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Do you feel what I feel: A Holiday Anthology
Twelve lesbian fiction authors bring you a heartwarming collection of holiday-themed short stories.
From a tattoo artist hiding an origami angel in her lover’s desk to a seventy-year-old woman hesitating to accompany her partner to a family celebration on the first night of Hanukkah, this anthology will delight you with romantic holiday moments.
Authors: Alison Ruth Solomon, B.A. Caldwell, Blythe Rippon, Caren J. Werlinger, Catherine Lane, Chris Zett, Eve Francis, Jove Belle, Lois Cloarec Hart, Lyn Thorne-Alder, Patricia Penn, and Ruth F. Simon
From a tattoo artist hiding an origami angel in her lover’s desk to a seventy-year-old woman hesitating to accompany her partner to a family celebration on the first night of Hanukkah, this anthology will delight you with romantic holiday moments.
Authors: Alison Ruth Solomon, B.A. Caldwell, Blythe Rippon, Caren J. Werlinger, Catherine Lane, Chris Zett, Eve Francis, Jove Belle, Lois Cloarec Hart, Lyn Thorne-Alder, Patricia Penn, and Ruth F. Simon
471 pages, ebook
First published October 15, 2015
14 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Jae
126 books3,803 followersJae is the author of twenty-six award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 19, 2020
A nice collection of holiday related short stories. I’m not quite ready for the season yet, but this was a good way to ease in. All of these stories had good things about them - there were a couple that aren’t my genre but I still enjoyed reading them. I also found it to be a good introduction to some authors I haven’t had the opportunity to read yet.
There are a couple of stories that explicitly state that they are about characters that have appeared in other novels and I’m looking forward to reading these - but not having read them didn’t stop me enjoying the shorts so don’t let that stop you exploring this anthology.
There are quite a few romances in the collection, but not all of the stories are this way inclined. Many explore the feelings around the holidays of grief, loss and families coming together, yet somehow as a grouping it manages to stay heartwarming and not particularly melancholy. I suspect the order of the stories helps with this so appreciation to Jae and DeLancey for this.
I really enjoyed S. Claus by Blythe Rippon and I thought it was an interesting opening to the collection. We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Lynne Thorne Adler had me chuckling and thinking about elves in a completely different way.
I really enjoyed Snow With A Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell. It made me smile throughout especially as a dog brings the couple together. Sadie and Rosa by Alison Solomon is a nice Hanukkah story and had one of the main features I liked the most about this anthology - it wasn’t all just about young couples - it has a lot of diversity spread through the stories.
My favourite stories were Chatting with Charlie by Catherine Lane which was a nice way to end the book, Just a Normal Christmas by Caren J. Werlinger (I’ll definitely be checking out the book the characters appear in - Turning for Home) and More Than A Holiday Romance by Chris Zett which such set off the inner romantic in me.
This was a great book to ease into seasonal reading with.
There are a couple of stories that explicitly state that they are about characters that have appeared in other novels and I’m looking forward to reading these - but not having read them didn’t stop me enjoying the shorts so don’t let that stop you exploring this anthology.
There are quite a few romances in the collection, but not all of the stories are this way inclined. Many explore the feelings around the holidays of grief, loss and families coming together, yet somehow as a grouping it manages to stay heartwarming and not particularly melancholy. I suspect the order of the stories helps with this so appreciation to Jae and DeLancey for this.
I really enjoyed S. Claus by Blythe Rippon and I thought it was an interesting opening to the collection. We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Lynne Thorne Adler had me chuckling and thinking about elves in a completely different way.
I really enjoyed Snow With A Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell. It made me smile throughout especially as a dog brings the couple together. Sadie and Rosa by Alison Solomon is a nice Hanukkah story and had one of the main features I liked the most about this anthology - it wasn’t all just about young couples - it has a lot of diversity spread through the stories.
My favourite stories were Chatting with Charlie by Catherine Lane which was a nice way to end the book, Just a Normal Christmas by Caren J. Werlinger (I’ll definitely be checking out the book the characters appear in - Turning for Home) and More Than A Holiday Romance by Chris Zett which such set off the inner romantic in me.
This was a great book to ease into seasonal reading with.
