Festive Treats

by Heide Goody

A delicious selection box of Christmas tales

Festive Treats is a selection box of Christmas tales stuffed full of delicious delights and surprises. Fifteen of the best writers around present you with seasonal stories that are, by turns, joyful, wondrous, bittersweet and heart-warming.

Includes stories
AA Abbott
Justin Lee Anderson
James Brogden
David Croser
Margaret Egrot
Katharine D’Souza
Simon Fairbanks
Heide Goody
Iain Grant
Hilary Mortz
Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn
Suzanna Stanbury
RE Vance
A Stuart Williams
Debbie Young

Genres: Short Stories, Christmas

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2016

Reviews

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful collection of slightly oddball Holiday themed short stories by some the best new writers in the UK, Heide Goody is the author of the Clovenhoof series and her contributions were familiar to me. This is an offbeat fun Holiday collection with Sci-fi and fantasy elements.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Festive treats is a compendium of tales about the Yuletide. As with any selection box there are those that do not appeal so much, but like the last coffee cream in the tin, ultimately you find that it is in actual fact quite tasty when you get down to it!

I had read the Jeremy Clovenhoof stories by Heide Goody and Iain Grant previously in their collection “Mythfits”. Here they bookend this collection rather wonderfully. Fun and darkly funny, they are cheeky and cheerful!

Some of the stories are moving and heartwarming. The story of Mary’s lone Christmas, standing above the rest in the bunch, I feared another outcome, which is testament to the cleverness of how made the story unfurl, the resolution made me joyously happy! Margaret Egrot has written a truly beautiful story.

There is actually quite a fair amount of social commentary at work here too as we consider the darker side of the festive season, when family fractures, loneliness and hopelessness intensify. We try to create and live a “perfect Christmas card” holiday, coerced into enforced socialisations we would not ordinarily choose to engage in, or exacerbating our isolation when making comparisons with others.

Some authors cleverly play with familiar traditions or figures of the festive season.
Warning: Some very twisted minds are at work here, the Christian in me comically aghast at Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn for suggesting such a thing

All the stories are infinitely readable and all without fail are excellent advertisements for the further work of the contributors.

I suggest this to anyone who is jaded by the saccharin annual dose of Dickens or as an antidote to stale traditional Christmas stories of miracles and butter cookies, these stories have bite but are still delicious.
PS. I actually Adore Dickens and read A Christmas Carol every year…. Sickly sweet can be desirable in a Christmas ghost story!!

[Sarah Maleficent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Festive treats is what I would call, your alternative book of Christmas stories. It's a compilation of stories and poems from a variety of truly talented authors each of whom have their own unique view on what makes a Christmas story. None of your fluffy stories here, this is full of laugh out loud short stories and poems. Not to mention the darker, edgier and completely unique ones.
Some of the authors I've read and liked before, hence my reason for reading this. I had certain expectations and I wasn't disappointed. The first story, written by Heide Goody was my favourite. I loved it and as a result, will never look at angel Gabriel in the same way again! Like every anthology of short stories, you won't like them all. But that does not in any way diminish the pleasure of reading this book.
Although not a typical christmassy read, it will definitely give you the same warm feeling inside. I'd recommend this to all who'd like a walk on the festively eccentric side of the Christmas life.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mixture of funny, feel good and spooky short stories; I really enjoyed this book. There were stories from authors I am familiar with (Heide Goody, Iain Grant and Hilary Mortz) so it was lovely to catch up with characters I have become aquainted with in other novels. I can never help but giggle at the antics of the Archangels, Jeremy and Selwyn.

I also loved RE Vance's short based in Paradise Lot, so much so that I downloaded the original books as soon as I had finished!

A perfect read to dip in and out of to get you in the festive frame of mind.

Thanks to TBC for the opportunity to read this book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely, if rather eclectic, mix of yuletide short stories. I really enjoyed reading these tales, some are feel-good, others somewhat irreverent and cheeky, and a few slightly darker takes on the Christmas season. For me, there is something for everyone and it is definitely well worth a read to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Thanks to TBC for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[Amy Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for a review. Whilst I dont normally enjoy short stories, there were a few in this book that were a little bit longer and so you could interact with the characters more. Obviously there were a couple in the collection that were not to my taste but generally I enjoyed them

[Kaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Festive Treats deliver's a diverse collection of Christmas Tales, there is a tale to please everyone, I loved these as they were short stories with just enough sparkle..though watch out there are a couple of dark sparkles in the collection too!, they will lift your spirit, make you smile and give you that jinglebell feeling, the perfect book to go with a mince pie....or two!!.

[Swordfish]

This collection of short stories really got me in the Christmas mood - which isn't usual for me in October! There are funny stories, heart-warming stories and a few very different takes on the traditional Christmas tale. Amusing and thought-provoking, overall very enjoyable :)

[Margaret McCulloch-Keeble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some lovely Xmas stories ranging from heartwarming and lovely to downright silly with a little side order of slightly creepy. Special mentions go to Iain Grant, Heide Goody, Hilary Mortz, James Brogden and Justin Lee Anderson. Easy to read at this somewhat blurry time of the year, so thanks for that.

[Rose English · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little Christmas Freebie and well worth downloading. It contains a wonderful selection of short seasonal reads two that particularly stood out for me were

'A Partridge in a Tree' by Simon Fairbanks about a little boy who just wants to spend some time with his real father, and to get his attention he climbs and takes up residence in the massive Christmas Tree in Birmingham's City Center (UK) much to the annoyance of one of the town Councillors who wants the tree taken down. After all Christmas is OVER!

