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A Southern Christmas
A Georgia Christmas by Susan SandsChristmas in Moonshine, Georgia is salon owner Merilee Bell’s favorite season. She might still be single in her mid- thirties, but she’s finally content, proud of her business and herself as she’s made strides to make peace with her past. And then just at closing time, a tall, dark and handsome new deputy enters her shop, and everything seems poised to change.
Weeks before Christmas, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, Randy Slade arrives in Moonshine posing as Moonshine’s newest deputy for an undercover sting to catch a group of high-tech property thieves. Only the sheriff is aware of his true identity, but from the moment he meets Merilee, who trades a haircut for free parking, he’s smitten by her smile and warm, friendly manner. Unfortunately, she also has a rental property perfectly suited for his undercover operation.
Randy doesn’t want to lie, but he has a duty to keep citizens safe, including Merilee. Can he do his job and still celebrate a small town southern Christmas, and maybe more with his dream girl?
The Christmas Chef by Sinclair JayneThis Christmas, he just might believe in a little magic…
Rustin Wildish furiously left Belmont North Carolina as a teen to make his reputation in the culinary world. Over twelve years later, he’s back in the town that where the founding family of Mayes once branded him a worthless bad boy. Intent to show them how wrong they were, he buys the local diner—considered an institution—from his former mentor and boss, Miss Millie Maye and transforms. Success will be his revenge as the Maye’s and other ‘upstanding families,’ are forced to eat their words and so much more. But then the youngest Maye daughter asks him for help, and he inexplicably says yes.
This Christmas Chloe Maye has finally bitten off far more than she can chew. She’s agreed to organize The Maye family’s annual fundraiser–a movable feast where historic downtown homes are open to the public and each serve one course of a lavish meal. Chloe can’t cook so armed with a historic handwritten cookbook she mysteriously finds in a mini library outside her Grandma Millie’s home, she approaches Rustin for help. She’s always crushed on him and is thrilled he’s back.
But when Rustin, who ignored her their entire childhood, takes a bite from the meal she cooks under his exacting supervision, the unthinkable happens. He falls head over heels in love…
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie BeachChristmas is a time of miracles–but is it magical enough to change a person’s mind?
Allie Westley’s Christmas will be a bit different this year. She’s taken a big step to move away from Nashville to Goose Island, South Carolina, to pursue her dream of becoming a wine enologist, and she’s not tripping over this chance to make a break from her family, either. She’ll spend December 25 doing her own thing. Although the beach might be cold, it is the perfect place for new traditions.
But she was also counting on her new roommate, Sam Clare, to be a sister she never had. Instead, Sam is an ex-military man now working as a paramedic. Even his dog, Buttercup, is part wolf. Yet he turns out to be the most understanding person in her new world, despite the fact that she’s declared him her enemy.
As the season’s activities bring them together, Allie uncovers several details her new circle of friends weren’t forthcoming about. But will the secret Sam’s keeping break her heart or mend what she didn’t realize was broken?
Weeks before Christmas, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, Randy Slade arrives in Moonshine posing as Moonshine’s newest deputy for an undercover sting to catch a group of high-tech property thieves. Only the sheriff is aware of his true identity, but from the moment he meets Merilee, who trades a haircut for free parking, he’s smitten by her smile and warm, friendly manner. Unfortunately, she also has a rental property perfectly suited for his undercover operation.
Randy doesn’t want to lie, but he has a duty to keep citizens safe, including Merilee. Can he do his job and still celebrate a small town southern Christmas, and maybe more with his dream girl?
The Christmas Chef by Sinclair JayneThis Christmas, he just might believe in a little magic…
Rustin Wildish furiously left Belmont North Carolina as a teen to make his reputation in the culinary world. Over twelve years later, he’s back in the town that where the founding family of Mayes once branded him a worthless bad boy. Intent to show them how wrong they were, he buys the local diner—considered an institution—from his former mentor and boss, Miss Millie Maye and transforms. Success will be his revenge as the Maye’s and other ‘upstanding families,’ are forced to eat their words and so much more. But then the youngest Maye daughter asks him for help, and he inexplicably says yes.
This Christmas Chloe Maye has finally bitten off far more than she can chew. She’s agreed to organize The Maye family’s annual fundraiser–a movable feast where historic downtown homes are open to the public and each serve one course of a lavish meal. Chloe can’t cook so armed with a historic handwritten cookbook she mysteriously finds in a mini library outside her Grandma Millie’s home, she approaches Rustin for help. She’s always crushed on him and is thrilled he’s back.
But when Rustin, who ignored her their entire childhood, takes a bite from the meal she cooks under his exacting supervision, the unthinkable happens. He falls head over heels in love…
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie BeachChristmas is a time of miracles–but is it magical enough to change a person’s mind?
Allie Westley’s Christmas will be a bit different this year. She’s taken a big step to move away from Nashville to Goose Island, South Carolina, to pursue her dream of becoming a wine enologist, and she’s not tripping over this chance to make a break from her family, either. She’ll spend December 25 doing her own thing. Although the beach might be cold, it is the perfect place for new traditions.
But she was also counting on her new roommate, Sam Clare, to be a sister she never had. Instead, Sam is an ex-military man now working as a paramedic. Even his dog, Buttercup, is part wolf. Yet he turns out to be the most understanding person in her new world, despite the fact that she’s declared him her enemy.
As the season’s activities bring them together, Allie uncovers several details her new circle of friends weren’t forthcoming about. But will the secret Sam’s keeping break her heart or mend what she didn’t realize was broken?
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2024
9 people are currently reading
1675 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sands
17 books328 followersA self-described late bloomer, Susan Sands began writing on her fortieth birthday. Her first Southern women’s fiction title, Again, Alabama, was published a mere eight years later.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 18, 2024
A Georgia Christmas
Susan Sands
My second visit to Moonshine, Georgia and this time we see Merilee Bells who own the salon find her HEA in her favourite season Christmas, the town is in full swing and Merilee is busy and loving it, Marilee has come a long way from her past and the future looks good even if she is still single in her thirties.
When a handsome new deputy, Randy Slade arrives in town he has reasons to be here and is undercover with the GBI trying to catch some property scammers, when he meets Merilee at the salon he is falling for her smile and the fact that she has a small property for rent helps with his plan to catch the thieves.
Soon Randy and Merilee are getting on really well but Randy is feeling bad about keeping his real reason for being in Moonshine a secret and as for Merilee trust is a big issue and lies do not sit well with her, will Randy catch the crooks and above all else will Randy and Merilee find the love and happiness they so very well deserve.
This is a lovely romance, one that will keep you turning the pages and is one that I highly recommend.
4 stars
The Christmas Chef
Sinclair Jayne
Set in the town of Belmont, North Carolina we meet Rustin Wildish and Chloe Maye, they knew each other when they were at school but Rustin moved away as soon as he could you see he came from the wrong side of town. Now Rustin is back to show the town that he has made it as a chef and bought the local diner owned by Millie Maye the woman who helped him all those years ago.
Chloe Maye comes from one of the founding families and her grandma Millie has set a challenge for her four granddaughters they need to take on one of the fundraising events that Millie has always run you see Millie wants them to marry and grow the family, Chloe chooses first the moveable feast this is where the historic homes are open to the public and each do a course, Chloe is no cook but when she finds a cook book in her grandma’s street library she is not sure that it will help so she goes to Rustin and asks him for help.
Soon they are cooking up a feast from the cookbook one bite from Rustin and he seems to have fallen in love with Chloe and seeing as how Chloe has always had a crush on Rustin. What sort of cookbook is this?
