Sweet Christmas Kisses 4

This is a set of 14 Christmas Magical happenings when
least expected. There are 14 author's spinning 14 creatively,
heartfelt stories. Be ready to be swept away into the magic
of the Christmas season.

Mona Risk, In Time for Christmas:
The Magic of Christmas manages to happen
when least expected.
Dr Sylvia Reynolds is running to make the
plane taking her home for Christmas after several
holidays away from her family while she was
finishing her residency program.
Suddenly a baby rattles rolls in front of her....
down she goes. Could the fall change her life??
An enjoyable, entertaining read you will want to
read. Lots of family situations, shenanigans, love
and friendship combine for a well written story.
I volunteered to read In Time for Christmas. Thanks
to the author for the opportunity. My opinion is
my own.

Jean C. Gordon, A Team Macachek Christmas
Do you believe in second chances?
Jesse Brewster and Lauren Cooper were once an
item. Then Lauren broke off their relationship
without an satisfactory explanation.
Will the magic of the Christmas season give them
a second chance? They ate thrown together in
planning a Christmas party.
A great cast of characters in an unique ,well scripted
story will keep you glued to the story.
I volunteered to read A Team Macachek Christmas.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity. My
opinion is my own.

Shanna Hatfield, Saving Mistletoe
Ellen Juliet Meade works at a high pressured law
firm hoping to make partner. But some of the clients
do not seem innocent but she must prove them not
guilty.
Officer Burke Tipton works for the Police Horse Patrol.
He rides his own horse Sugar Bear who passed the
required training for police horses with flying colors.
Ellen is hurrying to meet a new client. She literally
runs smack into Sugar Bear and Officer Tipton.
Officer Tipton remembers her from a court case
where a man cheat people out of their savings.
Ellen had gotten the man off the charges with just
a slap on the hand. He questioned her of how she
could work at a firm where the guilty were not held
accountable for their malicious actions. This
question changed her life!!!
Officer Tipton discovers a little girl with her sick
father living in a beat up car at a rest stop. The
father is taken to the hospital and the little girl
goes home with Officer Tipton until she can be
turned over to Child Protection Services.
All this child wants is to see her father especially
for Christmas.
Will the magic of Christmas come into all these
creatively, realistic, living and breathing characters
lives??
Be ready to be swept away into this mesmerizing,
well written story facing an unique situation!!!
I volunteered to Read Saving Mistletoe. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.

Denise Devine, Once Upon a Christmas
She was the wild one in the town where her father
was a police officer then she left down. Ashton Wyatt
has now returned to West Loon Bay, Minnesota to help
run her Aunt Rose’s run down and closed up business
with her sister, Grace and her cousin, Allyson
Cramer.
Allyson has hires her friend, Sawyer Daniels who is a
contractor to make the renovations and upgrade to
the old building the women are fixing up.
It was Sawyer’s girlfriend that took and married
Ashton’s boyfriend from her when they were younger.
Allyson assigns Ashton to be Sawyer’s helper when
his helper develops car troubles. While working on
the renovations together an undeniable chemistry is
magical bringing them together.
Ashton is harassed by her ex-boyfriend’s wife who
threats her then harassed by her ex. Ashton is
kidnapped, tied up and gagged and left to die. No
one knows where her abductor has amen her even
with her father’s ( who is now Sheriff ) force looking
for her. Will anyone find her before she dies?
This is an extremely well developed plot with many
unexpected twists and turns.
The superbly written story with family issues, fear to
love again, determination, suspense is one you will
want to read.
I volunteered to read Once Upon a Christmas. Thanks
to the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.

The other stories that make up this set are:
Beate Boeker, Unique Christmas
Christine Bush, Christmas with the Cat Lady
Lyn Cote, Loving Winter
Raine English, Christmas in Walnut Creek
Milou Koenings, The Gift of Yesterday
Josie Riviera, A Portuguese Christmas
Roxanne Rustand, A Christmas in Montana
Magdalena Scott, A Cowboy for Christmas
Kristin Wallace, Loving You at Christmas
Merrillee Whren, Puppy Love and Mistletoe

Brittany

2,888 reviews208 followers

I am reviewing two of the stories from the Sweet Christmas Kisses 4 collection.

Loving Winter by Lyn Cote

Loving Winter takes place in the town of Steadfast, Wisconson. It is lightly connected to the author's Northern Intrigue series as it has some characters from those books make an appearance. However, this sweet story can stand on it's own and be enjoyed without having read the other stories that are set in this town.

I ended up really liking Winter and Clay and hoping things would work out for them. I must admit that Clay started out as a character that I didn't know if I could grow to like! Once I understood a bit about his past, his reactions were a little more understandable. I enjoyed the hint of mystery running through this story as Winter found her plant nursery the target of vandals time and again.

(4 stars)

The Gift of Yesterday by Milou Koenings

The romantic tension was really flowing in this sweet story! The Gift of Yesterday takes place in the setting of Green Pines and is loosely connected to other stories written by this author and can be easily enjoyed without having read the other stories.

I really loved the characters of Joe and Bailey. These two had some past feelings for each other that they needed to come to terms with. Both of these characters were so likable! Especially Joe! He had a really good heart. I enjoyed seeing where things led for them.