I also loved

'How was it for you Joseph?' by Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn the story of Josephs thoughts on his beloved Mary giving birth after she tells everyone she was visited by an angel.

The other stories are a real mix of good and mediocre but it is worth downloading just for the aforementioned alone :-)

[Hilary Mortz · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I have written a story included in this compilation, (which I'll let someone else review if they like) so I will concentrate on the other contributions**

Festive Treats is a 'selection box' of quirky, funny, dark and edgy festive tales from the team who brought you the Clovenhoof novels.

There's not a dull moment in this little winter warmer, each story is a classic in its own individual way.

Oh and in keeping with the festive feel, it's free on kindle.

Santa has truly come early this year.

[Tom MacCasurlaigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of short stories has a little something for almost everyone. However short stories and me don't really get on for the only reason that a decent short story always leaves the reader shortchanged. I liked the last story in collection as I found it to be very humorous, it was just a pity it was so short. The collection has a number of genres from fantasy to comedy & in between. If you like short stories then by all means give it a go. Give it a go anyway, it is worth the read.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this for the two stories set the "Clovenhoof" universe, but thoroughly enjoyed the other stories also.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn't seem to be kindle unlimited, very well could be permafree. Festive Treats is a selection box of Christmas tales stuffed full of delicious delights and surprises. Fifteen of the best writers around present you with seasonal stories that are, by turns, joyful, wondrous, bittersweet and heart-warming. Elf Service is by Goody {which can also be found in Satan's Shorts collection}, and I also noticed story from Gone God world in there, along with others.

Includes stories by:
AA Abbott
Justin Lee Anderson
James Brogden
David Croser
Margaret Egrot
Katharine D’Souza
Simon Fairbanks
Heide Goody
Iain Grant
Hilary Mortz
Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn
Suzanna Stanbury
RE Vance
A Stuart Williams
Debbie Young


Books from Heide Goody are listed below

Clovenhoof (Clovenhoof Book 1) (Jul 26, 2012)
Pigeonwings (Clovenhoof Book 2) (Aug 10, 2013)
Godsquad (Clovenhoof Book 3) (Clovenhoof Book 3) (Apr 23, 2015)
Hellzapoppin' (Clovenhoof Book 4) (Oct 1, 2015)
Beelzebelle (Clovenhoof Book 5) (Apr 14, 2016)
Clovenhoof & the Trump of Doom (Clovenhoof Book 6) (Dec 18, 2016)

Satan's Shorts (Clovenhoof, #3)
Satan's Shorts is collection with the books listed below but there are others
Clovenhoof goes to Night School.
Patron Saint of Nothing At All.
Clovenhoof and the Snowmen.
Saint Nicholas and the Krampus.
Detritus at the Church Fete.
Clovenhoof and the Spiders.
A Cat in Hell's Chance.
The Non-Specific Prayer Assessment Unit.
The Hoof.
Clovenhoof's Shed


Oddjobs
Oddjobs 2: This time it's Personnel

Mythfits

Disenchanted

[Cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and eclectic collection of festive tales to get you in the mood for the holiday season. As with every anthology, I enjoyed some stories more than others, but on the whole this was an enjoyable read and one that I can highly recommend.

Thank you to TBC and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. An enjoyable 4 stars.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your average Christmas collection, but readers will find a lot of special treats inside. I think the collection was well done and always find a collection of short stories with a variety of artists is a great way to get a small sampling of new authors you may not have read before.

[Em Yarnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book full of some really fun, sweet, lovely and thoughtful short stories. Perfect for those moments over the Christmas holidays when you want to sit down and read but know you haven't much time!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally inappropriate for this time of the year, but perfect if you only have a few minutes to lose yourself in a book. An eclectic mix of Christmas warmth, spirits & well, as you'll find out anything goes ☺

[Kirsty Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

A couple of okay ones, like the boy who lived in the tree and the random one with creatures from another portal. And the old lady who spends Christmas on her own. But honestly, not worth the read. Don't download.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

15 unusual Christmas stories to enjoy one or all. With tales of the Yuletide.
Some are dark, some are fluff, read and enjoy.

[Carol Sandford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird

Most of the stories were just weird. A couple were quite good. Just happy that they were all short so that I could move on.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like it.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eclectic mix of short stories to curl up with that is perfect festive reading.
From fallen angels, demons, a Christmassy sci fi story, disgruntled families, fantasy, a touch of history and also some with a supernatural twist this book has it all.
Varied and of such different style these stories could appeal to all reading tastes.
All are of a short enough length that each could be devoured in one sitting if pushed for time which makes this collection an easy read to just pick up and put down.
A really interesting read even though personally I am not a huge fan of short stories as I always find them rushed I thoroughly enjoyed these.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive Treats By Heidi Goody And Iain Grant and various others is a joyful wondrous bittersweet and heartwarming read.
Festive Treats is a selection box of Christmas tales stuffed full of delicious delights and surprises. Fifteen of the best writers around present you with seasonal stories that are, by turns, joyful, wondrous, bittersweet and heartwarming.
This was a very enjoyable read. Each story was different and it really lifted me up. I enjoyed most of the stories. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.

[Gill Harrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Festive treats collection more like tricks

This collection of short stories is so mundane, good job it was free. I read each and everyone of the authors to be fair to them but sure wasn't fair to me. I have purchased a collection of short stories before and enjoyed but may never purchase any again. All far too ridiculous for words