I always get nervous when a successful published author reads one of my books, so I was relieved to read Adelle Laudan’s lovely review of A Christmas Gift.

She posted the following on her blog:

“As a young girl I was an avid fan of shows like Little House on the Prairie. Reason being, my father had VERY strict rules about what we could and could not watch on television. Eventually I fell in love with the cast of characters and the warm, fuzzy feeling they left me with.

This book does that for me. It is a very honest and simplistic story of the strength in family, and the emotional account of one little girl, who unbeknown-st to her, touches the lives of all those who come to know her, or were lucky enough, to be loved by her.

I invite you to read this story and you will come to realize, even the smallest of children can make a difference. and sometimes… miracles do happen.”
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And another fantastic published author, Celia Yeary, left lovely comments about my book. Here is what Celia said:
“Adelle–I agree 100% that A Christmas Gift is a wonderful story of familial workings, though the eyes of the young daughter Debby. I loved the story, not only for it’s perfect, sweet message, but because of Diane’s superb writing. There was a nostalgic tone I really like, and it took me straight back to my own childhood in my 50s home, with a caring ever-present mother and family.Thanks, Adelle, for reviewing this book for others to see.”
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I hope people will buy A Christmas Gift - that would be a huge blessing for me.
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Will post New Year’s Resolutions SOON! But for now, HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!!!

Book Review for: A Christmas Collection, Sensual Anthology
Various Authors
Victory Tales Press
ISBN: 978-1456304379
Avail in ebook and print
4.5 Stars

Authors Cheryl Pierson, Diane Craver, Charlotte Raby, and Celia Yeary come together for a sensual collection of Christmas stories that will leave the reader believing in the heartwarming message of Christmas.

Scarlet Ribbons by Cheryl Pierson opens the anthology. A historical western, Miguel Rivera is a famous gunman known at El Diablo. He returns during the Christmas season and is reunited with a former lover, Catalina. She has a five-year-old daughter with a handicap. Moved, Miguel searches high and low for the scarlet ribbons Maria so desperately desires. Can Miguel and Catalina find love again?

Pierson tugs on the reader’s heartstrings and gently reminds us the meaning behind Christmas is full of love and kindness. Watching Miguel grow into a man is rewarding. Scarlet Ribbons keeps readers turning the page.

The Proposal is by Diane Craver and is a contemporary romance. Tyler Jordan is in love with his best friend, Jackie Anderson. The problem? Jackie’s been seeing Brad for over a year. When Tyler finally admits his feelings to himself and confides in Jackie how he feels, Jackie’s heart is thrown for a loop. Choosing between Tyler and Brad is one of the toughest decisions she’s ever faced.

Craver’s story is deliciously honest and goes to show that what you wish for just might not be best thing for you. Sometimes the best thing for us is right in front of us and we just have to open our eyes to see it. Watching Brad, Jackie, and Tyler be honest with themselves and each other was refreshing.

The Proposal shows the magic of Christmas is in our hearts.

My Life and Times with Nickolopolus Christog Cringelenstien Clausener by Charlotte Raby is a sweet little fantasy escape to the North Pole. Mrs. Claus recalls how she fell in love with Mr. Claus. Life has never been easy for the Claus’ but it sure has given them a chuckle.

Raby’s story tickles the reader’s funny bone. Miranda Jane is a humble milk bar waitress who learns the power of magic and love can make one’s heart rich in happiness.

Angel and the Cowboy by Celia Yeary is another historical western. Max Garrison comes to town and meets Miss Danielle Sommer. He wants to court her, but she’s hesitant. While raised by a white couple, she is Mexican and doesn’t quite fit in. That doesn’t matter to Max. Does he have the patience to win Dani’s heart?

Yeary’s writing draws the reader completely into Dani’s world. It’s easy to understand her loneliness and that she doesn’t fit in. It’s also delightful to learn Max wants to be with her because of the person she is. The story’s message is subtle, yet clear: God loves us for who we are. Angel and the Cowboy speaks to the true meaning of Christmas.

The anthology’s stories are sensual in nature with the couples going no further than a kiss or a tender caress. If you love Christmas stories that speak to the power of love and the message of the season, this anthology will warm your heart.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

I’m happy to be participating in the JINGLE BELL BLOG FEST that LASR is having! Visit me today to be entered for a chance to win a $50 GC to Amazon.com or B & N! Second winner gets a bag of books! All you have to do is leave a comment on my post or any guest posts until Jan. 3rd! I talk about the books I received as a child for Christmas gifts. I’ve always loved to read!

Here is the link for my guest blog at LASR:
http://lasrguest.blogspot.com/

Amazon Purchase Link

If you are looking for a short and enjoyable read during the holiday season or anytime, for that matter, buy Carol Ann Erhardt’s LIGHTING THE TREE. It’s only 99 cents at Amazon Kindle.

I couldn’t stop reading Carol Ann’s story. It’s a charming, short romance that grabbed my attention immediately. Her descriptions and dialogue made me feel like I was right there in the room with the characters, Brenda Davis and Dave Kingsdale. The secondary characters added another layer of depth that you don’t always see in a shorter read. I recommend this sweet, feel-good contemporary romance.

I definitely give this story 5 stars!

BLURB:

Brenda Davis is resigned to climbing into bed and shutting out thoughts of happy family gatherings. Twenty-four years ago she gave her baby up for adoption. Every year since, she’s placed a present under an unlit Christmas tree, waiting until the time they can be reunited. It’s Christmas Eve, and Brenda’s heart is heavy for she’s going to spend it alone—again.

But her friend, Dave Kingsdale, has other plans. He convinces Brenda to go to dinner with him. What he doesn’t tell her is that dinner will be at his parents’ home. For a long time, the widower has been longing to tell Brenda he wants more than friendship from her. What he doesn’t know is that she has the same feelings for him. And what neither of them know is a Christmas miracle is about to happen—delivered by an unlikely Santa.

Join authors as they blog about the holiday season — Visit the LASR guest blog and Whipped Cream guest blog daily between 12/19/10 - 1/2/11 during their Jingle Bell Blog Fest!

To enter to win the contest, simply leave a comment — Every comment earns you one entry.
(please make sure you include your email address or your entry will be disqualified).

Contest runs from 12/19/10 - 1/2/11, and the winner will be drawn on 1/3/11 (and notified via email). First prize is a $50 Gift Certifiate to Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble! A “bag o’books” goes to a second commenter!

The link for the guest posts is:
LASR– http://lasrguest.blogspot.com/

My post will appear on December 27th!!!!