A Collection of Delightful Christmas Tales

In “’Twas the Executioner Night Before Christmas,” Maxton, an Executioner Knight, gets a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Future. If he does not start to sing a different tune, the cost to his children will be immeasurable. Can Maxton change his ways? War is all he knows, and the stories he tells his little girls are of battles, blood, and war. Will he be able to tell gentler tales?

In “The Laird’s Yulebringer,” Callan gets an unexpected visit from an angel. Is it a dream, or is it a portent of things to come? When Callan loses his wife, he stops living. Could he find love again? It might take a miracle, but isn’t Christmas a time for miracles?

In “Making Spirits Bright,” a ghost is on a matchmaking mission, but his two assignments don’t seem to be cooperating. Can he change their minds? There is scandal attached to Elizabeth, and Oliver is an American who inherits a title. Apparently, the ton cannot abide Americans with titles. Can two unconventional people defy society and find love together?

In “The Haunted Scot,” Naill’s marriage was collapsing. At some point, he stopped providing for his family, and his wife and children were suffering. What made him forget his duty to his family, and could a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Future convince him to mend his ways? The glimpse into the future was, indeed, bleak.

In “Never Keep a Secret at Christmas,” a meddling miss wants to ease the loneliness of an old man, so she writes to his grandson in London. When Hugh comes for a visit, he finds that the woman who wrote to him was not a meddling widow, but a young miss, ready for her first season. The attraction the two find is instant, so will Hugh let Alice fly away, or will he be able to hold on to her? What about his relationship with his grandfather? They were close once. Could a letter written by a kindhearted miss heal the rift between the two? Could there be both, healing and romance? After all, Christmas is the season for blessings.

In “Her Star from the East,” a young woman wonders if she should marry a man she does not love. As she navigates the uncertainties, in her anger, she strikes out at a dear friend. Will she be able to seek forgiveness from the friend she wronged? Emma has long given her heart to a man from another country and another faith. He appears to her like an apparition, and she thinks he is a ghost. Has Emma lost her chance at love, or will she get a miracle for Christmas? I found this story especially heartwarming, and I loved that it addressed two people from different religions, speaking to the truth that we might be different, but, we are remarkably similar. We can have differing creeds and religions, but we can unite if we open our minds and hearts.

In “The Remembrance of Love,” a delightful young woman seeks out an old family friend. Her mission and her wish for Christmas is to heal his damaged heart. Innes had a difficult childhood, and Hyacinth’s family were the joy in his world. As often happens in life, Innes lost touch with the Braydens. Could a visit from Hyacinth rekindle that friendship? It is unheard of for a young lady to seek a single man in his home, but Hyacinth is not a conventional woman. Could her defiance of societal rules save a young man hurt by life and family? Hyacinth is outrageous, scandalous, and absolutely delightful.

There are many charming morsels in this set. I enjoyed all the ones I consumed, and I look forward to reading the rest of these heartwarming Christmas stories. I read all the authors in this set and always enjoyed their work.

This is a huge collection of Christmas stories with each theme relating to "A Christmas Carol". I would suggest you spread your reading enjoyment of this huge collection over several days. So many talented and fantastic authors contributed to this anthology, take your time to enjoy each author and story. You will hopefully know several familiar authors, and maybe meet a new author or two to follow.
This is definitely one of the largest and best collaborations of romance writers I have ever seen.

