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A Keepsake Christmas
8 special ornaments, 8 special women, 8 memorable Christmases. Bring the spirit of Christmas into your heart with this collection of all new sweet holiday romances set in the popular series of eight bestselling authors.
No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske. Where hidden treasures can hold the key to a heart and offer an unexpected path home...
A Lot Like Christmas by Kathryn Cantrell. The place where destiny is the ultimate matchmaker. All you have to do is believe.
The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone. Will performing during a Christmas fundraiser bring a former figure-skating star the healing and love that have eluded her? Or will being back under the glaring spotlight only lead to more heartache and regrets?
Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush. A bubbly barista and a shy, single-father antique dealer must set aside their rivalry to find the best Christmas teacup ever when they are nominated to run the Holiday Beach food bank fundraiser. Will the spirit of Christmas overcome their competitive streaks?
Blessings on State Street by Rachael Bloome. Abigail Preston wants nothing more than to skip Christmas this year. But her holiday-free hideout in the quaint, charming town of Blessings Bay comes with a mysterious and unexpected house guest. Can two heartbroken strangers find hope and healing in the most Christmassy town on the coast?
One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy L. Grace. An exhausted ER doctor looking to escape the city. A beach-loving workaholic executive stuck in a snow-covered valley. Will the charm of the town and the magic of the holidays be enough to mend their broken hearts?
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge. Sarah Murdoch knew bringing her daughter, Jamie, halfway across the country to Port Provident, Texas would cause more anxiety than feel-good Christmas memories. But when Jamie bonds with Grant McCray, the owner of Beachcomber Stables, she begins to come out of her shell.
I'll Be Home For Christmas by Tess Thompson. High school sweethearts Jennifer and Jack were supposed to be together forever. But Jack's one night mistake tore them apart. Will they have the ultimate second chance at love more than 30 years later? Or is the secret she kept from him too much to forgive? Can the magical spirit of Christmas in Emerson Pass bring forgiveness and healing for these two star-crossed lovers?
No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske. Where hidden treasures can hold the key to a heart and offer an unexpected path home...
A Lot Like Christmas by Kathryn Cantrell. The place where destiny is the ultimate matchmaker. All you have to do is believe.
The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone. Will performing during a Christmas fundraiser bring a former figure-skating star the healing and love that have eluded her? Or will being back under the glaring spotlight only lead to more heartache and regrets?
Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush. A bubbly barista and a shy, single-father antique dealer must set aside their rivalry to find the best Christmas teacup ever when they are nominated to run the Holiday Beach food bank fundraiser. Will the spirit of Christmas overcome their competitive streaks?
Blessings on State Street by Rachael Bloome. Abigail Preston wants nothing more than to skip Christmas this year. But her holiday-free hideout in the quaint, charming town of Blessings Bay comes with a mysterious and unexpected house guest. Can two heartbroken strangers find hope and healing in the most Christmassy town on the coast?
One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy L. Grace. An exhausted ER doctor looking to escape the city. A beach-loving workaholic executive stuck in a snow-covered valley. Will the charm of the town and the magic of the holidays be enough to mend their broken hearts?
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge. Sarah Murdoch knew bringing her daughter, Jamie, halfway across the country to Port Provident, Texas would cause more anxiety than feel-good Christmas memories. But when Jamie bonds with Grant McCray, the owner of Beachcomber Stables, she begins to come out of her shell.
I'll Be Home For Christmas by Tess Thompson. High school sweethearts Jennifer and Jack were supposed to be together forever. But Jack's one night mistake tore them apart. Will they have the ultimate second chance at love more than 30 years later? Or is the secret she kept from him too much to forgive? Can the magical spirit of Christmas in Emerson Pass bring forgiveness and healing for these two star-crossed lovers?
857 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
68 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Elle Rush
54 books136 followersSweet contemporary romance author with addictions to Christmas and other holidays seeks readers to share fun, heartwarming romances with. Laugh-out-loud banter, yummy recipes and a list of favourite holiday tropes on request. (Spoiler: ALL OF THEM.)
Keep up with her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter at www.ellerush.com/newsletter
Keep up with her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter at www.ellerush.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 7, 2021
I love festive stories and anthologies in general, so this collection of Christmas novellas set on small towns with a variety of nice characters hit the mark.
I've enjoyed some of the stories so much I wanted them to be longer.
I liked how Jennifer and Jack got their second chance at love after almost thirty years, or how Judy and Jeff find their way to each other thanks to a box of ornaments found in the attic, but my favourite was Natasha and Elias' story.
The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane byMelissa McClone was a nice, entertaining story. I read her words effortlessly and I was really glad to go back at Berry Lake.
Natasha, a former figure skater, doesn't feel the festive atmosphere this year so she decides to spend the holidays alone in the small town of Berry Lake. Elias is a lawyer who has to manage the Christmas fundraiser. He doesn't know a lot about performing and Christmas plays but when he sees Tasha skating on the iced lake he knows he needs her help.
They are perfect together and I was so happy to see them growing on each other page after page, their relationship is sweet and funny and with a dog that seems to know when his human needs a paw to conquer the lady's heart.
I recommend to read this anthology, and who knows you can find some new to you authors and add some other books to your To Be Read pile.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
November 2, 2021
This is a sweet & charming collection of Christmas romances, by 8 wonderful authors.
A review for one of the romances ~
The Last Cottage On Pinewood Lane
by Melissa McClone
It's a heartwarming & moving romance.
A Christmas story that pulls on your heartstrings from start to finish.
Tasha, has had the worst year ever.
All she wants is a white Christmas.
Elias, is tired of the pressure,
the workload, & being treated like
a paralegal, instead of a lawyer he is.
But can a pup named Higgins, make
their holiday brighter?
All are thoroughly enjoyable reads that leave you with a happily ever after!!
A review for one of the romances ~
The Last Cottage On Pinewood Lane
by Melissa McClone
It's a heartwarming & moving romance.
A Christmas story that pulls on your heartstrings from start to finish.
Tasha, has had the worst year ever.
All she wants is a white Christmas.
Elias, is tired of the pressure,
the workload, & being treated like
a paralegal, instead of a lawyer he is.
But can a pup named Higgins, make
their holiday brighter?
All are thoroughly enjoyable reads that leave you with a happily ever after!!
October 19, 2021
8 Sweet, romantic holiday stories all in one place.
I started with one of my favorite authors, Melissa McClone. My review of The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane is below:
Beautiful!! This is a sweet holiday story with loads of romance. Tasha and Elias are both wanting change in their life, one looking for a new start and the other working his life away at the family law firm. Once they meet each other everything comes together. It takes a lot to make me cry when I’m reading but this story brought tears to my eyes because it was so beautiful.
I started with one of my favorite authors, Melissa McClone. My review of The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane is below:
Beautiful!! This is a sweet holiday story with loads of romance. Tasha and Elias are both wanting change in their life, one looking for a new start and the other working his life away at the family law firm. Once they meet each other everything comes together. It takes a lot to make me cry when I’m reading but this story brought tears to my eyes because it was so beautiful.
October 13, 2021
This is a compilation of Christmas stories by multiple authors. Three of my favorite authors, Barbara Hinske, Tammy Grace and Jo Grafford have wonderful stories in the book. There are other authors that I hope to read more of their books. Not all the stories may interest everyone, but I think there are enough stories that will interest everyone. I admit there are a couple that I couldn't get through, but I won't say which ones and will let that up to the reader. At the end there is a very interesting way to make your own special Christmas ornament.
September 4, 2021
One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy L. Grace. Beautifully written second chance Christmas romance. An Unexpected second chance romance that caught me completely off guard as the story unfolds. The charm of a small mountain town works its magic to bring together and blend the lives of three people destined to love each other forever. Their busy lives are transformed by the peace and harmony of Snow Valley. The slower pace and familiar surroundings brings tranquility to a stressed out ER doctor, a workaholic public relations executive and a young woman trying to figure out her future. After spending the Christmas holiday in this magical town, they must decide if they should go back to their busy lives or stay and blend their lives together. So incredibly crafted you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to Tammy L. Grace for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my opinion.
Thank you to Tammy L. Grace for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my opinion.
October 10, 2021
Easily my favorite story in this anthology is “No Matter How Far” by Barbara Hinske, an (almost) everyday story that could happen anywhere with anybody.
