A Sweet Christmas Romance Collection
Hugs, Kisses and Mistletoe Wishes...a Sweet Christmas Romance Collection. Celebrate the magical holiday season with this special gift straight from our hearts, eight enchanting love stories to cherish all year long. Rekindle your love of the holidays with these heartwarming romances.
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Check out the titles below:
Roxy Boroughs: THE SPRITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
A wisecracking Christmas sprite takes a heartbroken woman on a magical journey to discover the true meaning of love and family, but only if she has the courage to act before it's too late.
S. L. Dickson: MY CHRISTMAS HERO
When a firefighter finds and returns a Christmas sock monkey to its rightful owner, he finds a woman with a zest for life. While the romance sparks, a tragedy occurs. Will they get a second chance? Will a kiss under the Mistletoe fulfill their dreams?
Raine Hughes: LOVE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
Ready to move into their newly purchased home, Jamison Baker and his two young girls discover the previous owner and her female boarders haven't vacated. Until new accommodations can be found for the women their only option is to share the renamed house, Baker's Harem...er, Haven. Jamison can't imagine how he'll live with thirteen females, especially the feisty Kat Madison.
Ellen Jorgy: SAFE IN HIS ARMS AT CHRISTMAS
Mix one scared city girl with one guilt-ridden country boy doctor and you get a recipe for love at Christmas, but hidden agendas emerge that could crush not only their hopes of love but might end Nicole's life as well.
Shelley Kassian: A GENTLEMAN FOR CHRISTMAS
In this Downton Abbey meets Outlander romance, a veterinary surgeon pursues a high society lady at the height of the Christmas season. Differing cultures and a high-class father complicate the romance. Will a carol's song and a horse's Lady Luck make the season brighter?
Katie O'Connor: GINGERBREAD DREAMS
Poppy Holiday needs a new oven for her bakery. Darius Badeaux has a reputation to shed. The only way they can both achieve their dreams is by winning the Annual Gingerbread Baking Competition. Together. Too bad there's a hurtful past hanging between them. Will the season of giving bring them together to build the perfect gingerbread house and salvage their careers, or will the past crush their dreams and their hearts?
Sherile Reilly: A WISH UPON A CHRISTMAS KNIGHT
Orphaned, Melody Blackwell, lives under the control of her selfish uncle who betroths her, for financial gain, to a cruel old man. Cursed for centuries, Samuel Knight is brought to life by the fair Melody. Together, they must fight an ancient curse that threatens to destroy their love and then kill them. Can they survive?
A. M. Westerling: EVEYLN'S BEAU
After a disappointing Season, Lady Evelyn Kendall retreats to Kendall Hall in Cornwall. Her immediate future does not include a husband, although a renewed acquaintance with long-time family friend Oliver Harrington shows promise. When a local vicar offers her an opportunity to organize a Christmas pageant for disadvantaged children, Evelyn accepts, never thinking it would lead to disaster for both her and Oliver.
A Gentleman for Christmas:
November 19, 1905
Stir-it-up Sunday.
Cecily drove the horse-drawn cutter across fields thick with snow, tolerating the change in the weather. The blizzard the day before had blown in a miserable cold, forcing everyone in Essex to seek shelter from the storm. If the temperature hadn’t fallen to a bitter thirty below, Cecily would have paralleled the winter scenery to a Victorian Christmas card: grasslands blanketed with snow, weeping spruces thick with frost, and the odd currant bush sequined with crystallized pearls. She flipped the reins, finding beauty in winter.
“Come on, Cisco,” she said, urging the horse to run, “give us a good trot, will you.”
READ MOREAbigail squirmed on the bench seat, bundled in a thick fur coat and heavy woolen blankets. She shifted closer to her. “I’m glad we brought the blankets. The scenery is pretty, but the frost in the air has me chilled to the bone. The weather’s not fit for man nor beast.”
“What did you expect?” Cecily asked. “It’s the third week of November. Winter arrives whether we like it or not. Sunshine and pleasant weather never last.”
Abigail pouted. “I’m not sure I expected anything.”
“I know you with your visions of sugar plums dancing in your head. You hoped for the impossible, that a warmer than usual fall would never end.”
“Sure, but this is beastly weather. Can you blame me? Who doesn’t love the summer months? You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.”
Cecily tsked her tongue. “I get it…you’re unhappy, the farmers are unhappy, no one wants winter to come. Not even me. Everyone’s complaining that the snow fell too soon. There’s still crops on the fields.”
“Father’s not happy. His new racehorse hasn’t done anything to brighten his spirits. He’s been in a surly mood for days.”