This is a delightful story filled with emotion it is fun and witty as well and the start of a new series. I would highly recommend this one to nay romance reader who loves a bit of mystery.
4 stars
A Saltwater Christmas
Laurie Beach
Allie Westerly has decided that this Christmas things will be different she has moved changed jobs and is planning a quiet time after the loss of her father three years ago, she is looking forward to living on Goose Island, South Carolina and meeting her roommate Sam Clare the only thing is that when Sam arrives he is ex-military with a dog that looks like a wolf and it is the last thing Allie expects.
It is not long though before Allie realizes that Sam has been through a tough time himself and that he is also a very caring person as is Buttercup his dog how will Allie’s Christmas turn out now?
I loved the way that Allie soon found time to be happy instead of sad and that a big part of that was because off Sam he is such a great hero and I loved seeing Allie make friends and look forward to the future.
Another lovely story in this trio of Christmas stories and one that again I would highly recommend and the start of a new series.
4 stars
These three stories are all very Christmassy and lovely fabulous settings and characters and wonderful stories.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
Susan Sands
My second visit to Moonshine, Georgia and this time we see Merilee Bells who own the salon find her HEA in her favourite season Christmas, the town is in full swing and Merilee is busy and loving it, Marilee has come a long way from her past and the future looks good even if she is still single in her thirties.
When a handsome new deputy, Randy Slade arrives in town he has reasons to be here and is undercover with the GBI trying to catch some property scammers, when he meets Merilee at the salon he is falling for her smile and the fact that she has a small property for rent helps with his plan to catch the thieves.
Soon Randy and Merilee are getting on really well but Randy is feeling bad about keeping his real reason for being in Moonshine a secret and as for Merilee trust is a big issue and lies do not sit well with her, will Randy catch the crooks and above all else will Randy and Merilee find the love and happiness they so very well deserve.
This is a lovely romance, one that will keep you turning the pages and is one that I highly recommend.
4 stars
The Christmas Chef
Sinclair Jayne
Set in the town of Belmont, North Carolina we meet Rustin Wildish and Chloe Maye, they knew each other when they were at school but Rustin moved away as soon as he could you see he came from the wrong side of town. Now Rustin is back to show the town that he has made it as a chef and bought the local diner owned by Millie Maye the woman who helped him all those years ago.
Chloe Maye comes from one of the founding families and her grandma Millie has set a challenge for her four granddaughters they need to take on one of the fundraising events that Millie has always run you see Millie wants them to marry and grow the family, Chloe chooses first the moveable feast this is where the historic homes are open to the public and each do a course, Chloe is no cook but when she finds a cook book in her grandma’s street library she is not sure that it will help so she goes to Rustin and asks him for help.
Soon they are cooking up a feast from the cookbook one bite from Rustin and he seems to have fallen in love with Chloe and seeing as how Chloe has always had a crush on Rustin. What sort of cookbook is this?
This is a delightful story filled with emotion it is fun and witty as well and the start of a new series. I would highly recommend this one to nay romance reader who loves a bit of mystery.
4 stars
A Saltwater Christmas
Laurie Beach
Allie Westerly has decided that this Christmas things will be different she has moved changed jobs and is planning a quiet time after the loss of her father three years ago, she is looking forward to living on Goose Island, South Carolina and meeting her roommate Sam Clare the only thing is that when Sam arrives he is ex-military with a dog that looks like a wolf and it is the last thing Allie expects.
It is not long though before Allie realizes that Sam has been through a tough time himself and that he is also a very caring person as is Buttercup his dog how will Allie’s Christmas turn out now?
I loved the way that Allie soon found time to be happy instead of sad and that a big part of that was because off Sam he is such a great hero and I loved seeing Allie make friends and look forward to the future.
Another lovely story in this trio of Christmas stories and one that again I would highly recommend and the start of a new series.
4 stars
These three stories are all very Christmassy and lovely fabulous settings and characters and wonderful stories.
My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
December 27, 2024
I was given an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review to say that this isn’t just a book—it’s an experience, one filled with laughter, love, and a little holiday mischief. Highly recommended for anyone looking to add a sprinkle of whimsy to their Christmas reading list!
November 24, 2024
A SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS is a fun and festive anthology of three new novellas just in time to curl up with during the holiday season. Written by three different authors, each set in small Southern towns full of interesting characters and Christmas magic.
Susan Sand’s A GEORGIA CHRISTMAS takes us back to Moonshine, Georgia, where Merrilee Bell has spent her adult life finding her own way in the hometown she loves. When Randy Slade comes to town as the new deputy, she is pleasantly surprised to find a connection. Randy is in town for a job that brings him closer to Merrilee, and as they get to know each other, he realizes that he might have not only found the one for him, but also a town he could be happy to call home. Christmas traditions and cheer figure prominently in this one, and I love the town of Moonshine. This is a novella in a series but can stand alone as a lovely introduction to the series.
Sinclair Jayne takes us to the small town of Belmont, North Carolina and introduces us to the Maye family who have been a big part of the town for years. In A TASTE OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC, matriarch Grandma Milly has decided that it’s time for the younger generation to step up and take their place in the town. Chloe, who has always felt her lack of Maye blood, volunteers to take over the moveable feast, but since cooking anything edible is beyond her, she needs help. When she finds what appears to be a family heirloom cookbook, she goes begging her lifelong crush to help her make her part of the moveable feast a success. Rustin Wildish spent his high school years hungry and living down his family’s reputation in town. Milly was the only one who gave him a chance, and now he’s back in town, a successful chef, ready to take the next step in his career. Chloe was not on his radar as anything more than a nuisance from high school and a Maye, which was a huge strike against her. With the magic of the season, and a cookbook that has its own magic, can these two find a way to claim their place in town and with each other? This is a wonderful introduction to Jayne’s new series. I love Chloe and Rustin, and Grandma Millie is a hoot. The touch of magic adds to the holiday magic. I can’t wait to see where she goes next with the series.
The last novella is Laurie Beach’s A SALTWATER CHRISTMAS, Allie Westley has moved to Goose Island, South Carolina right before Christmas to start her dream job at a local winery. Still reeling form her father’s death three years ago and unhappy with her mother’s over-the-top holiday, she plans to spend Christmas not celebrating. Hoping her new roommate will understand, she’s shocked to find that Sam isn’t short for Samantha. Sam shakes things up right away, from his dog, Cupcake being more wolf-like than little and cute, to Sam decorating for Christmas right away. Both Allie and Sam have baggage and things they need to work through, and the season and their neighbors are there to help. This was an unexpected read; Allie has a lot of unresolved emotional issues that manifest in different ways, and I loved watching how her new neighbors and roommate helped. I also love how Sam and Allie start to heal each other. Cuppie steals the show, she’s a special dog. Christmas and a touch of magic make this a sweet start to a new series.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Susan Sand’s A GEORGIA CHRISTMAS takes us back to Moonshine, Georgia, where Merrilee Bell has spent her adult life finding her own way in the hometown she loves. When Randy Slade comes to town as the new deputy, she is pleasantly surprised to find a connection. Randy is in town for a job that brings him closer to Merrilee, and as they get to know each other, he realizes that he might have not only found the one for him, but also a town he could be happy to call home. Christmas traditions and cheer figure prominently in this one, and I love the town of Moonshine. This is a novella in a series but can stand alone as a lovely introduction to the series.
