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Blue Moon Harbor #1.5
Winter Wishes
This winter, let four tales of mistletoe magic and the spirit of the season cast a special glow as some of your favorite authors introduce stories of hope, happiness, and holiday hearts. CHRISTMAS KISSES Fern Michaels Starting over in a new town with a new job, Meredith thinks buying Noah’s grandmother’s house will be a simple business deal. But neighborly Noah is determined to make Meredith feel at home—and as the holiday season works its magic, he’s suddenly hoping that she’ll find a place for him in her heart. BLUE MOON HARBOR CHRISTMAS Susan Fox Jillian and Michael have nothing in common—except the child two reckless college students created eight years ago. When Michael unexpectedly asks to meet his son, they have the twelve days of Christmas to get to know the adults they’ve become—adults who just might be ready to fall in love for real. SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS Jules Bennett A blind date turns out to be anything but when Ruby finds Knox on her doorstep. A few years ago, she nursed his dying wife. Can two lonely people defeat the shadow of the past and let the spirit of Christmas offer them the most special gift of all? FINDING COLIN Leah Marie Brown When Grace is suspended from work over the Christmas holidays, she does the only sensible thing—she travels to Ireland to find her favorite actor! But while the Colin she finds may not be a star, he’s ready to show her that gifts come in all shapes and sizes—and love is the miracle that truly counts.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2017
446 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
427 books6,546 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 21, 2017
I RECEIVED AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW
CHRISTMAS KISSES by Fern Michaels ~ Meredith leaves the bright lights of Vegas for a small town in Kansas. Meredith finds the perfect house online and falls in love with the owner's grandson.
BLUE MOON HARBOR CHRISTMAS by Susan Fox ~ Jillian and Michael hooked up in college. Jillian graduated with more than a diploma. She gets knocked up. She doesn't tell Michael. Eight years later, Jillian and Michael reunite and a family is finally created.
SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS by Jules Bennett ~ Nurse Ruby gets the surprise of her life when she opens the door expecting to find her blind date on the other side, but discovers it is the husband if one of her patients (who died). Together they battle holiday blues.
FINDING COLIN by Leah Marie Brown ~ Grace Murphy is a little obsessed with actor Colin Monaghan. When she gets suspended from work for writing fan fiction, she decides to use her holiday vacation to find the object of her affection.
***All four of these Christmas tales made me feel warm and and festive, but Leah Marie Brown's FINDING COLIN left me feeling positively joyful. Grace is laugh out loud funny and Colin is hotter than roasted chestnuts!! The publisher was smart to put this story last. I also enjoyed Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett. I am definitely going to order these authors other books.
CHRISTMAS KISSES by Fern Michaels ~ Meredith leaves the bright lights of Vegas for a small town in Kansas. Meredith finds the perfect house online and falls in love with the owner's grandson.
BLUE MOON HARBOR CHRISTMAS by Susan Fox ~ Jillian and Michael hooked up in college. Jillian graduated with more than a diploma. She gets knocked up. She doesn't tell Michael. Eight years later, Jillian and Michael reunite and a family is finally created.
SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS by Jules Bennett ~ Nurse Ruby gets the surprise of her life when she opens the door expecting to find her blind date on the other side, but discovers it is the husband if one of her patients (who died). Together they battle holiday blues.
FINDING COLIN by Leah Marie Brown ~ Grace Murphy is a little obsessed with actor Colin Monaghan. When she gets suspended from work for writing fan fiction, she decides to use her holiday vacation to find the object of her affection.
***All four of these Christmas tales made me feel warm and and festive, but Leah Marie Brown's FINDING COLIN left me feeling positively joyful. Grace is laugh out loud funny and Colin is hotter than roasted chestnuts!! The publisher was smart to put this story last. I also enjoyed Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett. I am definitely going to order these authors other books.
September 15, 2017
I received an Advance uncorrected Reader's edition of Winter Wishes on a rather bleak and rainy day. Under ever-popular author Fern Michael's name on the cover it read, "Love will keep you warm" which seemed utterly delightful for such a sodden, chilly almost-Autumn day. All four stories included in this anthology were just delightful but this review is going to focus on Leah Marie Brown's contribution, Finding Colin.
Main character Grace is suspended from work just before the Christmas holidays, and her best friend urges her to travel to Ireland instead of crying into her ice cream. Why Ireland? to find her favorite Irish actor! She definitely finds her Colin but he may not be the movie star she was seeking but their encounter captures the best of both of these heartfelt characters.
This is definitely not JUST a chick lit story as Brown's characters fail big-time, get up, and grow. If you need some sunshine in your day, some esperanza in this increasingly stressful world with seemingly never-ending bad news, Finding Colin, might be the gift to share this Christmas. Open it up.
