Love, Christmas - Movies You Love

anthology arc-read author-review

Pass the Mistletoe, please! The sweetness of sugarplums, the spice of ginger cookies and magic of the season come alive in 26 distinct voices in LOVE, CHRISTMAS 2– MOVIES YOU LOVE! These talented authors took a movie title and turned it into their own candy cane-sweet twist on love and romance!

Prepare to laugh, to sigh, to feel each emotion these characters do as the season becomes miraculously and heart-warmingly magical! From dogsleds to snowmobiles, bed and breakfasts to ski resorts, or even a rundown apartment building, love is in the air and even Scrooge will be left smiling!

Did I have a favorite or twenty-six? Yes, yes I did! From the heartwarming historical tale to the single mom who wouldn’t let the shabby apartment building ruin her holiday joy, to the healing of two souls lost in their own pain, happy endings can be unwrapped story after story!

Nibble on one story at a time, or indulge in the entire anthology at once! It’s beginning to look like Christmas and love is in the air and don’t forget, you can never go wrong with a gift of great reading!

For lovers of A Charlie Brown Christmas, Ev Bishop's A SHARLA BROWN CHRISTMAS is a fun, sweet tale of two parents, alone, who find one thing they have in common is less than romantic, but Sharla's efforts to give her apartment complex a sense of closeness and her young child happy memories are simply delightful, especially when she discovers her "slum lord" is nothing like what she imagined and she knew him all along! Pass the Mistletoe, please!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Ev Bishop!

Series: The Holiday Series - Book 2
Publisher: Chill Out! (October 16, 2018)
Publication Date: October 16, 2018
Genre: Holiday Themed Romance
Print Length: 2081 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

READ Mimi Barbour – A Wonderful Life - Though Rylee works with troubled teens, can she and an angel help a man living a nightmare?
READ Leanne Banks – A Royal White Christmas - Can a secret prince be a Christmas wish-come-true for a small-town girl?
READ Joan Reeves – Brianna’s Season For Miracles - Her seductive persona hides what she's ashamed of... What will happen if the man she's fallen for discovers her secret?
READ Mona Risk – Jingle With My Princess - The doc and the princess... He saves lives, but she may save his heart.
READ Rebecca York – Can She Get Home for Christmas? - Will a killer stop her from getting home for Christmas?
READ Jacquie Biggar – Mistletoe Inn - A grieving man finds the greatest gift is love.
READ Alicia Street – Miracle on Christmas Tree Street - A single mom discovers her business partner is more than he seems.
READ Nancy Radke – The Holiday (Christmas) - Jodi's house-swap to Maui came with a small dog and a shipwrecked sailor.
READ Katy Walters –Letters from the Snowman – The snow revealed a precious love.
READ Stephanie Queen – Holiday Affair - Melissa goes from riches to rags but will she find gold in a holiday affair?
READ Aileen Fish – Christmas in Connecticut - Can a wounded warrior learn to trust her celebrity chef crush after discovering his secret?
READ Rachelle Ayala – A Christmas Creek Carol - A reclusive writer is given a one-star review on her life by characters from her past, present, and future.
READ Dani Haviland – The Polar Xpress - She prefers dogs to men…until she rescues the doctor.
READ Traci Hall – Love, Actually (By the Sea) - Two strangers. One intimate night. Reunited a year later, can it actually be love?
READ Taylor Lee – The Ref-er-ee - With a family this discombobulated, it will take a referee to save their Christmas.
READ Donna Fasano – Her Mr. Miracle - It’s Christmas Eve and Veronica is stuck in a nearly deserted seaside town... She needs a miracle.
READ Cynthia Cooke – A Christmas to Remember - A Christmas storm. Wedding plans in peril. Has a lost love been found?
READ Susan Jean Ricci – A Joyous Holiday Inn - Can Twigg restore the joy of Christmas to Chloe’s indifferent heart?
READ Tamara Ferguson – Two Hearts Home for Christmas - Can a long ago promise of love bring two lonely wounded warriors home for Christmas?
READ Suzanne Jenkins – Christmas with the Clouds - Tracy isn’t interested in love until an unexpected Christmas visitor changes her heart.
READ Natalie Ann – How Gavin Stole Christmas - Can Jolene help Gavin find the Christmas spirit when he’s the epitome of Mr. Bah Humbug?
READ Ev Bishop – A Sharla Brown Christmas - For single parents Sharla and Jake, Christmas is the loneliest time of the year…until it’s not.
READ Alyssa Bailey – In the Spirit of Christmas - Chase can protect Tara from danger, but can he protect his heart?
READ Stacy Eaton – Finding Love on Christmas Vacation - Christmas isn't the same for Lucy without her father...until she meets his friend Maverick.
READ Jen Talty – The Christmas Getaway - A mix-up in reservations leaves a mother and her son to share a cabin with a broken-hearted stranger.