“It wasn’t the expense that upset him. Poor Papa, he’s disappointed racing season is over,” Cecily said, making a face. “Winter always arrives, no matter that one might wish it otherwise.”
“There’s one positive,” Abigail said, glancing longingly at a six-foot spruce. “Winter brings us closer to the magic of Christmas.”
Cecily pondered Abigail’s whimsical expression. The closer they came to Advent the merrier her disposition. Who could blame her? The season imparted tidings of joy: a time of caroling, families gathering, and presents under the tree. Plenty of reasons to celebrate. “Is that why you’re smiling? Or maybe you fancy the Campbell tree?”
Abigail giggled; the wintry cold caused steam to waft from her lips. “It’s a fine tree. A full skirt at the bottom and its branches are nicely rounded to the top. I can imagine what it would look like with a silver garland and lit candles adorning the greenery. I wonder…”
Cecily snapped the reins, her eyebrows rising. “Forget it. It’s not possible.”
“Why not? Logan would give it to us. We only need to ask him.”
Cecily blushed simply from hearing their neighbor’s name, but what was up with Abigail? She knew the procedure for selecting a tree and they were never included in the process. Her sister tried her patience these days, making unusual comments or asking cheeky questions. There was something in her expression that suggested she knew Cecily’s deepest held secret.
“Honestly, Abigail, you have a story hidden inside your head of curls, one that’s dying to come out. I see it in your eyes. I hear it in your laughter.”
Abigail shrugged, smothering a giggle. “You’re imagining things. I’m excited about the holidays. Who wouldn’t be after the first snowfall? We’re traveling to Granny’s house to stir up Christmas pudding. I know it’s cold, but the snow reminds me of my favorite season. Does it not do the same for you? What do you want for Christmas, Cecily?”
What did she want? Logan Campbell came to mind. He’d make a nice gift. Wrapped with a golden tie bow, she’d seek him beneath the mistletoe, hoping for a clandestine kiss, but wanting a gentleman for Christmas seemed improper.
“I haven’t had time to think about it. A new dress or a pair of shoes would suit nicely, though I suspect a pair of socks or mittens might be in the works. I’ve heard mother’s needles clicking at night.”
“It’s not what I thought you’d say,” Abigail said, a whimsical expression on her face.
Cecily glanced at her sister, suspecting an undercurrent of mischief. “Oh, what did you think I’d say? Shoes from Paris? A piece of jewelry? One could only hope.”
“It’s nothing. Forget it.”
But Cecily wasn’t imagining her sister’s odd behavior. Abigail’s persistence caused Cecily to consider gifts that a woman might desire to receive rather than material objects. Her thoughts gave way to Logan Campbell. Again. They’d passed a tree, the spruce belonging to the Campbell family and one handsome son.
He’d caught her attention a few seasons ago when the Campbell family purchased the neighboring land. Given they were of similar age, Logan had attended the same one-room schoolhouse. He had a Scottish heritage and with her customs being English, her father hadn’t supported their friendship. In fact, Papa had not spoken kindly of the Scottish family living near his farm, and that opinion hadn’t changed when Logan became a veterinary surgeon.
He had a reputation as an animal whisperer. Logan could whisper in her ear any day, even on Sundays, but having a skill with animals didn’t matter to Papa. John Carleton was particular about his horses and their care. The ignorance irritated Cecily, and likely had encouraged her feelings to rise to the surface. She’d loved Logan from the start. A woman’s heart sang its own songs and she’d found herself dreaming about the Scottish gentleman.
Had she voiced a sentimental word? Is this why her sister was pestering her?
“Leave off, Abigail,” Cecily said, rounding the corner of the Campbell property. That’s when the man of her dreams came toward them, riding a large draft horse. Cecily urged Cisco to a stop.
“Good morning, lassies,” Logan said, his breath steaming from his lips.
“Hi, Logan,” Cecily said, thinking he’d never looked better. A plaid scarf wrapped around his neck, a Scots bonnet on his head and a gray woolen coat draped across his broad shoulders. A woman could get lost in those hazel eyes. “What brings you out in this miserable weather? It’s an unpleasant day to take a ride.”
“There’s no choice in the matter. A farmer’s animal needs care. Are you driving to your grandmother’s house?”
Cecily drew in a contemplative breath. “Well…it’s time for the yearly stir-it-up. I know the weather’s poor, but we promised to help Granny. Mixing the fruit requires arm strength and Granny hurt her hand recently.”
“Has she seen a doctor?”
