Customer Reviews:
Cute. A little tiny 'tho.......2007-08-05
I purchased the autumn book and really enjoyed it, so I ordered Christmas Joy. I was tad disappointed to see this was such a small and slender volume. It has the same cute recipes and suggestions but fewer of them. It is also fairly short- only 46 pages. I read it in about 15 minutes.
Overalll, a cute book, but I was expecting more.
Dont you just LOVE Susan? I do!.......2006-08-02
This little book is a great addition to your Susan Branch collection. I enjoy the little recipes and as always her beautiful watercolor drawings! Beautiful!
A wonderful Christmas gift book !.......2003-11-13
This book has it all and is delightful. I bought this as a gift for my sister-in- law and am I ever glad I also got one for myself. Itis beautifully illustrated and is filled with recipes, decorating ideas and special thoughts. Its one of those books that you get out each year at Christmas time and you read it again and again.
Great gift........2002-03-03
Purchased this as a Christmas gift for my nephew's wife. She loved it!
A Delightful Book to Help get in the Spirit of the season.......2001-10-20
Susan Branch is a wonderful author. Not only does this book allow the reader to cook but also to become part of the wimsy and the fun that is a book from Susan Branch
Average customer rating:
- A very disappointing Sandra Brown book
- Trite and a bit on the gooey side
- ARE YOU KIDDING? LMAO
- My first Sandra Brown, but it will not be my last
- Borrow, Don't Buy
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Tidings of Great Joy
Sandra Brown
Manufacturer: Bantam
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A Whole New Light
ASIN: 0553576003
Release Date: 1999-11-02 |
Amazon.com
This paperback reissue of a short romance originally published in 1987, and offered in hardcover last year, is a pleasant, sexy read about an appealing couple who struggle to deal honorably with the consequences of one night of irresponsible passion. At a luxurious Christmas Eve party, successful, levelheaded architect Ria Lavender becomes dazzled by champagne, snow, and charming mayoral candidate Taylor MacKensie. Impulsively, they spend the night together. Two months later, realizing she's pregnant, Ria demands that Taylor legitimize the impending birth by marrying her. But what she intends will be a marriage in name only escalates into much more as the two begin sharing a house and, inevitably, a bed. Then tragedy strikes, threatening their tenuous union and leading to some new realizations about love. Tidings of Great Joy is a classic short romance told with flair and enjoyable in any season. --Ellen Edwards
Book Description
From the author who knows all the secrets of a woman's heart comes a tantalizing tale of holiday romance—as a young woman discovers how a night of passion can change your life, and your dreams, forever....
Ria Lavender is the last woman in the world to be swept away by a smooth line and a seductive smile. A talented architect, she's just beginning to savor the fruits of her success when she meets a man who will change everything.
Mayor-Elect Taylor MacKensie is handsome, charming, and charismatic. Still, Ria never imagines that she'll leave a Christmas party with him, or that, caught up in the magic of a snowfall and a bottle of champagne, she'll give in to desire. Eight weeks later, Ria knows she's carrying Taylor's child.
To give their baby a name, Ria persuades Taylor to marry her—at least temporarily. But while Ria soon feels a surprising tenderness—and passion—for Taylor, she fears his prime concern is protecting his career. Ria vows to keep her distance from the man who holds the key to her heart...until life teaches them both a lesson in miracles—and love.
Customer Reviews:
A very disappointing Sandra Brown book.......2007-07-24
I was hoping for something romantic and sensual to inspire holiday spirit, and instead got something very vulgar and crude. I couldn't bear the hostile way these two protagonists interacted with each other. They couldn't seem to get along except while having sex. It was obvious that this book was written in 1987, because it lacked the polish Sandra Brown has developed over the years, especially with regard to dialogue, which was horrendously written in this story.
Trite and a bit on the gooey side.......2007-05-31
Architect Ria Lavender engages in a one night stand with the mayoral candidate Taylor McKensie which results in a pregnancy. To insure that her child is born legitimate, she talks Taylor into marrying her. When the two set up house, they develop feelings for each other. When tragedy strikes, can Ria count on Taylor to help her through their darkest days and not concentrate on his political career?