December 8, 2017
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review
12 short stories by 12 different authors. A mix of authors who I have read before with authors who I have yet to sample. And a short story is something like a sample, an appetizer instead of a full meal. All 12 stories have a holiday theme. Not sure if that means that they all take place in December; all involve Christmas; or what exactly (ETA: I was going to adjust this after I read the anthology, but I still don't know if everything takes place in December, though I know not all involve Christmas). I know 4 have Christmas or Claus in the title. And one has lots of snow in the story itself, though never mentions Christmas or any holiday (though that's also the story with the ultra-right wing Christian fundamentalist family).
S. Claus by Blythe Rippon
North Pole, World Travel, Magic, Talking Caribou, Santa Claus; Solo POV
Selene Claus is Santa Claus' sister. She's quite jealous of Santa and sees him in a negative light. She plans to 'get back' at him by making him look bad in the eyes of the world. She plans to do that with magic, and a talking caribou - Rudolf's granddaughter Lara. Complicating Selene's plans is the appearance of Zaida, Santa's wife's sister.
There's not much to the story but I rather enjoyed it. I've slowly lowered my rating from my initial enthusiastic rating, and hopefully I'm 'close' to where I should be with my rating (should be as in my real rating for the story).
This is potentially an 'age gap' story, but Zaida's age was never given. If I understand correctly, Selene's about 100. 50 in a photo that might itself be 50 years old.
Rating: 4.88
This Thing by Jove Belle
Age Gap; Single Mother; Tattoo Artist; Reality Star; Multiple POV
I've gone the opposite direction with this story, raising the rating a little after my initial low rating.
So, there's this 'Beth' and a 'Willa'. Beth is a tattoo artist & Single mother who, on a dare, asked out a reality show star (who is also, presumably, at least 8 to ten years younger than her). That reality star being Willa. Who works in her parents gun shop and on her parent's reality show. Apparently they, the parents, signed up for this show when Willa was in high school. She's college age now (I forget if it was worded as 'college age' or 'in college now'), and so has more on-camera time. Which was apparently important to note in the story.
Willa's family is ultra-religious and conservative (I don't watch reality shows myself, but the few that I've heard mentioned, here or there, always seem to have that pattern - ultra-religious and conservative, at least the family focused ones (though even as I write this, several people pop into my brain - hard to know if they fit the pattern without watching the show, but I think there might be some that don't fit the pattern). Willa's ultra-guilty about spending time with Beth, but just loves doing so. Plus she also really loves guns.
I know I've mentioned something about age up above, giving the impression that we are reading about two mature fully functioning adults but . . . both of the main characters read as if they are lustful 15 year olds. Not even just because of their thoughts/words/actions between each other, but also their interactions with others. Like, for example, Beth seems weird in relation to her tattoo shop boss, oddly . . . wishing for her approval and feeling a couple of words expressed to her by this boss as if they were her 'graduation'. Weird.
I did not like the story, though I normally like the work I've read by this author.
Rating: 3.10
December 6 2017
Red Suits and Second Chances by Eve Frances
Office Party; Transgender: MtF; Toronto; Canada
An office has a Christmas party. Gina finds a coworker, Felicia, attractive but doesn't know if she should do anything with this thought. Gina is made aware of Felicia's thoughts. The end.
Rating: 3
December 6 2017
A Gift of Words by Patricia Penn
Boston, Demons
Something called the 'Fianna' defend humans against rival demons. Yet another story involving two women who find it 'wrong, but feels so good' to be with another woman 'that way'. bah. I looking for nice holiday stories, not guilt-tripping women tentatively pawing at each other, while knowing it's 'wrong'.
The two female demons stumble upon a Christmas fair in Boston while attempting to locate rival demons. While doing so, one becomes bedazzled by the decorations, while the other becomes shocked by watching two women publically kissing each other.
I believe the story might take some time around 1993? Well, I think some part of it is, and some other part is set in 1996.
I've no idea if this story is some kind of stand-alone, or if there is some series connected to it. It is quite . . . good though.
Rating: 4.94
December 6 2017
Snow, With a Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell
Librarian, dog, snow-storm, Portland, Graduate Student, Humor
The story opens with a woman gazing about her torn up apartment. Her own apartment. That she herself tore up. Because she was looking for a missing library book. She starts putting stuff back together, sad that she can't find the book. Her dog wakes up and wanders over. She begins petting the dog then glances over to his bed. And spots the book in that bed. All chewed up.
There's a snow storm about to hit and the main character (it's easier to remember people's names and stuff if I don't read about 20 short stories in a row before being able to do reviews, mmphs) wants to get some entertainment from the library. Otherwise she'd put it off.