Kathryn le Veque story: ‘Twas the Executioner Knight Before Christmas
We find executioner knight Maxton of Loxbeare telling his three impressionable little girls the story of Christmas, but with his own spin of details. He has known nothing except battle and warfare for as long as he can remember and his girls love his stories and he definitely add some gory details to the telling. He’s visited during the night and shown what his daughters are turning into with all the gory stories their father has told them. He witness what they have become, but learns he still has time to impress upon his girls the true meaning of Christmas and curtail his stories for his impressionable little girls who believe every story he tells them. Quit an interesting spin of a knight supreme telling the story of baby Jesus.
Violetta Rand’s story: How To Get an Earl for Christmas
Lady Rose and her brother Timothy are thrown out of their home by their half -brother the Earl of Brentley. Not sure where their headed Rose heads to the cottage on the outskirts of Whitmore her mother left her. She soon learns she has a godmother she didn’t know of and the plans her mother put in place to protect her including a betrothal for her. Richard Grant, the Earl of Hamby is intrigued and attracted Rose and set out to win her hand in marriage.
Meara Platt the Remembrance of Love
Lord Innes Buchan, a son of the late Duke of Buchan his only loving relative. He spies a lonely girl standing in a snow storm outside his window and invites her into his warm and cozy home. Innes recognizes the name Miss Hyacinth Brayden he knew her as small child with big violet eyes. She’s brought him a box, a box from the past they shared. She’s come to find her friend and bring him back into their lives. His own family was jealous of his time with the Brayden’s. Innes has many fond memories serving as a cabin boy for her father a Captain in the Royal Navy and the times he spent at their home. I love how he escorts her home and receives a warm welcome, tears and hugs from her family, they’ve missed him it’s like a long lost son has returned home. He finds love and a family who truly wants him to be a part of their world.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent collection of stories filled with adventure and romance as lives are changed with the true magic of Christmas.

Beautiful Christmas Anthology. I really like most of them. There are twenty-one short Christmas stories written by different authors. I knew four of them, Kathryn Le Veque, Chasity Bowlin, Meara Platt and Emily E K Murdoch. I think this is a great way to know other authors and let them show us their work.
This collection is great for the holiday season. All the stories are short, some more than others, and you can read them at your own time, what I think is great at this time of the year.
Enjoy! I certainly did it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A wonderful compilation by some very talented authors. The theme of each book is somehow tied to “A Christmas Carol”, which is my favorite Christmas story and, of course, movie. (Die Hard is a close second.) Each book may or may not have a specter, but each one does have a very nice happily ever after. I did have a favorite: “Twas the Executioner Knight Before Christmas” by Kathryn Le Veque. Did he receive a visit or two, or three by ghosts? Did he eventually understand what his longsuffering, loving wife had attempted to explain to him?
There are laughs, tears and heavy sighs with each story, but a classic set to read every year.

There are 21 short stories (some longer, some shorter) from different historical romance authors.
I only knew three- Meara Platt, Emily Royal and Emily TK Murdoch, so I first read those stories, and then others. They are all sweet, some are clean, some are dirty., some dark, some light. And they are all Christmassy.

Great holiday read, but a long one! You can read few or all of them, choice is yours!

I received ARC from Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing.

This is a wonderful compilation of over 20 novellas by Dragonblade published authors. There is something for everyone! They books vary from Medieval, Highlanders, Georgian and Victorian. This book is great for someone looking to revisit authors they love, while discovering new authors and reading Christmas themed stories.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest feedback.

O Night Divine by a compendium of Dragonblade authors is a sampling of stories using a standard Christmas story as its inspiration. What is really is, is a gift from Dragonblade. In these short stories the reader is able to revisit well-loved characters, and families. It is the epilogue that we wish for and never get. Beside being clever and intelligent stories, the reader is able to discover updates and even children of favorite characters. There are too many to delve into reviewing each of them. Suffice it to say: thank you for the gift, Dragonblade. I recommend it for the holiday season.

I was invited to read a free ARC of O, Night Divine by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own.