Sinclair Jayne takes us to the small town of Belmont, North Carolina and introduces us to the Maye family who have been a big part of the town for years. In A TASTE OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC, matriarch Grandma Milly has decided that it’s time for the younger generation to step up and take their place in the town. Chloe, who has always felt her lack of Maye blood, volunteers to take over the moveable feast, but since cooking anything edible is beyond her, she needs help. When she finds what appears to be a family heirloom cookbook, she goes begging her lifelong crush to help her make her part of the moveable feast a success. Rustin Wildish spent his high school years hungry and living down his family’s reputation in town. Milly was the only one who gave him a chance, and now he’s back in town, a successful chef, ready to take the next step in his career. Chloe was not on his radar as anything more than a nuisance from high school and a Maye, which was a huge strike against her. With the magic of the season, and a cookbook that has its own magic, can these two find a way to claim their place in town and with each other? This is a wonderful introduction to Jayne’s new series. I love Chloe and Rustin, and Grandma Millie is a hoot. The touch of magic adds to the holiday magic. I can’t wait to see where she goes next with the series.
The last novella is Laurie Beach’s A SALTWATER CHRISTMAS, Allie Westley has moved to Goose Island, South Carolina right before Christmas to start her dream job at a local winery. Still reeling form her father’s death three years ago and unhappy with her mother’s over-the-top holiday, she plans to spend Christmas not celebrating. Hoping her new roommate will understand, she’s shocked to find that Sam isn’t short for Samantha. Sam shakes things up right away, from his dog, Cupcake being more wolf-like than little and cute, to Sam decorating for Christmas right away. Both Allie and Sam have baggage and things they need to work through, and the season and their neighbors are there to help. This was an unexpected read; Allie has a lot of unresolved emotional issues that manifest in different ways, and I loved watching how her new neighbors and roommate helped. I also love how Sam and Allie start to heal each other. Cuppie steals the show, she’s a special dog. Christmas and a touch of magic make this a sweet start to a new series.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
February 3, 2025
Sweet perfect Christmas
The perfect novella for Christmas. A quick feel good read that is perfect for the busy Christmas season. Susan Sands gives flight to more of Moonshine's characters. I can't wait to see what else she has in store!
The perfect novella for Christmas. A quick feel good read that is perfect for the busy Christmas season. Susan Sands gives flight to more of Moonshine's characters. I can't wait to see what else she has in store!
December 12, 2024
Cutesy Christmas
Short, cute, easy read. Not overly Christmassy but still enough holiday merriment for all. Sweet novellas for this festive time of year.
Short, cute, easy read. Not overly Christmassy but still enough holiday merriment for all. Sweet novellas for this festive time of year.
November 13, 2024
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands
Merilee meets Randy when he parks his vehicle in one of the spaces for clients. She has a go at him and cuts his hair! He's the new deputy but is hiding a secret and Merilee has a thing about liars. He asks her about using her rental place, to which she agrees, but it appears that she doesn't know what she has agreed to, but she is very attracted to him, as he is to her, but he doesn't think he wants to settle down, or does he?
A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne
Chloe has had a crush on Rustin for years, he left the area to go to cookery school, and is now back ready to start his own restaurant. Her grandmother has her helping with one of the Christmas events, but she can't cook, so she asks Rustin for help, he says he will teach her but not do it for her. She finds that her crush hasn't gone, if anything she is more into him, but he's trying very hard not to be interested in her!
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach
Allie has put her room up for rent, she's expecting Sam to arrive, but a Samantha not a Samuel!! Not only that he's got a dog too! He's all for celebrating Christmas but it's not her plan, her father died before Christmas and she's decided to have a sandwich on the beach and not celebrate. Sam is determined help her as although he's tried not to be he's attracted to her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An excellent selection of books
Merilee meets Randy when he parks his vehicle in one of the spaces for clients. She has a go at him and cuts his hair! He's the new deputy but is hiding a secret and Merilee has a thing about liars. He asks her about using her rental place, to which she agrees, but it appears that she doesn't know what she has agreed to, but she is very attracted to him, as he is to her, but he doesn't think he wants to settle down, or does he?
A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne
Chloe has had a crush on Rustin for years, he left the area to go to cookery school, and is now back ready to start his own restaurant. Her grandmother has her helping with one of the Christmas events, but she can't cook, so she asks Rustin for help, he says he will teach her but not do it for her. She finds that her crush hasn't gone, if anything she is more into him, but he's trying very hard not to be interested in her!
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach
Allie has put her room up for rent, she's expecting Sam to arrive, but a Samantha not a Samuel!! Not only that he's got a dog too! He's all for celebrating Christmas but it's not her plan, her father died before Christmas and she's decided to have a sandwich on the beach and not celebrate. Sam is determined help her as although he's tried not to be he's attracted to her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An excellent selection of books
November 14, 2024
Southern Christmas Experiences . . .
Enjoy a cozy Christmas, Southern style! These heart-warming stories will warm your heart and put you in the mood for the holidays. Three wonderful stories are provided by the authors. So grab your copy and settle on the couch for a relaxing journey into finding love at the happiest time of the year! Christmas is indeed magical when you open your heart to others.
Titles included in this Anthology are:
🎄⭐️ A GEORGIA CHRISTMAS By Susan Sands
Salon owner Merilee Bell’s story. Having achieved a career she is proud of, she only needs to find someone to share her life now. Will the arrival of Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, Randy Slade, on an undercover mission and pretending to be the new deputy in town, win Merilee’s heart? Or will he inadvertently break it when his assignment is over?
🎄⭐️ A TASTE OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC By Sinclair Jayne
Rustin Wildish left his hometown to become a famous chef, and 12 years later, he returns to prove to those who shunned him that he is now a success. But is vengeance worth hurting others? And when the youngest Maye daughter Chloe asks him for help with her family’s annual fundraiser, is he ready to replace the hatred in his heart with love?
🎄⭐️ A SALTWATER CHRISTMAS By Laurie Beach
Allie Westley is moving away to pursue her dream. But there will be a surprise coming. Will the one she considered an enemy be the one who can heal her heart?
Enjoy a cozy Christmas, Southern style! These heart-warming stories will warm your heart and put you in the mood for the holidays. Three wonderful stories are provided by the authors. So grab your copy and settle on the couch for a relaxing journey into finding love at the happiest time of the year! Christmas is indeed magical when you open your heart to others.
Titles included in this Anthology are:
🎄⭐️ A GEORGIA CHRISTMAS By Susan Sands
Salon owner Merilee Bell’s story. Having achieved a career she is proud of, she only needs to find someone to share her life now. Will the arrival of Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, Randy Slade, on an undercover mission and pretending to be the new deputy in town, win Merilee’s heart? Or will he inadvertently break it when his assignment is over?
🎄⭐️ A TASTE OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC By Sinclair Jayne
Rustin Wildish left his hometown to become a famous chef, and 12 years later, he returns to prove to those who shunned him that he is now a success. But is vengeance worth hurting others? And when the youngest Maye daughter Chloe asks him for help with her family’s annual fundraiser, is he ready to replace the hatred in his heart with love?
🎄⭐️ A SALTWATER CHRISTMAS By Laurie Beach
Allie Westley is moving away to pursue her dream. But there will be a surprise coming. Will the one she considered an enemy be the one who can heal her heart?
November 15, 2024
A Southern Christmas, a set of Christmas novellas by Susan Sands, Sinclair Jayne, and Laurie Beach is a delight. All are well-written with ties to series already going and one as the beginning of a new series. All involve the Southern characters in Southern setting. Readers everywhere will enjoy the anthology; I know I did.
First up A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands was a delight if surprised read. I would never have guess salon owner Merilee Bell to get her own story. Mean girls can changed, be sure to read the first in the Moonshine series to understand what I am saying.
