Perfect bite sized pieces of holiday cheer with fewer calories, but always better when accompanied by a Christmas treat.

A very good collection of stories. Interesting storylines. I sometimes enjoy a short story when time is tight. This was a good collection for just that.

What’s better then one Christmas book? How about four short stories? Each of these in such a short amount of time create the perfect Christmas story and I loved them all. I was hooked with each of three stories and in such few pages the authors created a Christmas atmosphere that has me ready for the holiday season!

Three Books in one volume. All about Christmas and what is Happening. Some Strange things, some cruel but always romance between two People, who at the end find love and get what they Deserteure.

Unfortunately, three out of four of these stories were DNFs for me. I gave each of them a few chapters, but they weren’t holding my interest so I decided to move on.

The story I completed was AJ Pine’s Christmas Cowboy at Heart. I’ve been a fan of AJ’s books since her debut but I’ve only read one of her cowboy books. I enjoyed this second-chance-at-love story about Dani and Peyton, who knew each other in high school and both had what they thought were unrequited crushes on each other. As adults, Dani is the Deputy Sheriff in Meadow Valley, while Peyton, who’s recently returned to town, is the new Mayor. They’re forced to work together at Christmas, and Dani is determined to change Peyton’s grinchy ways for the benefit of the town.

I enjoyed getting to know Dani and Peyton and thought they were great characters. They’d both been through things that affected how they viewed the holidays and also how they viewed love. Their banter and chemistry made their interactions fun, romantic, and touching. I’ll definitely check out more of the Meadow Valley books in the new year.

I'd give Christmas Cowboy at Heart 4 stars, but since I didn't complete the other books because I wasn't enjoying them, I'm giving the collection 3 stars.

Merry Christmas! Have the presents been opened and dinner is all prepared? Then it is time to sit back and relax with one more Christmas book before the season ends. A Little Country Christmas is a collection of four holiday stories that will entertain you.

I'm a slow reader but I was able to read each short story in a day (while also preparing for Christmas) so depending on the distractions left in your day you might be able to read one or more of these stories today.

It opens with Carolyn Brown's The Perfect Christmas. I had read one book by Brown (The Magnolia Inn) and found it charming. She is the only author in this collection that I was familiar with. Her story is part of a larger series which I haven't read but it did matter for this story. Cowboy Landon Griffin wants to make sure single mom Dixie and her daughter have a perfect Christmas. He has it all planned - cutting down a Christmas tree for them to decorate with homemade ornaments, building a snowman, a holiday light show, and, of course, a visit with old St. Nick. Dixie, who has never really had a Christmas, is falling for Landon. The only problem is he is planning to leave for another ranch in the New Year. She's just started to put down roots and doesn't want to leave.

It is your predictable Christmas story but it was still enjoyable and is filled with sweet moments. I felt that Landon should have been honest with Dixie that he still wasn't planning on staying on the ranch past the summer but otherwise it is a feel-good story. Perfect for a quiet afternoon reading during the chaos of Christmas Day.

The next story Cowboy Christmas Heart by A.J. Pine is definitely Hallmark movie worthy. City slicker Cooper has returned to his hometown after losing his job in Chicago, putting his political aspirations in jeopardy. Conveniently, there is an election for mayor going on and he wins. He truly wants to improve the town, which isn't in the best fiscal situation. Since Christmas is a holiday he rather forget, he all but bans the town's annual holiday lights parade. Will his high school crush Daniela bring the joy of the season back into his life?

This story was probably my second favorite story in the collection. It's sweet and fun, but super predictable. Still, I loved the characters and the town.

The third story, Home for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers, didn't really feel like a Christmas story though it is set between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was also more romance than I care for. Iris is expecting to enjoy the holidays with friends and family. But when she goes out for Ladies Night at the local bar, where she is hoping to meet Mr. Right Now, she doesn't expect to find Mr. Forever. To complicate matters her Mr. Right is the brother of her best friend, home from the military. Collier has a few demons and given Iris's past, it might not allow for a relationship.

I did like that this story featured characters of color. I just wish it had been more Christmasy and less focused on Iris and Collier taking a roll in the hay.

