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Christmas Roses: Three Historical Novellas
Christmas Roses
Acclaimed writers Patricia Rice, Mary Jo Putney, and Susan King bring together three classic historical romance novellas in this exclusive anthology of unexpected love discovered at a special time of year.
**In Susan King's The Snow Rose, love grows despite a clash of Scottish clans.
**Mary Jo Putney's The Black Beast of Belleterre tells of a Victorian marriage of convenience where a beauty and her beast both yearn for more.
**Patricia Rice's Regency, The Kissing Bough, spins a poignant tale of a returning soldier and a love once lost and now found..."
Together these tales weave a heartwarming journey through history. Also included are introductions about how the stories came to be written and tasty recipes to add to the joys of the season.
Love blooms in winter…
Acclaimed writers Patricia Rice, Mary Jo Putney, and Susan King bring together three classic historical romance novellas in this exclusive anthology of unexpected love discovered at a special time of year.
**In Susan King's The Snow Rose, love grows despite a clash of Scottish clans.
**Mary Jo Putney's The Black Beast of Belleterre tells of a Victorian marriage of convenience where a beauty and her beast both yearn for more.
**Patricia Rice's Regency, The Kissing Bough, spins a poignant tale of a returning soldier and a love once lost and now found..."
Together these tales weave a heartwarming journey through history. Also included are introductions about how the stories came to be written and tasty recipes to add to the joys of the season.
Love blooms in winter…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2013
25 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Susan King
64 books110 followersSusan King, née Longhi, is a multi-published, bestselling, award-winning author and a former art history lecturer. She holds a B.A. in art and an M.A. and most of a Ph.D. in art history, with postgraduate work in medieval studies. Her books are widely praised for historical detail and a lyrical writing style, and she has won multiple honors and awards for her novels written as Susan King, Sarah Gabriel, and Susan Fraser King. Susan visits Scotland as often as possible for research and relaxation, and lives in Maryland with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 8, 2015
Giving this 4 stars because the Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney is definitely the most moving story I've ever read. It made me feel so many intense emotions that I couldn't help but cry my heart out.
January 8, 2017
You can find this review in English below.
En general, grosso modo, han sido 3 historias muy cortas (énfasis en el muy) de romances navideños que no han llegado a deleitarme. Me han gustado, pero poco más.
The Snow Rose by Susan King.
3 stars.
Ambientada en Escocia en el 1700. Kenneth Fraser y Catriona MacDonald pertenecen a clanes enemigos. Ambos se conocen cuando Catriona acude a sus enemigos en busca de ayuda para conseguir que le devuelvan lo que le corresponde por nacimiento y su propia familia le ha negado.
He encontrado esta historia apresurada y un poquito empalagosa. Podría haber sido mejor si la autora no hubiese abierto tantos frentes y se hubiese centrado en el romance. Poco realista.
The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney.
2 stars.
Adaptación casi punto por punto del cuento de la Bella y la Bestia. Nada original aquí. Falta de comunicación entre la pareja protagonista y sentimientos que apenas pude ver de donde salen.
The Kissing Bough by Patricia Rice.
3.5 stars
Diana Carrigton y Jonathan Drummond se conocen desde siempre, al fin y al cabo son vecinos… y amigos… ¿y quizás también algo más? Pero esta última opción no queda resuelta debido a la inesperada partida de Jonathan que decide alistarse y luchar contra Napoleón en un intento de escapar de la estropeada relación con su padre.
4 años después se reencuentran y tienen que luchar contra sus sentimientos pensando que el otro lo traicionó.
A pesar de que ésta ha sido mi favorita, también me ha resultado un poco apresurada, concentrada. No fluía. Unas páginas más hubiesen sido de agradecer.
***
In general, grosso modo, there you´ll find 3 very short stories (emphasis on very) of Christmas romances that have not come to delight me. I liked them, but not loved them.
The Snow Rose by Susan King.
3 stars.