Then The Christmas Chef by Sinclair Jayne is an introduction to a new series. Another surprise with its Belmont location, and yes, I have been to McAdenville. It does seem to turn into Christmas USA. What a fabulous beginning.
Last, A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach. I loved the series taking place in South Carolina, this story takes place in the same setting. This author is another favorite, so I loved this story too.
Three incredible writers giving the reader three Southern novellas, what a gift. Just great, really great. You will love these even if you haven’t read the previous novels for two of the stories.
First up A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands was a delight if surprised read. I would never have guess salon owner Merilee Bell to get her own story. Mean girls can changed, be sure to read the first in the Moonshine series to understand what I am saying.
Then The Christmas Chef by Sinclair Jayne is an introduction to a new series. Another surprise with its Belmont location, and yes, I have been to McAdenville. It does seem to turn into Christmas USA. What a fabulous beginning.
Last, A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach. I loved the series taking place in South Carolina, this story takes place in the same setting. This author is another favorite, so I loved this story too.
Three incredible writers giving the reader three Southern novellas, what a gift. Just great, really great. You will love these even if you haven’t read the previous novels for two of the stories.
November 18, 2024
These three novellas were fun, heartwarming and completely put me in the Christmas spirit! I enjoy stories by all these authors, so this book was a wonderful treat!
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands-The heroine, Merilee Bell, is a salon owner proud of her career. Our hero, Randy Slade, is undercover as the new deputy in town.
The Christmas Chef by Sinclair Jayne
Our hero, Rustin, a famous chef, is back in town to prove he’s a success. Chloe, the heroine, needs some help.
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach
The heroine, Allie, heads to South Caroline, but is in for a surprise when her roommate is not quite who she thinks.
I loved each and every one of these stories! These three novellas were fun, heartwarming and completely put me in the Christmas spirit! I enjoy stories by all these authors, so this book was a wonderful treat!
Huge thanks to Tule Publishing for allowing me to read and review these stories!
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands-The heroine, Merilee Bell, is a salon owner proud of her career. Our hero, Randy Slade, is undercover as the new deputy in town.
The Christmas Chef by Sinclair Jayne
Our hero, Rustin, a famous chef, is back in town to prove he’s a success. Chloe, the heroine, needs some help.
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach
The heroine, Allie, heads to South Caroline, but is in for a surprise when her roommate is not quite who she thinks.
I loved each and every one of these stories! These three novellas were fun, heartwarming and completely put me in the Christmas spirit! I enjoy stories by all these authors, so this book was a wonderful treat!
Huge thanks to Tule Publishing for allowing me to read and review these stories!
March 10, 2025
Wow! 3 amazing authors and 3 amazing stories in one book! I loved them all so much.
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands
This is Merilee Bell and Randy Slade’s story.
Merilee owns the hair salon in Moonshine. She has spent the last couple years trying to make up for being behind the mean girl in high school.
Randy is with the GBI Georgia Bureau of Investigation and he is here in Moonshine working on a case. Merilee and Randy fell for each other fast. But will Merilee be able to forgive Randy his lie?
A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne
Book 1 of Southern Love Spells
I loved the chemistry between Chloe and Rustin. I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying that opposites attract. That’s definitely true with this couple.
Chloe is in big trouble when she offers to organize the annual fundraiser. It involves a big dinner and Chloe cannot cook.!
But Rustin is back in town after 12 years. And he is an excellent chef, he is trying to prove that he is not the town bad boy anymore. Chloe is forced to ask for his help. All while trying to hide her secret crush feelings at the same time.
This is a sweet quick read. Settle in with your favorite drink because you won’t wanna put it down.
A Saltwater Christmas by Laura Beach
This is Allie Wesley’s story in a good start to Laura’s new series .
Allie wants to be a wine ecologist so she leaves her family in Nashville and moves to Goose Island, South Carolina.
Allie is quite surprised when she finds out that her roommate is a man instead of a girl. Sam Clare ex-military, now a paramedic and extremely hunky. He has a way of putting up with all of Allie’s OCD issues.
This was a fun story that made me laugh and tear up. And best of all it has a wonderful dog in it.
This is a story that I highly recommend. Cuddle up and settle in because you won’t wanna put it down.
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands
This is Merilee Bell and Randy Slade’s story.
Merilee owns the hair salon in Moonshine. She has spent the last couple years trying to make up for being behind the mean girl in high school.
Randy is with the GBI Georgia Bureau of Investigation and he is here in Moonshine working on a case. Merilee and Randy fell for each other fast. But will Merilee be able to forgive Randy his lie?
A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne
Book 1 of Southern Love Spells
I loved the chemistry between Chloe and Rustin. I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying that opposites attract. That’s definitely true with this couple.
Chloe is in big trouble when she offers to organize the annual fundraiser. It involves a big dinner and Chloe cannot cook.!
But Rustin is back in town after 12 years. And he is an excellent chef, he is trying to prove that he is not the town bad boy anymore. Chloe is forced to ask for his help. All while trying to hide her secret crush feelings at the same time.
This is a sweet quick read. Settle in with your favorite drink because you won’t wanna put it down.
A Saltwater Christmas by Laura Beach
This is Allie Wesley’s story in a good start to Laura’s new series .
Allie wants to be a wine ecologist so she leaves her family in Nashville and moves to Goose Island, South Carolina.
Allie is quite surprised when she finds out that her roommate is a man instead of a girl. Sam Clare ex-military, now a paramedic and extremely hunky. He has a way of putting up with all of Allie’s OCD issues.
This was a fun story that made me laugh and tear up. And best of all it has a wonderful dog in it.
This is a story that I highly recommend. Cuddle up and settle in because you won’t wanna put it down.
November 15, 2024
This is a delightful compilation of three Christmas-themed novellas. These stories will help you get into the holiday mood. The books included in this anthology are: A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands, A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne, and A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach.
These three novellas are entertaining and heartwarming. They’ll leave you feeling happy and excited for the coming holidays. Each one adds its own special take on Christmas and romance. Each author brings a warmth and sweetness to the worlds they’ve created. The characters are delightful, and the writing is excellent.
I highly recommend this anthology.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
These three novellas are entertaining and heartwarming. They’ll leave you feeling happy and excited for the coming holidays. Each one adds its own special take on Christmas and romance. Each author brings a warmth and sweetness to the worlds they’ve created. The characters are delightful, and the writing is excellent.
I highly recommend this anthology.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
November 8, 2024
It is my pleasure to offer this review of Susan Sands’ novella A Georgia Christmas. This novella is included with two other stories in the book entitled A Southern Christmas. A Georgia Christmas is her second story to occur in the author’s fictional town of Moonshine, Georgia.
Randy Slade is a whole lot of man. He is also a long-time investigator with the GBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. He is in Moonshine masquerading as Sheriff Chase Blackburn’s newly hired deputy sheriff. His secret mission is to arrest a group that specializes in real estate fraud. He has chased them from Atlanta, but they’re headed toward Moonshine. Randy and Chase have a well thought out plan, but plans can be disrupted… even for the best of reasons.
Mini-Spoiler! The disruption happens as Randy and local salon owner Merilee Bell fall in love. Where did that come from? To intensify the disruption, the real estate bait that the plan is using is an apartment that Randy is leasing from Merilee. Randy wants to tell her the truth, but he can’t. At least not until the criminals are apprehended. By that time Merilee’s overbearing parents are involved and Merilee is hurt.
,
Will the criminals be caught? Will anyone be physically hurt? Will Merilee and Randy fall apart or build a future? I’ve lived in the South my entire life. I seldom read southern literature because of my thin skin, but I’ll read anything Susan Sands writes. Her observations of southern life, her characters, settings, every word is magical. Rating: 5 STARS!