There's a good bit of humor here. And great chemistry between 'Dream Librarian' and the main character. Fun story.
Rating: 4.80
December 6 2017
Crossroads by Ruth F. Simon
Religion, Christianity, Family, stuff, Nurse, Accountant?
At the advanced age of 29 the main character in this story has come out to her family during Thanksgiving meal. At the part where everyone was supposed to go around saying what they were thankful for. Whereupon her father very aggressively lectured her and told her to leave and never return until she has repented her ways. Her father, by the way, is a Pastor.
Lots of conservative religious people in this collection.
Right, so, that was prior to the start of this story - that revelation and banishment. Now father has cancer and the main character is the only one capable of taking the time to try to help. And she tries to do so.
Meanwhile, because hey why not, that main character struck up a friendship with one of the nurses in the hospital, and there may or may not be more there (it's hinted at).
Rating: 3.33
December 6 2017
More than a Holiday Romance by Chris Zett
30s; Advent Calendar; Doctor; Professor
For 12 years two women traveled together during the summer as travel friends and fuck buddies. At least from end of college to before last summer. When one of the two had wanted to have an important discussion and the other cancelled at the last minute.
Now the one who cancelled has been sending postcards from their trips as a kind of Advent calendar kind of thing. And the other isn't sure how to handle things.
Interesting story.
Rating: 4.35
December 6 2017
We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Lyn Thorne-Adler
Fantasy; Christmastime; Elves?
I've literally no clue how to rate this story. It just . . what the . . . what did I just read?
Rating: WTF?
December 6 2017
Sadie and Rosa by Alison Solomon
Hanukkah, 70s, Family
Two old Jewish women fight over coming out to their family.
While it is nice to see another religion in the mix, the story itself was just average.
Rating: 3.20
December 7 2017
Kicker's Christmas by Lois Cloarec Hart
1917, Canada
This and the next story in the collection would probably have been better read after reading the book/series associated with them. I'm sure both could have been 'neat' and or 'interesting' additions - additions to the story. But both were crowded with people - one even had an odd little brief POV jump to one of the side characters for like 2 seconds that I'm sure is better understood by those who have read the series - and both had story lines that add to the original series/books instead of being stories all by themselves (for the most part, both could be read by themselves, both, though, seem tightly tied to previous works that I've not read).
This specific story here involved Kicker and . . . um, I think it's Maddie preparing dinner, learning of Clarence being hasseled for not being in the war (which pisses off Pudge), though he's not off fighting because of a heart condition not because he is a coward; Seamus arrives, mentions there's a guy at the train station, the women wander off to get him, etc. etc. Oh, and Kicker and Maddie think of their life together.
Rating: 3.43
Just a Normal Christmas by Caren J. Werlinger
Christmas; Big party, Cats
As noted above, this story is also a continuation of a series/book.
The story opens with Jules and Kelli arriving back at their home after a longish journey - they'd spent Thanksgiving with Mae, Brooke (don't recall if it actually is Brooke or not) and Ronnie. Jules has invited that gang to pop over for Christmas. And, before the story is over, many more pop over, including Kelli's dad, sister, coworker Toni, and friend Donna. Toni being the super clumsy klutz, while Donna's the one who briefly gets a turn at the POV controls (and recently finalized her separation with . . . whoever she broke up with, Elaine or something like that).
Interesting good story. Best part were Holly and Mistletoe. The cats.
Rating: 3.75
December 7 2017
Chatting with Charlie by Catherine Lane
Gym Teacher
A gym teacher reflects on her life and is super depressed until a former student gives a speech.
Rating: 3.12
December 7 2017
OVERALL
S. Claus by Blythe Rippon: 4.88
This Thing by Jove Belle: 3.10
Red Suits and Second Chances by Eve Frances: 3.00
A Gift of Words by Patricia Penn: 4.94
Snow, With a Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell: 4.8
Crossroads by Ruth F. Simon: 3.33
More than a Holiday Romance by Chris Zett: 4.35
We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Lyn Thorne-Adler: WTF?
Sadie and Rosa by Alison Solomon: 3.2
Kicker's Christmas by Lois Cloarec Hart: 3.43
Just a Normal Christmas by Caren J. Werlinger: 3.75
Chatting with Charlie by Catherine Lane: 3.12
Overall: 3.8072727272727272727272727272727
So, top three reads: 1) A Gift of Words by Patricia Penn: 4.94; 2) S. Claus by Blythe Rippon: 4.88 & 3) Snow, With a Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell: 4.80
Sadly, in terms of finding new authors to read, I've already read all but one of Rippon's books, Penn has just one more short story in a different collection for me to read, and Caldwell, apparently, has nothing at all else I could read. mmphs.