Angela

8,596 reviews123 followers

5 Stars

Love, Christmas: Movies You Love is a superb anthology made up of 26 wonderful stories from 26 very accomplished authors. This is a fabulous collection of Holiday Romances, all with a common theme which is “favourite Christmas movies”- and each author has chosen one of their favourite Christmas movies as inspiration for their story. The movies range from “The Holiday”, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “A Christmas Carol”, The Polar Express”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, How The Grinch Stole Christmas”, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”- just to name a few. Every story is unique to the author and different from its companions- all having their own tone, feel and flavour- but yet managing to complement one another by the use of the same inspiration.
The stories range from contemporary romance, to regency romance, second chances… and more. We meet a variety of wonderful characters who bring their story to life, characters such as; Doctor, Princess, Single Mother, Navy Seal, author, children, furry friends, magical beings, Angel, broken characters, and many more . This book collection took me on a journey that had a little bit of everything, from mystery, suspense, romance, humour, drama, emotions, deception, twists, surprises, heart, soul, snow, mistletoe, family, friends, memories, miracles, a touch of danger in places, new beginnings, painful pasts, sparks, sizzle, and many endearing characters.
I was excited to see several of my favourite authors had contributed to the collection- Mimi Barbour, Stephanie Queen, Tamara Ferguson, Melinda De Ross, and Natalie Ann and as expected they didn’t let me down, captivating me from beginning to end with their stories. Other authors who I am familiar with from reading some of their works in other Anthologies, but as yet haven’t had a chance to fully explore their books- but this has pushed me to make sure that I do so very soon. Then there are quite a few new-to-me authors who I will now be adding to my TBR to enjoy over he coming months.
So, be prepared to be swept away into all the various storylines and situations as each story unfolds. There are many hours of stimulating, heart-warming, and enticing reading to be had. So, strap yourself in and get ready for take-off.

The collection contains:

A Wonderful Life By: Mimi Barbour

A Royal White Christmas By: Leanne Banks

Brianna’s Season For Miracles By: Joan Reeves

Jingle With My Princess By: Mona Risk

Can She Get Home For Christmas By: Rebecca York

Mistletoe Inn By: Jacquie Biggar

A Miracle On Christmas Tree Street By: Alicia Street

The Holiday (Christmas) By: Nancy Radke

Love Letters From A Snowman Katy Walters

Holiday Affair By: Stephanie Queen

Almost Christmas in Connecticut By: Aileen Fish

A Christmas Creek Carol By: Rachelle Ayala

The Polar XPress By: Dani Haviland

Love Actually (By The Sea) By: Traci E. Hall

The Ref-er-ee By: Taylor Lee

Her Mr. Miracle By: Donna Fasano

A Christmas to Remember By: Cynthia Cooke

A Joyous Holiday Inn By: Susan Jean Ricci

Two Hearts Home for Christmas By: Tamara Ferguson

Christmas With the Clouds By: Suzanne Jenkins

How Gavin Stole Christmas By: Natalie Ann

A Sharla Brown Christmas By: Ev Bishop

In the Spirit of Christmas By: Alyssa Bailey

Finding Love on Christmas Vacation By: Stacy Eaton

A Christmas Getaway By: Jen Talty

Boyfriend Wanted for Christmas By: Melinda De Ross

This book is a perfect way to spend some of the holidays, curled up beside a fire place, or relaxing by the pool- there is something here to please everyone.

Thank you to all the contributing authors!

Isha Coleman

8,991 reviews173 followers

November 10, 2018

Love, Christmas - Movies You Love (The Holiday Series #2) Anthology
Review: Love, Christmas - Movies You Love (The Holiday Series #2) by Mimi Barbour, Leanne Banks, Joan Reeves, Mona Risk, Rebecca York, Jacquie Biggar, Alicia Street, Nancy Radke, Katy Walters, Stephanie Queen, Aileen Fish, Rachelle Ayala, Dani Haviland, Traci Hall, Taylor Lee, Donna Fasano, Cynthia Cooke, Susan Jean Ricci, Tamara Ferguson, Suzanne Jenkins, Natalie Ann, Ev Bishop, Alyssa Bailey, Stacy Eaton, Jen Talty

Love, Christmas - Movies You Love is an emotional high. This group of authors blend multiple feelings into one overpowering voice. There is a dreamer in us all and Ayala, Barbour, Banks and Risk help it break free. York gives that sense of danger. While Biggar, Fasano and Hall give us reason to hope. With tons of heart, bundles of laughs and charismatic characters this boxset is an irresistible find.

first-reads

E.A.

952 reviews28 followers

October 18, 2018

Love, Christmas - Movies You Love (The Holiday Series #2) by Various Authors, was a light heart, sweet, cheesy, slighly thillerish, good feels read that just put me in the mood to be ready for, the upcoming holidays.

This anthology is a little different then your normal hallmark like Christmas collection. This as the title says, is based off favorite movies classic, some updated, some a little bent, but all have that cheesy, good feel spirit that I love.

Being as there are 26 stories, I have yet to read them all, I will, I just want to space them out until that glitty month is upon us. But I have read enough to where I need to tell you that, this book is worth your time and energy. And I'm going to tell you my first impressions, from the first story, and one more that I quite loved.

A Wonderful Life by Mimi Barbour; pulled me in right away. The guardian angel, Noel, and Mary. It was strongly impactful, especially that opening scene. With a little divine help, sometimes things just fall into place, and for Noel, if he had done what he had intended, things for Mary would have been hell, and she, would have, even be possibly died. The power of choice is strong in that first story and it hit home a little too close.

The other story I'm going to touch on is the fourth story, Can She Get Home for Christmas? by Rebecca York. Again another story that starts with a bang. That opening in the snow, the dark and the storm. Growing up in Northern Newfoundland, I know snow storms, so I knew the panic Sam was in, and I felt the cold. I like the paranormal elements, the mystery, and the little bit of a thriller. It topped off this story and made it stand out.