Randy Slade is a whole lot of man. He is also a long-time investigator with the GBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. He is in Moonshine masquerading as Sheriff Chase Blackburn’s newly hired deputy sheriff. His secret mission is to arrest a group that specializes in real estate fraud. He has chased them from Atlanta, but they’re headed toward Moonshine. Randy and Chase have a well thought out plan, but plans can be disrupted… even for the best of reasons.
Mini-Spoiler! The disruption happens as Randy and local salon owner Merilee Bell fall in love. Where did that come from? To intensify the disruption, the real estate bait that the plan is using is an apartment that Randy is leasing from Merilee. Randy wants to tell her the truth, but he can’t. At least not until the criminals are apprehended. By that time Merilee’s overbearing parents are involved and Merilee is hurt.
,
Will the criminals be caught? Will anyone be physically hurt? Will Merilee and Randy fall apart or build a future? I’ve lived in the South my entire life. I seldom read southern literature because of my thin skin, but I’ll read anything Susan Sands writes. Her observations of southern life, her characters, settings, every word is magical. Rating: 5 STARS!
November 16, 2024
This contemporary sweet Southern Christmas anthology is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and characters that are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with Christmas winter wonderlands that are engulfed by the spirit of Christmas and a magical world of love, peace, joy, laughter, and more. I recommend reading this Southern Christmas anthology if you love heartfelt emotions, Christmas magic, and presents all wrapped together in this sentimental box set that is sure to transport readers into a world that is magical and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2024
This is a collection of sweet romance books that hold your attention captive from beginning to end. The story lines are intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities and a sweet romance in each story. I enjoyed this anthology.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2024
Wonderful collection of Christmas stories that will entertain you into the wee hours of the night. They all have wonderful characters and amazing story lines. Each story will entertain you. They will help put you in the holiday spirit. Each story has a touch of Christmas magic that will fill your heart. I highly recommend this anthology. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 17, 2024
The three short stories in this collection are just the thing to put you in the spirit of Christmas. Each story has the perfect blend of humor, emotion, depth, and romance, making for entertaining reads. The books are full of Christmas cheer, sweet kisses and feel good romance that are well written and a joy to read. You will love these sweet and heartwarming stories.
November 17, 2024
The first two stories of this were really hard for me to get into but the last one kept my attention! Lovely Christmas love stories all with their very own story lines.
This is my honest review, received as a giveaway from GoodReads.
This is my honest review, received as a giveaway from GoodReads.
November 14, 2024
A Southern Christmas is an anthology written by Susan Sands, Laurie Beach and Sinclair Jayne, Susan and Laurie are new to me author and Sinclair is a favorite author. These stories are about small southern towns, Christmas time magic and finding the person your heart is looking for..
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from Tule Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from Tule Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2024
I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy of this book for an honest opinion.
A great anthology A Southern Christmas with novellas from Susan Sands (A Georgia Christmas), Sinclair Jayne (A Taste of Christmas Magic), and Laurie Beach (A Saltwater Christmas). Each of them different in their own way. I enjoyed two of the stories more than the other but that is how it usually is with anthologies. I have read books by all three authors and I would recommend them all.
A great anthology A Southern Christmas with novellas from Susan Sands (A Georgia Christmas), Sinclair Jayne (A Taste of Christmas Magic), and Laurie Beach (A Saltwater Christmas). Each of them different in their own way. I enjoyed two of the stories more than the other but that is how it usually is with anthologies. I have read books by all three authors and I would recommend them all.
November 19, 2024
A Southern Christmas is an anthology of 3 wonderful and romantic Christmas stories all set in the south. Each novella was written by a different author.
The first book is A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands. It is the second book in her latest series, The Moonshine Series. The book is set in Moonshine, Georgia and features Merilee Bell. She owns a hair and nails salon in town. She is surprised when a man enters her salon and tells her he’s the new deputy. He agrees to get a haircut. Both are interested in the other at the initial meeting. Randy Slade is actually a Georgia Bureau Of Investigations agent in town to help with a new scam that has popped up. ITT involves a group who illegally set up a property for rent and scam the actual owner out of the rents and access to their unit.
Merilee tells Randy she has an apartment he can rent since he’s new to town and will need a place to stay. He and the sheriff, along with his boss decide to use this apartment to catch the crooks. He lets Merilee know but not that he’s a GBI agent and not just a town deputy. we spend time together and are attracted to one another. It is quite suspenseful and there’s lots of angst and romance.
The second book is A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne. This is the first book in a new series set in Belmont, North Carolina. We meet the Maye family. They are wealthy and long established in the town. The matriarch is Millie Maye who is the grandmother to 4 girls. This book features one of the granddaughters, Chloe Maye Cramer. We learn that she was left on the doorstep of Millie’s home as an infant and was raised with the other 3 Mayes. As the book opens, we learn that Millie has decided to turn over her charity roles to the granddaughters. Each one is to take on one of the annual fundraiser events. Chloe volunteers to take the first one. She is responsible for planning and providing food for a couple hundred people. She cannot cook but discovers a mysterious handwritten cookbook in her grandmother’s little library. It is called Food is Love, Recipes for Southern Love Spells.
As the book opens, former bad boy, Rustin Wilddish has returned to Belmont after being away several years. Chloe has always had a crush on him but he was from the wrong side of town and also was interested in her sister. He has become a successful chef and has returned to take over Millie’s former restaurant. He has big plan for a fabulous venue. Chloe approaches him to help her with the cooking. Initially he refuses but his staff convinces him to do it. She shares the special cookbook and they use it to create some foods they can make for the event. She feeds him one of the dishes she made to try and he has a weird reaction. There’s some magic involved and some attraction and angst. It’s a sweet romance.
The third book is A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach. This romance is set in Goose Island, South Carolina. It features Allie Westley. She has gotten her first job using her degree in enology at a local vineyard. Allie has left her home in Nashville and moved into an apartment she plans to share. She was shocked to see her roommate Sam was a guy. He has a large dog and initially they didn’t hit it off well. Sam Clare is former military and is a paramedic. We are introduced to their neighbors Dottie, Jessa and Tulip. In addition, Allie works with Jessa and Joey, who acts as if he’s interested in her. Allie and Sam spend time together, working out their issues and she senses attraction between them. She becomes confused as she doesn’t know what to think about Joey or Sam.
Allie lost her dad to cancer a few years earlier and she has told everyone she doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas. Sam tries to encourage her by fixing meals for them to share and talking about their pasts. As Allie starts to move past her pain, she discovers the others have kept secrets. She isn’t sure what she wants to do. There’s angst, suspense and sweet romance.
All three books were well written and fabulous stories. I loved the characters and the towns the authors created. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. The suspense and angst make for page turners. I highly recommend all three books.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
The first book is A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands. It is the second book in her latest series, The Moonshine Series. The book is set in Moonshine, Georgia and features Merilee Bell. She owns a hair and nails salon in town. She is surprised when a man enters her salon and tells her he’s the new deputy. He agrees to get a haircut. Both are interested in the other at the initial meeting. Randy Slade is actually a Georgia Bureau Of Investigations agent in town to help with a new scam that has popped up. ITT involves a group who illegally set up a property for rent and scam the actual owner out of the rents and access to their unit.
Merilee tells Randy she has an apartment he can rent since he’s new to town and will need a place to stay. He and the sheriff, along with his boss decide to use this apartment to catch the crooks. He lets Merilee know but not that he’s a GBI agent and not just a town deputy. we spend time together and are attracted to one another. It is quite suspenseful and there’s lots of angst and romance.
