Category: Christmas Romance

Christmas Ivy by Joanne Jaytanie

Posted October 17, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Christmas Ivy
Series: Christmas Forever, The Second Season #1
Author: Joanne Jaytanie
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: November 5, 2015
Publisher: Books To Go Now
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Ivy’s always been a part of Christmas; can this Ivy put down roots in Forever Christmas, where the spirit of the holidays never fades?

Ivy Harper is a survivor. Deprived of college by a selfish mother and stuck in a dead-end job that can’t pay the bills, it’s the last straw when she finds herself a crime victim, too. Hoping for a new start, she flees to the big city, only to end up homeless. Her one chance is an intern program that offers a new life on a farm outside a small town. But can a farm job provide Ivy’s artistic soul the security and fulfillment she needs?

Mason Weatherly is exhausted. A leading surgeon, ER doc, and specialist in internal medicine, Dr. Weatherly is in constant demand. Unfortunately his seventeen-hour days and long weeks mean he has no relationship or personal life. Frazzled and desperate for a break, Mason decides to visit his brother, Colton, before Colton settles down. Mason needs to discover for himself how a small town and a tree farm managed to tame his career-driven brother.

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas Ivy. no true spoilers, promise.

A Cotswold Christmas by Kate Hewitt

Posted October 17, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: A Cotswold Christmas
Series: Willoughby Close prequel
Author: Kate Hewitt
Genre: Contemporary Christmas Romance
Published: October 17, 2016
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Welcome to Wychwood-on-Lea… a not-too-quaint village where frosty evenings, welcoming fires, and second chances will make this a Christmas you’ll never forget.

Anna Vere has escaped to the Cotswolds for Christmas to try to heal from her broken engagement and, far worse, her broken dreams. When her reserved room at a bed & breakfast is flooded, she takes up the offer of camping out in Willoughby Close, the converted stables of the nearby manor house… and is taken under the wing of sexy local carpenter Colin Heath.

What starts out as merely helping a neighbor in need turns into far more as Colin and Anna share a surprisingly intense and emotional connection, weaving their own Christmas magic as they spend the holiday together. But Anna has a secret she’s scared to reveal, something that could destroy the fragile bond they’ve just created, and Colin knows she’s only in England for a short time. Can these two sudden soul mates risk their hearts for a love that has yet to be tried and tested?

Read on for my thoughts on A Cotswold Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

Sleigh Bells Ring by Sandra D. Bricker; Barbara J. Scott; Lynette Sowell; Lenora Worth

Posted October 14, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Sleigh Bells Ring
Series: A Novella Collection
Author: Sandra D. Bricker; Barbara J. Scott; Lynette Sowell; Lenora Worth
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 14, 2016
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Never mind a pony. The Tucker girls have inherited their father’s horse farm for Christmas. Make that . . . a run-down horse farm. It needs some serious TLC in order to make it sell-ready. Joanna knows that by recruiting her sisters and one handsome ranch hand they can fix up the place and even celebrate one last Christmas while they’re at it. However, to Isabella, returning to their home in Kentucky bluegrass country for Christmas seems like an impossible hurdle. Can her Chicago boyfriend make life merry and bright again?

One thing’s for sure—nothing is peace on earth for Sophia as a new beau brings up old wounds. And when the fate of the horse farm is put in jeopardy because Amy accidentally fraternizes with the enemy, tensions rise. But it’s not like the land developer stole Christmas . . . just her heart.

Can the Tucker sisters have themselves a merry little Christmas?

Stories in this collection include: All I Want For Christmas by Sandra Bricker, Her Old Kentucky Home by Lynette Sowell, Please Come Home for Christmas by Lenora Worth, I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Barbara J. Scott

Read on for my thoughts on Sleigh Bells Ring. No true spoilers, promise.

By Firelight by Janice Maynard

Posted October 11, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: By Firelight
Series:
Author: Janice Maynard
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: (combined) October 11, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books – Lyrical Shine
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

By Firelight
There’s nothing like nearly freezing to death on the Appalachian Trail to make a woman want to live a little. And when Madison Tierney stumbles upon Grant Monroe’s mountain cabin during a blizzard, she’s gripped by something more than gratitude. Soon, the glow of firelight sparks hot, sweet kisses…and the start of a Christmas adventure she’ll never forget.

