, unremarkable situation based on rehashed tropes with nothing new or interesting - only the names have changes. Total pass, and really disappointing the author put so little effort into coming up with a two page read.
4 stars - Carol of the Belles by Francine LaSala
This lovely story was just the kind I appreciate - Izzy crushes on the hunky alpha rich guy who she later learns is a callous jerk; and she finally learned to appreciate the nerdy thoughtful guy she barely noticed but who was there for her all along.
I wished this short was longer, but I felt like it was a perfect HEA for both of them.
I would like to read more by this author in the future.
Negative Stars - Spinster Christmas by Nikki Mahood
Just NO. Between Cara's insta-lust, Cara's constant giggling, Ro's "I've wanted you since childhood too but never told you", Cara's childhood crush, and Ro's "I'm not gay! I'm straight and I secretly I want you" - it was painful to read. This short was like a handful of romantic tropes were put into a blender and splattered across a keyboard. I grew to dislike both of the characters, and I didn't care what happened to them. I was so relieved to reach the end of the story.
4 stars - Iced Dreams by Holly Martin
This story was a lovely reminder that fairy tales exist for a reason beyond entertaining children - that somewhere, if you believe enough, you can get your wish answered.
Our single mom and likable heroine gets her wish come true, with her dream business to manage and fairy tale romance with a special guy who loves her daughter. It was a beautiful HEA for her and her daughter. Great uplifting read.
I would like to read more by this author in the future.
4 stars - The Mermaid by K.C. Wilder
This is my favorite story of the whole book.
The writing was great. The characters were well developed and likeable, with believable motivations. They really came to life through her story. The stormy winter snowscape came alive for me, and I could almost see their snowball fight as their dog played. I loved the premise of the story too - that keeping a promise on Christmas Eve leads two lonely people to cope with the loss of a shared loved one and to discover a new love.
Although their situation was a bit different, it reminded me of another favorite book of mine - Danielle Steele's The Promise.
I would like to read more by this author in the future.
Overall my per-story ratings would lead me to rate this book as a two. I am bumping that rating up to a three because the stories that did touch me were so very, very good; and also because the proceeds go to charity - so good job for all the authors for donating to an awesome cause!
I would cautiously recommend this book to romance lovers looking for short holiday reads -- but I would add that if one story doesn't grab you, just move onto the next one. Some stories fall flat, but there are some wonderful stories here.
There were some well written stories where I felt the characters were so interesting and I became so wrapped up in their story, I wished the short was a prequel for a longer book as I would have loved to read more about them.
There were other stories where I was reminded of the "infinite monkey" theory of writing, and I feel like some of the monkey's castoffs were put into this book. They were really bad.
So, here what worked for me and what didn’t ...
0 stars - Santa's Gift by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
This story has an unbelievable premise that I found I just couldn't suspend disbelief enough to accept. The characters were average - but between their constant giggling, insta-love and "OMG, right?" at the unbelievable plotline, I just couldn't connect to them, or bring myself to care about what happened to them.
Much like the later story 'Spinster Christmas', this seemed like a poorly combined bunch of tropes that wasn't really fleshed out well. The plot itself had a really good idea, it's just the delivery of it fell totally flat for me.
0 stars - The Christmas Lights by Sarah Hitchcock
This "short story" was only TWO PAGES LONG. That's not a short story, that's an OUTLINE of a short story. I understand this is for charity, but IMO the author really "phoned it in" with this no effort outline.
Besides the length of the story, there was nothing interesting. Unremarkable characters, unremarkable situation based on rehashed tropes with nothing new or interesting - only the names have changes. Total pass, and really disappointing the author put so little effort into coming up with a two page read.
4 stars - Carol of the Belles by Francine LaSala
This lovely story was just the kind I appreciate - Izzy crushes on the hunky alpha rich guy who she later learns is a callous jerk; and she finally learned to appreciate the nerdy thoughtful guy she barely noticed but who was there for her all along.
I wished this short was longer, but I felt like it was a perfect HEA for both of them.
I would like to read more by this author in the future.