The second book is A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne. This is the first book in a new series set in Belmont, North Carolina. We meet the Maye family. They are wealthy and long established in the town. The matriarch is Millie Maye who is the grandmother to 4 girls. This book features one of the granddaughters, Chloe Maye Cramer. We learn that she was left on the doorstep of Millie’s home as an infant and was raised with the other 3 Mayes. As the book opens, we learn that Millie has decided to turn over her charity roles to the granddaughters. Each one is to take on one of the annual fundraiser events. Chloe volunteers to take the first one. She is responsible for planning and providing food for a couple hundred people. She cannot cook but discovers a mysterious handwritten cookbook in her grandmother’s little library. It is called Food is Love, Recipes for Southern Love Spells.
As the book opens, former bad boy, Rustin Wilddish has returned to Belmont after being away several years. Chloe has always had a crush on him but he was from the wrong side of town and also was interested in her sister. He has become a successful chef and has returned to take over Millie’s former restaurant. He has big plan for a fabulous venue. Chloe approaches him to help her with the cooking. Initially he refuses but his staff convinces him to do it. She shares the special cookbook and they use it to create some foods they can make for the event. She feeds him one of the dishes she made to try and he has a weird reaction. There’s some magic involved and some attraction and angst. It’s a sweet romance.
The third book is A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach. This romance is set in Goose Island, South Carolina. It features Allie Westley. She has gotten her first job using her degree in enology at a local vineyard. Allie has left her home in Nashville and moved into an apartment she plans to share. She was shocked to see her roommate Sam was a guy. He has a large dog and initially they didn’t hit it off well. Sam Clare is former military and is a paramedic. We are introduced to their neighbors Dottie, Jessa and Tulip. In addition, Allie works with Jessa and Joey, who acts as if he’s interested in her. Allie and Sam spend time together, working out their issues and she senses attraction between them. She becomes confused as she doesn’t know what to think about Joey or Sam.
Allie lost her dad to cancer a few years earlier and she has told everyone she doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas. Sam tries to encourage her by fixing meals for them to share and talking about their pasts. As Allie starts to move past her pain, she discovers the others have kept secrets. She isn’t sure what she wants to do. There’s angst, suspense and sweet romance.
All three books were well written and fabulous stories. I loved the characters and the towns the authors created. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. The suspense and angst make for page turners. I highly recommend all three books.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2024
This was a nice little anthology of Christmas novellas by three different authors. The novellas give a good introduction to the small towns where the authors have set a series, or are writing a series.
Susan Sands contributes the first story, A Georgia Christmas, set in the town of Moonshine. It is book two in the series and we meet the protagonists of book one.
Merilee Bell is a former mean girl who is now the premier hair stylist in the town. When Randy Slade rolls into town and parks in her customer carpark, she persuades him to have a haircut. He needs one, badly.
Randy is in town to take up a deputy sheriff position but he's also undercover to catch some fraudsters who are taking up rental properties and illegally renting them out.
The story is mystery lite, but we get to know Merilee and Randy almost as fast as they get to know each other.
It was a great introduction to Moonshine and I look forward to catching up wit the other residents.
A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne is an introduction to the town of Belmont and the Maye sisters. They belong to the premier family of Belmont and though Chloe is adopted into the family, she has a close bond with the other Maye women.
There is a tough of magical realism in this story with a recipe book that may be something more than a simple recipe book.
Chloe is the first of the Maye women to find the book when she needs to take over a town dinner event from her beloved grandmother. Delving into the recipes she finds a lot more than southern comfort food.
Returning to town is Rustin Wildish, who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks but is now a chef. He was Chloe's crush as a teen, before he left town.
How much their growing relationship owes to the recipe book and how much is just plain destiny, you can judge for yourself.
A Saltwater Christmas is by Laurie Beach, an author I haven't read before.
Allie Westley is a difficult protagonist to get to know at the start. I found her hard to like and her behaviours a little annoying at times. The reasons are revealed gradually through the story but I found the male protagonist much easier to relate to.
Sam is Allie's unwanted male roommate, renting the second bedroom in the cute little cottage Allie has fallen in love with. He also has a dog called Buttercup who is not the tiny little lapdog you would expect from the name.
Sam is a bit of a golden retriever himself. Easy on the eye and easy to get along with.
Allie is facing the challenge of a new job she wants to make a successful career in and in a new town where she will be forced to make friends. She's definitely a glass is half empty kind of gal and this makes fitting into the friendly little town on Goose Island a little trickier than it should be.
Sam is very patient with Allie, who doesn't really know what or who she wants and is carrying a lot of anger and grief around after the death of her father three years ago.
He has his own challenges to deal with but is much more grounded than Allie. He does have Cuppie *Buttercup which helps a lot.
Overall this was a nice selection of shorter stories and a great introduction to the authors and their worlds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Susan Sands contributes the first story, A Georgia Christmas, set in the town of Moonshine. It is book two in the series and we meet the protagonists of book one.
Merilee Bell is a former mean girl who is now the premier hair stylist in the town. When Randy Slade rolls into town and parks in her customer carpark, she persuades him to have a haircut. He needs one, badly.
Randy is in town to take up a deputy sheriff position but he's also undercover to catch some fraudsters who are taking up rental properties and illegally renting them out.
The story is mystery lite, but we get to know Merilee and Randy almost as fast as they get to know each other.
It was a great introduction to Moonshine and I look forward to catching up wit the other residents.
A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne is an introduction to the town of Belmont and the Maye sisters. They belong to the premier family of Belmont and though Chloe is adopted into the family, she has a close bond with the other Maye women.
There is a tough of magical realism in this story with a recipe book that may be something more than a simple recipe book.
Chloe is the first of the Maye women to find the book when she needs to take over a town dinner event from her beloved grandmother. Delving into the recipes she finds a lot more than southern comfort food.
Returning to town is Rustin Wildish, who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks but is now a chef. He was Chloe's crush as a teen, before he left town.
How much their growing relationship owes to the recipe book and how much is just plain destiny, you can judge for yourself.
A Saltwater Christmas is by Laurie Beach, an author I haven't read before.
Allie Westley is a difficult protagonist to get to know at the start. I found her hard to like and her behaviours a little annoying at times. The reasons are revealed gradually through the story but I found the male protagonist much easier to relate to.
Sam is Allie's unwanted male roommate, renting the second bedroom in the cute little cottage Allie has fallen in love with. He also has a dog called Buttercup who is not the tiny little lapdog you would expect from the name.
Sam is a bit of a golden retriever himself. Easy on the eye and easy to get along with.
Allie is facing the challenge of a new job she wants to make a successful career in and in a new town where she will be forced to make friends. She's definitely a glass is half empty kind of gal and this makes fitting into the friendly little town on Goose Island a little trickier than it should be.
Sam is very patient with Allie, who doesn't really know what or who she wants and is carrying a lot of anger and grief around after the death of her father three years ago.
He has his own challenges to deal with but is much more grounded than Allie. He does have Cuppie *Buttercup which helps a lot.
Overall this was a nice selection of shorter stories and a great introduction to the authors and their worlds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2024
A Southern Christmas by Susan Sands, Sinclair Jayne, Laurie Beach
This book contains 3 stories from three different authors. Super fun reads for the holiday season.
...
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands
In the first book Merilee is a hairdresser and she has her own store in the small town of Moonshine. The story also follows Randy who is a detective that has been hired by the local authorities. He is hiding a lot of secrets but he just want to keep her safe. She agrees to rent him the garage apartment and also installs security cameras. It's quite the mystery what really happens and how welcoming the family is towards him until they realize he is hiding something from them.... Great details on the sceneras and especially the investigation strategies with security.