An early effort by Brown, it's schmaltzy, trite, and though it has some unpredictability in the plot, it just isn't well executed. The dialogue is also a little on the vapid side. The best thing about it - the length - you can easily finish it in a couple hours. Thank goodness she switched gears and concentrates on romantic suspense.
ARE YOU KIDDING? LMAO.......2007-05-07
I ordered this book from someone on amazon and even though I read several reviews I couldn't decided if it were a book I would like, so I bought it. I waited a while before reading it and then one Sunday morning I decided to read it. In the back of my mind I saw the negative reviews and the average rating, but I found myself really getting into it.. I read it all the way through and thought these people on Amazon are crazy this was a wonderful book...THEN I TURNED TO THE VERY LAST PAGE and read the conclusion of the story. I was shocked, angry and finally laughing so hard I peed my pants! I can understand some people's dislike of the ending..but everything up until that point was actually cute, sexy, touching and fun like a lot of romance novels. If you like LaVryle Spencer books this is right up your alley, (the plot is EXTREMELY SIMILAR to Seperate Beds by Spencer without the wacked out ending)but be warned..the ending will leave you wondering, scratching your head and possibly throwing the book across the room or in the trash...HAHAHAHA!
My first Sandra Brown, but it will not be my last.......2005-12-23
From the back cover:
From the author who knows all the secrets of a woman's heart comes a tantalizing tale of holiday romance--as a young woman discovers how a night of passion can change your life, and your dreams, forever...
Tidings of Great Joy
Ria Lavender is the last woman in the world to be swept away by a smooth line and a seductive smile. A talented architect, she's just beginning to savor the fruits of her success when she meets a man who will change everything. Mayor-Elect Taylor MacKensie is handsome, charming, and charismatic. Still, Ria never imagines that she'll leave a Christmas party with him, or that, caught up in the magic of a snowfall and a bottle of champagne, she'll give in to desire. Eight weeks later, Ria knows she's carrying Taylor's child.
To give their baby a name, Ria persuades Taylor to marry her--at least temporarily. But while Ria soon feels a surprising tenderness--and passion--for Taylor, she fears his prime concern is protecting his career. Ria vows to keep her distance from the man who holds the key to her heart...until life teaches them both a lesson in miracles--and love.
And my review...
Wow! This was the first book I had ever read by this author, but it most certainly will not be my last. I bought this from a thrift store, thinking that such a thin little Christmassy story (just over 200 pages) would be a nice piece of fluff to pass a few hours. After all, that's what it looked like from the back cover description: a one-night stand resulting in pregnancy (a theme that I don't usually like much), a marriage of convenience for the baby's sake, and then love following. It would be cliched, right? Boy, was I wrong!
The story grabbed my attention almost immediately, and wouldn't let it go. While I didn't like the whole one-night stand part, I was able to get over it very quickly because both characters were just so likeable. Also, as they were willing to do the right thing for their unborn child, I was able to forgive their mistake and start to cheer for them. They were well-drawn people, and I could keenly feel all their hopes, wants, fear and desires. These days, it seems so seldom that you can find a book where both the hero and the heroine are loveable. Usually, one of them is annoying or a downright jerk. But not in this story. Lia was very likeable, and Taylor was so sweet. Every woman should be lucky enough to have a man like him. (Fortunately for me, I do! :)
As for this book being a piece of fluff? Wrong again. I found myself crying through many parts of it. It was that touching. The author had the almost perfect mix of clashes between the lead characters without making it overwhelming or annoying. And cliched? Nope. I don't want to give away any pivotal plot points, but let me just say that there was a twist in the middle of the book that I did not see coming.
My only complaint with this story was that the Christmas aspect of it was over very quickly (after the first chapter) and only makes another brief appearance in the end. But the rest of the story was so good that it more than made up for this one small flaw.
I ended up staying up late just to finish this story. I just couldn't put it down. This book went straight onto my keeper shelf, and I'm going to be on the lookout for more books by Sandra Brown.
Borrow, Don't Buy.......2005-05-27
Well, I personally enjoyed this one. I just came off reading A Kiss Remembered, and Bittersweet Rain, both of which left me disappointed, so this was a welcomed change. I enjoyed the characters, their chemistry and I laughed at their friendly (and not so friendly) banter. I thought the ending was a bit unrealistic too, but not so much so that it ruined the story. It was a nice read, especially if you have a few hours to pass. Not a `must have', but worth borrowing from the library. If you like love stories Sandra Brown style, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Customer Reviews:
Good Christmas Read.......2007-02-09
In my book collection, could only give it an 8. I consider it about
average...nothing to write home about. I read so many books, that it
takes something very special for 5 stars.