December 7 2017
12 short stories by 12 different authors. A mix of authors who I have read before with authors who I have yet to sample. And a short story is something like a sample, an appetizer instead of a full meal. All 12 stories have a holiday theme. Not sure if that means that they all take place in December; all involve Christmas; or what exactly (ETA: I was going to adjust this after I read the anthology, but I still don't know if everything takes place in December, though I know not all involve Christmas). I know 4 have Christmas or Claus in the title. And one has lots of snow in the story itself, though never mentions Christmas or any holiday (though that's also the story with the ultra-right wing Christian fundamentalist family).
S. Claus by Blythe Rippon
North Pole, World Travel, Magic, Talking Caribou, Santa Claus; Solo POV
Selene Claus is Santa Claus' sister. She's quite jealous of Santa and sees him in a negative light. She plans to 'get back' at him by making him look bad in the eyes of the world. She plans to do that with magic, and a talking caribou - Rudolf's granddaughter Lara. Complicating Selene's plans is the appearance of Zaida, Santa's wife's sister.
There's not much to the story but I rather enjoyed it. I've slowly lowered my rating from my initial enthusiastic rating, and hopefully I'm 'close' to where I should be with my rating (should be as in my real rating for the story).
This is potentially an 'age gap' story, but Zaida's age was never given. If I understand correctly, Selene's about 100. 50 in a photo that might itself be 50 years old.
Rating: 4.88
This Thing by Jove Belle
Age Gap; Single Mother; Tattoo Artist; Reality Star; Multiple POV
I've gone the opposite direction with this story, raising the rating a little after my initial low rating.
So, there's this 'Beth' and a 'Willa'. Beth is a tattoo artist & Single mother who, on a dare, asked out a reality show star (who is also, presumably, at least 8 to ten years younger than her). That reality star being Willa. Who works in her parents gun shop and on her parent's reality show. Apparently they, the parents, signed up for this show when Willa was in high school. She's college age now (I forget if it was worded as 'college age' or 'in college now'), and so has more on-camera time. Which was apparently important to note in the story.
Willa's family is ultra-religious and conservative (I don't watch reality shows myself, but the few that I've heard mentioned, here or there, always seem to have that pattern - ultra-religious and conservative, at least the family focused ones (though even as I write this, several people pop into my brain - hard to know if they fit the pattern without watching the show, but I think there might be some that don't fit the pattern). Willa's ultra-guilty about spending time with Beth, but just loves doing so. Plus she also really loves guns.
I know I've mentioned something about age up above, giving the impression that we are reading about two mature fully functioning adults but . . . both of the main characters read as if they are lustful 15 year olds. Not even just because of their thoughts/words/actions between each other, but also their interactions with others. Like, for example, Beth seems weird in relation to her tattoo shop boss, oddly . . . wishing for her approval and feeling a couple of words expressed to her by this boss as if they were her 'graduation'. Weird.
I did not like the story, though I normally like the work I've read by this author.
Rating: 3.10
December 6 2017
Red Suits and Second Chances by Eve Frances
Office Party; Transgender: MtF; Toronto; Canada
An office has a Christmas party. Gina finds a coworker, Felicia, attractive but doesn't know if she should do anything with this thought. Gina is made aware of Felicia's thoughts. The end.
Rating: 3
December 6 2017
A Gift of Words by Patricia Penn
Boston, Demons
Something called the 'Fianna' defend humans against rival demons. Yet another story involving two women who find it 'wrong, but feels so good' to be with another woman 'that way'. bah. I looking for nice holiday stories, not guilt-tripping women tentatively pawing at each other, while knowing it's 'wrong'.
The two female demons stumble upon a Christmas fair in Boston while attempting to locate rival demons. While doing so, one becomes bedazzled by the decorations, while the other becomes shocked by watching two women publically kissing each other.
I believe the story might take some time around 1993? Well, I think some part of it is, and some other part is set in 1996.
I've no idea if this story is some kind of stand-alone, or if there is some series connected to it. It is quite . . . good though.