Set in Scotland in the 1700s. Kenneth Fraser and Catriona MacDonald belong to enemy clans. They met each other when Catriona goes to her enemies for help to get back her birthright that her own family has denied to her.
I found this story rushed and a bit cheesy. It could have been better if the author had not opened so many fronts and have focused more on the romance. Unrealistic.
The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney.
2 stars.
A retelling of Beauty and the Beast´s story. Nothing original here. Lack of communication between the MC´s and feelings that I could barely see where they come from.
The Kissing Bough by Patricia Rice.
3.5 stars
Diana Carrigton and Jonathan Drummond have known each other forever, after all they are neighbors ... and friends ... and maybe something else? But this last option is not resolved due to the unexpected departure of Jonathan who decides to enlist and fight against Napoleon in an attempt to escape the damaged relationship with his father.
4 years later they are reunited again and have to fight against their feelings thinking that they were betrayed by the other.
Although this one has been my favorite, it has also been a bit rushed, distressingly concentrated. It did not flow. A few more pages would have been appreciated.
En general, grosso modo, han sido 3 historias muy cortas (énfasis en el muy) de romances navideños que no han llegado a deleitarme. Me han gustado, pero poco más.
The Snow Rose by Susan King.
3 stars.
Ambientada en Escocia en el 1700. Kenneth Fraser y Catriona MacDonald pertenecen a clanes enemigos. Ambos se conocen cuando Catriona acude a sus enemigos en busca de ayuda para conseguir que le devuelvan lo que le corresponde por nacimiento y su propia familia le ha negado.
He encontrado esta historia apresurada y un poquito empalagosa. Podría haber sido mejor si la autora no hubiese abierto tantos frentes y se hubiese centrado en el romance. Poco realista.
The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney.
2 stars.
Adaptación casi punto por punto del cuento de la Bella y la Bestia. Nada original aquí. Falta de comunicación entre la pareja protagonista y sentimientos que apenas pude ver de donde salen.
The Kissing Bough by Patricia Rice.
3.5 stars
Diana Carrigton y Jonathan Drummond se conocen desde siempre, al fin y al cabo son vecinos… y amigos… ¿y quizás también algo más? Pero esta última opción no queda resuelta debido a la inesperada partida de Jonathan que decide alistarse y luchar contra Napoleón en un intento de escapar de la estropeada relación con su padre.
4 años después se reencuentran y tienen que luchar contra sus sentimientos pensando que el otro lo traicionó.
A pesar de que ésta ha sido mi favorita, también me ha resultado un poco apresurada, concentrada. No fluía. Unas páginas más hubiesen sido de agradecer.
***
In general, grosso modo, there you´ll find 3 very short stories (emphasis on very) of Christmas romances that have not come to delight me. I liked them, but not loved them.
The Snow Rose by Susan King.
3 stars.
Set in Scotland in the 1700s. Kenneth Fraser and Catriona MacDonald belong to enemy clans. They met each other when Catriona goes to her enemies for help to get back her birthright that her own family has denied to her.
I found this story rushed and a bit cheesy. It could have been better if the author had not opened so many fronts and have focused more on the romance. Unrealistic.
The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney.
2 stars.
A retelling of Beauty and the Beast´s story. Nothing original here. Lack of communication between the MC´s and feelings that I could barely see where they come from.
The Kissing Bough by Patricia Rice.
3.5 stars
Diana Carrigton and Jonathan Drummond have known each other forever, after all they are neighbors ... and friends ... and maybe something else? But this last option is not resolved due to the unexpected departure of Jonathan who decides to enlist and fight against Napoleon in an attempt to escape the damaged relationship with his father.
4 years later they are reunited again and have to fight against their feelings thinking that they were betrayed by the other.
Although this one has been my favorite, it has also been a bit rushed, distressingly concentrated. It did not flow. A few more pages would have been appreciated.
December 9, 2019
4.25 stars overall - I enjoyed each story, but they seemed to get better as l moved through the anthology.