This is a very BIG box of Historical romances. They vary from Medieval, Georgian and Victorian. We even get some Highlanders. They are well worth reading and it will give you the chance to try authors you might not have read before as well as all our favourites.
Enjoy a huge dose of Christmas cheer.
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Twas The Executioner Knight Before Christmas.
By Kathryn Le Veque.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maxton of Loxbeare has lived a life full of violence and war, but now he's married with children. After entertaining them with his own "fun" stories he has a terrible dream that will change his attitude for good.
I love this hero.
Great short story.
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The Laird's Yulebringer.
By Caroline Lee.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Laird Callan MacKenzie is still mourning the death of his wife and daughter in childbirth. They have been gone nearly a year, but now it Yule and his extended family have descended on him to make him celebrate. He knows his young son needs the joy the season will bring, but can Callan move on with his own life???
This is a short story filled with hope and connected to a fabulous series.
A lovely story.
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Making Spirits Bright,
By Chastity Bowlin.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Burney is a ghost on a mission. Two very lonely and deserving people need to find each other for him to get the reward he wants.
Elizabeth Burkhart is an unwed mother of a grown daughter. Now that daughter has married well the last thing Elizabeth wants to do is bring fresh shame.
Lord Oliver Weston, Marquess of Whittendon was born and brought up in America, and never should have inherited an English title. He's definitely had to much to drink if he's talking to a ghost.
A fun tale of redemption. I love this ghost I'm sure he has more mischief up his sleeve.
Good fun.
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The Haunted Scot,
By Hildie McQueen.
⭐⭐⭐
Naill Hay is the head Archer and has been stationed on the northern most borded of his Clan lands for months. He's not really looking forward to going home when the relief comes because things aren't right between him and his wife.
His wife has every right to be furious with him. With Yule upon the Castle everyone is celebrating. A very strange dream makes our hero realise just how badly he has behaved.
A sweet historical story.
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Never Keep A Secret At Christmas,
By Maggi Andersen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lady Alice Dountry is staying in the country for Christmas when she meets the Old gentleman who lives next-door. He's known for being miserable and unwelcoming.
Lord Hugh Gifford had a falling out with his grandfather and is estranged from him. A note from someone sends him straight back to see him.
A sweet story with lovely characters.
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Her Star From The East,
By Mary Lancaster.
⭐⭐⭐
Emma has had two seasons in London but hasn't found a man that can erase the memory of her brother's exotic friend.
Prince Selim has returned to England after repairing, partially, his relationship with his brother.
An unusual historical romance between two people of very different cultures.
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The Remembrance Of Love,
By Meara Platt.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Since the death of his father, Lord Innes Buchan has faced the facts that his brothers all hate him. Although he didn't inherit the title he did get most of the wealth. That is never going to make happy families.
Miss Hyacinth Brayden is a very determined young lady who wants everyone to be as happy as she is. The rumors surrounding someone she's not seen for years, mean that he needs her help.
A sweet historical romance that links up nicely to a great series.
****************************************
How To Get An Earl For Christmas,
By Violetta Rand.
⭐⭐⭐
Lady Rose Bennett and her younger brother have been turned out of their home because of her refusal to abandon the youngster. Her Elder brother the new Earl wants nothing more to do with them.
Richard Grant, the Earl of Hamby has known about his betrothed for years but how will she react to the surprises coming her way?
A very short and sweet story.
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Yuletide At Gillingham,
By Alexa Aston.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Duke and Duchess of Gilford, Ashlyn and Reid started a school in a wing of their home just after they got married. Everything is going well but some of the boys need more than just schooling.
This is a sweet Christmas story with sadness and love. All the characters are lovely and you will have met them before if you read this author's work.
An extra epilogue to a lovely book.
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A Thrill Of Hope,
By Anna Markland.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Samantha Hindley is not really enjoying this Christmas dinner. Although she is with her loving family, her fiance is putting the damper on everyone's mood, he is so cheerless.
Policeman Parker Cullen has been consigned to a desk since his injury. This Christmas he is spending with his Uncle who is a bridge builder currently looking forward to the opening of his latest project.
A terrible disaster can bring about the most surprising happy endings.
A sweet historical romance set in Victorian Bristol. Heroes don't always have to be big strong warriors.
Good fun.
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A Gift For Agatha,
By Anna St. Claire.
⭐⭐⭐
Lady Agatha Wendt is a young but very crotchety widow. She is so miserly and unhappy that she has chased away all her family and is alone.
As a soldier and second son of a mere Baron, Charles Bentley fell in love with a young debutant, but was firmly rejected. Why can nobody else see what he does now??
The classic Scrooge trope but with a Lady being shown the way.
Lovely characters and good fun.
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The Heart is Never Silent,
By Aubrey Wynne.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
After the death of their father, Miss Etta Comden and her younger, deaf sister find themselves at the mercy of a cousin with bad intentions.
Dr Gus Wharren is dissatisfied with his London practice. When he inherits his grandmother's estate in the North, he sees it as a fresh start. The friendly ghost in the old castle will help with that.
A sweet romance with really lovable characters.
Good fun.
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Of Christmas Past,
By Charlotte Wren.
⭐⭐
Josiah Northcott left home after an argument with his father years ago, to prove to himself he could do what he liked. Art is his passion, but unfortunately not as profitable as he hoped.
A short return of the prodigal type story.
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Tidings Of Comfort,
By Elizabeth Ellen Carter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Captain Kit Hardacre is in London on business but has much more than that on his mind. His lack of a personal history has often bothered him. As a foundling he has never known family he wants desperately to change that.
Meeting a very special young lad can help that happen.
This is a little extra tale in a series. It's much better if like me you've read some of the previous books but not necessary.
Very emotional story.
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A Christmas Miracle,
By Elizabeth Johns.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
After the terrible loss of his wife and son, Alex Hartmere came home from Canada to take his place as the new Duke of Frompton. He's not looking forward to the memories and people he will see, but it's his duty.
Widowed Lady Anna Lynley cannot live in the home she shared with her husband. The new Lord has only allowed Anna and her daughter to stay in a cottage on the estate. She is struggling to make ends meet.
This is a sweet historical romance of second chances. The characters are lovely and make us believe first love is the best.
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I´m still reading the rest of the stories.

