Tag Archives: Christmas

Christmas Eve at Harvey Wallbanger’s by Mike Resnick

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Christmas Eve at Harvey Wallbanger’s
Author: Mike Resnick
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Comedy, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Then it’d be Off, Dancer!

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Synopsis

It might take a bet on the names of Saint Nick’s reindeers to finally get what is owed to him… but this debt collector and his motley crew will definitely do it.

Thoughts

I think that this story in some way relates to the characters in A Very Special Girl. And I enjoyed it just as much. It has the comedy and horror aspect that I’m beginning to associate with Resnick’s short stories. They’re funny and take some very typical aspects of fantasy and twist and turn them into something satirical and entertaining.

The fact that this story had not only a satirical spin, but also one that featured trying to name Santa’s reindeer made it incredibly fun. Especially when the names that were reported to be correct were kind of random. Yet, connected. It just worked beautifully. I need to find out if there is a greater series or something to sink my teeth into…

 <- Yes, Virginia2097c, There is a Santa Claus ReviewThe Atmosphere for Miracles Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Unappreciated Gifts by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Unappreciated Gifts
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #3.5, Mercy-Verse #21
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Dates read: 29th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: But Kelly did indeed know how to dance, and they soon progressed beyond the simpler moves into some more daring, dramatic… even melodramatic moves.

Synopsis

Some members of Adam’s pack think Asil should get out more, so they’ve challenged him to accept a series of blind dates . . .

Thoughts

I really, really like Asil. And I really, really like Christmas. So a story that features both… I’m most likely going to enjoy that. And when it is written in the drily humorous tones of Patricia Briggs… yeah. I really couldn’t put this down. I wandered around the house (and walked into a few doorways) for about ten minutes while I just completely devoured this story.

The premise of giving a “gift” of five dates for Asil was funny from the very beginning. And I was expecting it to be a series of five short almost mini stories which outlined each of his adventures. Instead, it was just about the first one. And honestly, that was enough. It was kind of hilarious, really sweet and definitely highlighted just why I love Asil so much. After all, he has this sly sense of humour and a strong sense of dignity. Both things that I love in a man (and a character).

Unappreciated Gifts is a fun little, Christmassy return to the world of Mercedes Thompson. It is a good little laugh and a nice way to fall into the world, without being dragged too deeply under.

<- Fair GameDead Heat ->

Image source: Goodreads

Yes, Virginia2097c, There is a Santa Claus by Sam Knight

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Yes, Virginia2097c, There is a Santa Claus
Author: Sam Knight
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Viriginia didn’t answer.

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Synopsis

Virginia needs to do a project for school, but what if she’s really discovered the truth behind Santa Claus?

Thoughts

I’ve noticed that over the past few years, my Christmas spirit just hasn’t been all that… Christmassy. And I know that part of it is the fact that I’m getting older and so not as deliriously excitable about Christmas presents (plus, no one ever gets me books anymore)… yet, I think that the other part of it is the fact that Christmas is so commercial. There is this overwhelming idea that you have to have certain feelings, buy certain things and do things in a very specific way.

Obviously, Knight kind of feels the same. Set in a future sci-fi world in which your every move is monitored, a young girl has to fight to understand the holiday season. What is going on around her and outsmart a computer system to find her own freedom. All in a very few pages. It’s needlessly fun and a great reminder that maybe we don’t all have to feel excited about Christmas. Or even celebrate it in the same way.

 <- Santa’s Mortuary ReviewChristmas Eve at Harvey Wallbanger’s Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Santa’s Mortuary by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Santa’s Mortuary
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #14.2
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: It was amazing that their room – in the right wing of the building – could be so quiet and charming while all manner of activity went on in other parts of the house.

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Synopsis

It was amazing that their room – in the right wing of the building – could be so quiet and charming while all manner of activity went on in other parts of the house.

Thoughts

Christmas time is a time for love, family and laughter. Unless you are a slightly amorous ghost who is separated from the love of his life. Then it’s just a time of frustration and loss of love. And a potential way to ruin everyone else’s Christmas with your sense of loneliness.

Although Christmas is always toted to be a story of happiness, love and family, it is often a time of loneliness for some. I love that in a holiday story collection, there is a number of stories which feature this loneliness, including this Krewe of Hunters short story. And, I also love the fact that, like every good story, this one ends with a happy ending for all.

 <- A World Done In by Great Granny’s Grateful Pie ReviewYes, Virginia2097c, There is a Santa Claus Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Christmas for One by Amanda Prowse

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for christmas for one amanda prowse book cover

Title: Christmas for One
Author: Amanda Prowse
Series: No Greater Love #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Christmas, Contemporary, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Head Zeus
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Juno nodded.