Judy grows up in a small town and inherits her mother’s gift shop. She has a nostalgic connection to the grand old mansion on the residential street behind the store. The elderly and eccentric homeowner died some years ago, but the place has been well cared for by, uhhh, someone. Until the last few years, anyway, and now the once beautiful home is being auctioned for back taxes. Probably to some developer who would tear it down and build a bunch of townhomes.
If Hinske’s tale were just an everyday story, then that’s what would happen. But of course, Hinske makes this special. There’s a very special Christmas tree ornament – actually, there are several, all carved by the late homeowner. And there are special memories bound up in those ornaments, not just for Judy but also for the man’s nephew in far-off Cleveland. Hinske weaves it all together – the mansion, Judy, the nephew – and it all takes place in a charming community of good people. While most of Hinske’s other stories involve some villains, not this one – hey, it’s Christmas.
Have you ever taken a walk through the woods, or across a meadow, or along the beach, or down a hillside trail? You don’t wonder if you’ll ever get home again. You don’t go for the adventure. You go for the enjoyment – the simple pleasure of seeing and hearing what’s along the way. You’re not disappointed if you weren’t snapped at by a barking dog. You’re not disappointed that you weren’t mugged. You weren’t looking for excitement. No, you took the walk to just for the pleasure of it all.
And that’s exactly what you’ll get – enjoyment (with a scoop of joy) -- reading “No Matter How Far.”
My runner-up story in this anthology is “A Lot Like Christmas,” by Kathryn Cantrell. Where Hinske’s characters are nice, in Cantrell’s story the star character, Iris Duncan, is sassy. Reminds me of my daughter. Well, actually she reminds me of all my daughters. Iris has plenty of personality. And she too is on a mission. And again it involves a very special Christmas ornament, one that had been lifted from her grandmother’s memory-care room and which Iris had traced to an antique shop a couple hundred miles away. An antique shop being tended by the owner’s son, Wesley Ford, a former SEAL and current contract special ops pilot.
Full disclosure: I’m a 70+ year old man. I am not the target audience for this story. This story is not written for me. It is written for women who find appeal in “Sweet Romance Anthologies,” as the book is labeled. (So why did I read any of these stories? Hey, it’s a free country!) So you may justifiably decide to discount my issues with the story.
But come on, a SEAL with no sex drive? A woman marching into a store and demanding the owner's son to hand over something she claims was stolen from her senile grandmother? Fem-splaining that trusting fellow SEALs is just like believing in fate? Characterizing a guy with PTSD as “grumpy”? Choosing the day we use to remember the friends he watched be killed by ISIS for ….
Like I said, I really enjoyed Iris Duncan as the lead character. And yes, it’s a happy Christmas tale. And no, it’s not for me.
As for the other stories in this anthology – you’re own your own. Enjoy!
Judy grows up in a small town and inherits her mother’s gift shop. She has a nostalgic connection to the grand old mansion on the residential street behind the store. The elderly and eccentric homeowner died some years ago, but the place has been well cared for by, uhhh, someone. Until the last few years, anyway, and now the once beautiful home is being auctioned for back taxes. Probably to some developer who would tear it down and build a bunch of townhomes.
If Hinske’s tale were just an everyday story, then that’s what would happen. But of course, Hinske makes this special. There’s a very special Christmas tree ornament – actually, there are several, all carved by the late homeowner. And there are special memories bound up in those ornaments, not just for Judy but also for the man’s nephew in far-off Cleveland. Hinske weaves it all together – the mansion, Judy, the nephew – and it all takes place in a charming community of good people. While most of Hinske’s other stories involve some villains, not this one – hey, it’s Christmas.
Have you ever taken a walk through the woods, or across a meadow, or along the beach, or down a hillside trail? You don’t wonder if you’ll ever get home again. You don’t go for the adventure. You go for the enjoyment – the simple pleasure of seeing and hearing what’s along the way. You’re not disappointed if you weren’t snapped at by a barking dog. You’re not disappointed that you weren’t mugged. You weren’t looking for excitement. No, you took the walk to just for the pleasure of it all.
And that’s exactly what you’ll get – enjoyment (with a scoop of joy) -- reading “No Matter How Far.”
My runner-up story in this anthology is “A Lot Like Christmas,” by Kathryn Cantrell. Where Hinske’s characters are nice, in Cantrell’s story the star character, Iris Duncan, is sassy. Reminds me of my daughter. Well, actually she reminds me of all my daughters. Iris has plenty of personality. And she too is on a mission. And again it involves a very special Christmas ornament, one that had been lifted from her grandmother’s memory-care room and which Iris had traced to an antique shop a couple hundred miles away. An antique shop being tended by the owner’s son, Wesley Ford, a former SEAL and current contract special ops pilot.
Full disclosure: I’m a 70+ year old man. I am not the target audience for this story. This story is not written for me. It is written for women who find appeal in “Sweet Romance Anthologies,” as the book is labeled. (So why did I read any of these stories? Hey, it’s a free country!) So you may justifiably decide to discount my issues with the story.
But come on, a SEAL with no sex drive? A woman marching into a store and demanding the owner's son to hand over something she claims was stolen from her senile grandmother? Fem-splaining that trusting fellow SEALs is just like believing in fate? Characterizing a guy with PTSD as “grumpy”? Choosing the day we use to remember the friends he watched be killed by ISIS for ….
Like I said, I really enjoyed Iris Duncan as the lead character. And yes, it’s a happy Christmas tale. And no, it’s not for me.
As for the other stories in this anthology – you’re own your own. Enjoy!
November 2, 2021
What a fun collection! Each story is just the right touch to explore different Christmas miracles! Just the right length to entertain and delight, and scoot right into the spirit of Christmas.
October 3, 2021
I couldn’t wait to dive into this book. Although I started with Tess Thompson’s I’ll Be Home For Christmas !
I was enjoying it so much I decided to start at the beginning of this book and read all the stories and that actually introduced me to new authors (yea!!)
I was enjoying it so much I decided to start at the beginning of this book and read all the stories and that actually introduced me to new authors (yea!!)
October 22, 2021
Heartache and heaven collide and make beautiful music together. McClone is at her best when the vulnerability of her characters shines through. The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane delivers that with illuminating clarity.
October 18, 2021
Absolutely wonderful book to get you in the mood for Christmas. All of the Novellas are so very interesting, and although all with a central theme of Christmas, they are different in their storyline. Because I have read the entire Rosemont series by BArbara Hinske, her Novella was my favorite. However I look forward to reading books by the other authors. I highly recommend reading this book, expecially if you are ready for Christmas readings.
November 2, 2021
If you’re looking for a new Christmas book this year, I suggest A Keepsake Christmas. It contains 8 different stories, each by a different author. They are perfect for this time of year. Each is a Christmas romance, but they aren’t just light stories as each has some serious issues going on with one or more characters that gives each story some depth. I’ve discovered a couple new authors too that I’ll be wanting to read more from. While I had some personal favorites, I think there is something for everyone here.
I received an advanced readers copy of this anthology and this is my honest opinion.
I received an advanced readers copy of this anthology and this is my honest opinion.
September 7, 2021
I read An Unforgettable Christmas as an advanced reader and have to say that Tammy once again has written a beautiful story of love and second chances. The book is a part of the Hometown Christmas Series Bk2. With a return to Snow Valley Hugh, Harper, and Allison find a new future and family with an unexpected twist that I didn't see coming. Such a wonderful story of love for what better season than the season of love, Christmas!!
October 12, 2021
What a great collection of Christmas story by 8 different authors. If you are looking for a Christmas collection that will keep you entertained from one story to the next look no further, this book is for you. To be honest I didn't really have a favorite because each story was unique and they all held my interest. I would recommend buying this book, finding yourself a quiet corner because once you start you won't be able to stop. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2022
This was a really nice collection of Christmas novellas.
All perfect for your holiday reading
All perfect for your holiday reading
October 29, 2021
I enjoyed all the Christmas stories in this book. Heartwarming with romance in the air. Some are looking for and some surprised by their happily every after.
October 6, 2021
If you love sweet Christmas stories, this book is for you! Grab a hot cocoa, snuggle into your favorite cozy chair, and enjoy! I love the concept of several different authors. Two of my favorites are Tess Thompson and Tammy Grace but now because of this book I have a few more!
October 26, 2021
A Keepsake Christmas
5 Stars
I received a free copy of the eight-author collection A Keepsake Christmas by et al and this review was given freely.
This collection contains eight sweet romances by eight different authors where the stories take place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. All are clean containing realistic characters many of which are middle-aged experiencing a second chance at love. The romances are rocky with different degrees of family drama, but all contain happy endings.
