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More than Mistletoe: Twelve Christmas stories of kisses, wishes and near misses.
Cosy up for Christmas with 12 very different tales of love with all the festive feels!
More than Mistletoe, the debut anthology from The Christmas Collective, is an eclectic and inclusive mix of stories, with swoon-worthy characters, second chances and happy endings.
Between the pages, you will discover classic romance, festive thrillers, LGBTQ+ love stories, hilarious romcoms and historical settings, these stories really do span the whole spectrum of festive fiction.
Featuring twelve up and coming new authors, this refreshing, diverse and romantic read, is a must-have for Christmas 2021 that will leave you reaching for your Christmas jumper, gingerbread cookies and a mug of hot chocolate!
Lumikinos by Lucy Alexander
The Ghost of Christmas Past by Michelle Harris
Christmas for Two by Marianne Calver
August in December by Joe Burkett
Under the Christmas Tree by Cici Maxwell
Killing Christmas Eve by Jake Godfrey
Christmas and Cocktails by Jenny Bromham
Christmas at The Little Blu Bookshop by Sarah Shard
Not Today, Santa by Martha May Little
Sealed with a Christmas Kiss by Bláithín O'Reilly Murphy
Love Forever by Donna Gowland
The Last Christmas by S.L.Robinson
More than Mistletoe, the debut anthology from The Christmas Collective, is an eclectic and inclusive mix of stories, with swoon-worthy characters, second chances and happy endings.
Between the pages, you will discover classic romance, festive thrillers, LGBTQ+ love stories, hilarious romcoms and historical settings, these stories really do span the whole spectrum of festive fiction.
Featuring twelve up and coming new authors, this refreshing, diverse and romantic read, is a must-have for Christmas 2021 that will leave you reaching for your Christmas jumper, gingerbread cookies and a mug of hot chocolate!
Lumikinos by Lucy Alexander
The Ghost of Christmas Past by Michelle Harris
Christmas for Two by Marianne Calver
August in December by Joe Burkett
Under the Christmas Tree by Cici Maxwell
Killing Christmas Eve by Jake Godfrey
Christmas and Cocktails by Jenny Bromham
Christmas at The Little Blu Bookshop by Sarah Shard
Not Today, Santa by Martha May Little
Sealed with a Christmas Kiss by Bláithín O'Reilly Murphy
Love Forever by Donna Gowland
The Last Christmas by S.L.Robinson
- GenresChristmas
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 3, 2021
Curl up with a blanket, open the mince pies and enjoy this Christmas treat.
This is an anthology of 12 feel good festive stories. From the first story, I was humming Driving Home For Christmas.
With the variety of styles there's something for everyone. Every story though was just fantastic. I couldn't possibly pick a favourite as I loved them all for different reasons.
This collaboration is just heartwarming. Meeting during a writing competition they have collectively created something that just warms your heart. This has introduced me to some fantastic writers and I can't wait to see what happens next. Some of the short stories will be available in full length too. I'm ready to hit that pre order button.
If you love Christmas and romance you'll love this. That cover is also just stunning. A perfect stocking filler. I now have a kindle copy and a paperback copy. I couldn't resist. It looks perfect on my festive shelf.
This is an anthology of 12 feel good festive stories. From the first story, I was humming Driving Home For Christmas.
With the variety of styles there's something for everyone. Every story though was just fantastic. I couldn't possibly pick a favourite as I loved them all for different reasons.
This collaboration is just heartwarming. Meeting during a writing competition they have collectively created something that just warms your heart. This has introduced me to some fantastic writers and I can't wait to see what happens next. Some of the short stories will be available in full length too. I'm ready to hit that pre order button.
If you love Christmas and romance you'll love this. That cover is also just stunning. A perfect stocking filler. I now have a kindle copy and a paperback copy. I couldn't resist. It looks perfect on my festive shelf.
