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A Season of Love
At Christmastime, love is just a wish away! Join master romance writer Carla Kelly in this joyful celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. Set in regency England, these Christmas tales will take you from dangerous adventures on snowy roads to cozy little cottages, filled with holiday mischief. Five fun stories in one book!
SEASON’S REGENCY GREETINGS
Let Nothing You Dismay
No Room at the Inn
REGENCY CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The Lasting Gift
Faithfully Yours
Lucy’s Bang-Up Christmas
SEASON’S REGENCY GREETINGS
Let Nothing You Dismay
No Room at the Inn
REGENCY CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The Lasting Gift
Faithfully Yours
Lucy’s Bang-Up Christmas
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2017
105 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Carla Kelly
137 books804 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 27, 2020
The writing of Carla Kelly is so refreshing, I always look forward to reading a story by her. And this one has five stories! The characters are ones that are easy to like, and I quickly connected with them and their feelings through the various struggles or trials they are enduring. I appreciate that they are strong people with admirable traits, and most of the conflict comes from exterior sources. Overall the stories are sweet, but they still contain the author's trademark grittiness and realistic world view including the lower classes of British society. I also love the wry humor that subtly brings a lighter note to the narrative without diminishing the emotions and deeper themes. This is a holiday collection that is at the top of my recommendation list this year! Fans of Regency and historical romance won't want to miss it!!!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Want to read
November 25, 2020This book contains 5 stories, 3 of them from another anthology "Regency Christmas Gifts" I read just last month. I gave it 4 stars.
Click to Read My Review of "Regency Christmas Gifts"
Click to Read My Review of "Regency Christmas Gifts"
August 18, 2019
Wonderful Christmas Stories!
Carla Kelly is one of my favorite HR authors and her stories are always full of love, not only romantic love, but family love, friendship, tenderness, protection, loyalty and respect.
These novellas are full of Christmas spirit, lovely children and people overcoming their difficulties and finding their happiness in life.
Sweet, mood-improving, feel-good read
Carla Kelly is one of my favorite HR authors and her stories are always full of love, not only romantic love, but family love, friendship, tenderness, protection, loyalty and respect.
These novellas are full of Christmas spirit, lovely children and people overcoming their difficulties and finding their happiness in life.
Sweet, mood-improving, feel-good read
November 15, 2021
3.75 stars. Hands down the best anthology I’ve ever read. I’m just so impressed. Rich characterization and meaningful themes. Brava.
Let Nothing You Dismay: 2.5 stars. I think I've read this somewhere before and I enjoyed it again. It was a lovely and gentle story told in the Christmas spirit. There was great characterization for a short length work. My one quibble was that the hero's problems were a little too easily solved.
No Room at the Inn- 3 stars. A wonderfully developed yet simple story. Just lovely.
The Lasting Gift- 3 stars. A gentle and heartwarming story. Great character development for a novella.
Faithfully Yours- 3 stars. Another absolutely precious novella. I almost wish this were made into a full length work but the way CK wrote this was just perfect. Not too drawn out.
Lucy's Bang-up Christmas- A surprising and wonderfully deep story about taking the time to really listen to what others have to say. Quite beautiful.
Let Nothing You Dismay: 2.5 stars. I think I've read this somewhere before and I enjoyed it again. It was a lovely and gentle story told in the Christmas spirit. There was great characterization for a short length work. My one quibble was that the hero's problems were a little too easily solved.
No Room at the Inn- 3 stars. A wonderfully developed yet simple story. Just lovely.
The Lasting Gift- 3 stars. A gentle and heartwarming story. Great character development for a novella.
Faithfully Yours- 3 stars. Another absolutely precious novella. I almost wish this were made into a full length work but the way CK wrote this was just perfect. Not too drawn out.
Lucy's Bang-up Christmas- A surprising and wonderfully deep story about taking the time to really listen to what others have to say. Quite beautiful.
November 6, 2017
I consider myself a huge Carla Kelly fan and have read many of her books, I have yet to get through them all. I appreciate her honesty in a story. She has an amazing way with words and I have yet to read one of her books that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.
