SLEIGH BELLS RING

by Katherine Stone

“The Stone magic makes these books such a pleasure to read and share.” — Rendezvous “Her characters live with the shadows over their lives and make the best of them, honorably, courageously, and generously. We can be happier for knowing these people in the short run, and better for knowing them in the long run.” — Reviewer’s Choice Reviews A splash of suspense, a dash of Christmas magic, and a sleighful of love. . . A ghost of Christmas past makes the holidays a difficult time for homicide lieutenant Nicholas Hunter. It was just days before a long ago Christmas that Nick’s dangerously unbalanced mother disappeared with his four-year-old brother—the brother that the then eight-year-old Nicholas had vowed always to protect. Thirty years later, Nick continues his unrelenting search for the brother he lost, and now—once again at Christmastime—a psychopath is forcing women from Nick’s past to publicly humiliate themselves in an effort to destroy their careers and draw Nick into a life-or-death game of catch-me-if-you-can. It is against this dramatic backdrop that Nick, who has always believed that there is no place for love in his deeply scarred heart, meets Claire. Claire was an innocent sixteen-year-old when she became the victim of an apparent hit-and-run accident. The life-threatening head injury she suffered imparted an extraordinary gift, but also left her with an intense foreboding of imminent personal harm so terrifying that she felt compelled the flee the city she loved. Now, fifteen years later, Claire returns to Seattle intent on unmasking and conquering that enigmatic fear—only to discover that its cause is very real. At a tender age, Allison Prentice comes to the devastating conclusion that she is simply the wrong child for her wildly successful, perfectionist parents. No matter how hard she strives to meet their unbounded expectations, her parents' approval remains an elusive dream. Even her brilliant academic achievements receive faint praise. For the shy, unhappy Allison, the solution is as a child, into her own private world; then, as soon as she graduates from high school, from the city in which she grew up. When Allison finally returns to Seattle, it is as a superstar intellectual property litigator. She is just beginning to find happiness—and love with a man named Lucas—when the psychopath chooses her as his next pawn.

Praise for Katherine Stone

"Katherine Stone's magical touch makes A Midnight Clear a story for all seasons.”—Book Page

“Remarkably romantic and thoroughly enchanting.”—Rendezvous on Pearl Moon

"Stone’s poetically expressive tale of intriguing characters and tough dilemmas is truly poignant and heartrending.”—Booklist on The Cinderella Hour

“Poignant . . . Cass is an intrepid heroine, but it is Chase who wins our hearts when he refuses to allow Cass’s seeming betrayal to stop him from protecting his beloved.”—Midwest Book Review on Bed of Roses

“Fairytale elements mix with those of a present day romance for . . . thoroughly enjoyable results.”—Kirkus Reviews on Rainbows

Katherine Stone writes “in the vein of Danielle Steel and Sandra Brown”—Library Journal

“Alluring . . . Fascinating . . . Each page brings a new adventure, every plot twist another question begging to be answered.”—Rendezvous on Imagine Love

“Katherine Stone's "high quality romance ranks right up there with Nora Roberts."—Booklist

Katherine Stone is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-two novels, including TWINS, PEARL MOON, LOVE SONGS, HAPPY ENDINGS, and THIEF OF HEARTS. Her books are sold worldwide and have been translated into twenty languages. A physician who now writes full time, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, physician-novelist Jack Chase (CRY CHAOS, MORTALITY RATE, FATAL ANALYSIS, THE MAGRUDER TRANSPLANT).

318 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2018

About the author

Katherine Stone is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-two novels, including her new Christmas novel, SLEIGH BELLS RING.

Katherine's books have been translated into twenty languages and are sold worldwide. A physician who now writes full-time, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, physician and novelist Jack Chase (Fatal Analysis, Mortality Rate, The Magruder Transplant.

Katherine's website is www.katherinestone.com.

Jack's website is www.medicalthriller.com.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Katherine Stone's writing ever since I picked up Roommates in 1996. Since then, I've read all her books and was sad when she stopped writing in 2006. So I was thrilled to see that she published a new book this past winter and knew I had to get my hands on it right away!

SLEIGH BELLS RING contains some of the things I loved from Katherine's earlier novels, such as the romantic and mysterious aspects. In addition, the love between the brothers when they were little was really sweet. I was hurting for eight year-old Nicholas when they were cruelly separated. I also cared a lot about Alison, especially after reading about how she was treated when she was younger. I loved her kinship with dogs. The Christmas feel of this story was enjoyable and cozy. (And I don't even celebrate Christmas!)

There were some things that I had concerns about. I felt this novel needed to go through another editing process. There were some pacing issues and I felt it was going in a lot of different directions. Some things were mentioned but never resolved, such as Alison's stomachaches. There was too much description being used, and most of it was to talk about how there were lights shimmering in the women's hair or how Nick was in some fiery lair (in his mind).

I sincerely applaud Katherine for getting back into writing, but would recommend reading her earlier books before starting this one. Perhaps Rainbows would be a good one if you're new to her books. Sleigh Bells Ring is one for current fans to read so they can reminisce about her previous novels.

Of course, I had to cast this for the Hallmark Christmas movie season!
Nick: Ben Barnes
Lucas: Michael Trevino
Alison: Allison Miller
Claire: Marie Avgeropoulos
Adam: Richard Madden
Isabelle: Emily Wickersham

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!

There is so much I could say, but yet what do I say to an author who just simply moved me beyond belief!
What an amazing story of two you men and their love for each other, blood brothers whom a moving painting returned to one another and saved the women they loved.

Absolutely, stunning!! I am in awe, truly one of my favorite books by you Ms Stone!


Karen

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Very good book, and well told. Heartwarming the love the two brothers had. Had my suspicions, but definitely kept on my toes. Would have loved a little more in the ending, but still very much enjoyed.