A Heartwarming Thanksgiving

by Amy Vastine

Count down to Thanksgiving with one of our 13 poignant Harlequin Heartwarming short stories. This is a time to get together with family and friends, and reconnect over pumpkin pie and hot apple cider…or read about the stories where heroes and heroines struggle to get their dream holiday!

Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine
Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty
Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker
Mr. Right All Along by Jennifer Snow
Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson
The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn
Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy
Thankful for You by Karen Rock
Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross
The Firefighter’s Promise by Kate James
Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb
The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara
Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis

Genres: Thanksgiving, Holiday, Contemporary

405 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily-ever-afters for all to read. Amy is an empty-nester living outside of Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband and their two sweet but mischievous pups. Visit her at amyvastine.com

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars) I love the cozy feeling that Thanksgiving brings. It's a time of family, gratitude, love, and food, but there's such a feeling of contentment, too. This collection of stories really brings those feelings home for me. Whether it's delivering a baby, falling for a soldier (or a cowboy or a doctor for that matter), planning a wedding (or pretty much eloping), these couples' stories all warmed my heart and soul, bringing a smile to my face.

I love how there is such a wide variety of guys in this collection, as well as about any trope a reader could want. For a reader, that is highly satisfying and it keeps the book interesting, as the only common themes throughout are romance and thanksgiving.

Speaking of romance, I don't have to worry about stumbling onto a steamy scene or encountering strong language with this line. I love how sweet each story is. Some stories had me melting, while others had me laughing out loud. Still others had me on the verge of tender tears, but they all left me satisfied. Each author has a strength and a unique writing style and although these stories are short, the authors really shine and do what they do best.

Let's not forget the recipes included--my, oh, my! My mouth was watering, just reading about those delicious sounding foods. I definitely need to make some of them soon.

Content: mild romance. Clean!

*I received a complimentary copy. This in no way affected my opinion--all thoughts are my own.*

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the Harlequin Heartwarming line. Honestly, I just love romantic fiction but I don’t love having to dodge a lot of profanity and especially don’t love having to sidestep steamy stuff. (ooo…. alliteration!) The Heartwarming line gives me another option in addition to the Christian fiction I so adore, and this A Heartwarming Thanksgiving collection gives me a taste of several authors that are now on my radar! Oh – and did I mention the yummy recipes?

Amy Vastine's story "Snow Day Baby" reminded me why I enjoy her books! It’s cute and sweet with a bit of medical drama and a hunky doctor to keep things interesting. The hunky doctor who just happens to be the formerly gawky childhood friend of the heroine, the one she’d never paid much attention to before now. And speaking of interesting… the kiss she plants on him at one point? WHEW! Already fanning and we’re still in the first story.

"Wedding at Turkey Run" by Liz Flaherty is full of humor and fun characters! While emphasizing the importance of friends and family, it’s also tenderly romantic – with two relationships in the spotlight.

In "Her Thanksgiving Soldier", author Leigh Riker pairs a solider facing his own demons with a woman who refuses to fall again for a man in uniform. This one is heartwrenching in parts and heartwarming in others. Their history together has you rooting for them from the start, and the ending will have you smiling through tears.

Jennifer Snow‘s "Mr. Right All Along" had me forgetting to breathe half the time! The chemistry between longtime best friends Aiden and Kayla is palpable and electric and … agonizing lol. Agonizing because Aiden is head over heels for her and she doesn’t see it. Aigh! Just about every scene between them is full of sparks (on their part) and breath-holding (on my part) – I love it!

"Falling For the Cowboy" by Sophia Sasson is a love story between a Greek beauty business-type and a country boy. Lots of humor at poor Elena’s expense (the roses!) make this a fun one, but there are plenty of sweet moments as well. A cute love story with some fantastic secondary characters.

In "The Marriage Gift", Tara Taylor Quinn brings us a tender story of a young married couple on their last legs. The divorce papers are almost signed, but an unexpected change of plans has them alone together at Thanksgiving perhaps for the last time. For all that several of these stories made me laugh, this one made me cry. Such a poignant look at marriage – its ups and downs and all the in-betweens – and the power of love.

"Heart of a Hero" by Pamela Tracy throws a bit of mystery and intrigue into the mix with a town full of secrets and a man trying to discover the truth. Despite being a short story, the mystery is really well done and entertaining. Moments of humor and of course romance help this story appeal to a variety of readers too!

Karen Rock‘s "Thankful For You" perfectly showcases her ability to write romance that steals your ability to breathe. It also has some pretty adorable children, a hunky fireman, and a spunky heroine. Along with all of the above, there’s a little bit of suspense (not mystery, more action) and a really heartwarming subplot.

