Four of your favorite contemporary romance authors join festive forces to bring you the fourth-annual Christmas Lights Collection.Kari Trumbo- Merry and Dashing: Merry hates Christmas corporate greed. Jacob loves finding the perfect gift for everyone. When Scrooge and Santa volunteer at a local thrift store together, will the mix be Holly Jolly?Toni Shiloh- I’ll Be Home: What could be worse than … Shiloh- I’ll Be Home: What could be worse than being laid off right before the holidays? For Starr Lewis that would include returning home jobless, single, and, oh yeah, just in time to attend her sister’s wedding on Christmas Eve… to Starr’s ex-boyfriend. In the midst of it all, her brother’s best friend soon has her wondering if she can take another chance on love.
Cathe Swanson- Season of Change: Charlea’s ready to sell Serenity Hill, but Drew is back in town, 15 years after their dream date ended in disaster, helping her mother and daughter turn the old commune into a commercial Christmas wonderland. Between poinsettias and sleigh rides, angst and romance collide in this Christmas second-chance romance!
Chautona Havig- The 12 Dates of Christmas: When Reagan runs into Alex, her high school nemesis, he is stunned to discover that’s how she saw him. It’ll take twelve dates and a lot of forgiveness on both sides to even hope for a Christmassy-ever-after.
Brighten your day with these four lighthearted novellas today!
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If you want to read some relaxing, entertaining, Christmas stories, then grab this set.These wonderful authors will not disappoint you.
Being a set of holiday tales doesn’t mean that disaster doesn’t happen but through it all we are reminded of what’s important. With charming characters that you will love and of course sweet romance, the Christmas spirit is alive and well.
Written in true Hallmark style, I thoroughly enjoyed these. If you like contemporary Christmas stories, then give this one a read. Add a couple of Christmas cookies and a cup of tea and you’ll spend a wonderful evening.
I received a complimentary copy of these books but was not required to leave a review.
I love reading Christmas stories and could read them year round. This collection is perfect for enjoying love, faith and family. Each author has a unique style of writing that shows as they deliver stories that made me smile , laugh and cry. Settle back, get comfy, relax and have fun reading stories that will get you in the Christmas spirit.
Merry and Dashing by Kari Trumbo
From the moment I started reading this story I fell in love with Merry. She isn’t so happy this year as she finds herself all alone for the holidays. I had to laugh when she found out her parents had made other plans. Her mother’s suggestion to volunteer has Merry thinking maybe it would be nice and maybe not. The Thrifty Pumpkin is a perfect place for Merry to share some holiday cheer. Merry has a lot of cheering up to do if she expects to help people at the shop.
Jacob is a wonderful character who is cheery and encourages Merry to volunteer. He has been doing it for ten years and knows the reward you get from being there. I loved reading about the thrift store and all it had to offer. The author reminds us that Christmas is about giving and being a blessing. I don’t think I have really taken the time to think about those without warm coats or even a place to keep warm much. This story excites me to go volunteer and that is just what I will do for the holidays. I need cheering up and what better way than to help others. It’s a lovely story that helps one person understand the true meaning of Christmas while finding joy and love.
I’ll Be Home by Toni Shiloh
Going home for the holidays should be exciting, but for Starr it was bitter sweet. She has a big secret she is trying to hide and there is that little matter of her sister marrying her ex-boyfriend. This is going to be a holiday Starr will never forget. I felt a twinge of sadness for Starr as she has always felt left out in her family. I loved how the author writes Starr with compassion and a need to feel wanted. I know what it is like to feel unwanted by your family. The feeling of rejection is deep and only God can heal that wound.
I loved the author sharing the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. What a beautiful sight that would be. Starr is with her family and an old friend named Waylon enjoying the festivities. I’m not to sure that I liked Angel very much. She is so focused on her wedding that she hasn’t really made Starr feel welcomed. There is tension between them that could cause a big problem. I loved reading about how Starr and Waylon started to have feelings for each other. The author writes a wonderful story with a look at sibling rivalry, forgiveness and a bright future.
Season of Change by Cathe Swanson
Losing everything in a fire has to be devastating. For Charlea she now has to live with her mother while she figures out what to do after the tragic fire. I can’t imagine what it would be like to stand there and see your home as a pile of ashes. I was intrigued where the author would go with this story and see if Charlea could have a better relationship with her mother. I must say Charlea’s mother is quite unique and a bit eccentric in many ways. She has a carefree attitude and I wasn’t sure if she was happy to share her home with Charlea.
I absolutely loved the line Charlea’s mother said; ” You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian.” I have said that many times to people. Just because you carry a bible doesn’t make you a Christian. All these sayings are true. Your actions show if you are a Christian. I am starting to like Charlea’s mom a little more. I found Charlea’s job very fascinating. Helping senior citizens downsize to a better living environment can have its rewards. It also can be heartbreaking seeing people have to give up their home and special items .
I loved reading about Woodstock and thought the author did a great job of including it in the story to remind us of a time in history that will never be forgotten . The story is filled with wonderful information about running a farm and it made me think of my granddad’s farm in Oklahoma. There are wonderful characters in the story and a beautiful example of family coming together in a crisis. The faith element is good and really highlights the importance of trusting God. There are a few surprises in the story and unexpected romances that make this story so inspiring.
12 Dates of Christmas
Reagan has come home for the holidays hoping for relaxation. Thanks to her mother Reagan now has a speaking engagement at the school she attended years ago. I laughed when she ran into her old nemesis Alex. Reagan sure can hold a grudge. She is not the least bit happy to see Alex and demands an apology for the way he treated her in school. I wanted to tell her to get over herself. Has she ever heard the word forgive?