My favorite story of the collection was Joy to the World by Hope Ramsay (Joy to the World also happens to be my favorite Christmas carol). The local charity Christmas Chorale is in desperate need of a director after the one who usually directs suffers a stroke. Brenda doesn't mind everyone else making merry and bright but she rather just be left alone to sulk about her losses. Her pain runs deep and Doc Killough, who is tasked with enlisting he to direct, knows a thing or two about loss and pain during the holidays. But instead of hanging back to lick his wounds, he embraces all the joy the season has to offer. Can he help cure Brenda of her "Christmasitis"?

I loved that this story had older protagonists. Brenda and Jim are in their fifties. Christmas magic is definitely on display in this story and it was a great story to end the collection with. I was left feeling satisfied with a terrific Christmas story, but wanting to see more of the character.

Overall, this collection is filled with sweet, quick reads. So grab yourself a copy and curl up in a comfy chair with a cozy blanket and maybe a plate of Christmas cookies.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday, Dec. 25 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2020/12/A-Little-Country-Christmas.html

This is a good collection of Christmas themed stories to read during a busy holiday season. Each has characters you’ll enjoy and interesting settings, Each story can be enjoyed on its own without having read the others. The authors did a great job writing and putting this one together..

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Keep the tissues close by as you are reading A LITTLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS. These authors will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to all of these characters. All of the characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.

Just because A LITTLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is four novellas doesn’t mean you will feel cheated. Each story is just the perfect length to meet and care for each character. If you have never read any of these authors, this book would make a perfect introduction to the reader. Each story involves a Christmas tale that is sure to pull at your heart strings. A LITTLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is a cute holiday collection that is sure to appeal to the country romance reader’s heart. Get comfortable in your favorite chair and be ready to be totally entertained by these four wonderful authors.

A LITTLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is without a doubt one of the best collection of novellas I’ve read in 2020 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. All of these authors really know how to write about family drama, heartbreak, the holiday spirit, and forgiveness. These stories will surely get you in the Christmas spirit if you aren’t already!🎄 I can not wait to read more stories by them. All four are among my favorite fiction authors and these novellas are exactly why.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*** I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

I adored this collection of Christmas stories! I'm also excited to have found some new-to-me authors (the only author here that I have previously read anything from is Carolyn Brown). Each of the four stories contained in A Little Country Christmas had likable characters, perfect holiday settings, and they are all well written. I really liked each story, but my favorite of this collection is Home for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers. A Little Country Christmas is just a great book to get you in the holiday mood with a little romance and magic. I highly recommend this collection of Christmas stories.

Heartwarming family and romance, simple pleasures, and the holiday season make for a splendid comfy read in preparation of the season. Four stellar authors delivered a bounty of holiday cheer in their novellas.
Review

Carolyn Brown’s The Perfect Christmas is the adorably country charmer finishing off the Longhorn Canyon series with a follow up romance for two side characters from an earlier book. Landon has an itchy boot that feels the need to roam, but single mom Dixie and her little girl Sally hope to give him a reason to stay put after a series of holiday encounters meant to give them all their first real Christmas.

It’s back to Magnolia Bay in Hope Ramsay’s Joy to the World when private grinch, music instructor, Brenda agrees to take on directing the town Christmas chorale with Christmas’ biggest fan, Dr. James Killough as her music accompanist. Can a bit of holiday magic heal her from her past?

My sweet tooth was touched when Iris, a pastry chef spends Christmas with her friend’s family on Cavanagh Island and encounters a delicious guest all the way from Afghanistan in Rochelle Alers’ Home for the Holidays. Can a holiday romance lead to forever love?

And, then AJ Pine to Meadow Valley in A Christmas Cowboy at Heart just in time for Deputy Sheriff Dani to convince their new mayor who is her old crush and something of a grinch that the Light Parade must go on as an important town Christmas tradition and love is a big part of Christmas’ joy.

All four authors chose to write stories in the world of their respective series (Longhorn Ranch, Magnolia Bay, Cavanaugh Island, and Meadow Valley), but they are all stories that easily stood alone so newcomers or old fans can all appreciate them.