Overall this anthology isn't just stories about Christmas, it has many different elements, a good mixing of genres, and of course an amazing assortment of very talented authors. You're getting a little bit of everything, and I truly believe there is a story in here for everyone, even if you don't like holiday themed books. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you will find an engrossing read, and fall head over heals for this magical collection.

Happy Reading

-E.A. Walsh

2018-ebookc action adult

Maura

2,185 reviews6 followers

I'm so glad I "stumbled" upon this anthology. Some of these authors are new to me while others are authors I've become familiar with over the last few years. While some of the stories are novellas or shorts from series, I don't think you will be lost at all with any of them and may actually desire to read the entire series because they are that good.

Each story is a take on a "holiday" movie. Either a complete retelling or "fan fiction"... Some I have seen some I have not. Some movies I LOVED and watched over and over and others I didn't care for. Based on my movie viewing experience, I tried to be unbiased when reading these stories.

Here are a few samples of the stories.

LOVE, ACTUALLY BY THE SEA by Traci Hall - A quick and emotional story about memories and realities and new beginnings. A story about having regrets before even trying. "Life just happens. Nothing extra special or pre-ordained about it."

TWO HEARTS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (TWO HEARTS WOUNDED WARRIOR ROMANCE BOOK 9) by Tamara Ferguson While this is book 9 of a series, it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. I love love love this entire series and this was a fantastic addition to it. This is one that I hope you fall in love with and go back to the beginning where it all started.

THE HOLIDAY (CHRISTMAS) by Nancy Radke This is a story about house switching and I LOVED THE MOVIE so I was a little worried about how the author would "re-imagine" the story. It was everything I wanted it to be and so much more.

I could go on and on and recap every book, but I feel like that would be doing you a disservice. Grab this anthology and read them all. It is one of those books that you can pick up and put down and not worry about "missing anything". If you are like me, you will rip right through it.

I would recommend this to anyone and everyone who enjoys reading and especially if they like reading holiday tales.

Carmen Pilar

2 reviews

You should get this anthology for an early Christmas start! I have not had time to read all the stories, but make sure you start your reading with “JINGLE WITH THE PRINCESS” Book 3 in the Modern Princes Series.
This book is the story of how Princess Charlene, the youngest sister of Prince Paul, whom we met in “A Bride for Prince Paul” -the first book in the series- fell in love with Scott. We also get reacquainted with Scott, a dedicated doctor that we also met in the first book. This is a fantastic story. As with all Mona Risk’s books, the characters are likable and well developed. Even Scott, that in this book revindicates and gets his chance to demonstrate his real and romantic side, besides the great doctor that he is. The plot complicates when Scott fails to reveal his previous relationship with Amy, a member of the royal family.
What is really great about the book is the way the author develops the characters as real people, even royals! I also loved the modern twist to the princess fairy tale and the settings wherein you get to travel and sightsee. Ms. Risk has written another winner!
Although the story could stand alone, make sure that you read the whole series! You will absolutely love the stories of all the members of the reigning family of Rensy Island - Royals with a modern twist. Don’t miss the chance to read this book, included in this anthology.
I was given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Yvonne Cruz

3,562 reviews40 followers

October 4, 2018

This is one of those anthologies that you will absolutely love. You will laugh, cry, be enchanted by princes, and find the miracle of Christmas.
One of my favorite stories was The Christmas Getaway, by Jen Talty. She is one of those very talented authors that excels in writing novellas. This one is no exception. The story centers around widow and single mom , Olivia Tate, her son Noah, and Ryder Jameson, a Navy SEAL whose tragic loss still haunts him. He’s looking to drown his sorrows with whiskey this holiday, while Olivia wants to make this one special for her son. When a reservation snafu occurs , they are thrown together in the same cabin. Neither realizing that it will also change their lives forever . At times you’ll cry for them . so have your tissues ready, but in the end , the miracle of Christmas will help heal them and give them hope for the future.
Thanks to all the authors for sharing their stories this holiday season.
I was entrusted a copy of this anthology. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Izzy

9 reviews2 followers

October 15, 2018

This was such an amazing read. A Sharla Brown Christmas, in particular, had all the awesome Christmas feels. I loved both the mains, and I loved the feeling of redemption of a whole community--a perfect Christmas theme. Lots of warm cozy moments and delicious food scenes :D but also high emotional stakes for the would-be loves. A beautiful Christmas story about how our own hang-ups and perceptions can separate us, but how faith in each other and trying to so the right thing can move mountains and bring us together to be better versions of ourselves. The kids and the cute Charlie Brown references were awesome too! :D
There is room for Five stars on that Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
As CB says "all it needs is a little love." <3

Mommysuz

736 reviews2 followers

October 4, 2018

Finding Love On Christmas Vacation by Stacy Eaton:
Lucy's goes to her dads cabin to grant his last wishes. In doing so, she meets Maverick. He has known Lucy's dad for years and has been told many, many stories about her. Maverick falls in love without even meeting her. Now all Lucy has to do is fall in love with Maverick. This is such an amazing story. However I did shed a tear or two. I highly recommend, it is a standalone with a HEA.

Linda Quick

1,330 reviews30 followers

Loved this story! This has all the spice you would hope for in one of Taylor Lee's stories, wrapped in a poignant Christmas tale that brought a smile to my face.