In Carol Ross' "Autumn at Jasper Lake", a wounded soul of a dog brings together two people who know a thing or two about soul wounds. Some emotional topics are touched on in this story, but Ross treats them with grace and sensitivity. The romance is sweet and built on mutual respect, and you just want to hug all the dogs.

"The Firefighter's Promise" by Kate James is one of the most tender stories in the bunch, and it frequently had me melting as I read. Not just from the swoony things that Ryan the hunky firefighter says and does but because he's just so sweet and so is his family - and Jax hasn't had that in her life ever before. Watching her blossom under their care is a very special part of this whole collection.

Cari Lynn Webb's "Wedding of Her Dreams" is hilarious in parts and swoonilicous in others and sometimes both at the same time. The dogs are a hoot! Ruthie reminds me of myself, and Matt is just oh-so-yummy!!!

In The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara, we are treated to a second chance romance with another heartwarming subplot. A couple of them actually – as well as some heartwrenchingly tough and important topics. Topping it off like the whipped cream on pumpkin pie is a thread that had the history geek in me grinning like a fool.

Melinda Curtis‘ Married By Thanksgiving is a story ideal for a fun Hallmark movie. An impossible situation turns impossibly romantic, albeit not without a few bumps along the way. The romance is delicious, and I loved how Clinton stands up for Brenda and gives her the confidence she needs.

Bottom Line: Great stories by an all-star cast of authors will put you instantly in the mood for Thanksgiving. The recipes included after each one will make sure you’re ready for the big day! Love, romance, family, friendship, even a little mystery and a lot of tenderness – you are in for all this and so much more. An excellent collection without a weak story in the bunch!

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Mel Ashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t want to miss out on reading this wonderful collection of stories! I am happy and thankful to have received an advance review copy of A Heartwarming Thanksgiving!
I have yet to be disappointed in a Harlequin Heartwarming book and I really enjoyed this collection of 13 sweet Thanksgiving stories. Oh, and each story is followed by a mouthwatering recipes, too!

Here’s a little bit about some of the stories in this collection:

Snow Day by Amy Vastine
Scott and Sheridan run into each other at the airport as they head out for Thanksgiving in the midst of a snow storm. They knew each other back in high school and he’s now a hunk and no longer the gangly nerd. And she’s very pregnant and chafing at her family’s concern. Their flights are delayed and they spend time getting to know each other again. Amy has written a story with a bit of humor, a hero, and a baby! Perfect story for this Thanksgiving collection.

Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty
Jenny’s 73 year old Grandma is planning on eloping on Thanksgiving weekend. Jenny just wants to get away to somewhere tropical and adventurous and has a suitcase packed and ready. She and her Grandma had skydived years before and Jenny wants that feeling again. She also cannot forget the feelings she had with her tandem skydiving partner.
Zeke’s 75 year old Grandpa is eloping with Jenny’s Grandma. Jenny and Zeke are their attendants who aren’t quite sure of each other or the other’s grandparents. A series of some funny events draw them together as they plan for their grandparents’ wedding. What ensues is a cute story with a sweet twist.

Mr. Right All Along by Jennifer Snow
Aiden and Kayla met several years ago and have been in the “friend zone” ever since. Aiden has wanted to change that for awhile but the timing has always been wrong and this Thanksgiving is no different as Kayla’s current boyfriend is coming for Thanksgiving. And then the boyfriend is bringing his Mom and whole family. Aiden is a chef and Kayla doesn’t cook but needs to learn. Quick! This story has it’s funny moments and a very satisfying HEA.

Heart of A Hero by Pamela Tracy
Nathan is a former police officer, recently released from prison after covering up for his ex-wife. He’s back in town to try and figure out how he was kidnapped as a newborn. Shainey is the little town’s Dr. and she ends up teaming up with Nathan to help him find answers. Pamela has created a story with a little mystery, a little romance, and a lot of family importance. A great combination for Thanksgiving.

Autumn At Jasper Lake by Carol Rose
Ryder was in the Special Forces and was injured and is now moving to Alaska. He lost his dog and has a friend that is critically injured and is feeling survivor’s guilt. He just wants to be left alone. Along comes Jessie and her special foster dog, Fife. Ryder immediately begins to draw Fife out and Jessie thinks he’s a “Dog Whisperer”. Maybe being alone isn’t that important or what he needs...Love a strong man with a soft spot for dogs. Warning, there were a couple of tears reading this story.

