Mistletoe Kisses

by Christa Maurice, Nancy Stopper, Natalia Banks

9 brand new reads to get you in the holiday spirit!

Nancy Stopper — One Last Gift — They can’t forget their shared history, but when they see each other again after ten years, can they put the past behind them? Will the Christmas spirit help Jack and Casey find their way back to each other?

Christa Maurice – Celebrating Flora – Wally Kohler’s job is cleaning up after his superstar employers so babysitting Flora Mason after a PR disaster isn’t new, but what he wants for Christmas is a nice girl.

Maria Luis — Hat Trick — Marshall Hunt may be the NHL’s hottest new forward, but this charming playboy wants only one thing for the holidays - a date with the woman who’s had his emotions all tangled up for years.

Reese Patton — The One with the Christmas Trees — When attorney Brandt Hayward is set up with Mallory Davies, on Christmas Eve of all nights, neither has time to date, much less start a relationship. Can Brandt and Mallory find their Christmas miracle under the mistletoe?

Susan Saxx — Real Miracle — Christmas Eve. One night, one last memory to revisit, before he’s off the grid. It won’t take long. And it won’t hurt. Much.
Then SHE opens the door…

July Dawson — The Fourteen Days of Christmas — When high school sweethearts are reunited for this Marine’s fourteen days of holiday leave, will she be able to convince him to believe again in love and Christmas magic?

Kimberly Readnour — Bottom of the Ninth, the Novella — When stranded with the girl he stood-up in college, this professional baseball player must redeem his past actions or else lose the one shot at true happiness.

Natalia Banks — No Reservations — Gavin Rossi is an arrogant, conceited restaurateur. No one would ever dream of putting him in his place, until Cindy walks in. Will love break down Gavin’s walls? One thing is for sure, it’ll take a Christmas miracle!

Ev Bishop — Silver Bells — One lonely highway and a brutal snowstorm. Two broken hearts and an accident. Can Bryn and Sean find lasting love in such random, fleeting circumstances?

Genres: Anthologies

884 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2017

About the author

Born in Northeast Ohio, Christa has lived on four different continents (including both sides of Asia)and traveled extensively. She has an extremely elaborate fantasy life and has been known to forget that the bands she made up don't exist to the extent that she has shopped for their albums on iTunes.

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Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could be better than a Christmas story filled with hope and love? How about 9 of them? Some are sassy and fun, some sweet, yet painful at times, some filled with suspense and regrets, but each one tells one more story about the miracles that can happen when the heart and the holidays collide.

I received an ARC edition from Ev Bishop!

Ev Bishop — Silver Bells — Sometimes the worst of times can bring the greatest gifts of all. A blizzard, blinding snow and a lonely highway late at night, the perfect recipe for disaster for Bryn as she travels home for the Holidays where she never quite feels at home, because, through no fault of her own, she is different.
It was on that lonely, snow filled road that she witnessed the accident that would change her life.
Sean knew the accident was his fault, but it reminded him of the way his life had been going for the past few years, one big wreck leaving him stranded and alone, once again. He wanted love, a family and someone to share life with and then she showed up, waist-deep in snow…and suddenly the holidays were looking so much better!
SILVER BELLS is that warm and fuzzy romance that sparkles as the tarnish of the past slowly disintegrates under the promise of the future! Bryn and Sean seem perfect for each other, both know the pain of giving until it hurts, only to never receive and both recognize what they want, whether they believe they are worthy or not! The setting? Priceless, as once again River Sigh Inn plays host to love in a winter wonderland. Kind of makes one wonder how cold this world has become when the potential for love is all around!

Christa Maurice – Celebrating Flora– After finishing what could be a blockbuster hit, one frazzled young star denounces Christmas and needs to lay low for a month. As her assigned babysitter, Wally Kohler takes her home to his post card perfect, small town family farm where Flora learns there is magic in unselfish love, community and just being herself, not the star everyone wants a piece of. The girl she is inside might just be exactly what Wally has been looking for. Who knew a girl from Manilla could find love among the snowdrifts while baking holiday cookies and watching movie marathons?

Nancy Stopper — One Last Gift — They were young and in love, but tragedy and dreams tore them apart. Jack followed his dream, made it big, leaving the small town life he outgrew behind, but he never got over Casey. After over a decade, only his father’s heart attack can bring him back to help run the family Christmas Tree farm. The only thing he didn’t expect was the manager, the girl he never forgot and now he must work side by side with the woman she has become and avoid falling in love all over again, because it will end the same way, right?

Maria Luis — Hat Trick — Hockey Romance, says it all! Who wouldn't love a hockey romance at the Holidays? Fun, flirty and sweetly romantic, these two have a history. Marshall has been chasing after the woman of his dreams for years and she has flatly shut him down at every turn. The puck drops on the final playoff game for love and you won't want to miss it!

Reese Patton — The One with the Christmas Trees — Christmas Eve, and Mallory, EMT, could stay home or go to party she knows next to no one at. Brandt hardly has time to schmooze with his sister's friends, but it's a chance to raise money for a good cause, legal defense for those who cannot afford an attorney. Neither has time for romance, but clearly Cupid and his sister have other ideas. All Mallory sees, aside from the dimple is that he wears a tie and she sees warning flags that clearly say Stay Away. Could she be guilty of the same stereotyping she has been victim to as an EMT? Are they guilty of finding love when they least expected it?

Susan Saxx — Real Miracle — No light and fluffy romance here this Christmas Eve. Eli needs to disappear, fast. He has information that people will kill for and as he begins to say good-bye to the life he once knew, there is Tish, the best thing in his life and now she is in danger, too. Eli may have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the ones he loves, if he can get out of this one, it truly will be amazing, if he gets out it with Tish by his side, it will be a miracle.

July Dawson — The Fourteen Days of Christmas — He has seen battle, all the innocence of his life is gone and now, coming home to his grandparents’ home for Christmas, he doubts the spirit of Christmas. His grandmother is gone, his grandfather is alone and nothing is the same as his memories, except for his old girlfriend. Can they rekindle the flame that used to glow or has too much time, too many miles and too much pain come between them? They have fourteen days to rediscover each other, will it be enough?

Kimberly Readnour — Bottom of the Ninth, the Novella — Ariel finds himself part of a charity calendar, dressed as a creepy elf. The only things that could make it worse is if the photographer was the girl he stood up in college. Mia may just find more than the opportunity for revenge with a pair of tights. But first Ariel must prove he is not the same egomaniac he once was. Could their reunion call for a private photo shoot?

Natalia Banks — No Reservations — Cindy knows that Christmas comes from the heart, not the wallet, but when her father loses his job the month before Christmas, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Is confronting her father’s former boss the smartest move, especially when he is an arrogant restaurateur who acts like the Grinch who has no idea that the real meaning of Christmas is more than the bottom line? Even though he thinks he is in control of everything and everyone, he may have allowed a grave injustice to take place. Gavin is about to learn some important lessons about life and love. Cindy may just be the headstrong miracle he needs to do it.