Rating: 4.94
December 6 2017
Snow, With a Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell
Librarian, dog, snow-storm, Portland, Graduate Student, Humor
The story opens with a woman gazing about her torn up apartment. Her own apartment. That she herself tore up. Because she was looking for a missing library book. She starts putting stuff back together, sad that she can't find the book. Her dog wakes up and wanders over. She begins petting the dog then glances over to his bed. And spots the book in that bed. All chewed up.
There's a snow storm about to hit and the main character (it's easier to remember people's names and stuff if I don't read about 20 short stories in a row before being able to do reviews, mmphs) wants to get some entertainment from the library. Otherwise she'd put it off.
There's a good bit of humor here. And great chemistry between 'Dream Librarian' and the main character. Fun story.
Rating: 4.80
December 6 2017
Crossroads by Ruth F. Simon
Religion, Christianity, Family, stuff, Nurse, Accountant?
At the advanced age of 29 the main character in this story has come out to her family during Thanksgiving meal. At the part where everyone was supposed to go around saying what they were thankful for. Whereupon her father very aggressively lectured her and told her to leave and never return until she has repented her ways. Her father, by the way, is a Pastor.
Lots of conservative religious people in this collection.
Right, so, that was prior to the start of this story - that revelation and banishment. Now father has cancer and the main character is the only one capable of taking the time to try to help. And she tries to do so.
Meanwhile, because hey why not, that main character struck up a friendship with one of the nurses in the hospital, and there may or may not be more there (it's hinted at).
Rating: 3.33
December 6 2017
More than a Holiday Romance by Chris Zett
30s; Advent Calendar; Doctor; Professor
For 12 years two women traveled together during the summer as travel friends and fuck buddies. At least from end of college to before last summer. When one of the two had wanted to have an important discussion and the other cancelled at the last minute.
Now the one who cancelled has been sending postcards from their trips as a kind of Advent calendar kind of thing. And the other isn't sure how to handle things.
Interesting story.
Rating: 4.35
December 6 2017
We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Lyn Thorne-Adler
Fantasy; Christmastime; Elves?
I've literally no clue how to rate this story. It just . . what the . . . what did I just read?
Rating: WTF?
December 6 2017
Sadie and Rosa by Alison Solomon
Hanukkah, 70s, Family
Two old Jewish women fight over coming out to their family.
While it is nice to see another religion in the mix, the story itself was just average.
Rating: 3.20
December 7 2017
Kicker's Christmas by Lois Cloarec Hart
1917, Canada
This and the next story in the collection would probably have been better read after reading the book/series associated with them. I'm sure both could have been 'neat' and or 'interesting' additions - additions to the story. But both were crowded with people - one even had an odd little brief POV jump to one of the side characters for like 2 seconds that I'm sure is better understood by those who have read the series - and both had story lines that add to the original series/books instead of being stories all by themselves (for the most part, both could be read by themselves, both, though, seem tightly tied to previous works that I've not read).
This specific story here involved Kicker and . . . um, I think it's Maddie preparing dinner, learning of Clarence being hasseled for not being in the war (which pisses off Pudge), though he's not off fighting because of a heart condition not because he is a coward; Seamus arrives, mentions there's a guy at the train station, the women wander off to get him, etc. etc. Oh, and Kicker and Maddie think of their life together.
If you enjoyed this short story, you might want to read Lois Cloarec Hart's Kicker's Journey, the novel in which Kicker and Madelyn met and fell in love.
Rating: 3.43
Just a Normal Christmas by Caren J. Werlinger
Christmas; Big party, Cats
As noted above, this story is also a continuation of a series/book.
The story opens with Jules and Kelli arriving back at their home after a longish journey - they'd spent Thanksgiving with Mae, Brooke (don't recall if it actually is Brooke or not) and Ronnie. Jules has invited that gang to pop over for Christmas. And, before the story is over, many more pop over, including Kelli's dad, sister, coworker Toni, and friend Donna. Toni being the super clumsy klutz, while Donna's the one who briefly gets a turn at the POV controls (and recently finalized her separation with . . . whoever she broke up with, Elaine or something like that).
Interesting good story. Best part were Holly and Mistletoe. The cats.
If you enjoyed this short story, you might want to read Caren Werlinger's Turning for Home, the novel which introduced Jules, Kelli, and their family and friends.
Rating: 3.75
December 7 2017
Chatting with Charlie by Catherine Lane
Gym Teacher
A gym teacher reflects on her life and is super depressed until a former student gives a speech.