Main character Grace is suspended from work just before the Christmas holidays, and her best friend urges her to travel to Ireland instead of crying into her ice cream. Why Ireland? to find her favorite Irish actor! She definitely finds her Colin but he may not be the movie star she was seeking but their encounter captures the best of both of these heartfelt characters.
This is definitely not JUST a chick lit story as Brown's characters fail big-time, get up, and grow. If you need some sunshine in your day, some esperanza in this increasingly stressful world with seemingly never-ending bad news, Finding Colin, might be the gift to share this Christmas. Open it up.
October 5, 2017
Christmas. In October. Yep, that's what it was at my house last weekend. I turned the heating off and cozied up on the couch with this anthology (ARC received in exchange for a review). All four stories made me feel magical and festive. Fern Michaels usually delivers and Christmas Kisses definitely delivered, with an admirable heroine and a sweet hero. Susan Fox penned a tender tale about two lovers who reconnect after years apart (and a secret love child). Jules Bennett's Second Chance Christmas warmed my heart. The anthology ended with Leah Marie Brown's Finding Colin and what an ending! Although I enjoyed all of the stories in Winter Wishes, Finding Colin was my favorite story. The heroine, Grace Murphy is very funny. The hero, Colin was sexy. And Ireland was a "grand" setting for a Christmas story, especially as "viewed" through Brown's rich descriptions.
November 13, 2017
Winter Wishes/Fern Michaels, Susan Fox, Jules Bennett, Leah Marie Brown
I actually bought Winter Wishes because I’m a huge fan of everything Susan Fox writes, and I really love her new Blue Moon Harbor series, so it was an added bonus to find other stories I enjoyed as well. Still, my favorite of the four was Blue Moon Harbor Christmas. Two adults, once thoughtless college students, have a son the father has never seen. He’s paid child support for the past eight years, but because Michael and Jillian, once “friends with benefits,” realized they didn’t love one another and marriage wasn’t an option they’d consider, they’d made the decision to part ways.
Now, when Michael wants to meet his son, Jillian is faced with a set of circumstances she’s not expected and hasn’t prepared for, and neither of them has prepared for the fact that, while children grow up, so do college kids. Sweetly emotional and filled with real life events, Blue Moon Harbor Christmas is such a ‘feel good’ story, that I was sorry it ended, and I’m anxiously waiting for more books in the series.
Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett was a close second to Susan’s. A blind date for a widower could be an uncomfortable situation when the date turns out to be the hospice nurse who cared for his terminally ill wife, but Bennett handles the situation perfectly and the romance is just so real that it was hard to set the book down. I love stories about people who act like grownups, who don’t do stupid things or make the kinds of decisions that lead me to grinding my teeth. The entire Winter Wishes anthology is terrific, but these two stories are, in my opinion (and we know what THAT’S worth!) standouts.
I actually bought Winter Wishes because I’m a huge fan of everything Susan Fox writes, and I really love her new Blue Moon Harbor series, so it was an added bonus to find other stories I enjoyed as well. Still, my favorite of the four was Blue Moon Harbor Christmas. Two adults, once thoughtless college students, have a son the father has never seen. He’s paid child support for the past eight years, but because Michael and Jillian, once “friends with benefits,” realized they didn’t love one another and marriage wasn’t an option they’d consider, they’d made the decision to part ways.
Now, when Michael wants to meet his son, Jillian is faced with a set of circumstances she’s not expected and hasn’t prepared for, and neither of them has prepared for the fact that, while children grow up, so do college kids. Sweetly emotional and filled with real life events, Blue Moon Harbor Christmas is such a ‘feel good’ story, that I was sorry it ended, and I’m anxiously waiting for more books in the series.
Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett was a close second to Susan’s. A blind date for a widower could be an uncomfortable situation when the date turns out to be the hospice nurse who cared for his terminally ill wife, but Bennett handles the situation perfectly and the romance is just so real that it was hard to set the book down. I love stories about people who act like grownups, who don’t do stupid things or make the kinds of decisions that lead me to grinding my teeth. The entire Winter Wishes anthology is terrific, but these two stories are, in my opinion (and we know what THAT’S worth!) standouts.
August 8, 2019
I wasn't looking for a collection of winter/holiday themed romance stories when I picked this up, but when I read the blurb for Finding Colin, I had to take this book home. It sounded like the character was loosely based on Colin Farrell and I couldn't leave this on the shelf. Full disclosure: I had a HUGE thing for Colin Farrell from his American Outlaw days up through maybe 2008. (Don't worry, Colin, I'm still a fan, but I am admittedly behind in watching your flicks.)
