Member Reviews

Wow, what an amazing collection! Some of my favorite authors and a bunch of new-to-me ones, all together in an anthology of short stories to be read on a couch with a cup of chocolate on winter nights or on a sunny beach in summer (it doesn’t matter that they are mostly holidays stories!). Some are closed door, some are steamy (I prefer steamy, of course!), but everyone was interesting and captivating.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Thank you for letting me read this anthology. I enjoyed most of the stores but there were a few I just didn’t care for. I look forward to reading more books like this

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I want to thank Netgalley and the author's for gifting me the ebook. This was an interesting read. There were some good stories. Will put you in the Christmas mood.

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What a wonderful Christmas compilation comprised of some my favorite Historical authors. If looking for an ecclectic array of interesting characters who lay claim to endearing as well as some extremely dastardly personalities this is it! Bravo Ladies!!
Thank you to all the Wonderful Contributing Authors, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

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I knew some of the authors but most of them were new to me. This book was a perfect opportunity to search for new historical romance authors and have a peek at their writting styles.

I enjoyed in most of them, they are quick and charming read. I first read authors I know (Emily Royal, Paula Quinn,...).

What they have in common are christmas carols although I didn't knew them all. It was cute and nice holiday read.

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Like the previous book, delightful! Not every story was to my liking but that's anthologies for you.
Discovered some new authors I want to read more of.

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This collection helped me feel ready for Christmas! I enjoyed this second collection just as much as the first.

The variety is fantastic and I think there are a few authors that I will definitely have to read a few of their other books.

My favorite was definitely How to Save a Knight, but I also really enjoyed If the Fates Allow, Winter in A Regency Wonderland, and Merry Lover.

This is a great way to discover several different author's characters and writing styles all in one book!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy for my honest review.

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I picked this up because it includes a few of the authors whose books I've enjoyed and I was looking forward to reading more of their stories. But I have to tell you, all of the authors in this collection have put together a delightfully entertaining set of stories. I'm so happy to have found some new authors to follow. Each one did a fantastic job with providing vivid descriptions and interesting plots. The storylines were all artfully crafted with well defined characters and kept me hooked until I finished. I had to pace myself as I wanted to read all in one sitting! You will definitely finish it with a smile on your face (and if you're like me, maybe a little less sleep because I didn't want to stop reading!)
This is truly a gem of a collection and I am happy to have had the opportunity to read these books. Definitely recommend!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Second chance, new romance and inspiration from the holidays, embrace the spirit to find unexpected happiness in thirteen novellas by favorite authors. Add to your list of holiday reads.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

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A Collection of Holiday Magic and Romance

This collection of historical romances has a bit of everything, fantasy, time travel, magic, mystery, and a whole lot of wonder. It is one of two holiday collections written by the historical romance authors of Dragonblade who write charming, entertaining, heartwarming, and often humorous stories that entertain the readers throughout the year. These are novellas that you can read in one sitting. Even though they are connected to series, they can be read as standalone. They can introduce you to the authors, and if you enjoy the stories, you will want to read more. I often look for short stories and novellas that I can read right before bed or on break between jobs, and this collection fits the bill. This entertaining holiday collection will provide great escape into history and away from today’s reality.

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This is the 2nd Collection of Christmas novellas written by the talented authors of Dragonblade Publishing. Each author has selected a Christmas Carol to tie into their story. Many of the stories are part of a series the author has written, but the stories also stand alone. I really enjoyed each story, and took my time reading them and did not rush.
This is a great opportunity to read some wonderful stories that will definitely help get you in the Christmas Spirit. I highly recommend this Collection.

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The second set of Christmas stories is just as great as the first! Most are part of a series each author has written so you can visit favorite families and characters.

There is nothing better than a historical christmas story to get you in the mood for the holidays!
Romance, intrigue, humor and characters you will never forget, sit back and enjoy and get ready to smile and sigh!

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A fantastic collection of Christmas novellas inspired by holiday carols. Each of these authors bring you something special and are all well known in their own right which is great.. I enjoyed the stories and recommend this anthology.

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I love me a good historical holiday romance and this anthology has got quite a few very enjoyable ones. And as with any anthology with this many titles there are a few that I didn't find as enjoyable. What I've liked most about the Star of Light and Star of Wonder collections is that I was introduced to so many writers I had never heard of before. I came out of both of these with a list of new books to check out. I won't go through a review of every story as there are so many, but I will just mention a few of my favorites
Highland Night - This was the first story in the collection that I really enjoyed. Galena and Edan are so perfect for one another. They stand up for one another and support one another right from the beginning.
Love's Charity - the twist was a little predictable, but I liked the story and characters so much I didn't even care. I had such sympathy for Marianna and was so glad when she and Evander finally talked about what had happened.
All I Want for Christmas is My Hart - the beginning grabbed my attention and Devon's struggles and ultimate acceptance that he deserved what he had and could be loved was wonderful to see unfold.
A Storme's First Noelle - one of the more humorous tales
If the Fates Allow - a sweet story about following your heart rather than societal expectations
A Yuletide Wedding - Phyllis is no pushover and makes Benedict work for her forgiveness and love

Star of Light is a great holiday collection. There are definitely stories that I'll be going back to reread each Christmas season!

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Some of my favorite authors are included in this wonderful collection of holiday revelry! These stories are the perfect excuse to grab a warm fuzzy blanket, a cup of tea, and snuggle in to enjoy all the heartwarming entertainment written within the book. Some characters are new and some are those we already know and adore each with a unique story to share.

Great stories that bring the spirit of love, peace, and harmony. It’s definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas 🎄

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It's a spicy collection.

Star of Light is a spicy anthology.
There truly is something for everyone in this naughty holiday collection. So many authors to choose from.
Its a recommend.

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Another thirteen brilliant seasonal novellas & like its sister anthology some are lunchtime reads & others a couple of hours but they are heart warming & in some cases are linked to series by the author. I’ll be dipping into this amazing anthology when I’ve a spare couple of hours or when I’m wanting a quick bedtime read. I’ve read a few & my favourites so far are Merry Lover by Mary Lancaster, a lovely story, A Storme’s first Noelle by Sandra Sookoo, linked to her lovely Storme series & a charming read, A Yuletide Wedding by Rachel Ann Smith which was utterly delightful & All I want for Christmas is my Hart by Emily Royal this really tugged at my hear strings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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Book #2 of this wonderful holiday collection, by authors that are all outstanding. Each is novella length and can take a reader from 45 mins up to a few hours to read. Each story is based on a well-known Christmas song. Truthfully I like the authors in book one more, just because I was more familiar with them and some did an offshoot of previous characters, but these are still strong stories in this one. I highly recommend all historical romance readers get both books because you will not be disappointed.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

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Every bit as terrific as the first set!

As with the first set, this compilation is comprised of short romances that are inspired by familiar holiday carols. There are thirteen different stories here by thirteen different authors, and I thoroughly enjoyed every one.

The first story, "Echo of A Forbidden Kiss" by Paula Quinn, starts the book off with a bang as Sebastian finds himself in 2019, mysteriously transported from his original 1724. He's got his eye on Noelle, a local TV reporter, but he has to figure out just why he's in 2019 without giving her reason to investigate the story further. This story quickly turns into so much more than a simple time-travel romance, tapping into legends and myths to craft a truly fantastic story that will stay with you for a long time. This story alone is well worth purchasing the book.

Another of my favorites was "A Storme’s First Noelle" by Sandra Sookoo. In this story set in 1818, Trey returns from the Battle of Waterloo missing an arm but determined to live life to the fullest. He is reacquainted with Noelle, the daughter of his father's steward, and their romance was sweet and guided by the lessons from the familiar song.

In "On Christmas Day in the Morning" by Lynne Connolly, Christina sails halfway around the world to find out if her husband, who abruptly left right after their wedding, is still alive. Jonathan is immersed in his ground-breaking botany studies on a remote island in the Pacific, and their reunion was a delightful start to their figuring out how to make their marriage work within the confines of his career.

These were just a few of my favorites. Each of these stories was festive and unique, and together they make this a must-have holiday collection. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

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This collection is full of holiday themed short stories. Each story ranges from about a 45 min read to around 90 minutes. I will say most short stories seem incomplete to me, but these seem fuller than most. There are several really good ones and a few that were not for me. There is one that mixed bible passages being yelled out and romance/sex, that is just strange for me. That is the only one that made me wish I had not read it. Overall, the set is great at giving you a satisfying read in about an hour. I would absolutely recommend!

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

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