I know this was billed as a Christmas book, but its' really more a mystery/women in jeaopardy book that just so happens to take place around Christmas. A good plot and solid characters make it a great story from Mary Burton and her fans will enjoy it.

This is a novella that was previously published in an anthology. I had read this story when it was first published, I read the story again to review it and as usual Mary Burton hooked me back into the story.

What a delicious Christmas story about hardship, love, and the power love has to overcome all evil. This was a fast paced read that I devoured in one day!

This was a little confusing but that was probably on my end. I went into this thinking it was a full novel, not a short story. I didn't enjoy the romance in this book. It seemed odd, especially when you hear David wanting to scold her for not wearing a better jacket etc. He seemed overbearing and too protective especially considering what relationship Nicole had come out of. Overall, I didn't mind the writing but would probably not read again.

Christmas Past is a short, fast-paced, romantic suspense novel written by Mary Burton. Nicole Piper, is a new mother and photographer who is trying to put the past and her abusive dead husband behind her. But when ghosts of the past coming knocking, she turns to Detective David Ayden for help. The chemistry between them is intense, and their emotions deep as they work together to uncover the truth of the past. Will Nicole get the happily ever after she’s longed for? Read it and find out!

This was the first novel I have read by Mary Burton. She is a fantastic author and I was instantly driven into the storyline because of her great characters and writing style. I cant wait to read more of her work. This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy I received from netgalley.

“Christmas Past” is Mary Burton’s latest novel and it is a short read that is written in her signature style. Nicole Piper has moved on from her nightmare life she shared with her dead husband. David Ayden is a police officer who has been half in love with Nicole since she burst into his life, and while he has been willing to wait for her all of a sudden a message from her departed husband puts Nicole’s life in peril. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a short but very enjoyable romantic suspense novella. If you're looking for a sweet Christmas story this isn't it. Just when Nicole is getting her life together now that her abusive husband is dead, he finds a way to reach out from the grave. Now Nicole's life is in danger yet again. This is a fast paced, action filled story but it is heavy on the romance between Nicole and the homicide detective that is helping her.

Overall, I enjoyed this past paced, quick read! I personally do not enjoy “racier” bedroom scenes, so the multiple encounters were not something I enjoyed. I did, however, love the storyline! I love winter, snowy reads and this one did not disappoint.

I have always enjoyed Mary Burton novels and this one was fun; a good crime novella set at Christmas. A quick and satisfying read.

I enjoyed this book. I usually avoid novellas because they are too short of a read, and that was the case with this book. It left me wanting more! But, I saw Mary Burton's name, and I always like her writing, so I dived in. I hope these characters show up again in a full length novel. I did like the setting of the snow storm, with the roads being impassable, and the main characters spending the night in a cozy tucked away inn. This story was quick paced, and suspenseful, with a little steamy romance thrown in too.

This is a fast-paced and action-packed novella that is perfect for those who enjoy mystery and suspense series. Set at Christmastime in Virginia, the book has a heroine named Nicole who has fled her abusive and well-connected husband on the west coast. Settled in Virginia now with her baby girl, Nicole is happily pursuing her career as a photographer when she gets an unwelcome and unexpected package from Richard. Nicole is frightened but asks David Ayden, a local homicide detective, for help in tracking down what is going on and what Richard really wants. This is a thriller about a serial killer that fans of Mary Burton will not want to miss!

Photographer Nicole Piper is trying to rebuild her life after the death of her abusive husband. She's looking forward to spending Christmas in her new home with her baby daughter. But then she receives a package from her dead husband which provides details on the murder of the woman who helped Nicole escape her abusive marriage. Nicole, joined by homicide detective David Ayden goes on a road trip to try to put the pieces of the puzzles together. I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy, fast-paced romantic suspense novella! The plot was compelling and twisted, and the characters were interesting and well developed. This was a quick, easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat and I was very pleased with the sweet ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this novella. This is Nicole Piper and David Ayden’s story. There’s twists and turns and some suspense. The chemistry between David and Nicole is scorching plus there is the added bones of a baby and Christmas to make this story wonderful! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reprint short story. Intense, suspenseful. Domestic abuse survivor, rebuilding her life after leaving husband. New love with a widower. Great, thrilling suspense story. Characters have good chemistry

Christmas Past by author Mary Burton is yet another great mystery/thriller of a book by Burton! It has all the great aspects of a romance/mystery! Definitely recommend this book!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Past was an interesting, slightly festive short story. That see's single mum Nicole and her friend, Detective David Ayden travel from Richmond to D.C. on the hunt for an elusive killer's identity. After Nicole is sent a dvd, with a sinister message about the slaying of the woman who helped her escape her abusive ex husband. And with just the right amount of suspense and romance for the length of the story, it really was great to read. Not to mention well written, well paced and engaging, and I would happily recommend it to others.

I needed a change from my usual detective thrillers through too much psychopathic killers/child abusers and thought that this might hit the button. Sadly not. It's essentially a rather steamy and unrealistic romance with bouts of a potentially good story about recovering from an abusive relationship. Nichole moved to Virginia, changing her identity after a nasty abusive relationship but during which the manipulative and nasty husband died as did her friend running the Retreat. 18 months later she, now with a baby daughter, receives a dvd from her dead husband via his lawyer. She and her Detective would-like-to-be-boyfriend-but-giving-her-time head off to see the lawyer but not taking any identification of her previous name and leaving behind 11 month old baby, etc.. Murder happens, Steamy bedroom scenes happen, attempted murder happens, more steamy bedroom scenes then we're back in Virginia with the killer dead and back into the bedroom. Nichole's problems coping with the aftermath of her abusive marriage and being knocked back by the continuing attempts by husband to manipulate her after his death were well written. I just wanted a more detailed side of that story. Too short to do this so we are stuck with the sex. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Christmas Past was a fast-paced, suspenseful read. Ayden and Nicole were endearing characters with great chemistry.. Both of them had suffered in the past but, together they were beginning to. heal. That is until her past caught up with her. it This is a wonderful romantic suspense and I would definitely recommend it.

Christmas Past was a good quick read. It intrigued me enough in the first chapter to want to keep reading wishing there were more!

When you read a title "Christmas Past" you never imagine a thriller that will spook you.

Description
From New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton comes a captivating tale of romantic suspense set in the heart of a rugged winter. Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone. When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . .

My Review
All Nicole wants to do is put her past behind her and forget about her abusive ex-husband. That of course cannot happen until she follows the instruction from the letter she receives from his lawyer. Much to her chagrin, Nicole along with Detective Ayden embark on a road trip to solve the mystery. Will she succeed?

I was provided this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. My only negative feedback to this story is that is it not long enough for us to get to know all the characters and because of that I must give this a 4 Star.