(4 stars)

I received complimentary copies of these two stories. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

Phylis Carpenter

1,839 reviews18 followers

I just finished reading Christmas at Walnut Creek by Raine English and loved it. It is a cute novella that once you pick it up you will fly right through it.

Jillian ran a bed and breakfast and had no problems keeping it full. She was upset at her husband Dane because he was an actor and stayed gone all the time. She envisioned him cheating on her and not being around. She decided that she wanted a divorce. She also did not tell him that she had a secret that she was keeping away from him.

Will Dane find out her secret and of so, what will happen.

Tracy Sylvester

1,022 reviews9 followers

October 11, 2017

Sweet Christmas Kisses- Mona Risk

Sylvia is a pediatrician who heads home to Chicago for Christmas. When a series of unfortunate events put her in the path of James Alexander (a lawyer), and his niece Clementine, her world gets turned upside down. As she is rushing through the airport she stumbles on something and hurts her ankle. As she turns to see what it was she gazes up at James and see's Clementine. Clementine had dropped her rattle and she had inadvertently stumbled on it. Sweet and short romance about chance meetings and love at first sight.

Unique Christmas- Beate Boeker

Chiara worked in an office. Due to her clumsy habits, her desk was moved to the attic area of the business. At first she didn't seem to care for it but she learned to enjoy her quiet space. She would look out the one window and admire the cabinet in the window across the way. She wondered what was in that magnificently crafted cabinet. She never saw anyone in the window of that building until the day the window of her office came down on her head. She had injured herself and Teddy came to her rescue. He took her to her Uncle to get stitched up. Since she wanted to go home this stranger, Teddy, had to take her home and watch her for 24 hours. Her Christmas Eve doesn't go as planned and life picks up speed for her in a hurry. Great little story that offers intrigue and romance.

Christmas With The Cat Lady-Christine Bush

Joshua Spencer is a writer who's experiencing a severe writers block. It happens to him every year around Christmas. It was 2 years ago he lost his 3 year old son to cancer. When a new book deadline comes due his agent Brent Brookfield suggests he go to the Pocono mountains and stay with Carly, his sister. Carly has suffered her own loss. Carly lost her high school sweetheart when he joined the military and passed overseas. Spending time with Carly starts to soften both their hearts. Great short romance about healing and new beginnings.

Loving Winter- Lyn Cote

Winter Woodard is a florist who is experiencing some financial troubles recently due to some neighboring competition. Little does she know how under handed this competition really is. When Winter participates in a wedding and shares the evening with Clayton "Clay" Dixon the local football coach things don't go as planned. Their evening is kinda rocky. Clayton takes care of his 14 year old sister Kaitlyn. When he decides he can't be what she needs he goes to the one person he doesn't want to go to. He heads for Winter, and asks her for the favor of helping look after Kaitlyn with what she needs. Beautiful story of second chances at love, and healing.

Once Upon A Christmas-Denise Devine

Ashton Wyatt works in an office job she dislikes. Her younger sister Grace is a pre-school teacher, and their cousin Allyson is a first time failed business owner. They decide to take up together and run the family Ramblin Rose Tavern. The tavern needs a lot of work and they quickly set a plan in motion to get the tavern up and running before Thanksgiving. Allyson hires her friend Sawyer Daniels a local contractor, whom she already owes 10,000 for his previous jobs for her. In order to pay him what she already owes he must work this revitalization for her. Sawyer begins to fall for a former classmate that shares a common heartbreak with. Sawyers girlfriend cheated on him with Ashtons boyfriend the night of prom. It changed them both. Can they love again. This is a great second chance at love story.

Christmas in Walnut Creek-Raine English

Jillian McAdams runs the Lakeside inn. Jillian is married to Dane who is off working on his acting career. She feels that their relationship is falling apart and filed for divorce. Jillian is 5 months pregnant and Dane is unaware of the pregnancy. When a severe winter storm hits the Lakeside Inn, thankfully she has the help of Flora Weber a single widowed woman who lost her husband to a snowmobiling accident three years earlier. She began working for Jillian for room and board. Jillian took on extra help with Mac Long as sort of a maintenance person for the inn. When Dane shows up during the midst of the blizzard it throws Jillian into a spin. True story of love conquering all.

A Team Macachek Christmas-Jean C. Gordon

Jesse Brewster is a team Macachek racer who is deeply in love with Lauren Cooper. When Lauren breaks up with Jesse they don't see each other for a year. Lauren finds Jesse in the team bunkhouse when she begins working for the race team as cleaning staff. Lauren took the job because she was having financial troubles after her parents split up. Her Mom began to experience financial difficulties and Lauren was having issues paying for her college. When Jesse comes to the rescue and pays her years worth of tuition it begins to put a strain on them repairing their relationship. Great story about second chance at love.

Saving Mistletoe- Shanna Hatfield

Beautiful and touching story! Ellen Meade is a lawyer, all about working and climbing the ladder. Until she meets Officer Burke Tipton and his horse Sugar Bear. When he finds out she defended a criminal in court and got him off scot free, he let her have his honest opinion. At first that irritates Ellen but then it causes her to change her path in life. When Ellen's cousin, who happens to also be friends with Burke sets them up on a blind date, they really learn about each other. This was a very touching story, and teaches us to really get to know someone before we make judgments about their character.