Publisher: Pronoun (October 16, 2017)
Publication Date: October 16, 2017
Genre: Holiday Romance Anthology
Print Length: 884 pages
Available from: Amazon | Nook | Kobo
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Rita Kunselman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hat Trick a story by Maria Luis part of Mistletoe Kisses.

This is a very good book! The characters were very interesting and you just
knew they would make good couple. Marshall & Gwen were on their second time around and they have a number of things to work out! Maria wrote another good book something she's been doing since April. You would never realize that she is a new author! Mistletoe Kisses contains some terrific stories written by some terrific authors. I knew most of them and the authors I didn't know went on my favorite list after reading it! I would definitely recommend this book for Christmas or any other time!
I voluntarily read and reviewed honestly an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

knew they would make every good couple

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the very first box set where I have liked every story in the set. If you only read one box set, make it this one! Here are specific reviews for my favorite stories in the set:

One Last Gift by Nancy Stopper

I absolutely LOVED this story! I absolutely loved Jack and Casey as well as Riley. This story is so full of every emotion. It was so nice to see some familiar Oak Grove faces but also meet a whole new group. I hope we get to visit this town again.

Hat Trick by Maria Luis

This was the first story by Maria Luis and I had ever read and I absolutely loved it. I loved Marshall and Gwen and how Marshall stuck by Gwen for years until she was finally ready. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

Fourteen Days of Christmas by July Dawson

This was a great second chance story. I loved Hunt and Molly and how strong their love is to survive time and distance. I also loved the rich characters that surround them.

Bottom of the Ninth by Kimberly Readnour

This is another great second chance story. Mia and AJ once were right on the brink of turning friendship to something more when AJ didn't turn up for dinner one night and completely disappeared. Years later they have another chance but life keeps getting in the way. I loved these characters and how right they are for each other.

I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweeter than candy canes, hotter than a yule log, more heartwarming than having the whole family around the table - all the holiday goodness you could want is found in this wonderful winter collection. Each story is complete with a HEA, and they vary in the amount of heat they offer. Some stop at a romantic kiss, while others stop at nothing.

First up we have Celebrating Flora by Christa Maurice. This is a sweet story of how Wally, a security expert to the stars, finds himself taking a young actress home to his family for the holidays so she can hide from the press. What starts out as just his job has him reevaluating his entire career as he reconnects with his family and watches Flora find her non-Hollywood self. We get a wonderful glimpse of the holidays in a picturesque Midwestern small town with delightful characters and a strong emphasis on family.

Next we have One Last Gift by Nancy Stopper, an intense and heartbreaking second-chance romance. Jack and Casey broke up after the death of their newborn son as he moved to Boston to pursue his career and she refused to move with him. His father's illness brings him home for the holidays, where they both find that while everything else has changed, their hearts have not. This story will have you crying right along with Jack and Casey, and remembering that above all else, holidays are about families.

The third story - appropriate placing, really - is Maria Luis's Hat Trick, our third visit with the Boston Blades where ice queen Gwen finds the courage to allow her heart to thaw for playboy Marshall. It's great to see the other side to a Regina George-type character, and Ms. Luis does a fabulous job of making her sympathetic and vulnerable. We get all the much-anticipated backstory for both Marshall and Gwen, all the steamy tension and fireworks we expect from these hot hockey players, and we get to visit with Zoe and Charlie, even a little with Duke and Andre, as well.

Next is The One with All the Trees by Reese Patton, where Mallory and Brandt find themselves set up by well-meaning friends and family for a holiday dinner. Awkwardness prevails, but through it all they're able to reveal their true selves and allow their hearts another shot at love. This story has plenty of humor, mostly with the delightful secondary characters.

Real Miracle by Susan Saxx is darker than the other stories, as Eli returns after disappearing three years before to find Tish - his Tish - back at the vacant home they'd once promised to call their own. Danger finds them, the suspense has some very tense moments, all the secrets from the past are revealed and there's a deep satisfaction when it's all worked out.

Fourteen Days of Christmas by July Dawson follows Hunter, a Marine home on temporary holiday leave, reuniting with the girl he left behind when he enlisted all those years ago. Hunter learns just what he's been serving for all along, and Molly gave him hope that he could find a purpose in life after his service was over. Their love story was very sweet, very tender, and encompassed not just the two main characters but their extended families as well. Their relationship is shown both in the early days via letters from the past as well as in the present, and brilliantly demonstrates the emotional growth of each of them through the years.

Bottom of the Ninth by Kimberly Readnour is a sexy sports romance that finds AJ thoroughly captivated with Mia, a girl he walked away from years before because he felt she deserved so much more than he could offer. Family circumstances force them to spend a lot of time, alone, together, and in the middle of a Vermont blizzard they have no trouble generating enough heat to keep each other warm. Just as things start to get going for these two, AJ gets traded from the East Coast to a West Coast team and it appears their romance is doomed before it even gains traction. AJ's devotion to Mia, to finding a solution for them, is absolutely beautiful.

No Reservations by Natalia Banks is an intense, sensual story of Cindy confronting Gavin, her father's former employer, about why he fired her dad. The heat between them explodes almost immediately, but it does nothing to solve the problem that brought them together. Ms. Banks really knows how to write the steamy scenes, but she doesn't skimp on the rest of the story either. The truth is diligently sought out, wrongs are righted, and the HEA is one of the most gratifying.

Finally, the anthology ends with Silver Bells by Ev Bishop. Bryn and Sean find themselves seeking shelter at the River's Sigh B&B, where they discover they can generate enough heat to melt all the snow for miles around. This story is the perfect holiday winter wonderland romance, with Bryn and Sean both warming to the idea of risking their hearts on love. These are two people who are instantly familiar to us, like old friends, and their feelings are honest and raw. Love can thrive even when it's very complicated, and their many-years-later epilogue was a joy to read.

Each story, true to the anthology theme, incorporates mistletoe kisses whenever possible, and each romance is perfectly written to get you in the mood for the holidays. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Dawn Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Kisses

Hat Trick- Maria Luis

I fell in love with Maria Luis's writing when I got a copy of Power Play, her debut book, via instafreebie. With each book I have read, I have found myself pulled into the lives of her characters. I first met Gwen, the heroine in Hat Trick, in Power Play. I will be the first to admit that I didn't like her. She was vapid, shallow, and nasty. She was, in a word, a bitch. Then she had a cameo in Sin Bin and I started to see a different side to her. When I found out she was the heroine in Hat Trick I knew I had to give her a chance. While this is only a novella, Maria once again pulled me into the lives of her characters. She finally let us see just what it was that made Gwen act the way she did. It made my heart hurt, just a little, and I understood her much better. The heat between Gwen and Marshall is steamy and I love the way Maria made Gwen the pursuer and Marshall the one being pursued. It was a total reversal of the way romance novels are so often written and I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to read more from Maria because I know it will be great!

Once Last Gift- Nancy Stopper

I first read Nancy Stopper when I got a copy of Last Call An Oak Grove Novella. I fell in love with the sleepy little town and the characters in it so I was thrilled to discover that we were getting to go back to Oak Grove in this anthology.

The story between Jack and Casey it heart wrenching. The events that tore them apart and kept them apart for a decade will make you want to weep for them. And then, as their love slowly renews, you will smile. Jack sets out to woo the only woman he's ever loved with the hopes of trying to work out a way to continue living and working in Boston while being with her, long distance. It's not until a crisis at the company he has built takes him away from her that he realizes that his home is in Oak Grove, with Casey, and he returns to her side. Their second chance romance is sweet and it will give you all the happy feels that a sweet romance produces!


No Reservations- Natalia Banks.

Wow. This novella was steamy! I've not read a lot by Natalia Banks, but No Reservations has made me want to rectify that! The chemistry between Gavin and Cindy is off the charts. Gavin isn't used to people being candid with him but Cindy goes head to head with him and doesn't back down. Their banter is fun to read and by the time you get to the epilogue you can't help but smile at the ending!

Celebrating Flora- Christa Maurice

Celebrating Flora was a very sweet novella. I'd not read anything by Christa Maurice before so I had no idea what to expect from her writing. Sometimes you need heat, sometimes you need steamy, but sometimes you need a sweet romance and that is what you get with this book. I really enjoyed watching Flora's character develop as the story played out. She started out kind of snarky but by the end she'd had a complete change of heart and she'd endeared herself to me. I will definitely look for more to read from this author!

Fourteen Days of Christmas- July Dawson

This was another sweet romance that added a little bit of steaminess near the end. I always enjoy reading books where one of the characters is in the military, especially if it is portrayed accurately. Ms. Dawson, having been in the military, definitely portrayed it accurately. The conflict between the hero and heroine is one that is often present when one part of the couple is in the military. The characters really came to life for me and I look forward to reading more of July Dawson's work!


The One With All the Trees – Reese Patton

This story was a blast to read. My favorite part, by far, was all the times the one character, Christopher, kept freaking out over the plethora of Christmas trees within the penthouse apartment his brother and sister-in-law live in. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the chemistry between the hero, Brandt, and the heroine, Mallory. It sparked between them from the moment they met. If ever there were two souls who seemed to jump to all the wrong conclusions, it's those two. Mallory is a paramedic, Brandt is a defense attorney, both are dedicated to their jobs and misread actions and behaviors from the other and assume the worst. The way Reese worked through that and got them together was really sweet. I look forward to reading more from this author!


Real Miracle- Susan Saxx

I was a little surprised by the tone of this novella. I enjoyed it, a lot, but it had a darker, less cheery tone, which might seem odd for a Christmas story, but when you get deep into the story you realize why it feels darker. Reading it, my heart hurt for Eli and Tish. Just when they were starting to plan a life together, everything went to hell in a hand basket. Three years later, fate steps in and they are reunited. All the way up until almost the very end I was convinced it wasn't going to have a happy ending, despite it being in a Christmas collection. Boy was I wrong! I loved the ending of Real Miracle and my interest in Jack's Bay was definitely piqued! I will undoubtedly read more from this author in the near future!

Bottom of the Ninth: A Novella- Kimberly Readnour

I absolutely loved Bottom of the Ninth. It was really interesting reading the entire thing in just the hero's POV and it makes me want to see what the heroine's POV is! There is some steamy sex as well as some laugh out loud moments and the ending will leave you with all the warm, happy feels!

Silver Bells- Ev Bishop


This story hit me in the heart from the beginning. I saw a bit of myself in Bryn, in terms of the way she saw herself due to her past and her ex. The instant chemistry between her and Sean, our hero, made me smile though. There are some really rough, emotional moments as well as some really sweet ones. I absolutely loved the way the author handled Bryn's infertility and showcased the depth of pain such a thing can cause when the woman in question longs to be a mother. There were a few moments where I teared up, especially at the end, when our hero and heroine have their HEA!

[Scrap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed
Maria Luis — Hat Trick — Marshall Hunt may be the NHL’s hottest new forward, but this charming playboy wants only one thing for the holidays - a date with the woman who’s had his emotions all tangled up for years.

OMG I loved this story so much, Marshall has been in love with Gwen for six years, But Gwen has issues, all due to her mom, she is trying to get help by going to therapy and yes it is working, But when Marshall and Gwen both show up late for Zoe's engagement party they banter as always before walking in, But they exchange words and Marshall finally realizes that Gwen does not return the affection that he has for her, So he tells her that's it, no more, he is done.
That is what it took to make Gwen realize that she really does like Marshal, so she sets out to Woo him (LOVED THIS LOL)
Maria did such an amazing job with their story considering it is novella length it was just perfect. I LOVED it and have to say WOW the facetime call was HOT HOT HOT

Natalie Banks--- No Reservations
Cindy knows that Christmas comes from the heart, not the wallet, but when her father loses his job the month before Christmas, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Is confronting her father’s former boss the smartest move, especially when he is an arrogant restaurateur who acts like the Grinch who has no idea that the real meaning of Christmas is more than the bottom line? Even though he thinks he is in control of everything and everyone, he may have allowed a grave injustice to take place. Gavin is about to learn some important lessons about life and love. Cindy may just be the headstrong miracle he needs to do it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Kisses contains 9 holiday stories. It's a great way to read a variety of authors.
I voluntarily received this Arc in exchange for an honest review. This review is for two of the stories.
Nancy Stopper — One Last Gift is Book 5 in the Oak Grove series, which is great. However, you don't need to read the other books, to enjoy this story. It's a wonderful story of Jack and Casey, who have been apart for ten years, following a tragedy, but who still love each in their hearts. No cliffhanger and an hea. A nice addition to the Oak Grove Series.

Maria Luis - Hat Trick is a cute story of the tables being turned. Marshall, NHL’s hottest new forward is a playboy. He's always wanted Gwen but after six years of not interested. He finally tells Gwen, I give up on you. This has Gwen rethinking everything about her jaded views of love. Now she's the one trying to get Marshall to see that she's a changed woman. This is the first book I have read by Maria Luis and I loved it.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Maria Luis's Hat Trick. This is the third story in a series, although it can stand alone. For me, though, I wasn't sure I could handle Gwen because she was so horrible in the first book. I had to know if Maria could redeem her, though, so I dove in.
By the end of the first chapter, I was solidly on Team Gwen. I just wanted to give her a hug. As the story progressed, I was more and more impressed with how Gwen was choosing to improve her life. It sounds odd to say, but I was very proud of her. (I was also glad to see her positive comments about Charlie from the first book.) Her character arc was the best thing about this novella and truly drove the action.
Marshall is hot as all get out. Oh, the hat trick jokes that could be made, but I will refrain. But mostly I loved that he saw Gwen as who she was inside even when she had lost sight of that herself. His faith in her is lovely, and I am so glad for them to have their HEA.

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of One Last Gift by Nancy Stopper

Enjoyable, heartwarming story set in Oak Grove - the wonderful town where so many have fallen in love! This is the 5th story in the series and set at Christmastime. Casey and Jack have a painful history, but Jack is drawn back to Oak Grove from Boston due to a family emergency and sees Casey once again. Is his life in Boston more important than making a life in Oak Grove with Casey?

This is a feel good story - somewhat predictable but sure to get you into the holiday spirit!


I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.

[Karen Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Last Gift by Nancy Stopper
Quick, sweet read that introduces another family in Oak Grove. These stories make me want to live in Oak Grove! Great community with wonderful families. The author makes it so welcoming and warm with love and acceptance. The main characters have a traumatic past that needs to be overcome, but true love does win afterall. Not the family they planned, but the family they love and need makes up their happily-ever-after.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Kisses Anthology 4/5
I received an ARC of this book to honestly review from Maria Luis.
These novellas will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit all are set during the holiday season. They are mostly full of joy and love.

Celebrating Flora 3/5
Christina Maurice
The leads, Flora and Wally have run from the ghosts of their home towns. A sweet story that alludes to the real meanings behind the Christmas season.

One Last Gift 3/5
Nancy Stopper
Nancy sets up the plot as a sweet second chance romance with a note to the reader at the start.
Successful business man Jack had encased his heart in ice. Casey had tried to forget their devastating loss. Can they get past the Geographical issues to rekindle their love and trust again?

Hat Trick
Maria Luis
I love, love, love this author and know that Gwen and Marshall will make me laugh when I read their whole story. Thank you Maria for letting me into your pack and gifting me this ARC!

The One with All the Trees 3/5
Reese Patterson
A quick sweet story that really only scratches the surface of a budding romance. I would like to see how this couple pans out.

Real Miracle 3/5
Susan Saxx
He left without a word to protect the ones he loved. Now Eli can't resist Tish’s pull, but will this be the end? A touch of suspense is built into this Christmas romance.

Fourteen Days of Christmas 4/5
July Dawson
Ex's and humour count down the days until the end of 14 days of military leave over Christmas for Hunt. Molly and Hunt just fit. However, Molly will have to dig deep to trust that Hunt won't leave her again.
Loved the snark and humour, loved the characters, I will look for more books by July Dawson!

Bottom of the Ninth: The Novella 4/5
Kimberly Readnour
This is a novella version of a bigger story, told from the male leads perspective.
This novella hits runs from the opening with a crazy costume photo shoot for charity.
"My hands ball into fists as I fight the temptation. I need to remember she still hates me."
A second chance romance where AJ really has to work to get his cupcake.
Another new author for me to seek out! I want to read more.

No Reservations
Natalia Banks
This novella kicks off by painting a bleak start to Christmas for the heroine Cindy. It is raw, blunt and more graphic in content than the other novellas. Despite the power imbalance it does get to the HEA if you make it to the end.

Silver Bells 5/5
Ev Bishop
Bryn and Sean meet on a snow laden highway. Their romance blooms in an isolated Christmas wonderland. Can it survive ghosts of ex's past?
A cracker of a story that pulls you in easily and gets you in the Christmas spirit. Loved it!! A high note to end this anthology with yet another author to add to my TBR list!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Kisses blends sentiment and wisdom to create an inspiring and unforgettably addictive masterpiece. Nine authors, Nine great stories that span the range between sweet, heat and holiday treat. A bundle of flavorful, colorful and wonderful tales.

One Last Gift by Nancy Stopper - Happiness and forgiveness go hand in hand. Jack and Casey were on the verge of ever after. Until heartache came calling. Can some holiday magic and the hands of time allow fate to lead them back to each other? One Last Gift showcases the wonderment of first love, second chances and the healing power of love.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to confess I am not a fan of novellas, but who can overlook an anthology about Christmas?
The stories were cute. Some better than others, but the price was right.
You will always come out a winner with such talented authors like Nancy Stopper, Ev Bishop etc.
I am sure you will find many stories you will love.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Lenda Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, all of these books were so likeable and heartwarming.
I loved them all.
What a great way to escape from day to day life.
I didn't want any of them to end.
One Last Gift was my favorite.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of stories by different authors. My fav is ‘Bottom of the ninth by Kimberly Readnour’. Recommend to all

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novellas are hard - you’ve got a short number of pages to get plot AND characters developed. There isn’t time to monkey-fart around with extraneous stuff. This anthology has some hits, and some misses. My big issue is that many of these stories are part of a series - and if the author didn’t give some backstory before the novella, or didn’t do some explaining within the novella, a reader will most likely be confused. Which is never a good thing. Here’s what I thought about each story:

Celebrating Flora - Christa Maurice

I wrote out a long and marginally scathing review for Celebrating Flora, but then decided to just say this: This is a terrible submission for an anthology - especially if you aren’t even going to attempt to explain who all the people are in the book. This is book 5.5 in a series, so I was totally lost through a good part of the story because the hero kept talking about this person and that person and I’m all “who the hell are you talking about, I’m so confused!”

As far as the actual story goes, we get some character development for the heroine, Flora - she’s an actress from the Philippines, and feels a lot of pressure to get roles (any way she can) so she can support her extended family back home. Despite not being very likeable in the beginning, I started to understand her. But only a little bit, because she had major mood swings and went from fun and charming to bitchy in two seconds flat, for no discernible reason.

The hero, Wally, does something for bands (although I’m not exactly sure what), travels constantly, and hasn’t been home for 10 years. He’s brought Flora to his home in Ohio as a favor to Flora’s publicist, because she had a meltdown and needed to go “off the grid” for a while.

Wally and Flora have a very hot and cold relationship. He tries to do something nice for her, she gets ticked off at him, they argue. This repeats through the whole story. Then Wally plays amateur psychologist, figures out why Flora acts the way she does, they have sex (I think...it was completely closed door and not totally clear), then they declare their undying love.

Add in some loose ends with the story, and I didn’t enjoy this novella much at all. But, if you were familiar with the rest of the series, you might like Celebrating Flora.

My rating for Celebrating Flora: 2 (but just barely - it took two nights to read this novella!)

One Last Gift by Nancy Stopper

Right off the bat, this book gets points for explaining itself. This story is part of the Oak Grove series, and even though I’ve read books .5 and one, I’m getting a brief synopsis of all the players in this story. Hooray!!!

I am usually a big fan of the second-chance romance. However, this author did what I really dislike...holding out on telling us what happened, and alluding to it every chance possible. We know something tragic happened that caused our hero and heroine a great amount of grief. But that’s it. This is a novella for goodness sake - just tell us already!

Once we do get the backstory, I still had a bit of a hard time feeling any chemistry between the hero and heroine as they got reacquainted. There was a lot of internal dialogue about how they love each other again but there’s no way they can be together again because she has a life in Oak Grove and his life is in Boston. Too bad nobody’s allowed to move… (Somebody needs to come up with a universal sarcasm font. I’d use it A LOT.)

My rating for One Last Gift: 3

Hat Trick by Maria Luis

One reason why I like reading anthologies is because sometimes I find a new-to-me author. And reading Hat Trick definitely has me wanting to read more by Maria Luis.

Gwen and Marshall have been dancing around each other for the past six years - ever since Marshall sat behind Gwen in an accounting class. Actually, it’s more been Marshall chasing Gwen. But she’s got some major hang ups after watching her mother fall in love and get married, and then divorced...four times.

Because this is a novella, the plot development went a little fast and left a bit to be desired, relationship wise. But I think Ms. Luis did a good job with character development. I just had a hard time understanding what flipped for Gwen that made her suddenly decide to give Marshall a chance. The writing was good though, and both the internal monologue and dialogue between the characters was entertaining. So while this may not be a great book to me, I’m definitely interested in reading more by this author!

My rating for Hat Trick: 3

The One With All the Trees by Reese Patton

Despite the plethora of editing errors/typos, I really liked this story.

Mallory and Brandt meet in an elevator on their way up to a penthouse suite for a Christmas Eve dinner party. Neither is initially aware that they are being set up, but are definitely interested in each other. However, both have demanding careers that aren’t very conducive to having relationships (she’s a paramedic, he’s a public aide lawyer). Add in some personal hang ups for each of them, and there was a lot of internal monologue about whether or not getting involved is a good idea.

Seeing them interact at the party was cute, watching things “fall apart” during dinner was sorta odd (it happened quickly), and then seeing them get together and have a happily-ever-after happened in about three pages. But these are all novellas, so I’m willing to concede some character and plot development expectations. Not sure if I’ll read anything else by this author (this story is obviously part of a series, I’m just not sure which one), but these few chapters I did read were pretty good!

My rating for The One With All the Christmas Trees: 3.5

Real Miracle by Susan Saxx

The more I read this anthology, the more I appreciate an author writing a few paragraphs to introduce the reader to her characters, a little backstory, and the series that the story is from. THANK YOU, Ms. Saxx for clarifying things!!!

Unfortunately, I still spent a good deal of time confused during this book.

Eli left town three years ago on Christmas Eve, without a word to his fiancé Tish. Now he’s back in town, on Christmas Eve, taking a stroll down memory lane in front of the old house he and Tish were going to buy and fix up. He’s filled with regret for leaving Tish behind, but he didn’t feel he had a choice if he was going to keep her, and his younger brother, safe. Now he has one last deal to make with the bad guys he’s been working for and he and his brother can escape the life they’ve been living and disappear off the grid.

While sitting outside the old house, Eli is shocked to see Tish is there. Unable to resist finding out what she’s doing at the house, he goes inside to talk to her. As you can imagine, Tish isn’t initially pleased to see him.

Over the course of the next several hours, Tish discovers why Eli left, they declare they’ve never stopped loving each other, and then Eli figures out a way to keep his brother alive, Tish safe, and get rid of the bad guys permanently. Then they live happily ever after (I’m assuming).

I’m still not exactly sure how things all worked out in the end, but I’m glad they did.

My rating for Real Miracle: 2.5

Fourteen Days Of Christmas by July Dawson

I LOVED this story. It was absolutely a novella done right!

Hunter Carson is home for the holidays on leave from the Marines for fourteen days. He expects his grandfather to come pick him up from the airport, but instead is met by Molly, his high school sweetheart, and the girl he left behind.

Watching them get reacquainted and fall back in love (well, they actually never stopped loving each other) was delightful. Hunter and Molly are cute and charming together, and while they did have issues to work through, the conflict wasn’t over-the-top dramatic. Their dialogue was witty, and the side characters added additional humor. The ending was heartwarming and sweet, and I loved everything about this story. Fourteen Days of Christmas is the holiday story I’ve been wanting to read!

My rating for Fourteen Days of Christmas: 4.5

Bottom of the Ninth: The Novella by Kimberly Readnor

We’re on a roll now, with a second really good story for this anthology!

AJ Gonzalez is your stereotypical professional baseball player - cocky and commitment-phobic. Personally, I’m kinda tired of reading about “heroes” who act like sleeping around is something to be proud of...but maybe that’s just me?

Anyway, he and eleven of his teammates get roped into posing for a calendar to raise money for childhood cancer research. AJ is stunned to discover that the photographer for the project is the one girl he really cared about, but walked away from (stood her up, actually), eight years ago. Mia was really hurt by the way AJ left her, but has moved on. When AJ shows interest in her again, she decides a quick fling with him may not be such a bad thing. Except this time AJ knows he wants more, and is willing to fight for them.

Despite being a novella, this story had good plot and character development. The first part of the relationship was cute, and fun. It was okay that things moved fast because they already knew each other. The conflict they had to deal with was realistic (considering AJ is a professional athlete), and wasn’t drawn out or over-dramatic. For being a couple in their 20s, they acted pretty mature. And I really like that!

I will definitely keep an eye out for additional Kimberly Readnor books. Hopefully she’s able to keep the quick pacing that I liked in this story in her full length books!

My rating for The Bottom of the Ninth: 4

No Reservations by Natalia Banks

The note from the author before the story started said that if I’m “obsessed with steamy hot billionaires, you’ve come to the right place!” Uh, I’m not, and I usually avoid stories with “billionaires “ so I was a little nervous about this book. And it started out a little ridiculous…

Cindy, who is 25 and still lives at home, and her father are working hard to make ends meet. When her father is fired after being accused of stealing from the restaurant where he worked, Cindy decides to confront Gavin Rossi, the head of the company that owns the restaurant.

Gavin takes Cindy to his home so they can talk (what rich, powerful man - who has security at the gate to his house - is going to take some random woman into his home?). They have dinner, Cindy tells Gavin her father has been wrongly accused, they end up in bed together without much preamble. She is put off by Gavin’s attitude, but he’s smitten with Cindy because she doesn’t act like he’s expecting her to. They spend one week together, have a bunch of steamy times, and declare their undying love. Like I said, a little ridiculous.

But once I decided to just take the story for what it is - a quick, steamy, borderline over-the-top, Cinderella-type story - it wasn’t too bad. Things moved way too fast and were resolved quickly and without much ado, but if I didn’t expect too much from the plot, I was fairly entertained.

My rating for No Reservations: 2.5

Silver Bells, A River’s Sigh B & B Christmas Novella by Ev Bishop

This nine-novella anthology has ended on a high note, with the story of Sean and Bryn being sweet and cute, and a great ending for this collection.

Bryn and Sean meet during a snowstorm when Bryn has pulled to the side of the road because of road conditions and then witnesses Sean driving too fast and sliding off the road into a ditch. They discover they aren’t too far from the River’s Sigh B&B, and hike there to take refuge for the night. Of course, there’s only one cottage available, so they’re forced to spend the night together.

They spend the evening talking and getting to know each other and fall in love - only neither one believes they have a chance with the other. Sigh. There was A LOT of repetitive internal monologue in this story, but that’s really the worst thing I can say about it. Because it really was a sweet, cute story (and completely refreshing in that they didn’t jump into a physical relationship right away - as the characters did in the previous story).

Of course, they hit a bit of a snag on their way to happily ever after. The issue kind of sneaks up on the reader, but did add some much needed conflict that happens outside of the hero and heroine’s heads. It was resolved fairly quickly though, which is what you would expect for two characters who are genuinely nice people.

My rating for Silver Bells, A River’s Sigh B & B Christmas Novella: 4

[Sheila Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bundle of Christmas inspired short stories that remind you of the beauty of the season. Full of sweetness, forgiveness and pure joy for the discovery of love and happiness! A total "feel good" anthology of stories! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am freely offering my review of this advance reader copy.