Sandi Ramirez

1,864 reviews17 followers

October 11, 2018

I love to read Christmas books all year long and this is one of those books that will supply my demand so nicely. This book is a nice collection of books based round the Christmas movies that we all love.
Let me give you some examples

A Christmas Creek Carol by Rachelle Ayala
Ebony is a romance write who has come back home to finish her book. She is staying at her old home and runs into her old almost step-brother who is home for Christmas. Blaze who is as hot as his name is a Marine home from the war on leave. His dad was Ebony's mom's boyfriend and set to marry until her mom passed before that could happen. This book is based around Dickens A Christmas Carol and let's say it is a really good rewrite and up to day with today's doings in the romance world. 5 stars

Her Mr Miracle by Donna Fasano
In this novella we have Ronnie, who has run away from home for the holidays. Complete with a big old white wedding gown. Yes sir she has that big old thing stuffed in the trunk of her little bitty old car when that said car decides to die on her right outside of the town of Ocean City, Maryland on Christmas Eve. Karma, the hand of God or just Lady Luck set her on the path to Adam Rone and his son Mason and their hotel called Ocean Dreams. This book has some honest truths in it and at the same time is so sweet. I know about living with a houseful of mean spirited brothers so I understand Ronnie.

A Sharla Brown Christmas by Ev Bishop
What is a mom to day when the apartment she can afford for her daughter and herself is not in the nicest section in town? She starts saving and searching for a better one right. Then she works hard to improve the conditions in the actual apartment she is living in BUT the landlord is not exactly friendly. Sharla and her daughter Tegan are an amazing duo. They have set out to turn their complex into a family and Christmas friendly place to live. NOW they just need to get the landlord Jake Jeffery on board. Tegan and Terry, Jake's son met and become fast friends and the story grows from there. I loved this story and how much love comes from it! This one as a 5 star read for me as well.

Finding Love On Christmas Vacation by Stacy Eaton
Oh this Novella had me in tears and in a good way. Lucy goes to her dad's cabin as always to spend Christmas. The only thing different was her dad was not there. He passed in October in a plane crash. But the next door neighbor was there this year Maverick. Seems he knows so much about Lucy but not the reverse. This is one of those books that its like you can see Lucy's dad's hand reaching down from heaven touching them at certain times and in certain ways. I really enjoyed this book. I would rate this more than 5 stars if possible.

A Christmas Getaway by Jen Talty
Hope you kept those tissues handy because you will need them with this novella as well. Ryder has come to escape Christmas by drowning himself in booze and skiing the days away. As fate would have it the "quaint" cabin was double booked so he has to share it with a widowed mom Olivia Tate and young son Noah. Ryder is not happy at all and as the novella moves on we learn why. I will let you discover why for yourself. That is part of the discovery process and helps you to fall in love with this story while also at the same time feeling the deep pains too. This book is another 5 star read.

The books are very well written and each one to itself take you on a journey to the holidays. Grab a glass of wine, bar of chocolate and yes you will need some tissues for some of these reads and enjoy The Love of Movies that You Love ...reTold.

2018reading-challenge

Becky Claxon

2,215 reviews18 followers

Rachelle Ayala
A Christmas Creek Carol
This story is loosely patterned after A Christmas Story. Ebony was raised to work hard to get anywhere. She is a world known writer working on another book. She is back home where she grew up and her childhood friend Blaze is home on leave. I felt bad that kids made fun of her in school which has made her self conscious as an adult back in her home town. When we are children/young adults we don’t always make the best decisions on how we treat others. In a dream, Ebony’s mother comes back and opens her eyes. It is a cute short story.

Donna Fasano
Her Mr. Miracle
This was a sweet love story. My favorite character was Adam’s son Mason. He melted my heart with how sweet he is. I am sure he got that from his dad as Adam always tried to help people in trouble. Adam’s ex had problems that complicated his life at times, but there was always hope that she would get better. Ronnie was very understanding of Adam’s ex wife. I think since she helped so much with her younger twin brothers she had more empathy. I encourage you to read the book.

Ex Bishop
A Sharla Brown Christmas
This story is lightly a take off of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Sharla and her daughter moved to the US from Canada into an apartment building sight unseen. Once she saw the building, she knew why it was so much cheaper than other places. She is such a good mother to her daughter. I know it had to be hard with just her salary and no family. I loved how upbeat she was, and made others laugh. Unfortunately she thought the owner was a slum lord and didn’t fix the place up because he wanted the money for himself. We all have a tendency to make snap impressions without knowing the whole story. I though it was funny when she met Jake and his son, then realized he was the owner of the apartments. I enjoyed this cute story, and encourage you to read the book.

Stacey Eaton
Finding Love on Christmas Vacation
This is a short, sweet, love story. I thought it was nice that Maverick had feelings for Lucy just by listening to her father talk about her for ten years. It was so sad that her father had recently died, but I was so glad she had Maverick. I felt that Lucy’s father was trying to get Lucy and Maverick together for a long time even though they hadn’t met. It’s sad when a loved one dies and we see later how much so many people loved the person that we never knew about. I encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

Jen Talty
A Christmas Getaway
This story is a little sad, but hopeful. It touched my heart. Olivia’s little boy was only nine, but he had the maturity and caring of someone much older. I felt so bad for Ryder and what he went through. I couldn’t begin to imagine his feelings. I loved that fate brought Ryder and Olivia together. They were good for each other. I encourage you to read the book.
I have read these books so far. If you like short, Christmas stories then this set is for you. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of these books.