The Gift of Yesterday-Milou Koenings

Bailey Ames has suffered a lot of loss in her life. So when her remaining living relative passes away she decides to move to another city and rent out her old apartment that she had once shared with her Aunt Muriel. Bailey purchases a new building in Green Pines so she can start a new adventure. Bailey decides to open a pastry shop, a life long dream. She calls it Bay Leaf Pastry. When she runs into her childhood crush Joe Hudson, old feelings resurface. Will she let him in to heal the hurt? Beautiful heartwarming story about overcoming loss, and letting love in.

A Portuguese Christmas- Josie Riviera

Krystal Walters is a professional surfer from America. When she goes off to Portugal for a competition and gets injured. Krystal gets rescued by native Portugal olive farm worker, Adolfo Silva. He takes her to the ER and administers medical aide to her. Having Krystal stay at the olive farm while she recuperates turns out to be the best thing for her. Both are incredibly stubborn and need to learn to trust and love in others. Beautiful story about hurt, healing and moving on.

A Christmas in Montana- Roxanne Rustand

Kristin Weatherby moves from Minnesota to Montana with her horse Tucker. When she arrives at her late grandmothers home she feels a great connection to the home and land. Eric the realtor wants her to sell the property, she wants to fix it up and possibly sell later. He warns her of the troubles with the home and leaves. When Tucker starts getting rowdy in the trailer she hauls him over to The Lost Arrow Ranch for boarding. Looking for Becca Creighton who she believes is the owner of the ranch. She comes across Lane Creighton the veterinarian, and brother of Becca. With the help of Becca and Lane she begins to settle into her home and life in Montana. She wonders if she could make a life in Montana or not. True tale of overcoming tragedies and experiences to make yourself stronger, and happier.

A Cowboy for Christmas-Magdalena Scott

Hannah Kinkaid has a fear of horses. However, when jobs that match her degree are in short supply she takes a job with friends at the Rockin H Ranch. Initially Hannah feels that she wants to be with Jacob Hollingsworth. While Jacob's sisters know that Hannah wants to be with Jacob, he doesn't seem to know. When Jacob's older brother Michael shows up and tosses a wrench in her plans things look rocky. Michael seems to be harder on her and she tends to push right back when he dishes it out. After working together for awhile on the ranch she starts to see that she misjudged Michael. Sweet romance that teaches us to not judge a book just by its cover!

Loving you at Christmas-Kristin Wallace

Annaliese Matheson was a theater actor. She left home at an early age with her first love Matthew. Later married to Matthew she loses him to a rare heart condition, two days later she suffered a miscarriage. She has suffered an awful amount of loss and has no family to turn to. She turns to some other theater friends for comfort and support to move on. Annaliese likes to take runs through the local park and comes across a hunky football coach named John-Luke "Duke" Evans. She knows that he excites her but she pushes herself to stay away. When she gets roped into teaching the local middle school Christmas Play she finds herself unable to avoid John. Beautiful love story!

Puppy Love and Mistletoe-Merrillee Whren

Amelia Dunford was bitten by a dog when she was younger. She lives not only with the scar on her body, but the traumatic stress when she gets around other dogs. When she encounters a loose dog named Jet on her regular run she begins to panic. Just when she thinks she gets away from the dog, she opens her house door and it bolts inside. Not wanting to deal with the panic of the dog in her home she calls her veterinarian friend Jenna who tells her to put up flyers for the found dog. Jenna finds the owner Scott Graham and Lily the little girl he has guardianship of. Beautiful story of healing and overcoming scary things in your life.

Vera mallard

459 reviews12 followers

A collection containing 14 stories complied into a boxed set. Excerpt from collection: Usher in the holiday season with 14 heartwarming all-new, stand-alone stories from New York Times, USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors. Sweet Christmas Kisses 4 takes you from the Pocono Mountains to sunny Florida, and as far away as Portugal.

I chose to review the romance story by Kristen Wallace, Loving You At Christmas and The Gift Of Yesterday By Milou Koenings

1. STORY-LINE LOVING YOU AT CHRISTMAS BY KRISTEN WALLACE:

Loving You At Christmas, unfortunately, is the last book in the Shellwater Key Tales series. Former actress and Broadway star Annaliese Matheson features in the finale of this wonderful series. Annaliese still grieves for her husband Matthew; Annaliese believes she will never love again. Her soul mate's death left a hole in her soul and heart. Noticing a handsome, sexy stranger on the beach, Annaliese, begins to wake up from her three-year emotional sleep.

John-Luke "Duke" Evans, famous football star, finds himself raising his four nieces after his sister's death. Hot, sexy, and handsome, the women of Shellwater Key pant as he walks by; including the pregnant married ones. Meeting Annaliese, the attraction is immediate and intense.

Will Duke persuade Annaliese to give him a chance? Or will Annaliese continue to grieve and mourn; living in the past. My romance book reviews of Loving You At Christmas follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

I am sad to say Loving You At Christmas, by author Kristen Wallace, ends our sojourn in Shellwater Key, Florida. A wonderful series of love and happy ever after, this book's a perfect ending for the series. Kristen Wallace filled this story with intense emotion; grief, attraction, love, and romance.

