Member Reviews

While compilations may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no better time to indulge than when Christmas is at our door. Christmas with You is a wonderful mix of holiday stories set in the picturesque town of Friendship MA, where a newcomer is determined to bring love into the lives of five unsuspecting couples. Holiday magic reigns supreme, while some are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and importance of family and friends. I’m sure you will love these delightful stories and the characters within.

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Terrific collection of romantic holiday stories. Not interconnected, really, but set in the same town. Only common thread is a drifter named Gabe. Very low steam - hardly even any kissing, but still quite entertaining. The collection feels like a marathon of Hallmark movies.

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Tis the season to put a little love in your heart and Christmas with You is on the right track to do just that. Fantasy and reality collide with great storytelling and unforgettable romances that warm from the inside out. The best surprises come at the most unexpected of times and whether their years in the making or by chance,these five authors take readers on an irresistible ride.

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Snowflake Inn – Layla is a fashion designer whose latest line was not well received so she ends up in Friendship where she is renting a house from the owner of Snowflake Inn Colin. During her stay they become close as they celebrate the season together but what happens when it is time for her to leave?

Runaway Christmas Bride - After getting stood up at the altar Regina ends up in Friendship where she ends up meeting Emmett, the Sherriff, after a few drinks too many. She ends up staying at his sister’s and with a little help from a matchmaker they enjoy the magic of the season.

Christmas Lights – After the death of her parents Samantha is struggling to find the joy of Christmas even with her sister and nieces. She meets single father Jason and he is determined to show her the joy of the season.

Christmas Encounter – Lauren is tired of going from place to place to find a new person they can take advantage of, all she needs is one more mark and she will be able to leave this life. Jensen is a Formula 1 driver who has just suffered a loss. Will he become her next victim or will he be the reason she changes her ways?

It’s A Wonderful Holiday – Rory and his wife Gwen used to be very happy but now a distance exists between them that is getting harder and harder to bridge. Work is his life which leaves little room for Gwen but will he see the error of his ways before it is too late?

This is a great collection of holiday stories which all have very different storylines but are all set in the magical town of Friendship. This collection will definitely get you in the mood for the holidays. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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Five sweet novellas about couples finding each other in a little town called Friendship, with a little outside help. The five couples each have different circumstances but meet or reconnect during the weeks leading up to Christmas. I enjoyed how the town embraces the holiday season, and the numerous events and fun shops on main street appear in each of the stories. They were sweet and reminded me of Hallmark movies. This book is a nice way to get in the Christmas spirit, and the length of the stories makes them each easy to get through in a sitting.

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Christmas With You is an anthology that includes stories from L.P. Dover, Cindi Madsen, Amy Briggs, R.J. Prescott and Heidi McLaughlin. All the stories are based around the small town of Friendship, Massachusetts and a newcomer in town. So though each story can be read separately of each other, every story was interconnected by the town they lived in.

Snowflake Lane Inn by L.P. Dover gives the local owner of the inn and a famous fashion designer a romance neither saw coming! Runaway Christmas Bride by Cindi Madsen finds a runaway bride getting a second chance she never expected with the local sheriff. Christmas Lights by Amy Briggs gives the meaning of Christmas back a woman visiting family just when she least expects it with the help of single dad and his daughter. It’s A Wonderful Holiday by Heidi McLaughlin was such a sweet and touching story. A couple on the brink of divorce finds the second chance they have longed for.

Each story was unique and gave us couples we could not help but cheer for! I loved each of the stories included. An anthology that celebrates the holidays with stories of love, friends and family. It was sweet and charming.

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Christmas With You: an anthology are heartwarming stories written by fantastic authors.

Christmas With You contains :
Snowflake Lane Inn by LP Dover,
Runaway Christmas Bride by Cindi Madsen ,
Christmas Light by Amy Briggs ,
Christmas Encounter by RJ Prescott ,
It's a Wonderful Holiday by Heidi McLaughlin.

It's a Wonderful Holiday tells the story of Rory Sutton and his family. And it's a bit a heartbreaking one. Rory is about to get divorced from his wife. There is no cheating involved, just everydays struggle, a workaholic, blind to his family' s needs man and a woman at her wits end. There isn't really a villain in this story. Somehow they're all victims. And now it's high time for Rory to open his eyes, beacause it's soon too late.
Heide McLaughlin writes stories like no other author. Her writing is excellent and I and her characters we simply click. Reading her books is like coming home and It's a Wonderful Holiday is no exception. I greatly enjoyed reading this novellas and short stories in this anthology and give 4,5 stars.