1. THE LAST COTTAGE ON PINEWOOD LANE: Melissa McClone
5 Stars
I received a copy of the clean novel The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
Easy flowing with realistic characters and a fair amount of family drama this is a quickly escalating instant attraction romance with a heartwarming ending.
Feeling isolated and questioning her value when her personal, work, and professional lives fall down around her, twenty-eight-year-old former professional figure skater, Natasha “Tasha” Ramson plans a solitary Christmas in Berry Lane to hide out and plan her next steps only to have runaway Higgins and his foster owner, the overworked and dissatisfied Berry Lake, Washington State Lawyer Elias Carpenter change her plans.
2. THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS WISH
3 Stars without edits/5 stars with edits
I received a copy of the clean novel The Cowboys Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely
An easy-flowing and heartwarming instant attraction romance where a loving family, a cute eight-year-old, and a cowboy who enjoys the simple life show Sarah Murdock there is another less hectic way to fulfill her dreams.
Atlanta, Georgia real estate agent and single mom Sarah Murdoch and her anxiety challenged adoptive daughter Jamie to join their family for a sunny Port Provident, Texas Christmas but receive more than physical gifts when Jamie bonds with Grant McCray, the owner of C Bar M Ranch’s Beachcomber Stables in Serenity Beach.
3. I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
5 Stars with editing. 3Stars as is.
I received a copy of the novel I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Tess Thompson in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
A bittersweet testament to second chances at love that has a heartwarming ending. This is an opposites-attract romance with a thirty-year reunion of high school sweethearts and a secret that affects two families.
Discovering that she is pregnant at the same time she finds her high school boyfriend Jack Vargas has impregnated his fellow camp counselor Malinda and decides to marry her, the heartbroken Jennie moves to Seattle rarely to return to Emerson Pass until a crisis of her daughter Crystal draws her 30 years later back to her hometown where she is placed in the path of the recently divorced Jack.
4. NO MATTER HOW FAR
5 Stars
I received a copy of the clean novel No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
The love of an old house, strong Christian values, a childhood tradition, and love, at first sight, are just a few reasons to read this heartwarming second chance at love story where Fate leads to a sudden Christmas time meeting between widowed gift shop owner Judy Young and retired hardware store owner and widower, Jeff Carson.
5. BLESSINGS ON STATE STREET
5 Stars
I received a copy of the post-military novel Blessings on State Street: A Poppy Creek Novel Series: Book 7 by Rachael Bloome in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
A bittersweet and easy flowing second chance at love story with vivid descriptions and dark undertones in the form of a bad foster care placement, disability, and broken relationships are balanced by heartwarming moments with the astute and nosy but loveable grandmotherly neighbor Verna and her pudgy bulldog Bingley, as well as by scenes including the loving and helpful Blessings Bay members.
One year after becoming a military widow, Ghost Writer Abigail Preston misses her husband Donnie, and depressed with her lost chance at motherhood, she makes plans to spend a solitary non-Christmassy month away from Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert in her newly inherited Blessing Bay, California home only to have her resolves challenged by her newly discovered handyman, Donnie’s medically discharged teammates, former Air Force pilot Logan “Nugget” Mathews and the neighbor boy Max.
6. A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
5 Stars
I received a copy of the novel A Lot Like Christmas: Superstition Springs Series Book 7 by Kathryn Cantrell in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
An easy flowing and at times flirty story depicting a determined and persistent dynamo named Iris whose bubbly character and beliefs in fate and love at first sight sneak under Wesley’s gruff exterior, past his wallowing in survivor’s guilt, and into his heart.
In an attempt to bring her grandmother, who suffers memory loss from Alzheimer’s, some peace and mental clarity for Christmas, San Antonio, Texas furniture refurbisher, Iris Duncan tracks down her grandmother’s stolen Christmas ornament to an antique store in Superstition Springs, where an instant attraction helped along by a once in a century snowstorm result in changes in both Iris’ and reclusive ex-Navy SEAL, now commercial airline pilot and widower Wesley Ford lives.
7. ONE UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS: Hometown Christmas Series 2
5 Stars
I received a copy of the novel One Unforgettable Christmas: Hometown Christmas Series 2 by Tammy L. Grace in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
A poignant story of lies, secrets, reunion, Fate, and forgiveness leads to big changes and a happy ending.
Taking a leave of absence from his high-powered life as an LA, California public relations executive to put his suddenly deceased Aunt Betty’s affairs in order, Hugh Whitman travels to Snow Valley, Washington where he learns he must work in her Bookshop for thirty days to inherit; he finds himself adopted by his aunt’s friends; he is rescued by and befriends an outgoing young waitress, and is reunited with his first love; Everett, Washington emergency medicine doctor Allie James, who is also returning home after twenty-five years.
8. TINSEL AND TEACUPS
5 Stars
I received a copy of the novel Tinsel and Teacups: Holiday Beach Sweet Romances 3 by Elle Rush in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
An easy-flowing story based on a misunderstanding that leads to a rivalry that is complicated by attraction and the desire to replace a family heirloom.
A cute preschooler and a partially feral cat bring life and chaos to this sweet romance featuring the outgoing Holiday Beach’s By the Cup’s owner and barista Rachel Best and her frustration with a new resident, single-father, and antique dealer Owen Daye, who not only didn’t respond to her inquiries regarding the Daye’s Family continued support of her annual Cup of Cheer fundraiser but appears at every sale purchasing unique teacups seconds before she can.
5 Stars
I received a free copy of the eight-author collection A Keepsake Christmas by et al and this review was given freely.
This collection contains eight sweet romances by eight different authors where the stories take place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. All are clean containing realistic characters many of which are middle-aged experiencing a second chance at love. The romances are rocky with different degrees of family drama, but all contain happy endings.
1. THE LAST COTTAGE ON PINEWOOD LANE: Melissa McClone
5 Stars
I received a copy of the clean novel The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
Easy flowing with realistic characters and a fair amount of family drama this is a quickly escalating instant attraction romance with a heartwarming ending.
Feeling isolated and questioning her value when her personal, work, and professional lives fall down around her, twenty-eight-year-old former professional figure skater, Natasha “Tasha” Ramson plans a solitary Christmas in Berry Lane to hide out and plan her next steps only to have runaway Higgins and his foster owner, the overworked and dissatisfied Berry Lake, Washington State Lawyer Elias Carpenter change her plans.
2. THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS WISH
3 Stars without edits/5 stars with edits
I received a copy of the clean novel The Cowboys Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely
An easy-flowing and heartwarming instant attraction romance where a loving family, a cute eight-year-old, and a cowboy who enjoys the simple life show Sarah Murdock there is another less hectic way to fulfill her dreams.
Atlanta, Georgia real estate agent and single mom Sarah Murdoch and her anxiety challenged adoptive daughter Jamie to join their family for a sunny Port Provident, Texas Christmas but receive more than physical gifts when Jamie bonds with Grant McCray, the owner of C Bar M Ranch’s Beachcomber Stables in Serenity Beach.
3. I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
5 Stars with editing. 3Stars as is.
I received a copy of the novel I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Tess Thompson in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
A bittersweet testament to second chances at love that has a heartwarming ending. This is an opposites-attract romance with a thirty-year reunion of high school sweethearts and a secret that affects two families.
Discovering that she is pregnant at the same time she finds her high school boyfriend Jack Vargas has impregnated his fellow camp counselor Malinda and decides to marry her, the heartbroken Jennie moves to Seattle rarely to return to Emerson Pass until a crisis of her daughter Crystal draws her 30 years later back to her hometown where she is placed in the path of the recently divorced Jack.
4. NO MATTER HOW FAR
5 Stars
I received a copy of the clean novel No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
The love of an old house, strong Christian values, a childhood tradition, and love, at first sight, are just a few reasons to read this heartwarming second chance at love story where Fate leads to a sudden Christmas time meeting between widowed gift shop owner Judy Young and retired hardware store owner and widower, Jeff Carson.
5. BLESSINGS ON STATE STREET
5 Stars
I received a copy of the post-military novel Blessings on State Street: A Poppy Creek Novel Series: Book 7 by Rachael Bloome in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
A bittersweet and easy flowing second chance at love story with vivid descriptions and dark undertones in the form of a bad foster care placement, disability, and broken relationships are balanced by heartwarming moments with the astute and nosy but loveable grandmotherly neighbor Verna and her pudgy bulldog Bingley, as well as by scenes including the loving and helpful Blessings Bay members.