21 novellas, some are wild, some are dark but all have a happy ending.

‘Twas the Executioner Knight Before Christmas 5* by Kathryn LeVeque. A Christmas Carol retelling - Maxton of Loxbeare has a vision of a violent future for his daughters if he doesn’t mend his ways.

The Laird’s Yulebringer 5* by Caroline Lee. A grieving widower has a dream of future happiness and whilst on a walk in a snowy forest believes that his dream may have been precognition.

Making Spirits Bright 5* by Chastity Bowlin. A ghost with a desire to be a Christmas Spirit is tasked with getting a fallen woman and an American marquess engaged to each other by Christmas Eve. This was a cute little story about two lonely people.

The Haunted Scot 5* by Hildie McQueen. Head archer Naill’s future self returns to show him the past and his future if he doesn’t mend his ways with regard to his family. An emotional little story that moved me to tears.

Never Keep a Secret 4* at Christmas by Maggi Andersen. Lady Alice sticks her nose into an elderly neighbour’s business and finds love.

Her Star from the East 4.5* by Mary Lancaster. A Muslim Prince and a Christian Lady come together in a delightful romance. Such a pity though that there was no epilogue with this story.

The Remembrance of Love 5* by Meara Platt. This was an adorable and amusing story. I just loved the talkative and outspoken Hyacinth!

How to Get an Earl for Christmas 4* by Violeta Rand. Loss and despair, followed by hope and a chance of happiness courtesy of a fairy godmother. Very fairytale-ish but with a few holes.

Yuletide at Gillingham 5* by Alexa Aston. A sweet story of love, family and compassion.

A Thrill of Hope 4.5* by Anna Markland. Sabotage and murder lead to love with a crippled policeman for Samantha.

A Gift for Agatha 5* by Anna St. Claire. Agatha is visited by the ghost of her brother, showing her the past, the present and her possible future. Making changes to her life leads her to find the love she has always wanted.

The Heart is Never Silent 5* by Aubrey Wynne. On the run from their guardian two young ladies (and their butler) find safe haven with a disillusioned doctor.

Of Christmas Past 4* by Charlotte Wren. Yet another ghostly visitation but this time with the return of a prodigal son.