September 28, 2021
Buy now!
Three wonderful reads . I saw one typo, but who cares. You know you're going to read it immediately, so press BUY and enjoy!!
Three wonderful reads . I saw one typo, but who cares. You know you're going to read it immediately, so press BUY and enjoy!!
December 4, 2013
You can also find my review on my blog:
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/12...
The Snow Rose by Susan King
Catriona MacDonald is in need of help and calls on a promise made to her family years ago by her now enemy clan, the Frasers. She needs to regain control of her family’s estate from her uncle and knows they are the only ones that can help her. After being turned away and her plea for help falling upon deaf ears, she heads back to her makeshift home to ring in the New Year. Alone and in need of luck, she tries to lift her spirits and is surprised when Kenneth Fraser shows up at her door. He comes bearing gifts and well wishes but still won’t offer to help her take back her rightful home. But fate indeed had a plan for Kenneth and Catriona and has brought these two soul mates together. Together, they will be able to conquer anything, especially getting her home back.
I loved this story. I was instantly transported to 16th century Scotland with rich descriptions and dialogue worthy of the Highlands. Despite the length of the story, the characters were well developed and there was plenty of emotion and even a few laughs. Kenneth is a loyal man with a huge heart and a soft side that had me swooning. Catriona is a strong and resilient woman caring for the ones she loves and puts her own needs second. Together they prove to be a perfect match. The Snow Rose was a fantastic start to this collection!
The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney
Lord Falconer has the gifts of wealth and intelligence. He owns gorgeous properties and has traveled and visited many beautiful places. What he didn’t have the gift of were handsome looks. He was burned as a child and has kept himself hidden behind the hood of a cloak for too many years to count. It was easier to be thought a phantom than be known as a horrid looking monster. Resigned to the notion he would never take a wife, he was surprised when he had no other wish than to do just that after seeing the beautiful daughter of one of his debtors. As luck would have it, his debtor needed to marry his daughter, Ariel, off to a wealthy man so he could pay of his debts. Was it fate that Falconer happened to be wealthy and a creditor owed a substantial debt by this man? After hearing the name of the weasel she was going to be married off to, he stepped in and offered his hand. She was offered anything her heart desired and he promised it would remain a marriage in name alone. Never would such a beautiful woman love someone as hideous as he……or was it possible after all? They do say love is blind….
This was my absolute favorite story in the collection. A take on Beauty and the Beast, it was a beautiful story. Falconer broke my heart. He was warm and compassionate but never though himself worthy of love and affection. He had lived a life almost entirely alone and was so grateful to have this beautiful woman in his home. He was kind to his new bride and gave her everything she desired. The more time Ariel spent with Falconer, the more she started to fall in love with him and his reaction to it was fear and disbelief. Ultimately though, Ariel took a chance at showing him how she felt and it was simply perfect! This is a story that will stay with me for quite some time and deserves a re read very soon!
The Kissing Bough by Patricia Rice
Mourning over the recent death of her dear father, Diana Carrington certainly wasn’t in the mood to decorate her home for the holiday but she knew it had to be done. Her family needed a bit of happiness and on the chance that her brother would be returning home from war very soon, he would need that happiness as well. Of course, if her brother was set to return, it most likely means he would be coming home with his best friend, Jonathan. Jonathan, the young man she had been madly in love with before he went off to war four years earlier. She thought he had loved her too but when he didn’t send word about his departure, her heart had shattered. Clearly he hadn’t cared for her as much as she thought. She had no idea how wrong she was and luckily Jonathan would get a chance very soon to show her just how much he missed her and how much he truly did care for her.
The ending story to this anthology was a sweet finish. The Carrington family dynamic was fantastic with a mischievous set of twins that proved to be quite a handful. They had me laughing out loud a few times at their antics. Diana has a good head on her shoulders and wasn’t afraid to give Jonathan a piece of her mind more than once. I loved her spirit! Jonathan is a stand-up man not willing to let Diana go and his ability to bear his heart to her was so touching. The ending scene with Diana and Jonathan was so sweet and loving and just perfect.