Finding Colin was the main force behind my purchase, but all four stories are very good. I was tickled to see that not only did the actor of the story resemble Farrell, but the chapter titles were titles of his films. There's even a little twist, but I'm not giving that away, dear readers. Well played, Leah Marie Brown. You knew how to suck me in! Chris Evans is my new thing if you need a new famous hunk to inspire your next book.
Second Chance Christmas hit me right in the feels. Christmas Kisses was sweet and had me rooting for Meredith & Noah, though they didn't need my help. Blue Moon Harbor Christmas even entertained me despite there being an 8 year old love child involved in the story, a product of the old lovers' former relationship. These quick romances are the perfect antidote to the blustery January weather. Grab a hot beverage, a cozy blanket, and cuddle up next to a fire with a pet, and enjoy these swoon-worthy dudes.
Finding Colin was the main force behind my purchase, but all four stories are very good. I was tickled to see that not only did the actor of the story resemble Farrell, but the chapter titles were titles of his films. There's even a little twist, but I'm not giving that away, dear readers. Well played, Leah Marie Brown. You knew how to suck me in! Chris Evans is my new thing if you need a new famous hunk to inspire your next book.
Second Chance Christmas hit me right in the feels. Christmas Kisses was sweet and had me rooting for Meredith & Noah, though they didn't need my help. Blue Moon Harbor Christmas even entertained me despite there being an 8 year old love child involved in the story, a product of the old lovers' former relationship. These quick romances are the perfect antidote to the blustery January weather. Grab a hot beverage, a cozy blanket, and cuddle up next to a fire with a pet, and enjoy these swoon-worthy dudes.
August 17, 2017
I really enjoyed all four stories in this book. All four authors are very talented. I love reading about hope, love, and the holiday season. This is the first book I have read that included four different stories. It was really good. I'm looking forward to reading more from all four authors!
November 27, 2017
Winter Wishes is an anthology with stories set around Christmas. I enjoyed all of the stories. If I am being honest I enjoyed some some less than others. Finding Colin was my favorite story of the four. Grace Murphy is the kind of down on her luck heroine I enjoy following from heartache to happy ever after.
In chapter three, Leah Marie Brown writes, "Ireland is the geographic equivalent to Prozac. If psychiatrists prescribed a week in the Emerald Isle, the world would be a mentally healthier place."
This made me laugh because I felt the same way when I visited Ireland. Now, I feel that way about Leah Marie Brown's writing. I downloaded all of her books after reading Finding Colin. I swear her writing is like Prozac.
I also liked Jules Bennett's story because it was a sweet story about a blind date that turns into a forever love. I met my husband on a blind date and we have beeen married for twelve years. Jules Bennett wrote, "The moment he was out of sight, Ruby placed her palms flat on the island and exhaled. She was pretty sure she hadn’t breathed at all from the second he’d touched her, then glanced to her lips, then stepped back as if he’d been just as turned on as she had been." That's how I felt after my first date with my husband.
I liked Finding Colin and Second Chance Christmas best because they made me feel happy. Happy is good for the holidays.
In chapter three, Leah Marie Brown writes, "Ireland is the geographic equivalent to Prozac. If psychiatrists prescribed a week in the Emerald Isle, the world would be a mentally healthier place."
This made me laugh because I felt the same way when I visited Ireland. Now, I feel that way about Leah Marie Brown's writing. I downloaded all of her books after reading Finding Colin. I swear her writing is like Prozac.
I also liked Jules Bennett's story because it was a sweet story about a blind date that turns into a forever love. I met my husband on a blind date and we have beeen married for twelve years. Jules Bennett wrote, "The moment he was out of sight, Ruby placed her palms flat on the island and exhaled. She was pretty sure she hadn’t breathed at all from the second he’d touched her, then glanced to her lips, then stepped back as if he’d been just as turned on as she had been." That's how I felt after my first date with my husband.
I liked Finding Colin and Second Chance Christmas best because they made me feel happy. Happy is good for the holidays.
November 7, 2017
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https://bookinonehandcoffeeinanother....
I just love Christmas stories, they always brighten my day when I read them. This one is no different, 4 fantastic authors have come together to create this great anthology of Christmas cheer. All four stories are very well written with wonderful characters that you can easily relate to. This book will make you want to enjoy Christmas all year round. You will enjoy these stories of love, hope and happiness. Now go find somewhere to curl up and read as you will not want to put this book down till the very last page, I guarantee it. This anthology will even soften the hearts of some Grinch’s this Christmas.
Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels
Meredith decides it’s time to hang up her dancing shoes and leave the bright lights of Las Vegas and move to Nashville, Kansas (not Tennessee). She finds a house she wants to buy on Craigslist, and heads there to meet Noah who is selling his grandma’s house. Noah is a guidance counselor at the high school where Meredith gets a temp job, she ends up getting Noah’s name in the secret Santa. Will Meredith give into Noah and go out on a coffee date?
Blue Moon Harbor by Susan Fox
Michael heads to Destiny Island where he knows that Jillian lives with their son Cole, who he has never seen. He sends payments through every month for him but he was not ready to be a father 8 years ago. He now wants to get to know his son now. Jillian has changed since she last saw Michael, she is no longer the party girl. Jillian has grown up and is a loving mother to Cole. Will Jillian allow Michael to be a part of their son’s life and hers at the same time.
Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett
Blind dates never go well for Ruby, but she has accepted to go on one more. Knox the husband of a patient that Ruby once cared for before she passed away is her date. Ruby is not too sure at first but they end up back at her place baking cookies and Knox decorating her house for Christmas. Can this be the second chance they are both needing?
Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown
Grace Murphy is off on an adventure to Ireland over Christmas to find Colin Monaghan, the actor that she dreams about meeting (oh and she is obsessed with him). There is fun and adventure on every page as Grace searches for Colin. She does find Colin, but is it the Colin she wants? Is it her Colin?
If you are after a great book full of Christmas cheer to read this season then I recommend this one.
https://bookinonehandcoffeeinanother....
I just love Christmas stories, they always brighten my day when I read them. This one is no different, 4 fantastic authors have come together to create this great anthology of Christmas cheer. All four stories are very well written with wonderful characters that you can easily relate to. This book will make you want to enjoy Christmas all year round. You will enjoy these stories of love, hope and happiness. Now go find somewhere to curl up and read as you will not want to put this book down till the very last page, I guarantee it. This anthology will even soften the hearts of some Grinch’s this Christmas.
Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels
Meredith decides it’s time to hang up her dancing shoes and leave the bright lights of Las Vegas and move to Nashville, Kansas (not Tennessee). She finds a house she wants to buy on Craigslist, and heads there to meet Noah who is selling his grandma’s house. Noah is a guidance counselor at the high school where Meredith gets a temp job, she ends up getting Noah’s name in the secret Santa. Will Meredith give into Noah and go out on a coffee date?
Blue Moon Harbor by Susan Fox
Michael heads to Destiny Island where he knows that Jillian lives with their son Cole, who he has never seen. He sends payments through every month for him but he was not ready to be a father 8 years ago. He now wants to get to know his son now. Jillian has changed since she last saw Michael, she is no longer the party girl. Jillian has grown up and is a loving mother to Cole. Will Jillian allow Michael to be a part of their son’s life and hers at the same time.
Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett
Blind dates never go well for Ruby, but she has accepted to go on one more. Knox the husband of a patient that Ruby once cared for before she passed away is her date. Ruby is not too sure at first but they end up back at her place baking cookies and Knox decorating her house for Christmas. Can this be the second chance they are both needing?
Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown
Grace Murphy is off on an adventure to Ireland over Christmas to find Colin Monaghan, the actor that she dreams about meeting (oh and she is obsessed with him). There is fun and adventure on every page as Grace searches for Colin. She does find Colin, but is it the Colin she wants? Is it her Colin?
If you are after a great book full of Christmas cheer to read this season then I recommend this one.
November 1, 2017
Winter Wishes is an anthology by some of my favorite authors with a new one thrown into the mix. I like anthologies for the very reason of trying new authors while this anthology only had one new author for me.
Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels is a heartwarming story of starting over. Change can lead to not only a new environment but also a new love.
Blue Moon Harbor Christmas by Susan Fox is a story of reconnecting after several years. Susan Fox is one of my very favorites authors, but this is not my favorite story in the anthology. I liked Jillian just fine and the decisions that she had made but Michael not as much. Yes, I understood he was young when the fling happened. I was glad to see he has matured in 8 years. However, I like my heroes to be heroes.
Second Chances by Jules Bennett is a magical story of blind dates and wonderful surprises when you literally open the door. Wonderful story
Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown has a rather silly premise but is great fun to read. I could easily see a younger Meg Ryan playing the main character on Hallmark movie based on this story. This author is one I will want to read more that she has written.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels is a heartwarming story of starting over. Change can lead to not only a new environment but also a new love.
Blue Moon Harbor Christmas by Susan Fox is a story of reconnecting after several years. Susan Fox is one of my very favorites authors, but this is not my favorite story in the anthology. I liked Jillian just fine and the decisions that she had made but Michael not as much. Yes, I understood he was young when the fling happened. I was glad to see he has matured in 8 years. However, I like my heroes to be heroes.