November 5, 2022
Well this did its job. Got me right in the Christmas spirit. Each story is very different, but my favourite had to be The Ghost of Christmas Past it's the one I don't think I'll be able to forget! But each and every story was short and brilliant. A lot of romances. Perfect for readers who prefer short stories and don't have time for long ones. All easy reads you can lose yourself in. All magical and Christmassy. Loved them all! A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend! Bring on Christmas.
November 2, 2021
These stories are, as promised, a lovely, eclectic mix, and the perfect length for dipping into two or three at a time.
There’s a strong rom com vibe to many of the stories (it is Christmas, after all), but often with a twist or an unexpected slant that brings something new to the genre. There are also elements of mysteries, thrillers, quirky tales that don’t quite fit a single genre (my favourite sort of story!) – in short, definitely something for everyone. I enjoyed all of the stories: I loved the twist of ‘Lumikinos’ by Lucy Robinson, the gentle poignancy of ‘Christmas for Two’ by Marianne Calver, and the surprising change of mood provided by Jake Godfrey’s ‘Killing Christmas Eve’. I was particularly moved by the final story in the collection, S.L. Robinson’s ‘The Last Christmas’ – and one of the most exciting things is that several of the stories are being developed into full-length novels, so there are plenty of chances to add to the ‘books to watch out for’ list.
Indeed, in some ways the most important, heart-warming story of all is how this collection came into being. Authors supporting authors, working together to create something they believe in, is something I LOVE to see, and everything from the showcase style of putting the stories into their context (ie giving information about where they fit into a longer work), to the lovely, warm, funny biographies at the back of the book reveals that this is a truly collaborative, supportive venture, and I think The Christmas Collective deserve a massive pat on the back for all their hard work.
More Than Mistletoe would make a great stocking filler for a Christmas-loving reader, or else buy it for yourself for your winter hygge downtime, or your Christmas Eve Jolabokaflod (the most wonderful Icelandic tradition of exchanging books and reading into the night). It really is a lovely collection, and I’ll be watching out for all of these authors in the future, and wishing them the very best of luck.
There’s a strong rom com vibe to many of the stories (it is Christmas, after all), but often with a twist or an unexpected slant that brings something new to the genre. There are also elements of mysteries, thrillers, quirky tales that don’t quite fit a single genre (my favourite sort of story!) – in short, definitely something for everyone. I enjoyed all of the stories: I loved the twist of ‘Lumikinos’ by Lucy Robinson, the gentle poignancy of ‘Christmas for Two’ by Marianne Calver, and the surprising change of mood provided by Jake Godfrey’s ‘Killing Christmas Eve’. I was particularly moved by the final story in the collection, S.L. Robinson’s ‘The Last Christmas’ – and one of the most exciting things is that several of the stories are being developed into full-length novels, so there are plenty of chances to add to the ‘books to watch out for’ list.
Indeed, in some ways the most important, heart-warming story of all is how this collection came into being. Authors supporting authors, working together to create something they believe in, is something I LOVE to see, and everything from the showcase style of putting the stories into their context (ie giving information about where they fit into a longer work), to the lovely, warm, funny biographies at the back of the book reveals that this is a truly collaborative, supportive venture, and I think The Christmas Collective deserve a massive pat on the back for all their hard work.
More Than Mistletoe would make a great stocking filler for a Christmas-loving reader, or else buy it for yourself for your winter hygge downtime, or your Christmas Eve Jolabokaflod (the most wonderful Icelandic tradition of exchanging books and reading into the night). It really is a lovely collection, and I’ll be watching out for all of these authors in the future, and wishing them the very best of luck.
November 4, 2022
Right from the foreword which explains the concept behind this collective, I knew that this was going to be a special read.
I loved reading these new to me authors who all do a wonderful job lending their own voices to each of the stories. I also enjoyed the biographies at the end of the book to learn more about the authors.
It’s hard to pick a favorite story because each one is unique. They all emanate the spirit of Christmas whether it be a story of first time love, second chance love, or rekindled love after 40 years of marriage. There is even a story with an assistant to assassins as a main character. There are LGBTQ+ stories and stories where characters haven’t been alive in years.