Overall, this anthology was a win from start to finish and I recommend to anyone who loves love and the holiday season. Thank you, Susan, Mary Jo and Patricia, for three fabulous stories!
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/12...
The Snow Rose by Susan King
Catriona MacDonald is in need of help and calls on a promise made to her family years ago by her now enemy clan, the Frasers. She needs to regain control of her family’s estate from her uncle and knows they are the only ones that can help her. After being turned away and her plea for help falling upon deaf ears, she heads back to her makeshift home to ring in the New Year. Alone and in need of luck, she tries to lift her spirits and is surprised when Kenneth Fraser shows up at her door. He comes bearing gifts and well wishes but still won’t offer to help her take back her rightful home. But fate indeed had a plan for Kenneth and Catriona and has brought these two soul mates together. Together, they will be able to conquer anything, especially getting her home back.
I loved this story. I was instantly transported to 16th century Scotland with rich descriptions and dialogue worthy of the Highlands. Despite the length of the story, the characters were well developed and there was plenty of emotion and even a few laughs. Kenneth is a loyal man with a huge heart and a soft side that had me swooning. Catriona is a strong and resilient woman caring for the ones she loves and puts her own needs second. Together they prove to be a perfect match. The Snow Rose was a fantastic start to this collection!
The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney
Lord Falconer has the gifts of wealth and intelligence. He owns gorgeous properties and has traveled and visited many beautiful places. What he didn’t have the gift of were handsome looks. He was burned as a child and has kept himself hidden behind the hood of a cloak for too many years to count. It was easier to be thought a phantom than be known as a horrid looking monster. Resigned to the notion he would never take a wife, he was surprised when he had no other wish than to do just that after seeing the beautiful daughter of one of his debtors. As luck would have it, his debtor needed to marry his daughter, Ariel, off to a wealthy man so he could pay of his debts. Was it fate that Falconer happened to be wealthy and a creditor owed a substantial debt by this man? After hearing the name of the weasel she was going to be married off to, he stepped in and offered his hand. She was offered anything her heart desired and he promised it would remain a marriage in name alone. Never would such a beautiful woman love someone as hideous as he……or was it possible after all? They do say love is blind….
This was my absolute favorite story in the collection. A take on Beauty and the Beast, it was a beautiful story. Falconer broke my heart. He was warm and compassionate but never though himself worthy of love and affection. He had lived a life almost entirely alone and was so grateful to have this beautiful woman in his home. He was kind to his new bride and gave her everything she desired. The more time Ariel spent with Falconer, the more she started to fall in love with him and his reaction to it was fear and disbelief. Ultimately though, Ariel took a chance at showing him how she felt and it was simply perfect! This is a story that will stay with me for quite some time and deserves a re read very soon!
The Kissing Bough by Patricia Rice
Mourning over the recent death of her dear father, Diana Carrington certainly wasn’t in the mood to decorate her home for the holiday but she knew it had to be done. Her family needed a bit of happiness and on the chance that her brother would be returning home from war very soon, he would need that happiness as well. Of course, if her brother was set to return, it most likely means he would be coming home with his best friend, Jonathan. Jonathan, the young man she had been madly in love with before he went off to war four years earlier. She thought he had loved her too but when he didn’t send word about his departure, her heart had shattered. Clearly he hadn’t cared for her as much as she thought. She had no idea how wrong she was and luckily Jonathan would get a chance very soon to show her just how much he missed her and how much he truly did care for her.
The ending story to this anthology was a sweet finish. The Carrington family dynamic was fantastic with a mischievous set of twins that proved to be quite a handful. They had me laughing out loud a few times at their antics. Diana has a good head on her shoulders and wasn’t afraid to give Jonathan a piece of her mind more than once. I loved her spirit! Jonathan is a stand-up man not willing to let Diana go and his ability to bear his heart to her was so touching. The ending scene with Diana and Jonathan was so sweet and loving and just perfect.