Negative Stars - Spinster Christmas by Nikki Mahood
Just NO. Between Cara's insta-lust, Cara's constant giggling, Ro's "I've wanted you since childhood too but never told you", Cara's childhood crush, and Ro's "I'm not gay! I'm straight and I secretly I want you" - it was painful to read. This short was like a handful of romantic tropes were put into a blender and splattered across a keyboard. I grew to dislike both of the characters, and I didn't care what happened to them. I was so relieved to reach the end of the story.
4 stars - Iced Dreams by Holly Martin
This story was a lovely reminder that fairy tales exist for a reason beyond entertaining children - that somewhere, if you believe enough, you can get your wish answered.
Our single mom and likable heroine gets her wish come true, with her dream business to manage and fairy tale romance with a special guy who loves her daughter. It was a beautiful HEA for her and her daughter. Great uplifting read.
I would like to read more by this author in the future.
4 stars - The Mermaid by K.C. Wilder
This is my favorite story of the whole book.
The writing was great. The characters were well developed and likeable, with believable motivations. They really came to life through her story. The stormy winter snowscape came alive for me, and I could almost see their snowball fight as their dog played. I loved the premise of the story too - that keeping a promise on Christmas Eve leads two lonely people to cope with the loss of a shared loved one and to discover a new love.
Although their situation was a bit different, it reminded me of another favorite book of mine - Danielle Steele's The Promise.
I would like to read more by this author in the future.
Overall my per-story ratings would lead me to rate this book as a two. I am bumping that rating up to a three because the stories that did touch me were so very, very good; and also because the proceeds go to charity - so good job for all the authors for donating to an awesome cause!
I would cautiously recommend this book to romance lovers looking for short holiday reads -- but I would add that if one story doesn't grab you, just move onto the next one. Some stories fall flat, but there are some wonderful stories here.
July 28, 2023
Collection of light short romance stories set at Christmas. They improve as you read - I suggest skipping the first which I found crude, irritating, and unremarkable. The second is a very short charming Romeo and Juliet story with families competing for best decorated house, another I really liked was a young woman having a Spinster Christmas until a childhood crush showed up, and yet another featured the office dweeb crushing on the pretty girl in the next cubicle while she crushes on the boss. One has a male fairy godmother (being a fairy godfather has folks fearing finding a horse's head, so the stick to godmother 😅). The very last is a 2nd chance at love story set at a beach house in a Christmas Blizzard.
This collection was a fundraiser for a breast cancer research charity, with all involved donating stories and time. That cemented its 3 stars for me.
This collection was a fundraiser for a breast cancer research charity, with all involved donating stories and time. That cemented its 3 stars for me.
December 11, 2014
What a beautiful and adorable collection of short stories. Every single one of them was so special and had it’s own spark. I’ll say a few words about all of them.
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s story is magical, shimmering and so cute. Jess and Jack seem so real and their connection is amazing. What a cute and brilliantly written story.
I love the idea of „Christmas Lights“ , I would have loved to read a whole book about it. Especially about how the relationship of the main characters developed. For me the story was a little to short, but still sweet and inspiring.
The message of Francine LaSala’s story is wonderful. I loved to read about Izzy and especially about Ollie. He’s such a charismatic character and it is amazing what he did for Izzy, every woman would wish for a guy like that. Such a gripping and great writing.
Spinster Christmas, that sounded really interesting and it was. I loved the story around Cara and Ronan, it had such much spark, energy, love and glimmer. I enjoyed every second of reading it and the writing was brilliant. I dived into this stories, never wanting to get out again.
I could relate to Cara instantly and that made it so easy to understand her.
Holly Martin’s story is full of magic and surprises. I liked reading about little Poppy and her mum and it was fun to see how the story developed. Such a cute tale, which leaves open, places for your own imagination.
Last but not least, the Mermaid with its two lovely characters who meet again after the wish of a lost one. An emotional, fascinating and moving read with lots of charm and charisma.
This book was definitely worth all the pennies and I can only highly recommend it to you. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this cute little stories, the perfect Christmas read. <3 <3 <3
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s story is magical, shimmering and so cute. Jess and Jack seem so real and their connection is amazing. What a cute and brilliantly written story.
I love the idea of „Christmas Lights“ , I would have loved to read a whole book about it. Especially about how the relationship of the main characters developed. For me the story was a little to short, but still sweet and inspiring.