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Synopsis

As a child, Meg always dreamed of the perfect Christmas…

This year, she can make it come true for her own little boy. There will be turkey and all the trimmings, a glittering tree, and a stocking hung up by a roaring fire. Who cares if there’s no devoted husband in the picture? She and Lucas will be just fine on their own.

But then a chance meeting with a stranger in New York unravels everything she’s planned. Will Meg finally get everything she wished for? Or will she be alone this Christmas after all?

Thoughts

I bought this as part of the Black Friday sales, thinking it would be an interesting little Christmas read. I didn’t realise that it was part of a greater series until I was about halfway through, but it didn’t really matter since it stands by itself beautifully. And beautiful really is the best word to describe this novel. It is simple, easy, sweet and has the picturesque backdrop of Christmas in New York and London.

A lot of the romances that I’ve been reading recently involve a paranormal aspect of some kind. So it was kind of nice to settle into a contemporary romance that didn’t require magic and mayhem to make the storyline work. Rather, it was all about the love and romance between two people. And the fact that it could truly happen to anyone made it somehow sweeter. I love the realism in the story, and it made such a great break from these tales that involve a magical mating bond and fate, and destiny…

Most romances that I read feature a young adult (normally in their mid to late twenties) who might have a history, but aren’t significantly attached to anyone or anything. Now, I am in that age bracket, and I don’t have dependents that rely on me either, so I do enjoy the ways in which I can relate to these stories. BUT it was really nice and a great change of pace to read about a woman who has a son. Not only did this romance feature her and Ed, but it also meant that there was a constant extra stake in their relationship – the son.

Although this novel features Christmas, it isn’t necessary to read at that time of year. It is a great, sweet, kind and warm-hearted story that will be thoroughly enjoyable all year round.

 <- A Little Love ReviewWill You Remember Me? Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Abby’s Christmas Spirit by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for abby's christmas spirit book cover

Title: Abby’s Christmas Spirit
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Cuttersville #2.75
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas,Contemporary, Romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella, Poem
Publisher: Erin McCarthy
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “Psychic visions, or just like a checklist?” Bree asked.

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Synopsis

When Abby Murphy returns home to Cuttersville, it’s to buy back her grandmother’s house that was sold… and to meet the man she is convinced is destined to be her future husband. Being a psychic gives her that crystal ball advantage and she’s seen the face of the man she’s going to marry since she was seventeen. In the years since her first vision, she has spent many a night inserting herself into his dreams in some very sexy ways. So imagine her surprise when she discovers that her destiny lies with the man she can’t stand, the man who bought her grandmother’s house, the skeptic ghost hunter, Darius Damiano.

But sometimes reality can be even better than dreams…

Thoughts

This didn’t quite go as I had expected. Where the previous two Cuttersville novellas and Murphy sisters featured a kind of slow seduction, Abby was incredibly gun-ho. She also got twisted up and confused far more than either of her sisters, and it ultimately took a lot more to get to her happy ending.

Like the other novellas I have read so far (the novels in the Cuttersville series have only just arrived on my doorstep), this story left me with a happy, contented smile on my face. It was simple, it was cute and it didn’t involve a lot of in depth thinking. The slight snags along the way weren’t completely unexpected, and they weren’t so intense that you didn’t think you’d eventually get your happy ending anyway. I honestly just love the simplicity of stories like this, and I can’t wait to go back to the beginning of the series and sink my teeth into A Date with the Other Side.

 <- Christmas Bree ReviewSeeing is Believing Review ->
Image source: Erin McCarthy

Christmas Bree by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the magical christmas cat book cover

Title: Christmas Bree
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Cuttersville #2.5
In: The Magical Christmas Cat (Lora Leigh, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Linda Winstead Jones)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: What the hell are you doing here?

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Synopsis

Ian has an offer for Bree’s house… but, with the magic of Christmas and a meddlesome feline, their about to find out that there is a lot more at stake than real estate.

Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for an easy, cute, a little bit funny read… then this is certainly the sort of novella you should be picking up. It’s one of those find-your-true-love, Merry Christmas type of stories that may not rock your world, but certainly leave you with a big, happy smile on your face when you have finished reading them. Which, let’s be honest, is something that we all need sometimes.