One year after becoming a military widow, Ghost Writer Abigail Preston misses her husband Donnie, and depressed with her lost chance at motherhood, she makes plans to spend a solitary non-Christmassy month away from Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert in her newly inherited Blessing Bay, California home only to have her resolves challenged by her newly discovered handyman, Donnie’s medically discharged teammates, former Air Force pilot Logan “Nugget” Mathews and the neighbor boy Max.
6. A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
5 Stars
I received a copy of the novel A Lot Like Christmas: Superstition Springs Series Book 7 by Kathryn Cantrell in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
An easy flowing and at times flirty story depicting a determined and persistent dynamo named Iris whose bubbly character and beliefs in fate and love at first sight sneak under Wesley’s gruff exterior, past his wallowing in survivor’s guilt, and into his heart.
In an attempt to bring her grandmother, who suffers memory loss from Alzheimer’s, some peace and mental clarity for Christmas, San Antonio, Texas furniture refurbisher, Iris Duncan tracks down her grandmother’s stolen Christmas ornament to an antique store in Superstition Springs, where an instant attraction helped along by a once in a century snowstorm result in changes in both Iris’ and reclusive ex-Navy SEAL, now commercial airline pilot and widower Wesley Ford lives.
7. ONE UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS: Hometown Christmas Series 2
5 Stars
I received a copy of the novel One Unforgettable Christmas: Hometown Christmas Series 2 by Tammy L. Grace in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
A poignant story of lies, secrets, reunion, Fate, and forgiveness leads to big changes and a happy ending.
Taking a leave of absence from his high-powered life as an LA, California public relations executive to put his suddenly deceased Aunt Betty’s affairs in order, Hugh Whitman travels to Snow Valley, Washington where he learns he must work in her Bookshop for thirty days to inherit; he finds himself adopted by his aunt’s friends; he is rescued by and befriends an outgoing young waitress, and is reunited with his first love; Everett, Washington emergency medicine doctor Allie James, who is also returning home after twenty-five years.
8. TINSEL AND TEACUPS
5 Stars
I received a copy of the novel Tinsel and Teacups: Holiday Beach Sweet Romances 3 by Elle Rush in the multi-author collection A Keepsake Christmas and this review was given freely.
An easy-flowing story based on a misunderstanding that leads to a rivalry that is complicated by attraction and the desire to replace a family heirloom.
A cute preschooler and a partially feral cat bring life and chaos to this sweet romance featuring the outgoing Holiday Beach’s By the Cup’s owner and barista Rachel Best and her frustration with a new resident, single-father, and antique dealer Owen Daye, who not only didn’t respond to her inquiries regarding the Daye’s Family continued support of her annual Cup of Cheer fundraiser but appears at every sale purchasing unique teacups seconds before she can.
November 16, 2021
Great set of Christmas novels! Kathryn Cantrell is one of my favorite authors and I loved her book A Lot Like Christmas. Some of these are 5 star, some 4 star and a couple 3 star so I averaged my review with 4 stars.
Book #1 - THE LAST COTTAGE ON PINEWOOD LANE by Melissa McClone - 5 stars
World class ice skater Natasha Ramson lost so much so quickly but losing her family's ice rink is the last straw. All she wants now is to get away to small town Berry Lake where no one knows her and ignore the holidays altogether. But a sweet little town exploding with Christmas cheer, an adorable little dog, and a handsome neighbor all seem determined she won't be alone for long.
Elias is buried under a mountain of responsibility at his family law office and if things don't change soon Elias will have to make some difficult decisions. Instead it seems his dad is just heaping more demands on him. But suddenly Elias finds himself fostering a dog he doesn't want and helping the town's newest temporary guest with the Winter Extravaganza. The last thing he expected was to suddenly have feelings for the adorable ice skater.
But when the nightmare that ruined Tasha's career shows up in town to destroy what is left of her dignity Tasha will have to decide if she will finally stand up for herself or accept defeat.
Book #2 THE COWBOYS CHRISTMAS WISH by Kristen Ethridge - 4 stars
This is a really cute but extremely fast paced book. Sarah Murdock and her adopted daughter Jamie are in Port Provident, Texas with her parents and sister for the Christmas holidays when Jamie sees a man riding a horse on the beach and begs her mom to find out if she can ride. With everything Jamie has gone through her mom is amazed at how much the eight year old is suddenly talking and especially with her instant connection to the cowboy.
Grant MacCray is struck by the sweet little girl that wants to ride his horse, and quickly her mother as well. Spending time with the two he quickly falls for the two. But will he be able to convince Sarah that her daughter needs more time with her mom, and not all the stuff she works so hard to give her in Atlanta?
I was surprised at the unusual amount of typos and errors in this book. Names are mixed up- Sarah's name mixed with her daughter Jamie's, Grant's brothers are Tucker and Tucker, Ellie explains how 'Ellie', instead of Jamie, has to be in an extended-day program after school. And so many repeated words it was all so distracting.
Book #3 I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Tess Thompson - 3 stars
Jack went away to one last summer camp after graduation but a drunken night lead to a pregnancy a month before he and his high school sweetheart were to leave for college. With Jack forced to marry another girl Jennifer left for Seattle. She couldn't bear to see Jack married to someone else, and the secret she took with her was too painful for her to stay in town.
This book was heartwrenchingly sad, but I had several issues with it. The beginning didn't set up the premise or the character connections in an organized fashion making it difficult to follow for quite some time. Then the rest of the book was so disjointed it just got more and more frustrating to read. It wasn't until the end that I found out there are two previous books in the series that would have set up the reader to understand this book better. However, as an author, Tess Thompson should have filled in those few gaps so this book flowed better and made more sense to the reader.
Book #4 NO MATER HOW FAR by Barbara Hinski - 4 stars
Judy Jorgensen has lived just down the street from the Olssen mansion her entire life and it saddened her to see the beautiful property and house fall into disrepair over the past several years. So when the house goes up for auction to pay back taxes Judy is determined to make sure it doesn't go to a developer who might tear it down.
I enjoyed and loved the community connections and friendships in this book. However, the first half of it left me confused as to who the love interest was for Judy because it doesn't give us any indication what her age is until near the end. I assumed she was a younger widow around forty but the only single male character is sixty three. It isn't until closer to the end of the book that we find out Judy's husband died thirty years ago.
Book #5 BLESSINGS ON STATE STREET by Rachael Bloom - 5 stars
Abby has to get away from all the holiday festivities after losing her husband a year ago, and heading to the coastal home his aunt left him may give her some solitude but she'll also have to come to terms with the fact that her husband kept this home a secret from her.
He's a self-proclaimed recluse but still a kind-hearted man. Too many tragedies have caused Logan Matthews to seek a life as a quiet recluse in the small town of Blessings Bay, but just before Christmas his life is turned upside down when a women suddenly shows up claiming the house he's living in is hers.
The death of her husband has left Abby devistated and positive she'll never love again, so how will she come to terms with her growing feelings for Logan and the guilt she feels for them? And will Logan be able to accept the long term results of his injury and realize he is still worthy of love?
I only wish this book had a little more conclusion to the end.
Book #6 A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS by Kathryn Cantrell - 5 stars
Iris Duncan arrives at an antique store in Superstition Springs to see if the picture she saw in a news article is her Grandmother's stolen Christmas ornament. The one thing she didn't expect was to see her future husband at the counter in the store. They would have a lot to learn about each other since she had never laid eyes on him before.
Wesley Ford is only taking care of his father's antique store temporarily when a gorgeous woman insists fate has brought them together. But after losing his first wife Wesley has no desire to ever get involved with anyone ever again.
But Iris is certain fate has brought them together and she has the patience of a saint where her future husband is involved.
Book #7 ONE UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS by Tammy L. Grace - 4 stars
This book was great right up until the last chapter which wrapped up a little fast in my opinion, but there was a huge faux pas this author overlooked with the details in Aunt Betty's will that should have been addressed by the end of the book. I won't mention details as to avoid spoilers but it was a big disappointment.
Allison is ready for a change from her hectic job as an emergency room doctor and spending two weeks with her daughter in Snow Valley is the perfect beginning. But Allison is in for a surprise she doesn't see coming that could affect the rest of her life.
Hugh Whitman is devistated over losing his sweet aunt and even more so that he didn't make the time to visit her more often. When he hears the requirements of her will he will have to alter his plans and stay in Snow Valley a little longer than expected, and then he intends to return to his sunny home in California. But a shock he could never have seen coming will have him rethinking his future.