This is a collection of short stories told around the Christmas Season. All of the stories have been printed before, but I was surprised that I haven't read most of them. That surprised me, because, I read everything of hers that I can get my hands on.
This anthology follows the pattern that Carla uses in her books. The couples are not the uppercrust, but the everyday people you would find in Regency England. They are the workers, the humble, or those who have fallen from grace. The stories are full of humor, laughter, and service. She brings clarity to the time period and makes the time period more fascinating to me.
If you have read some, but not all, and do not mind re-reading stories, this would be a great book to add to your collection.
Source: I received a complimentary electronic copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is a collection of short stories told around the Christmas Season. All of the stories have been printed before, but I was surprised that I haven't read most of them. That surprised me, because, I read everything of hers that I can get my hands on.
This anthology follows the pattern that Carla uses in her books. The couples are not the uppercrust, but the everyday people you would find in Regency England. They are the workers, the humble, or those who have fallen from grace. The stories are full of humor, laughter, and service. She brings clarity to the time period and makes the time period more fascinating to me.
If you have read some, but not all, and do not mind re-reading stories, this would be a great book to add to your collection.
Source: I received a complimentary electronic copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 8, 2017
A Season of Love
By Carla Kelly
A Season of Love is a delightful 5-in-1 book. Five short stories centered around Christmas and the main characters are in varying degrees of despair or just plain unhappy with sudden and unexpected changes in their lives.
Let Nothing You Dismay finds Miss Cecilia Ambrose accompanying a young student, a Lady Lucinda Chase, to her home. But instead of Lucinda's parents, she instead finds Lord Trevor Chase at the home of his elder brother. When an unexpected turn of events finds Cecilia staying on Chase Hall she comes to see that this family has need of a special hand to bring joy to this Christmas. But even more in need of her help is Trevor who never celebrates Christmas alone or with his nieces and nephew. Can an unexpected visitor bring new joy to the season?
No Room at the Inn finds Lady Mary experiencing a sudden reversal of fortunes. Traveling to meet the family she never knew and with no title to her name, her life is looking somewhat bleak. But when the weather makes further travel impossible Mary along with her traveling companions find themselves stranded in the home of an old friend. But can a simple Christmas without all the trappings of society bring a feeling of comfort to a hurting heart? Mary McIntyre is about to find out with the help of Joseph and Ethan Shepard and more stranded travelers. This is about to be Christmas not to be forgotten by one and all!
The Lasting Gift finds Suzie Jenkins Davis and Thomas Jenkins have settled into Thomas's new home in Plymouth. But after years as a sailing master with Royal Navy Thomas finds himself with time on his hands and no way to fill it. Meanwhile, Mary Ann Poole finds herself with little means though she is Lady Naismith's secretary when an unexpected package arrives by post. Burdened with a package not her own and the kept knowledge that all too soon she would be again seeking employment Mary Ann and her daughter Beth seek to return the package. Soon a friendship blooms that could lead to something more.
Faithfully Yours finds Sally Wilson, John McPherson, and Margaret Patterson caught in a deception that has lasted for ten years. Ten years ago in an act of cruelty, Margaret promised to write to John as he sought to better himself. Unable to see anyone hurt in such a way Sally wrote to John under the guise of Margaret's name. But one last letter is about to change everything. Will the truth be revealed and the heart that reached out to another find its match?
Lucy's Bang-up Christmas Lucy (Lucinda) Danforth is having the worst Christmas ever. Her older sister is getting married on Christmas Eve and all Christmas festivities are to be put aside so as to not offend the groom-to-be. Worse this is the first Christmas without her mother and Lucy is feeling the losses and the ever-mounting tensions within her home. When her second cousin Miles Bledsoe joins the family for Christmas Lucy is relieved to find a sympathetic ear and someone to aid her in honoring her late mother with an act Christmas charity. What was looking to be the worst Christmas is soon on its way to being one of the best. And the best gift is one Lucy never expected.