Hot Arctic Nights
In North Pole, Alaska, Christmas spirit is everywhere—except in Hallie Prentiss’s heart. At least her two-week stint managing the Dancing Elves B&B will pay the bills. Then she gets a look at long-term guest Daniel Reynolds. Whether dressed as Santa or (even better) wearing next to nothing, the man is gorgeous, charming, and sexy as hell. Workaholic Hallie is tempted to take a walk on the naughty side for once. But when she does, will she ever want to leave?

Previously published as By Firelight in A Very Merry Christmas and Hot Arctic Nights in Wicked Wonderland.

Read on for my thoughts on By Firelight. No true spoilers, promise.

A Christmas Kiss by Elizabeth Mansfield

Posted October 5, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A Christmas Kiss
Series:
Author: Elizabeth Mansfield
Genre: Regency Romance
Published: Original 1970 – reprint October 4, 2016
Publisher: Open Road
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

After defending her virtue by striking the besotted son of her employer, Miss Evalyn Pennington is discharged from her position under a cloud of scandal. With no place to go and no prospects for the coming year, the impoverished governess accepts an invitation from Jamie Everard, heir to an earldom, to spend the holidays at his family’s estate. But Evalyn has barely settled in at Gyllford Manor when she catches the eye of Philip Everard, the fourth Earl of Gyllford—and Jamie’s father.

After his wife died, Philip vowed to never marry again, despite his sister’s best efforts to reintroduce him to London society. Then, his son brings a guest home for Christmas. Is the lovely, intelligent Evalyn the woman to make his footloose son settle down at last? But why does Jamie treat Evalyn in such a cavalier manner? And what is Philip to do about the reigning beauty of London who has set her cap for him—and is about to set in motion a scheme that will have far-reaching consequences for them all?

Read on for my thoughts on A Christmas Kiss. No true spoilers, promise.

Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Posted October 4, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Twelve Days of Christmas
Series:
Author: Debbie Macomber
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Random House – Ballantine
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Friendly and bubbly, Julia Padden likes nearly everyone, but her standoffish neighbor, Cain Maddox, presents a particular challenge. No matter how hard she’s tried to be nice, Cain rudely rebuffs her at every turn, preferring to keep to himself. But when Julia catches Cain stealing her newspaper from the lobby of their apartment building, that’s the last straw. She’s going to break through Cain’s Scrooge-like exterior the only way she knows how: by killing him with kindness.

To track her progress, Julia starts a blog called The Twelve Days of Christmas. Her first attempts to humanize Cain are far from successful. Julia brings him homemade Christmas treats and the disagreeable grinch won’t even accept them. Meanwhile, Julie’s blog becomes an online sensation, as an astonishing number of people start following her adventures. Julia continues to find ways to express kindness and, little by little, chips away at Cain’s gruff façade to reveal the caring man underneath. Unbelievably, Julia feels herself falling for Cain—and she suspects that he may be falling for her as well. But as the popularity of her blog continues to grow, Julia must decide if telling Cain the truth about having chronicled their relationship to the rest of the world is worth risking their chance at love.

Read on for my thoughts on Twelve Days of Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

A New York Love Story by Cassie Rocca

Posted October 2, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A New York Love Story
Series:
Author: Cassie Rocca
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: October 1, 2016
Publisher: Aria
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Giving a present is not always easy. Clover O’Brian knows that only too well: her job consists of helping people in the arduous task of choosing unusual gifts. Christmas is coming, New York is buzzing, and Clover, who has always loved the festive period, savors the atmosphere.

Cade Harrison already has everything in life. A Hollywood actor, he is handsome, rich, famous and popular. Success, however, has its downsides; having just emerged from a disastrous relationship with an actress, he feels a need to hide away in an area unfrequented by stars, in an apartment lent him by a friend, far from prying eyes – especially those of tabloid reporters. But as chance will have it, the apartment in question is right opposite the one occupied by Clover, who until now has seen Hollywood actors only on the big screen. Two quite different lives meet by chance, at the most exhilarating time of year.

Read on for my thoughts on A New York Love Story. No true spoilers, promise.