TINSEL AND TEACUPS by Elle Rush - 3 stars
Barista Rachel Best is looking for the elusive perfect tea cup for the fundraiser she hosts every year yet it seems the Golden Daye Antique store's new owner is always a step ahead of her. How will she ever have all the special teacups she needs for their small town food bank fundraiser auction?
Owen Daye has moved himself and his four year old son to Holiday Beach to take over his family antique shop. The local barista shop owner has him seriously intrigued but he can't figure out what he did to make her hate him. That only makes him more determined to prove he's a nice guy.
This was a cute book in some respects and had potential with a sweet premise but it was lacking in too many ways. The characters weren't well developed, there was very little development in the relationship between Rachel and Owen or between Rachel and Owen's son. And for all Rachel does for her small town and how important the tea cup is to her fundraiser she decides to stop, close her eyes, oblivious to everyone and everything else while she daydreams, missing out on buying the cup she dreams of seems ridiculous. I was also very disappointed in the amount of typos and errors in general. An author worth her weight should at least reread her book or have a good editor doing it.
I received an ARC of this anthology and voluntarily offer this review.
Book #1 - THE LAST COTTAGE ON PINEWOOD LANE by Melissa McClone - 5 stars
World class ice skater Natasha Ramson lost so much so quickly but losing her family's ice rink is the last straw. All she wants now is to get away to small town Berry Lake where no one knows her and ignore the holidays altogether. But a sweet little town exploding with Christmas cheer, an adorable little dog, and a handsome neighbor all seem determined she won't be alone for long.
Elias is buried under a mountain of responsibility at his family law office and if things don't change soon Elias will have to make some difficult decisions. Instead it seems his dad is just heaping more demands on him. But suddenly Elias finds himself fostering a dog he doesn't want and helping the town's newest temporary guest with the Winter Extravaganza. The last thing he expected was to suddenly have feelings for the adorable ice skater.
But when the nightmare that ruined Tasha's career shows up in town to destroy what is left of her dignity Tasha will have to decide if she will finally stand up for herself or accept defeat.
Book #2 THE COWBOYS CHRISTMAS WISH by Kristen Ethridge - 4 stars
This is a really cute but extremely fast paced book. Sarah Murdock and her adopted daughter Jamie are in Port Provident, Texas with her parents and sister for the Christmas holidays when Jamie sees a man riding a horse on the beach and begs her mom to find out if she can ride. With everything Jamie has gone through her mom is amazed at how much the eight year old is suddenly talking and especially with her instant connection to the cowboy.
Grant MacCray is struck by the sweet little girl that wants to ride his horse, and quickly her mother as well. Spending time with the two he quickly falls for the two. But will he be able to convince Sarah that her daughter needs more time with her mom, and not all the stuff she works so hard to give her in Atlanta?
I was surprised at the unusual amount of typos and errors in this book. Names are mixed up- Sarah's name mixed with her daughter Jamie's, Grant's brothers are Tucker and Tucker, Ellie explains how 'Ellie', instead of Jamie, has to be in an extended-day program after school. And so many repeated words it was all so distracting.
Book #3 I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Tess Thompson - 3 stars
Jack went away to one last summer camp after graduation but a drunken night lead to a pregnancy a month before he and his high school sweetheart were to leave for college. With Jack forced to marry another girl Jennifer left for Seattle. She couldn't bear to see Jack married to someone else, and the secret she took with her was too painful for her to stay in town.
This book was heartwrenchingly sad, but I had several issues with it. The beginning didn't set up the premise or the character connections in an organized fashion making it difficult to follow for quite some time. Then the rest of the book was so disjointed it just got more and more frustrating to read. It wasn't until the end that I found out there are two previous books in the series that would have set up the reader to understand this book better. However, as an author, Tess Thompson should have filled in those few gaps so this book flowed better and made more sense to the reader.
Book #4 NO MATER HOW FAR by Barbara Hinski - 4 stars
Judy Jorgensen has lived just down the street from the Olssen mansion her entire life and it saddened her to see the beautiful property and house fall into disrepair over the past several years. So when the house goes up for auction to pay back taxes Judy is determined to make sure it doesn't go to a developer who might tear it down.
I enjoyed and loved the community connections and friendships in this book. However, the first half of it left me confused as to who the love interest was for Judy because it doesn't give us any indication what her age is until near the end. I assumed she was a younger widow around forty but the only single male character is sixty three. It isn't until closer to the end of the book that we find out Judy's husband died thirty years ago.
Book #5 BLESSINGS ON STATE STREET by Rachael Bloom - 5 stars
Abby has to get away from all the holiday festivities after losing her husband a year ago, and heading to the coastal home his aunt left him may give her some solitude but she'll also have to come to terms with the fact that her husband kept this home a secret from her.
He's a self-proclaimed recluse but still a kind-hearted man. Too many tragedies have caused Logan Matthews to seek a life as a quiet recluse in the small town of Blessings Bay, but just before Christmas his life is turned upside down when a women suddenly shows up claiming the house he's living in is hers.
The death of her husband has left Abby devistated and positive she'll never love again, so how will she come to terms with her growing feelings for Logan and the guilt she feels for them? And will Logan be able to accept the long term results of his injury and realize he is still worthy of love?
I only wish this book had a little more conclusion to the end.
Book #6 A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS by Kathryn Cantrell - 5 stars
Iris Duncan arrives at an antique store in Superstition Springs to see if the picture she saw in a news article is her Grandmother's stolen Christmas ornament. The one thing she didn't expect was to see her future husband at the counter in the store. They would have a lot to learn about each other since she had never laid eyes on him before.
Wesley Ford is only taking care of his father's antique store temporarily when a gorgeous woman insists fate has brought them together. But after losing his first wife Wesley has no desire to ever get involved with anyone ever again.
But Iris is certain fate has brought them together and she has the patience of a saint where her future husband is involved.
Book #7 ONE UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS by Tammy L. Grace - 4 stars
This book was great right up until the last chapter which wrapped up a little fast in my opinion, but there was a huge faux pas this author overlooked with the details in Aunt Betty's will that should have been addressed by the end of the book. I won't mention details as to avoid spoilers but it was a big disappointment.
Allison is ready for a change from her hectic job as an emergency room doctor and spending two weeks with her daughter in Snow Valley is the perfect beginning. But Allison is in for a surprise she doesn't see coming that could affect the rest of her life.
Hugh Whitman is devistated over losing his sweet aunt and even more so that he didn't make the time to visit her more often. When he hears the requirements of her will he will have to alter his plans and stay in Snow Valley a little longer than expected, and then he intends to return to his sunny home in California. But a shock he could never have seen coming will have him rethinking his future.
TINSEL AND TEACUPS by Elle Rush - 3 stars
Barista Rachel Best is looking for the elusive perfect tea cup for the fundraiser she hosts every year yet it seems the Golden Daye Antique store's new owner is always a step ahead of her. How will she ever have all the special teacups she needs for their small town food bank fundraiser auction?
Owen Daye has moved himself and his four year old son to Holiday Beach to take over his family antique shop. The local barista shop owner has him seriously intrigued but he can't figure out what he did to make her hate him. That only makes him more determined to prove he's a nice guy.
This was a cute book in some respects and had potential with a sweet premise but it was lacking in too many ways. The characters weren't well developed, there was very little development in the relationship between Rachel and Owen or between Rachel and Owen's son. And for all Rachel does for her small town and how important the tea cup is to her fundraiser she decides to stop, close her eyes, oblivious to everyone and everything else while she daydreams, missing out on buying the cup she dreams of seems ridiculous. I was also very disappointed in the amount of typos and errors in general. An author worth her weight should at least reread her book or have a good editor doing it.
I received an ARC of this anthology and voluntarily offer this review.
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December 31, 2021From TINSEL AND TEACUPS
“I don’t think I’m going to Roy and Lucy’s Christmas party this year. I barely survived Roy’s spiked eggnog last year.” That was a lie. Rachel loved the eggnog. It was her solemn declaration to all the attendees after her third one that she’d be bringing a date to the next party—this year’s—that set the butterflies loose in her stomach. Her last New Year’s resolution to get a social life was a complete bust. It was hard enough to admit without having to show up dateless in front of all her friends again.
“You wouldn’t mind the eggnog if you had the right company. It’s not too late to find a date. Mac mentioned he was going solo this year when he was in here doing the windows,” Tina said, referring to the older of the Mackenzie brothers, one of Holiday Beach’s most popular bachelors. “Or you could ask Josh Huntington, but if you started dating, that would probably mean going to his gym regularly.”