The Firefighter’s Promise by Kate James
Jacqueline “Jax” owns a landscaping business and a motorcycle that is her pride and joy.
The story starts out with her trying to avoid an accident but crashing her bike anyway. Ryan is one of the firefighters that respond to the scene and later stays by her side in the hospital until she regains consciousness. Something draws him to her and he begins to spend time with her as she recovers in the hospital and, later, at home. She doesn’t trust her feelings. But he’s sure of his feelings. He’s strong and determined and sweet. He’s definitely my favourite character from all the stories.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compilation of short stories by 13 Harlequin Heartwarming authors is a great combination!

You have a story for just about every type of hero you could want with doctors, firefighters, chefs, soldiers, financiers, etc. all represented. Kids, animals, weddings, accidents, decades long secrets, reunions and more! A great Thanksgiving read!

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com is below:

This is a holiday anthology and each of the thirteen short stories was different from any other except that all the stories had Thanksgiving as its theme and each author included a holiday recipe at the end of their story. I may be giving some of the recipes a try since they sound so delicious. There was also a reunion of some type where someone from their past shows up unexpectedly or they get a second chance at love. The stories although short and very quick reads had well defined characters and plots. I did wish some of the stories were longer and had better closure as I came to the end. Some of the authors I've read before but many were new to me authors.

Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine drew me in from the beginning. Dr. Scott Spencer unexpectedly runs into a family he knows from his hometown at the Chicago airport during a major snowstorm. He's heading home for an interview and they're on their way to a family member's house in Florida to celebrate the holiday. Rita and her daughters, Daisy and Sheridan, are on edge due to the weather but additionally since Sheridan is very pregnant and going to be a single mom. Scott and Sheridan have a history from high school that wasn't too pleasant but she and her sister are looking at him with new eyes since he no longer looks like a nerd but a hunk! There's definitely an attraction between he and Sheridan and as they keep getting thrown together at the airport he's always there when she needs him. There were a few twists and turns to the story along with trust being earned and some closure but the ending was too abrupt. Vastine is a fairly new to me author only having read The Girl He Used to Love and I will be giving some of her other books a try since I enjoy her style of writing.

Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty has grandparents acting younger than their years and their grandchildren wondering what's going on with them. Emma and Travis are a hoot but her granddaughter, Jenny, a teacher and his grandson, Zeke, a fireman, aren't totally with the program. As they spend more time together they find they have more in common than first thought and there's a reason for that. There is definitely chemistry between them when they let their guard down and they're quite the team when they put their heads together. The wedding was a delight. There are a few unexpected twists and several happily ever afters. The epilogue was unexpected but definitely welcome and tied up some loose ends. Flaherty is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books.

Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker has childhood friends Daisy and Caleb meeting up at her family home since he expected her brother Jared to be there. He's surprised when Daisy insists he stay for Thanksgiving and wait for Jared and his wife to return from their trip. Caleb is on leave from the military trying to decide if it's time to get out and do something else with his life or go back. She had a devastating loss in her life that makes her shy away from anyone in uniform. They have chemistry but will they act on it? They reminisced and talked about their lives and Daisy tried to help Caleb with his decision and flashbacks. We learned about some of the others on his team too. There seemed to be some gaps in the story since there were conclusions reached in a few instances that were barely talked about. Some closure but not enough for me. Could there be a happily ever after in the future? Riker is a new to me author and I hope to give some of her other books a try. Her recipe for her Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole has me longing for Thanksgiving and I've always enjoyed the leftovers more than the meal itself!

Mr. Right All Along by Jennifer Snow is a continuation of her Brookhollow series which I've really enjoyed but this story was way too short at under thirty pages! Aiden and Kayla have been best friends forever but she's always dated people that are wrong for her. Kayla just doesn't have a clue. Can't she see what's right in front of her as Aiden tries to keep his feelings hidden? Her boyfriend of only one month is really pushing things but only what benefits him. There are a few twists but quite a few predictable moments with food and the B&B at its core. Nice closure with a presumed happily ever after. Snow is one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read more of her books.

Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson wasn't my favorite book although it does have a happily ever after in the offing. Dylan and Elena live in Chicago and have been dating for two years. They are together all the time and live across the hall from each other. They have dreams but they all blow up when they return to his small hometown that he couldn't get away from fast enough when he was younger. There, Cowboy Dylan surfaces and he seems to have forgotten how he acts as a lawyer but also everything he knows about Elena and what's important to her. There were a few twists and turns and some comedic moments too. The flower incidents were laugh out loud moments for me. Sasson is a new to me author and I would give another book or two of hers a try to see if I like the premise any better.