Only one story worth reading, but it's very good.......2005-12-20
From the back cover:
Here comes Santa Claus--with four stories that celebrate the joy of holiday love and cheer!
"Promises to Keep" by Victoria Alexander
After a trip to see a department-store Kirs Kringle, a lonely business woman is swept back to a long-ago Christmas--and given a second chance to share a passion that will prove to her it really is a wonderful life.
"Naughty or Nice" by Sandra Hill
When a young beauty sets out to steal some Yuletide cheer, she expects to end up with a stocking full of coal. Instead, a run-in with Santa's most virile helper brings her the best gift of all: a heart full of love.
"Santa Reads Romance" by Dara Joy
During a snowstorm, a romance writer is surprised when a handsome stranger dressed as Jolly Old St. Nick arrives at her isolated cabin--and stires up a blizzard of desire.
"A Gift for Santa" by Nelle McFather
With a dast a Father Christmas's magic, a generous widow saves her town's holiday celebration--and teaches the man she loves the true meaning of the season.
And my review:
I absolutely LOVED "Promises to Keep". I didn't expect to like it so much, as I've found that (apart from "The Prince's Bride") this author's work is good for a one-time read, but not as a keeper. But this story was FANTASTIC. I normally don't like the falling-in-love-at-first-sight theme (I usually find it silly) but this author handled it so well, that it was believable. I actually got tears in my eyes reading about the heroine's lost love, and I really rooted for them to get together. And the paranormal time-travel (the heroine went back into the WWII era) twist just made it that much more enjoyable. I know I'll be rereading this novella! Highly recommended. Five stars.
"Naughty or Nice" started off really well. It grabbed my attention within the first two pages, which is what you really want in a story. And it had some laugh-out-loud moments (glad I was at home at the time). But this author's use of the love-at-first-sight theme was very poorly done, especially when compared to the story that preceded it. And it was really more of a lust-at-first-sight story than a love story. If that's what you're looking for, then fine. But I don't like stories about people who hardly know each other having wild sex in a pantry. I need more motivation for romance than just physical attraction. When the characters jumped each other's bones, I skipped to the next story. Two stars, as it started off well.
"Santa Reads Romance" also started off really well. I liked the idea of a romance writer falling in love with a publisher (who incidentally thinks that writers are the bane of his existence). The plot started off with a bang, and what could be more interesting (and funny) than having the heroine conk the hero out with a piece of firewood because she thinks he's about to attack her? But then this became a falling-in-lust story, which again is not what I'm looking for. While I have nothing wrong with sexual attraction between leads (necessary for a good romance), I want more motivation than that to make the story work for me. Two stars, as again, this novella started off well.
"A Gift for Santa" just could not hold my interest. I'm not really sure what the problem was, but it seemed like the author was trying to throw way to much information at the reader without bothering to properly develop the characters. When I have to find myself re-reading the same page over and over and still not having it stick in my head, it's not worth the effort. One star.
As usual with romance anthologies, if you find one good story, you're lucky. While the last three stories (which were all contemporaries) were not worth my time, the first one was sooo good that I'm glad that I bought this book, and I would recommend it for that one story alone.
Sandra Hill and Dara Joy shine in these Christmas stories........2005-08-19
I thought these to be really good laid back christmas stories. Just something to pass the time. I enjoy short stories every once in awhile to break up the full size novels. These are really good.
And yes I actually liked Sandra Hill's story.:}
Mixed bag, but mostly a very good mixed bag.......2005-04-19
It is difficult for me to say which story in this book I liked the most, but I was probably most touched by Nelle McFather's story. I thought it was beautifully done.
I thought the Dara Joy story was good, but I found it to be the least touching story, for me. I guess I like my Christmas romances to have children somewhere within the book, and this particular story didn't, although it did have a cute puppy.
The Sandra Hill story was different. I would not have thought of having a halfway house as part of the backdrop for a Christmas story, although I'm not sure why I think that way, because each year at Christmas, we are urged to give to halfway homes. The sex was a little kinky in this short story, something different from the norm.