“No man is worth starting a workout routine a month before Christmas, Tina.”
“True. How about Mickey Wagner?”
The young, dark-haired hotel owner was a handsome possibility, but she already knew it wouldn’t work. “He was my lab partner in high school the year I repeated chemistry. I know way too much about his sports obsessions to even consider dating him.”
Tina tapped her finger against her chin. “There’s always Owen Daye. He’s really cute. He’s employed. He drives a nice car. Also, he’s new in town. Since he didn’t grow up here, you can’t know any of his bad habits.”
“I know one,” Rachel muttered under her breath. What was doubly frustrating was that she’d already considered him.
“I don’t think I’m going to Roy and Lucy’s Christmas party this year. I barely survived Roy’s spiked eggnog last year.” That was a lie. Rachel loved the eggnog. It was her solemn declaration to all the attendees after her third one that she’d be bringing a date to the next party—this year’s—that set the butterflies loose in her stomach. Her last New Year’s resolution to get a social life was a complete bust. It was hard enough to admit without having to show up dateless in front of all her friends again.
“You wouldn’t mind the eggnog if you had the right company. It’s not too late to find a date. Mac mentioned he was going solo this year when he was in here doing the windows,” Tina said, referring to the older of the Mackenzie brothers, one of Holiday Beach’s most popular bachelors. “Or you could ask Josh Huntington, but if you started dating, that would probably mean going to his gym regularly.”
“No man is worth starting a workout routine a month before Christmas, Tina.”
“True. How about Mickey Wagner?”
The young, dark-haired hotel owner was a handsome possibility, but she already knew it wouldn’t work. “He was my lab partner in high school the year I repeated chemistry. I know way too much about his sports obsessions to even consider dating him.”
Tina tapped her finger against her chin. “There’s always Owen Daye. He’s really cute. He’s employed. He drives a nice car. Also, he’s new in town. Since he didn’t grow up here, you can’t know any of his bad habits.”
“I know one,” Rachel muttered under her breath. What was doubly frustrating was that she’d already considered him.
September 5, 2021
One Unforgettable Christmas is an excellent second chance love story.Hugh and Harper and their goldens Duncan and Noodle are a fun part of the story.Set in snowy Snow Valley with descriptions of snow and Christmas this is a welcome collection to my Christmas stories.
October 27, 2021
I had the opportunity to advance read and review A Keepsake Christmas as part of Rachael Bloome's ARC team, but I decided to go ahead and read the entire collection as I usually love Christmas sweet romances, and all the other authors in this collection were new to me. I ended up loving a few of them, really liking a couple of them, and then not personally enjoying a couple as well.
Overall, I think this is a great collection full of heartwarming moments, sweet romance, and all the Christmassy vibes, and I loved how each story circles around a special Christmas ornament that plays an essential role to each individual story. I'm not going to go into super great detail for each individual story, as I don't want this review to be as long as one of the stories themselves, but I'm going to touch base on why I did or didn't like each.
First off, I want to start with the best of the best. My favorites were as follows:
No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske:
I read this entire story in one sitting, and it was really tempting to turn right around and reread. It was something different having it be about an older couple, I loved how magical the small town felt, and I loved the focus on heirloom ornaments, a little mystery thrown in for good measure, and the fact that it could have easily been a full length novel and I still would have been invested from start to finish. This was my favorite of the collection, and I can't wait to read more of this author's books in the future.
Blessings on State Street by Rachael Bloome:
Rachael is one of my all time favorite authors, and I had a pretty big feeling her story was going to end up being one of my favorites, and I was definitely proven right. This beautiful story focuses around grief and healing, and learning to come to terms with the fact that we can't change the past, but we can move forward into the future. I also loved the fact that she tackles tougher issues in this beautiful story including infertility, adoption and fostering, and that made a great story even better in my opinion. This was such a heartwarming holiday romance, and I loved the setting, the characters (especially the hilarious neighbor), and the slow burn romance.
One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy L Grace:
This was my final favorite from the collection, and another one that I devoured almost completely in one sitting. This one focuses around secrets, past hurts, and needing to move forward, and is set in a breathtakingly beautiful small town, including a gorgeous ski lodge that I truly wish was a real place. I loved that this one is both an older couple romance, and a second chance romance story, and of course that a bookshop plays a big role in the plot of the story. I'm happy to have discovered another author of sweet romances, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Next on to the ones that I really ended up liking:
The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone:
A heartwarming holiday tale about a former figure skater who has struggled with living up to the expectations of her highly successful family. Set in a quirky small town that she ends up visiting for the holidays, I thought this one read pretty much like a Hallmark Christmas movie, and I really enjoyed it.
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristin Ethridge:
This one was both heartfelt and endearing, and I loved how it focuses around adoption, and the many struggles that can come along with it. Sarah and Grant's relationship is a little rushed, but I loved how so much of it starts out from his bond with her adorable little girl, and grows from there. I also loved the fact that this author chose to incorporate a brief mention of the true reason for the season, and that definitely made it stand out to me.
Lastly, I'm going to mention the additional three briefly that I personally didn't care for as much as the others.
I'll Be Home For Christmas by Tess Thompson:
I expected to love this one, as I usually really enjoy second chance romances, but I found this one was more spicy than sweet in my opinion than the others in the collection were, and I didn't really care for either of the main characters.
A Lot Like Christmas by Kathryn Cantrell:
I found this one kind of hard to follow as it seemed really unrealistic, and I thought that Iris was kind of immature, and grated on my nerves with her never ending talk about fate, love at first sight, and destiny. I did really enjoy the story with the ornament in this one though, and how devoted she is to her grandmother.
Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush:
Another one I expected to love based on the synopsis, but I thought the romance was way too rushed, and I couldn't sympathize with Rachel's character, especially in the way she treats Owen horribly for the first part of the story, all because of a big misunderstanding.
Overall, I think this collection is a great deal for the low price point, and I can guarantee you'll personally enjoy at least a few of the eight romances included. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it, and I enjoyed taking a chance on many new authors, and reading a new story by one of my all time favorites.
Definitely pick this collection up if you're looking for some new sweet romances to enjoy during this Christmas season.
Final Rating Overall: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for the opportunity to advance read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this collection from one of the authors (Rachael Bloome) as part of her street team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Overall, I think this is a great collection full of heartwarming moments, sweet romance, and all the Christmassy vibes, and I loved how each story circles around a special Christmas ornament that plays an essential role to each individual story. I'm not going to go into super great detail for each individual story, as I don't want this review to be as long as one of the stories themselves, but I'm going to touch base on why I did or didn't like each.
First off, I want to start with the best of the best. My favorites were as follows:
No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske:
I read this entire story in one sitting, and it was really tempting to turn right around and reread. It was something different having it be about an older couple, I loved how magical the small town felt, and I loved the focus on heirloom ornaments, a little mystery thrown in for good measure, and the fact that it could have easily been a full length novel and I still would have been invested from start to finish. This was my favorite of the collection, and I can't wait to read more of this author's books in the future.
Blessings on State Street by Rachael Bloome:
Rachael is one of my all time favorite authors, and I had a pretty big feeling her story was going to end up being one of my favorites, and I was definitely proven right. This beautiful story focuses around grief and healing, and learning to come to terms with the fact that we can't change the past, but we can move forward into the future. I also loved the fact that she tackles tougher issues in this beautiful story including infertility, adoption and fostering, and that made a great story even better in my opinion. This was such a heartwarming holiday romance, and I loved the setting, the characters (especially the hilarious neighbor), and the slow burn romance.
One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy L Grace:
This was my final favorite from the collection, and another one that I devoured almost completely in one sitting. This one focuses around secrets, past hurts, and needing to move forward, and is set in a breathtakingly beautiful small town, including a gorgeous ski lodge that I truly wish was a real place. I loved that this one is both an older couple romance, and a second chance romance story, and of course that a bookshop plays a big role in the plot of the story. I'm happy to have discovered another author of sweet romances, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Next on to the ones that I really ended up liking:
The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone:
A heartwarming holiday tale about a former figure skater who has struggled with living up to the expectations of her highly successful family. Set in a quirky small town that she ends up visiting for the holidays, I thought this one read pretty much like a Hallmark Christmas movie, and I really enjoyed it.
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristin Ethridge:
This one was both heartfelt and endearing, and I loved how it focuses around adoption, and the many struggles that can come along with it. Sarah and Grant's relationship is a little rushed, but I loved how so much of it starts out from his bond with her adorable little girl, and grows from there. I also loved the fact that this author chose to incorporate a brief mention of the true reason for the season, and that definitely made it stand out to me.
