Review: A Christmas To Remember
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 28, 2013
***This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***Dream a Little Dream by Jill ShalvisMel and Ian were both likable characters who were good together, but they’d met at a time when they needed different things. But things change, and when their paths cross again six months later, Mel and Ian are given a second chance.This was such a sweet read about how one moment can make you rethink the path your life has taken and what you could have done differently. Mel and Ian had obstacles in their personal life they needed to overcome. Ultimately, it was Ian’s patience with Mel and Mel helping Ian see that it’s not his job to save everyone that allow them to heal.This was my first Jill Shalvis book, and I’ve been wanting to try something of hers. I will definitely be delving into her back list!Every Year by Kristen AshleyAnd that’s how it’s done.I should have know that if anyone’s Christmas story was going to really move me, it would be Kristen Ashley’s.This may have been Shy and Tabby’s little story, but The Christmas Spirit really stole the show in this one. It was such a heart-warming story about restoring that feeling Christmas brings for people who’ve lost it, and in typical KA fashion, she’s done it flawlessly. And with steam! Lord knows how much I love my KA steam!KA fans aren’t going to want to miss out on this one, as she still brings that depth that’s in her longer stories to this one!Silent Night by Hope RamsayWhile I enjoyed this story, I couldn’t help but think it was a bit of a missed opportunity.Both characters had pasts that were quite traumatic, and had they been given a longer story, I think I would have enjoyed it more. Maryanne was quite judgmental. I understand why, to a degree, given her past, but I needed more information in order for her character to become likable. I just never quite got there.I did appreciate the message in the story: no matter how bad you think things are, they could always be worse–and usually are–for someone else.Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas by Molly CannonI thought the concept of this story was cute, but the heroine was too wishy-washy for me and the love scenes were more PG that I prefer. I don’t think there was much depth here, or rhyme or reason to why the her and heroine fell in love.A Family for Christmas by Marilyn PappanoI’m sorry to say this last story just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t feel a connection between the characters; it felt almost like anyone would do for Ilena, and Jared just happened to come along. There was no chemistry between the characters.I do, however, think Jared was very likable and had an interesting backstory.***Overall, this was simply an OK read for me. The only standout in the bunch was Kristen Ashley’s story. I thought that one was a five star read. Jill Shalvis definitely got my attention with her short story, so I’ll definitely be checking more of hers out!