,,,
A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne
This story follows the Mayes sister and their grandmother Millie. Love how this book came about and Jane Porter's small library outside her house.
In This story the grandmother needs to get one of the girls interested in following the family magic traditions. One of them does speak up and takes on the task . Chloe finds the magic love spell cookbook in her grandmother's small library.
Love hearing how Chloe is able to get Rustin to help her cook for the huge holiday fundraiser. The other girls help with other projects to make it a success. Family conflicts and who will end up with Rustin...
Love hearing about all the planning and how it's accomplished.
The love spell recipe book is just so precious to have something from her.
....
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach
Allie has a new job as an enologist in the lab at the winery. She also has a new roommate, Sam. She asked for a female and got Same a male. She likes the things he does for her. He is ex military along with this trained dog. She doesn't do holidays and he has decorated everywhere. Like how the others at work treat her, as if she's one of them. Big huge community effort.
Love ending with the child rescued by unlikely things and family connection.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
This book contains 3 stories from three different authors. Super fun reads for the holiday season.
...
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands
In the first book Merilee is a hairdresser and she has her own store in the small town of Moonshine. The story also follows Randy who is a detective that has been hired by the local authorities. He is hiding a lot of secrets but he just want to keep her safe. She agrees to rent him the garage apartment and also installs security cameras. It's quite the mystery what really happens and how welcoming the family is towards him until they realize he is hiding something from them.... Great details on the sceneras and especially the investigation strategies with security.
,,,
A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne
This story follows the Mayes sister and their grandmother Millie. Love how this book came about and Jane Porter's small library outside her house.
In This story the grandmother needs to get one of the girls interested in following the family magic traditions. One of them does speak up and takes on the task . Chloe finds the magic love spell cookbook in her grandmother's small library.
Love hearing how Chloe is able to get Rustin to help her cook for the huge holiday fundraiser. The other girls help with other projects to make it a success. Family conflicts and who will end up with Rustin...
Love hearing about all the planning and how it's accomplished.
The love spell recipe book is just so precious to have something from her.
....
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach
Allie has a new job as an enologist in the lab at the winery. She also has a new roommate, Sam. She asked for a female and got Same a male. She likes the things he does for her. He is ex military along with this trained dog. She doesn't do holidays and he has decorated everywhere. Like how the others at work treat her, as if she's one of them. Big huge community effort.
Love ending with the child rescued by unlikely things and family connection.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
November 24, 2024
This is a charming glimpse at Christmas in different parts of the southern USA.
First up, Susan Sands mixes romantic suspense with Christmas themes in Moonshine, Georgia, where A Georgia Christmas brings together beauty salon owner Merilee Bell and under-cover Georgia Beareu of Investigation agent Randy Slade. Merrilee is not just fantastic at her job. She’s also generous with her community and her extremely demanding mother and still manages to smile. Randy is all you could ask for in a lawman: tall and handsome (of course) but also dedicated to his work and both courteous and respectful of Merrilee. I really enjoyed watching the romance develop between these two as the stakes ramped up in his investigation.
In A Taste Of Christmas Magic, Sinclair Jayne adds a hint of whimsy in the form of a book filled with recipes for southern romance. I loved the premise and the way this book wove itself into Chloe Cramer’s story. This is the first in a new series and it’s a fabulous story to kick things off. Both Chloe and chef Rustin Wildish, who was her teenage crush, are fabulous characters and really well developed given the short length of this story. I loved that food was a central theme and that all the community events and meals were such a strong part of this story’s Cristmas theme. This is a really fantastic story and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series when they come out.
Third in the anthology is A Saltwater Christmas, by Laurie Beach. This one is set on Goose Island, South Carolina and has a strong community theme running through it. Oenologist Allie Westley is clearly soffering from OCD when the story opens and to be honest, she irritated me with her aggressive attitude to her new housemate Sam Clare. He’s gorgeous, by the way, and over the top friendly, considerate and just plain charming. His patience with her was over and above. Thankfully Allie did redeem herself as their story progressed and I came to like her as she integrated into the community. I loved the secondary characters, particularly Fred and the story made for entertaining reading.
First up, Susan Sands mixes romantic suspense with Christmas themes in Moonshine, Georgia, where A Georgia Christmas brings together beauty salon owner Merilee Bell and under-cover Georgia Beareu of Investigation agent Randy Slade. Merrilee is not just fantastic at her job. She’s also generous with her community and her extremely demanding mother and still manages to smile. Randy is all you could ask for in a lawman: tall and handsome (of course) but also dedicated to his work and both courteous and respectful of Merrilee. I really enjoyed watching the romance develop between these two as the stakes ramped up in his investigation.
In A Taste Of Christmas Magic, Sinclair Jayne adds a hint of whimsy in the form of a book filled with recipes for southern romance. I loved the premise and the way this book wove itself into Chloe Cramer’s story. This is the first in a new series and it’s a fabulous story to kick things off. Both Chloe and chef Rustin Wildish, who was her teenage crush, are fabulous characters and really well developed given the short length of this story. I loved that food was a central theme and that all the community events and meals were such a strong part of this story’s Cristmas theme. This is a really fantastic story and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series when they come out.
Third in the anthology is A Saltwater Christmas, by Laurie Beach. This one is set on Goose Island, South Carolina and has a strong community theme running through it. Oenologist Allie Westley is clearly soffering from OCD when the story opens and to be honest, she irritated me with her aggressive attitude to her new housemate Sam Clare. He’s gorgeous, by the way, and over the top friendly, considerate and just plain charming. His patience with her was over and above. Thankfully Allie did redeem herself as their story progressed and I came to like her as she integrated into the community. I loved the secondary characters, particularly Fred and the story made for entertaining reading.
November 20, 2024
A Southern Christmas an Anthology from Susan Sands, Sinclair Jayne & Laurie Beach
All three books have been written extremely well. They have wonderful characters with whom you fall in love, and storylines that are believable and true to life.
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands.
Set in Moonshine Georgia we have Merilee Bell and Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, Randy Slade > Randy arrives in Moonshine undercover to catch hi-tech property thieves, to do this he needs the help of Merilee. will she help and put her apartment in his hands? Will they catch the thieves and get their HEA over Christmas? A brilliant story which I highly recommend reading.
The Christmas Chef by Sinclair Jayne
Blurb:
This Christmas, he just might believe in a little magic…
This story is set in Belmont North Carolina, Rustin Wildish has returned after 12 years away to create a name in the culinary world. Chloe Maye had a crush on Rustin in childhood and needs his help as she is in over her head when she volunteers to host the family's annual fundraiser. Will They get their own HEA?
A brilliant story which I highly recommend reading.
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach
Blurb:
Christmas is a time of miracles–but is it magical enough to change a person’s mind?
This book is set in Goose Island, South Carolina, Allie Westley has moved here from Nashville, following her dream of becoming a wine enologist.
Allie needed a roommate to help with the rent and Sam Clare seemed to be the right person to help. Unbeknown to Allie was is not a girl but an ex-military man now a paramedic.
A brilliant story which I highly recommend reading.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
All three books have been written extremely well. They have wonderful characters with whom you fall in love, and storylines that are believable and true to life.
A Georgia Christmas by Susan Sands.
Set in Moonshine Georgia we have Merilee Bell and Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, Randy Slade > Randy arrives in Moonshine undercover to catch hi-tech property thieves, to do this he needs the help of Merilee. will she help and put her apartment in his hands? Will they catch the thieves and get their HEA over Christmas? A brilliant story which I highly recommend reading.