Now, the Victoria Alexander story. This was a very good story, an interesting choice for this particular compilation, I thought,
because it is a story that could have fit into other compilations as well. This one could fit in a time-travel book, a time-travel
Christmas book, or a book about 1940's romance, such as Strangers
in the Night (I am currently reading this one). Instead, Love Spell decided to put it into this particular book, which is okay, but I'm not sure it is the best fit. That said, I enjoyed her story very much, having to do with 2nd chances. It is my first Victoria Alexander book, and I will look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Romance for the Holidays.......2002-11-21
PROMISES TO KEEP-This one is by Victoria Alexander. A lonely business woman, who refused marriage to her true love during World War II, gets the chance to relive her life, and the share the passion yet again. Thanks to the help of a department store Kris Kringle. 5 stars.
NAUGHTY OR NICE-Written by Sandra Hill, this one follows the adventures of a young beauty named Jessica, who dresses as Santa Claus one night, so she can commit a robbery, but ends up taking a hostage who turns out to be her one true love. And the only person whom she can trust. 4 stars.
SANTA READS ROMANCE-This one is by Dara Joy. A romance writer decides to take some time to seclude herself in a cabin, so she can finish up her latest masterpiece. But when a publisher dressed as Santa Claus ends up arriving during a snowstorm, she experiences something that she has only experienced through the characters in her novels. 5 stars.
A GIFT FOR SANTA-Written by Nelle McFather. When a widow and her daughter decide to spread Christmas cheer throughout their small town, she doesn't realize that she is finding a perfect husband for herself, and a perfect father for her daughter. 4 stars.
I found this treasury very enjoyable and well written. I felt that the stories that really shined in this novel, were Victoria Alexander's PROMISES TO KEEP, and Dara Joy's SANTA READS ROMANCE. A must-have treasury for your home this holiday season.
Book Description
As the questions begin, an extraordinary story unfolds. A story of love and loss and caring, of separation and reunion. Of small acts of heroism in a distant and war-weary English village, now half a century ago.
As her grandmother shares this story with Marissa, the two discover that the most precious gift of Christmas is that of the present. And the season of giving is not limited to once a year.
Customer Reviews:
Tidings of Comfort & Joy .......2007-01-30
THIS BOOK SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT FAMILY IS TO ONE ANOTHER. ALSO, HOW GRANDPARENTS HAVE A GREAT INFLUENCE ON THEIR GRANDCHILDREN. EACH RELATIONSHIP IN A FAMILY IS IMPORTANT FOR GROWTH AND UNDERSTANDING OF AGING.
Story of forgiveness and love.......2005-12-04
Honestly, of the several Janette Oak fiction books that I've read, I haven't been particularly riveted by any. When I saw that T. Davis Bunn was associated with her writings, I was a little skeptical of how well this book would be written.
This is my first experience with T. Davis Bunn, and I am very satisfied. This book particularly touched me with characters who were refraining from the easy entrapment of bitterness and unforgiveness. Grandma, with who she thought was the love of her life, displayed emotions so close to what I felt with "my first love". Subsequently, she showed how important it was to give forgiveness to someone who had abandoned and hurt her so much.
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever been hurt in relationships where there was abandonment or a lack of committment.
I plan to read more of T. Davis Bunn's works.
Excellent.......1999-12-23
This book was so good it brought tears to my eyes. The autor was able to control my very thoughts.
wonderful reading.......1999-09-16
This was my first book from the author. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. The grandmother gave Marissa a wonderful gift of healing. Truely a wonderful book.
This book touches the soul and sweeps the heart in the story.......1999-02-04
This book was wonderful. As the story slowly unravels you get more attached to the characters. Definitaly worth reading.
Book Description
With these nine step-by-step projects from renowned decorative painter John Gutcher, readers will learn how to paint their favorite Christmas themes, including Santas, angels, elves and more, on everything from glittering ornaments to festive albums.
Giving them the flexibility to paint in either acrylics or oils, John provides plenty of practical guidance for choosing supplies, mixing colors, creating values, and mastering the basics of portrait painting. He even makes learning those tricky details simple with special tips for painting fur, richly textured clothing and realistic flesh tones.