Taylor Lee
Taylor Lee
I loved this book! At first. I was so sad to see a beautiful family fighting and being so nonchalant about Christmas and their relationship. It was even worse to see the two parents who were in love, but had lost their way some, be so mean to each other. I loved the backwoods miracle that came into their lives. It was such a good ending.

Coral Mitchell

3,189 reviews

October 20, 2018

A Wonderful Life by Mimi Barbour
A great, modern retelling. Noel believes he lost everything and has nothing to live for.

A Royal White Christmas by Leanne Banks
Insta-love story. No real connection between them besides a few meetings.

Brianna's Season for a Miracles by Joan Reeves
Brianna is trying to change her behaviors after last year's debacle. She doesn't feel loved or accepted by anyone and wants to change for herself.

Jingle with my Princess by Mona Risk
Loved Scott and Charlene. Scott's ex is terrible and unforgiving.

Can She Get Home for Christmas by Rebecca York
A Decorah Security story. Very interesting and I would like to read more about this group.

Mistletoe Inn by Jacquie Biggar
A sweet read with a single mother and damaged man who thinks no one could love him.

Miracle on Christmas Tree Street by Alicia Street
Hannah was hurt by her ex, but she is now bitter and jaded. No one can do anything right in her eyes, from her poor daughter to the man who is falling in love with her. A difficult character to even like.

The Holiday by Nancy Radke
A cute read. Jodie trades houses to get away from a stalker and find Stuart already in the house. I would have liked to have charges filed and the police involved with Fred. He is left to terrorize another woman.

Love Letters from a Snowman by Katy Walters
So different. There is pain, hurt, magic, and healing in a time it is desperately needed.

Holiday Affair by Stephanie Queen
I loved Melissa's journey, but was sorely disappointed in the lack of ending. This is more of a teaser, missing the conclusion.

Almost Christmas in Connecticut by Aileen Fish

The Polar Express by Dani Haviland

Love, Actually by Traci E

The Ref-er-ee by Taylor Lee

A Christmas Creek Carol - Rachelle Ayala
Ebony is so focused on past hurts and being a workaholic, she is missing life. Blaze adores her, burr she is too focused on her writing to pay attention. She is very flighty and petty. He can't choose whether he is sent overseas when he reenlists.

Her Mr Miracle - Donna Fasano
Veronica is running from a family who treats her poorly and Adam is trying his hardest to keep his family whole. I admire Adam and his kind heart, but some relationships are too toxic to allow.

A Sharla Brown Christmas - Ev Bishop
Sharlene is not happy with her living situation and constantly calls the landlord, Jake, complaining. Jake is trying hard to raise his son and be a good landlord, but his newest tenant is too high maintenance. They meet, not realizing they already know each other, and sparks fly.

Finding Love on Christmas Vacation - Stacy Eaton
Maverick heard everything about Lucy for years from her father, and he is determined to meet her this year. Lucy just lost her father, and the pain of visiting his cabin this Christmas is very difficult. She runs into many problems ans Maverick is more than willing to step up. Lucy was difficult to like with her erratic behavior.

A Christmas Getaway - Jen Talty
Widow and widower; Olivia and Ryder. They meet because of a mix up at the ski resort. Ryder only wants to drown his pain in alcohol, not feel joy and happiness. Olivia is trying her best to raise Noah and let him know about his father. A great read, but the ending left too much open.

Lisette Gonzalez

188 reviews2 followers

Love, Christmas - Movies You Love (The Holiday Series #2)
by Mimi Barbour, Leanne Banks, Joan Reeves, Mona Risk, Rebecca York, Jacquie Biggar, Alicia Street, Nancy Radke, Katy Walters, Stephanie Queen, Aileen Fish, Rachelle Ayala, Dani Haviland, Traci Hall, Taylor Lee, Donna Fasano, Cynthia Cooke, Susan Jean Ricci, Tamara Ferguson, Suzanne Jenkins, Natalie Ann, Ev Bishop, Alyssa Bailey, Stacy Eaton, Jen Talty, Melinda De Ross
5 Stars

Love, Christmas - Movies You love is a boxed set anthology of 26 Christmas stories based on movies. Each story is unique in its own way and will have you either laughing, crying, or sitting at the edge of of your seat in suspense. All the stories are great but three stories stood out to me: Finding Love On Christmas Vacation by Stacy Eaton, A Christmas Creek Carol by
Rachelle Ayala and A Christmas Getaway by Jen Talty.

Finding Love on Christmas Vacation by Stacy Eaton is the story of Lucy, which spends every Christmas with her father, Charlie, at his cabin. This year she will spend it without her father, since is has passed away and she will be spreading his ashes on the lake as per his final request. Her father always spoke of a friend that always stayed in the neighboring cabin, his name is Maverick. Have you ever fallen in love with someone before you meet them? Maverick did,he was in love with Lucy by the stories and pictures her father always shared with Maverick through the years. He finally has his chance to meet her and the connection is instant between the two. This is a quick, holiday romance that you will truly enjoy the same way I did.

A Christmas Creek Carol by Rachelle Ayala is the story of Ebony and Blaze. Ebony is a writer that is back in Christmas Creek for the holidays to write her next story. Blaze is in the military and visiting his father for the holiday but also to see Ebony. Blaze will go to any lengths to make Ebony realize that they are meant to be together. Will Ebony finish writing her story and will Blaze finally be with Ebony? You will have to read to find out.