This is a great book to grab when you want a quick get in the holiday spirit fix!
I loved reading these new to me authors who all do a wonderful job lending their own voices to each of the stories. I also enjoyed the biographies at the end of the book to learn more about the authors.
It’s hard to pick a favorite story because each one is unique. They all emanate the spirit of Christmas whether it be a story of first time love, second chance love, or rekindled love after 40 years of marriage. There is even a story with an assistant to assassins as a main character. There are LGBTQ+ stories and stories where characters haven’t been alive in years.
This is a great book to grab when you want a quick get in the holiday spirit fix!
November 2, 2021
Book 47 of 2021...5/5...Lovely collection of 12 short stories that I was sent an advance proof copy of to review by the authors. I loved it each story felt like I was being wrapped in a warm hug and I had to physically stop myself from putting up my Christmas tree early. I will definitely be buying paperback copy for myself and as gifts for friends this Christmas. Check out bio on @ for options to purchase and support these authors. Well done to all the authors and thank you for sharing with me 🥰📖🌲
October 27, 2021
More Than Mistletoe - The Christmas Collective
This is a lovely anthology of Christmas stories put together by the Christmas Collective. This is a group of twelve authors which was formed in 2021, following the “Christmas Love Story” competition hosted by Penguin Michael Joseph during 2020/2021. All the authors in this Anthology were shortlisted entrants and found each other on social media during the nail-biting-wait-for-the- final-announcement.
I really enjoyed reading this book - it is so easy to read and you can dip in and out as you like. With twelve stories to choose from there is something for everyone, even for the most ardent ‘bah- humbug’ folk. From spooky and sweet festive goings on in Lumikinos (Finnish for snowdrift), lovely warm christmassy romances and empty nesters finding each other again to the shoots of something new after grief and pain. It’s not all love, romance and mistletoe, there are themes of loss and grief too. There are also some stories that are precursors to full length novels due out next year and although it is lovely to read this, at times I was just…aargh!! I need to know what happens next right now…I’m looking at you S. L Robinson!! I just want to know about William and Henry’s love story right now and I have to wait, oh how you tease!
This is a perfect little book of Christmas love and joy, so cosy up, get those festive lights twinkling, snuggly socks on, baileys hot choc in hand and prepare for Christmas.
✩✩✩✰
[AD-PR Product]
With thanks to The Christmas Collective for my copy of this book and to all the authors for sprinkling some Christmas joy!
This is a lovely anthology of Christmas stories put together by the Christmas Collective. This is a group of twelve authors which was formed in 2021, following the “Christmas Love Story” competition hosted by Penguin Michael Joseph during 2020/2021. All the authors in this Anthology were shortlisted entrants and found each other on social media during the nail-biting-wait-for-the- final-announcement.
I really enjoyed reading this book - it is so easy to read and you can dip in and out as you like. With twelve stories to choose from there is something for everyone, even for the most ardent ‘bah- humbug’ folk. From spooky and sweet festive goings on in Lumikinos (Finnish for snowdrift), lovely warm christmassy romances and empty nesters finding each other again to the shoots of something new after grief and pain. It’s not all love, romance and mistletoe, there are themes of loss and grief too. There are also some stories that are precursors to full length novels due out next year and although it is lovely to read this, at times I was just…aargh!! I need to know what happens next right now…I’m looking at you S. L Robinson!! I just want to know about William and Henry’s love story right now and I have to wait, oh how you tease!
This is a perfect little book of Christmas love and joy, so cosy up, get those festive lights twinkling, snuggly socks on, baileys hot choc in hand and prepare for Christmas.
✩✩✩✰
[AD-PR Product]
With thanks to The Christmas Collective for my copy of this book and to all the authors for sprinkling some Christmas joy!