In Charlotte’s Web, there was a hint of Bree’s future beau, and I like that, twelve months later, they finally reconnect. From the glimpses in the previous novella, and Bree’s initial reactions to Ian, I was expecting a lot more reluctance and build up to the moment when the romantic leads end up together. And then it falls apart even quicker. And ends up perfect in the blink of an eye. It really is one of those stories that has an immensely fast paced romance that forms in a moment.

Not that the fast pace is a problem, but I could see how this could have almost evolved into an entire novel on and of itself. I was kind of disappointed that it ended so quickly. There was so much that happened that I finished this novella with both a smile stretched across my face, and a bemused look of what-do-I-read-next.

 <- Charlotte’s Web ReviewAbby’s Christmas Spirit Review ->
Image source: Amazon

A World Done In by Great Granny’s Grateful Pie by Ken Scholes

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: A World Done In by Great Granny’s Grateful Pie
Author: Ken Scholes
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Comedy, Family
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: What’s that supposed to mean?

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Synopsis

It’s best to use fresh ingredients… especially when you are making a pie with a bit of a kick…

Thoughts

Family is always messy. It is always difficult. And it is always filled with crazy amounts of love (sometimes with extra helpings of the crazy). So an anthology of Christmas stories just wouldn’t be complete without a tale featuring a not-quite-functioning family. A set up. And a potential zombie apocalypse gone mad.

Although the potentially poisoning grateful pie is quite funny, as is the patient zero for the potential virus. What I loved most about this tale was the way in which everyone in the family is trying to set Kay Ann up. The plus ones that the family brings along all show what kind of person they think makes the perfect mate… and man do they run the gammitt. Yet, everything seems to work out well in the end with the craziness of family and the holiday season. Ending in a great scene with the lead striding off into the sunset, gun in hand…

 <- A Christmas Feast ReviewSanta’s Mortuary Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Christmas Heat by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the magical christmas cat book cover

Title: Christmas Heat
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #12.5
In: The Magical Christmas Cat (Lora Leigh, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Linda Winstead Jones)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Erotica, Paranormal romance,  Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: He’d been out of the labs for ten years, but it had been ten years struggling to aid the survival of the breed communities.

Synopsis

She’s just a librarian, but after overhearing a sinister conversation at a party, her Christmas is about to take a turn for the worse. Or… maybe, with the presence of Noble, things are about to get a heck of a lot better…

Thoughts

I keep having Breeds stories pop up in my suggested reads, but I’ve never actually had the chance to sink my teeth into one. Until I read Christmas Heat. And wow. I’m not really sure why it’s taken me so long to pick up this series. I loved the writing, I loved the brutal honesty of sensuality throughout the story, and I love the ideas of breeds being created, not born…

I was really expecting just another paranormal romance story that featured a cat shapeshifter. One that was enjoyable and full of passion, but not really anything spectacularly different to the other series I have read within this genre. Just this short novella taught me that this series isn’t even remotely what I was expecting. For starters, the background of the “extra” in the breeds was a far more intense experimentation. The sensual moments throughout were a lot more visceral and crass, in a way that I found more realistic than romantic candlelit dinners. And the unwillingness of Haley to completely submit and her consideration of what mating actually implied was far more realistic than being swept away in a fit of lust.

I loved that although you knew Noble and Haley were going to end up together, there is a lot more placed at stake, and a greater storyline going on than just a simple romance. But, ultimately, what endeared me so much to this story was the fact that Haley explains just why she loves Christmas so much. And it is her simple descriptions that truly made me remember what it is about the holiday season that melts my heart.

<- Mercury’s WarCoyote’s Mate ->

Image source: Amazon

A Christmas Feast by Jonathan Maberry

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: A Christmas Feast
Author: Jonathan Maberry
Series: Rot and Ruin Companion
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Zombies
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Dan couldn’t risk dragging him back out into the cold.

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Synopsis

It’s always important to have your Christmas celebrations – even if it’s the end of the world and the beginning of a zombie apocalypse.

Thoughts

I love the setting of Christmas against a zombie apocalypse (or at least, that’s what the setting seemed to be to me)…

Christmas time is a time of plenty. Joy. Family. Giving. Zombie apocalypses are a time of… well, nothing. Death. Killing family. Taking anything and everything. So having the two in a story that was kind of hopeful, but also quite dark, twisty made my dark and twisty soul happy. What I loved most though is that although there is a great sense of Christmas and maybe a respite from the horrors of the world… there is also this kind of lingering feeling that they’re about to die in the most horrible of ways. Nothing like a horrible death to make you love the festive season.

 <- Midnight Trains ReviewA World Done In by Great Granny’s Grateful Pie Review ->
Image source: Goodreads