This book is a perfect escape from the created flurry of Christmas. Find yourself stressing about your to-do list and all the activities and events of the season - just take a break and enjoy one of these delightful stories. Escape to the Regency era where technology and social media are a far distant dream. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee, cocoa, or cider) and have a cookie or two and sit back and relax.
I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
By Carla Kelly
A Season of Love is a delightful 5-in-1 book. Five short stories centered around Christmas and the main characters are in varying degrees of despair or just plain unhappy with sudden and unexpected changes in their lives.
Let Nothing You Dismay finds Miss Cecilia Ambrose accompanying a young student, a Lady Lucinda Chase, to her home. But instead of Lucinda's parents, she instead finds Lord Trevor Chase at the home of his elder brother. When an unexpected turn of events finds Cecilia staying on Chase Hall she comes to see that this family has need of a special hand to bring joy to this Christmas. But even more in need of her help is Trevor who never celebrates Christmas alone or with his nieces and nephew. Can an unexpected visitor bring new joy to the season?
No Room at the Inn finds Lady Mary experiencing a sudden reversal of fortunes. Traveling to meet the family she never knew and with no title to her name, her life is looking somewhat bleak. But when the weather makes further travel impossible Mary along with her traveling companions find themselves stranded in the home of an old friend. But can a simple Christmas without all the trappings of society bring a feeling of comfort to a hurting heart? Mary McIntyre is about to find out with the help of Joseph and Ethan Shepard and more stranded travelers. This is about to be Christmas not to be forgotten by one and all!
The Lasting Gift finds Suzie Jenkins Davis and Thomas Jenkins have settled into Thomas's new home in Plymouth. But after years as a sailing master with Royal Navy Thomas finds himself with time on his hands and no way to fill it. Meanwhile, Mary Ann Poole finds herself with little means though she is Lady Naismith's secretary when an unexpected package arrives by post. Burdened with a package not her own and the kept knowledge that all too soon she would be again seeking employment Mary Ann and her daughter Beth seek to return the package. Soon a friendship blooms that could lead to something more.
Faithfully Yours finds Sally Wilson, John McPherson, and Margaret Patterson caught in a deception that has lasted for ten years. Ten years ago in an act of cruelty, Margaret promised to write to John as he sought to better himself. Unable to see anyone hurt in such a way Sally wrote to John under the guise of Margaret's name. But one last letter is about to change everything. Will the truth be revealed and the heart that reached out to another find its match?
Lucy's Bang-up Christmas Lucy (Lucinda) Danforth is having the worst Christmas ever. Her older sister is getting married on Christmas Eve and all Christmas festivities are to be put aside so as to not offend the groom-to-be. Worse this is the first Christmas without her mother and Lucy is feeling the losses and the ever-mounting tensions within her home. When her second cousin Miles Bledsoe joins the family for Christmas Lucy is relieved to find a sympathetic ear and someone to aid her in honoring her late mother with an act Christmas charity. What was looking to be the worst Christmas is soon on its way to being one of the best. And the best gift is one Lucy never expected.
This book is a perfect escape from the created flurry of Christmas. Find yourself stressing about your to-do list and all the activities and events of the season - just take a break and enjoy one of these delightful stories. Escape to the Regency era where technology and social media are a far distant dream. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee, cocoa, or cider) and have a cookie or two and sit back and relax.
I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 15, 2017
A novella compilation of previously published Season’s Regency Greetings and Regency Christmas Gifts, Carla Kelly has combined these collections into a new full five story volume collection. These novella holiday reads focus on family, love, marriage, and a bit of mischief during the holidays in the regency world. These stories are sweet, fun, and family friendly. The characters are real and full of life as they deal with struggles that readers can easily relate to. This collection is for all readers that enjoy regency, romance, and sweet Christmas stories focused on family.