November 5, 2022
In the second story, Christmas for Two by Marianne Calver, there is a good mix of humour and poignancy and the two central characters are in their middle age, facing a Christmas post retirement and without their adult children on the day. Having grown apart somewhat, the strain begins to show. Nevertheless, there is genuine emotion between the characters.
Under the Tree by Cici Maxwell features characters from the other end of the age group, There is plenty of unrequited love and teenage angst. Interestingly, there is to be a follow up to the story, as described by the author which throws the outcome of this story into some doubt.
My personal favourite story is Christmas at the Little Blu Bookshop by Sarah Shard. Who can resist the thought of a bookshop set around December? Michael's attempt to open his very own puts him at the heart of the village of Applewood in the Lake District. This is a story set in 1979 before social media and the internet. Letter writing was an important way of keeping in touch and Michael hankers after his childhood penfriend. The author also flags up a follow up story, December for Dad, which takes the story on forty years to a sadder time but one in which letter writing is as important to the story.
With some stories as prequels to follow up novels, there is quite a bit to whet the appetite. You will enjoy the range of styles. This is certainly a great stocking filler to have this Christmas.
In short: a festive mix
Thanks to the authors for a copy of the book
Under the Tree by Cici Maxwell features characters from the other end of the age group, There is plenty of unrequited love and teenage angst. Interestingly, there is to be a follow up to the story, as described by the author which throws the outcome of this story into some doubt.
My personal favourite story is Christmas at the Little Blu Bookshop by Sarah Shard. Who can resist the thought of a bookshop set around December? Michael's attempt to open his very own puts him at the heart of the village of Applewood in the Lake District. This is a story set in 1979 before social media and the internet. Letter writing was an important way of keeping in touch and Michael hankers after his childhood penfriend. The author also flags up a follow up story, December for Dad, which takes the story on forty years to a sadder time but one in which letter writing is as important to the story.
With some stories as prequels to follow up novels, there is quite a bit to whet the appetite. You will enjoy the range of styles. This is certainly a great stocking filler to have this Christmas.
In short: a festive mix
Thanks to the authors for a copy of the book
November 6, 2022
This wonderful collection of Christmas themed stories really does have it all. Romance, thrills, history etc. It’s all beautifully told with a Christmas theme and such a joy to relax and read with. I also love a witty title!
I always thing that writing a complete, short story that leaves the reader satisfied must take such skill. The thing I loved about the stories in this collection is that they all felt like full novels. I came away from each one with closure and total satisfaction. My only grumble is that I wish some of them had been longer so that I could live inside them and get to know the characters even more.
All the stories are wonderful and unique and bring a completely different vibe to the reader however, my personal favourite was The Ghost of Christmas Past by Michelle Harris as I adored Dylan and Natasha and could have read a full sized novel around them.
The cosy, festive stories are perfect for snuggling up with on a cold night or, to escape to on a journey/commute. If you are looking for a gift this Christmas – buy someone one of these and send them away somewhere for a few hours to read it. Perfect! Or you could just treat yourself!
I always thing that writing a complete, short story that leaves the reader satisfied must take such skill. The thing I loved about the stories in this collection is that they all felt like full novels. I came away from each one with closure and total satisfaction. My only grumble is that I wish some of them had been longer so that I could live inside them and get to know the characters even more.
All the stories are wonderful and unique and bring a completely different vibe to the reader however, my personal favourite was The Ghost of Christmas Past by Michelle Harris as I adored Dylan and Natasha and could have read a full sized novel around them.
The cosy, festive stories are perfect for snuggling up with on a cold night or, to escape to on a journey/commute. If you are looking for a gift this Christmas – buy someone one of these and send them away somewhere for a few hours to read it. Perfect! Or you could just treat yourself!
November 6, 2022
More than Mistletoe is a collection of twelve very different short love stories full of festive feels! The stories cover a wide range including swoon-worthy characters, second chances and happy endings. It has classic romance, festive thrillers, LGBTQ+ love stories, hilarious romantic comedies and historical romances.