Lastly, I'm going to mention the additional three briefly that I personally didn't care for as much as the others.
I'll Be Home For Christmas by Tess Thompson:
I expected to love this one, as I usually really enjoy second chance romances, but I found this one was more spicy than sweet in my opinion than the others in the collection were, and I didn't really care for either of the main characters.
A Lot Like Christmas by Kathryn Cantrell:
I found this one kind of hard to follow as it seemed really unrealistic, and I thought that Iris was kind of immature, and grated on my nerves with her never ending talk about fate, love at first sight, and destiny. I did really enjoy the story with the ornament in this one though, and how devoted she is to her grandmother.
Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush:
Another one I expected to love based on the synopsis, but I thought the romance was way too rushed, and I couldn't sympathize with Rachel's character, especially in the way she treats Owen horribly for the first part of the story, all because of a big misunderstanding.
Overall, I think this collection is a great deal for the low price point, and I can guarantee you'll personally enjoy at least a few of the eight romances included. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it, and I enjoyed taking a chance on many new authors, and reading a new story by one of my all time favorites.
Definitely pick this collection up if you're looking for some new sweet romances to enjoy during this Christmas season.
Final Rating Overall: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for the opportunity to advance read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this collection from one of the authors (Rachael Bloome) as part of her street team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 1, 2021
I am so addicted to Christmas movies on TV that my husband knows when the pumpkin spice scents the air, I will be marking my calendar with specific movies to watch. This year I was able to read an advanced copy of A Keepsake Christmas and it turned out to be better than watching movies on TV! This is a collection of eight Christmas novellas by eight different authors and seven of these were new to me but will be added to my author list to check out their other longer works. Each novella brought back specific Christmas memories of times past and characters that I have known. Each was well written and had the feel of living in the middle of new friends and neighbors for a special Christmas holiday. This book would make a super gift that can enjoyed where ever you are and introduce to you these talented authors- almost like a book of chocolates!! Thanks to these authors for getting my Christmas season started with the joy of reading these novellas.
No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske, really touched my heart and made me want to live in this special town with these endearing people. Also I was captivated by the old Victorian home to be renovated and the mysterious hand made ornaments. I truly was sad when it was over because I wanted to stay and see more!
Melissa McClone touched my love of figure skating in The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane, where dreams don't have to die but can evolve with the magic of Christmas.
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge took me to a Texas coastal Christmas for a sweet story involving an adopted child, horses, and a rugged cowboy.
Blessings on State Street, by Rachael Bloome was a heart warming story in another beach town is sure to bless you with a story of a disabled vet and a foster child.
A Lot Like Christmas by Kathryn Cantrell is a fun tale of being stranded in an antique shop during a snow storm and a special ornament.
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Tess Thompson gives a feeling of the importance of family ties and second chances.
One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy Grace will take you to a delightful town and characters that are needing that Christmas magic just like us.
Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush is another fun story especially for anyone that loves old tea cups and Christmas in small towns.
No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske, really touched my heart and made me want to live in this special town with these endearing people. Also I was captivated by the old Victorian home to be renovated and the mysterious hand made ornaments. I truly was sad when it was over because I wanted to stay and see more!
Melissa McClone touched my love of figure skating in The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane, where dreams don't have to die but can evolve with the magic of Christmas.
The Cowboy's Christmas Wish by Kristen Ethridge took me to a Texas coastal Christmas for a sweet story involving an adopted child, horses, and a rugged cowboy.
Blessings on State Street, by Rachael Bloome was a heart warming story in another beach town is sure to bless you with a story of a disabled vet and a foster child.
A Lot Like Christmas by Kathryn Cantrell is a fun tale of being stranded in an antique shop during a snow storm and a special ornament.
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Tess Thompson gives a feeling of the importance of family ties and second chances.
One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy Grace will take you to a delightful town and characters that are needing that Christmas magic just like us.
Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush is another fun story especially for anyone that loves old tea cups and Christmas in small towns.
November 2, 2021
Blessings on State Street by Rachael BloomeThis was a beautiful, inspiring, romantic story of finding hope and healing where you least expect it. Abby was running away from her life and avoiding Christmas because it was too painful for her. Her husband, Donnie had died over a year ago and she was hiding out in Blessings Bay, California in a home he had inherited from his aunt.I liked the beautiful house and how the people in the small town slowly wove their way into Abby's heart. Blessings Bay became a place that healed Abby and made all of her dreams, even the ones she did not know about, come true. Logan was another fun character in the book. He had served his country with Donnie. Logan had also been injured while serving and had closed his heart off from love and relationships. He lived by himself in the huge house on State Street. I liked the cute, little boy named Max who brought hope and Christmas back to Abby.
The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McCloneThis is one of the sweet stories in the anthology. I liked that this story was about Tasha, a former figure skater who used to work at her family's ice skating rink until her parents sold it. She had a twin, Alec who was a professional hockey player just like their dad. It was fun watching Tasha take a much needed vacation to Berry Lake for the holidays and where she met Elias, who was also contemplating his future. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters and the fun activities they participated in, especially the ice skating show that Tasha organized and directed. This was a warm, romantic, and exciting book with a definite Hallmark movie vibe.
All of the books in this anthology that I have read will fill you with a happy, warm, Christmas spirit. I cannot wait to read the rest too! I received an advance copy of this anthology and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McCloneThis is one of the sweet stories in the anthology. I liked that this story was about Tasha, a former figure skater who used to work at her family's ice skating rink until her parents sold it. She had a twin, Alec who was a professional hockey player just like their dad. It was fun watching Tasha take a much needed vacation to Berry Lake for the holidays and where she met Elias, who was also contemplating his future. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters and the fun activities they participated in, especially the ice skating show that Tasha organized and directed. This was a warm, romantic, and exciting book with a definite Hallmark movie vibe.
All of the books in this anthology that I have read will fill you with a happy, warm, Christmas spirit. I cannot wait to read the rest too! I received an advance copy of this anthology and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
November 3, 2021
One Unforgettable Christmas by Tammy L. Grace
If you are like me, I love every book written by Tammy L. Grace. When I first discovered her I literally binge read every single book of hers I could find! I loved each and every one of them so much!
One of her newest books is One Unforgettable Christmas. If you are a fan of second chances in life and small-town Christmas romances, then you will thoroughly enjoy One Unforgettable Christmas. This is book 2 in Tammy Grace’s Hometown Christmas Series. You will love all the characters, and her wonderful description of the cozy little town, as well as the beautiful snowy countryside.
First you meet Hugh, he works for a very busy public relations company in L.A. but was summoned to Snow Valley for the reading of his aunt’s will. Hugh was left a substantial inheritance by his beloved Aunt Betty. The “real” surprise are the strings attached to his inheritance! After decades away Aunt Betty always wanted Hugh to come home for the Christmas holidays in Snow Valley, now it looks like she may get her wish, even though she will not be there to spend it with him.
Harper has a heart of gold and her furry best friend Duncan welcome Hugh to Snow Valley. Harper knew and loved his Aunt Betty and was glad she could return his aunt’s kindness by helping Hugh, while waiting for her mom to come visit for the holidays. Will kindness from a young stranger with a beautiful smile prove to be more than he bargained for?
Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and settle in to enjoy this very special book. It truly will be One Unforgettable Christmas!
I can hardly wait to read all of the other books in this Keepsake Christmas collection.
If you are like me, I love every book written by Tammy L. Grace. When I first discovered her I literally binge read every single book of hers I could find! I loved each and every one of them so much!
One of her newest books is One Unforgettable Christmas. If you are a fan of second chances in life and small-town Christmas romances, then you will thoroughly enjoy One Unforgettable Christmas. This is book 2 in Tammy Grace’s Hometown Christmas Series. You will love all the characters, and her wonderful description of the cozy little town, as well as the beautiful snowy countryside.
First you meet Hugh, he works for a very busy public relations company in L.A. but was summoned to Snow Valley for the reading of his aunt’s will. Hugh was left a substantial inheritance by his beloved Aunt Betty. The “real” surprise are the strings attached to his inheritance! After decades away Aunt Betty always wanted Hugh to come home for the Christmas holidays in Snow Valley, now it looks like she may get her wish, even though she will not be there to spend it with him.