Although a novella, Wallace, created a solid tale which grabs the reader immediately. With skillful plotting and well-developed characters, Wallace made this novella feel like a full length novel. I found the pace perfect for the length of the book and her writing flowed well; making the book easy to read. Her scenes transition from scene to scene smoothly and with vivid writing I felt the character's emotions. My heart broke for Annaliese; enduring a childhood no child should and then the death of her anchor and soul mate, Matthew, brought tears to my eyes. I could feel her resistance as she began to care for Duke and his nieces, as well as, Duke's sorrow at the passing of his beloved sister. Annaliese must face her fears of losing the ones she loves; but can she?

Adding the mama drama with the Queen of Shellwater Key, gave the story an extra element. What a witch Wallace gave us in these books. Wallace also included a lot of humor in Loving You At Christmas. When Layla called in the big guns, I laughed and laughed. By the way, Noah's the big guns; Shellwater Keys resident soul searcher, advise giver, and counselor to one and all. Not only does this story have grief, it has a lot of funny snips and snarks. If I was not laughing, I found myself crying. I cried buckets at the end of the story.

Kristen Wallace also included characters from the earlier books. I love a series with continuing characters; we get an update on their life and all the town gossip. Loving You At Christmas, is a wonderful romance perfect for anytime of the year. I would not hesitate to buy this sweet, clean, romance for myself or a friend. Although sad to say good-bye to my friends in Shellwater Key, I am sure Wallace has another series up her sleeve.

2. STORY-LINE THE GIFT OF YESTERDAY BY MILOU KOENINGS:

When Bailey Ames' Aunt Muriel became ill, she returned from France where she schooled and studied; Bailey put her dreams on hold to cared for her aunt. After her Aunt Muriel's death, it's time for Bailey to spread her wings and live her dream. Bailey, alone in the world, returns to Green Pines, the place of her teenage years and past happy times to open a pastry shop.

Joe Hudson has loved Bailey since a teenager. Never able to forget her, he dates, but his dates are always temporary. With Bailey's return, he finally sees a chance at happiness. However, Bailey has relationship issues which force Joe to take a stand for love. Will love win out in this sweet romance? My contemporary romance book reviews of The Gift Of Yesterday follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Milou Koenings created a sweet clean romance which will touch the reader's heart. Koenings placed her characters in the small town of Green Pines; with all the closeness and protectiveness of each other you find in small communities. I love the atmosphere of small towns; from the gossips to the caring.

Koenings' tale of love never forgotten, held my interest from start to finish. Joe's character will bring out you're rooting spirit; a fine, steady, determined, good man, who never forgot his first and only love. His wealth has had no influence on his character, morals, or sense of community. His determination to win Bailey is wonderful. With issues of loss and losing the ones she has loved, Bailey, must face her hang ups head-on and make decisions which will impact her life.

I found the story-line solid, with well-developed characters and plotting which kept me reading A Gift Of Yesterday straight through. The pace of the book's in line with the length of the story and Koenings' writing is clear and easy to follow. Her scenes transition smoothly from scene to scene without lagging or bogging down. A perfect read for anyone who enjoys reading a sweet, clean, relaxing romance, I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend. I closed this book with a sigh of contentment.

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with honest romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, no one influences my voluntary romance book reviews.

Cynthia

2,097 reviews22 followers

September 30, 2017

So far I have only read Saving Mistletoe by Shanna Hatfield I try to read all of her books. She has been one of my favorite authors for some time giving the reader a fun story with meaning. But all of these authors have stories in this box-set that sound so wonderful I am really looking forward to reading them all. Some are new authors to me, others I have come to love their writing style. I can’t wait to sink my eyes into the rest of these stories.

Saving Mistletoe - Shanna Hatfield
I really like the meaning behind this story. You know how it is when you think you want something but find it really isn’t what you want, leaving you wondering why you are busting yourself working way too hard to get it only to find it isn’t worth your time. Here you have a lawyer who wants to be a partner and is working 60 hours plus a week to reach that goal only to find she is doing things she really doesn’t want to for people who really don’t care. It takes one bullheaded cop and one sweet child to show her that what she thinks she wants might not be what she really wants.

I love this story from the plot to the way it was written pulling the reader in giving you a smile and a few chuckles long the way. It is a fun clean read that will at times break your heart. What a delightful way to remind us what the true meaning of Christmas is. It is about making others happy, putting your best foot forward, helping others who need it and filling the holiday with cheer why making dreams come true for one little girl and her father at the same time finding your one and only. It is a heartwarming read that really grabs you pulling you in and getting you ready for the holidays which are not that far away. A delightful story that I will read again. It really touched me putting my faith back into mankind.

The story is based around a cop and a lawyer who keeps running into each other you will smile at the run-ins. I loved the scenes where they butt heads but at the same time making the other think. The little girl with how she is found and what all is happening just breaks your heart. When Burke finds her it breaks his heart to have to send her away to SS. He decided to make her life better bring Ellen in to help him make a few of her wishes come true. As these two join together putting a smile on the little girls face they find they truly have feelings for each other. This is a story of finding out what you really want, helping a family that is down on their luck and making a special bound with a family in need. All wrapped around a budding romance that keeps you smiling.

