Monday, December 22, 2014

Merry Christmas Monday



Most of the year I have plenty of time to lose myself in a long, multi-layered story so it's no surprise that my reading choices trend toward full-length novels. But when the winter holidays approach and my calendar begins to fill, leaving reading time at a premium, I turn to those delightfully delicious nuggets of holiday happiness known as the romance novella. Here are a few of the stories keeping me company this holiday season.


Her Christmas Earl: A Regency Novella
by Anna Campbell

No good deed goes unpunished… 

To save her hen-witted sister from scandal, Philippa Sanders ventures into a rake’s bedroom – and into his power. Now her reputation hangs by a thread and only a hurried marriage can rescue her. Is the Earl of Erskine the heartless libertine the world believes? Or will Philippa discover unexpected honor in a man notorious for his wild ways? 

Blair Hume, the dissolute Earl of Erskine, has had his eye on the intriguing Miss Sanders since he arrived at this deadly dull house party. Now a reckless act delivers this beguiling woman into his hands as a delightful Christmas gift. Is fate offering him a fleeting Yuletide diversion? Or will this Christmas Eve encounter spark a passion that lasts a lifetime? 


Take one notorious rake who is more than he seems, add a practical young woman bent on saving her family from scandal, stir in intelligent conversation, a little steam, some deeper feelings. Place it all in the gentleman's dressing room, jam the door shut and sprinkle with Campbell's superb wit, humor and depth of emotion to create a lovely, feel-good story that will leave you sighing with happiness.


The Sweet Surrender of Janet Buchanan

by Paula  Quinn


SHE WOULD NOT BE CONQUERED . . .

Janet Buchanan is no man's property. She refuses to marry her family's sworn enemy-consequences be damned. She'd rather take a dagger to the brute herself. Yet when a tantalizing-and infuriating-man from her past comes to her rescue, Janet finds herself undeniably tempted by his hot, hungry kiss.

HE COULD NOT BE TAMED . . .

Notorious for his prowess as a lover and a fighter, Darach Grant has only one goal in mind: to defend his kin's land from the impending siege of a hostile clan. The last thing he needs is the delicious distraction of Janet Buchanan-the only woman who can stir his ire as deeply as she warms his blood. But Janet's intended will stop at nothing to claim her, forcing Darach to choose between surrendering his honor . . . or his heart.



I'm a huge fan of Paula Quinn's Highlanders - the bold, brawny men and the courageous lasses who claim their hearts. After seeing the fire between Darach and Janet in The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell (you don't have to read this first but it will give you a deeper appreciation of Janet and Darach's relationship), I was among the many begging for their happy ending. While only 25,000 words, Ms. Quinn has given me all I desired in this fast-paced, emotional, action-packed story of honor, betrayal, loyalty and love. 



Once Upon a Christmas Kiss
By Manda Collins


IS IT A REASON FOR CHEER?

When Sir Lucien Blakemore arrives at his cousin’s estate for a week long Christmas party, he’s shocked to see Miss Winifred Nightingale among the other guests. Employed by his neighbor back in Yorkshire, the governess with the lovely eyes has always seemed off limits, but she’s visiting here as a guest—and there’s nothing like a little mistletoe to make the spirits bright…

OR THE SEASON FOR HEARTBREAK?

Miss Winifred Nightingale never dreamed a holiday visit with her sister would lead to both ladies spending Christmas as the local lord’s guests. But the big surprise comes when she finds the handsome Sir Lucien Blakemore staying there too. The attraction between them is undeniable, but will an old nemesis and a party guest bent on mischief make their first kiss under the mistletoe their last?

One of the things I most enjoy about Manda Collins' writing is the intelligence she brings to her characters, especially the females. With well-conceived story lines, fully developed characters, witty banter, just the right amount of sizzle and a tightly plotted mystery running throughout, she keeps this reader engaged from beginning to end. With a good-guy hero, a heroine everyone can cheer for and a richly developed cast of secondary characters, not to mention a Christmas house party (who doesn't love those?), Once Upon a Christmas Kiss will "kiss" your holidays with pure reading pleasure. 
  


“A Perfectly Dreadful Christmas” 

by Louisa Cornell
from the Christmas Revels anthology


Three not-so-wise gentlemen, a pregnant stranger, several tumbling footmen, and an unexpected snowstorm will turn Elizabeth's Perfectly Ordinary Christmas into a disaster ... or a Christmas miracle with the man she loves. 


Louisa Cornell is a long-time friend and a natural-born storyteller. I've been waiting many years to see one of her stories in print. "A Perfectly Dreadful Christmas" is a perfectly delightful debut! It has everything I could ask for in a delicious nugget of reading pleasure. The dialogue is witty and fast-paced with humor that is laugh-out-loud delightful but this story also includes deep and poignant emotion that touched my heart and let loose a few tears. The characters are richly drawn with a depth that is not readily apparent. Cornell unveils those depths in our hero and heroine but teases by only pulling back the curtain a bit with the other primary characters. As a reader, that tells me (I'm not above begging here) that they will be receiving their own stories. For a perfectly wonderful holiday novella, pick up a copy of Louisa Cornell's "A Perfectly Dreadful Christmas" in the Holiday Revels anthology.



Cowboys for Christmas
By Liz Talley, Kim Law and Terri Osburn

Claire, Georgia, and Mary Catherine couldn’t be more different, but they promised they would be there for one another no matter what. And when they all gather in Holly Hills, Texas, for Mary Catherine’s Christmas wedding, they’ll find they have one thing in common: hearts that are about to be branded—by unforgettable cowboys.

In “Love Me, Cowboy” by Terri Osburn, wallflower Claire would be more excited about the wedding if it didn’t mean running into Mary Catherine’s brother—the bull rider she once had a scorching one-night stand with…


Ivy League volleyball coach Georgia never wanted to see Holly Hills—or another cowboy—again. But a sexy veterinarian is making her rethink her vow to never marry a Texas man in “Kiss Me, Cowboy” by Liz Talley.


Claire and Georgia both think that Mary Catherine is getting hitched to the wrong man, despite how perfect he is. And in “Marry Me, Cowboy” by Kim Law, a local rancher with a wild reputation gives Mary Catherine a glimpse of what might have been—and what could still be...


I do love a sexy cowboy so you know this anthology shot right to the top of my holiday reading list. I enjoyed all three of the stories about three best friends who return home to their small Texas hometown and find love in the most unexpected places but my favorite of the trio is "Love Me, Cowboy" by Terri Osburn. Osburn showcases her skill in getting to the heart of her characters with Claire, a woman who has spent most of her life struggling with her weight, her self-esteem and her bully of a mother and sexy, bull-rider Tyler, her best friend's younger brother and the man who owns her heart - a fact of which he is unaware. While Claire has slimmed down and toned up, she still struggles with her self-image and her controlling mother. It's hard to see herself as the person she is today and even more difficult to imagine that while Tyler loves the "new" her, he loved the "old" her just as well. Osburn guides these two through some harrowing emotional minefields with the finesse for which she has become known in her contemporary Anchor Island series. Give this one a try.


Unwrapping her Perfect Match

A London Legends Christmas Novella
By Kat Latham


’Twas a week before Christmas, and at the auction house... 

At six foot one, Gwen Chambers has felt like a giant her whole life. She’s a calm, capable nurse saving lives in a busy London hospital, but healthy men give her heart palpitations. When larger-than-life rugby player “Little” John Sheldon convinces her to bid on him in his team’s fundraising auction, she discovers how pleasurable heart palpitations can be. 

A rugby player was stirring, with desire no one could douse... 

John has wanted Gwen since he first saw her, but when he’s injured in a match just before Christmas he suddenly needs her too. Not only can the sexy nurse help him recover, but she might be able to help him look after his daughter—a shy ten-year-old who speaks only French. 

But will it be a Happy Christmas for all, and for all a good night? 

From decorating the Christmas tree to ice skating at the Tower of London, Gwen helps father and daughter open up and bond with each other—and she bonds right along with them. But when John's agent calls with a life-changing offer, Gwen has to decide how far she’s willing to go for her perfect match. Will their first Noël also be their last?


This novella was my introduction to Kat Latham's rugby playing London Legends. What did I do as soon as I finished reading it? I downloaded the rest of the books! I admit it. I love a jock. I've been a sports nut since I was a child and an avid romance reader since my teens so combine the two and you've got me. I'm hooked. But these books are not only for sports loving romance readers. Latham's heroes are fully fleshed, complex men who face more than just the conflict on the playing fields. And though they may be rough and tumble athletes, off the field they deal with issues that are deep, complex and sometimes frightening. Take John Sheldon, the largest man on the team, who is felled by a concussion just before Christmas and must rely on Gwen, the lovely nurse he's just met to help him through Christmas - the first one he's spent alone with his ten year old daughter. Did I mention that his daughter lives in France and doesn't speak English? Or that John doesn't speak French? Or that Gwen has struggled her entire life with her self-image and being bullied as a child because of being several inches taller than everyone else? Or how one person's betrayal has left her feeling unworthy and wary of attention from men? Yep, lots of complex issues and Latham handles them beautifully. Take a trip to London this holiday season and meet one of her "Legends." Bet you can't read just one!

~PJ


What are your holiday reading habits?

Do you enjoy reading novellas?

Do you prefer contemporary or historical?

Have you read any recently that you would recommend?

What titles are on your tbr list?

I have a package of books ready to come home to two of you who leave a comment on today's post! (U.S. only)

And for two of our international readers, you can choose a Kindle copy of one of the novellas reviewed above! 


Merry Christmas! 











68 comments:

  1. My reading habits do not really alter all too much during the holidays, except for adding a few holiday novels into the mix. It really doesn't matter if it is a novel, novella, or a complete series, I enjoy reading them all so long as they are written well and thoroughly bring you into the story. I personally have no preference on the type of romance that I read, as I enjoy them all. My recommendation that I believe should be added to this list is Christmas Brides
    by Suzanne Enoch, Alexandra Hawkins, Elizabeth Essex, and Valerie Bowman, it is full of action, scandalous situations, and the perfect Christmas love scenarios. My TBR currently holds Nora Roberts newest release Blood Magick, Stephen King's Revival, Julianne MacLean's Seduced by the Highlander, A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon, & Marilyn Pappano, Grace Burrowes' What A Lady Needs for Christmas, Diana Palmer's A Husband For Christmas, Sherry Thomas' My Beautiful Enemy, Lorraine Heath's Once More My Darling Rogue, Elizabeth Hoyt's Darling Beast, Diana Palmer's Wyoming Strong and many, many more. Of course with me most of these will take me a day per each one, so not too long of a TBR pile really.
    Looking forward to checking out some of your selections, as some are new to me authors. Thanks for the chance for the giveaway! Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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    1. I have the Christmas Brides anthology but haven't read it yet. Looking forward to it!

      That's a great list of full-length books too. Some I've read and enjoyed but you've given me a couple new ones to add to my list. Thanks, Amy!

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  2. What are your holiday reading habits? Usually start reading them in Oct.

    Do you enjoy reading novellas? Occasionally.

    Do you prefer contemporary or historical? CONTEMP

    Have you read any recently that you would recommend?
    If you are talking non Christmas:
    Take a Chance on Me - Jennifer Dawson
    I Want to Hold Your Hand - Marie Force

    Christmas:
    The Christmas Wedding Ring - Susan Mallery
    Yours for Christmas - Susan Mallery
    Christmas Bouquet - Sherryl Woods

    What titles are on your tbr list?
    Carolyn Brown - Cowboy Boots for Christmas
    Sarah Morgan - Maybe This Christmas

    Merry Christmas to TRD ladies and all my fellow readers.
    Patoct





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    1. Merry Christmas to you too! I haven't read Jennifer Dawson yet. Off to check her out! :)

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    2. I love her dialogue of this series. Unfortunately the next one doesnt come out til fall of next year and there seems to be plenty of secondary characters to get their own books.
      Patoct

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  3. Thanks for including Winnie and Lucien in your list, PJ! Of those, I've only gotten to the Kat Latham so far but I loved it. (And all her London Legends. ) Thanks for giving me some new reads for Christmas! Xo

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    1. Always happy to bring new authors and books to readers who haven't tried them yet, Manda. Thanks for a terrific story. I enjoyed it immensely, as I do all of your books!

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  4. Hi, PJ. Actually, I really do enjoy reading novellas and have several on my Kindle Wish List. I like that the stories take me only 1/2 hour to an hour to read. I enjoy historicals the most.
    Merry Christmas to you and Andrea!