The message of Francine LaSala’s story is wonderful. I loved to read about Izzy and especially about Ollie. He’s such a charismatic character and it is amazing what he did for Izzy, every woman would wish for a guy like that. Such a gripping and great writing.
Spinster Christmas, that sounded really interesting and it was. I loved the story around Cara and Ronan, it had such much spark, energy, love and glimmer. I enjoyed every second of reading it and the writing was brilliant. I dived into this stories, never wanting to get out again.
I could relate to Cara instantly and that made it so easy to understand her.
Holly Martin’s story is full of magic and surprises. I liked reading about little Poppy and her mum and it was fun to see how the story developed. Such a cute tale, which leaves open, places for your own imagination.
Last but not least, the Mermaid with its two lovely characters who meet again after the wish of a lost one. An emotional, fascinating and moving read with lots of charm and charisma.
This book was definitely worth all the pennies and I can only highly recommend it to you. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this cute little stories, the perfect Christmas read. <3 <3 <3
December 31, 2013
I know this is a little late, but this is THE Christmas book to read for the season. This novel is composed of six, short chick lit stories that all center around Christmas. In my opinion, all stories are enjoyable…I couldn't even begin to choose my favorite story because it'd be like asking me to choose my favorite sister. Overall, this novel is an incredible read and if you're like me you don't mind what time of year it is to indulge in a Christmas book. Also, when you buy this book the proceeds help women with breast cancer! So you can be reading a great book AND donating to a great cause while you're at it.
December 18, 2013
In the interest of full disclosure, my story 'The Mermaid' appears in this compilation. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the other stories, and I am thrilled to keep such talented company. That all proceeds go to breast cancer charity Rocking the Road for a Cure is just the icing on the proverbial cake. Holiday sweetness!
June 15, 2014
Bit late adding this review.
My sister had a story in this book, so by default I'm supposed to like it.
But I liked it not just because of her short.
The rest of the stories were heartwarming and lovely and Christmassy :)
I particularly loved Iced Dreams, it was so cute!!!!
I hope they come together to do another one!!!
:)
5★
My sister had a story in this book, so by default I'm supposed to like it.
But I liked it not just because of her short.
The rest of the stories were heartwarming and lovely and Christmassy :)
I particularly loved Iced Dreams, it was so cute!!!!
I hope they come together to do another one!!!
:)
5★
January 9, 2014
This book of short stories was reccommended to me, and it didn't dissapoint!
There were some really lovely Christmas tales, and I loved the fact that some were based in the UK and some were based in America! There was a sprinkling of magic in each one and a lot of good old fashioned romance!
Will make sure I read this again in Decemeber ready for Christmas!
There were some really lovely Christmas tales, and I loved the fact that some were based in the UK and some were based in America! There was a sprinkling of magic in each one and a lot of good old fashioned romance!
Will make sure I read this again in Decemeber ready for Christmas!
November 26, 2014
If you like short story romances that are for the most part completely improbable, this collection is for you. It as a fun way to start my holiday reading this year. My favorite story is The Mermaid - probably because it is the most probable in real life and I like that sort of thing.
This book's proceeds go to a breast cancer charity (at the time of my purchase).
This book's proceeds go to a breast cancer charity (at the time of my purchase).
December 27, 2013
Very enjoyable set of short stories.
Loved the Fairy Godmother in one particularly; then the thoughtfulness of Jeff in another.
I'll admit to buying it simply to support the charity - but the wonderful thing was, the stories were fabulous too. Well done to all involved.
Loved the Fairy Godmother in one particularly; then the thoughtfulness of Jeff in another.
I'll admit to buying it simply to support the charity - but the wonderful thing was, the stories were fabulous too. Well done to all involved.
December 26, 2013
A wonderful compilation of heart-warming stories to make even the most grinchy believe in Christmas miracles.
February 5, 2014
So glad I checked this out and perfect to read on a cold, snowy night. Best of all the proceeds go to breast cancer research! Definitely give this a read.
December 13, 2013
A collection of six mini stories ideal to read on a cold, winters day. Each story is filled with Christmas magic. The proceeds of the book go to breast cancer.
December 16, 2013
Fun festive short stories
December 23, 2013
A wonderful collection of short stories to get you in the holiday spirit. All very well written and something for everyone to enjoy.
December 20, 2014
Some better than others.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews