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Believe
A collection of Christmas short stories.Romance, inspiration, and unexpected gifts—
Secondhand Horses by Amy LeBlanc, Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer, Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes,Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge,Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames,Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley,Angel on Board by Janet Eaves, The Twelve Seduction Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
Secondhand Horses by Amy LeBlanc, Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer, Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes,Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge,Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames,Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley,Angel on Board by Janet Eaves, The Twelve Seduction Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2010
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 5, 2010
I really enjoyed this quick book of short stories! I found some new authors that I will definitely need to look into!
Secondhand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
Very adorable story and I hope that this author continues on with these two characters. I really liked how the characters had obvious depth to them and how they came together.
Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
This was definitely a fun story! I really do like stories about really bold men! This story is a night-in-shining-armor scenario, and is pretty much every single girl's fantasy.
Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
This story was a cute idea but I'm not really sure that it fit in with the theme of this book. The first person was also a little off, and I'd recommend to the author that they read the text out loud to see if it sounds alright. It sort of felt like stage directions at certain points. Of course, writing in first person is not easy, but it was a cute story none the less :)
Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
I love love loved this story! I think so far it's my favorite in the book! I might be a little biased, because I also adore the person that wrote it (and am a total fangirl). I haven't read any of Mag's non-fanfic based work, and so, I am very pleased with this! I loved the characters that she created and can't wait to see where she goes with them in the future! I totally fell in love with Jack Rudolf :D
Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames
I really love how this story was almost 100% based in an elevator. The two main characters were very likeable! The author did a great job on this one, I loved the internal dialog the two characters had before their hook-up. They were so cute and angsty!
Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley
This was a really fun, fantasy read! I teared up at several times in this story. I loved how in the short story there was a rich past storyline and a current plot. I was second guessing along with the main character, and was glad in the end that everything ended happily!
Angel on Board by Janet Eaves
I think this was one of my favorite stories in the series. I hope the author continues it because I'd love to see what happens between to the main character in the story. I really liked following a story that had a male lead, who was heart broken and going through all of these things during one day on a bus. It made me tear up a few times, and I was thinking I'd love to read this story out loud to a few of my more hopeless romantic friends!
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
A great way to end this series of short stories! What a whirlwind romance! But when you have a character like Logan who knows what he wants, it's difficult to say no! I loved Logan's family and how they just automatically adopted Alyssa. I would love to continue reading about this family as well! :)
Secondhand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
Very adorable story and I hope that this author continues on with these two characters. I really liked how the characters had obvious depth to them and how they came together.
Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
This was definitely a fun story! I really do like stories about really bold men! This story is a night-in-shining-armor scenario, and is pretty much every single girl's fantasy.
Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
This story was a cute idea but I'm not really sure that it fit in with the theme of this book. The first person was also a little off, and I'd recommend to the author that they read the text out loud to see if it sounds alright. It sort of felt like stage directions at certain points. Of course, writing in first person is not easy, but it was a cute story none the less :)
Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
I love love loved this story! I think so far it's my favorite in the book! I might be a little biased, because I also adore the person that wrote it (and am a total fangirl). I haven't read any of Mag's non-fanfic based work, and so, I am very pleased with this! I loved the characters that she created and can't wait to see where she goes with them in the future! I totally fell in love with Jack Rudolf :D
Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames
I really love how this story was almost 100% based in an elevator. The two main characters were very likeable! The author did a great job on this one, I loved the internal dialog the two characters had before their hook-up. They were so cute and angsty!
Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley
This was a really fun, fantasy read! I teared up at several times in this story. I loved how in the short story there was a rich past storyline and a current plot. I was second guessing along with the main character, and was glad in the end that everything ended happily!
Angel on Board by Janet Eaves
I think this was one of my favorite stories in the series. I hope the author continues it because I'd love to see what happens between to the main character in the story. I really liked following a story that had a male lead, who was heart broken and going through all of these things during one day on a bus. It made me tear up a few times, and I was thinking I'd love to read this story out loud to a few of my more hopeless romantic friends!