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    1. I like that the stories take me only 1/2 hour to an hour to read.

      That's what appeals to me too, Deb, especially this time of year.

      Merry Christmas!

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  5. Thank you for this lovely feature. I had way too much fun writing Claire and Tyler's story, and I'll be smiling all day after reading these sweet words about them. I'll put in a push for the two stories that follow mine, Kiss Me, Cowboy and Marry Me, Cowboy, as they all connect and really make for one fully fleshed out book. Happy holidays to all the Dishers!

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    1. I enjoyed all three stories as well, Terri. I still think you need to write a full-length contemporary in a western setting. You have quite the hand with cowboys! :)

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  6. I tend not to read novellas because I always crave a book length story. I read a lot of categories though all year long. My favorite holiday novels w the Christmas Bargain by Shanna Hatfield and Walking on air by Catherine Anderson

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    1. I thoroughly enjoy my full-length books too, jcp but when time is tight novellas bring me the reading pleasure I'm seeking without the lengthy investment of time.

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  7. What a great feature and giveaway. I enjoy novels, especially historicals and many contemporary. I love reading for the captivating novels and the storyline. Enber Island, All Georgette Heyer novels and Jennifer Donnelly historicals.

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    1. Another new to me author! Off to check out Jennifer Donnelly.

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  8. I read, everything, anything and then I read more. Holiday books, stories, novellas are just so much fun. For once, I have just about all the above mentioned except two and I am going to address that issue as soon as I post this!
    Love your notes after each and I have to agree with you... I also have to say out loud, Manda Collins does write awesome heroines! And Terry's novella was wonderful and I adore Paula Quinns books....SO MUCH.

    Thanks for the list and the notes....and Happy Holidays to all us readers.

    Hope

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    1. Happy Holidays to you too, Hope! And happy reading!

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  9. I love lengthy, and never ending books that hold me enthralled for days on end. Especially during the winter when I want to escape from reality. Historical novels will do that for me since they are utterly fascinating and gripping. My favorite is The Time in Between by Maria Duenas. Many Adriana Trigiani novels keep my interest too. Merry Christmas and have great enjoyment.

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    1. I'm a huge Adriana Trigiani fan! I haven't read Maria Duenas. Must check her out.

      Merry Christmas to you too!

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  10. I prefer full length stories; but will pick up a novella when I want a quick read.

    Enjoyed The Christmas Light by Donna Vanliere and The Trouble with Christmas by Debbie Mason.,

    No real reading habits - do tend to pick up more Christmas books around this time of year.

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    1. I enjoy Donna VanLiere and Debbie Mason's Christmas, Colorado series is one of my contemporary favorites. :)

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  11. I've read--and loved--all but two on your list, and I just downloaded one of the others. It's $.99 today and I was waffling since I haven't read the author. But recs from you and Manda sent me straight to Amazon. I'm still frantically trying to finish up a project before Christmas Eve, so I've been reading fewer Christmas books than usual. I'm especially grateful for novellas this year since I can finish one just before bedtime, about the only reading time I've had in the past week or so. Donna Alward's Christmas at Seashell Cottage is a 2014 favorite novella with me, and Barbara Bretton's oldie The Cat Who Saved Christmas is sweet and funny--and I think it's still free for Kindle users.

    My non-Christmas reading has been limited to ARCS. Since I don't want to endanger my life, I won't mention titles. :) But I will say 2015 is shaping up to be a fantabulous year for romance readers.

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    1. I need to pick up that Donna Alward story. I do enjoy her writing. Thanks for the rec on the Bretton oldie too. I don't think I've read that one!

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    2. Janga, just ordered the Cat Who Saved Christmas - it cost me a buck (of the no-horned kind), but I can live with that. Merry Christmas and thank you for all the fantastic recommendations!

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  12. read whatever sounds interesting to me
    not a fan of novellas
    prefer contemporary
    recommend the king by JR Ward

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  13. PJ, loved your review of Earl. Thank you so much. Delighted you enjoyed my story. I've got Louisa's waiting for me once I settle down for my Christmas break - it looks such fun and I've heard really good things about it. Must check out the others. Bought four more Christmas anthologies (I've just picked up a Kindle, oh, my aching credit card) - Christmas in the Duke's Arms with Miranda Neville and co, a Mary Jo Putney collection also called Christmas Revels, Tiny Treats which is full of micro stories just perfect for this time of year, and A Jewel in Time which features a novella by my talented friend Jeanne Adams. Like you, short is best at this time of year!