This volume is a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit because while Christmas features in each story they aren't the standard Christmas story one would expect. You have stories where a couple is brought together by the work of ghosts, stories of letting go of a past love and opening yourself up to a friend, an older couple learning how to experience the holiday without their children and even a story about an assassin. When I say these twelve stories are diverse I really mean it none of them give off a "didn't I just read this" vibe at all. And each author adds a unique narrative style that makes the stories fun! So buckle up and check out this collection of short stories to get ready for the holidays!
This volume is a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit because while Christmas features in each story they aren't the standard Christmas story one would expect. You have stories where a couple is brought together by the work of ghosts, stories of letting go of a past love and opening yourself up to a friend, an older couple learning how to experience the holiday without their children and even a story about an assassin. When I say these twelve stories are diverse I really mean it none of them give off a "didn't I just read this" vibe at all. And each author adds a unique narrative style that makes the stories fun! So buckle up and check out this collection of short stories to get ready for the holidays!
January 1, 2022
Christmas came early
This is a wonderful eclectic mix of stories for the festive season. I have laughed and cried through several of these tales. 'August in December' was one that stood out for me, along with 'Christmas at The Little Blu Bookshop' (Blu is correctly spelt just check out the story)
I loved the final story 'The Last Christmas ' but feel a little disappointed that I have to wait until next year to find out more.
***Some of the other stories in this wonderful anthology are also prequels or part of new books coming next year. This is why my score is 4* I would have liked to have gone immediately to more books by these talented writers. Worth checking out but will leave you wanting.
This is a wonderful eclectic mix of stories for the festive season. I have laughed and cried through several of these tales. 'August in December' was one that stood out for me, along with 'Christmas at The Little Blu Bookshop' (Blu is correctly spelt just check out the story)
I loved the final story 'The Last Christmas ' but feel a little disappointed that I have to wait until next year to find out more.
***Some of the other stories in this wonderful anthology are also prequels or part of new books coming next year. This is why my score is 4* I would have liked to have gone immediately to more books by these talented writers. Worth checking out but will leave you wanting.
November 3, 2022
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
This wonderful and Christmassy book contains twelve very different love stories, all with gorgeous festive feels, swoonworthy characters and very happy endings and I loved them all very much!
More Than Mistletoe was such a warm and cosy read and I couldn’t read it fast enough, I devoured it all really quickly and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
There was a great variety of genre’s in the stories, each one was amazing and I couldn’t wait to keep reading them all.
This book is a gorgeous collection of festive stories and a great introduction to some very talented authors…….
This wonderful and Christmassy book contains twelve very different love stories, all with gorgeous festive feels, swoonworthy characters and very happy endings and I loved them all very much!
More Than Mistletoe was such a warm and cosy read and I couldn’t read it fast enough, I devoured it all really quickly and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
There was a great variety of genre’s in the stories, each one was amazing and I couldn’t wait to keep reading them all.
This book is a gorgeous collection of festive stories and a great introduction to some very talented authors…….
October 26, 2022
After having reviewed the eARC of The Mistletoe Mixtape by The Christmas Collective, I was happy to be approved for the eARC of More Than Mistletoe.
This is another immensely enjoyable Christmas-themed anthology and each story has the author's unique writing style.
These anthologies are a great way to get to know new authors, and, being short stories, they are quick paced and packed with detail.
Perfect for the cool months ahead or a Christmas gift to yourself or a loved one.
Thanks to The Christmas Collective and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
This is another immensely enjoyable Christmas-themed anthology and each story has the author's unique writing style.
These anthologies are a great way to get to know new authors, and, being short stories, they are quick paced and packed with detail.
Perfect for the cool months ahead or a Christmas gift to yourself or a loved one.
Thanks to The Christmas Collective and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
November 4, 2022
More Than Mistletoe is the debut is a fantastic selection of Christmassy reads with something for everyone.