Rating: 3.12
December 7 2017
OVERALL
S. Claus by Blythe Rippon: 4.88
This Thing by Jove Belle: 3.10
Red Suits and Second Chances by Eve Frances: 3.00
A Gift of Words by Patricia Penn: 4.94
Snow, With a Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell: 4.8
Crossroads by Ruth F. Simon: 3.33
More than a Holiday Romance by Chris Zett: 4.35
We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Lyn Thorne-Adler: WTF?
Sadie and Rosa by Alison Solomon: 3.2
Kicker's Christmas by Lois Cloarec Hart: 3.43
Just a Normal Christmas by Caren J. Werlinger: 3.75
Chatting with Charlie by Catherine Lane: 3.12
Overall: 3.8072727272727272727272727272727
So, top three reads: 1) A Gift of Words by Patricia Penn: 4.94; 2) S. Claus by Blythe Rippon: 4.88 & 3) Snow, With a Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell: 4.80
Sadly, in terms of finding new authors to read, I've already read all but one of Rippon's books, Penn has just one more short story in a different collection for me to read, and Caldwell, apparently, has nothing at all else I could read. mmphs.
December 7 2017
December 30, 2018
Do You Feel What I Feel: A Holiday Anthology was a good choice to read during the holidays. The 12 stories were perfectly suited to create the right atmosphere. A few were written as an extension of an existing novel (witch I obviously didn’t read) and felt a bit of a disconnect, but overall the anthology was diverse in setting, time and characters. I really enjoyed what was on offer.
My favorite ones were More than a Holiday Romance by Chris Zett, Snow, With a Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell and S. Claus by Blythe Rippon.
What I like about this anthology is that it gives me a chance to meet unfamiliar authors (well… not really unfamiliar, just ones I haven’t read yet). I guess I will just have to expand my to-read list for 2019 a bit more.
f/f
Themes: Christmas, Santa, Tattoo artist, reality star, transgender, office party, demons, librarian, snowed in, religion, nurse, academics, advent calendar, Hanukkah, elves, family, gym teacher.
4 stars
My favorite ones were More than a Holiday Romance by Chris Zett, Snow, With a Chance of Love by B.A. Caldwell and S. Claus by Blythe Rippon.
What I like about this anthology is that it gives me a chance to meet unfamiliar authors (well… not really unfamiliar, just ones I haven’t read yet). I guess I will just have to expand my to-read list for 2019 a bit more.
f/f
Themes: Christmas, Santa, Tattoo artist, reality star, transgender, office party, demons, librarian, snowed in, religion, nurse, academics, advent calendar, Hanukkah, elves, family, gym teacher.
4 stars
January 11, 2023
The overall score is just the rounded up average of the stories individual ratings.
S. CLAUS by Blythe Rippon
3,5/5
Caribou relationship drama. Never thought I'll care about it.
I cared about the humans/sorcerers less.
But it was still fine. Short and hopeful.
THIS THING by Jove Belle
3/5
Well, the amount of internalised homophobia from Willa combined with a religious gun-loving unsupportive parent didn't make it nearly as feel-good as I'd like.
But it was still quite good
RED SUITS AND SECOND CHANCES by Eve Francis
3/5
Good I guess. Both Gina and Felicia were fine separately, but I just didn't feel much chemistry between them as a potential romantic pairing. Well written though.
A GIFT OF WORDS by Patricia Penn
2/5
A demon story. Would probably be good as part of a longer story arc, but at this length it was just confusingly overcomplicated.
SNOW, WITH A CHANCE OF LOVE by B.A. Caldwell
4/5
This was a nice, Hallmark style story. Nothing truly outstanding, but fulfilled the expected requirements.
CROSSROADS by Ruth F. Simon
4/5
This was well written. Not exactly a easy topic, but we'll executed. The character dynamics were also very well done.
MORE THAN A HOLIDAY ROMANCE by Chris Zett
4/5
Interesting idea, decent execution, likeable characters.
Don't feel any need to re-read it, but it was fine.
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS by Lyn Thorne-Alder
4/5
Monster hunters with double identities and family issues. Well. I didn't expect that.
But it was good, I guess. I'm just really confused what the hell did I just read and why wasn't it longer. Because it had a lot of potential that just went nowhere.
SADIE AND ROSA by Alison Solomon
3/5
It was probably good, but so far removed from any and all of my life experiences that I couldn't relate.
KICKER’S CHRISTMAS by Lois Cloarec Hart
3/5
Interesting.
I'm pretty sure this one belonged to "Kicker's Journey" by the same author. I'll have to read that one to actually appreciate what I read here.