    Wishing all the Romance Dish gals and friends a wonderful Christmas! xxx

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    1. A very Merry Christmas to you too, Anna! I have all of the books you've mentioned but haven't read them yet. I'm saving them for the relaxing time between Christmas and New Year's. :)

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  14. I read as much as I can during the holidays. And yes, I enjoy novellas. In fact, right now I'm reading an anthology of novellas and short stories by Kelley Armstrong, from her Otherworld series. Generally, I prefer historical romances. But I do read contemporary, romantic suspense, some PNR/UF and traditional mysteries/thrillers.

    As for recommendations--I read my favorite book of the year during the summer. It is My Beautiful Enemy, by Sherry Thomas, and I'm still thinking about it. It's that wonderful. Please do read it. And before you read My Beautiful Enemy, read Thomas's prequel novel, The Hidden Blade. They are both so, so good!

    Merry Christmas, PJ. Thanks for another great giveaway. (US)

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    1. Sherry Thomas is such a beautiful writer. I haven't read MY BEAUTIFUL ENEMY yet. Thank you for the reminder!

      Wishing you a very Merry Christmas too!

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  15. I just picked up a quick read that I'm enjoying - James Patterson, The Christmas Wedding. Normally I go for the longer books but December is a busy month so I don't mind something quicker. So no on novellas most of the time but I do like to mix it up. Historicals are my first pick but again I will read a bit of everything. I recommend anything by Grace Burrowes and she has some Christmas books for now too. Lots of good authors that you mentioned above and a few new ones too - thanks for the reviews. Happy Holidays.

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    1. Thanks for the recommendation. I enjoy James Patterson!

      Grace Burrowes is a wonderful writer!

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  16. I think that around this time of year, I prefer novellas, as it scratches the itch of something to read, but isn't a huge time commitment. Plus, I love the Christmas themed ones that as full length novels, might get drawn out and tiresome. Thanks for sharin!

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    1. You're welcome, Erin! Love your "scratches the itch." :)

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  17. I do enjoy novella's, especially when I have a lot to do like around the holidays. So I can let myself read and promise myself to do a certain task as soon as I finish the story - it's a backwards reward - get the reward, then do the task. I enjoy both historical and contemporary reads - as long as there is romance with an HEA. I just got Jennifer Ashley's ' Rules for a Proper Governess' to read, and I see that another novella and a book in the series are coming out in 2015 - that's something I'm looking forward to.

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    1. it's a backwards reward - get the reward, then do the task.

      I do like the way you think, Di. :)

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  18. I actually read Christmas books all year long, not just around the holidays. I usually read full-length novels but don't mind the novellas since they are quicker to read especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I mix it up with both historicals and contemporaries, I have the Christmas Brides anthology and Jill Shalvis' Merry Christmas Baby on my TBR right now. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews and new books showcased, you sure help build up my wish list! Merry Christmas to you PJ and all the ladies at the Dish! {{{hugs}}}

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    1. Merry Christmas to you too, Anita! I'm looking forward to reading both the Christmas Brides anthology and Shalvis' Merry Christmas Baby. All these stories are my Christmas gift to myself. :)

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  19. I tend to read shorter Christmas novels this time of the year. I am always real busy at Christmas so I don't get a lot of reading time in.

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  20. Thanks so much for your recs, PJ. I've been looking all over for Christmas recs and this really fit the bill. I just took a little bit more off my gift card balance at Amazon.com! LOL

    I love Christmas stories/novellas. Some of my favorites are Mary Balogh's UNDER THE MISTLETOE (every novella in this anthology is outstanding), Carla Kelly's Christmas Collection, THE BRIDES OF CHRISTMAS with favorites from Jo Beverley and Deborah Simmons, and Anna Campbell's THE WINTER WIFE (every time I read this I wish it was a full length novel!). This year one of my new finds is RaeAnne Thayne's SNOW ANGEL COVE. I loved that story and will add that to my re-read list. Although, like you, I tend to lean toward the novellas or short stories at this time of year due to time constraints. I'm really looking forward to diving into this new selection. Thanks again! And Merry Christmas to all the dishes!!!