Genre: historical, regency, romance, marriage, family, Christmas
Publisher: Sweetwater Books a division of Cedar Fort
Publication date: October 10, 2017
Number of pages: 320
A print review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, regency, romance, marriage, family, Christmas
Publisher: Sweetwater Books a division of Cedar Fort
Publication date: October 10, 2017
Number of pages: 320
A print review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
September 27, 2018
All of the stories were so good! I loved them all! I love Christmas, I love Regency-era novels, I love clean romance... Yes, this was a great book. *happy sigh*
5 stars!
5 stars!
November 25, 2020
Cheerful chaste Christmas romance short stories!
This was so far out of my wheelhouse lately that it was refreshing. Several sweet, unique little Christmas stories with love and affection and working class people simply finding their place in each other’s hearts.
Each story featured no more steam than kisses, and for someone who likes reading steam, i didn’t even miss that. The connections people shared just made my heart full.
Each story featured children in some way- another thing i generally avoid- but it wasn’t overly cloying. The author has a gift for making relatable characters spring to life with a few brushstrokes.
This was so far out of my wheelhouse lately that it was refreshing. Several sweet, unique little Christmas stories with love and affection and working class people simply finding their place in each other’s hearts.
Each story featured no more steam than kisses, and for someone who likes reading steam, i didn’t even miss that. The connections people shared just made my heart full.
Each story featured children in some way- another thing i generally avoid- but it wasn’t overly cloying. The author has a gift for making relatable characters spring to life with a few brushstrokes.
December 2, 2017
Some of these I have read in other anthologies or perhaps on their own, but I did not mind re-reading them as they were nice for the holiday season.
January 29, 2023
This is a collection of short stories. It is a good one to read if you do not have a lot of time. It does take some concentration to switch from one story to the next. They are not related at all, and the author dives right in each time with many characters, and some have similar names as the short story before. If you like regency romance books, you will enjoy this one. The Christmas theme is very light, so you could read it at any time of year.
Read
November 13, 2017Another book read for #HoHoHoRAT! Loved this novella collection!! Review is live on the blog tomorrow.
February 26, 2020
A collection of five regency romance short stories and novellas, not set in the usual high society world of balls and house parties, but amongst less prestigious more down to earth individuals. They are cute stories. Probably due to the length constraints, the romance developed unbelievably quickly in some of these stories but the characters were great to get to know and spend time with in all of them. They actually reminded me more of short stories by my favorite author L M Montgomery than a typical regency.
November 21, 2020
Until I started reading, I did not realize that this is a recombining of previously published short stories by Carla Kelly. I think it is dishonest of publishers to put new covers on and publish previously printed stories without clearly stating that on the cover. Those of us who collect all of Carla Kelly's books would already have these stories. Let me show you what I mean.
LET NOTHING YOU DISMAY -- 5 stars
This was in Regency Christmas Wishes (2003)
It was re-released in 2014 in Season's Regency Greetings: Two Christmas Novellas
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
On the other hand, I have to say that this is the finest Christmas story ever written -- in my humble opinion.
NO ROOM AT THE INN -- 5 stars
The 2002 issue of The Regency Christmas IX included the second story: NO ROOM AT THE INN
This same story was re-released in 2014 in Season's Regency Greetings: Two Christmas Novellas
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
This is another very fine Christmas story from Carla Kelly.
REGENCY CHRISTMAS GIFTS --
This isn't even a separate story; the publisher didn't remove the title when listing the following three stories that were part of this book. Thus, you see that all three of the remaining stories came from this book title. How's that for laziness? Said another way, this book advertizes 6 stories but gives 5 (because they didn't even remove the name of the original book title under which the following 3 short stories appeared.
THE LASTING GIFT -- 5 stars
THE LASTING GIFT was previously published in Regency Christmas Gifts: Three Stories in 2015.
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
This is another incredibly great Christmas story from Carla Kelly.
FAITHFULLY YOURS -- 4.5 stars
FAITHFULLY YOURS was previously published in Regency Christmas Gifts: Three Stories in 2015.
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
LUCY'S BANG-UP CHRISTMAS -- 5 stars
LUCY'S BANG-UP CHRISTMAS was previously published in Regency Christmas Gifts: Three Stories in 2015.