It also opens up a whole world of promising new authors to the reader and I have several names I'll be looking out for in the future.
My favourite out of the twelve stories is The Ghost of Christmas Past.
A well written anthology, full of Christmas spirit, some heartwarming, some emotive, and some are being curated into full length novels.
An enjoyable, varied mix of easy reading stories, that I would definitely recommend to get you feeling everything Christmas!
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It also opens up a whole world of promising new authors to the reader and I have several names I'll be looking out for in the future.
My favourite out of the twelve stories is The Ghost of Christmas Past.
A well written anthology, full of Christmas spirit, some heartwarming, some emotive, and some are being curated into full length novels.
An enjoyable, varied mix of easy reading stories, that I would definitely recommend to get you feeling everything Christmas!
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 29, 2026
I've never read a book like this before it was an interesting short read that had you guessing throughout.
My goodness though there is something about Jane that's not right but I can't put my finger on it!
The way it's written really puts you back into the 1814 which was such an intriguing premises, with the way the characters talk to the beautiful descriptions.
Mary is such a strong, character who is ready for adventure and will fight to get justice.
Also who doesn't love Napoleon the Donkey
My goodness though there is something about Jane that's not right but I can't put my finger on it!
The way it's written really puts you back into the 1814 which was such an intriguing premises, with the way the characters talk to the beautiful descriptions.
Mary is such a strong, character who is ready for adventure and will fight to get justice.
Also who doesn't love Napoleon the Donkey
September 18, 2022
This collection features twelve short stories which are a variety of sweet, funny and even some with haunting twists.
I really enjoyed reading this one, and I think it's the perfect way to feel festive. If you are a big Christmas fan this is one for you, and it would make a great gift for someone too.
All of the authors featured in this collection are new to me so it was a nice introduction to some talented writers.
I really enjoyed reading this one, and I think it's the perfect way to feel festive. If you are a big Christmas fan this is one for you, and it would make a great gift for someone too.
All of the authors featured in this collection are new to me so it was a nice introduction to some talented writers.
December 26, 2021
Lumikinos 4 🌟
The Ghost of Christmas Past 2 🌟
Christmas for Two 2.5 🌟
August in December 2.5 🌟
Under the Christmas Tree 3 🌟
Killing Christmas Eve 3 🌟
Christmas and Cocktails 3 🌟
Christmas at The Little Blu Bookshop 4 🌟
Not Today, Santa 2.5 🌟
Sealed with a Christmas Kiss 2 🌟
Love Forever 3 🌟
The Last Christmas 3.5 🌟
The Ghost of Christmas Past 2 🌟
Christmas for Two 2.5 🌟
August in December 2.5 🌟
Under the Christmas Tree 3 🌟
Killing Christmas Eve 3 🌟
Christmas and Cocktails 3 🌟
Christmas at The Little Blu Bookshop 4 🌟
Not Today, Santa 2.5 🌟
Sealed with a Christmas Kiss 2 🌟
Love Forever 3 🌟
The Last Christmas 3.5 🌟
December 10, 2021
A lovely festive feel good pick and mix of stories which I enjoyed between Christmas decorating with a Christmas playlist blasting out 🎄
December 4, 2022
Christmas, a time where anything can happen
This anthology shows with twelve different stories the power of Christmas and love. Is there a better timing than Christmas for a shot at love, whether it’s a new love, a lost love or a second chance at love. This book consists:
Lumikinos by Lucy Alexander The Ghost of Christmas Past by Michelle Harris Christmas for Two by Marianne Calver August in December by Joe Burkett Under the Christmas Tree by Cici Maxwell Killing Christmas Eve by Jake Godfrey Christmas and Cocktails by Jenny Bromham Christmas at The Little Blu Bookshop by Sarah Shard Not Today, Santa by Martha May Little Sealed with a Christmas Kiss by Bláithín O'Reilly Murphy Love Forever by Donna Gowland The Last Christmas by S.L.Robinson
I am for sure a big lover of stories around Christmas. With Christmas, everything always seems possible, even the most impossible of loves. So I started to read this story, thinking that I would for sure love all stories, having a few favourites and a few I still liked but not as much as others.