A Christmas Getaway by Jen Talty is the story about Olivia and Ryder. Olivia always takes her son Noah away for the holidays, since his dad was a Navy Pilot that was killed before he was born. Ryder is a Navy Seal that has book a cabin at a resort for the holidays. What are the odds that two people can book the same cabin at the same time? Well it happens to Olivia and Ryder and this is how the two meet. Ryder, like Olivia & Noah, has suffered an immense loss when his wife and sons were murdered the day after Christmas. Both have shared loss and they both can help each other through the pain of loss of your significant other. This story completely gutted me but also made me smile on how these two strangers can fall in love in the midst of pain.

I truly enjoyed reading all the stories in this anthology. It had me jonesing for the holidays to get here. I highly recommend this anthology and read each one so you can find your favorites.

Rhonda's Reading Nook

184 reviews8 followers

This was a wonderful box set. Below are 3 of my favorites

FINDING LOVE ON CHRISTMAS VACATION BY STACY EATON
Who doesn’t like a HEA Christmas story? This is a sweet fast pace Story of how Lucy fell in love on Christmas Vacation.
Lucy would join her father every Christmas at his cabin. For years, her father had been telling her about his friend Maverick, that always came up to the neighboring cabin, the week after Christmas. Lucy thought that Maverick was around the same age as her father.
This year would be different for Lucy at the cabin, her father had passed away in October and she would be all alone celebrating Christmas and fulfilling her fathers last request that his ashes be spread on the lake on Christmas day.
Maverick was only two years older that Lucy and he had fallen in love with her years ago, from the stories and pictures that her father would share with him. Every year he tried to rent the cabin the week of Christmas so that he could meet Lucy, to no avail. This year he had booked it a year in advance to make sure that he would be there for Christmas.
Sparks fly the moment they meet. As Lucy and Maverick share their memories of Charlie, Lucy’s father, Maverick love for Lucy is confirmed and Lucy falls in love with Maverick.
This is a sweet holiday romance by Stacy Eaton.

A CHRISTMAS CREEK CAROL BY RACHELLE AYALA
Ebony, a romance writer has come home to Christmas Creek, for the holiday season, to write. She is on a deadline and her characters will not cooperate.
Blaze is in the Military and has come home for the holidays to see his father, but also because he knows that Ebony will be there.
Blaze and Ebony were almost step-siblings, years ago, but that did not stop Blaze from having feelings for Ebony. Can Blaze convince Ebony that they are meant to be together?
A sweet addition to this box set.

A CHRISTMAS GETAWAY BY JEN TALTY
Ryder, a Navy Seal, has booked a cabin at a ski resort for the holiday. The anniversary of his wife and sons murder is on December 26th. He plans on skiing during the day and getting drunk at night.
Oliva takes Noah away for Christmas every year so that she doesn’t have to be around family. Oliva’s husband had been a Navy pilot and had been shot down and killed before Noah was born.
Oliva and Ryder both have had a tremendous loss, but together they find that they can help each other through the pain.
What a lovely story by Jen Talty.

Felicia Bates

617 reviews7 followers

Love, Christmas- Movies You Love (The Holiday Series Book 2) Anthology

This is the perfect anthology to get you in the holiday spirit regardless of the season. What caught my attention right away was the names of some authors I was familiar with, Mimi Barbour, Tamara Ferguson the list goes on. What kept my attention was the the collection of stories truly fit for anyone whether they like to embrace the holiday with a few laughs, tears or heart racing suspense. I’ve listed just a couple of the stories that got me excited and ready for the season to come but I definitely recommend you check out this collection yourself, otherwise I’d be here boasting about it all day!

A Royal White Christmas
A novelette by Leanne Banks

A Royal White Christmas is a royally sweet story that gives a new meaning to the word Mistletoe.
This is my first experience with Leanne Banks’ writing but this novelette was thoroughly satisfying. Short and sweet with great characters, and who doesn’t love a love story with a great dog? Perfect short story to get you in the spirit of the season with unique flair.

Can She Get Home For Christmas
A Decorah Security Story
By Rebecca York

Rebecca York is another new to me author and one I will be following thanks to this anthology. I loved Can She Get Home For Christmas from
the very first page and the reference to one of my favorite authors helped seal the deal. When Sam is stranded on her way home for Christmas she wants to believe in the good of people but soon learns she really doesn’t know who to trust. I like my romances with a touch of danger so this was the perfect quick read. I’m definitely curious to read more of Rebecca York’s Decorah series in the future.

In The Spirit Of Christmas
Alyssa Bailey

“That girl was a mixture between naughty and nice, Guess this was her season to shine, then.”

Tara had me connected to this story from the very first page. It was evident she was strong and sassy and as the pages unraveled her quick replies and independent nature never did disappoint. Chase, with a past of his own captured my heart pretty quickly, the perfect holiday book boyfriend. A story of life, love and a little mystery this novella kept me interested from start to finish. Looking forward to reading more from Alyssa Bailey.