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
**I'm not going to penalize the author with my score (as some other reviewers have) because she didn't rewrap the stories and pass them off as new ones. She just wants to sell books. But I think publishing houses need to be more honest with their customers. For your future reference, this publisher is Sweetwater (2017).
LET NOTHING YOU DISMAY -- 5 stars
This was in Regency Christmas Wishes (2003)
It was re-released in 2014 in Season's Regency Greetings: Two Christmas Novellas
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
On the other hand, I have to say that this is the finest Christmas story ever written -- in my humble opinion.
NO ROOM AT THE INN -- 5 stars
The 2002 issue of The Regency Christmas IX included the second story: NO ROOM AT THE INN
This same story was re-released in 2014 in Season's Regency Greetings: Two Christmas Novellas
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
This is another very fine Christmas story from Carla Kelly.
REGENCY CHRISTMAS GIFTS --
This isn't even a separate story; the publisher didn't remove the title when listing the following three stories that were part of this book. Thus, you see that all three of the remaining stories came from this book title. How's that for laziness? Said another way, this book advertizes 6 stories but gives 5 (because they didn't even remove the name of the original book title under which the following 3 short stories appeared.
THE LASTING GIFT -- 5 stars
THE LASTING GIFT was previously published in Regency Christmas Gifts: Three Stories in 2015.
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
This is another incredibly great Christmas story from Carla Kelly.
FAITHFULLY YOURS -- 4.5 stars
FAITHFULLY YOURS was previously published in Regency Christmas Gifts: Three Stories in 2015.
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
LUCY'S BANG-UP CHRISTMAS -- 5 stars
LUCY'S BANG-UP CHRISTMAS was previously published in Regency Christmas Gifts: Three Stories in 2015.
And now it is showing up again in A Season of Love (2017)
**I'm not going to penalize the author with my score (as some other reviewers have) because she didn't rewrap the stories and pass them off as new ones. She just wants to sell books. But I think publishing houses need to be more honest with their customers. For your future reference, this publisher is Sweetwater (2017).
November 18, 2017
I really, really loved this book! The cutest short stories about love and happiness. This is literally my kind of book, short and sweet :) I love romance novels, especially when they are clean novels. Probably why I really like reading Young Adult books too! Mary and Jo’s story is probably my favorite so far. There’s just something about service, genuine love, and a happy ending that makes my heart melt. Okay, but I also REALLY love Mary Ann and Thomas’ love story. Something about it was just soooo perfect. Gosh. The service, genuine care, and amazing example really lifted my spirits! Loved Beth too, she’s such a cutie a pie. This story also really humbled me and made me realize that I can be grateful for anything!! I should express it often.
The last story was hard to get into, so I stopped reading it halfway. So although I didn't "finish" the book, I just wasn't interested in finishing.
The last story was hard to get into, so I stopped reading it halfway. So although I didn't "finish" the book, I just wasn't interested in finishing.
December 19, 2018
A fun collection of five Christmas-themed regency short stories. Some were better than others, they were all a bit too tidy, and there were a few typos throughout. But it was a perfect diversion for me during the holidays.
November 2, 2019
A season........
It took me a couple of short stories to appreciate her method of writing with more thinking than actual dialogue.
It took me a couple of short stories to appreciate her method of writing with more thinking than actual dialogue.
December 21, 2022
This was a collection of short stories by Carla Kelly for the winter season and it definitely made me feel the Christmas joy! I enjoyed all of the stories but my favorite is probably the first one with Cecilia and Trevor! I really loved their playful relationship and how everything wrapped up for them. I will say the ending was a bit dark with Trevor getting really down in the slums as ill put it, but Cecelia made everything okay so it wasn't too bad. I do wish Trevor wasn't so hard on himself for that one incident though, but Cecelia made him see that it wasn't his fault so it all turned out okay in the end.