* Holiday themes are extremely popular among decorative painters
* Includes 9 fun, fabulous step-by-step projects
* Perfect for holiday gifts!
* Includes detailed instruction in the basics of portraiture
Average customer rating:
- Comforting
- A wonderful, beautiful book...
- A Must-Have For Christmas
- Wonderful homemade memories.
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The Twelve Blessings of Christmas
Joy Marie
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0849995620 |
Book Description
You've heard of the Twelve Days of Christmas…but what are the Twelve Blessings of Christmas? After reading this book, you'll always remember them: Kindness, Hope, Music, Peace, Faith, Love, Giving, Grace, and Warmth. Each section of this festive book is filled with original art and recipes for sweets and treats, party ideas, homemade gift projects, ideas for Christmas traditions, Scripture verses, and more. Tucked inside the front of the book is a small gift card in an envelope for personalizing and a ribbon bookmark with an angel charm to hold your place until you get back.
Customer Reviews:
Comforting.......2003-01-19
What a fabulous book to have at the holidays and all year long. It reminds us of all the treasures there are in life. There are things big and small that happen and everything that happens is to be treasured.
A wonderful, beautiful book..........2002-01-08
This is one of the best Christmas gifts I received last year. This book is sweet, has great ideas, and is full of warm, happy sentiments. I liked it so much that I could not stand to put it away with our other Christmas things, so it will be out on the bookshelf year-round!
A Must-Have For Christmas.......2001-12-27
This book is one of my absolute favorites for the Christmas seasons. Not only does it have beautiful poems, and sayings, but it also has special recipes for the family, and wonderful crafts and memory making ideas. I will never go another Christmas without this wonderful book.
This is a must have book, and a perfect stocking stuffer for anyone.
Wonderful homemade memories........2001-12-15
If you want to be truly blessed during the Christmas season then this is the place you want to find those blessings. All the ways to share in wonderful memories and to make new ones are suggested here. You'll want to go straight to the kitchen to try out the old fashioned recipes that remind us of the Christmases long ago. What a wonderful way to preserve all those loving foods and customs for future generations. You won't be able to stop reading untill you are at the last page.
Amazon.com
Now in its 13th printing, Unplug the Christmas Machine remains one of the most comprehensive guides to managing Christmas stress and combating commercialism. Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli give readers solid advice on how to make their celebrations more spiritual and less materialistic. Practical discussions, such as shopping lists, holiday recipes, and family activities, meld with deeper issues, such as how to teach children that Christmas is more than a present or how to find meaning in the holiday when you're not especially religious. Robinson and Staeheli even delve into the mixed blessings of Christmas homecomings to help readers pass the true holiday stress test.
Book Description
Nine years and thirteen printings later, Unplug the Christmas Machine is still the undisputed guide to creating a joyful, stress-free holiday season. Revised and filled with new material, this book will enjoy even greater popularity in the years to come.
In the pages of Unplug the Christmas Machine, Jo Robinson and jean Coppock Staeheli answer the questions they have heard most often in their many years of talking with people about Christmas, such as: "How can I reduce the stress of preparing for Christmas?" "How can I make our celebration more spiritual and less materialistic?" "How can I get my husband to be more enthusiastic about Christmas?" "How can I get my wife to relax and enjoy the celebration?" and "How can I help my children see that Christmas is more than just presents?" Readers will turn to this book for inspiration and practical advice year after year.
Sixteen years after it first appeared, this perennial favorite is still the book that thousands turn to for sound, no-nonsense advice on how to combat Christmas commercialism and create a joyful, stress-free holiday season. The authors answer all the most commonly asked questions, from "How can I reduce the stress of preparing for Christmas?" to "How can I teach my children that Christmas means mote than just presents?" and many more.
Customer Reviews:
When Christmas Preparations Overwhelm, Try This Book.......2006-01-05
At Christmas time, the busy wife, mother and career woman kicks into overdrive. She feels the need to maintain her usual roles while bringing the magic of a perfect Christmas to her family, work place, and church.
If your Christmas cards routinely include an apology for being late and half of your holiday decorations are still in the attic, you are not alone. Let's admit it, the perfect holiday season should include a week off from work in early December.