JUST A NORMAL CHRISTMAS by Caren J. Werlinger
2/5
Again, this was basically a continuation of a novel I haven't read. When I'll do, I'll amend my rating, but right now it didn't make much sense.
CHATTING WITH CHARLIE by Catherine Lane
2/5
Couldn't really keep my interest and it was short enough that it really should've
S. CLAUS by Blythe Rippon
3,5/5
Caribou relationship drama. Never thought I'll care about it.
I cared about the humans/sorcerers less.
But it was still fine. Short and hopeful.
THIS THING by Jove Belle
3/5
Well, the amount of internalised homophobia from Willa combined with a religious gun-loving unsupportive parent didn't make it nearly as feel-good as I'd like.
But it was still quite good
RED SUITS AND SECOND CHANCES by Eve Francis
3/5
Good I guess. Both Gina and Felicia were fine separately, but I just didn't feel much chemistry between them as a potential romantic pairing. Well written though.
A GIFT OF WORDS by Patricia Penn
2/5
A demon story. Would probably be good as part of a longer story arc, but at this length it was just confusingly overcomplicated.
SNOW, WITH A CHANCE OF LOVE by B.A. Caldwell
4/5
This was a nice, Hallmark style story. Nothing truly outstanding, but fulfilled the expected requirements.
CROSSROADS by Ruth F. Simon
4/5
This was well written. Not exactly a easy topic, but we'll executed. The character dynamics were also very well done.
MORE THAN A HOLIDAY ROMANCE by Chris Zett
4/5
Interesting idea, decent execution, likeable characters.
Don't feel any need to re-read it, but it was fine.
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS by Lyn Thorne-Alder
4/5
Monster hunters with double identities and family issues. Well. I didn't expect that.
But it was good, I guess. I'm just really confused what the hell did I just read and why wasn't it longer. Because it had a lot of potential that just went nowhere.
SADIE AND ROSA by Alison Solomon
3/5
It was probably good, but so far removed from any and all of my life experiences that I couldn't relate.
KICKER’S CHRISTMAS by Lois Cloarec Hart
3/5
Interesting.
I'm pretty sure this one belonged to "Kicker's Journey" by the same author. I'll have to read that one to actually appreciate what I read here.
JUST A NORMAL CHRISTMAS by Caren J. Werlinger
2/5
Again, this was basically a continuation of a novel I haven't read. When I'll do, I'll amend my rating, but right now it didn't make much sense.
CHATTING WITH CHARLIE by Catherine Lane
2/5
Couldn't really keep my interest and it was short enough that it really should've
December 18, 2015
From tattoo artists, lonely librarians and little old Jewish ladies to Santa's slightly jealous sister, demons and parents behaving badly, there is something for everyone in this collection of Holiday magic.
I found some new to me writers who I hope to see published in the future. Patricia Penn's spec fiction A Gift of Words caught me by surprise. A genre I would not normally read, her story was moving and eloquent.
B.A. Caldwell's Snow With a Chance of Love and Chris Zett's More Than a Holiday Romance were highlights for me and my love of contemporary romance. Thanks to Lyn Thorne-Alder I now have a new (fear) respect for Christmas elves.
There are also contributions by well known published authors.Blythe Rippon's S. Claus kicks off the anthology and reminds me I really have to read her novel Barring Complications. Jove Belle delivers a sweet romance with a reality show twist and Lois Cloarec Hart's Kicker's Christmas made me move her novel Kicker's Journey up my TBR pile. If her novel is half as good as this heartfelt short story I will be happy.
An entertaining read.
June 23, 2016
No one does a holiday anthology better than Ylva
This is by far my favourite winter holiday anthology. It contains 12 stories by wonderful women designed to leave you with a sense of love, hope and acceptance. Again this year, the proceeds of this anthology will be donated to charity so you will be giving a gift while getting one with these tales. How perfect, even for a Scrooge like me!
Since reviewing each story would take too much space, I will just share a bit about the ones I liked best.
S.Clause by Blythe Rippon is a fanciful tale about Santa's Sister Selena and Rudolph's purple streaked hair and nose wearing grandaughter Lara and Mrs Clause's sister Zaida. This starts as a good vs evil but in the end peace rules the day.
Catherine Lane's Chatting with Charli is an emotional piece of magic that made me tear up in a good way. HS Coach Alyx feels her life slipping by her and she believes she doesnt make a difference to her students anymore. During a school assembly, a former student lets Alyx know that because she is openly gay it meant that maybe she (the student) was ok too and deserved to be happy. There I more to the story than that but I dont want to give anymore away.
The tale I loved most is that in More than a Holiday Romance by Chris Zett. In this story Laura sends her sometimes lover Carol 24 letters reminding her of the sexy vacations they have taken. There is a really lovely surprise waiting for Carol on xmas eve.... Its SO good!
All of the rest of the stories are completely worth a read too. I wonder what your favourite will be...
This is by far my favourite winter holiday anthology. It contains 12 stories by wonderful women designed to leave you with a sense of love, hope and acceptance. Again this year, the proceeds of this anthology will be donated to charity so you will be giving a gift while getting one with these tales. How perfect, even for a Scrooge like me!
Since reviewing each story would take too much space, I will just share a bit about the ones I liked best.
S.Clause by Blythe Rippon is a fanciful tale about Santa's Sister Selena and Rudolph's purple streaked hair and nose wearing grandaughter Lara and Mrs Clause's sister Zaida. This starts as a good vs evil but in the end peace rules the day.
Catherine Lane's Chatting with Charli is an emotional piece of magic that made me tear up in a good way. HS Coach Alyx feels her life slipping by her and she believes she doesnt make a difference to her students anymore. During a school assembly, a former student lets Alyx know that because she is openly gay it meant that maybe she (the student) was ok too and deserved to be happy. There I more to the story than that but I dont want to give anymore away.
The tale I loved most is that in More than a Holiday Romance by Chris Zett. In this story Laura sends her sometimes lover Carol 24 letters reminding her of the sexy vacations they have taken. There is a really lovely surprise waiting for Carol on xmas eve.... Its SO good!
All of the rest of the stories are completely worth a read too. I wonder what your favourite will be...
October 29, 2015
Detailed score: 3.5
A pleasent but unremarkable read. I skipped a couple and none particularly moved me but we're enjoyable enough.
The profits go to charity though so buy away!!
A pleasent but unremarkable read. I skipped a couple and none particularly moved me but we're enjoyable enough.
The profits go to charity though so buy away!!
September 8, 2021
tie-in/epilogue short stories didn’t really make sense without reading the accompanying novels first
Read
December 19, 2023this was merry and gay. one of these lesbians was a little too into guns but this slayed otherwise.
May 6, 2019
Nice collection of holiday (more or less) tales. Some are a little hard to follow as they are based on full length novels with relatively large casts -- if you have not read the original novel things can get confusing.
December 13, 2017
Hopeful holiday stories
There are some dark topics (issues in the workplace when you’re trans, and homophobia among them) that come up in this collection of stories but also a ton of humor; I found myself laughing more than tearing up as I read thru them. There is a variety of authors’ works; types of characters in atypical professions and/or situations near the holidays; a book eating dog and a few demons to round out the collection. As with other anthologies I recommend them as excellent ways to sample several authors all in one book and this one is no exception. Have tissues close by just in case, and be prepared to laugh as well as you read these stories.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
There are some dark topics (issues in the workplace when you’re trans, and homophobia among them) that come up in this collection of stories but also a ton of humor; I found myself laughing more than tearing up as I read thru them. There is a variety of authors’ works; types of characters in atypical professions and/or situations near the holidays; a book eating dog and a few demons to round out the collection. As with other anthologies I recommend them as excellent ways to sample several authors all in one book and this one is no exception. Have tissues close by just in case, and be prepared to laugh as well as you read these stories.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2017
It is a collection of short stories by different authors all with the topic of Christmas and the holidays. From the cover i thought they would be light hearted kind of Hallmark stories but they were not. Some of them were quite dark some were too sexual for Christmas in my taste ... all in all I didn’t really like any of the stories in this collection.
December 6, 2020
Great variety of stories
This is just a great read with hopeful and happy endings... maybe life should emulate fiction more closely. Introduced some new authors to my literary world. I recently lost both my parents within a week of each other.. these stories helped me smile and laugh so what better holiday gift. Thanks to all
This is just a great read with hopeful and happy endings... maybe life should emulate fiction more closely. Introduced some new authors to my literary world. I recently lost both my parents within a week of each other.. these stories helped me smile and laugh so what better holiday gift. Thanks to all
November 22, 2017
I may have liked these stories more if I had any idea who the characters were. Very uneven, with many referencing characters and storylines from other books without backstory, leaving me confused.
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