The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn was depressing due to a lack of communication between Corrine and Joe who were set to sign their divorce papers after Thanksgiving. But even though they were divorcing they wanted to remain friends which meant that they would spend time together as well as share holidays. Neither one would talk about their real feelings until it's almost too late. When their friend Janie and her special needs son have other plans for Thanksgiving it's almost too much. Will they be able to spend the day alone together with so many memories of past Thanksgiving celebrations closing in on them? There was a lot of angst and tears but a few unexpected twists especially when secrets, or maybe lies, were brought to light. There were several happily ever afters and nice closure that I didn't expect. Quinn is an author whose books I have had on my always growing TBR pile but haven't gotten around to yet. I hope that will change shortly.

Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy was a very different type of story. There were kidnappings and baby snatchings and it all happened more than forty years ago. The angst and disbelief were real and Nathan didn't know who he really was even though the mystery of his parenting was solved. Having been in prison after being a cop really had him at a low point in his life. Shainey, a doctor, and her Aunt Agatha, the retired librarian, were also front and center along with the mystery to be solved. The dynamics between the three of them were believable and the ending left me wanting more. I've previously read her book, Daddy for Keeps, and found it to be an enjoyable read.

Thankful for You by Karen Rock has Eric, a fire lieutenant, and Maggie, co-owner of a diner in their small town, at odds since they broke up six months before. Eric had cold feet about ever marrying or having kids due to his job. When their paths start to cross over and over again after having avoided each other since their breakup sparks still do fly and their chemistry is still there. When they work together along with the others in the fire department to give foster kids a nice Thanksgiving things are looking up for everyone or is it? There are rescues, cute kids, reminisces, tears, hurt and anger along with love. Nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing. I've read a few books by Rock and have always enjoyed them.

Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross drew me right in. There's something about stories that are set in Alaska that call to me. Ryder moves to Alaska to get away from his demons from the war but does it help? He meets Jessie who has had losses of her own to deal with. She rescues dogs and one of the dogs takes an interest in Ryder which surprises her since the dog Fife is very standoffish and hasn't taken an interest in anything and doesn't like anyone. Watching Ryder and Fife drawn to each other was heartwarming as was seeing Jessie be there for Ryder. There was some closure with a happily ever after in the offing, maybe. Ross is a new to me author and I will be adding some of her books to my always growing TBR pile especially those set at Christmas or in Alaska.

The Firefighter's Promise by Kate James is definitely one of my favorite stories in the anthology. Ryan, a firefighter, is an all around good guy and makes it his mission to help Jax, the owner of a landscaping business, when she's injured in a motorcycle accident. There are so many heartwarming moments throughout especially when Jax learns how to take help from others and hears and sees how a real family acts. Her half-brother, Kyle, who's only six, seems like a cutie even if his mom is her very evil stepmother. The tradition Ryan's family follows at Thanksgiving with gift giving is a wonderful idea and really gives a nice meaning to their Thanksgiving dinner and holiday. There are some twists and turns along with nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing. James is a new to me author but I look forward to reading more of her books.

Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb is definitely different. Outdoor weddings that need to be hiked to, dogs in the wedding party and lots of organic food both for the before party, Thanksgiving and the wedding. Everything falls to Ruthie, the bride's sister and slave. No one cares that she's hurting because her fiancé had left her at the altar and this wedding that she's so immersed in is bringing back so many bad memories. Best man, Matt, and Ruthie haven't seen each other in years but apparently they've had a crush on each other forever. Seeing how he gets her, cares for her and wants to take care of her was heartwarming. He also was good for her self-esteem! The happily ever after in the offing was nice to see although the ending was a little too abrupt for me. Webb is a new to me author.

The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara was hard for me to get into. Serena is an environmentalist tied to a tree to save it from being cut down. It belongs to her neighbor, Austin, who she and her deceased brother Gale grew up with and the tree holds special meaning and memories for them. Austin, now a police officer, makes her life miserable but she doesn't help herself either. She's never come to grips with her loss but this Thanksgiving she's forced to face facts by her parents and Austin. A few unexpected moments and a heartwarming one with her dad was truly satisfying. A nice resolution to the story that was unexpected and the epilogue was a very nice touch. Sinara is a new to me author.

Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis had definite comedic moments whether in the courthouse, at the county clerk's office or at the jail. Brenda, a lawyer, and Clinton, a football player and her client, didn't hit it off from the beginning. She was a by the book attorney coming from a long line of lawyers and he just wanted to be able to play in his game on Sunday. Watching their interactions had me smiling throughout but it was hard to watch how her uncle, the judge, played them both. There are unexpected twists to the story but love may yet triumph with a happily ever after in the offing that seems too soon to come about. There was some closure but an epilogue would have been great. Curtis is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection!!! A must have! Grab your copy readers.

What a lovely collection of stories, a second chance in family, love and even pets! Truly remarkable stories, I love how the author give life to there characters and the best part is, its not always the hero rescues the heroine but the other way around. And there is a surprise inside for readers from authors specially ;)
This collection is not only a holiday read, when you're feeling down and in need of cheering, grab this and re-read - I did and I loved it, it's a magical story for me. Working overseas all by myself is difficult and books is a big part of my everyday routine and so far this is my best read this month!

Highly recommended!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Easter stories, Halloween stories, Christmas stories...every kind of holiday stories for that matter, so why not add Thanksgiving stories to the list? Harlequin Heartwarming authors have come together and gift you a wonderful collection of short stories with Thanksgiving as the overall theme. This is a set of thirteen fabulous individual stories that I guarantee will warm your heart and make you sigh more times than one. Each title has wonderful characters, great storylines and romance too and the best part is that it is a quick yet satisfying read. So grab your copy and curl up in a comfy seat and prepare to be whisked away to a place where the sun is bright, the snow is white and the people are always happy.

Highly Recommended
5 Stars

[Becca Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful combination of short stories by 13 Harlequin Heartwarming authors is a absolute must read!!!
No matter your preference this collection is sure to have something you will enjoy!! Personally I also found some new authors I had never read and this was a wonderful way to be introduced to them!!
In this collection you will find it all: Doctors, chefs, ex-cops, firefighters, war vets, and country boys in stories that have sweet comedy, a little mystery, kids, animals, second chances, and love conquers all!!
Truly a well-rounded, eclectic collection that honestly has something for everyone!! A beautiful holiday read that I thoroughly enjoyed!!!

[Beth Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best bargain of the season. A baker's dozen of romantic Thanksgiving stories with strong, relatable heroines and irresistible heroes, and every one of the stories is truly heartwarming. Soldiers, firefighters, atheletes, doctors - they’re all there. Plus one of my favorite lines of all time. When the soldier protests about his relationship to the heroine, “It’s not like that,” he’s told, “Henderson, it’s always like that.” And as if that weren’t enough, each author has included a special holiday recipe. So read, cook, and love. And be thankful.

Disclosure: I was given an advance copy for review.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic collection of 13 short stories that will warm your heart, tickle your funny bone, and remind you of what is really important for this holiday season. You'll find all sorts of heroes and heroines (doctors, firemen, businessmen, chefs, soldiers....) and all your favorite tropes on the pages of this book. Each story is perfect for a quick lunchtime read and will leave you with a smile on your face. It's the perfect way to get introduced to new authors you may not have read before. I definitely found a couple I'm going to be reading more from! This is one I highly recommend.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

13 stories for 4.99...how can you go wrong? Every story is a wonderful and unique addition to this anthology. From personal favorites Jennifer Snow and Melinda Curtis to new-to-me authors Amy Vadtine and a Sophia Sasson, there's not a weak one in the bunch. I honestly cannot even pick a favorite, that's how much I loved them all. I enjoy reading both short stories and book sets, because I'm guaranteed to love a few, like most...and even if I don't, they're short. This is the best set I've read in a little no time because it surpassed those expectations by a mile!!
Don't miss these wonderful stories from a fabulous collaboration of authors!

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author

This is a holiday anthology and each of the thirteen short stories was different from any other except that all the stories had Thanksgiving as its theme and each author included a holiday recipe at the end of their story.  I may be giving some of the recipes a try since they sound so delicious.  There was also a reunion of some type where someone from their past shows up unexpectedly or they get a second chance at love. The stories although short and very quick reads had well defined characters and plots.  I did wish some of the stories were longer and had better closure as I came to the end.  Some of the authors I've read before but many were new to me authors.

Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine drew me in from the beginning.  Dr. Scott Spencer unexpectedly runs into a family he knows from his hometown at the Chicago airport during a major snowstorm.  He's heading home for an interview and they're on their way to a family member's house in Florida to celebrate the holiday.  Rita and her daughters, Daisy and Sheridan, are on edge due to the weather but additionally since Sheridan is very pregnant and going to be a single mom.  Scott and Sheridan have a history from high school that wasn't too pleasant but she and her sister are looking at him with new eyes since he no longer looks like a nerd but a hunk!  There's definitely an attraction between he and Sheridan and as they keep getting thrown together at the airport he's always there when she needs him.  There were a few twists and turns to the story along with trust being earned and some closure but the ending was too abrupt.  Vastine is a fairly new to me author only having read The Girl He Used to Love and I will be giving some of her other books a try since I enjoy her style of writing.

Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty has grandparents acting younger than their years and their grandchildren wondering what's going on with them.  Emma and Travis are a hoot but her granddaughter, Jenny, a teacher and his grandson, Zeke, a fireman, aren't totally with the program.  As they spend more time together they find they have more in common than first thought and there's a reason for that.  There is definitely chemistry between them when they let their guard down and they're quite the team when they put their heads together.  The wedding was a delight. There are a few unexpected twists and several happily ever afters.  The epilogue was unexpected but definitely welcome and tied up some loose ends.  Flaherty is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books.

Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker has childhood friends Daisy and Caleb meeting up at her family home since he expected her brother Jared to be there.  He's surprised when Daisy insists he stay for Thanksgiving and wait for Jared and his wife to return from their trip.  Caleb is on leave from the military trying to decide if it's time to get out and do something else with his life or go back.  She had a devastating loss in her life that makes her shy away from anyone in uniform. They have chemistry but will they act on it?  They reminisced and talked about their lives and Daisy tried to help Caleb with his decision and flashbacks.  We learned about some of the others on his team too.  There seemed to be some gaps in the story since there were conclusions reached in a few instances that were barely talked about.  Some closure but not enough for me.  Could there be a happily ever after in the future?  Riker is a new to me author and I hope to give some of her other books a try.  Her recipe for her Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole has me longing for Thanksgiving and I've always enjoyed the leftovers more than the meal itself!

Mr. Right All Along by Jennifer Snow is a continuation of her Brookhollow series which I've really enjoyed but this story was way too short at under thirty pages!  Aiden and Kayla have been best friends forever but she's always dated people that are wrong for her.  Kayla just doesn't have a clue.  Can't she see what's right in front of her as Aiden tries to keep his feelings hidden?  Her boyfriend of only one month is really pushing things but only what benefits him.  There are a few twists but quite a few predictable moments with food and the B&B at its core.  Nice closure with a presumed happily ever after.  Snow is one of my favorite authors.  I can't wait to read more of her books.

Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson wasn't my favorite book although it does have a happily ever after in the offing.  Dylan and Elena live in Chicago and have been dating for two years.  They are together all the time and live across the hall from each other.  They have dreams but they all blow up when they return to his small hometown that he couldn't get away from fast enough when he was younger.  There, Cowboy Dylan surfaces and he seems to have forgotten how he acts as a lawyer but also everything he knows about Elena and what's important to her.  There were a few twists and turns and some comedic moments too.  The flower incidents were laugh out loud moments for me. Sasson is a new to me author and I would give another book or two of hers a try to see if I like the premise any better.

The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn was depressing due to a lack of communication between Corrine and Joe who were set to sign their divorce papers after Thanksgiving.  But even though they were divorcing they wanted to remain friends which meant that they would spend time together as well as share holidays.  Neither one would talk about their real feelings until it's almost too late.  When their friend Janie and her special needs son have other plans for Thanksgiving it's almost too much.  Will they be able to spend the day alone together with so many memories of past Thanksgiving celebrations closing in on them?  There was a lot of angst and tears but a few unexpected twists especially when secrets, or maybe lies, were brought to light.  There were several happily ever afters and nice closure that I didn't expect.  Quinn is an author whose books I have had on my always growing TBR pile but haven't gotten around to yet.  I hope that will change shortly.

Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy was a very different type of story.  There were kidnappings and baby snatchings and it all happened more than forty years ago.  The angst and disbelief were real and Nathan didn't know who he really was even though the mystery of his parenting was solved. Having been in prison after being a cop really had him at a low point in his life.  Shainey, a doctor, and her Aunt Agatha, the retired librarian, were also front and center along with the mystery to be solved. The dynamics between the three of them were believable and the ending left me wanting more.  I've previously read her book, Daddy for Keeps, and found it to be an enjoyable read.

Thankful for You by Karen Rock has Eric, a fire lieutenant, and Maggie, co-owner of a diner in their small town, at odds since they broke up six months before.  Eric had cold feet about ever marrying or having kids due to his job.  When their paths start to cross over and over again after having avoided each other since their breakup sparks still do fly and their chemistry is still there.  When they work together along with the others in the fire department to give foster kids a nice Thanksgiving things are looking up for everyone or is it?  There are rescues, cute kids, reminisces, tears, hurt and anger along with love.  Nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing.  I've read a few books by Rock and have always enjoyed them.

Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross drew me right in.  There's something about stories that are set in Alaska that call to me.  Ryder moves to Alaska to get away from his demons from the war but does it help?  He meets Jessie who has had losses of her own to deal with.  She rescues dogs and one of the dogs takes an interest in Ryder which surprises her since the dog Fife is very standoffish and hasn't taken an interest in anything and doesn't like anyone.  Watching Ryder and Fife drawn to each other was heartwarming as was seeing Jessie be there for Ryder.  There was some closure with a happily ever after in the offing, maybe.  Ross is a new to me author and I will be adding some of her books to my always growing TBR pile especially those set at Christmas or in Alaska.

The Firefighter's Promise by Kate James is definitely one of my favorite stories in the anthology.  Ryan, a firefighter, is an all around good guy and makes it his mission to help Jax, the owner of a landscaping business, when she's injured in a motorcycle accident.  There are so many heartwarming moments throughout especially when Jax learns how to take help from others and hears and sees how a real family acts.  Her half-brother, Kyle, who's only six, seems like a cutie even if his mom is her very evil stepmother.  The tradition Ryan's family follows at Thanksgiving with gift giving is a wonderful idea and really gives a nice meaning to their Thanksgiving dinner and holiday.  There are some twists and turns along with nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing.  James is a new to me author but I look forward to reading more of her books.

Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb is definitely different.  Outdoor weddings that need to be hiked to, dogs in the wedding party and lots of organic food both for the before party, Thanksgiving and the wedding.  Everything falls to Ruthie, the bride's sister and slave.  No one cares that she's hurting because her fiancé had left her at the altar and this wedding that she's so immersed in is bringing back so many bad memories.  Best man, Matt, and Ruthie haven't seen each other in years but apparently they've had a crush on each other forever.  Seeing how he gets her, cares for her and wants to take care of her was heartwarming.  He also was good for her self-esteem! The happily ever after in the offing was nice to see although the ending was a little too abrupt for me.  Webb is a new to me author.

The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara was hard for me to get into.  Serena is an environmentalist tied to a tree to save it from being cut down.  It belongs to her neighbor, Austin, who she and her deceased brother Gale grew up with and the tree holds special meaning and memories for them.  Austin, now a police officer, makes her life miserable but she doesn't help herself either.  She's never come to grips with her loss but this Thanksgiving she's forced to face facts by her parents and Austin.  A few unexpected moments and a heartwarming one with her dad was truly satisfying.  A nice resolution to the story that was unexpected and the epilogue was a very nice touch.  Sinara is a new to me author.

Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis had definite comedic moments whether in the courthouse, at the county clerk's office or at the jail.  Brenda, a lawyer, and Clinton, a football player and her client, didn't hit it off from the beginning.  She was a by the book attorney coming from a long line of lawyers and he just wanted to be able to play in his game on Sunday.  Watching their interactions had me smiling throughout but it was hard to watch how her uncle, the judge, played them both.  There are unexpected twists to the story but love may yet triumph with a happily ever after in the offing that seems too soon to come about.  There was some closure but an epilogue would have been great.  Curtis is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Kaylee Nizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!! This is such a wonderful heartwarming box set to read. 13 wonderful authors all wrote fabulous stories. They are all short shorties so it is a quick and easy read. The word Heartwarming is the best way to describe these stories. There is plenty of romance in the stories. With Thanksgiving around the corner the books are perfect. I highly recommend reading this box set.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the stories in this collection! I was looking for something that I could enjoy leading up to Thanksgiving. This collection fit perfectly. With a variety of authors there is a mix of tropes. All of them are clean with happy endings. They are sure to warm you while they bring Thanksgiving to you. Each story has a recipe from the author at the end. I love these types of books because they are short stories that can be read quickly and they may introduce you to new authors to explore. I have some favorite authors in this who did not fail me; Amy Vastine, Liz Flaherty, Carol Ross, Cari Lynn Webb, and Melinda Curtis. The new to me authors; Leigh Riker, Jennifer Snow, Sophia Sasson, Tara Taylor Quinn, Pamela Tracy, Karen Rock, Kate James, and Rula Sinara, delighted me. I would recommend any of these authors. If you come across this book somewhere, (it's older so I'm not sure if it was a limited special collection from Harlequin), be sure to get it. I don't think you will be disappointed.  

