Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Holiday!! Tweet tweet!!



Imagine me sitting here singing Madonna’s “Holiday” while writing this post… *grin*

Here’s a funny thing (other than the cats howling at my singing), for the most part I don’t read holiday-themed romances. So when pressed for a review of my favorite holiday-themed read, my heart sunk. I do not even write holiday-themed romances! Was I really that cloistered in the overall romance genre, to have never thought of writing a romantic holiday story? Perhaps. But before you say I’m a Scrooge and muttering “bah, humbug!” repeatedly here, I really do like the holidays.

So I got to work, looking through my books, and thinking about the various holiday-themed stories I’d read over the years, and realized the ones I have read are by either Linda Howard (my favorite author) or Jude Devereaux. Huh. I must buy them because I like the authors, not because I like holiday-themed romances. Both authors have penned several holiday-themed romances, all of which are excellent.

Anyhow… my favorite holiday-themed read is by Linda Howard, a novella titled "Bluebird Winter". There are many reasons I gravitate to this story, other than it being Ms. Howard: it is a novella around 100 pages (quick to read) that references characters from several earlier full-length books, the most notable being "Sarah’s Child" (provides excellent tidbit epilogues to those other books). We see a younger Derek in the earlier books and it was nice to finally see his story.

Here is the back cover blurb:

“Kathleen Fields had to reach the clinic, but a Christmas blizzard left her stranded without hope for her life – or her unborn baby’s. Then Derek Taliferro arrived with his doctor’s skill, his caring heart. Together they brought Kathleen’s child into the world and discovered love, the greatest gift of all.”

The story is sweet, gentle, and heart-warming. Even though it was published in 1987, this is still one of my all-time favorite reads, holiday or not. The only wish I have is that I wish the story were full-length. However, it does span about two months of time and has a very nice happily-ever-after ending. While some people may say it is too sweet, too trite, I do not. I enjoy a sweet story that warms my heart, and this one does.

This is one book that has remained on my bookshelf, and will continue to stay, for we can only wish that our lives have such an outcome, can’t we? And maybe, just maybe, I’ll write that holiday-themed romance this year.

Now back to that serenade…

© SamMarie Ashe 2011 All Rights Reserved

10 comments:

Diana McCollum said...

"Bluebird Winter" sounds like a story I'd like to read. Anything with Bluebird in or on I am drawn to.

Every house I've lived in I have the "Blue Bird of Happiness" represented somewhere.

Singing holiday music is so up lifting, (what do the cats know anyway?).

Have a joyous Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Judith Ashley said...

Hi Sami,

I'm not sure I've ever read Linda Howard (I have read Jude Devereaux) but 'Bluebird Winter' seems like a great read. Thanks for telling us about it.

Do the cats join in and sing along with you? We had a dog once who did. Made for some interesting harmonies .

Laurie Ryan said...

I love stories that I know I won't ever eliminate from my bookshelf. I also love holiday romances. Until this year, I've never tried to write one, though. I now know they're as satisfying to write as to read. So I recommend giving it a try.
Best of luck! Maybe next year, you'll be promo'ing your own holiday story? :)

Anonymous said...

Ive not read 'Bluebird Winter'; will have to. Im such a sucker for REreading all the Holiday classics during this time of year: "Christmas Carol", "The Gift of the Magi". Love those.

LOL on the kitties joining the chorus!

Holiday Hugs, Kari Thomas, www.authorkari.com

SamMarie Ashe said...

Thank you all for the comments! Yes, one of the cats will sing with me, it's fairly funny. She howls along, I sing. *grin*

I love that "Bluebird Winter" is fairly timeless. Even though it was written a while ago, what happens in that story can happen today.

Happy holidays everyone, and thank you so much for stopping by RTG! *smiles brightly*

Paty Jager said...

Sounds like a heartwarming holiday read!

SamMarie Ashe said...

Thanks Paty! It's sweet and short and yes, it's heartwarming. I love that any time of year. Happy Holidays!!
-Sam

Kat Fort said...

Sounds like a great story! Will have to pick it up.

Sarah Raplee said...

I remember reading this story when it came out! I love it!

Sweet stories continue to appeal to readers because they are uplifting, and they represent many of our own experiences with the sweet side of love.

Thanks for reminding me of this story!

Margaret Tanner said...

Bluebird Winter, even the title is enchanting. I certainly think there is a place for sweet romance. There are very few readers who don't like a happily ever after ending.

Regards

Margaret