Second Chances by Jules Bennett is a magical story of blind dates and wonderful surprises when you literally open the door. Wonderful story
Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown has a rather silly premise but is great fun to read. I could easily see a younger Meg Ryan playing the main character on Hallmark movie based on this story. This author is one I will want to read more that she has written.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
November 14, 2017
I absolutely love this book and all the stories but my favorite is Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown. She captures your attention and keeps it. By far the best to me. So pick you up a book it is so worth the read.
October 10, 2017
Winter Wishes contains four stories from four different, well known authors. The stories are very holiday appropriate. The only real thing the four stories have in common is the running theme of the holiday season. Christmas Kisses follows a young woman who is changing jobs, who meets Noah, whose grandmother’s house she hopes to buy. In Blue Moon Harbor Christmas, Michael travels to see Jillian and the baby they had together eight years ago, hoping to meet the child and try to bond. In the process, the couple find out things they missed years ago, perhaps hoping to erase all that time apart or forge new beginnings on which to build. In Second Chance Christmas, Knox and Ruby go on a blind date, though they both know each other already, and both end up finding something they were not necessarily looking for. Finally, in Finding Colin, Grace ends up in Ireland looking for her favorite actor. The Colin she meets may not be the one she is expecting, but, things have a way of turning out for the better during the holiday season.
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The stories are short and sweet and all well written. The plots may not be anything but predictable, but they will definitely get you into the holiday mood. I know because, though I realize the holiday will not be here for several weeks, I am already there after reading these stories. I think anyone looking for a good Christmas book to curl up with, regardless how many more days or weeks until Christmas, will enjoy this one. I received this form NetGalley to read and review.
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The stories are short and sweet and all well written. The plots may not be anything but predictable, but they will definitely get you into the holiday mood. I know because, though I realize the holiday will not be here for several weeks, I am already there after reading these stories. I think anyone looking for a good Christmas book to curl up with, regardless how many more days or weeks until Christmas, will enjoy this one. I received this form NetGalley to read and review.
October 31, 2017
Winter Wishes contains four wonderful stories that are perfect for the holiday season. Each is a story of forgiveness, healing, and second chances. This one is a must read for the holiday season.
In Fern Michael's Christmas Kisses, Meredith moves to a new town to start her life over. That's were she meets Noah. Her very handsome and kind neighbor that is doing everything to make her feel welcome and wanted.
In Susan Fox's Blue Moon Harbor Christmas an absentee father realizes exactly what he's missing out on and sets out to meet his son. He soon realizes he wants to make up for all the time he's lost with both child and mother.
Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett is a wonderful story of a blind date that reunites a nurse with the husband of one of her patients who sadly passed away. They've both made big changes and now might be a second chance for both of them.
Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown is a fun story of a woman who travels to Ireland to find her favorite actor. While she never finds the right Colin the one she does find may make this trip the smartest thing she's ever done.
In Fern Michael's Christmas Kisses, Meredith moves to a new town to start her life over. That's were she meets Noah. Her very handsome and kind neighbor that is doing everything to make her feel welcome and wanted.
In Susan Fox's Blue Moon Harbor Christmas an absentee father realizes exactly what he's missing out on and sets out to meet his son. He soon realizes he wants to make up for all the time he's lost with both child and mother.
Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett is a wonderful story of a blind date that reunites a nurse with the husband of one of her patients who sadly passed away. They've both made big changes and now might be a second chance for both of them.
Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown is a fun story of a woman who travels to Ireland to find her favorite actor. While she never finds the right Colin the one she does find may make this trip the smartest thing she's ever done.
September 19, 2017
This is a delightful holiday read. Four different written stories all with excellent love stories. Susan Fox's Blue Moon Harbor Christmas has such a different HEA angle that I was mesmerized with the story. Michael was absolutely perfect and now my BBF. I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book.
November 18, 2017
Four writers join together to bring four festive cheer books, All feel good books full of Christmas goodwill and great to snuggle up on a cold winter's day to read
September 27, 2017
Winter Wishes contains four delightful Christmas stories written by authors Fern Michaels, Susan Fox, Jules Bennett and Leah Marie Brown. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance copy.
September 21, 2017
Before you read the first page of this delightful book, find yourself a quiet, cozy corner, plump the pillows and settle in. You won't want to close the book until the very last page. In fact, if you're like me, you'll go back to your favorite story and read it all over again. Each of these amazing and talented authors have written a wonderfully romantic story guaranteed to put a smile on even the most crusty curmudgeon's face. Although I read this book before Christmas, you can bet that once the tree is decorated and the presents are wrapped, I will be cozying up somewhere quiet with a cup of hot chocolate and reading this book again.
