The Gift of Christmas

THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

A book review by Collette Cameron

collettecameron.com

Collette Cameron

An eclectic assortment of twelve holiday stories, I spent two pleasant evenings reading The Gift of Christmas.

Rather like a box of chocolates or an assortment of Christmas cookies, each story offered a tantalizing taste of holiday spirit.

From Susie Slanina’s, Metro’s Mountain Cabin, a simple tale of childhood chums seeking the perfect camping cabin, to Susan Lute’s, A Marine’s Christmas Proposal, a delightful sexy twist on an office romance,  the book kept me turning the pages.

I couldn’t wait to read the next story!

Melissa Yuan’s, The Cancer Christmas, brought tears to my eyes as she shared her personal experience as her father battled cancer. I cheered as the miracle needed to save the family farm came from a wholly unexpected source in Pamela Cowan’s, Christmas Miracles, and Courtney Pierces’s, The Nest, had me grinning at the antics of a ‘special’ guest who arrived for the holidays. 

Readers will sit on the edge of their seats trying to unravel the mystery in Paty Jager’s, Isabella’s Christmas Box, and they’ll shiver in suspense at the paranormal twist Anna Brentwood weaves into The Mermaid’s Treasure.  I fell in love with the characters in Christy Carlyle’s tender love story, Don’t Forget the Mistletoe, and I sighed with satisfaction when I finished reading Judith Ashley’s, First Love.

Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly read anything new and unexpected about the Christmas season, Jane Killick had me reeling with a fabulous twist in Christmas With You, as did Jamie Brazil in Career Conundrum Christmas.

Lastly, Maggie Jaimeson takes the reader all the way to Scotland in The Hogmanay Stranger, for yet, another inspiring tale of selflessness.

The Gift of Christmas contains everything a holiday anthology ought to.  A bit of romance, compassion,  mystery, devotion to family, love surpassing time and physical restraints,  these authors’ talents should be enjoyed with your favorite hot beverage, maybe a tasty treat or two, and tucked beneath a favorite blanket before a blazing fire.

The Gift of Christmas is sure to have something for everyone seeking the Christmas spirit. 

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

GIFTS FROM THE HEART

Romancing the Genres is well-represented in the new Windtree Press anthology, Gifts from the Heart. Three of the nine stories were written by Genre-istas!

Welcome! I'm Judith Ashley, author of The Sacred Women's Circle novels, romantic fiction that honors spiritual practices that nourish the soul and celebrates the path from relationships to romance.

Sarah Raplee writes scary, funny paranormal and steampunk romances. She writes because she can't help it, and it's more fun than most of the alternatives. Her first novel, BLINDSIGHT, will be available in January 2015.

Paranormal Romance Author Diana McCollum weaves time travel, historical and/or fantasy elements into her stories. Her first novella, THE WITCH WITH THE TRIDENT TATTOO, will be available in January 2015.

The three of us are excited to be a part of the latest Windtree Press Anthology!

Rediscover the magic and romance of Valentine’s Day. Heartfelt stories of best friends, lost chances, first love, love renewed, and new love will bring a tear to your eye and a little skip in the beat of your heart.


Empathize with two different widows as they strive to overcome their past and open their hearts to trust again. 

Follow a survivor of the Titanic as she boards another ship and her past and future collide. 

Shiver with the cautionary tale of the prison of love in the legend of Ann’er from the dark world of Thorn. Laugh at the humorous escapades of a young woman led to find love through the questionable assistance of her cat. 

Then finish this volume by relaxing in the fairy-tale world of a little dog who helps a sad and lonely princess learn to accept the unconditional love of pets.“

The Telltale Heart” by Sarah Raplee
How can there be a win-win situation when two young men love the same woman? This story of best friends, lost chances, and found love will bring a tear to your eye and a little skip in the beat of your heart.

Is He the One?” by Judith Ashley
When her best friend and long-time lover proposes, Sophia hesitates to say “yes.” Unable to trust her heart, Sophia analyzes their relationship using Dr. William Glasser’s concept of basic psychological needs. By morning she has her answer.

Saved by the Ring” by Diana McCollum
A soldier leaves for Afghanistan. The love of his life has refused to wait for him. Through war and injury he remains faithful and motivates his recovery with the thought of seeing her one more time.

“Be My Valentine” by Susan Lute 
“Dancing on the Water” by Mercer Addison 
“Heart of a Highlander” by Collette Cameron
“The Flaming Heart of Winter” by Pamela Cowan 
“Matchmaker Cat” by Jane Killick 
“Metro Goes to London” by Susie Slanina

Gifts from the Heart is available in early January 2015! In the meantime, add Gifts from the Heart to your Valentine gift-giving list. We guarantee there is a story to warm the heart of the recipient and maybe garner a kiss or two for the giver!