The Christmas Chef by Sinclair Jayne
Blurb:
This Christmas, he just might believe in a little magic…
This story is set in Belmont North Carolina, Rustin Wildish has returned after 12 years away to create a name in the culinary world. Chloe Maye had a crush on Rustin in childhood and needs his help as she is in over her head when she volunteers to host the family's annual fundraiser. Will They get their own HEA?
A brilliant story which I highly recommend reading.
A Saltwater Christmas by Laurie Beach
Blurb:
Christmas is a time of miracles–but is it magical enough to change a person’s mind?
This book is set in Goose Island, South Carolina, Allie Westley has moved here from Nashville, following her dream of becoming a wine enologist.
Allie needed a roommate to help with the rent and Sam Clare seemed to be the right person to help. Unbeknown to Allie was is not a girl but an ex-military man now a paramedic.
A brilliant story which I highly recommend reading.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
October 29, 2024
All three are quick, easy to read novellas set at Christmas time in small towns.
A Georgia Christmas - Easy to read, well written novella. Undercover agent Randy comes to town to catch property thieves. Merilee is a successful salon owner and is making amends from her “mean girl” ways when she was younger. The two hit it off. I liked their chemistry and banter. 4 star
A Taste of Christmas Magic – Chloe is a very different female main character which was a bit refreshing. She’s bit of an oddball, bit of an outcast, and acts randomly. Rustin had a hard childhood and returned to town as a successful restaurant owner/chef. Rustin gives Chloe some cooking tips which in turns gives her self-confidence. Chloe is full of ideas for Rustin’s new restaurant, and she eventually gets him in the Christmas spirit. 3 stars
A Saltwater Christmas - Not my favorite of the three novellas; did not enjoy the main female character until the very end. Allie has just moved to Goose Island and is determined not to celebrate Christmas. She is hurt over the loss of her father and a recent break up. Her new roommate is not who she was expecting, as he’s a male not a female. Sam is very patient and handles Allies moods perfectly. I really did not enjoy Allie’s character and the way she acted with Sam which took away my enjoyment of the story. Others may enjoy though so worth a read.
A Georgia Christmas - Easy to read, well written novella. Undercover agent Randy comes to town to catch property thieves. Merilee is a successful salon owner and is making amends from her “mean girl” ways when she was younger. The two hit it off. I liked their chemistry and banter. 4 star
A Taste of Christmas Magic – Chloe is a very different female main character which was a bit refreshing. She’s bit of an oddball, bit of an outcast, and acts randomly. Rustin had a hard childhood and returned to town as a successful restaurant owner/chef. Rustin gives Chloe some cooking tips which in turns gives her self-confidence. Chloe is full of ideas for Rustin’s new restaurant, and she eventually gets him in the Christmas spirit. 3 stars
A Saltwater Christmas - Not my favorite of the three novellas; did not enjoy the main female character until the very end. Allie has just moved to Goose Island and is determined not to celebrate Christmas. She is hurt over the loss of her father and a recent break up. Her new roommate is not who she was expecting, as he’s a male not a female. Sam is very patient and handles Allies moods perfectly. I really did not enjoy Allie’s character and the way she acted with Sam which took away my enjoyment of the story. Others may enjoy though so worth a read.
November 15, 2024
In A Georgia Christmas Randy goes undercover and doesn’t expect to fall for his temporary landlady Merilee. She wasn’t the best person when she was a teen but she shows plenty of compassion and willingness to assist others, in particular letting Randy use her apartment to set up some scammers. But he doesn’t tell her the whole truth.
A Taste of Christmas Magic is about Millie’s magical book and her granddaughter teacher Chloe who needs chef and former bad boy Rustin’s help for a holiday party she has agreed to run. They yummy sounding food together but he thinks she’s put him under her spell. His ex her cousin Jessica tries to stir up trouble and he has to overcome past impressions of him. I loved his new restaurant theme and creative food.
In A Saltwater Christmas Allie is superstitious and not happy that her new roommate Sam she thought would be a woman is really a man with a dog that looks like a wolf but he’s great under pressure and shares some of issues like panic attacks. But she’s also attracted to her new coworker Joey and Sam has a secret that could ruin a potential relationship between them. I loved Sam’s search and rescue dog. All three stories were kisses only holiday novella romances.
A Taste of Christmas Magic is about Millie’s magical book and her granddaughter teacher Chloe who needs chef and former bad boy Rustin’s help for a holiday party she has agreed to run. They yummy sounding food together but he thinks she’s put him under her spell. His ex her cousin Jessica tries to stir up trouble and he has to overcome past impressions of him. I loved his new restaurant theme and creative food.
In A Saltwater Christmas Allie is superstitious and not happy that her new roommate Sam she thought would be a woman is really a man with a dog that looks like a wolf but he’s great under pressure and shares some of issues like panic attacks. But she’s also attracted to her new coworker Joey and Sam has a secret that could ruin a potential relationship between them. I loved Sam’s search and rescue dog. All three stories were kisses only holiday novella romances.
January 1, 2025
If you like good ol' Southern boys and sassy Southern girls, then you will love the three novellas in this collection. The stories might not be long in length but they are full of feelings. The first story is about a beautician and the new sheriff's deputy where all may not be as it seems. The second story involves a young lady trying to find her way in her adopted family, the town bad boy turned chef, a family legacy and a surprise or two. The final story was a little hard for me to get into as I believe the main character suffered from OCD or Autism (I wasn't quite sure of her condition) and what I thought would be a lighthearted story especially concerning the roommate mix-up turned out to be a little more emotional.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2024
These were all enjoyable stories, but the real standout is A Taste of Christmas Magic by Sinclair Jayne. This gem is the second story in the book and I would give it five stars if it was on its own. The writing was solid, the characters interesting (and they all made me feel, including the side characters). The dialogue was top notch. I think that this story is a shining star, and I look forward to more by this author.
MMC/FMC- Rustin and Chloe
Triggers? N
Safety? Y
Heat- N. Sweet and clean.
Premise- Rustin, who is from the wrong side of the tracks and marginalized for it, has returned to Belmont as a successful chef. Chloe finds a magical cookbook and decides to whip up a few recipes….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MMC/FMC- Rustin and Chloe
Triggers? N
Safety? Y
Heat- N. Sweet and clean.
Premise- Rustin, who is from the wrong side of the tracks and marginalized for it, has returned to Belmont as a successful chef. Chloe finds a magical cookbook and decides to whip up a few recipes….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2024
I always enjoy a good Christmas story. In this collection you have three novellas that are Christmas themed, but there is also a little more to them than just a Christmas book. This made this collection even more fun to read. With some mystery, secrets, romance, a character needing and wanting a second chance and another one pursuing a dream, each story is unique and interesting with many interesting characters as well.
All three authors' signature writing styles shine through their individual stories. There is a lot of good reading packed in the 400+ pages. It is just right for lovers of Christmas books/stories.
Thank you to Tule Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All three authors' signature writing styles shine through their individual stories. There is a lot of good reading packed in the 400+ pages. It is just right for lovers of Christmas books/stories.
Thank you to Tule Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2025
A Southern Christmas Anthology by Susan Sands, Sinclair Jayne, and Laurie Beach is a wonderful and heart-warming collection of holiday novellas, Southern style, that are filled with laughter, love, and a bit of holiday mischief that will warm your heart and put you in the mood for the holidays. Three wonderful stories are provided by the authors; two are part of a series. Grab your copy and settle on the couch for a relaxing journey into finding love at the happiest time of the year. Holidays are magical when you open your heart to others.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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