Novella

help from Becca’s daughters, they may end up with a happy Christmas after all.

A twist on “The Gift of the Magi”, Becca and Greg each sacriHice what they treasure to get the perfect gift for one another, but by giving up what they treasure, they are unexpectedly set to make the gifts they are getting worthless. This magical fantasy twist on a classic is Hilled with unexpected characters and bits of fairy fun. The real heroes in this story are Becca’s two daughters, Jessie and Tate. At times the story feels disjointed and not a cohesive tale. There is a lot going on with the elf moving and a snowman that keeps having mysterious footprints surrounding it. Not all of the pieces of the story Hit together, and a retelling of the classic or a fantasy novel Hilled with magic would work but the merging of the two feels awkward at times. The characters are easy to like and the relationships feel real and satisfying. A fun sacriHicing tale of family love.

Cara Cieslak

Two Turtle Doves (Twelve Days of Christmas Book 11)

Emily E K Murdoch

HISTORICAL: Joy Fitzroy is sick of people pitying her lack of marriage prospects. It’s not like she can wave a magic wand and make a husband appear, but it seems that the fates have other plans when they bring Gilbert Kitteridge and his daughters to her. It’s hard to miss the heat between them, and Joy is determined not to give in to the man who has wicked thoughts in his mind. Gilbert yearns to know more of Joy, and he fully intends to use every ounce of charm to eventually feel her writhing under him. But she’s not as easy to charm as he Hirst thought, and the widower soon Hinds himself aching for the beautiful Miss Fitzroy and the feel of her body against his.

Emily Murdoch has brought another great historical romance to readers with unforgettable characters all wrapped up in a neat bow with a plot that keeps the pages turning. This is a story of a single dad who has lost his wife and Hinds himself attracted to another woman. There is a lot of sexual tension between the characters, coupled with Joy playing hard to get, and it makes for a fun read. The historical aspects are as always spot on and the dialogue accurate for the time.

“Two Turtle Doves” is another awesome addition to the Twelve Days of Christmas series, and for those who haven’t read the others in the series, take a look! These are standalone stories, and each of them has their own uniqueness in their own way.

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Into the Lyon of Fire: The Lyon's Den Connected World Abigail Bridges

HISTORICAL: Matthew Rydell, newly invested Duke of Embleton resents the title. His mother, Phillida, desperately wants him to wed and produce an heir, which is his duty to the dukedom. His idea of duty is returning to Paris to continue serving under General Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. His brother, Mark, suggests Matthew meet with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. Sarah Ainsworth, Dowager Countess of Crewood, is gambling at the Lyon’s Den. She has thus far been able to win enough to pay the loan she owes Mrs. Dove-Lyon. She realizes the loan can be called at any time, dismayed to Hind today is the day. She does not want to wed again because her last husband was cruel, throwing her into a Hireplace, which scarred her face –and more. She is called into a meeting with Mrs. Dove-Lyon to learn she must pay the remainder of the loan, or wed the Duke of Embleton.

“Into the Lyon of Fire” is a complex story joining two damaged people in a beautiful romance of trust and blooming love. Matthew Rydell and Sarah Ainsworth are admirable characters who go through insurmountable trials to arrive where they are. While this is a tightly written story, it has several loose ends. News from the magistrate is mentioned, but the details are never presented. What becomes of the villain, the new Count of Crewood, is never revealed. The story seems to fall apart at the ending, as it’s rushed and abrupt. World building in this account is believable, and it engages the reader from the beginning. Secondary characters are delightful! Nevertheless, another entertaining tale in the Lyon’s Den Connected World!

Belinda Wilson

Five Golden Rings: A Regency Historical Romance Holiday Tale (Book 8)

Emily EK Murdoch

HISTORICAL: Esther Fitzroy, the peacemaker between her sisters, deHlects another confrontation and resumes reading her book. Even Caroline’s gossip regarding the Duke of Kendal doesn’t pique her interest until Caroline’s husband, Stuart, enters the sitting room with that very man. Jack Kendal sets sights on her like a man notching a bow aiming for a bullseye when he sits beside her and asks about her book. But based on Caroline’s comments, Esther decides Kendal is after her sizable dowry. As a member of Society, she knows the rules of etiquette and decency, but he opens a window to her grownup feelings. Jack lavishes attention on Esther with walks and long conversations. Still concerned his attentions are directed at her money rather than her, Esther decides to pursue him to capture his heart.