Katie Kearney

1,121 reviews6 followers

Love, Christmas - Movies You Love (The Holiday Series Book 2) By Mimi Barbour, Leanne Banks, Joan Reeves, Mona Risk, Rebecca York, Jacquie Biggar, Alicia Street, Nancy Radke, Katy Walters, Stephanie Queen, Aileen Fish, Rachelle Ayala, Dani Haviland, Traci Hall, Taylor Lee, Donna Fasano, Cynthia Cooke, Susan Jean Ricci, Tamara Ferguson, Suzanne Jenkins, Natalie Ann, Ev Bishop, Alyssa Bailey, Stacy Eaton, Jen Talty, Melinda De Ross.

Give me all the Christmas type stories you can all year round! I’m a sucker for them and this collection is fantastic and exactly what I was hoping for. Each story is different and well written. A few of my favorites are: Her Mr. Miracle, Mistletoe Inn and A Christmas Creek Carol.
In Her Mr. Miracle we meet Ronnie who needs a bit of an escape but runs into some issues and meets Adam. This entire story makes my heart melt and had me hooked. It’s well written and paced nicely.

In Mistletoe Inn we get an emotional romance story about Noah and Molly. It’s everything I love in a holiday season romance story. The characters are relatable and easy to connect with. The author captures the spirit in written form with attention to details and characters you can relate to.

In A Christmas Creek Carol we have Ebony and Blaze who have known each other forever but will this holiday season bring them closer like Blaze would like? Ebony is all work with a deadline, can she remember there’s more to life than work over the holiday?

Each story pulls at heartstrings and captured the holiday spirit. I absolutely love when authors come together for collections because it’s a great way to find new authors and try their stories. I love everything about this collection and will definitely be reading more by each author and reading this collection over again! Giving this collection a five star review and highly recommend it to anyone.

Margaret Forsyth

7 reviews2 followers

October 10, 2018

Love, Christmas 2, Movies You Love; is a delightful collection, perfect for light holiday reading.

A Sharla Brown Christmas is a fun and fabulous frolic. Ev Bishop brings the joy of Christmas to life with endearing characters you can’t help but cheer for. Sharla, like Charlie Brown, discovers the true Christmas spirit. It is not material things, but rather friends and family that make the Yuletide bright and love really can triumph over all.
A Christmas Creek Carol is a charming cozy. A romance writer comes home to a fantasy town where Christmas lasts all year long to finish her novel on a tight deadline. She is blocked by the lack of romance in her own life and her tragic memories of Christmas past. A surprise visit from a handsome marine, (who was almost her step-brother,) Blaze, sets her life on fire and ignites a new passion for the season.
Her Mr. Miracle is a wonderful, lighthearted story that will fill you up with holiday cheer. The perfect read for a cold winter’s eve.
Finding Love on Christmas Vacation is warm, witty and will bring tears to your eyes. When Lucy father dies in a place crash, his last request is for her to sprinkle his ashes by the wilderness cabin he loved so much on Christmas morning. But dearly departed dad has mischief up his sleeve. Will his plotting bring the two people he loves most together or blow everything up in their faces?
A Christmas Getaway is a heart-breakingly sweet tale. A blizzard strands a single mother and her son in a ski chalet with a Navy Seal intent on celebrating Christmas with a case of Jack Daniels. It seems like a disaster until they discover their shared tragedy makes their broken lives fit together perfectly.

Rosemary

3,887 reviews71 followers

fantasy modern-morality-tale romantic-suspense-story

Love, Christmas - the Movies You Love - a review by Rosemary Kenny

A fabulous set of stories with a seasonal theme, Love, Christmas - Movies You Love Box Set holds a whopping great 26 novels, that will tick all the Yuletide boxes for a literary gift you'll remember for the whole of the coming year! They are: Mimi Barbour, Leanne Banks, Joan Reeves , Mona Risk , Rebecca York , Jacquie Biggar, Alicia Street, Nancy Radke, Katy Walters, Stephanie Queen, Aileen Fish, Rachelle Ayala, Dani Haviland, Traci Hall, Taylor Lee, Donna Fasano, Cynthia Cooke, Susan Jean Ricci, Tamara Ferguson, Suzanne Jenkins, Natalie Ann, Ev Bishop, Alyssa Bailey, Stacy Eaton and Jen Talty.

I particularly loved Suzanne Jenkins' sweet tale, Christmas in the Clouds.
Brian and Tracy Cloud and their 4 year old daughter Jasmine seem to live a charmed life; happily married and good parents, with large salaried employment and a lovely family home in Utah - what more could Tracy want? Yet due to past unhappiness, insecure professional therapist Tracy fears she could lose it all in an instant, if Fate or a higher power decided to burst her blissful 'bubble'. Brian has an important yet risky job as a blaster on construction sites and Tracy worries about that too, especially when she hears of a tragic accident in the area he's working in, which has claimed 4 men's lives. When Brian's boss and another guy arrive at the house, the worst possible news is confirmed.

What does Tracy do next? How will she rescue Christmas for Jasmine when her own heart is breaking? Who is Mrs Lincoln and how does she help Tracy cope?
Who does Tracy go to visit in Idaho? Who goes with her?

Debi

1,135 reviews6 followers

Love, Christmas - Movies You Love (The Holiday Series Book 2)

By Mimi Barbour, Leanne Banks, Joan Reeves, Mona Risk, Rebecca York, Jacquie Biggar, Alicia Street, Nancy Radke, Katy Walters, Stephanie Queen, Aileen Fish, Rachelle Ayala, Dani Haviland, Traci Hall, Taylor Lee, Donna Fasano, Cynthia Cooke, Susan Jean Ricci, Tamara Ferguson, Suzanne Jenkins, Natalie Ann, Ev Bishop, Alyssa Bailey, Stacy Eaton, Jen Talty, Melinda De Ross

5 Stars

Oh my goodness..I loved this so much. We are coming in to my favorite time of the year and this group of authors just made my last couple days and I am now completely in the spirit of my favorite season of all time!