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
A great way to end this series of short stories! What a whirlwind romance! But when you have a character like Logan who knows what he wants, it's difficult to say no! I loved Logan's family and how they just automatically adopted Alyssa. I would love to continue reading about this family as well! :)
November 22, 2010
What a top notch set of Christmas stories. I really enjoyed this collection of short novellas. Some were a little quirky but if you “Believe” in the magic of Christmas you’ll adore this little collection as much as I did. The stories were great and did a wonderful job of capturing the Christmas spirit and made you feel warm and fluffy. There wasn’t a bad one amongst the bunch of stories and totally worth the small price. Here were my favourite three.
“Second Hand Horses” by Amy LeBlanc was one of my favourites. I would have totally enjoyed an entire novel devoted to her main characters. The entire premises the stories with the horses made me fall in love with her male character. Who wouldn’t melt into a handsome man who has 3 adorable dogs and rescues horses.
“Concourse Christmas” by Margaret Ethridge was my favourite in the anthology. I would have loved a full length novel. I could picture the characters so clearly and I quickly developed a crush on her Jack Rudolph. Who wouldn’t adore a man with deepest, darkest bittersweet chocolate-brown eyes who would miss his plane, guard a sub sandwich and deliver a smorgasbord Christmas feast of treats? Yep, total crush.
“Angel on Board” by Janet Eaves should be a Hallmark Christmas movie. So touching and completely captured the Christmas spirit. My heart was so moved and in just a short time. It is hard to believe that the author was able to get so much content into such a short period.
“Second Hand Horses” by Amy LeBlanc was one of my favourites. I would have totally enjoyed an entire novel devoted to her main characters. The entire premises the stories with the horses made me fall in love with her male character. Who wouldn’t melt into a handsome man who has 3 adorable dogs and rescues horses.
“Concourse Christmas” by Margaret Ethridge was my favourite in the anthology. I would have loved a full length novel. I could picture the characters so clearly and I quickly developed a crush on her Jack Rudolph. Who wouldn’t adore a man with deepest, darkest bittersweet chocolate-brown eyes who would miss his plane, guard a sub sandwich and deliver a smorgasbord Christmas feast of treats? Yep, total crush.
“Angel on Board” by Janet Eaves should be a Hallmark Christmas movie. So touching and completely captured the Christmas spirit. My heart was so moved and in just a short time. It is hard to believe that the author was able to get so much content into such a short period.
December 3, 2010
The great thing about reading a collection of short stories is that there’s usually something for everyone. Even if a story or two isn’t exactly your cup of tea (or cocoa), there will still probably be some that tug at your heart, and if you’re really lucky, you may stumble upon an author that you just know will be on your reading list for years to come.
My favorite story in this collection is “Concourse Christmas” by Margaret Ethridge. (And yes, I admit to possibly being a teensy bit prejudiced here.) Margaret has the ability to sneak you inside the story she writes. You forget you’re reading and come to believe that you are sitting in the same airport terminal as Ellie and Jack. You pretend to read, but you’re actually eavesdropping on their conversation; watching their body language as they interact with each other. Suddenly the story ends and you look up, startled. Where did they go? What happens next? What do you mean that’s all? Warning: Margaret’s writing is addictive.
“Mall Magic” by Cat Shaffer made me laugh, “Another Quirky Christmas” by Tonya Kappes didn’t go in the direction I thought it would but was extremely enjoyable, and “Fixing Christmas” by Elizabeth Chalkley hit the right warm notes.
You could stretch these 8 stories out by reading some each day, making your own literary Advent calendar, which would make a terrific way to start off the holiday season!
My favorite story in this collection is “Concourse Christmas” by Margaret Ethridge. (And yes, I admit to possibly being a teensy bit prejudiced here.) Margaret has the ability to sneak you inside the story she writes. You forget you’re reading and come to believe that you are sitting in the same airport terminal as Ellie and Jack. You pretend to read, but you’re actually eavesdropping on their conversation; watching their body language as they interact with each other. Suddenly the story ends and you look up, startled. Where did they go? What happens next? What do you mean that’s all? Warning: Margaret’s writing is addictive.
“Mall Magic” by Cat Shaffer made me laugh, “Another Quirky Christmas” by Tonya Kappes didn’t go in the direction I thought it would but was extremely enjoyable, and “Fixing Christmas” by Elizabeth Chalkley hit the right warm notes.
You could stretch these 8 stories out by reading some each day, making your own literary Advent calendar, which would make a terrific way to start off the holiday season!
