Holiday Hearts and Christmas Miracles: A Collection of Sweet Christmas Romances

I have read all four of these novels, and have loved each one.

Christmas Dreams and Santa Schemes: A gentle holiday love story, this Christmas romance left me with tears in my eyes and a happy smile on my face. The story is well written with humour and all the right ingredients for both Christmas cookies and romance. Apart from trying to survive each day after the death of her husband, young widow, Sarah is trying to ensure that her sons are well provided for, that her family business keeps going and that she can pay her taxes on time. Fortunately, her bad-boy brother-in-law steps into the breach and helps her in the bakery. Watching his large hands mold bread and separate eggs churns Sarah up, making her long to fill the lonely space she is living in. Having received a wake-up call after his motorcycle accident and the death of his brother, Ryan takes his promise to Jamie seriously as he tries to give Sarah the help she needs. It takes an older man to point Ryan in the right direction, but he gets the message. However, it is the Christmas wish list of two serious little boys that really digs deep into his heart and gives Ryan the courage to make the necessary moves. Having read other books set in Gull Harbour, it was enjoyable meeting up with characters from previous novels, making it feel as if it was a reunion with good friends.

The Christmas Baby Bundle: One of the greatest injustices in life is that many women fall pregnant at the drop of a hat and sometimes opt for a termination, whilst others have to pay for invasive procedures in order to have the privilege of holding a baby in their arms. Only someone who has been there can fully appreciate the irony of the situation. In their quest for a baby, Amanda and Connor had lost the spark in their relationship, reducing it to a schedule of making love. My heart ached for Amanda and I felt Connor’s feelings of inadequacy as everything came down to the fertilisation of an egg. It is only when Connor’s life is put in danger that Amanda comes to understand the most important aspect of their relationship. Sometimes, the thing we most wish for can become a stumbling block in our lives.

The Southern Comfort Christmas: Reading this book brought back so many memories of my own Christmas wedding and the invitation for Murphy’s Law to be activated when your plate is already overloaded with things that have to be done before the big deadline! The Southern Comfort Christmas perfectly describes the bringing together of two families from different backgrounds, difficult relatives and last minutes surprises. I felt all of Harper’s frustration and wondered how Cameron could keep his cool in the midst of the turmoil. With 20/20 hindsight one forgets the unpleasant or frustrating problems that arose before the wedding, and you only remember the things that resulted in two families bonding with each other. This delightful story touches the heart and makes one laugh out loud but also brings a tear when rifts are breached and healing takes place.

Christmas with Dr. Darling: A product of her upbringing, Victoria had always been known as the spoilt little rich girl, one who is shallow, self-centered and self-absorbed. However, striking out for independence and to prove her worth, she starts a coffee shop where the people she had previously antagonised start to become friends. Taking more and more risks, Victoria injures herself under embarrassing circumstances and lands up at the clinic where Dr Derek Darling attends to her. Rocking her world, Victoria is determined to find a way to get Dr D. to notice her, which results in her volunteering at his clinic. Much to her own surprise, Victoria discovers herself immersed in duties that would make her mother faint, and what’s more, she is enjoying herself. Having read the previous books in this series, I was delighted to see the transformation of Victoria and the emergence of her kind heart. As a hardworking doctor, Derek has had to fight for the right to care for his patients, and although Victoria unsettles him, he is able to put aside his preconceived ideas and see her for the person she really is. This story touched my heart, encompassing the spirit of Christmas and the miracles of the human heart. The romance in this novel is sweet and fairly low key. Rather there is an emphasis on growing relationships and respect, resulting in bringing people together. It also speaks of finding the true value in the important things in life.

Each of these books is a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I have read three of the four books listed here. These are sweet, clean and charming stories. They remind me of Hallmark movies but in book form. If you want a getaway from the hectic season, then these are perfect for your staycation!

I highly recommend these to anyone.