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    1. Hi, Irish! I recently sent you an ecard, but I wasn't sure if the email address I had for you was current. Please email me and let me know if you get a chance. Thanks.

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    2. Wow, Irish, thanks for the mention of TWW! That was my first reunion story - really enjoyed writing it. Especially imagining myself out of our sweltering Christmas into a lovely snowy English Regency one!

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    3. Hey Janga!! I just e-mailed you.

      You are very welcome, Anna. It was a great story - my favorite kind where the h/h are both young, inexperienced and flawed but basically good people who just need to grow up and forgive each other and themselves. It reminded me of a Mary Balogh or Eloisa James - where misunderstanding and pride keep the couple apart and when they get a chance to really talk, they build a stronger and better relationship than the one they started with. It's one of my favorites!

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  21. I love Christmas novellas. Some good ones this year are Close to Christmas by Suzanne Ferrell, The Baker, The Bodyguard and the Wedding Bell Blues by Lori Ryan, Sweet Cowboy Christmas by Candis Terry, The Billionaire's Christmas by J. S. Scott and Embattled Christmas by Jm Madden.

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  22. Oh, wow, PJ ! I had no idea you were doing this and I am blown away by your review! Thank you so very much for the kinds words. And to be in such talented company too! I confess I had to read it a second and third time because I was so teary-eyed I couldn't see. You have been such a wonderful source of encouragement and wisdom on this journey. And I am so terribly pleased you enjoyed Nicholas and Elizabeth's story. I was so fortunate when Kate, Hannah and Anna asked me to participate in this project. Their talent and standards gave me no choice but to try and equal them. You are not the first person to want to know more about Christian and Mary and about that scoundrel, Alexander. I am working on the next story in these friends' lives as we speak. How can I refuse someone who writes such a wonderful review AND makes some of the best candy in the world? MWAH !! <3

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    1. Hi Louisa and PJ

      I totally agree with you PJ I loved this story and am eagerly awaiting more :)

      Have Fun
      Helen

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  23. I love to read Christmas books I had bought quite a few and put them in a bag so I could just read one after the other and now I CANNOT FIND THEM ANYWHERE I am so aggravated with myself!! I prefer contempary books. I just finished Island Christmas which I really enjoyed and now am listening to Lori Wilde's new Christmas book.
    Merry Christmas everyone!!

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  24. And I forgot to mention that I have a worn collection of Regency Christmas anthologies that I drag out every year after Thanksgiving. Reading them helps me to get through the Christmas season working at Walmart ! I add a couple of new ones every year, but those old ones are like old friends. I can read a novella during breaks and lunch at work. Now I love a big fat historical or paranormal romance, but novellas are great when reading time is at a premium.

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  25. I'm a big fan of historical romance.around the holiday I enjoy the holiday day books

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  26. I have no reading habits.

    Love Suspense books.

    Recommended reads: Jaci Burton - Straddling the Line, Julie Ann Walker - In Rides Trouble

    On my tbr - Jaci Burton - Holiday on Ice, Julie Ann Walker - Rev It UP

    I don't think I have ever read a novella.

    Karen T.

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  27. I read holiday novels and novellas around Christmas and with so many out there, I started at Thanksgiving this year and probably won't finish until mid-January!

    I usually stick to historical holiday books but this year I've also been reading quite a few contemporaries. This year, it's cowboys for me. :) Claire's story from Cowboys for Christmas was also my favorite. I bought Her Christmas Earl and am looking forward to reading it. Two favorite novellas this year have been A Christmas Gone Perfectly Wrong by Cecilia Grant and Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter.

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  28. Hi PJ

    I too love to read Christmas novellas at thie time of the year and have read Anna Campbell's and Louisa Cornell's and WOW loved them both and thanks for the recomendations I will be adding them to my list.

    I have also read Susanne Ferrell's Close to Christmas which was fantasticand The Chieftain's Fued by Frances Housden

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. Helen, delighted you enjoyed Earl. I'm so looking forward to reading Louisa's debut!