September 10, 2017
I just love reading holiday books – at any time of year! All four stories were terrific, and really made me feel like it was actually December, and there were parts of all of them that made me laugh out loud. Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels is sweet and will warm your heart. Meredith and Noah are adorable and make you wish them a happy holiday, fingers crossed! Blue Moon Harbor Christmas by Susan Fox is a between novel (not sure how to write that) in a new series. I’ve read book one and loved it. You do not have to read it in order to love this story; I just enjoy knowing other folks in a book. Jillian and Michael have a surprising story and it sorta rocked my world. Michael walks back into Jillian’s life…and it is a sexy and sweet and wonderfully warm story. Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett has Ruby and Knox…wow. Talk about getting a wonderful surprise (for them both!) for Christmas. And Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown has some crazy and funny scenes but at its heart it is about believing in yourself and others. Great holiday story. A great gift for you and anyone who loves holiday books!
February 28, 2018
The best story in this book was the last story and I almost didn't read it because I was tired of the first three which were so similar boy-meets-girl fairy tale romance. The last story was most different. It was fun to read.
September 9, 2017
Winter Wishes is made up of four short stories by different authors. Fern Michael's, Susan Fox, Jules Bennett and Leah Marie Brown.
Christmas Kisses
Meredith has decided to leave Las Vegas and has chosen Nashville, Kansas as the place she wants to start her new life. She found a home over the internet and is meeting the owner today. When she arrives Noah is waiting for her and takes her inside to see the house which had belonged to his grandmother.
Meredith decides to buy the house, but it seems like she and Noah have more of a connection than either of them expected. Will they find that the magic of the holiday will bring new meaning to the relationship.?
Blue Moon Harbor Christmas
Jillian and Michael had a fling in college as both of them enjoyed the good times, fun and partying. What they did not expect was to find out that Jillian had become pregnant and was going to have a baby. Michael did the right thing and asked Hillian to marry him but she said no. She was not in love maybe it was lust but she could not see them as a couple.
Now eight years later, Michael decides to finally visit Jillian and meet his child. He does not even know if it is a boy or girl. Although he has been paying monthly for the child's expenses he just never seemed that interested. Is it the magic of the holiday season or the fact that he has matured and realizes not only does he want to be a part of his son Cole's life but he wants to be a part of Jillian's also.
Both Jillian and Michael seemed to have matured and grown up and possibly find that now they really do love each other. Will spending the twelve days of Christmas with Cole and Jillian change the life he had and maybe show him what the future can hold for all of them?
Second Chances
Ruby is a beautiful and caring nurse who just does not seem to have any luck when finding a boyfriend or someone to spend the rest of her life with. Yes, she agreed to another blind date but is having second thoughts only it is too late as they are ringing her bell now.
When Ruby opens it she is shocked to see Knox standing there. She is not sure if he remembers her but she certainly remembers him and how her life changed thru them. Knox lost his wife more than six years ago from a terminal disease and it was the first patient that Ruby lost since coming out of nursing school.
Is this fate that they should meet again? Neither of them realizes that miracles do happen and especially during the holiday season. Can they each have a second chance at a life together and possibly realize things happen for a reason.?????
Finding Colin
When Grace is suspended from her "ideal" job over the holidays she is asked to rethink about whether or not this is the job she always dreamed it would be? Uncertain as to how to spend the three weeks with no family and hardly any friends except for Vivia together they make a surprise decision, Grace should go to Ireland. Since High School Grace has always been infatuated with Colin Monoghan and now she is off to try and find him.
The trip to Ireland will introduce her to the country and she will not only meet a special friend Ondine but also Colin. Not exactly what she expected but in the theme of Christmas miracles she realizes that love can come when and where you least expect it.
Christmas Kisses
Meredith has decided to leave Las Vegas and has chosen Nashville, Kansas as the place she wants to start her new life. She found a home over the internet and is meeting the owner today. When she arrives Noah is waiting for her and takes her inside to see the house which had belonged to his grandmother.
Meredith decides to buy the house, but it seems like she and Noah have more of a connection than either of them expected. Will they find that the magic of the holiday will bring new meaning to the relationship.?
Blue Moon Harbor Christmas
Jillian and Michael had a fling in college as both of them enjoyed the good times, fun and partying. What they did not expect was to find out that Jillian had become pregnant and was going to have a baby. Michael did the right thing and asked Hillian to marry him but she said no. She was not in love maybe it was lust but she could not see them as a couple.
Now eight years later, Michael decides to finally visit Jillian and meet his child. He does not even know if it is a boy or girl. Although he has been paying monthly for the child's expenses he just never seemed that interested. Is it the magic of the holiday season or the fact that he has matured and realizes not only does he want to be a part of his son Cole's life but he wants to be a part of Jillian's also.