The interactions between Reagan and Alex are classic. I loved reading their banter and especially liked how Alex encouraged Reagan to get out of her comfort zone. She may seem to have it all together, but deep inside is a person screaming with insecurity. The story is fun to read as each date between Alex and Reagan is filled with an apology. Reagan begins to see a different side of Alex as he becomes more important to her. I loved their dates and how the author blends faith into the story that delivers a message about forgiving and believing in yourself. I have to say this story would be perfect as a made for TV movie.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This book collection has been such a delight to read and got me in the Christmas spirit.
It is written by several different authors, and each story will bring a warm feeling to your heart and soul. They were all filled with sweet Christmas moments and messages.
As I started reading this collection, I got into the mood for all things Christmas. It was just what I needed to get into the holiday spirit and now I want to decorate my house!
I highly recommend you pick this collection up; it will bring a smile to your face and warm fuzzies to your heart!
A fun collection of Christmasy romances
My rating is 4.5 stars
Starr’s predicament in I’ll Be Home was quite moving. As the youngest of five children, she had never quite felt she was wanted or belonged. Those feelings were compounded when her sister unapologetically captured the heart of Starr’s boyfriend and was now going to marry him.
I have not read a story by Toni Shiloh that I haven’t enjoyed and that record still holds with this one. I loved Waylon, with his corny lines and huge heart. His care for Starr and the way he fell for her so completely was sweet.
Reagan and Alex were an unlikely match in The 12 Dates of Christmas. Reagan had been so hurt by Alex when they were in high school. Seeing the events that had affected her from both of their perspectives was very interesting and really showed how what we think we see is not necessarily the whole truth.
Reagan’s idea that Alex needed to figure out why she was upset with him was a little childish yet it made sense that she might have done this. It was amazing that in the time they spent together, Alex was able to see past her hurt and began to be attracted to her. Enough to spend time doing research, trying to find out all the many reasons she felt he had wronged her so he could apologize – one apology per date.
If you enjoy light-hearted Christmas stories with a faith message, this is a great collection to read.
Read my review of All is Bright by Kari Trumbo, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, Chautona Havig at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
What sweet Christmas stories! Each story is filled with the possibility of love and happiness. Great to read over and over. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
All is Bright collection
Reading a collection of books gives the reader a chance to find authors new to them. These are some fun stories.
Merry and Dashing by Kari Trumbo
I loved Merry and Jacob story. They meet where Merry is volunteering at the thrift store. I enjoyed reading about the thrift store. Merry is a graphic designer, her company named after cat. Such a cute name if Purrsonality. Her being a graphic designer is a huge part of the story.
I’ll Be Home by Toni Shiloh
Starr goes home for her sisters wedding. Before going home she had just been laid off from her job. She doesn’t know what she is going to do. She has to decide if she is going to find a job back in New York or stay home. I enjoyed Starr and Waylon story. Also enjoyed Starr family, there is a story of forgiveness there.
Season of Change by Cathe Swanson
In this book I enjoyed all the adventures on the farm. It starts out with Charlea Evans losing her home due to a fire. She goes to live with her mom, who is quite the character.
12 dates of Christmas by Chautona Havig
I loved the story of Alex and Reagan. Enjoying their dates and fun they had. Reagan does all kinds of different projects that doesn’t always work like she wants .
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Two of the authors were new to me. All four stories are well done. I will be looking for more by each one.
Wow, what a way to bring in the Christmas spirit. All is Bright will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart. From page one you will be pulled right down holiday lane. Starting with Merry the scrooge, to Starr who loses her job and has to endure the drama of being in her sisters wedding to her ex, Charlea story beings with her house burning down, being forced to live with her hippie mother, and finishing up with Regan, who runs into the boy who made high school, unbearable. What every holiday stories needs is a good hero, and our four hero’s are the perfect Christmas gift. I enjoyed reading All is Bright and recommend it to anyone looking for stories of faith, hope and the Christmas spirit.
All Is Bright is an awesome collection. Each story is filled with romance, hope, and the Christmas spirit. The characters learn life lessons from dealing with unforgiveness to finding their place in the world and in their family. I recommend reading this set.
This is a wonderful collection of Christmas stories! All four stories are full of hope, faith, love and the Christmas spirit. This book will put the joy of Christmas in your heart. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and curl up with this delightful book.
I only read Kari’s book- love her writing
Merry and Dashing by Kari Trumbo.
Christmas was not her favorite time of the year until she met Jacob. The journey Merry took to get her priorities right and to embrace the Reason and love of the season will warm your heart.
A beautiful story of love, God’s love and sacrifice.
I’ll be home by Toni Shiloh.
Leave it to Toni to wrap your heart with love and real life lessons.
A wonderful story of moving forward and trusting God with the outcome of life and with a Christmas theme to make it all the more enjoyable.
The story around Starr and Waylon will keep you glued to this book and bring to mind the precious gift of Christmas.
Season of Change by Cathe Swanson.
Change wasn’t comfortable but Charlea and Drew learnt to go through it together.
A story of second chances and beautiful decisions.
12 dates of Christmas by Chautona Havig
From arch enemies to falling in love. The story of Reagan and Alex will keep you laughing and appreciating the power of forgiveness. Love stories like theirs are always the most interesting to read.
I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.
All is Bright is a festive Christmas collection from 4 talented authors. Fun, romantic and full of Christmas cheer, these stories will help get you in the Christmas spirit.
Just ok.