This book can be a life saver, as it helps you focus on what parts of the holiday season are really important to you. I find the layout of the book easy to use and the structure it provides is priceless.
a little too cliche.......2005-11-30
I thought this book was a little too cliche, because it tends to go with the stereotypes of women and men's traditional roles and attitudes towards Christmas. Also most of the ideas are rather obvious and don't promote any significant change.
I would suggest checking out the site www.buynothingchristmas.org.
This book withstands the test of time.......2003-11-26
I am delighted to see that Robinson and Staeheli have updated their material in this new edition . . . I've been using this book as an inspiration for workshops and talks since it first came out in the early 1990's. Consistently, people are empowered to claim their OWN approach to the Holidays after working through the concepts.
The eye-opening exercises are easily completed by an individual -- and there are many hints and pieces of advice for people wanting to involve their families in simplifying their holidays. Whether you come at this period from a religious or a secular perspective, this book can strengthen your resolve to make your holidays heart-felt rather than $-based.
Highly recommended.
I agree with all the reviews posted.......2000-12-20
THis is the best book I have ever read on how to handle Christmas. Some books on this subject get so psychological that one wants to check into a hospital and forget Christmas. I am ordering it for all the family - one copy each.
Wonderful!.......1998-12-06
While I felt overwhelmed with the Christmas machine, I didn't want to give up everything. This book helped me identify what mattered to me and my family. I especially liked the ideas on how to pace the holiday. This suited me much better than the "Simplify Christmas" book which seemed to me to consist more of reasons not to have a tree, send cards etc. than identify what to keep and what to change.
Amazon.com
Four timeless Christmas tales by celebrated romance authors comprise A Stockingful of Joy. Susan King's Snow Rose, set in 1573 in the rugged highlands of Scotland, tells the passionate story of Catriona MacDonald and Kenneth Fraser, prominent members of opposing clans. Catriona is in desperate need of help, and the snow rose--a cherished brooch given to seal a sacred pact made long ago by a Fraser family member--guarantees help from the Fraser family, or so Catriona believes. When the Frasers must regretfully deny Catriona her one wish, Kenneth Fraser swears to protect her, but he never dreamed he would lose his heart in the process.
Mary Balogh's charming tale of unexpected love, The Best Husband Money Can Buy, is set in 1818 Regency England. When Emma Stone's parents die, she has no choice but to stay on at school in Bath and teach. Emma's parents had not planned for their daughter's financial future, and so Emma's life of ease as part of the affluent Vaughn family comes to an end. But when a stroke of luck finds Emma rewarded with a kindly stranger's inheritance, a world of opportunities opens up to her, but her first priority is to find the best husband money can buy.
In A Light in the Window, Justin Dare transports readers to late 19th-century Wyoming, where all Morgan Blaine wants is a warm place to sleep for the night. But when he camps out in Faith Brown's barn, he gets much more than he bargained for. All alone in the Wyoming wilderness except for her sister's son, Faith needs more than a hand with the household chores. Morgan's painful childhood memories keep Faith at arms length until the light in the window shows him the way to her heart.
Jill Barnett's Boxing Day, set in Victorian New York, rounds out the holiday tales. Years of making his way as a professional boxer haven't exactly refined Conn Donoughue nor made him a likely candidate for love. But when Eleanor Rose Austen enters his life, all bets are off.
Book Description
Now readers can enjoy the magical spirit of Christmas with this romantic quartet of stories filled with all the hope and joy of the holiday season.
Customer Reviews:
All around great little stories to curl up with........2006-01-23
I am not an anthology fan but I love Mary Jo Putney and Jill Barnett.I hadn't read anything by Susan King yet (although I have a few of her backlist, I'm a paperback junkie and collect and collect until I can't remember what I have!)Justine Dare was new to me. These were sweet and romantic stories, you won't be disappointed with any of them. I personally thought A Light in the Window was second best after Susan King's The Snow Rose. I just love Scottish Highland tales. The other reviewer's pretty much hit the nail on the head with the descriptions. This little book of anthologies doesn't disappoint but rather makes you want to go out and find every book these fantastic authors have ever written! See what I mean? I'm addicted! You will be too with these engaging stories of love and triumph!
delightful reprint.......2005-11-26
Careful, this is a reprint from 1997. It was deligtful then, it is delightful now.
Boxing Day is the only one I was not able to call to mind immediately.