I have read books by three of the four authors so I was prepared for what I was going to get in this delightful anthology. The stories were all laid back even gently-paced in ways depicting the right tone for the book’s themes. I got comfortable and easily settled into each story. I liked that there was a nice variety created by writing style, but also the variety in the various holiday romance situations though there was a cohesiveness so no one’s story felt wrong for the book. I needed the light charm that didn’t dig too deep emotionally or force me to focus too hard to match my mood and they were great because I was able to pick them up in separate readings between tasks and chores and still get a whole, well-developed story.

Usually, I can pick out stories in anthologies that were better or more suited to me than others, but this was a foursome that I felt were equals and all grabbed my attention about the same. Definitely a holiday anthology that I would eagerly press on other contemporary romance fans to try.

I rec’d this book through Net Galley from Forever to read in exchange for an honest review.

A Little Country Christmas was an enjoyable collection of holiday romances covering a variety of tropes.

Overall average rating — 3 Stars


The Perfect Christmas by Carolyn Brown — 2 Stars

Cowboy Landon Griffin fell for single mom Dixie Boudreaux the minute he saw her. And after he finds out Dixie hasn't experienced many of his favorite Christmas pastimes, he makes it his mission to give Dixie and her little girl the perfect holiday season. I knew going into this story that I probably wouldn't love it as I typically do not enjoy romances where one of the main characters has a baby. And while I loved the idea of Landon showing Dixie some of his favorite Christmas activities, unfortunately a large number of those activities are centered around Sally, Dixie's little girl. So in this case, it was only due to my own preferences that I did not enjoy this story and if you're someone who likes babies in your romances then this story would definitely be more up your alley.


Cowboy Christmas at Heart by A.J. Pine — 3 Stars

Deputy Sheriff Daniela Garcia loves her hometown's traditions with her favorite being the Meadow Valley Holiday Light Parade which she plans for the sheriff's office to win this year. But Meadow Valley's new mayor plans to get rid of the event if Dani can't change his mind. I enjoyed this story, particularly the character of Dani. She's smart, great at her job, and speaks her mind. Unfortunately I didn't love the hero of the story, Peyton Cooper. He initially comes across as someone who thinks he's better than the small town's other residents which didn't endear him to me. He did get better as the story goes on, but due to the shortness of the story there wasn't enough time for me to overcome my initial feelings on him. But overall this was a cute story and I will be checking out more from the author in the future.


Home for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers — 3 Stars

Iris Nelson is looking forward to spending her first holiday season on Cavanaugh Island. She wasn't expecting to start a romance with her best friend's brother, on leave from Afghanistan. Iris is a fantastic character and I loved her relationships with her family and best friend. She works as a pastry chef and listening to her describe food definitely made me hungry, the descriptions were so well done. Collier, the love interest, was an intriguing character. He's on leave from the Army and has been dealing with PTSD for several months. My only issue with the story is that I wasn't completely sold on the pair's romance as I felt physical chemistry between the pair was lacking. Overall though this was a cute story and I would be interested in picking up something else by this author in the future.


Joy to the World by Hope Ramsay — 4 Stars

Brenda McMillan has hated Christmas for over thirty years so when she's asked to fill in for the director of the Magnolia Harbor Christmas Chorale, her answer is an emphatic no. But Dr. James Killough refuses to take no for an answer. This story features a romance between an older couple and was my favorite story in the collection. Brenda has experienced a lot of loss at Christmastime and dislikes the holiday as a result. Jim lost his wife on Christmas day but took the opposite path as Brenda and tries to make it a happy time of year. Despite their opposite views on Christmas, the pair have a lot in common including their shared love of music. I really enjoyed how the author was able to slowly build their romance despite the short length of the story. Overall I really enjoyed the story and I highly recommend it. I will definitely be picking up more from the author in the future.

A Country Christmas started incredibly strong with the first two stories- I seriously wished they were each their own standalone longer books. The characters were completely loveable, relatable and had perfect endings.

Unfortunately the next stories fell completely flat for me.