But I can honestly say that, even if each story was unique in its own special way, I loved them all equally. The diversity of it makes it really easy to lose yourself while reading. I devoured each story, feeling a bit sad how quickly the story was over, yet eager to discover the next one.
Also the characters are very different from each other, yet it was a delight to discover each and every one of them. While some main characters are encountering something inexplicable, others are having a second chance, some others are going lengths for their love. But no matter what their own personal story is, the common heart – warming thread is love and Christmas. No matter what their past is, or their current situation, just like in real life, each of them are longing for love.
And Love is all we need, and a time like Christmas is perfect to find love or just hold on to and remember the love we already found.
I didn’t know any of these authors before, but if this is just a glimpse of their talents, I am certain that I will be equally enthralled with what will follow!
This anthology shows with twelve different stories the power of Christmas and love. Is there a better timing than Christmas for a shot at love, whether it’s a new love, a lost love or a second chance at love. This book consists:
Lumikinos by Lucy Alexander The Ghost of Christmas Past by Michelle Harris Christmas for Two by Marianne Calver August in December by Joe Burkett Under the Christmas Tree by Cici Maxwell Killing Christmas Eve by Jake Godfrey Christmas and Cocktails by Jenny Bromham Christmas at The Little Blu Bookshop by Sarah Shard Not Today, Santa by Martha May Little Sealed with a Christmas Kiss by Bláithín O'Reilly Murphy Love Forever by Donna Gowland The Last Christmas by S.L.Robinson
I am for sure a big lover of stories around Christmas. With Christmas, everything always seems possible, even the most impossible of loves. So I started to read this story, thinking that I would for sure love all stories, having a few favourites and a few I still liked but not as much as others.
But I can honestly say that, even if each story was unique in its own special way, I loved them all equally. The diversity of it makes it really easy to lose yourself while reading. I devoured each story, feeling a bit sad how quickly the story was over, yet eager to discover the next one.
Also the characters are very different from each other, yet it was a delight to discover each and every one of them. While some main characters are encountering something inexplicable, others are having a second chance, some others are going lengths for their love. But no matter what their own personal story is, the common heart – warming thread is love and Christmas. No matter what their past is, or their current situation, just like in real life, each of them are longing for love.
And Love is all we need, and a time like Christmas is perfect to find love or just hold on to and remember the love we already found.
I didn’t know any of these authors before, but if this is just a glimpse of their talents, I am certain that I will be equally enthralled with what will follow!
November 22, 2022
Thank you to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources and the 12 authors in the Christmas Collective for the opportunity to join the blog tour for More Than Mistletoe today.
Every year I enjoy reading festive books between September and December, but I can’t remember reading any festive short stories except in magazines or a bank holiday newspaper supplement.
I enjoyed each and every one of the festive short stories in this book. There is a wide range of stories, some of which have been continued into novels by the individual authors. Although I read the book whilst enjoying a few days of annual leave during the school holiday, this would have been the perfect book to enjoy a story a day during your office lunch break whilst avoiding the temptation to do some Christmas shopping.
Happy to recommend this anthology. There is also a second collection, recently published, titled The Mistletoe Mixtape that I need to add to my book shopping list.
Every year I enjoy reading festive books between September and December, but I can’t remember reading any festive short stories except in magazines or a bank holiday newspaper supplement.
I enjoyed each and every one of the festive short stories in this book. There is a wide range of stories, some of which have been continued into novels by the individual authors. Although I read the book whilst enjoying a few days of annual leave during the school holiday, this would have been the perfect book to enjoy a story a day during your office lunch break whilst avoiding the temptation to do some Christmas shopping.
Happy to recommend this anthology. There is also a second collection, recently published, titled The Mistletoe Mixtape that I need to add to my book shopping list.