Three stars because I wish they were longer!
Putney and Barnett save the day.......2005-11-16
Although it was a good enough read, there was nothing outstanding in this Signet Christmas anthology to compare it to some of their anthologies of the 1990s.
I have never come across Susan King before. Although the bio-blurb indicates she has academic credentials in history, she needs to pull up her socks in terms of her story telling. I gather her story is a little filler in a series of books: constant references to this appear and I found it annoying. Her portrayal of life in early 17th century Scotland was too twee for me. And, by setting most of the story in an unheated, uninsulated, isolated bothey (shepherd's hut) she stretched credibility. Highland winters are cruel. No one in their right mind would set out to live alone like that in the winter! Also, I was so diverted by imagining the stench of horse and cow "droppings" in the little hut that any romantic feel to the story evaporated. Overall, this one was a dud.
Jill Barnett's story was unusual for me. Set at the end of the 19th century in the less than nice side of New York, it gave us some very different characters and a storyline that was quite unique. The story of a feisty, direct but oh-so-vulnerable 40 year old woman who is harbouring a passion for a beefy but gentle (and younger) boxer was well done. I liked the peripheral neighbourhood characters - immigrants and artisans who enhanced the narrative.
Justine Dare's story has been done a thousand times - the light in the window being a metaphor for coming home for Christmas. The hero is akin to a Clint Eastwood nameless drifter who only needs the love of a good woman to settle down and become an instant family man. A little too melodramatic for me.
Putney's offering was the best of the bunch. Although I thought the story line was a little tired, Putney's crisp, sharp style made it an engaging read. Perhaps because she seems to have been allocated more space, her story was better presented with characters that at least had a chance of developing. I think stories of fortune-hunting men are hard to pull off but she did it here with great skill. The happy conclusion was credible and rewarding.
Overall, Putney and Barnett saved the day and that's why I'm giving this one four instead of three stars.
Snow Rose a five star read in a four star anthology.......1999-04-25
Although the other stories in this anthology were interesting reads none touched me like the Snow Rose by Susan King. It was a poignant story of how a young woman was able thru her own pain helped another deal with his pain, making the reader the winner. Having read the prequel of sorts to this nouvella, THE RAVEN'S WISH, I found that she has created a wonderful story for one of the many Fraser cousin's who needed their own. The story was believable and was perfect for the holiday season
creating a believable sense of hope that all will be well. It isn't easy to write a satisfying story in so few pages but Ms. King's writing ability shines thru with this most endearing story of a promise redeemed in a most unusual way by a most wonderful hero all to capture the love of his heroine. Of the stories in this anthology Ms King's gave the reader the most hope this holiday season and her other books are not to be missed by any who call themselves romance readers.
One of the all around best anthologies I've ever read!.......1997-12-30
I grabbed this one with great expectations because it contained stories by two of my favorite authors and two other authors that I hadn't read but have heard good things about. And the rare thing happened, all of my expectations were met and I discovered a new author (King) whose backlist I'm probably going to track down.
The King story ["Snow Rose"] set in the Scottish Highlands is probably my favorite. I found it tender, sensual and gripping and all of the little historical details really placed me in the time period.
The Barnett story ["Boxing Day" - set in Victorian New York] was my second favorite, it was funny and witty, light and really hit the spot, the hero was very lovable and the heroine was an *older* woman.
The Putney story ["The Best Husband Money Can Buy" - set in Regency England] was also great about a woman who buys herself a hubby but I have to admit I was a little bothered by the fact that they were cousins (I know this was acceptable during that time but it still makes me squirm).
The Dare story ["A Light in the Window" - set in late 1800s Wyoming] was good but probably my least favorite because I felt it was too short and that she wasn't given enough space to fully develop her characters. I highly recommend this anthology for those who like 'em.
Customer Reviews:
Some good points, but mostly annoying.......2006-12-18
I found the book annoying. Why? Because St. James recommends too many times that if you can't "delegate" to someone else Christmas chores associated with upholding certain Christmas traditions, just don't do them.
Lots of contradictions in this book, too. In the chapter "Remember What You Once Loved About the Holidays," she recalls "The fresh scent of pine when we first brought the Christmas tree into the house." Later on she devotes an entire chapter to "Twelve Reasons to Skip the Tree."