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What happens when a group of authors come together and decide to spread the love around Christmas? We get a super sweet collection of people falling in love, finding love again and second chances. Each short story in this collection centers on small town Friendship and a quirky character named Gabe who seems full of the spirit of Christmas. His goal it seems, is to set things right. Drop a hint here and a kind gesture there and smooch two people together who may not have found their way without his help.



I picked this up based on just a couple of the authors, but the whole book was like a little snippit of a holiday movie. Not much heat in this one, but plenty of romance. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Christmas Lights. The whole book is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.



*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.

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Christmas with You is an anthology of 5 stories that all take place in the same town (Friendship, MA) during the same time (Christmas, duh!). Each story has different characters but one connecting person...the mysterious Gabe. None of the stories contain previous characters from the author's work so you can read and enjoy without confusion! Also, all of the stories are low on the heat scale (kissing only)!

Snowflake Lane Inn by L.P. Dover

The owner of a picturesque inn gets a holiday surprise when a well-known fashion designer comes to stay and re-designs his future.

This story was adorably sweet. Layla's last fashion line tanked and she is seeking the solitude of a small town. Colin loves Friendship and falls fast for Layla. The conflict comes from what Layla will do-will she stay in the tiny town or go back to the big city? Its a sweet story with a fun sister and loving family!

4 stars!

Runaway Christmas Bride by Cindi Madsen

Making a new life in Friendship certainly wasn’t the plan, but the spirit of Christmas—along with the rugged local sheriff—leads to a change of heart for this runaway bride.

Poor Regina! Her fiancee dumps her AT the alter. She drives off, desperate to escape the humiliation and ends up in Friendship. The locals feel sorry for her plight and help her get sloppy drunk! The town sheriff happens to walk in and realizes Regina is in no shape to go anywhere. And the only available room? His sister's house. Emmett is a bit of a grumpy sheriff because he has to walk the line between friendship and officer of the law.

4 stars!



Christmas Lights by Amy Briggs

A visitor to Friendship learns the true meaning of Christmas from a single dad and his young daughter.

A single father (literally) runs into a self proclaimed holiday hater. Samantha (great name, BTW) is in Friendship to visit her sister and nieces; however, she is NOT a fan of Christmas. Since Sam and her sister lost their parents, Samantha's holiday spirit is lacking. Jason and his daughter, Emily, however, love the season and living in Friendship. Can Jason convince Samantha that there is still some happiness in Christmas? His 'grand gesture' is VERY swoonworthy!

3 stars!

Christmas Encounter by R.J. Prescott

A famous Formula One driver finds all roads lead to Friendship—and love—this Christmas.

A race car drive and RJ Prescott?! Yes please! If you haven't read The Hurricane, you need to add it to your TBR. Its one of my favorite books. Jensen is a hard partying race car driver who has come to Friendship for the funeral of his father figure. Lauren is the daughter of a con man. She doesn't want to live like that any more and is determined to be a better person. A chance encounter between these two leads to a deep friendship. But, Jensen is only there for the funeral and Lauren doesn't want to hold him back from his life. This story had tears welling up in my eyes for sure. Lauren has such a heartbreaking story! But, this was my favorite story of the anthology for sure!

5 stars

It’s a Wonderful Holiday by Heidi McLaughlin

A workaholic finds just the right Christmas magic to remind him about the most important thing in life: spending time with his wife and family.

Its not often you read romance stories about married couples. Readers tend to like to think after the couple gets together, everything is totally happy. So, this story is a bit like "Its a Wonderful Life" where a man has to see what is right in front of him (PS-Ive never seen Its a Wonderful Life...). Gwen never really wanted a divorce. But she didn't know what else to do. Now its up to Rory to decide if his wife and daughter are worth fighting for. This was the most angsty to me because the couple wasn't in a 'love at first sight' situation. They start the story in a 'our love is done' place and its painful to read. Maybe I struggle with this type of story because I am married and I know how difficult marriage is. Who knows, but for whatever reason, this one was very angsty to me. However, it was still a heartwarming story of love and family.

3 stars

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This anthology definitely got me in the holiday spirit!

These books all share a character that makes you believe in Christmas magic. Even though there were different authors, they each captured Gabe’s voice in the same way. I was so impressed by that.

A couple of these authors are autobuys for me but the others I’ve never read. I loved all of these stories and I can’t wait to check out other work by the new to me authors.

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

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A perfect holiday escape with 5 amazing stories that will pull at your heart strings while building your Christmas spirit. Each story takes place in the town Friendship with different couples. The one strong constant is Gabe, a homeless man that seems to be wise beyond his years providing just the right advice or nudge to our unsuspecting heroes and heroines.

Snowflake Lane by L.P. Dover: Layla is looking for an escape. As a successful fashion designer but when her latest line fails, she needs some place to rejuvenate and recharge her spirit. She rents a house in Friendship and seems to keep crossing paths with Colin. Colin isn’t looking for love and when Layla rents his house, he doesn’t expect much from the fashion designer but finds her down to earth and easy to be around. Will this unlikely pair find love together?

Runaway Christmas Bride by Cindi Madsen: Regina never dreams that when she gets to the end of the aisle, her fiancé says he doesn’t want to marry her. She gets in her car and just drives, ending up in Friendship with no idea what will come next. Emmett carries a lot of weight on his shoulders as sheriff but meeting Regina is a breath of fresh air. Will these two lonely souls be able to heal each other?

Christmas Lights by Amy Briggs: Samantha has lost her Christmas spirit but goes through the motions for her sister and her family. When she meets Jason and his daughter, Emily, there is an unexpected spark that she isn’t expecting. Jason works hard to build a wonderful life for his daughter. He feels a connection to Sam that he didn’t expect. Can Jason help Sam restore her Christmas spirit?

Christmas Encounter by R.J. Prescott: Oh Lauren, she is living a life she dreads. Her father goes from scheme to scheme, moving them to avoid being caught which pushes her to steal or eat from dumpsters. Her latest mark, Jensen, is a smooth-talking Brit that sees beyond her actions to the strong woman inside working to change her path. Jensen is at a fork in the road for his life after losing a dear friend. Will meeting Lauren be the push he needs to take a new direction?

It’s a Wonderful Holiday by Heidi McLaughlin: The desire to provide for his family caused Rory to fade away from his wife and daughter. When Gwen asks him for a divorce, he is shocked. He doesn’t want to lose his family. Will he find a way to show he has changed and will be a present husband and father?
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

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The following 5 stories are all Christmas novellas combined into one book:
Snowflake Lane Inn by L. P. Dover
Runaway Christmas Bride by Cindi Madsen
Christmas Lights by Amy Briggs
Christmas Encounter by R. J. Prescott
It's a Wonderful Holiday by Heidi McLaughlin

I mostly selected this book for the story by Heidi McLaughlin, but after reading that one, I went back to the other 4 stories. If you are looking for a few quick love stories, look no further.
This was a great story!

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A touching, funny Christmas anthology packed full of entertaining, likable characters and great Christmas Romance short stories…. if you love Christmas love stories then you’re sure to enjoy Christmas With You. There is a thread woven through all of these stories that I’ll let you discover, but adds an additional charming feel to this anthology.

I loved every story in Christmas With You… but if I had to pick a favorite it would be It’s a Wonderful Holiday by Heidi McLaughlin. I am a classic Christmas movie buff and never, ever miss a showing of It’s A Wonderful Life… so yeah, that’s the one that grabbed my heart and didn’t let go. You may find a different favorite, but I’m pretty certain that you’ll enjoy each couple’s Christmas adventure.

If you love Christmas Romance, and like me could read them year round, then this is an anthology that you won’t want to miss. It’s definitely going on my re-read shelf (I do have a notebook full of re-read Christmas tales that are on e-books as well as my physical shelf *grin*) to enjoy again next Christmas. Check it out, you’ll find some wonderful Christmas tales to enjoy.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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Loved this compilation of holiday stories from some of my favorite authors. There is Friendship MA, a small town that screams Christmas, a curious meddlesome yet wise matchmaker, a little holiday magic, and five wonderful stories that will warm your heart. I'd give each of these stories 5 holiday stars.

Snowflake Inn - a sweet story of a small town innkeeper and an internationally famous fashion designer. What could they have in common. Sometimes it doesn't matter as long as the heart is all in.

Runaway Bride - A runaway bride, a grumpy sheriff, lots of witty banter, laughs and chemistry make this a very enjoyable story.

Christmas Lights - Samantha would like to skip the holidays all together until she meets single dad Jason and his daughter Emily. They show her what the holidays are about and how to live life again.

Christmas Encounter - Lauren grew up with a con man for a father. It's all she know. Then she meets race car driver Jensen. He didn't have the greatest childhood either but he's found a way to make it on his own. Can he help Lauren find a better life?

It's a Wonderful Holiday - Rory is a workaholic. To the point that it has cost him his wife and daughter. Is there any hope that he can change his ways and get his family back? Maybe a little holiday magic?

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OVERALL RANKING: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars!

Snowflake Lane Inn by LP Dover
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
This was a super cute story. Colin is totally delicious!! Layla isn’t the typical celebrity which was what made it easy to love her, too. I loved the interactions with all of the townspeople and other characters in the story.