“Not to my knowledge, but Mama assures me the burn isn’t serious.”
“I know I’m no more than an animal doctor,” he said, smiling as if he’d told a joke, “but I’d be happy to check on her if you think it’s necessary. Some people don’t like a visit from the local doctor.”
“Kind of you to offer. I’ll let you know,” Cecily said. “Is your mother mixing today?”
Logan glanced in the direction of his homestead, then at her. “Nah, not today. My mother’s been ill. She’s felt poorly for more than a month.”
“We’re sorry to hear it,” Abigail said, nudging Cecily. “Is there anything you need, anything we can do to help?”
Cecily glanced at her sister, wondering why she’d make such an offer. It wasn’t proper.
Logan came closer, his horse meandering to Cecily’s side of the sleigh. “She hasn’t been able to cook. The smell of food spoils her appetite. My brothers and I, well, we’re helpless in the kitchen, yet we’ve done our best to help. Little sister is too young to go near the range.”
“Isla’s four?”
“Yes, still playing with her dolls,” Logan said, staring at her in an appealing way.
Cecily took a deep breath, dreamily staring at his eyes and ginger tendrils of hair that escaped his Scots bonnet. She wanted to help him, but what could she do? Assisting the Campbells could bring on Papa’s wrath, and though her father was a good man, his sternness could be a problem. No one liked him when he was angry.
“We’ll keep your family in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish your mother a speedy recovery.”
“If you’re of a mind to help, maybe we could make a trade. Good trees on this land and lumber’s important this time of year. I could cut a few logs for Mr. Carleton. I could help him with his horses.”
“We saw a tree that would make the perfect trade,” Abigail said.
The comment upset Cecily. Why would her sister make such an offer? “Abigail, don’t be impertinent.”
“Cecily’s not a half bad cook either.” Abigail winked. Logan’s eyebrows rose.
Cecily’s face boiled, flaming with irritation. A response was long in the coming, though she did kick Abigail’s foot. They had servants. She seldom cooked anything. Why was her sister acting out of character?
“I’ll speak to Father,” Cecily said, glancing at her sister, giving her a warning look. “I hope your mother gets better soon, but we won’t keep you. We must be on our way to Granny’s house.”
“Of course, I must leave, too.”
“A good day to you, Logan.”
He stroked his hat, giving her a meaningful look. “Nice to see you, Cecily. You too, Abigail.”
“And you, Logan.” Cecily flipped the reins. “Away we go, Cisco.”
After they travelled a short distance and were out of earshot of Logan, Cecily minded her sister. “What was that about?”
Abigail gave her a pleading look. “You have to help him, Cecily, you’ll never have a better reason to get closer to Logan.”
“What are you talking about?”
Abigail pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. “It’s obvious, Cecily, at least to me. You like Mr. Campbell.”
Why would Abigail say such a thing? Cecily’s brain hurt thinking about it. Yes, she liked Logan, but she wasn’t ready to disclose this information to anyone. Certainly not her sister. “I do not.”
“Yes, you do.”
“What gives you that impression?”
Her face wrinkled into a frown. “Well, there was that night when I had a bad dream, and you let me sleep in your bed.”
“Yes, what of it?”
Cecily waited patiently for an answer. Abigail glanced at her, nibbling at her bottom lip, trying hard to conceal the truth. “You’ve always had a talent for talking in your sleep.”
Cecily’s face heated, despite the cold, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue of pink. “What did you hear?”
“Not much,” Abigail said nervously. “A few silly words and Logan’s name.”
Cecily swallowed, wishing she could escape her embarrassment. “On pain of your life, Abigail, promise me you’ll not tell anyone what you think you’ve heard, not Mother, not Father. I like Logan, but no matter what the heart yearns for, there are practical matters to consider.”
“What could be more practical than love?”
This feeling wasn’t love. This crush on a handsome neighbor bordered on obsession. Cecily couldn’t get him out of her mind. She thought about him constantly. His perfect face, his hazel eyes, his full kissable lips. Talking in her sleep? How could she keep this fixation with Logan to herself?
“Whoa, sister. I don’t have feelings for Logan. We’re not even close friends.” He was only a sweet flirtation in her dreams, a secret crush, and could never be more than that.
Abigail’s eyebrows rose as if questioning her sincerity. “You could love him.”
She certainly wanted a relationship with Logan Campbell. What lady wouldn’t? She’d heard the gossip from the neighbors. Gentle care administered to animals. Respect accorded to people in the community. No matter what anyone said, a relationship with Logan Campbell wasn’t possible. “Father would never permit it.”