Both Jillian and Michael seemed to have matured and grown up and possibly find that now they really do love each other. Will spending the twelve days of Christmas with Cole and Jillian change the life he had and maybe show him what the future can hold for all of them?
Second Chances
Ruby is a beautiful and caring nurse who just does not seem to have any luck when finding a boyfriend or someone to spend the rest of her life with. Yes, she agreed to another blind date but is having second thoughts only it is too late as they are ringing her bell now.
When Ruby opens it she is shocked to see Knox standing there. She is not sure if he remembers her but she certainly remembers him and how her life changed thru them. Knox lost his wife more than six years ago from a terminal disease and it was the first patient that Ruby lost since coming out of nursing school.
Is this fate that they should meet again? Neither of them realizes that miracles do happen and especially during the holiday season. Can they each have a second chance at a life together and possibly realize things happen for a reason.?????
Finding Colin
When Grace is suspended from her "ideal" job over the holidays she is asked to rethink about whether or not this is the job she always dreamed it would be? Uncertain as to how to spend the three weeks with no family and hardly any friends except for Vivia together they make a surprise decision, Grace should go to Ireland. Since High School Grace has always been infatuated with Colin Monoghan and now she is off to try and find him.
The trip to Ireland will introduce her to the country and she will not only meet a special friend Ondine but also Colin. Not exactly what she expected but in the theme of Christmas miracles she realizes that love can come when and where you least expect it.
November 20, 2020
3.5 Stars: This book was made up of four Christmas Novellas. Fern Michaels is the only author that I had read before, but I enjoyed all four of these sweet Christmas Romances. I will say that I enjoyed Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels and Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett the best. These were all relatively short stories so there was not a lot of character development. I did enjoy all the settings and there was some delightful humor in Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown. I do not want to repeat the blurb about each story, so will just say that it was a book I read over a few days as each story can be read or listened in a couple of hours. These were Happily Ever Afters that I enjoyed each evening as I unwound from the day. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Amy McFadden. She has a pleasant voice with nice expression and was a good choice to add voice to these stories.
November 29, 2017
Winter Wishes is the kind of book you pick up when you need a lift and feel good stories that take you places you wish you never had to leave. This is particularly true for my favorite story out of the four stories, titled "Finding Colin." The story of this woman who goes to magical Ireland in search of her star crush is pure fun and not only makes you want to go to Ireland, but also go search for your very own Colin. I loved everything about this story. The characters, the setting, the romance, the humor (lots of it, which also sets this story apart from the others). The author, Leah Marie Brown has a way with words and with making you feel as if you were there, along with the characters. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, you won't regret it!
November 30, 2017
Four short Christmas stories by some familiar authors. Fern Michaels pens Christmas Kisses with a young woman starting a new phase of her life by moving from Las Vegas to small town Kansas. Susan Fox gives us a Christmas story of a man seeking out his son who is now 8 years old. Julie Bennett has a nurse going on a blind date with the husband of a woman she nursed many years ago who died of cancer. Finally we get Grace traveling to Ireland for Christmas and meeting an actor who makes her heart go pitter patter. Nice length for the busy season. Enjoy
April 19, 2018
I enjoyed all 4 short stories even though the endings were pretty much just as I thought they'd be. I can't even say I liked any one of them that much more than the others. I did enjoy the background on the Finding Colin story and I was saddened to find my library has no more audiobooks by Jules Bennett.
December 7, 2017
I enjoyed all the stories by all the authors. How can you not love a sweet romantic Christmas story?
I especially loved the one :Finding Colin' by Leah Marie Brown. It was funny yet a sweet story. And set in Ireland.
All very entertaining and gets my in the Christmas Spirit!
I especially loved the one :Finding Colin' by Leah Marie Brown. It was funny yet a sweet story. And set in Ireland.
All very entertaining and gets my in the Christmas Spirit!
December 18, 2023
There were 4 short stories in this book, liked all except last one!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2017
Christmas Stirrings
A charming handful of holiday stories. Easy to read. Whimsical and engaging, each different from the other. A good read.
A charming handful of holiday stories. Easy to read. Whimsical and engaging, each different from the other. A good read.
November 5, 2017
Good short stories
I enjoyed the stories by these talented authors. I plan to read more books written by each of them soon.
I enjoyed the stories by these talented authors. I plan to read more books written by each of them soon.
November 6, 2017
Sweet romantic Christmas stories
kindle
December 20, 2017Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
All 4 stories were centered around Christmas. The authors did an amazing job of writing stories that I will want to read each holiday season to put me in the Christmas spirit!
All 4 stories were centered around Christmas. The authors did an amazing job of writing stories that I will want to read each holiday season to put me in the Christmas spirit!
October 31, 2017
Winter Wishes by Fern Michaels, Susan Fox, Jules Bennett, Leah Marie Brown
Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels
Meredith is on her way to Nashville, KS after having left Las Vegas....
She was a dancer but there was always another younger one waiting to take over, especially after injuries.
She meets Noah who she might be buying his grandmother's house from.
She hopes to get a job and then she'd be able to afford the house. She asks what is next as he found her a house, job was marriage next?
She'll take the temp job. She selects his name for the secret santa gift and everybody goes to the town party.
They spend time together and she discovers what it is she wants to do with her life. Silly children's books, they'd be a hit.
So many misunderstandings...predictable for the rest of the book...
.
Blue Moon Harbor Christmas by Susan Fox
Michael, an architect had a baby with Jillian and he sent her support payments as she was going to get an abortion. 8 years later, Ontario and she's a pilot on the island.
He had never seen the baby and 8 years later he wants to learn about him and maybe try to bond. They were just a party couple in college and got caught up with her pregnancy.
Michael arrives and spends the holidays with the family as he stays at the inn nearby. He learns so much about not only his son Cole but his wife and her parents that they live with.
He sees himself and Jillian in the child and hopes to find toys for his interests. They try to work things out as they still like one another, very much...
He won't be staying long as the new year will bring him back home, to work....
Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett
Ruby has agreed to go on a blind date-she knows him-Knox. She was a nurse in charge of the terminal illness ward and his wife was her patient. She got transferred after her passing.
They agree to go ahead with the date and catch up another up to date.
He wants to make her Christmas a great holiday as she had lost her father last Christmas Eve and he decorates her house for her.
He is a pilot and he had joined the Navy so he's always on the move.
Sex scenes that help her understand how much he cares for her. Predictable ending, bit of a twist.
Plans for new series is included.
.
Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown
Grace is an advertisement writer and she also writes romance. Her boss Roberta needs to discipline her as she is using the computer during business hours for personal use. 3 week unpaid leave, now she has time to write her book.
She is persuaded to go to Ireland and meet Colin-the main she is writing about in her book.
Liked the travel and places she gets to visit...
Colin, she does meet him, but there are many with the same name. Travel tips at the end.
.
Author bios at the end along with a featured book by each author.
Received a review copy from Netgalley via Kensington Books and this is my honest opinion.
Christmas Kisses by Fern Michaels
Meredith is on her way to Nashville, KS after having left Las Vegas....
She was a dancer but there was always another younger one waiting to take over, especially after injuries.
She meets Noah who she might be buying his grandmother's house from.
She hopes to get a job and then she'd be able to afford the house. She asks what is next as he found her a house, job was marriage next?
She'll take the temp job. She selects his name for the secret santa gift and everybody goes to the town party.
They spend time together and she discovers what it is she wants to do with her life. Silly children's books, they'd be a hit.
So many misunderstandings...predictable for the rest of the book...
.
Blue Moon Harbor Christmas by Susan Fox
Michael, an architect had a baby with Jillian and he sent her support payments as she was going to get an abortion. 8 years later, Ontario and she's a pilot on the island.
He had never seen the baby and 8 years later he wants to learn about him and maybe try to bond. They were just a party couple in college and got caught up with her pregnancy.
Michael arrives and spends the holidays with the family as he stays at the inn nearby. He learns so much about not only his son Cole but his wife and her parents that they live with.
He sees himself and Jillian in the child and hopes to find toys for his interests. They try to work things out as they still like one another, very much...
He won't be staying long as the new year will bring him back home, to work....
Second Chance Christmas by Jules Bennett
Ruby has agreed to go on a blind date-she knows him-Knox. She was a nurse in charge of the terminal illness ward and his wife was her patient. She got transferred after her passing.
They agree to go ahead with the date and catch up another up to date.
He wants to make her Christmas a great holiday as she had lost her father last Christmas Eve and he decorates her house for her.
He is a pilot and he had joined the Navy so he's always on the move.
Sex scenes that help her understand how much he cares for her. Predictable ending, bit of a twist.
Plans for new series is included.
.
Finding Colin by Leah Marie Brown
Grace is an advertisement writer and she also writes romance. Her boss Roberta needs to discipline her as she is using the computer during business hours for personal use. 3 week unpaid leave, now she has time to write her book.
She is persuaded to go to Ireland and meet Colin-the main she is writing about in her book.
Liked the travel and places she gets to visit...
Colin, she does meet him, but there are many with the same name. Travel tips at the end.
.
Author bios at the end along with a featured book by each author.
Received a review copy from Netgalley via Kensington Books and this is my honest opinion.
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