I will continue to add reviews for the rest of the books in this set as I finish them.

3 stars - CELEBRATING FLORA by Christa Maurice: Unfortunately the multiple distractions caused this to be a difficult read. The editing was awful with so many missing, misspelled or incorrect words, wrong names used, and way too many characters to keep track of and not enough explanation of them to help with that issue. Once I got about half way through this book things picked up and I did enjoy it more. BUT, still too many errors for me.

5 STARS! - ONE LAST GIFT by Nancy Stopper: This sweet Christmas novel focuses on a second chance for over-worked Jack Murphy and the adorably cute, small town Casey Peterson. Ten years ago the unthinkable happened and Jack just couldn't handle the memories any longer so he packed up and left Oak Grove for Boston and he hasn't been back. Until his mother calls with news about his father's heart attack.  Now Jack is forced to face his painful past AND the girl he left behind. 

Casey has done alright for herself and her son in Oak Grove, taking over the everday running of the Christmas tree farm for Jack's aging parents. But when Sid Murphy has a heart attack, the one man she was just fine never seeing again returns and he seems determined to stay, at least through the holidays.  When old feelings begin to surface will Casey be able to protect her heart from the man who already left her once in her most heartbreaking time of need? 

Nancy Stopper is an incredibly good writer, able to weave a heart-wrenching story that grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let you go until the end!  I couldn't put this book down!!

5 stars - HAT TRICK by Maria Luis: This was a sweet book about a woman who has had enough disappointments in her life that she has developed a thick skin against everyone and especially a massive wall against any possible long term relationship with a man. Gwen does her PR job and she does it well. But enveloped in a protective shield she has built around her heart after the damage she has seen her mother experience after 4 failed marriages, Gwen doesn't even think love is real any more. When she finally realizes what she is about to lose, will Gwen finally let her guard down and let Marshall inside?

Marshall is an NHL player for The Blades, 3 years younger than Gwen, and so over the moon for the petite red head he can barely function. But after six years of trying to break down the barrier Gwen has built around herself Marshall has laid himself out there for the last time. However, it seems Gwen has finally seen the light and, just maybe, they will have a chance to work things out. Until Gwen finds out about the horrific secret Marshall has kept all these years.

4 stars - THE ONE WITH ALL THE TREES by Reese Patton: Cute and short, this novella brings together a very busy lawyer and hard working paramedic who both love their jobs, even with the long hours, but who are also both wishing for a love match. Can anyone possibly accept Brandt's crazy hours or Mallory's long days? Sweet romantic HEA!

3 stars - REAL MIRACLE by Susan Saxx: This book was a little strange and kind of hard to grasp at first and then I found myself just wishing it would hurry up and be over as it seemed to drag a bit. The ending was pretty good but just a so-so book for me.

5 stars - FOURTEEN DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by July Dawson: A sweet second chances book has Hunter Carson returning home for his two weeks leave during Christmas. Seven years ago Hunter left Molly with the best of intentions but it wasn't long before his calls and letters stopped. Hunt had his reasons, but will Molly be able to forgive him and is there any chance he can repair the damage he did?

In seven years Molly has seen Hunt one time when he came home for his gram's funeral. Now he is home with his grandfather, on leave for the holidays, and seriously flirting with her? He seems hell bent on earning her forgiveness but Molly doesn't trust his motives. Hunt will leave and she isn't sure her heart can take the damage it would go through when he does.

This was such a cute holiday book from a new to me author. I'll definitely look for more books by her.

5 stars - BOTTOM OF THE NINTH by Kimberly Readnour: the novella: This is such a cute second chances book. It is referred to here as a novella as there is evidently an extended version coming out but this novella, told from AJ's pov didn't suffer any loss as I found it to be a fullbodied, well written, sweet HEA book. I'd personally like to see some of the mistakes cleaned up but otherwise I loved it!

AJ Gonzalez quickly realizes the situation is more than a coincidence when he tries on the costume he is to wear for the calendar to benefit children's cancer research and when he sees the photographer he knows why. It's been eight years since he walked away from the possibility of a relationship with Mia but he did it for her own good. He isn't good enough for her and he knows it. But it's the bottom of the ninth and AJ finally figures out what he wants and needs. Can Mia ever learn to trust that AJ has grown up and wants a life with her or will a shocking change in his career destroy any chance of a future for them?

5 stars - NO RESERVATIONS by Natalia Banks: This was an amazingly sweet Cinderella style tale that captured my heart from the first chapter and held it all the way to the end of the epilogue. Cindy and her father don't have much but they have each other. When her father is accused of a crime she knows he didn't commit they are both stunned and devastated at the knowledge of what will happen as they were barely making ends meet to begin with. Whatever this means for their future, Cindy won't sit back and let her father be accused without a fight so she confronts her father's boss. What she doesn't expect is the reaction he has to Cindy and her father's situation. She also can't believe her own reaction to the man, especially as he continues to prove all her expectations wrong. But Cindy worries that she could never fit into Gavin's world. Can Gavin convince her she is wrong and everything he has ever wanted?

Absolutely LOVED this sweet HEA and look forward to finding more books by this author.

5 stars - SILVER BELLS by Susan Saxx: This is a super sweet tale of two really nice people who were caught up in the idea of love, investing every part of themselves, just to realize it wasn't the right person and would never last. Now single, Bryn is on her way to spend the Christmas holidays with her family when a snow storm leaves her stranded on the side of the road. When a truck goes by and skids to a precarious stop she ventures from her car to make sure the driver is okay. As Sean and Bryn decide to hike up a side road looking for the B&B listed on a sign, the two talk and share holiday stories, getting better acquainted, just to arrive at the B&B and find a bit of a conundrum. As the two
realize all they have in common will they also finally realize that they deserve love and happiness or will Sean's past destroy Bryn's heart completely?

This book will have you tearing up when your own memories of love you finally admit is meant to be just to have it shattered by fate, and you will find yourself right there pushing for Sean and Bryn to finally find the love they both deserve. LOVED THIS BOOK!

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collections of stories for the holidays. Each verges on Christmas or Christmas Eve, and they each beg for us to go along for the romantic ride. Most of these authors were new to me, and I enjoyed the stories so much.

"Celebrating Flora" by Christa Maurice
I liked this story though it started off a bit slow and dry for me. Although the chemistry between Flora and Wally wasn’t as evident in this one as it was with the hero and heroine in the others, it was romantic and had a happy ending which I liked.

"One Last Gift" by Nancy Stopper
This one is a second chance romance which is one of my favorite kind. It’s also a small town romance which makes it easier to follow the characters. Casey and Jack have chemistry that explodes like fireworks, and I couldn’t put this one down.

"Hat Trick" by Maria Luis
I loved the tongue in cheek humor of this story, and sparks that rise between Gwen and Marshall are explosive. I’m not much of a sports romance reader though I have gotten hooked by a few. This will definitely be on that short list.

"The One With All The Trees" by Reese Patton
Though this story didn’t didn’t have the exhilarating excitement some of the others, I truly enjoyed watching the romance play out between Mallory and Brandt. It was sweet, funny and real.

"Real Miracle" by Susan Saxx
Another second chance romance, it was full of danger and excitement and had my heart breaking from the moment we see Tish and Eli together. I absolutely loved it.

"The Fourteen Days of Christmas" by July Dawson
I love a good military romance, and this one pulls out all of the feels. Molly has her hands full trying to help Hunter remember what it’s like to celebrate Christmas after returning home from Afghanistan. It’s beautiful and poignant, and I look forward to reading more of this author’s works.

"Bottom of the Ninth" by Kimberly Readnour
Though another sports romance, I found myself enjoying the story of Mia and A.J. He’s all alpha and attitude, and she’s just what he needs to teach him how to let down his guard. I love the humor the holidays brought to this story.

"No Reservations" by Natalia Banks
Cindy and Gavin literally almost run into each other, and they burn bright from the beginning of the story, though their story might have ended with misunderstandings. But they discover things about each other that change everything. Lots of chemistry between these two and definitely a lot of heat.

"Silver Bells" by Ev Bishop
I absolutely loved this story of Bryn and Sean! And my favorite part, besides the immediate attraction between these two, is that fact that we get to spend Christmas at River’s Sigh B & B. It’s one of my favorite locations for romance, and there are always a plethora of colorful characters, not all of them human. Every time this author writes another story, her writing improves and grows. I’m so glad she took us to River’s Sigh. It felt like coming home.

[Lady M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series of books! There's something for everyone, they're all shorts, so if you don't have time to dive into a full novel, this is perfect for you

celebrating Flora. There are so many names thrown around it's difficult to keep up with who is who. This is clearly part of a series, but since I've not read any others, it's confusing and hard to sink into. Once you do get in, it's a cute enough story. A little unexpected on the love part. I think so, being posted as a stand-alone does the series a disservice. I really felt like I was missing a lot.

one last gift. What a sweet story of a second chance romance! I don't think I've read any other books in the Oak Grove series, but luckily it didn't seem to matter. I kept wanting more from this story, more backstory more details of the events that changed, more ending. Just more.

the 14 days of Christmas. What a cute, sweet story of childhood sweethearts in a small town. This story just gave me the warm and fuzzies!

bottom of the ninth. I wasn't sure about this one when I started it, but somewhere along the way I found myself rooting so hard for AJ. These two were so cute together, just another great story. I left a Jays nickname for Mia, too cute!

No Reservations. This one wasn't my favorite, but as a short it's not bad. A little obvious and parts, just not my favorite of all these stories

hat trick. I love sports romance and any book with a Mean Girls reference has to be funny right? I loved this one a lot. I loved how she decided to woo him. These two were so easy to root for, I loved their banter, the little reveals. Just a feel-good story all around

the one with the Christmas trees. The title reminds me of Friends episodes. Another cute story that of course was too short. Honestly there is a lot of detail in story for how short it is. It also feels like it's part of a series that I will have to check out.

real Miracle. Wow, this one was a lot darker and more emotional to read. I actually teared up on this one. I had no idea how it was going to play out, which is great. It was a lot to wrap your head around. I don't know much about Jack's Bay but this was still a great read

Silver Bells. This one ties with hat-trick as my favorite of this compilation. I don't know how many times I smiled at this couple and their cuteness. It felt so natural, flowed so well, I loved it. This whole set is so worth it snatch it up while you can!

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

ONE LAST GIFT BY NANCY STOPPER

A poignant and touching story about life, love, family, losses, and forgiveness during Christmas time in Oak Grove. Even though this is a book five in the series, it is a standalone novel, only loosely connected to the first four books in the series.
Jack and Casey were young and in love ten years ago until the loss of their baby draws them apart. A successful businessman, Jack has avoided his hometown ever since he left to look for a new beginning, without the hole in his heart the sorrow of losing his child had created. He asked for Casey to go with him, but Casey could not think about leaving her Oak Grove, the town she loved.
Ten years of life and living without seeing Casey has been okay for Jack until his father's heart attack forces him to come home and face his past.
There is a lot of story and churning emotions fit into the novella. Jack is a good man, he has created a new business and work-filled life away from home. He is successful, responsible, and capable, providing jobs and making a livelihood. He sees his past mistakes and is willing to work on the issues, the hurt, and the healing that is required.
Casey is a lovely young woman, who has done her best to overcome the past, the pain, and the loss. She has a new focus in life, she has her place in the town, she is making a good living, with a job she loves, she has her son and she is willing to fight the world to keep him safe and happy.
I love how the author, with each story, is willing to dig deep, go to those places in mind and heart that the characters rather would hide, and out the aching feels and fears they hide buried inside. Jack and Casey have to have the tough and difficult conversations with each other. There have to be the airing of the wounds of their hearts for them to heal, and they have to be willing to do the challenging thing, forgiving and learning to move on, to make compromises and sacrifices, to put each other, and the family, first when building up the future.
A tender and warm story, a tale of big emotions and passion for life, with Christmassy feels and scenery, the magic of the time for peace and love in the air
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet and moving story.

My 5-star rating is based on Silver Bells.

These days my reading preferences tend towards more spicy stories and mostly in the M/M Romance genre. That said, I have a few favorite authors whose stories I will always read and Ev Bishop is one of those authors. I've been a huge fan of her River's Sigh B & B since the first book came out in January 2015.

I've only had time to read Ev's story (Silver Bells) in this collection of novellas from nine different authors and just this one story is well worth the cost of this anthology (99 cents when I bought it).

Bryn and Sean meet on a snowy night just before Christmas. They are both stranded in a snow storm and end up sharing the only cabin available at River's Sigh B & B. Bryn is suffering from very low self-esteem due to her jerk of an ex-husband. Sean is tired of the treatment he's received from his off-again-on-again girlfriend. Something almost magical seems to happen to them while they are at River's Sigh.

This story had me in tears at many places; sad tears at times for Bryn and Sean and sometime happy tears for them; that's my favorite kind of story. While I would classify Silver Bells as mostly a sweet story it also has a hint of spice in places.

For a relatively short novella the story really packed a punch for me. Sean and Bryn are perfect for each other but a relationship between them just can't be that easy; a bit of conflict is inevitable but the ending to this story is perfect. And, if you like epilogues as much as I do, Ev Bishop has written a wonderful one for Bryn and Sean; it was just perfect!

I'm ready for more River's Sign B & B stories, Ev. Are you listening? I wish that River's Sign B & B was a real place that I could go visit.

I purchased a copy of this anthology but was also given an opportunity to read an advanced copy. This did not influence my rating of Silver Bells.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still reading my way through this book set but this is my review so far.

One Last Gift (book 5 in series) by Nancy Stopper 5 star

This is the next book in the Oak Grove series in this great little Christmas box set by 9 great authors. This is a second chance romance about Jack and Casey high school sweethearts torn apart by a command grief. One stayed and One left town but know 10 years later they are both in Oak Grove to help on the Christmas Tree farm for the holidays. I really love this series and this great small town where all the people stick together to help in need or at any time. I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily written my honest review. This book is not about the Bennet family but you will catch up with them in this book as the author shares and tell us story's about other members of this lovely little community of Oak Grove.


Celebrating Flora by Christa Maurice 3.5 stars A sweet romance

This is the first book by Christa Maurice that I have read and even though at times I found the flow of this book hard to read, it was a very sweet romance. I found that there were too many names in parts that had my head spinning trying to get the plot of the story. You had a tow characters called Candy and Cindy was confusing at first.

Wally Kohler is on babysitting duties for a Hollywood superstar by the name of Flora Mason who has made a nightmare for her PA’s on her last movie. So Wally takes her home with him to the family’s country town in Weaver’s Circle.

You can read my full review of these books at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com

[Ana Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great bundle and has 9 wonderful stories that are so endering and lovely that all you will want is a chaise and a glass of wine to have fun with these lovely couples...

1.) "Celebrating Flora" by Christa Maurice
I loved this story, so endering! Wally and Flora's romance is fun!

2.) "One Last Gift" by Nancy Stopper
I know Nancy Stopper's books and her Oak Grove series is great! This is the 5th book of the series and I had tissues and tissues after reading it. So emotional! Beautiful book

3.) "Hat Trick" by Maria Luis
Love hockey romance, although we do not have hockey in Brazil! This is a great sport story!

4.) "The One With All The Trees" by Reese Patton

I did not know this author and it was a surprise reading this endering and sweet story!

5.)" Real Miracle" by Susan Saxx

A great story and super sweet ! You will love this couple! I want to read more of this author.

6.) "The Fourteen Days of Christmas" by July Dawson

Just another example on how good it is this bundle! Wonderfuly written.

7.) "Bottom of the Ninth" by Kimberly Readnour

I really loved this story and characters! This is so sweet!

8.) "No Reservations" by Natalia Banks

Cindy and Gavin have a great chemistry and are so adorable! This is a great book!

9.) "Silver Bells" by Ev Bishop
This romance was a surprise! I did not know anything about this author and the book had me at the first line... Wonderful!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read every book in this set so I'm going to review the ones I have.

Nancy Stopper — One Last Gift - Loved this one. It was such a sweet romance between Jack and Casey. I so wish they had really talked to each other 10 years prior. Can you really forget the past and move forward?

Susan Saxx — Real Miracle - 3.5 - Heartache caused by him. Can she forgive? One night will change everything. The author wrote in a way I haven't ever read before. It was almost like prose but not. She has a way with words. I actually "felt" like I was there. A little more heat than I like so the 3.5 not 4 stars.

July Dawson — The Fourteen Days of Christmas - Loved it. Molly and Hunter have a history, one that didn't end pretty. Can their love reflame in 14 days? Loved the way he eventually romanced Molly. His dad was so wise and a tad bit funny.

Kimberly Readnour — Bottom of the Ninth, the Novella - Loved the story line but way too much visual for me. steamy steamy

Ev Bishop — Silver Bells - Can two broken people find love together? I liked this one but didn't really understand the ex girlfriend and her storyline. Felt it could have been left out. IMO

[Dawn West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5

This is an anthology of romance novellas with a holiday theme. I reviewed Nancy Stopper's One Last Gift, which is the fifth book of the Oak Grove Series. In this story, we have two ex-lovers with a painful past coming together again.

It's always nice to spend some time in Oak Grove, but I was surprised to learn that the next book of the series would be a novella. The other books in the series always involve a deep storyline with character histories in play. I was a little worried that we wouldn't get that from a shorter book, but the author crafted a really great story here.

I love second chance stories and this is definitely one of them. Our pair have a tragic history so there is a good bit of heartbreak here. But there's a lot of hope too and a good dose of steamy romance. I flew through this story in a single sitting and was pleasantly surprised by how attached I became to the characters. We also get to see a few familiar faces, if you've kept up with the series so far. Great read!

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Christmas anthology that contains 9 very good stories that are interesting and well written. The perfect amount you can easily read until Christmas or better yet next month. You probably already know (almost) all of them. You get great reading material for little money.

These are just two of the wonderful novellas which are included in this anthology:

Maria Luis writes well and her stories are always fun to read, just like this one. Gwen & Marshall obviousy belong together. And I cannot wait to read the longer version which will be available next year. If you like this author or love her Blades series, you already know it can only be good.

Kimberly Readnour contributed a good romance to this box set. It starts with a quite funny first chapter and the rest is fun to read as well. Mia & AJ are perfect together. I like that this story is being told from AJ's point of view. I also like his nickname for Mia. Having a nickname for her somehow makes them appear closer from the beginning. I cannot wait to read their full story.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed One Last Gift by Nancy Stopper, the fifth book in her Oak Grove series, and one of the entries in the anthology Mistletoe Kisses. This is not about a member of the Bennett family, rather it’s an unexpected homecoming back to Oak Grove for Jack when his father suffers a heart attack and he agrees to help out at the family tree lot. Casey enjoyed being the manager at the tree lot and was shocked to see Jack again after ten years. These two have a shared history and dealt with their grief in different ways. Is there a chance that Jack and Casey can have that second chance at that love that never died? Will Casey be able to help Jack find that Christmas spirit again?

I truly loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Stopper wove a wonderful story, with lots of humor, charm and smexy. She drew me in and did not let go until I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for One Last Gift

Jack and Casey fell in love with each other as teenagers and they planned a life together until tragedy struck. It's been ten years since Jack left Oak Grove for Boston and he hasn't been back since. One phone call changes everything. My favorite line in the book was from Jack's partner Dan, two days before Christmas while Jack is back in his office contemplating his life. "The life outside those windows is the one that matters."

I've loved every book in Nancy Stopper's Oak Grove series and was fun to reconnect with some of the earlier characters who have become like old friends.

I received an ARC of this book from Nancy Stopper for an honest review.

HAT TRICK by Maria Luis

First, I love finding a great author I have never read before and second, I'm a sucker for hockey romances. Hat Trick didn't disappoint!
Gwen and Hunt met in college. There was always chemistry between them but Hunt was three years younger and a college athlete and Gwen was an ice princess dating a teammate of Hunt's and witness to her worst humiliation. Gwen is in PR and he is an NHL star with shared friends. While Hunt has chased her for years they have never dated. Hunt asks, she declines. It's her turn to woo him.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy a good holiday anthology and this one doesn't seem like it will disappoint! I love when an author I enjoy tuck a book into these because I always discover a new author and find more of their books to add to my TBR pile. I picked this up to read Nancy Stopper's latest Oak Grove story, One Last Gift.

Jack moved away from Oak Grove after experiencing a heartbreaking loss with his girlfriend Casey. His memories have prevented him from returning to Oak Grove until a family emergency brings him home. Casey has moved on with her life in Oak Grove staying close to Jack's parents, even managing their business. When Jack returns home, he has no choice but to spend time with Casey and try to get past their history. Can their feelings overcome their challenges? Will Jack realize that home is where the heart is? This was a sweet second holiday chance romance worth reading.
I am looking forward to the other stories in the anthology!