Harper has a heart of gold and her furry best friend Duncan welcome Hugh to Snow Valley. Harper knew and loved his Aunt Betty and was glad she could return his aunt’s kindness by helping Hugh, while waiting for her mom to come visit for the holidays. Will kindness from a young stranger with a beautiful smile prove to be more than he bargained for?
Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and settle in to enjoy this very special book. It truly will be One Unforgettable Christmas!
I can hardly wait to read all of the other books in this Keepsake Christmas collection.
October 24, 2021
WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGY!
Eight authors have collaborated writing about 8 special ornaments, 8 special women and 8 memorable Christmases. This is a wonderful Christmas anthology! The stories are all heartwarming and make you smile as you read them. Instead of reviewing them all, I’m going to review just one.
NO MATTER HOW FAR by Barbara Hinske is written in conjunction with her Rosemont series. She includes many of the characters her readers have come to know and love but this story is built mainly around Judy Young, the owner of Celebrations in the series. Judy ends up buying a very large old home behind her shop at a tax sale to keep it from being torn down by a developer. She asks advice from Maggie who did such a magnificent job of renovating Rosemont. As Sam Torres began a walk-thru, taking notes of needed immediate repairs, he found many different points of interest. One of them was an attic area off of a turret. When Judy finally was able to get in that area, she found a box of hand-carved wooden Christmas ornaments! They were addressed to “Jeff” from “Uncle William.” Judy did not even have to unwrap the ornaments to know exactly what they looked like as she had been given a matching pair when she was a child! She was stumped as to why Jeff never received his. Judy decides to make it her mission to find Jeff and get the ornaments to him by Christmas if she possibly can. Little does she know what a Christmas blessing awaits her in return! This is another great addition to Hinske’s many previous writings.
Eight authors have collaborated writing about 8 special ornaments, 8 special women and 8 memorable Christmases. This is a wonderful Christmas anthology! The stories are all heartwarming and make you smile as you read them. Instead of reviewing them all, I’m going to review just one.
NO MATTER HOW FAR by Barbara Hinske is written in conjunction with her Rosemont series. She includes many of the characters her readers have come to know and love but this story is built mainly around Judy Young, the owner of Celebrations in the series. Judy ends up buying a very large old home behind her shop at a tax sale to keep it from being torn down by a developer. She asks advice from Maggie who did such a magnificent job of renovating Rosemont. As Sam Torres began a walk-thru, taking notes of needed immediate repairs, he found many different points of interest. One of them was an attic area off of a turret. When Judy finally was able to get in that area, she found a box of hand-carved wooden Christmas ornaments! They were addressed to “Jeff” from “Uncle William.” Judy did not even have to unwrap the ornaments to know exactly what they looked like as she had been given a matching pair when she was a child! She was stumped as to why Jeff never received his. Judy decides to make it her mission to find Jeff and get the ornaments to him by Christmas if she possibly can. Little does she know what a Christmas blessing awaits her in return! This is another great addition to Hinske’s many previous writings.
November 3, 2021
A Keepsake Christmas features eight authors--each with stories set in unique small towns and situations. Characters of varying ages and challenges have one thing in common: they are not looking forward to Christmas. Yet, holiday magic happens when children, animals, secrets, snow and/or surprises are added!
While some stories in A Keepsake Christmas resonate with me more than others, I liked getting a sampling of different authors. At the end of each story, there is more information on how to connect with the author and her works for further reading. As a follower of Rachael Bloome’s writing, I was excited to be introduced to her new Blessings Bay series. She does an amazing job of dealing with challenging issues and offering hope.
This book is a sweet romance anthology with nearly twenty hours of reading. It is most enjoyable to get a cup of your favorite warm beverage and read one story per sitting. In each story, a Christmas ornament--a keepsake--plays a key role. At the end of the book, directions are given for making your own ornament.
I received an advance copy of this book and willingly chose to write an honest review.
While some stories in A Keepsake Christmas resonate with me more than others, I liked getting a sampling of different authors. At the end of each story, there is more information on how to connect with the author and her works for further reading. As a follower of Rachael Bloome’s writing, I was excited to be introduced to her new Blessings Bay series. She does an amazing job of dealing with challenging issues and offering hope.
This book is a sweet romance anthology with nearly twenty hours of reading. It is most enjoyable to get a cup of your favorite warm beverage and read one story per sitting. In each story, a Christmas ornament--a keepsake--plays a key role. At the end of the book, directions are given for making your own ornament.
I received an advance copy of this book and willingly chose to write an honest review.
October 31, 2021
Do you have an author that you read anything by them and you don't even have to read the blurb on the book? I have several and Tammy L Grace is one of them! I love her writing. She always pulls me in and keeps my interest until the very end. As soon as I finish one book I'm waiting for the next new book.
One Unforgettable Christmas is her newest release and boy, oh boy, is it a good one! It takes place in a small town that is all in on Christmas traditions. She paints such a pretty picture and I want to live in Snow Valley. There is a coffee shop, a diner and best of all a cute little Bookshop. What more do you need?
I particularly like the characters in this story. They're so nice and they are all helpful and caring. Of course, just like any small town, they all know your business. That's just the way it is. It's not because they're nosey, it is just they've known you your whole life. This book gives you all the Christmas feels.
One Unforgettable Christmas is one of eight novellas in an anthology called A Keepsake Christmas. That is a dream come true for someone like me that loves Christmas tales. I love Novellas as they nicely fill an evening when you're busy and they are richer and fuller than a short story.
One Unforgettable Christmas is her newest release and boy, oh boy, is it a good one! It takes place in a small town that is all in on Christmas traditions. She paints such a pretty picture and I want to live in Snow Valley. There is a coffee shop, a diner and best of all a cute little Bookshop. What more do you need?
I particularly like the characters in this story. They're so nice and they are all helpful and caring. Of course, just like any small town, they all know your business. That's just the way it is. It's not because they're nosey, it is just they've known you your whole life. This book gives you all the Christmas feels.
One Unforgettable Christmas is one of eight novellas in an anthology called A Keepsake Christmas. That is a dream come true for someone like me that loves Christmas tales. I love Novellas as they nicely fill an evening when you're busy and they are richer and fuller than a short story.
November 2, 2021
I received A Keepsake Christmas as an Advance Reader for "No Matter How Far" by Barbara Hinske. I have read all of the books in Barbara's Rosemont series.I was eager to revisit Westbury. This story focuses on Judy Young, owner of Celebrations, a wonderful gift shop that we would all like to visit. There is an old home that Judy has fond memories of from childhood that is set to be sold for back taxes. The man who built the house also made intricate Christmas ornaments out of wood. Judy has a collection of these. Saving this beautiful house and maybe finding an heir who might be interested in it start occupying Judy's spare time. With the help of friends, old memories surface and new memories are made. This is a wonderful Christmas story and you don't have to have read the series to enjoy it. It may give you a desire to do just that. I highly recommend this be added to your TBR list.
I have read two other stories in this anthology and will read them all. I'm not ready to review them yet. The other authors in the anthology are new to me and I am looking forward to spending the Christmas season with their stories.
I have read two other stories in this anthology and will read them all. I'm not ready to review them yet. The other authors in the anthology are new to me and I am looking forward to spending the Christmas season with their stories.
October 26, 2021
This a a great Christmas anthology. The stories are tied together with a Christmas ornament theme. Each ornament is unique as are the stories. There are also several stories about second chances. Nice short stories to read before bed.
The stories I liked best are:
No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske. This is part of The Rosemont series, so after the first of the year, I'll have to find it to read.
Blessings on State Street by Rachel Bloome. I wasn't sure I would like this one. by when neighbor Max shows up, he warms your heart.
Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush. Sometimes you need to give someone a second chance.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a review.
The stories I liked best are:
No Matter How Far by Barbara Hinske. This is part of The Rosemont series, so after the first of the year, I'll have to find it to read.
Blessings on State Street by Rachel Bloome. I wasn't sure I would like this one. by when neighbor Max shows up, he warms your heart.
Tinsel and Teacups by Elle Rush. Sometimes you need to give someone a second chance.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a review.
October 14, 2021
If you love great Christmas stories, you’ll want to get this book. I enjoyed each story, and got to meet some new to me authors. That is always fun! The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year and these stories are perfect for enjoying a drink of your choice and getting you ready for the holiday. You will meet a variety of folks in different situations. I think you’ll enjoy meeting all of them, just like I did. You may just find a new, or two favorite authors. At the end of the book, you’ll find instructions to make a Keepsake Ornament. How fun is that? I received an ARC copy of this book, but my opinions are my own.
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