I thought it was very well written, giving smiles, laughs and chuckles but at times heartbreaking. I loved the meaning, the way it was written and the heartwarming feelings it gave me. The characters were a delight. The build up on this clean sweet romance was wonderful. I could not help falling in love with these characters.

I hope you will pick up this wholesome sweet holiday romance bundle I am sure there is something forever one. You cannot bet the price at 99 cents it is well worth it.

Nicole

62 reviews

October 3, 2017

*This review is for The Gift of Yesterday and Once Upon a Christmas, which are only two of the books in this set.

The Gift of Yesterday
There’s nothing holding Bailey back from following her dream. So when she decides to open a pastry shop in Green Pines, she didn’t think there would be any obstacles to overcome. She certainly didn’t think that long-forgotten memories would mess up her plan, but she was wrong. Joe Hudson can hardly believe his eyes when he sees Bailey back in town. And try as he might, he just can’t fight the overwhelming feelings that have started anew at the sight of her. Can he convince her to give him a chance? Or will old misunderstandings and new hesitations stand in the way?

This is a really fun story about reclaiming lost love. Joe and Bailey were such likeable characters and I loved the sweet history that they had together. I really enjoyed reading about Bailey and her business venture too. Plus, Joe and Bailey definitely have chemistry, so it was fun reading about their interactions with each other. You’ll be done with this novella in no time, since it’s short and so easy to read. I’m always a big fan of the Sweet Christmas Kisses sets and this novella is a wonderful addition to the Sweet Christmas Kisses 4. I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. However, I volunteered to write a review. All of the above opinions are entirely my own.

Once Upon a Christmas
Ashton Wyatt hasn’t been home in a while, and whenever she does go back to her hometown, she keeps the visits as short as she can. That’s why it’s such a surprise to everyone when she decides to become partners with her sister Grace and her cousin Allyson to renovate the Ramblin’ Rose Tavern. It was a popular saloon during its heyday, but it’s long been shut down and needs a ton of work. And much to Ashton’s surprise the contractor on the job ends up being her old friend, Sawyer Daniels. Ashton hasn’t seen Sawyer since her old boyfriend, Cole, ran off with Sawyer’s girlfriend. Things get a little awkward, to say the least. Especially when Ashton and Sawyer start developing feelings for each other. So not only does Ashton need to figure out how to navigate a new relationship with an old friend, she needs to work on repairing strained family relationships as well. But there’s someone else in town who’s more than a little interested in Ashton, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get her. Even if it means putting her life in danger.

This was an exciting little story. I loved the idea of the wild child returning home after she’s grown up and matured. And I loved the history between Sawyer and Ashton. But probably what makes the book most exciting is the danger that Ashton doesn’t realize she’s in when someone from her past sets his sights on her. It’s well-written and short, so I was done with the book in no time. It’s a really fun story with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot. A great addition to the Sweet Christmas Kisses 4 set!

I received a complimentary copy of the book. However, I volunteered to write a review. All of the above ideas and opinions are entirely my own.

Deana Dick

3,087 reviews134 followers

4-stars christmas romance

I love to read books about Christmas all year long. This collection is filled with joy, love and excitement. Each author has a wonderful story that captures the season with characters that jump off the pages. I was blessed to read one of the stories in this great collection. Make sure you get your copy and enjoy hours of reading enjoyment.

Loving Winter by Lyn Cote:

The first thing I loved about the story is the main characters name. I love unusual names and I think it would be fun to be named Winter. Of course Winter had to hear all those jokes about her name but she took it with such grace. I loved when Winter and Clay first meet. Clay is not very cordial at all. You would think he was in front of a firing squad instead of being in a wedding party. The author describes Winter's greenhouse with vivid picturesque words. I can smell the flowers and see the beautiful greenery she has. Someone must have it in for Winter when she discovers vandals have destroyed a display she worked tirelessly on. I could feel her pain and disappointment when she saw all her hard work gone . Soon there are more break-ins and Winter is worried about losing her shop.

Kaitlyn who is Clay's little sister really stood out to me. She is a young teen girl who feels like she isn't wanted and tries to fit in living with her older brother. It's not easy going to school and having everyone know your brother is the football coach. Do the boys like her because of who her brother is? Can Winter help Clay make Kaitlyn feel more at ease when they go shopping together? I think Kaitlyn was a perfect character who all teens and parents can relate to. It is hard being the new kid at school. It's even harder when you are so far away from your mom. Will Kaitlyn accept Winter's friendship and guidance?

I loved the mystery in the story of who is trying to put Winter out of business. It is well written and I sure did have a list of suspects. I was very surprised who it was and why they did it. I love when an author writes a story that has intrigue, romance and gives you characters that are so realistic. This is one story you don't want to miss reading. The author does an excellent job of giving readers a story with a small town feeling and people who pitch in and help each other. Will Winter and Clay be able to let go of their insecurities and find love? Can Kaitlyn find hapoiness in a new school? Don't miss this enchanting story that gets you in the Christmas spirit.

I received a copy of this story from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Phyllis

1,288 reviews35 followers

September 24, 2017

Saving Mistletoe is one of many stories in the Sweet Christmas Kisses 4 anthology. As you can infer from the title, this is a collection of sweet, clean, Christmas stories by multiple authors. I gave it 4 1/2 stars.

