Review: Christmas Reading
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 6, 2013
This was a cute Christmas story collection by some of my favorite authors.  Included in this collection are excerpts from the author’s other works.In the first story, Melissa has kept men, in particular her firefighter friend with benefits Ian, at a distance, until, one night, during a potential catastrophe where he saves her, she begins to realize that this relationship may be worth pursuing. The story was short and sweet, and, though well written, there just was not the chemistry I would have liked between Ian and Melissa. In the second, Tabby tries to make this Christmas special, a real Christmas, for her beau Shy and his brother, whose pasts do not lend to enjoying a good holiday. I found this story difficult to read and finish, mostly because, for me, there really was no story here. I kept waiting for the story to unfold as I read it, but, the ending came first. Next, Hope Ramsay has put together a heart-warming, touching story about Maryanne, a single mother with a young infant, who arrives in Last Chance at her wits end and almost penniless, to find the family she needs and wants so much.  Instead of the family, however, she lands at a stranger’s house for the holiday, and finds that there still is hope for a good life.  This story was by far the best in the book. Following this, we find Lincoln, a busy accountant, who just doesn’t have time (nor interest) to fix/clean up his house or organize his life, whose mother buys him the Christmas gift of Mrs. Claus, an organizer to put his life on track. I enjoyed this story, and found the plot refreshing and interesting, as Lincoln and the organizer sidestep into a romance as the holidays draw near. Finally, there is the story of recent a war widow, who is as captivated by the new doctor in town as he is with her. The two of them weave their way through holiday preparations and activities to a romance that is both heart-warming and touching.This collection of stories will warm any reader’s heart, and are meant to be read on a cold or even snowy winter afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate in front of a tree and roaring fire.I received this from NetGalley to read and review.