And then there is the irony of paying money for a book that tells you to cut way back on your Christmas spending. There are a few good tips among the 100 ways St. James offers to "Simplify your Christmas," but they aren't worth the price of this book.
The bottom line is that, for adults, "keeping Christmas" involves a certain amount of money, effort and knowledge about Christmas history and traditions. St. James seems to want to skip it all.
Some good tips for simplifying - but too simplistic.......2006-11-13
My problem with this book is it's too formulaic. Rather than providing great questions for examining our own desires and priorities for the winter holidays (which you'll find in "Unplugging the Christmas Machine"), the author gives instructions for simplifying holidays along specific parameters. I understand why that approach offends some other reviewers: One person's hassles - Christmas cards, stockings, cooking a big feast, visiting relatives - are another person's joys. What I like to remember about "simplicity" is that the goal isn't to eliminate anything that complicates our lives but to winnow out the complications that don't bring us joy or meaning (or are simply necessary, like mammograms, or fixing the roof). Children, pets, family, friends... can all complicate our lives while bringing us great pleasure! Holiday rituals, too. Elaine St. James' premise is valid and some of her suggestions for simplifying are good, but her approach is too ... simplistic.
Some good ideas.......2005-12-20
I rather liked this book. There is not truly 100 ways to "simplify" your Christmas, but almost everyone can find at least four or six to simplify theirs, depending on what they find over indulgent or too time consuming. Quite a few suggestions are common sense when you read them, but due to holiday over stress and over planning you tend to forget about them and a quick review is very helpful. My personal favorites are "rise above the guilt" and "halt the runaway train" which are chapters on emotions at Christmas and over zealous gifting.
I think the beauty of this book is almost everyone will find a few ideas to employ to destress their holidays. And that's what most of us need, not 100, but just a few solid ones that will work. You'll find them in this book, and be all the more merry for it.
easier holiday.......2004-12-24
I enjoyed the book, it was very helpful to me. I have read 2 other of the authors books, and I agree with the other reviews that some of the book was recycled. But a lot of it was researched about how the holiday began, and alternatives to some of the traditions we have and why we have them. I agree that sending Christmas cards is bad for the eviroment and we could save a lot of trees, and money in stamps. Also why are we not using recycled wrapping paper, and why are we bothering to wrap gifts at all? Why not use news paper for kids if you have to wrap gifts? she has an entire section on Christmas for kids. I think this is a good book, and worth reading if you want to simplify your holiday. I love the portion on non traditonal Christmas and celebrating as other cultures do. Less focus on gifts and more focus on what we truly care about.
To the reviewer who thinks Christmas is a Christian holiday.......2004-07-12
For the reviewer who thinks Christmas is a Christian holiday--think again. Everything about the season of christmas is Pagan. The tree, caroling, wreaths, gift giving. Only Christians have mistakenly associated it with Christ's birth which was not in December but actually somewhere between April and June. And another Pagan holiday that Christians have "stolen" is easter or as we Pagans call it, Ostara, named after the Goddess Ostara, the Goddess of renewal and rebirth. All the bunnies, chicks, and soft spring colors--yep, you guessed it--all Pagan. Oh, and that fish Christians put on the backs of their cars, also Pagan. And when you say "Amen" after prayers, you are sending that prayer up to a Pagan God.
I have no objection to anyone's choice of religion, or the way they practice it; but you should do a little research next time into what is and is not Christianity. And please remember that the King James Version of the Bible is just that...King James I of England's version. He had it re-written from the Latin texts and had several parts changed and even excluded to suit himself. Pick up a Catholic Bible sometime if you don't believe me. You will find there are several more books than what is in a KJV. Also, from the original Hebrew scrolls to Latin to English, there has been a wealth of meaning lost in the translations. Especially since some words cannot be accurately translated in the first place.
Product Description
For both playing and singing, this is a comprehensive collection of the best loved carols, hymns, songs, and solos for the holiday season. They are all arranged for piano with complete lyrics and chord names. Includes The First Noel, Jingle Bells, and O Holy Night.
Customer Reviews:
A lifetime of pleasure.......2006-12-20
Learn to play at this level (another whole, but do-able story) and you will entertain yourself and others with a lifetime of pleasure.
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