Ellen is an attorney who needs a change of direction. Burke is an officer with the Portland Mounted Patrol. A couple of accidental meetings (literally) and a meddling cousin bring them together. Add in a young girl named Mistletoe, a horse named Sugar Bear and a Border Collie named Lovey who performs some very clever tricks and you have a recipe for a Christmas tale that will warm your heart.

Ellen is best friends with Tara, who appeared in A Taste of Tara. Tara had a long-distance role in Saving Mistletoe. (If you haven't read A Taste of Tara, you should, but only because it is a great book. This book stands alone.)

I thought it was super fun that there is a reference in the book to Ellen reading a book that is not mentioned by name, nor is the author mentioned, but it is another Christmas story by Shanna Hatfield - The Cowboy's Christmas Plan. Though I didn't write a review for that book, I did give it 4 stars when I read it in January 2016.

The entire anthology is only $.99 right now. This story alone is worth the price and judging from the other authors in the collection, the entire set should be a very enjoyable read.

I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

Kathy Heare Watts

6,976 reviews175 followers

Saving Mistletoe by Shanna Hatfield

SINCE YOU BUMPED INTO MY LIFE—NOTHING HAS BEEN THE SAME

Often in life, the best-laid plans don’t always work out. For Ellen Meade, she planned to become an attorney and move up the corporate ladder towards being a partner. The problem is she has not made partner, and she is defending people she doubts is innocent. Burke Tipton had plans for his future, but they changed midway, and instead of his intended path, he becomes an officer and now is with the Portland Mounted Patrol with his own horse, Sugar Bear.

The plot will have Ellen running into Officer Tipton and Sugar Bear, literally twice. Their first encounter has him upset with her when he recognizes she is the attorney to help protect a client who swindled so many people out of their savings. Their second encounter, she is flustered but different. When they are set up on a blind date, it will have Ellen and Burke meeting a third time that becomes a pleasant experience and the beginning of their relationship. Together they discover that helping others is important to them. When it turns to helping a sick man, John Hayse, and his daughter Missy, they learn the true meaning of compassion.

The story is part of this box set and is a sweet and clean contemporary tale that has horses, a dog, an attorney, a cop, and a little girl who just wants happiness with her Dad, with a happy ending.

Andrea

150 reviews

I was honored to read an advanced copy of Finding You at Christmas by Kristin Wallace in exchange for an honest review. This novella joins the Shellwater Key series by Kristin Wallace. If you haven't read the series, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It is set in a revived dinner theater in a small Florida town. It primarily focuses on a trio of childhood best friends who lost touch and reunite as each comes home and finds love. This novella is the last story in the series and focuses on a secondary character seen in the other novels, Annalise Mathewson, who is the principal actress at the theater. I love when characters that were on the periphery finally get their own story. Annalise is resolved never to love again after losing her husband. She is shocked at her reaction to the local football coach as their paths keep crossing. Duke Evans has come home to Shellwater Key to raise his nieces, and he has been biding his time until Annalise seemed ready to open up to someone. This was a lovely story about taking a chance and opening your heart again after grieving. The novella easily stands on its own, though we do get to catch up with all the characters from previous books. I am sad to say goodbye to the Paradise Theater and all it's inhabitants, but I was happy to spend one last Christmas with them. Kristin Wallace has written a wonderful series about the enduring bonds of friendship and familial and romantic love and finding your way home.

Elizabeth

1,189 reviews

Sweet Christmas Kisses 4 : A Bundle of 14 Wholesome Holiday Romance
By: Fourteen different authors
Fourteen authors brings fourteen different romance stories. These all are stand-a-lone and can be reads in any order.

Loving Winter
By: Lyn Cote
I really enjoyed Loving Winter. The author drew me in at the start and I was hooked. This is Winter and Clay’s story. The story and characters both were very vivid. I did not to want to put it down. There is a Wedding and both Winter and Clay are in it. Clay is a former high school football player and now a coach. Things don't go the way they should between these two. She is accused of using her relatives for cheap publicity. Can these two make it through the wedding? Can they ever be friends?

Christmas In Walnut Creek
By: Raine English
I really enjoyed Christmas in Walnut Creek. The author did not disappoint . This is a sweet, clean romance story. This is Jillian’s story. After Jillian’s husband left she runs The Lakeview Inn that they started together. A very big snow storm brings in the man she soon is to be divorced from. There is hurt , secrets, forgiveness, love , and second chances in this wonderful story. Is there a second chance for a couple that has already gone their separate ways ?
I was given an ARC of this book but, was not told that I had to give a positive review.

Dawn Pearson

413 reviews6 followers

Although I have not been able to read the complete collection, I was able to read Milou Koenings' The Gift of Yesterday and I loved it. This short story carries a huge dose of reality and it's done amazingly well.

Bailey is now all alone and searching for a place to belong. She struggles with grief which is delicately handled in the story. In her search for a purpose, she heads to Green Pines, the small town her family used to visit every Christmas, and opens her own pastry shop. Shortly after arriving, she sees Joe Hudson, the boy who used to be one of her best friends in town. Can they still be friends? Why does she react so strongly to his presence?