The rest of the stories were nice too but I will say that Joe from the second story is not great with words. Telling a woman that you married your late wife because they somewhat looked like you is pretty odd...even more so because he says that a few times in this story. But maybe I'm the only one that cringed at that. It turned out cute though and I liked Mary but that line was pretty comical for me.
All in all this was a simple, sweet, and quick read! If your looking for something short and easy to read through then this is the book for you!
*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!
The rest of the stories were nice too but I will say that Joe from the second story is not great with words. Telling a woman that you married your late wife because they somewhat looked like you is pretty odd...even more so because he says that a few times in this story. But maybe I'm the only one that cringed at that. It turned out cute though and I liked Mary but that line was pretty comical for me.
All in all this was a simple, sweet, and quick read! If your looking for something short and easy to read through then this is the book for you!
*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!
November 28, 2017
Almost a five.
Great short stories. Typical heart warming Carla. One glitch. In No Room at the Inn the heroine's mother's younger brothers son is referred to as her nephew. No he's not . That's her cousin. At least that's the way it works in my family
That's not what cost it a star though. The last story was about two cousins in love. I know. I know. It was done more often back in the day. It still seems icky to me. Especially since they were close cousins from childhood. Plus it seemed the word cousin was used on every page. Cousin Vivian, cousin Miles , cousin Will , cousin etc.. Enough already! I got it they're cousins. Ick. In all fairness the rest of rhe story was cute so that's just a personal peeve.
I grew up in a large extended family . I had skatyeight cousins in the neighborhood. Some I was closer to than others. My cousin Billy taught me to ride horses. My cousin Doug taught me to swim. I thought of them as extra brothers. If either had asked me to marry him I would have thrown up . And visa versa I'm sure. But if you're married to your cousin or would like to be you might want to add a star. To each his own. Or not.
Great short stories. Typical heart warming Carla. One glitch. In No Room at the Inn the heroine's mother's younger brothers son is referred to as her nephew. No he's not . That's her cousin. At least that's the way it works in my family
That's not what cost it a star though. The last story was about two cousins in love. I know. I know. It was done more often back in the day. It still seems icky to me. Especially since they were close cousins from childhood. Plus it seemed the word cousin was used on every page. Cousin Vivian, cousin Miles , cousin Will , cousin etc.. Enough already! I got it they're cousins. Ick. In all fairness the rest of rhe story was cute so that's just a personal peeve.
I grew up in a large extended family . I had skatyeight cousins in the neighborhood. Some I was closer to than others. My cousin Billy taught me to ride horses. My cousin Doug taught me to swim. I thought of them as extra brothers. If either had asked me to marry him I would have thrown up . And visa versa I'm sure. But if you're married to your cousin or would like to be you might want to add a star. To each his own. Or not.
December 6, 2017
I have reviewed these short stories by Carla Kelly before in their separate books, but I bought and reread them all in this compilation with the beautiful new cover. (It will replace the two old ones in my Christmas stories collection.) 4 1/2 stars from this fan.
I absolutely loved “Let Nothing You Dismay”, “The Lasting Gift”, “Faithfully Yours” and “Lucy’s Bang-Up Christmas”. It’s been two years since I’ve read them all and I absolutely recommend each of these heart-warming Christmas stories.
The fourth story, “No Room at the Inn” is just ok. In my previous review, I challenged myself to give it another chance because I had trouble following the plot – could have been my mindset at the time, thus give it a fresh try. But alas…I still found it hard to follow. The character names, though, were fascinating. Maybe I was trying to read more into it than I should.
Doesn’t matter. I think the other four stories are so outstanding that I had a copy sent to my cousin. She needs some Christmas warmth!
Thanks for the lovely new version, Carla Kelly!
I absolutely loved “Let Nothing You Dismay”, “The Lasting Gift”, “Faithfully Yours” and “Lucy’s Bang-Up Christmas”. It’s been two years since I’ve read them all and I absolutely recommend each of these heart-warming Christmas stories.