Tidings of Comfort 3* by Elizabeth Ellen Carter. This is a good story of generosity at Christmas until it suddenly jumps at the last chapter and you are left floundering. Obviously you need to have read the author’s book ‘Father’s Day’!

A Christmas Miracle 4.5* by Elizabeth Johns. Widowed after 8 years apart Alex and Anna (with the help of 5 year old Lucy) find their way back to each other. Would have liked an epilogue.

Her Christmas White Knight 5* by Elizabeth Keysian. An Elizabethan tale. Disgraced Julia is disowned by her father and now lives in abject poverty in the poorest area of London. Then one cold winter’s eve she runs into her first love, who also appears to be in reduced circumstances - can they unite together for a better life?

Always the Mistletoe 4* by Emily E K Murdoch. Lady Prudence finally gets the man she loves to see her as a woman but is he after her fortune?

A Libertine’s Christmas Miracle 5* by Emily Royal. A man tortured by guilt for four years meets a family who help absolve him. A delightful story.

Past, Present, Future 5* by Lynne Connolly. Reunited after 15 years apart, is it possible for Frederick and Rhona to have a future together? Or, will it be scandal? Loved it!

A Yuletide Yearning 5* by Maeve Grayson. A pirate is visited by three ghostly pirates in an effort to change his mindset and let love into his life.

A Strange Christmas Game 4* by Whitney Blake. A woman on the run, a valet with a past, an inheritance and a chance at love. To be extended into a full novel in the future.

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

Thank you Dragonblade Publishing, NetGalley, and all the wonderful authors in this collection for the opportunity to read this book!

“There is nae ‘life after love; life is love, and loving is life.”

THE LAIRD’S YULEBRINGER
O Night Divine is a holiday anthology written by 21 authors. All the stories take you back in time to the Scottish Highlands, the Regency Period, the Victorian period, and even the Elizabethan period. All of the stories channel Charles Dickens with helpful ghosts and love. The authors are:
Kathryn Le Veque
Caroline Lee
Chasity Bowlin
Hildie McQueen
Maggi Andersen
Mary Lancaster
Meara Platt
Violetta Rand
Alexa Aston
Anna Markland
Anna St. Claire
Aubrey Wynne
Charlotte Wren
Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Elizabeth Johns
Elizabeth Keysian
Emily E K Murdoch
Emily Royal
Lynne Connolly
Maeve Greyson
Whitney Blake

and they really bring the Christmas spirit with these tales.

One thing about this collection is that it has 21 stories and each story is roughly 50 pages. In previous anthologies that I have read, there are usually 8-10 stories and range 150-200 pages each. Needless to say, these stories move extremely quickly! Some of them left me a little disappointed because I wanted more. All of the authors created some amazing characters and stories but 50 pages just aren’t enough.

However, I did have quite a few favorites!

1) The Laird’s Yulebringer by Caroline Lee takes place in the Scottish Highlands and Callan is mourning his wife who died a year before. He has a young son and everyone around him is pushing him to move on but he just can’t. That is until a spirit comes to him and shows him his future with another woman and a child. He believes it was all just a dream until he sees the woman and child in the forest.

2) Never Keep a Secret at Christmas by Maggi Anderson introduces a grumpy old man named Lord Hawkinge. He has no family that he talks to and keeps to himself. That is until a spunky young woman climbs their neighboring wall. Alice knows that he is only grumpy because he is lonely. So she writes to his heir and grandson. He comes immediately, dreading to see his grandfather, and is completely captivated by Alice.

3) Her Star from the East by Mary Lancaster is such a touching love story. It is Christmas and Emma is not happy. She misses Selim, her Prince from the Ottoman Empire. He is a good friend of her brother and she has been in love with him since she met him. One night she sees a star and she wonders if she follows it just like the wise men did, that it would lead her to him. Then Selim appears…

4) How to Get an Earl for Christmas by Violetta Rand introduces Rose and her brother Timothy. They have been cast out of their home by their half brother. They soon discover that they have a godmother who is to help them with their mother’s last wishes and that includes a betrothal for Rose.