Joe cannot believe his eyes. Bailey is back! But, is she back to stay?

What follows is one of the most tender second chance romances I've read recently. Joe is fabulous. His emotions are all out there for the world to see. Unfortunately, Bailey is still grieving and struggles to understand all that she's feeling towards him. Will she be able to open up her heart to him?

Romance & Language - PG
My rating - 5 stars

Valri Western

1,766 reviews33 followers

September 28, 2017

Christmas in Walnut Creek by Raine English

I was fortunate to read, "Christmas in Walnut Creek" by Raine English. It was a tender story of love lost and found. Sometimes we get so busy living our lives and taking advantage of a "new opportunity" that we leave behind that best thing that ever happened to us. This is what happened in Christmas in Walnut Creek. Jillian and Dane had a great marriage....until they didn't. Dane had an opportunity he couldn't pass up so he pursued it but it took him away from Jilly and the Inn that they managed. After months, Jilly knew things were over and it broke her heart. Then, along comes a blizzard at Christmas and who knows what will happen as Dane comes back to see his parents....hmmm. Jilly has a secret too but she doesn't know if she wants to share it with Dane. The miracle of the Christmas blizzard!!! I loved all the people staying at the Inn during the blizzard. It shows you that others can support us and we can turn to them in our times of need.
I can't wait to read the other 13 novellas in this collection!

Becky

176 reviews4 followers

October 3, 2017

Christmas in Walnut Creek by Raine English
Jillian & Dane operate a B & B, but Dane spends most of his time in NYC, as an actor. Jillian has filed for divorce. Dane arrives just before Christmas, hoping to talk her out of the divorce. Add in a blizzard, and you're in for an very interesting read!

Saving Mistletoe by Shana Hatfield
Ellen is a lawyer, and she runs into a Mounted Police Officer (literally), while trying to locate her client's office. Officer Tipton recognizes her and is frustrated at her letting a recent criminal go free, and lets her know how he feels! This is a book with a lot of laughs in it, as well as Ellen and Officer Tipton, helping someone to have a good Christmas! It is super, how this turns out!

A Cowboy for Christmas by Magdalena Scott
Hannah gets a job at a Dude Ranch, in order to be close to Jacob, hoping he will fall in love with her. However older brother, Michael comes along and she thinks he is going to ruin everything. Wait until you read this one--you'd never imagine the outcome!

Nic Robinson

16 reviews

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of one of the books in this set BUT I have since bought the set too.

I read ‘Loving You at Christmas’ by Kristin Wallace.

Annaliese Matheson had it all. The career on Broadway, the loving husband and a bright future ahead but it all came crashing down when her husband died. She leaves that life behind her and moves to Shellwater Key. She is asked to step in at the last moment to save the local school Christmas show when the director has to leave. Through this she meets John-Luke ‘Duke’ Evans who couldn’t be any different from her late husband. Will she allow herself to be happy again? Will she take the chance and open her heart?
I loved this book, it was a nice light read but it had it all – love, heartbreak and some fun mixed in, add Christmas in to the mix and you have a fabulous book. I loved how the relationship between Annaliese and Duke developed. I can’t wait to read the other books in this set.

Marjorie

214 reviews12 followers

September 9, 2017

I read The Gift of Yesterday by Milou Koenings. I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas novella about Bailey Ames and her move from Chicago to Green Pines. She purchases a three-story building on the square where she could live and open up a pastry shop. The descriptions of the pastries she creates will get your mouth watering. The square is lovely with a bookstore/library next door, and other businesses that are welcoming, including the restaurant, Carlos, where her high school flame, Joe Hudson, spots her. For her own reasons, as they reacquaint themselves, she is determined not to fall for him again. This is a heartwarming read, and the descriptions of Green Pines had me wanting to go there. I look forward to reading the other novellas in this collection. [I received an early copy of this novella from the author and my opinion is my own.]

Joyce

351 reviews2 followers

Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review

Ex-Pro Football Player Meets Ex-Broadway Star

Book is full of cute stories. One of my favorites is Loving You At Christmas by Kristen Wallace. When the chorus teacher is having pregnancy issues Annaliese is asked to direct the middle school's annual Christmas show. If cancelled the kids will be disappointed since they have been looking forward to it. John "Duke" Evans brings his niece Carly to audition for the show. All the gang were falling over themselves to meet him. Annaliese feels that she can't love again after losing her husband and her baby. Duke Evans wants to prove her wrong. She keeps running away from him.
On the night of the a Christmas show Tammy-Lynn Jennings tries
to destroy Annaliese's reputation but her daughter Angelica speaks
out at her Mother. Tammy-Lynn loves her daughter so she stops to listen. Know you will enjoy book.

joy943

Rosemary K

2,130 reviews46 followers

September 11, 2017

I enjoyed reading The gift of Yesterday by Milou Koenings. After the death of her Aunt, Bailey Ames realizes that she wants to fulfill her dream of opening a pastry shop. When she moves to Green Pines and sees Joe Hudson, her life changes. Will she risk her heart? Bailey and Joe make such a great couple. I was quickly pulled into their romance. I was happy that they got a second chance. I liked the setting. Green Pines is such a welcoming town as are the people who live there. The dialogue is sweet and sassy and the romance is full of promise. I enjoyed this author's style. Her story made me feel good.
I received a copy which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