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  29. Hi there,
    I love Historical and paranormal romance although lately I've been giving suspense and contemporary a try. I love novellas because they can be the perfect tie-in for full length novels and sometimes they can even pique my interest even further!! I can't recommend any because whenever I'm asked for recommendations my mind draws a blank!! -_- Sorry! LOL

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  30. I do tend to read more novellas during the holiday season as well as reading more Christmas based stories. I'll read most genres but do find myself reading more historical novels overall. Twould new ones I read this year are Carolyn Brown's Cowboy Boots For Christmas, Cowboy Not Included and Christmas In the Duke's Arms. I'd recommend both of them!

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  31. I have a stash of holiday books and try to get to them every year. Some have been waiting to be read and some are keepers I try to reread. This year has been a mess. I am not getting as much as I would have liked read. I read lots of anthologies this time of the year. They are favorites and the shorter format fits perfectly with the hectic schedule.

    Historicals are my favorite, but I pretty much read anything.

    I have CHRISTMAS AT TWILIGHT by Lori Wilde on the way. There are several historical anthologies published this year that I will be getting. I have A HIGHLANDER CHRISTMAS and HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Janet Chapman still sitting on my TBR Mountain. Love her books. A favorite I will reread is CHRISTMAS MOON by Elizabeth Lane.

    I hope both you and Andrea have a wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year that is fantastic.

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  33. After things wind down I get into my reading. I read everyday so I don't havve a difference in my reading.I'm looking forward to Larissa Ione's Revenant and Marked by Rebecca Zanetti.
    Happy Holidays all.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol ( dot ) com

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  34. Merry Christmas!!

    I love full length novels too, the longer the better actually, but there is a time & place for novellas. I do love Historical reads. I've been reading Anne Perry lately. She writes Victorian set mysteries. A touch of romance certainly creeps in.

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  35. I like full length, I do reead more During holiday, drink ing apple cider,
    Thanks for great prizes
    Kimh

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  36. I love picking up Christmas reads around the holidays. I actually don't mind them at any time but it's always fun to curl up in the winter and read them. Novellas are good to a point but I admit to having a certain dislike for them when my favorite authors write about a secondary character that deserves a story and it's so darn short. It just always leaves me wanting more lol I'm a fan of historical and contemporary so give me some of each, maybe switch back and forth, best of both worlds! I just finished reading Merry Christmas Baby by Jill Shalvis from her Lucky Harbor series. So good but oh so short! I didn't want it to end!!!

    Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! Thanks for another year of awesomeness at the Dish!!

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  37. I read a variety of genres, but at holiday time -- I do love a good holiday themed book of any length!

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  38. I love reading contemporary romance.

    I mostly read Christmas themed book during Christmas. LOL. I would recommend Marilyn Pappano - A man to Hold Onto and Sherryl Woods - Swan Point.

    Patty B43

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  39. Two of the best novellas I read this Christmas were THE GIFT: A HIGHLAND NOVELLA by Margaret Mallory and MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY by Jill Shalvis.

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  40. What are your holiday reading habits? I read a bit of everything.

    Do you enjoy reading novellas? Yes, but I also like full length books

    Do you prefer contemporary or historical? I prefer historical, but I also enjoy contemporaries

    Have you read any recently that you would recommend? A SEAL For Christmas by Tawny Weber and Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith

    What titles are on your tbr list? Too many to mention.

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  41. Hi PJ! As always, I appreciate your insights into great stories. The two on my list that I'd recommend here are ones you've already mentioned---Anna Campbell and Louisa Cornell. I have several others on my TBR stack, but this holiday has been busier than usual and I'm behind on reading!
    I used to not like novellas at all, but I've found that this time of year, they're perfect. I love love love it when a writer can give me a nice, full love story in a short read. Of course it can't be as deep and fleshed-out as a full-length novel, but all the parts need to be there for me to enjoy it. I'm putting these on my list to read. Thank you, PJ, and may you and all of the Dishers have a fantastic Christmas!

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  42. I recently read Unwrapping Her Perfect Match & Cowboys for Christmas. Loved them both! My goal is to read a Christmas book every day or 2 in Dec, but I am lagging behind. I am reading Mia Marlowe's Plaid Tidings. I would like to get to some of those novellas. I also have Holiday Kisses, an anthology from last year. And another high stack! Merry Christmas!

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