Runaway Christmas Bride by Cindi Madsen
5 out of 5 stars
Oh man… this story had a soft smile on my face the whole time and when I finished, I cried happy tears just like you would at any wedding. Super sweet story!!


Christmas Lights by Amy Briggs
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Samantha and Jason are cute together. I love the fact he is so understanding and really gets what she needs better than even her sister (who I almost wanted to punch a time or two while reading). This was a cute story with lots of heart


Christmas Encounter by RJ Prescott
5 out of 5 stars
WOW! This story was perfectly played out. Jenson, the celebrity visiting from out of town, came from a life that wasn’t unlike Lauren’s, the drifter who was staying at the local “roach motel”, but he found his way and I loved how he helped her find her way, too. This was by far my favorite story in the anthology!


It’s a Wonderful Holiday by Heidi McLaughlin
4 out of 5 stars
This was a good story and I enjoyed the second chance aspect. Gwen and Rory fought for their love and it was sweet to watch!

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This was such a nice, warm and comforting book to read for the holiday season. All five (5) authors stuck to the same theme town, Friendship, and Gabriel (a homeless man) shows up in all of the books. He plays a part in finding love and happiness for all of the couples featured in each of these stories. All of the authors put their own spin on the story they told. Because the stories are so short, I don't want to give away what they are about. I enjoyed all of the stories individually, as well as the entire anthology. If you are looking for a Christmas read that features 5 unique authors and stories, then you should not hesitate to purchase this anthology.

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What a great compilation of authors to put you in the Christmas spirit! Overall each story held a special meaning, each other wrote an amazing story! I'd give each individual story 5 stars which in my mind makes this a 25 Christmas star book!!! I hope you enjoy the stories!

Snowflake Lane Inn- L.P. Dover- Loved this story about a guy, Colin, who inherited the Inn from his grandparents. He's renting out his old house to a famous designer, Layla, who's escaping South Carolina after a failed fashion line. She needs inspiration, will she find it in Friendship, MA? Follow their story as vagrant Gabe guides them along! Great characters and story line!

Runaway Christmas Bride- Cindi Madsen- When Regina is at the alter her fiance tells her he doesn't want to marry her. She takes off in her wedding gown and heads out to parts she has no idea! She picks up a hitch hiker, Gabe and he guides her into the story book town of Friendship MA. While at the bar Grumpy's she gets a tad drunk and the town sheriff, Emmett comes in to get her out of there and takes her to his sisters. She ends up staying for a bit, watch as the sparks fly between these two!

Christmas Lights- Amy Briggs- Follow the story of Samantha, she's lost her Christmas spirit. She's spending the holidays with her sister in Friendship MA. While there she meet's Gabe and she befriends him. While getting a coffee for her new friend she runs right into the solid chest of single dad Jason who's immediately taken with her. He see's the dull in her eyes and wonders what he can do to bring the light back into them. With the help of Sams sister and his own daughter Emily, can they once again bring the spirit of Christmas back into Sams life? Follow their story and fall in love with Christmas and the characters!

Christmas Encounter- R.J. Prescott- Meet young girl Lauren, not living the best life thanks to her crime scamming dad as for now they are living out of a hotel room in Friendship, MA. While out in town she meets Gabe and they share a meal and forge a friendship! She just needs one more mark to get her sometime till she secures a real job when she literally bumps into Indy car driver Jensen, in town for a funeral. Jensen didn't have the best childhood either, but he's made a great life for himself. Can he help Lauren lead a good life? Follow their story in this book and enjoy the ride!

It's a Wonderful Holiday- Heidi McLaughlin- Great story about a man, Rory, who's let work dictate his life in Friendship MA, and in that process has lost his family. Follow the story as Rory refuses to give up on his marriage to Gwen. He wants to be there for Gwen & his daughter Ruby. While all three have individual encounters with Gabe, can he help Rory see the light and guide him back to his family? Great story with great characters! Loved it!

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3.5 stars

I don't usually do contemporary romances so this was different for me. The stories are sweet, clean, just a kiss or two. The vast majority had the alternating narrator, which again was new to me and not something I'm that keen on. The stories were well written if a bit bland for my taste. The Christmas flavour present but not cloying. I think people will enjoy them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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A set of lovely heartwarming stories, an enjoyable and entertaining read.
This book is perfect for a winter cozy afternoon, when you want to feel the Christmas spirit and feel good.
It's well written, with a lovely cast of characters.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

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This Christmas anthology of five romances includes a couple of commonalities. The setting is the same small town, and a “angel” named Gabe helps to guide the main characters in all five stories. Each story is short and sweet, if a bit formulaic.

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