5) The Heart is Never Silent by Aubrey Wynne is probably my favorite out of all of them. Henrietta and Horatia (Etta and Tia) have to flee their current situation. The man that is supposed to be Tia’s guardian, plans to marry Etta and send Tia to an insane asylum since she is deaf. They come across Dr. Wharren who feels called to help them, but can’t deny his attraction to Etta.

All of these tales have beautiful love stories but my favorite part is all the little references to Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. There is so much charm and love that is perfect for the holiday season! Overall, I rate this collection 4 out of 5 stars!

There are more than a score of lovely novellas whilst short they are each a complete story. Each is well written, of course I preferred some to others but in all the characters are well portrayed. I’ve delved into this lovely book whenever I’ve had a spare hour or two plus they’ve become my bedtime reading as I know I won’t be reading until silly o'clock
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A plethora of historical, holiday novellas.

There truly is something for everyone in this extensive historical novella collection,
I particularly enjoyed Maggi Andersen, Meara Platt and Aubrey Wynne's contributions.
Enjoyed and purchased.
Recommend.

Wonderfully entertaining set!

This huge collection is packed with enough historical holiday cheer to see you through all twelve days! With twenty-one diverse stories, there's something here for everyone. As explained in the introduction, Dicken's A Christmas Carol inspired more than a few of the stories, and I was impressed with the creativity used by many of the authors to take the "spirit" trope and spin it to fit their narratives.

There are new romances here, second-chance romances, after-the-HEA family scenes, and more. Each by a different author, and averaging about 10,000 words each, they are easily read separately in just an hour or so. Like a plate of Christmas cookies, this book will keep you coming back for more until they're all gobbled up.

I was happy to find quite a few new authors, and there are several whose works I will be seeking out. I can't say I absolutely loved every story, but there wasn't even a single one I regret reading. As holiday anthologies go, this one should be at the top of everyone's wish list. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This is a collection of short Christmas stories by twenty-one authors. The stories are set in Christmas time and are about themes such as redemption, a chance to change your ways, a time to be grateful for what you have as opposed to what you do not have. The collection is perfect for the holiday season since you can read each story in a short time. You might even find a new author to love! I found reading each story is like reading a mini made for television Christmas story. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

Twenty-One short Christmas stories by some of the most talented authors make this a very enjoyable anthology, in which the ghosts of Christmas play a prominent part. Each short story can be read over a lunch break or with an evening cup of tea, and each one ends on a happy note. Lives are changed, hearts are healed and families reunited. Many of the well-written stories in this book are linked to a series, bringing a sense of completeness as familiar characters make their appearance. They also loosely followed a familiar Christmas theme that made me appreciate the authors' creativity. I found myself laughing at times and at others, wiping my eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed the anthology, a copy of which I received as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

The stories in this anthology are entertaining and well written—better than I expected, in fact. Anthologies are often hit-or-miss, but the high quality of these stories is surprisingly consistent. This is a good introduction to a variety of authors, and the stories are full of holiday cheer.

My only disappointment was the stated message of the first story: that while sons should be raised as warriors, daughters should be raised as sweet society ladies. I thought such an antiquated way of thinking had been overcome, but apparently not.

A enchanting collaboration of some great authors who bring us a collection of unique, romantic Christmas stories. These stories are going to get you in the Christmas spirit. Each short story is well written and stands on its on as an entertaining read.

This was a perfectly lovely collection of holiday themed short stories that just didn't hit home for me. While most were fairly well written with solid holiday tropes, none of them were strictly amazing. Granted, I suspect that many of these stories would make more sense, or be more meaningful, if I was more familiar with the other books by these authors. If I was more immersed in the various mythos of these characters, perhaps the stories would have been more dynamic. In short, these make a pleasant fireside read for the season, but this isn't the place for deep plots and major character work.

Lots of sweet holiday novellas from the authors at Dragonblade Publishing. Not a dud in the bunch!

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