“This isn’t England. These fields are coated with milk and honey.”
“These fields are snowed in with hardship and bitter cold.” Cecily laughed, nudging her sister’s arm. “Dear sister, I don’t see it the same way. We may have begun a new life in a new country, but the cultural differences created in our homeland traveled with us across the sea. They separate us, even though Logan and I are neighbors. I would like to help the Campbells, though Father won’t trade anything with a Scot, and that includes his daughter.”
“Cecily, you couldn’t be more wrong. Our father is a giving man, especially when he knows a family is struggling. He’ll help the Campbell family. I know he will.”
“Maybe when he loses his hard head,” Cecily said, sighing. “Let me think about it.”
Though there wasn’t much to consider. Cecily knew her father was strong-willed, and talking about probable scenarios seemed pointless. A man’s opinion wasn’t easily changed. It was best to alter the direction of their conversation.
“Let’s focus on getting to Granny’s house and stirring up a dessert that will remind us of your favorite time of year. Christmas pudding… It requires a bit of arm muscle and a lot of patience. Do you think you have the strength to stir?”
“I’m more than equal to the work.” Abigail gave her a determined look. “I’ll help you stir the pot. A dessert suitable for our family and a certain gentleman.”
COLLAPSEAvid Reader in B.C. on Amazon wrote:This new collection of short stories falls into the everything-you want-to-feel category of romance stories set in the spirit of Christmas. Eight Canadian authors, all romance writers of note, took refuge during the pandemic and supported each other via Zoom meetings, pledging to bring some light and happiness to their fans. HUGS, KISSES AND MISTLETOE WISHES is the result – eight sweet romance stories that the age span of readers from teens to grandmothers will treasure.
As the authors state in the introduction, ‘The collection is described as Straight from our hearts to yours, eight enchanting love stories to enjoy during the holiday season and all year long. Each contains a romantic “mistletoe moment,” and an uplifting, happily-ever-after conclusion.’ The authors are Roxy Burroughs, SL Dickson, Raine Hughes, Ellen Jorgy, Shelley Kassian, Katie O’Connor, Sherile Reilly, and AM Westerling.
Just a touch of how airy these stories can be shows in the initial Christmas Eve story – THE SPRITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Roxy Burroughs – a story that addresses an impending divorce but related in a manner that finds lightness: ‘…Divorce papers. Her name appeared on the document alongside her husband’s. Her soon-to-be ex-husband, Noel. An appropriate name, since they first met during the Christmas season, some twelve years earlier. And everything about this time reminded Faith of him. The word ‘Noël’ popped up in lights on the sides o buildings throughout Seattle, where she worked, and Puyallup, the much smaller city to the south, where she lived. “Noël” appeared in glittery red lettering on Christmas cards. Heck, she’d spent years singing the word in various carols she helped write and perform…’ Then into this atmosphere pops a wise-cracking sprite who provides a different stance and viewpoint.
That contagious spirit shines through each of these fine romances, variations on situations and people and relationships, but all with the consistent theme of valued Christmas spirit. In addition to the story mentioned, the other titles are In Time For Christmas, Safe In His Arms At Christmas, A Gentleman For Christmas, Gingerbread Dreams, A Wish Upon a Christmas Knight, and Evelyn’s Beau. Each story is satisfying – and fine cuddle by the fire ideas. Recommended for all readers – women and men! Grady Harp, November 21
SassyCat on Amazon wrote:Given all the things going on in the world today, especially my little corner (floods, fires and pandemic) this was a great read. Eight stories that give you hope and make you feel good in what is normally a festive, family filled time. Loved it! Should probably note that none of these authors were on my radar before this. It was featured on the page of an author I follow so I took a chance and I'm happy I did.
had the pleasure to read and review two of the stories from this collection, and they were so awesome that I just might have to dive back in for the remaining stories.
A Gentleman for Christmas by Shelley Kassian
This was a terrific story that was engaging the whole way through. The yearning and emotion seeped from the pages and I wanted nothing more than for Cecily and Logan to stand up and fight for what they both wanted. There was plenty afoot to keep me speedily turning page after page, and the transition to miracles made this a truly wonderful story to read. Kassian is a brilliant storyteller and A Gentleman for Christmas yet another showcasing of her talents.
Gingerbread Dreams by Katie O'Connor
This was such a darling story. I loved Poppy and Darius and the way these characters grew together throughout the book. There were hurts to move past and forgiveness to be granted, but I just thoroughly enjoyed the way they navigated through all of it together and with such grace. This was such a feel good story and I would love to revisit these characters again in a future book.