2,368 reviews31 followers

September 17, 2017

Loving you at Christmas by Kristin Wallace

Alpha Man

-'Alpha Man was…delicious...Annaliese had never seen anyone like Alpha Man before. He was virile, commanding, and fueled with so much testosterone, it was a wonder the grass didn’t catch fire due to the sheer force of his masculinity.-'
Drool! Wow! What a way to start a great book! Certainly caught and kept my attention! Don't be fooled, though. This is a clean romance so it's suitable for all ages. "Loving You At Christmas" is part of a series of clean romance books. While each stands alone without cliffhangers, the same characters are seen in the different books so that it is ideal to read them in order to fully understand the various relationships.
I loved reading Annaliese's story. It was great fun and I highly recommend it.

Dottie

289 reviews27 followers

chick-lit christmas-reads novellas

Review for Raine English's "Christmas in Walnut Creek"
A couple on the brink of divorce... a secret that might bring them together... a blizzard that will warm their hearts...
Jillian McAdams is the owner of a small inn. For five years she and her husband have run the location. They are now in the process of getting a divorce. It's hard for her to imagine the holiday without him, especially since she's five months pregnant... kicker... the father has no idea.
Dane McAdams has been completely blind-sided. He has no idea why his wife has filled for divorce almost five months ago. Now he's returned to Walnut Creek in an attempt to gain answers and win back the heart of his wife.
Christmas in Walnut Creek is a heartwarming, holiday tale of second chances and unexpected blessings!

The Mysterious Reader

3,589 reviews66 followers

Usher in the Season indeed! This is a very enjoyable collection of holiday romances, so no reason not to get a jump start on some Holiday Season reading, especially at the price this is being sold for which can't be beat.

I've read about half of these already and enjoyed them all. I'd either give them 4 or 5 stars, and the collection will get 5 due to the added sweetener of that price.

So far my faves are Kristin Wallace's Loving You at Christmas (you just know that Annaliese is going to find a path to love again, and this was ever a fun path indeed) and Merrillee Whren's Puppy Love and Mistletoe (little girl + fluffy black dog = Christmas Miracle, of course!). I'm looking forward to reading the remaining stories.

Highly recommended.

Renate Deutsche Oma

1,402 reviews

October 15, 2017

Boxed set are bargain at 99 cents, even when as a reader I only loved 4 of romances (5 others were OK and 5 I did not connect with even though I wanted to read some new authors). My favorite were: In Time for Christmas by Mona Risk, Christmas with the Cat Lady by Christine Bush, Saving Mistletoe by Shanna Hatfield, and A Christmas in Montana by Roxanne Rustand. Saving Mistletoe was heartwretching story about a homeless father and little girl. A Christmas in Montana had me wanting more - while the resolution worked - I want the story to continue. Christmas with the Cat Lady reminded me of family, especially when the author discusses a cardinal visiting. In Time for Christmas had me chuckling at how often guys are afraid and don't know what to do with a baby.

romance

Lesley

2,472 reviews19 followers

September 23, 2017

This review is for Loving You at Christmas by Kristin Wallace, just one of the stories in this boxed set and at 99p/99c the price is worth it just for this story alone.
This is a Shellwater Key novella and it was great to revisit familiar characters and see Annaliese, whose life has had great triumphs but also hardship and tragedy, get a second chance at love and family. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I encourage readers to read the other stories in this series (they are just as good!).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

SOMDReigel

1,127 reviews

September 24, 2017

I have previous Sweet Christmas Kisses sets and I’m sure this edition is just as sweet. I have found new to me authors as well as some favorites with charming stories. So far I in this edition I have read Christmas in Walnut Creek by Raine English.
Soon to be divorced couple find themselves reunited during a Christmas blizzard. This is a story of hurts, secrets, forgiveness, understanding, and everlasting love. Raine English has given us a complete story within this short novella. Takes place in the couples B&B in the hills of Vermont the story is beautifully described. I received an ARC of this story and am voluntarily reviewing.

Nadine

1,906 reviews2 followers

Loving You At Christmas by Kristin Wallace - a heartwarming story!!!

So far, I’ve only read Kristin Wallace’s Loving You At Christmas. I will edit my review as soon as I’ve read more of the stories, but I just couldn’t contain my excitement! I loved it! A well-written story with a lot of depth. Kristin Wallace has the gift of immediately pulling you into the story and experience the emotions that the main character is going through. A sweet, warm and comforting story full of hope, perfect for Christmastime. The ideal book to curl up on the couch with. A beautiful finale to the Shellwater Key Tales.

Jean

476 reviews13 followers

favorites-5-stars romance z-read-in-2017

I have always enjoyed these box sets. It's a fun variety of stories from some great authors.
I received an advanced copy of The Gift of Yesterday by Milou Koenings which is part of this set. My review is below.
This was a very sweet story. Bailey moves to Green Pines to start a new business. She had visited there in the past as a child, and had really loved the place. Joe has lived there his whole life, and he had loved Bailey since they were teens.
I really liked the rekindled relationship. The whole story just had a nice warm, fuzzy feel to it.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in this set as well.

Debbie

70 reviews1 follower