The book does have something for everyone, and spans a lot of romance genres.

This is a lovely collection of short Christmas stories. I enjoyed each of the stories. It's the perfect dose of holiday cheer! Recommended!

If you are looking for something to get you in the christmas spirit look no further. Such sweet, heartbreaking, uplifting moments go throughout the book. There are grinches, scroogy types of course. There are sweet romance going on with a little bit of steam. I loved seeing the christmas theme throughout the book and love that it didn't take long to get though each of them. So if you are the busy sort and want a little holiday cheer just check out this book. Overall pretty great book, defiantly great for holiday cheer to get you in the spirit. Now excuse me while I cut this review short to decorate and put some holiday music because this got me in that mood a bit early.

This is a lovely set of 4 mini stories all having to do with romance around Christmastime in small countryside towns.

The general theme is that there's one person who has experienced some form of loss or abandonment who is not a fan of the holidays, but then they meet someone who changes it for them. It could be a touch cheesy but I personally love a little cheese now and then.

I highly recommend this as a heartwarming read around the holidays. The only way I could've enjoyed this more was if I read it closer to Christmastime.

4.5/5 rounded up to 5.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the eGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks netgalley for an early copy! I love how there were different stories in one book. each story was fabulously written. This is a first for me for all these authors, so I’m excited to read their other books as well!

A Little Country Christmas is a nice way to begin the holiday season sitting in a nice cozy room that has a large window, drinking a large cup of hot tea with a lemon wedge mixed with honey.
A.J. Pine, Hope Ramsey, Carolyn Brown are new authors to me and do look forward to reading other books by the authors.

A Little Country Christmas is a nice way to begin the holiday season. I’m a big fan of novellas but some are rather short and rushed leaving out so much that a full novel would give but all the same there four Christmas novellas get you into the Christmas spirit. I would’ve love for these novellas to have been more than 100 pages.

All four novellas are great with small Christmas romance. They are standalones but it was great to read one after the other. I especially love reading about Armed Forces, older couple, high school reconnections, bad Christmas memories.

Hope Ramsey - Joy To The World, Older couple novella. Brenda is having a time with Christmases because of bad experiences but in walks Jim and Christmases are great again.

Rochelle Alers – Collier is in the armed forces and home for the holiday and meets Iris his sister’s best friend the bar that he is a partner. They have a one-night stand and meet up later pretending to know each other at his sister’s home. Collier is special ops in the armed forces and suffers from PSTD. Iris was in an abusive relationship and recovering rather well. Iris and Collier are in bed sleeping and memories return about her Iris’s abusive past and Collier’s time on special ops assignments.

A.J. Pine – Cowboy Christmas at Heart – Dani and Peyton know each from high school. Peyton returns to his home after losing his job in Chicago and is not into Christmas traditions but Dani has other plans that will get him into the Christmas spirit.

Carolyn Brown – The Perfect Christmas. Landon, Dixie’s toddler daughter Sally, there is a previous book about the couple that picks up with “The Perfect Christmas” great HEA.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me a ARC of "A Little Country Christmas".

The book was alright. Some of the authors I have haven't had the pleasure of reading work by them. Also, some of the stories were better that others. But overall I did enjoy the book.

A Little Country Christmas is a collection of four holiday novellas, The Perfect Christmas by Carolyn Brown, Joy to the World by Hope Ramsay, Home for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers, and Cowboy Christmas at Heart by A. J. Pine. These Christmas centered stories all have one common theme, second chances. With an assortment of characters of different ages and different locales, these heartwarming stories are sure to add to the reader’s holiday literary pleasure. I did enjoy this anthology and do recommend it.

Each one of these stories is short little ones with a couple I am sure to go along with other series. The only author I had not read before was Rochelle Aires. Hers was about a pastry chef finding herself again with the help of a visitor who turns out to be the brother of her friend. He is a soldier and though Iris is leery of starting a relationship because of her marriage ending the way it did, she does like the thought of trying. The soldier has decided to get help for his PTSD and what you have is a very good and different Christmas story one that I could relate to. This one was very good and really added to the book for me. Overall a good book.