Ms. Murdoch develops interesting and relatable characters, each with unique personalities, in this fast-paced holiday romance. The dialogue is snappy and styled in the Regency era. The descriptions of the sisters entertaining and planning for the holidays create the ideal atmosphere. The London marketplace also provides the foundation for the glitter, bustle, sounds, and smells a reader will thoroughly enjoy. The story is hugely anachronistic in the romantic aspects, however, which throws readers out of the story genre. For instance, in that era, a gentleman would never dare take liberties with an innocent young lady under the table at dinner the Hirst time he dines with her family, nor would he then passionately make-out with her later in the same evening right under their noses! Still, Historical Romance readers must consider an evening with this entertaining novella, perhaps sipping a glass of wine, during any season!

Simone Dober

Sleigh Bell Serenade: A Sweet Winter Romance (Winter Wishes Book 2)

Shanna

HatHield

Bowen Jensen is a hard-working rancher and entrepreneur. Keeping his ranch going and his business, Sleigh Bell Tours, running takes up most of his time. Between working and raising his teenage sister, he has no time left for a personal life. But when Juniper Haynes, a successful real estate agent from the closest big city comes into his life in a chance meeting, he suddenly Hinds a desire to make time. Juniper lives in the big city where her life, clients, and friends are. She enjoys visiting her sister’s small town, but she has to be in the city and doesn’t see that changing. Can these two from very different worlds Hind a way to make their lives work together, or will they even be willing to try?

Bowen and Juniper have an instant chemistry that builds throughout the book. Bowen is a caring yet strong hero. Even though he seems to have life Higured out and few Hlaws, he is still relatable, and his character learns and grows as he begins to listen and be willing to compromise – and put his heart on the line. Juniper is driven and hardworking, but her life is very shallow. She lives life in the big city with friends who are cutting and cruel. Once she gets to know Bowen and his sister, Sassy, she learns what is really valuable in life. The plot is very predictable with no surprises, yet is Hilled with charm and opposites attract chemistry. This sweet, classic, romantic read goes straight for the heart.

Cara Cieslak

Shanna HatHield’s “The Christmas Kiss” is a sweet romance set in 1909. Gracy Randall enters the story and sets the pace nicely with good momentum. Gracy almost borders on too perfect, and readers may wonder how she’s remained single for so long since, especially in this era, when young women married young. Cord is well-written as a good father, which begs the question, how can he be attracted so quickly to a woman who berated his son? However, Cord’s consideration of his late wife gives the strong cowboy the soft touch Gracy’s character needs. As the story evolves, believability stirs emotions in the right places, making “The Christmas Kiss” a heartwarming read.

Moira Wolf

Shanna HatHield

HISTORICAL: Gracy Randall arrives home after 6 years of being away. To her surprise, her parents have not only moved out of the family ranch, but they have also sold it! Gracy’s dismay overwhelms her good nature, leaving the new owner, Cord, and his son, bewildered by her rude behavior. Gracy realizes the errors of her ways and quickly apologizes, knowing she was raised better. Determined to keep busy now that she is back home, Gracy cannot settle on work that suits her. Eventually, Cord helps her out, and as fate would have it, becomes her friend. Time allows Gracy to grow more comfortable around Cord, not realizing that by helping him, he may be the answer to her prayers.

Guiding the Grouch

Shanna HatHield

A chance meeting in a Summer Creek diner turns billionaire Gabe Gatlin into Dani Latham’s Christmas project, but it might just be the present they both need for the holidays. When the over the top holiday schedule his sister makes up crosses his desk at the same time as a Hile on a little known property in Summer Creek, Gabe only needs a nudge to run away for the holidays, but his grouchy ways are quickly challenged by the small town with a great deal of Christmas spirit, and by the waitress that has made a home there. Single mom Dani is grateful for the increase in tourists, even one as dismayed by Christmas as Gabe, as they add to providing her son with a stable life. Helping Gabe Hind his own Christmas spirit should be a bit of fun – until he eventually leaves, but she didn’t count on losing her heart in the process.

The epitome of a Christmas Hallmark special in novel form, “Guiding the Grouch” has everything fans of this genre could want. Gabe is handsome, rich, and in need of something more in life. Dani is cheerful, hardworking, and ready to meet Gabe, even if she doesn’t know it. The way Gabe settles into life in Summer Creek, befriending the locals, falling for Dani and her son, and more, all tugs at the reader’s heartstrings and pulls them along for the ride. With minor conHlict mostly tied into his lie of omission, this story is just the right kind of sweet and light to Hill that need for a holiday romance without being too complicated. In plain words, perfect for Hallmark fans.

Sarah E Bradley