I dont know who came up with this idea of taking my favorite movies of the season and turning them into books inspired by these movies but it was a brilliant idea. What I loved also was that there are a few authors in this anthology that are already absolute favorites of mine, and now I have so many more new authors that I want to read more from.

I thought that maybe I would write a little bit about each story but oh my that would take a while, and then I thought well Ill write about a few of my favorites and i couldnt figure out which ones I liked best.

I can only say that you must read these stories. Carve out some time, and if your having trouble getting into the spirit of the season this is all you will need to remedy that.

I will absolutely read every one of these again on a cold icky weekend cuddled up in my favorite chair sipping my favorite coffee, and will be visiting each of these authors pages to find more from each of them.

Amazingly Awesome!! Totally Brilliant!!

ButtonsMom2003

3,800 reviews40 followers

arc-from-author purchased

This is a fantastic value!

Currently the Love, Christmas - Movies You Love anthology is available for only 99 cents. This is a fantastic deal even if you only read one of the stories (as I have at this point).

I've read A Sharla Brown Christmas, written by one of my favorite authors, Ev Bishop. It's a great feel good story about a single mother and a single father who are each dealing with their own memories regarding past relationships.

Sharla's daughter Tegan is happy to find a playmate living close to her new home. Terry is the same age as Tegan and they hit it off right away. When Terry's father realizes that Sharla is the new tenant in his building who's been a pain in his butt he's not really too interested in becoming friends. Too bad their kids want to be together all the time. 😊

This was a really sweet Christmas story and teaches us not to always judge people when we don't really know anything about them. As the holiday draws closer Sharla and Jake begin to feel more than friendship.

A Sharla Brown Christmas is a quick read with lots of nice feels. You can't go wrong with this huge anthology of stories and I look forward to reading more of them soon.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

Samantha McIntyre

122 reviews

October 21, 2018

Let me start by saying wow I can’t wait till Christmas!! This was a spectacular collection. The Mistletoe Inn and The Holiday (Christmas) were two of my favorites!!! They brought the love back into what you want to fee in Christmas! The warm fuzzy feelings!! This is a collection that I want to curl up by the fire and read again and again through the holiday season. You want to smile and laugh and cry. You sit at the edge of your seat as you read each page. It’s a cup of hot coco and a warm blanket as you watch it snow as you read kind of book. I love Christmas and this book just makes me love it more.

Bernadette Cinkoske

4,542 reviews38 followers

Love, Christmas - Movies You Love is an outstanding anthology of 26 Christmas stories loosely based on old movies. You will laugh, cry, cheer, root for the underdog, etc. but you will not be bored. There has to be at least one book in here for everyone. Personally I have not found any that I did not like. Ev Bishop's A Sharla Brown Christmas was one I found especially heart warming. It would be hard to pick just one. I loved them all. Order yours while it is still available. Hours of enchanting, warm Christmas tales.

Renate Deutsche Oma

1,402 reviews

Inspired by holiday movies 26 talented authors introduce readers to fascinating settings, diverse characters (doctor, Princess, single mom, shipwrecked sailor) furry four legged friends, twist and turn plots with a touch of mystery, believable resolutions and holiday cheer. Even if not all the stories grab your interest, move on - even one story is a bargain for 99 cents. I enjoyed Jingle with my Princess, Almost Christmas in Connecticut, and the Ref-er-ee. Makes me want to watch some more holiday movies.

K is for Cathy

356 reviews

I have only read one story so far. The newest Joan Reeves book is delightful, heartwarming and enlightening. Bullying is not something new in schools. Reading we get insight into Brianna’s struggles from being bullied, humiliated and ridiculed. After hearing she was dumb or slow, Brianna feels no self worth. Reading this book we have a peak at how Brianna’s strength shines through to overcomes her issues. This with the new found love of a man that loves her for this strength. Another lovely Joan Reeves story, you won’t want to stop reading.

Shyla

1,565 reviews7 followers

This was a wonderful Christmas read! Love and holiday season fills the pages of this multi author book bundle. New authors and favorite authors in these amazingly written stories. I now have some new favorite authors to read. Each story keeps your attention and pulls you in. Page after page, it consumes you. A must read for all book lovers!

Anne Donaldson

799 reviews4 followers

This is an anthology that makes you want Christmas to come - and I'm not a huge fan of early Christmases! I was gifted an ARC of this by Jacquie Biggar, author of "Mistletoe Inn" in the anthology.

The stories are heartwarming, with each making you believe a little bit more in human goodness and the potential for a happy ending.

Jimnlori

1,013 reviews47 followers

I absolutely love this Christmas collection! I had the opportunity to read several books in this collection and enjoyed them all. There is nothing better to put you in the Christmas mood than reading wonderful Christmas love stories.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Victoria

4,703 reviews

November 4, 2018

A great collection of books for you to curl up with and delve into. So full of romanace and so full of christmas, what more could you ask for? ☺ I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC.

Laura Furuta

2,047 reviews28 followers