Overall, this anthology was a win from start to finish and I recommend to anyone who loves love and the holiday season. Thank you, Susan, Mary Jo and Patricia, for three fabulous stories!
December 3, 2014
I could not resist purchasing this anthology since it is written by three authors I really enjoy. There is a rose motif in each story, but that is where the link between them ends. Each story is independent and can be read as a stand alone. Each author included a short note before their stories. I encourage you to read them...they were enjoyable. The recipes were also interesting.
Susan King, "The Snow Rose" 4 stars
King launches the anthology with a story that takes place during the 12 days of Christmas in medieval Scotland. A woman desperately wants to reclaim her right to her clan and her home but needs to call upon a favor from a neighboring (and somewhat enemy) clan. When the clan refuses to offer aid, one man follows her to offer assistance and ultimately love.
I liked the descriptions of the traditions and the "complete" feel of the story. I believed the two belonged together. Because it is a novella, I felt that the ending was resolved a little too quickly and neatly, but I still enjoyed the journey. The description of the bitter winter did make me want to grab a warm blanket though!
Mary Jo Putney, "The Black Beast if Belleterre" 5 stars
This is a classic retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story. A beautiful woman is saved from a terrible marriage forced upon her by a good man who has lived in isolation for his entire life due to a childhood accident that burned part of his face and hands. She is a sweet girl who comes to know her husband as a man with intelligence, wisdom, and wit, and despite the fact that she has never seen the face behind the cowl he always wears, comes to have love for him. He was drawn to her from the beginning and gives her everything just because of the joy he has in having a beautiful woman in his home. How they connect and ultimately discover each other is what fairytales are made of. One of the best retellings I've read.
I loved this one. It felt complete, and the characters were sweet and beautifully drawn. When I read that Mary Jo Putney wrote this in 2 weeks, I was floored because it is one of the best novellas I have read. I will be re-reading this in the future and I highly recommend the anthology simply so you have the joy of reading this.
Patricia Rice, "The Kissing Bough" 2 stars
A young woman and returning soldier rediscover love during the holiday season in this novella. Diana and Jonathan were best friends growing up and had eventually fallen in love, but after being separated for four years by war and a big misunderstanding, they struggle to find what was lost.
This novella, while often one of my favorite themes, just fell flat. The characters were often inconsistent and downright vicious to each other and I did not believe the ending because it came out of nowhere. I also found myself rolling my eyes at the misunderstanding that had kept them apart. After reading Mary Jo putney's novella, I wished I had stopped there. While I love Patricia Rice, this was not one of her best and could be skipped.
Susan King, "The Snow Rose" 4 stars
King launches the anthology with a story that takes place during the 12 days of Christmas in medieval Scotland. A woman desperately wants to reclaim her right to her clan and her home but needs to call upon a favor from a neighboring (and somewhat enemy) clan. When the clan refuses to offer aid, one man follows her to offer assistance and ultimately love.
I liked the descriptions of the traditions and the "complete" feel of the story. I believed the two belonged together. Because it is a novella, I felt that the ending was resolved a little too quickly and neatly, but I still enjoyed the journey. The description of the bitter winter did make me want to grab a warm blanket though!
Mary Jo Putney, "The Black Beast if Belleterre" 5 stars
This is a classic retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story. A beautiful woman is saved from a terrible marriage forced upon her by a good man who has lived in isolation for his entire life due to a childhood accident that burned part of his face and hands. She is a sweet girl who comes to know her husband as a man with intelligence, wisdom, and wit, and despite the fact that she has never seen the face behind the cowl he always wears, comes to have love for him. He was drawn to her from the beginning and gives her everything just because of the joy he has in having a beautiful woman in his home. How they connect and ultimately discover each other is what fairytales are made of. One of the best retellings I've read.