The fourth story, “No Room at the Inn” is just ok. In my previous review, I challenged myself to give it another chance because I had trouble following the plot – could have been my mindset at the time, thus give it a fresh try. But alas…I still found it hard to follow. The character names, though, were fascinating. Maybe I was trying to read more into it than I should.
Doesn’t matter. I think the other four stories are so outstanding that I had a copy sent to my cousin. She needs some Christmas warmth!
Thanks for the lovely new version, Carla Kelly!
December 21, 2019
Recipe for turning a sad Christmas into a blessing for 2 or more families.
Step 1: Take a sad family at Christmas—the first after the mother dies;
Step 2: add carefully—a second cousin that has grown up alongside the daughters of the family;
Step 3: blend in—planning for the wedding of the older sister.
In a separate bowl:
Step 4: sift carefully—one destitute widow and her 2 sons and daughter, in need of a home and situation;
Step 5: measure 1 grateful daughter trying to emulate her late mother in lightening the load of a family at Christmas;
Gently fold this family into the first family and pour into a prepared home.
Bake for the next 20 years. Yield: one fine story.
Step 1: Take a sad family at Christmas—the first after the mother dies;
Step 2: add carefully—a second cousin that has grown up alongside the daughters of the family;
Step 3: blend in—planning for the wedding of the older sister.
In a separate bowl:
Step 4: sift carefully—one destitute widow and her 2 sons and daughter, in need of a home and situation;
Step 5: measure 1 grateful daughter trying to emulate her late mother in lightening the load of a family at Christmas;
Gently fold this family into the first family and pour into a prepared home.
Bake for the next 20 years. Yield: one fine story.
September 13, 2020
Fun and heart-warming
I enjoy smart heroines, and witty dialogue delivered in a well-plotted tale. It’s rare for me to find a book that truly delivers, but this is one of those gems. Each of the three Novelas will leave you with a warm feeling and a happy smile. A real pleasure to read and highly recommended.
I enjoy smart heroines, and witty dialogue delivered in a well-plotted tale. It’s rare for me to find a book that truly delivers, but this is one of those gems. Each of the three Novelas will leave you with a warm feeling and a happy smile. A real pleasure to read and highly recommended.
December 7, 2020
I really enjoyed the characters, gentle humor, and emotion that shone through in each of these short stories. It's my first exposure to Carla Kelly, and it was charming and well written. (The only thing I wasn't a fan of were the religious references and bible quotes sprinkled throughout the book, but I guess that is to be expected in a Christmas anthology.)
November 26, 2017
A wonderful Christmas read!
Romance and Christmas just seem to go together and Carla Kelly has the talent to have the joy of both with some tender tears to experience both kinds of joy.
Romance and Christmas just seem to go together and Carla Kelly has the talent to have the joy of both with some tender tears to experience both kinds of joy.
February 9, 2018
This was a great read. Sometimes the Christmas setting added nothing to the story but that's okay. Each of the stories was different enough to be interesting but true to the author's reliable quality.
April 7, 2018
It took me longer than normal to finish this book because of work, which was unfortunate, but it was a great book. I don't love short stories, because I always want more than I am given, but Carla does a great job with how she writes her short stories. I would definitely recommend any of her books.
December 21, 2018
The thing I liked best about this Christmas anthology is that on top of the superb settings, the worthy characters are trying make the world a better place by looking outward to those around them who are struggling. Five stars because I would read this again.
October 28, 2019
A collection of previously published titles from the wonderful and much-missed Signet Regency Christmas titles. Like all Carla Kelly titles, they are well written, heartwarming and beautifully express the meaning of the Christmas season. It's also a pleasure to find them gathered in one collection.
December 10, 2021
Great stories, fun and sweet. Focusing on the best parts of Christmas, loving and giving. As always, short stories aren’t really my favorite. I just get to liking a character and get invested in the story, and suddenly it’s over
April 7, 2022
Every one of the 4 novellas in this anthology have been published in other anthologies. I'd already read them. The description of the book didn't even list the titles, so I thought I was choosing something new. Better itemizing of each title included would prevent this from happening.
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