April 20, 2022
Before I get into the review, I would like to say a massive thank you to the authors for kindly sending me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Christmas Collective began when a group of writers reached the final stage of the Penguin Michael Joseph "Christmas Love Story" competition in 2021, with the writers finding each other through social media. Once the winner had been announced, twelve of these wonderful authors decided to publish an anthology of their Christmas stories - and More Than Mistletoe was born.
More Than Mistletoe is a set of twelve short Christmas stories grouped together into one festive and cozy package. Each story is written by a different author, with brand new characters along with brand new plots. If you love Christmas, romance, and festive cheer, this should be your next read in the festive season!
I think one of the things which I loved so much about this lovely anthology was definitely the variety. Although each story had a Christmas and romantic element, they each provided so much more, with everything from ghosts and thrillers through to the exploration of family and grief, there truly is something for everyone. The wide variety of topics covered made for a very interesting read - each story provided something new, with all of them coming together to form a lovely collection.
The Christmas spirit was prevalent throughout. As a fervent lover of Christmas, this book met all of my expectations and more. The festive spirit was so lovely to read and made me all the more excited for the immanent arrival of Christmas... It's perfect to curl up with on those cold winter nights - the warmth of the stories will soon warm you up (along with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, of course!)
I also really enjoyed the different couples and love stories. Each of them were so different but the one thing they all had in common was how truly adorable they were. The authors all created couples which were impossible not to root for and I can't wait to delve into some of them a bit more in the extended novels which will published in the next couple of years!
Of course, with so many different couples it meant there were also a lot of different tropes. From love triangles and long lost lovers through to childhood friends to lovers, there was something to satisfy everyone. What made this even better was the way in which the authors provided a new spin to the classic tropes!
Overall, I would recommend More Than Mistletoe for any fan of Christmas. Anyone who knows me personally will tell you how much I love Christmas, and so it went without saying that I fell in love with More Than Mistletoe, too. I would also recommend it for any fan of romances, as each of the featured love stories were absolutely adorable!
The Christmas Collective began when a group of writers reached the final stage of the Penguin Michael Joseph "Christmas Love Story" competition in 2021, with the writers finding each other through social media. Once the winner had been announced, twelve of these wonderful authors decided to publish an anthology of their Christmas stories - and More Than Mistletoe was born.
More Than Mistletoe is a set of twelve short Christmas stories grouped together into one festive and cozy package. Each story is written by a different author, with brand new characters along with brand new plots. If you love Christmas, romance, and festive cheer, this should be your next read in the festive season!
I think one of the things which I loved so much about this lovely anthology was definitely the variety. Although each story had a Christmas and romantic element, they each provided so much more, with everything from ghosts and thrillers through to the exploration of family and grief, there truly is something for everyone. The wide variety of topics covered made for a very interesting read - each story provided something new, with all of them coming together to form a lovely collection.
The Christmas spirit was prevalent throughout. As a fervent lover of Christmas, this book met all of my expectations and more. The festive spirit was so lovely to read and made me all the more excited for the immanent arrival of Christmas... It's perfect to curl up with on those cold winter nights - the warmth of the stories will soon warm you up (along with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, of course!)
I also really enjoyed the different couples and love stories. Each of them were so different but the one thing they all had in common was how truly adorable they were. The authors all created couples which were impossible not to root for and I can't wait to delve into some of them a bit more in the extended novels which will published in the next couple of years!
Of course, with so many different couples it meant there were also a lot of different tropes. From love triangles and long lost lovers through to childhood friends to lovers, there was something to satisfy everyone. What made this even better was the way in which the authors provided a new spin to the classic tropes!
Overall, I would recommend More Than Mistletoe for any fan of Christmas. Anyone who knows me personally will tell you how much I love Christmas, and so it went without saying that I fell in love with More Than Mistletoe, too. I would also recommend it for any fan of romances, as each of the featured love stories were absolutely adorable!
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