December 1, 2010
I only read the story "The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas" cause it was by someone I am FB friends with. It is a most awesome happily ever after tale. Good happy read during the holidays. I hope to read the rest of the stories in the anthology soon.
August 9, 2011
If you’re anything like me, than you love Christmas not just for the gifts or the food, but for the cheesy holiday specials on tv! I am a fan of all ABCFamily original movies and have been known to watch It’s A Wonderful Life over…and over…and over again.
This set of short stories is like all of my favorite holiday specials wrapped into one! Each story is filled with romance, Christmas miracles and that little piece of the holiday spirit that just makes you want to smile :) Since there are a bunch of stories in here, I thought I’d just put up a few words one each one.
Second Hand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
I loved this story so much because it was about more than the characters simply falling in love over their looks. These two actually get to know each other over the course of a night while taking care of a sick horse – and they realize all that they have in common and enjoy about each other. So sweet and romantic.
Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
This is an adorable story that shows how things may not be exactly as they appear. You absolutely fall in love with the male protagonist and kinda wish you were the one dating him!
Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
This is a great story that reminds me very much of A Christmas Carol – without the ghosts. There are so many of us out there who just never seem to get into the Christmas spirit (for whatever reason), but we all need to learn that life is about cherishing what you have right now. And above all, family can never be replaced.
Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
This story is every girl’s dream! Being stuck at an airport, to find the future guy in your life who happens to be smart, witty, and best of all – romantic. I love this story because it’s something that every girl can dream about. We all get stuck in airports, we all hope to have a great story to tell our grandkids one day. This one would definitely fit the bill.
Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames
This story is about two people who have liked each for a long time (but never told one another) and who happen to be in for a long elevator ride. Although I enjoyed hearing the thoughts of both characters, and I understand that the idea of being stuck in an elevator with the guy you love is super romantic, I didn’t really find this story believable. I love the idea of it, but maybe if it had been a bit longer, with more of a backstory on the two characters, I would’ve enjoyed it more.
Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley
This was my absolute favorite out of the bunch. It has a little bit of regret (which we all understand), a little bit of Christmas miracles (which I love) and honest to goodness LOVE (which I adore). The two characters in this story have known each other since they were young, then get separated, then come together again. This story just made me smile, and remember exactly why I love Christmas so much.
Angel on Board by Janet Eaves
This story reminded me a lot of It’s a Wonderful Life, in the sense that here is a man at the end of his rope. He has nowhere to go, and has just completely given up on life. And just when he is about to end it all, he gets saved by an Angel in the form of a little girl – the same age as his daughter. I LOVED this story!
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
This is such a heart-warming story about a woman who desperately needs a new start on life and gets it right before Christmas. In the two weeks before Christmas, her life will change dramatically, and for the better. This story is cheesy (in a good way), romantic, and a great way to end this entire series of Christmas short stories. I loved the Anthology – and again, if you’re like me – go pick it up for yourself. It will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
Maria @GoodChoiceReading.com
This set of short stories is like all of my favorite holiday specials wrapped into one! Each story is filled with romance, Christmas miracles and that little piece of the holiday spirit that just makes you want to smile :) Since there are a bunch of stories in here, I thought I’d just put up a few words one each one.
Second Hand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
I loved this story so much because it was about more than the characters simply falling in love over their looks. These two actually get to know each other over the course of a night while taking care of a sick horse – and they realize all that they have in common and enjoy about each other. So sweet and romantic.
Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
This is an adorable story that shows how things may not be exactly as they appear. You absolutely fall in love with the male protagonist and kinda wish you were the one dating him!
Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
This is a great story that reminds me very much of A Christmas Carol – without the ghosts. There are so many of us out there who just never seem to get into the Christmas spirit (for whatever reason), but we all need to learn that life is about cherishing what you have right now. And above all, family can never be replaced.
Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
This story is every girl’s dream! Being stuck at an airport, to find the future guy in your life who happens to be smart, witty, and best of all – romantic. I love this story because it’s something that every girl can dream about. We all get stuck in airports, we all hope to have a great story to tell our grandkids one day. This one would definitely fit the bill.
Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames
This story is about two people who have liked each for a long time (but never told one another) and who happen to be in for a long elevator ride. Although I enjoyed hearing the thoughts of both characters, and I understand that the idea of being stuck in an elevator with the guy you love is super romantic, I didn’t really find this story believable. I love the idea of it, but maybe if it had been a bit longer, with more of a backstory on the two characters, I would’ve enjoyed it more.
Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley
This was my absolute favorite out of the bunch. It has a little bit of regret (which we all understand), a little bit of Christmas miracles (which I love) and honest to goodness LOVE (which I adore). The two characters in this story have known each other since they were young, then get separated, then come together again. This story just made me smile, and remember exactly why I love Christmas so much.
Angel on Board by Janet Eaves
This story reminded me a lot of It’s a Wonderful Life, in the sense that here is a man at the end of his rope. He has nowhere to go, and has just completely given up on life. And just when he is about to end it all, he gets saved by an Angel in the form of a little girl – the same age as his daughter. I LOVED this story!
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
This is such a heart-warming story about a woman who desperately needs a new start on life and gets it right before Christmas. In the two weeks before Christmas, her life will change dramatically, and for the better. This story is cheesy (in a good way), romantic, and a great way to end this entire series of Christmas short stories. I loved the Anthology – and again, if you’re like me – go pick it up for yourself. It will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
Maria @GoodChoiceReading.com
December 22, 2010
If you’re anything like me, than you love Christmas not just for the gifts or the food, but for the cheesy holiday specials on tv! I am a fan of all ABCFamily original movies and have been known to watch It’s A Wonderful Life over…and over…and over again.
This set of short stories is like all of my favorite holiday specials wrapped into one! Each story is filled with romance, Christmas miracles and that little piece of the holiday spirit that just makes you want to smile :) Since there are a bunch of stories in here, I thought I’d just put up a few words one each one.
Second Hand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
I loved this story so much because it was about more than the characters simply falling in love over their looks. These two actually get to know each other over the course of a night while taking care of a sick horse – and they realize all that they have in common and enjoy about each other. So sweet and romantic.
Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
This is an adorable story that shows how things may not be exactly as they appear. You absolutely fall in love with the male protagonist and kinda wish you were the one dating him!
Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
This is a great story that reminds me very much of A Christmas Carol – without the ghosts. There are so many of us out there who just never seem to get into the Christmas spirit (for whatever reason), but we all need to learn that life is about cherishing what you have right now. And above all, family can never be replaced.
Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
This story is every girl’s dream! Being stuck at an airport, to find the future guy in your life who happens to be smart, witty, and best of all – romantic. I love this story because it’s something that every girl can dream about. We all get stuck in airports, we all hope to have a great story to tell our grandkids one day. This one would definitely fit the bill.
Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames
This story is about two people who have liked each for a long time (but never told one another) and who happen to be in for a long elevator ride. Although I enjoyed hearing the thoughts of both characters, and I understand that the idea of being stuck in an elevator with the guy you love is super romantic, I didn’t really find this story believable. I love the idea of it, but maybe if it had been a bit longer, with more of a backstory on the two characters, I would’ve enjoyed it more.
Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley
This was my absolute favorite out of the bunch. It has a little bit of regret (which we all understand), a little bit of Christmas miracles (which I love) and honest to goodness LOVE (which I adore). The two characters in this story have known each other since they were young, then get separated, then come together again. This story just made me smile, and remember exactly why I love Christmas so much.
Angel on Board by Janet Eaves
This story reminded me a lot of It’s a Wonderful Life, in the sense that here is a man at the end of his rope. He has nowhere to go, and has just completely given up on life. And just when he is about to end it all, he gets saved by an Angel in the form of a little girl – the same age as his daughter. I LOVED this story!
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
This is such a heart-warming story about a woman who desperately needs a new start on life and gets it right before Christmas. In the two weeks before Christmas, her life will change dramatically, and for the better. This story is cheesy (in a good way), romantic, and a great way to end this entire series of Christmas short stories. I loved the Anthology – and again, if you’re like me – go pick it up for yourself. It will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
This set of short stories is like all of my favorite holiday specials wrapped into one! Each story is filled with romance, Christmas miracles and that little piece of the holiday spirit that just makes you want to smile :) Since there are a bunch of stories in here, I thought I’d just put up a few words one each one.
Second Hand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
I loved this story so much because it was about more than the characters simply falling in love over their looks. These two actually get to know each other over the course of a night while taking care of a sick horse – and they realize all that they have in common and enjoy about each other. So sweet and romantic.
Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
This is an adorable story that shows how things may not be exactly as they appear. You absolutely fall in love with the male protagonist and kinda wish you were the one dating him!
Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
This is a great story that reminds me very much of A Christmas Carol – without the ghosts. There are so many of us out there who just never seem to get into the Christmas spirit (for whatever reason), but we all need to learn that life is about cherishing what you have right now. And above all, family can never be replaced.
Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
This story is every girl’s dream! Being stuck at an airport, to find the future guy in your life who happens to be smart, witty, and best of all – romantic. I love this story because it’s something that every girl can dream about. We all get stuck in airports, we all hope to have a great story to tell our grandkids one day. This one would definitely fit the bill.
Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames
This story is about two people who have liked each for a long time (but never told one another) and who happen to be in for a long elevator ride. Although I enjoyed hearing the thoughts of both characters, and I understand that the idea of being stuck in an elevator with the guy you love is super romantic, I didn’t really find this story believable. I love the idea of it, but maybe if it had been a bit longer, with more of a backstory on the two characters, I would’ve enjoyed it more.
Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley
This was my absolute favorite out of the bunch. It has a little bit of regret (which we all understand), a little bit of Christmas miracles (which I love) and honest to goodness LOVE (which I adore). The two characters in this story have known each other since they were young, then get separated, then come together again. This story just made me smile, and remember exactly why I love Christmas so much.
Angel on Board by Janet Eaves
This story reminded me a lot of It’s a Wonderful Life, in the sense that here is a man at the end of his rope. He has nowhere to go, and has just completely given up on life. And just when he is about to end it all, he gets saved by an Angel in the form of a little girl – the same age as his daughter. I LOVED this story!
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
This is such a heart-warming story about a woman who desperately needs a new start on life and gets it right before Christmas. In the two weeks before Christmas, her life will change dramatically, and for the better. This story is cheesy (in a good way), romantic, and a great way to end this entire series of Christmas short stories. I loved the Anthology – and again, if you’re like me – go pick it up for yourself. It will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
December 4, 2010
Clare's Review
This is a wonderful book, to curl up by the fireside with on a cold winters night - cocoa in hand, and lights twinkling on the tree. Eight short stories, all set in the couple of days before Christmas overflowing with the magic of the Christmas spirit guaranteed to bring a smile, and a tear to your face.
The book contains:
Second Hand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
Love in a Elevator by Krista Ames
Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Halkley
Angel on Board by Janet Evans
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
Each one rated 4 Tea Cups.
The stories are set in varied locations from a barn to a bus to a mall. Not all romance, and some with endings you don't expect, this anthology sums up the true meaning of Christmas within its pages.
4 Tea Cups!
This is a wonderful book, to curl up by the fireside with on a cold winters night - cocoa in hand, and lights twinkling on the tree. Eight short stories, all set in the couple of days before Christmas overflowing with the magic of the Christmas spirit guaranteed to bring a smile, and a tear to your face.
The book contains:
Second Hand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
Love in a Elevator by Krista Ames
Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Halkley
Angel on Board by Janet Evans
The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
Each one rated 4 Tea Cups.
The stories are set in varied locations from a barn to a bus to a mall. Not all romance, and some with endings you don't expect, this anthology sums up the true meaning of Christmas within its pages.
4 Tea Cups!
December 5, 2010
This is a collection of short stories from some authors at Turquoise Morning Press. Each story is short and and tells a sweet tale for the holidays. Each story reminds us what the season is really about. Not about gifts, but enjoying time with families and forgetting our busy lives for just one day. Each story is the perfect length to fit into any time of day. I think this is an excellent read for anyone who is looking for a good Christmas read and one of these stories (if not all), is bound to capture your heart.
July 7, 2011
Believe is a wonderful collection of stories that will warm your heart and fill you with the Christmas spirit. The magic of love and romance is heightened so much more during the holidays. Among the standout stories in this anthology are 'Concourse Christmas' and 'Second Hand Horses' - both capturing the spirit of the season in the most unique of ways. I highly recommend this book!
February 10, 2011
Well, I'm biased, so my review should be taken with a grain of salt. This collection of sweet, uplifting holiday stories has a little something for everyone. I hope people enjoy it!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews