Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Christmas in July

by Vivienne Lorret

If we’re talking about writing collaborations this month, then my vote definitely goes to Christmas anthologies.

Late November of each year, while the holiday music still brings a smile to my heart, I start searching for thick paperback romances with at least three names on the front cover. I love these! Not only do I get the chance to read a favorite author’s work, but new-to-me authors as well.

This part is the most exciting. Discovering a new author, visiting the world she’s created is a gift in itself. Another gift is the magic of those short holiday novellas. So much happens in so few pages—sort of like a calendar of the holidays. If you live in the states, then Halloween blends into Thanksgiving, and then Christmas falls into your lap like a wriggling puppy. And it's just as hard to contain.

Christmas anthologies help me survive the hectic season. Those stories, albeit fast paced, offer the perfect respite. I just grab a cup of tea, open up a book, and zoom! I’ve zipped off to another world, and my worries about budgets, traffic, and scheduling conflicts take second place.

In case you’re like me and enjoy those holiday writing collaborations, I’ve made a list of some really great ones. Happy reading!

Kissing Santa Claus by Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis and Helenkay Dimon

Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell and Kimberly Kincaid

Gifts of Love by Kay Hooper and Lisa Kleypas

Christmas Keepsakes by Mary Balogh, Julia Justiss and Nicola Cornick

Even though this isn’t a Christmas anthology, I love The Lady Most Willing by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway

And most importantly, our very own Judith Ashley and Sarah Raplee, along with Diana McCollum, collaborated on the spellbinding Love & Magick: Mystical Stories of Romance

4 comments:

Sarah Raplee said...

I love those holiday anthologies as well, Vivienne!

Yours has the perfect title: Five Golden Rings!

Judith Ashley said...

Thanks for the shout out, Vivienne!

I love "The Lady Most Willing" and would add "It Happened One Night" with Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D'Alessandro and Candice Hern. One of the stories is set in Winter, not quite Christmas but close.

Unknown said...

Avon chose a catchy title, for sure, Sarah! Five Golden Rings is the best gift out of the entire list from the 12 Days of Christmas song. Personally, I wouldn't even know what to do with 11 Lords a leaping. :)

Unknown said...

Oh yes! I remember that one! I agree, Judith, that is a great anthology, too. :D