[Skye Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming stories for a cozy holiday

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of Thanksgiving tales of love from second chance stories to the most unlikely matches. Curl up in a cozy chair and prepare to be entertained.

[Penney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good stories in this book I loved them all and found some new Authors for myself. I highly recommend this one.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean and well written romances.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving by various Harlequin Authors
Love the idea of this book because so many new authors for me to discover along with old ones that I like to read their stories. Also each story comes with a recipe for the holiday meal.
Read all the books and can't select just one book as my favorite. Each one teaches me about new places and things I want to see for myself. A turkey farm, sounds so easy but we've never been to one.
Each one also has a feeling of not only family but others who enjoy helping others.
Some favorite novellas: a pregnant woman who meets up with a man from high school days who not only delivers her child in an airport...
An old woman who's spent 12 years as a widow and has found another love draws the other members of the family together for the ceremony.
Soldiers home for the holidays...loved hearing about all the careers the characters have, learning new words and learning about new places as they are so detailed you want to step into the book.
Love parts where others bring those less fortunate home for a hot meal as that is something we do.
Other heroes stories: policemen, firemen and men served in the military along with school teachers and other service people and their stories.
Also liked the one about the family tree and what it symbolizes about the past and the future.
Some lengths some go through, amazing!
I received this book from Prism Book Tours in exchange for my honest review


Merged review:

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving by various Harlequin Authors
Love the idea of this book because so many new authors for me to discover along with old ones that I like to read their stories. Also each story comes with a recipe for the holiday meal.
Read all the books and can't select just one book as my favorite. Each one teaches me about new places and things I want to see for myself. A turkey farm, sounds so easy but we've never been to one.
Each one also has a feeling of not only family but others who enjoy helping others.
Some favorite novellas: a pregnant woman who meets up with a man from high school days who not only delivers her child in an airport...
An old woman who's spent 12 years as a widow and has found another love draws the other members of the family together for the ceremony.
Soldiers home for the holidays...loved hearing about all the careers the characters have, learning new words and learning about new places as they are so detailed you want to step into the book.
Love parts where others bring those less fortunate home for a hot meal as that is something we do.
Other heroes stories: policemen, firemen and men served in the military along with school teachers and other service people and their stories.
Also liked the one about the family tree and what it symbolizes about the past and the future.
Some lengths some go through, amazing!
I received this book from Prism Book Tours in exchange for my honest review

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

There just aren't enough Thanksgiving-themed romances out there...

...a problem that A Heartwarming Thanksgiving clearly set out to resolve! This collection of holiday-themed short stories, many of which are short fillers for various authors' series, is perfect to put you in the holiday mood, whether you sit down to read one or two in a spare moment of time or you inhale the entire collection.

Some highlights:

"Snow Day Baby" by Amy Vastine is a second chance romance where the geeky nice guy from high school finally gets the girl :)

"Wedding at Turkey Run" by Liz Flaherty is a romance--and Thanksgiving wedding--times two!

In Leigh Riker's "Her Thanksgiving Soldier", an elite, special ops team solider finally finds his place in the world, thanks to the girl he left behind.

"Mr. Right All Along" by Jennifer Snow is a sweet best-friends-to-lovers romance involving charred turkey and three stitches ;)

"The Marriage Gift" by Tara Taylor Quinn gives a behind-the-scenes-look at For Love or Money 's heroine Janie's BFF Corrine and her maybe soon-to-be-ex Joe's relationship. If you've read FLOM, you'll remember the couple from all of the help and support they give the heroine; even if you haven't, Ms. Quinn manages to draw you into their world quickly, making you truly care about what happens to them in just a few pages. (And then, of course, totally teasing you into wanting to find out what will happen to Janie in her book!)

"The Sweetheart Tree" by Rula Sinara is a second-chance romance story, with a hero and heroine who suffered through a terrible tragedy that tore them apart forever. Or did it? Can a Thanksgiving together help them to heal?

Just as fabulous as the stories, each one is followed by a recipe from the author for something that would make a fabulous addition to your Thanksgiving table (or any day's, really!)--plus, there's pictures!

Altogether it's a win-win: short stories for a busy holiday season, delicious romances, and even yummier recipes. Who could possibly resist?

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

You couldn't ask for a better Thanksgiving themed collection of stories. And the quality of work will blow you away! I was led through story after story and each time felt as though I was getting a full length novel in the strong characters and story lines. It is one that I will go back to each November to get me in the Thanksgiving spirit.

Full review at: https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anthologies and this one was no exception. Each story was enjoyable and quick to read in between other daily activities. The authors have a great hit on their hands. I highly recommend this set!