Holiday In Your Heart by Susan Fox

Posted September 28, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Holiday In Your Heart
Series: Caribou Crossing #7
Author: Susan Fox
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books – Zebra
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

As the holidays approach, the air is filled with the festive sounds of bells chiming and carolers singing. Maribeth Scott loves Christmas, but she’s pretty sure that after years of waiting, Santa isn’t finally going to gift her with Mr. Right. In fact, the only thing she truly wants for Christmas is a baby to love. At thirty-nine, she’s determined to become a mother and she will make it happen, even if she has to do it on her own.

When Mo Kincaid returns to the rustic town after almost twenty years away, he’s seeking redemption from his checkered past. The last thing on his mind is romance, and he’s certain he doesn’t deserve it. But now there’s irresistible Maribeth, showing him the true spirit of Christmas and winning his heart. For the first time in Mo’s life, the future looks bright. Only one thing stands between them: Maribeth’s deep desire for a child and Mo’s conviction that he’s too flawed to be a father. Is his world-weary heart ready to take the ultimate leap of faith?

Titles in this series include: Caribou Crossing, Home On The Range, Gentle On My Mind, Stand By Your Man, Love Me Tender, Love Somebody Like You, Holiday In Your Heart

Read on for my thoughts on Holiday In Your Heart. No true spoilers, promise.

A Christmas Bride by Hope Ramsay

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: A Christmas Bride
Series: Chapel of Love #1
Author: Hope Ramsay
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

A season of hope . . .

‘Tis the season in Shenandoah Falls and the first time Willow Peterson has been home in years. But she’s determined to fulfill the wishes of her recently deceased best friend and restore Eagle Hill Manor to its former glory-all in time to host the perfect holiday wedding. She just has to get the owner of the historic inn to hire her. Unfortunately, that means dealing with Scrooge himself…

After the death of his wife, David Lyndon has a bah-humbug approach to Christmas. But as December counts down and the wedding planning is in full swing, it’s harder and harder to stay immune to the charms of Willow, especially when he sees how much joy she brings his eight-year-old daughter. After a simple kiss under the mistletoe turns into something more, David is hoping he can turn the magic of the holiday season into the love of a lifetime.

Titles in this series include: A Fairytale Bride, A Christmas Bride, A Small Town Bride

Read on for my thoughts on A Christmas Bride. No true spoilers, promise.

That Mistletoe Moment by Cat Johnson, Kate Angell, & Allyson Charles

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: That Mistletoe Moment
Series:
Author: Cat Johnson, Kate Angell, Allyson Charles
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

As the holidays descend, three single women take a thoroughly modern approach to good old-fashioned romance, and wonder if the best—and most complicated—gift of all is just a click, tap, or swipe away…

MADE UP
Like a Christmas miracle, the Build a Boyfriend App lets yousimply input the stats of your dream man, and witty texts, passionate emails, and hot Instagram pics start flooding in. No more awkward questions or pitying looks as you face the holidays alone!

MIXED UP
But even the best technology has its glitches. When real-life emotions come into play, this trio of
twenty-somethings find themselves in a tangle of crossed signals, flying wrapping paper, disastrous Christmas parties…and surprising kisses.

MATCHED UP
Yet despite the confusion of their mistletoe misadventures, when the New Year dawns, these very satisfied women just may find themselves waking up with true love beside them.

Read on for my thoughts on That Mistletoe Moment. No true spoilers, promise.

A Kiss At Christmastide by Christina McKnight

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: A Kiss At Christmastide
Series:
Author: Christina McKnight
Genre: Regency Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: La Loma Elite Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Lady Pippa Godfrey has suffered the most ruinous London Season. She escapes to her Somerset estate for a quiet Christmastide holiday with her family, away from society’s prying eyes. But before her parents can join her, a storm crashes down on Somerset to destroy any hope of Pippa’s white Christmas dream. The roads have flooded and travel is impossible, leaving her stranded and alone. But a muddied, angry and devilishly handsome lord appears at her door demanding shelter.

Lucas Hartfeld, the Earl of Maddox, has been summoned by his parents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Bowmont, to attend a holiday party in the wilds of the country, far from his London townhouse. He suspects they command his attendance for far different reasons than a simple country party. When a storm strands his carriage, he’s forced to seek shelter at the only home for miles around, a local manor called Helton House.

When Lady Pippa is reluctant to admit him, he does what he’s been raised to do—demand she provide him and his servants with shelter until the storm passes. But the beautiful woman draws his interest far more than he’s willing to admit. Can Lucas find a way out of the predicament his parents are planning?

