The Gifts of Christmas: A Handful of Gold/ A Drop of Frankincense/ A Touch of Myrrh
Travel to historic England in stories linked by gold, frankincense and myrrh--the gifts of the Magi.A Handful of Goldtakes the reader to Regency England, a period for which author Mary Balogh is well known and universally loved. Here, handsome Julian Dare opts to spend his Christmas holiday in one last sensual fling before acceding to his family's wish to see him married.  But the beautiful woman he asks to accompany him, Verity Ewing, turns out to be not only virginal but romantically irresistible and Julian's holiday has unexpected results.In Merline Lovelace'sA Drop of Frankincense, a marriage of convenience becomes a truly passionate relationship when beautiful and daring Lady Margaret tricks Sir Christopher into a night of lovemaking.  The unforgettable hours spent in each other's arms have heavy consequences, earning the displeasure of Queen Elizabeth and endangering both their lives.A Touch of Myrrhby Suzanne Barclay finds Lord William Sommerville, a knight who has vowed never to love again, irresistibly drawn to mesmerizing Rosemary Bainbridge.  But Rosemary has ruthless enemies and before William can save her, he must first solve a riddle and face the darkness in his own heart.These wonderful stories are equally strong, warm, and well written, while remaining uniquely individual. If you haven't already had the pleasure of reading the authors included here,The Gifts of Christmasis a lovely way to sample their writing styles.--Lois Faye Dyer