I loved this one. It felt complete, and the characters were sweet and beautifully drawn. When I read that Mary Jo Putney wrote this in 2 weeks, I was floored because it is one of the best novellas I have read. I will be re-reading this in the future and I highly recommend the anthology simply so you have the joy of reading this.
Patricia Rice, "The Kissing Bough" 2 stars
A young woman and returning soldier rediscover love during the holiday season in this novella. Diana and Jonathan were best friends growing up and had eventually fallen in love, but after being separated for four years by war and a big misunderstanding, they struggle to find what was lost.
This novella, while often one of my favorite themes, just fell flat. The characters were often inconsistent and downright vicious to each other and I did not believe the ending because it came out of nowhere. I also found myself rolling my eyes at the misunderstanding that had kept them apart. After reading Mary Jo putney's novella, I wished I had stopped there. While I love Patricia Rice, this was not one of her best and could be skipped.
December 30, 2013
This book was going to be a win-win for me because I’m new to only one of the authors in this anthology, Susan King and MJP and PR are my all time favorite authors and I’m in process of hunting down their back list for my Keeper shelf.
Plus, you can’t beat the free recipes that all of them are offering at the end of their stories: Oatmeal Brose, Potato Kale Soup, and Lamb’s Wool Punch may not grace my table this Christmas, but they sure were fun to read.
Here are my thoughts on their stories:
‘The Snow Rose’ by Susan King
Catriona MacDonald is determent to gain the rights from her uncle to her family’s estate and the only man that can help her is a Laird of an enemy clan, the Frasers.
The Laird isn’t much inclined to engage a MacDonald into a fight over a woman’s fancy, so he declines to aid her, but a warrior in his Hall feels that he might offer at least some help to a woman who’s left to fetch for herself in the middle of a winter storm.
My fellow reviewer Leah’s been the catalyst for me to start reading more Medieval romances, and this one’s very fast pacing and so heartwarming that will melt your heart, especially when you find out why Catriona chooses to live alone.
Kenneth was an Alpha male all the way, but still managed to be caring and smart; strong and loyal.
I’ve never been to Scotland but Ms. King did such a great job in describing the world of 16th Century in which Catriona lived in that I may as well have been there with her.
‘The Snow Rose’ will melt your heart!
‘The Black Beast of Belleterre’ by Mary Jo Putney
MJP does a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ so well in this short tale that you won’t even notice it’s a short story.
Lord Falconer is blessed with wealth and vast holdings, but not with good looks.
As a child he suffered an accident which left him disfigured, so he’s been hiding behind a hood. He long ago accepted his fate, and knew that he’d never feel the love of a woman or his child’s small hands around his neck.
Melanie for b2b
Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley
Plus, you can’t beat the free recipes that all of them are offering at the end of their stories: Oatmeal Brose, Potato Kale Soup, and Lamb’s Wool Punch may not grace my table this Christmas, but they sure were fun to read.
Here are my thoughts on their stories:
‘The Snow Rose’ by Susan King
Catriona MacDonald is determent to gain the rights from her uncle to her family’s estate and the only man that can help her is a Laird of an enemy clan, the Frasers.
The Laird isn’t much inclined to engage a MacDonald into a fight over a woman’s fancy, so he declines to aid her, but a warrior in his Hall feels that he might offer at least some help to a woman who’s left to fetch for herself in the middle of a winter storm.
My fellow reviewer Leah’s been the catalyst for me to start reading more Medieval romances, and this one’s very fast pacing and so heartwarming that will melt your heart, especially when you find out why Catriona chooses to live alone.
Kenneth was an Alpha male all the way, but still managed to be caring and smart; strong and loyal.
I’ve never been to Scotland but Ms. King did such a great job in describing the world of 16th Century in which Catriona lived in that I may as well have been there with her.
‘The Snow Rose’ will melt your heart!