As Lady Pippa scrutinizes another arrogant, demanding lord, she is bombarded with memories of betrayals in her past. Can she forget those difficult life lessons to claim a Christmastide kiss from a perfect stranger?

Read on for my thoughts on A Kiss At Christmastide. No true spoilers, promise.

We Need A Little Christmas by Sierra Donovan

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: We Need A Little Christmas
Series: Evergreen Lane #2
Author: Sierra Donovan
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Kensington Books – Zebra
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

With its festive Snowed Inn and year-round Christmas store, the pretty town of Tall Pine knows how to do the holidays right. But this year, Liv Tomblyn’s homecoming trip may be bittersweet. Liv’s grandmother died soon after Thanksgiving, leaving a lifetime of belongings to sort through. Soon Liv is surrounded by memories, including a retro silver Christmas tree. And there’s Liv’s old friend Scott Leroux—the one-time class clown who’s become the town’s go-to handyman.

Scott enjoyed helping Liv’s Nammy with little fix-it jobs in recent years, but now he’s wondering if the crafty grandma had a much larger project in mind. Everything—from Nammy’s mysteriously malfunctioning heater to that silver tree—seems to be conspiring to throw Liv and Scott together. Not that Scott objects. For though Liv insists she’ll leave Tall Pine when the holidays are over, he’s hoping their holiday kisses might thaw her resolve and make this Christmas truly unforgettable…

Titles in this series include: Do You Believe In Santa?, We Need A Little Christmas

Read on for my thoughts on We Need A Little Christmas. No true spoilers, promise.

Christmas Comes To Main Street by Olivia Miles

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Title: Christmas Comes To Main Street
Series: Briar Creek #5
Author: Olivia Miles
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The mistletoe is out, and the gloves are off . . .

‘Tis the worst season to be single, but Kara Hastings won’t let a little Christmas funk spoil the festive season. Sure, running her own bakery is a little harder than she expected, but she can handle it. And she’ll prove it to a certain infuriatingly handsome, bossy Big City guy. She may be sugar and spice, but she can kick his butt twice.

Nate Griffin is in Briar Creek only for the holidays, and he refuses to fall for the whole “small town, candy cane-scented Christmas Wonderland” thing. He’s more interested in the fresh-faced cookie chef who always knows exactly how to get under his skin. So when Nate challenges Kara in the town’s big holiday contest, it’s not just the competition that starts to heat up. If he’s not careful, Kara won’t just melt his icy resolve against a small-town Christmas . . . she’ll melt his heart too.

Titles in this series include: Mistletoe on Main Street, A Match Made on Main Street, Hope Springs on Main Street, Love Blooms on Main Street, Christmas Comes To Main Street

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas Comes to Main Street. No true spoilers, promise.

Christmas Is Coming To Your Kindle

Posted September 27, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

christmas-orniment It’s one of the most beautiful times of the year. And with the release of several fabulous Christmas Romances today, the season for those of us who love a good Christmas tale is about to begin.

While the Christmas decorations might not have made it to all the stores just yet – the Christmas Romances are happening now.

I freely admit to being addicted to Christmas Romance in all genre. So, you’ll be seeing a lot of them here over the coming weeks. On October 1st I’ll be launching a Christmas Romance genre specific blog that brings Christmas to us all year long – since I have tons of stories on my shelves both physical and virtual.

So – get ready – it’s time for a little Christmas!

Twelve’s Drummer Dying by Gemma Halliday

Posted January 5, 2016 by Marsha in Christmas Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Twelve’s Drummer Dying
Series: 12 Days of Christmas #12
Author: Gemma Halliday
Genre: Christmas Romance
Published: December 4, 2013
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 snowy stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Rock Star Becomes Reindeer Road Kill

Visions of sensational headlines, not sugarplums, dance in LA Informer columnist Tina Bender’s head this holiday season.

When the drummer for ’80s hair-metal band Twelve falls from the top of a holiday parade float and gets trampled to death by eight not-so-tiny reindeer, Tina scoops the story of the year! But was the fall an accident or something more sinister? Was the drummer’s jilted lover involved, or his newly discovered son? And what does the snowman have to do with it? Crack tabloid reporter Tina’s on the case—determined to find out who’s been naughty and who’s been downright lethal.

Read on for my thoughts on Twelve’s Drummer Dying. No true spoilers, promise.