‘The Black Beast of Belleterre’ by Mary Jo Putney
MJP does a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ so well in this short tale that you won’t even notice it’s a short story.
Lord Falconer is blessed with wealth and vast holdings, but not with good looks.
As a child he suffered an accident which left him disfigured, so he’s been hiding behind a hood. He long ago accepted his fate, and knew that he’d never feel the love of a woman or his child’s small hands around his neck.
Melanie for b2b
Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley
November 16, 2013
Susan King, Mary Jo Putney and Patricia Rice offer us three short stories about Christmas and family and love.
These writers are each talented and successful on her own. This book offers us all three at their best.
This anthology brings us 3 stories of England during the Regency and Victorian eras. We are given pictures of celebrations which bring people together.
Each of the stories has a romance, and each romance is different. We see couples overcome difficulty and misunderstanding to arrive at the realization that their love will provide a happy holiday season.
I believe this is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. With each story you will find love and happiness can overcome all to make Christmas a time of joy. In other words, these are romantic stories which provide optimistic outlooks on life, love and Christmas. I recommend this to a reader who wants to have a happy read for the holiday season.
Enjoy and treasure. These writers provide the reader with Christmas joy and love.
I won this book in a contest and the only thing asked was that I write a fair review. These thoughts and my recommendation are all my own.
These writers are each talented and successful on her own. This book offers us all three at their best.
This anthology brings us 3 stories of England during the Regency and Victorian eras. We are given pictures of celebrations which bring people together.
Each of the stories has a romance, and each romance is different. We see couples overcome difficulty and misunderstanding to arrive at the realization that their love will provide a happy holiday season.
I believe this is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. With each story you will find love and happiness can overcome all to make Christmas a time of joy. In other words, these are romantic stories which provide optimistic outlooks on life, love and Christmas. I recommend this to a reader who wants to have a happy read for the holiday season.
Enjoy and treasure. These writers provide the reader with Christmas joy and love.
I won this book in a contest and the only thing asked was that I write a fair review. These thoughts and my recommendation are all my own.
August 10, 2016
The Snow Rose by Susan King.
Includes recipe for "Oatmeal Brose".
Highlander story, 1573, with references to characters from other books (eg The Raven's Wish).
Reasonable story but a trite ending. Reasonably explicit. 3 stars.
The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney.
Includes recipe for "Potato Kale Soup".
Regency-esque with a true Beauty and the Beast story. Follows the traditional fairy tale faithfully.
Loved it. Sensual. 5 stars.
The Kissing Bough by Patricia Rice.
Regency, post-Burgos. In the style of Playton.
Nothing particularly special. Sweet. Clean. 3 stars.
Includes recipe for "Oatmeal Brose".
Highlander story, 1573, with references to characters from other books (eg The Raven's Wish).
Reasonable story but a trite ending. Reasonably explicit. 3 stars.
The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney.
Includes recipe for "Potato Kale Soup".
Regency-esque with a true Beauty and the Beast story. Follows the traditional fairy tale faithfully.
Loved it. Sensual. 5 stars.
The Kissing Bough by Patricia Rice.
Regency, post-Burgos. In the style of Playton.
Nothing particularly special. Sweet. Clean. 3 stars.
December 20, 2013
Review By: Lucy Bertoldi
Link to Review: http://www.romantichistoricalreviews....
Link to Review: http://www.romantichistoricalreviews....
September 7, 2025
Three lovely Christmas stories. I've read them all before, but enjoy each one every time I read them.
April 15, 2015
awww siempre he amado la historia de la bella y la bestia lo cual explica por qué leí esta
November 26, 2018
I enjoyed all three novellas, each gets a ★★★½. In order of preference: The Black Beast of Belleterre - The Kissing Bough - The Snow Rose
December 28, 2018
Lovely stories!
These ladies never fail to please. Each has their unique style. But the stories and snow Vela are absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend this book
These ladies never fail to please. Each has their unique style. But the stories and snow Vela are absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews