I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review.
This is a delightful historical holiday anthology. Josi S. Kilpack’s story is my favorite, as I expected it would be, being a sweet second chance love story. Anneka R. Walker’s contribution is an intriguing story about a family feud that a couple from the opposing families is attempting to resolve. I also really liked Sarah L. McConkie’s tribute to A Christmas Carol, which is filled with myriad little references and is a lovely story in its own right. This is a charming read, and is perfect for anyone who loves sweet/chaste romance.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack, Anneka R. Walker, and Sarah L. McConkie, 268 pages. Covenant Communications, 2021. $16.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Love has been lost and relationships hurt. In these three short stories, the main characters take advantage of the Christmas spirit to heal their hearts and give gifts of forgiveness.
Through the words of these authors, readers will be warmed and have their spirits lifted. Whether or not it’s Christmas time when these stories are read, seeing the fruits of honesty, kindness, and forgiveness will light your Christmas spirit. However, Kilpack’s story in this collection is about a widow, which might not be as relatable and interesting for high schoolers. Fun fact: Walker’s story is a companion to the short story she wrote for A Hopeful Christmas.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

This sweet collection of 3 Regency stories is such a lovely way to squeeze a little holiday spirit into any day. While all 3 are centered around Christmas, these could easily be enjoyed any time of the year. With themes of love, hope, forgiveness, and kindness, these stories have what our world needs more of.

Thank you to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack, et al

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

A trilogy of Christmas novellas by some wonderful authors will have you wishing for winter temperatures, hot cocoa and a blanket to snuggle under as you enjoy stories of finding love even in the face of difficulty.

Christmas is certainly my favorite holiday with all its magical moments, delicious food and memories that seem to last longer than any others. This set of stories was my first Christmas "book" of 2021 and I thoroughly enjoyed each of them.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack
This was a story of finding love again after loss. I loved Deborah and her kind nature. She had been well loved by her husband and never expected to find love again. The quiet but good love journey for her and Phillip was exactly right for them and inspired both of them to be brave again. While some might have pulled them apart, their love brought them together to overcome any naysayers and blend into a lovely and boisterous family.

Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka R. Walker
Definitely my favorite of the the three, this was a story about fighting for family and love in the face of bitterness and loss. Julia was determined to bring her family back together in spite of her father's hatred that was keeping them apart. Together with Esmond, they solve the mystery of the disagreement between their families and found love along the way. I loved their conversations and flirting.....it was entirely sweet but fun at the same time.

A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L. McConkie
A reverse telling of A Christmas Carol by Dickens, this story finds the main character to be female, and one who has been greatly injured by her early life. Caroline Morleigh has known little love in her life given the harsh treatment of her father after her mother's death. She learned early to build up walls against hurt and has mastered the ability to cut people down with a perfectly timed sharp word. Enter one John Charleston, a man sent by her now deceased father to fulfill his last requests - but she will have to follow all the instructions if she is to inherit her fortune. Her journey will take her to all the favorite places of her memory and teach her to love again - in more ways that one. This one was interesting and though not my favorite, I liked the unique telling of a beloved classic. The essential elements were there but it was still a fresh take. My only complaint was it was a bit short to really develop well and might do better as a longer story.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Covenant Communications via NetGalley. I was not required to write this review but have done so willingly. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions herein are entirely my own.

These stories have me wanting it to be snowy cozy Christmas time already! Each story was well written and such sweet Christmas romances. My favorite was the second story. I loved the forbidden romance and Edmund was totally swoon worthy. If you are looking some short Christmas reads, definitely give this a read.
#meetmeunderthekissingbough #netgalley

This was a great collection of Christmas stories! They definitely put me in the holiday mood - I can't wait until Christmas is here and I can break out my decorations and start participating in all of our Christmas traditions.

I liked how unique each of these stories were. They were great stories of growth, forgiveness, and finding love at Christmas time. They also each worked perfectly as a novella, which is awesome for something to read around the holidays when life is busy but you still want to fit in a quick, enjoyable read.

Delightful compilation of three Christmas novellas by three fantastic authors all about second chances for love and reconciliation. Thoroughly enjoyed each story and the captivating characters. I quickly read through each story and found that they left me with a desire to know more and what happens next.

The first novella Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack is a lovely story about a young widow who decides to hold a house party after mourning her beloved husband. Deborah invites Phillip Dempsey, who was her husband’s good friend and has taken it upon himself to look after her and her three children. Phillip understands loss after losing his own wife and caring for two young sons.. Despite their inequality in rank, Deborah is willing to take a chance on loving again, but will her relatives support her or be a hindrance? This was a thoroughly romantic story of more mature characters seeking a second chance at love. I loved the twists and turns the story takes as Deborah tries to decide if it is worth risking her heart again.

The second novella, Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka R. Walker tells the story of both love and reconciliation as Julia and Esmond try to solve a decades old feud between their families. Julia and Esmond are both attracted to each other but see their relationship as doomed unless they can find out what happened all those years ago and reconcile their families. I loved the flirty Esmond and the thoughtful caring Julia. The other characters including Julia’s sister Alice were endearing. This story in particular drew me in and I really wanted to know more.

The third novella, A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L. McConkie is a creative gender swap retelling of A Christmas Carol. When Jacob Morleigh lost his wife, he turned into a different man. His bitter mistreatment of his young daughter Caroline altered her into a haughty, cruel, selfish young woman. Caroline now an adult does not mourn the loss of her father but enjoys her status and money. John Charleston has the unenviable task of delivering letters to Caroline after a promise to his dying father who was Jacob Morleigh’s steward. Each letter is a heartfelt apology offering Caroline the chance for change, forgiveness and even love. John is such a caring, thoughtful person. Caroline is extremely unlikeable at first, but her past makes her sympathetic. Her loneliness is palpable and I loved the way John was supportive and hopeful in her ability to change.

Loved this collection that can easily be read in one sitting. Each story is enjoyable and different while maintaining the theme of second chance love. With great characters and plenty of romance, I recommend this to those who enjoy clean historical romance, and sweet Christmas stories. I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Three solid stories. I’ve read Kilpack before, but Walker and McConkie were new authors for me and I’d definitely read them again. I’ve always liked romance anthologies and I ESPECIALLY love Christmas collections - they really get me into the holiday spirit!

This book defiantly put me in the mood for Christmas. I enjoyed reading all about the Christmas traditions in Regency England. Some of the traditions I'd love to start in my little family. The authors in this collection paired well together and although different stories it didn't feel choppy which I really appreciated!
This book includes
Meet Me under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack
Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka R. Walker
A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L. McConkie
If you enjoy reading collections of short stories then this is the perfect book for you! This would be a great book to snuggle up with a blanket in front of the fire this Christmas or one to bring with to fill time between the many festivities of the season.

Thank you to the authors for the complementary copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own

This was a sweet and fun collection of clean Regency novellas! I had not read any of the authors in this collection before and am happy to have found all three of them. Each novella contained a story where it seemed unlikely that the hero and heroine would be able to work things out and actually end up together for a variety of reasons. I appreciated that all of the stories contained scenes at Christmas, including a kissing bough, yet they were all very different plots.

I could feel the pain of loss and the uncertainty of new love that Deborah battled in Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough. Julia and Esmond were so perfect for each other in Healing Hearts for the Holidays, yet the anger and hurt that Julia’s father carried was hard to overcome. And in A Christmas Correspondence, Lady Caroline was not at all a likable character for much of book, however, her awakening and journey to being a better person and finding love ended up being a very sweet tale.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough
by Josi S. Kilpack, Anneka R. Walker, Sarah L. McConkie
Covenant Communications
Rated: 4
Back of the Books: “We wish you a merry Christmas and a happily ever after! This special holiday historical romance anthology featuring three heartwarming novellas proves that no matter the obstacles, ’tis the season for love.
Meet Me under the Kissing Bough
by Josi S. Kilpack
Deborah Winfrey hasn’t had the heart to host a holiday party since her husband’s death. But this Christmas, it’s time to move forward. The festivities bring renewed life to her home, and the attentions of two very different men promise a chance at new love.
Healing Hearts for the Holidays
by Anneka R. Walker
Julia Hunt is strictly forbidden from associating with the family in the nearby manor—including the handsome younger son, Esmond, who quickly steals her heart. With Christmas around the corner, an old bundle of hidden love letters may be the key to her own happily ever after.
A Christmas Correspondence
by Sarah L. McConkie
In this novella inspired by the timeless tale A Christmas Carol, John Charleston finds himself on an unexpected journey in the company of the insufferable Lady Caroline Morleigh. But the magic of the season has a way of softening even the hardest of hearts.”
My Thoughts: First I’d like to say the cover was charming. I liked that this collection of novellas was only 3 stories. Sometimes novella collections are fun but seem endlessly long. This collection had 3 well developed and sweet romances set during the holiday season. Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough was a sweet reminder that God provides. I enjoyed the tensions of, Healing Hearts for the Holidays, and the secret letters that forged forgiveness and hope. My favorite of the three was the last one, A Christmas Correspondence. I enjoyed the character development and how it mimicked Dickens, A Christmas Carol.
Inspirational Thoughts: “Phillip’s compassion for Deborah’s loss, born of having experienced the very trial himself, was different from the compulsory sympathy shared by those who did not know what it was like to lose the future you had always expected.”
“I believe we are both past our best behavior and should get some sleep. Maybe tomorrow we could have a more reasonable conversation.” – I laughed when I read this because I could literally hear my dad saying this same thing to me throughout my life.
“’ But keep what I said in your heart and take it out and look it over when the time is right.’” – I appreciated this approach rather than rushing for answers and a response.
“‘Those who take shortcuts often lose what they put in.’” -Another moment of hearing my dad!
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough:
This first novella by Josi Kilpack was not your normal young love at Christmas time story. Deborah and Philip have both lost their spouses and have kids of their own. They are family friends but also are of different rank which causes contention. This is a sweet story of following your heart and blending two families together.
Healing Hearts for the Holidays:
The second novella, by Anneka Walker, is a touching story of feuding families, forbidden love, and forgiveness. One daughter has already married into the family her father despises and he won't talk to her. While visiting the area her sister sneaks over to visit, discovers old unopened letters, and starts a friendship with her sister's brother-in-law. Their growing attraction makes them determined to heal the rift between families. I love the interaction between the two lovers and the sweet relationship of family.
A Christmas Correspondence:
The last novella, by Sarah L. McConkie, is a Regency twist on A Christmas Carol. It was very well done Caroline made an excellent Scrooge. She was awful and I despised her. She recieves letters from her father who has passed away seeking forgiveness and hoping that she doesn't follow in his footsteps. She visits her childhood home (past), stays with a family well "below" her (present), and I'm a feverish dream sees her future alone with no love (future). It's a brilliant twist on a classic tale.

I was given a complimentary copy and all views are my own.

This book contains three sweet stories around Christmas by three wonderful authors. Each story has its own storyline and is not connected to the other stories except for the fact that they are all sweet, clean stories and the timelines are all around the Christmas holiday. Each story has a happy ending.

I have very much enjoyed reading this book this week. I was familiar with two of the three author's in this book and I look forward to reading more by the other author.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

These were nice stories, I especially liked Anneka's story that continued from an earlier Christmas compilation book. I always like multiple author books with authors I know and love and new authors to get to know. I love Christmas stories and these put you in the holiday mood.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough- Josi Kilpack
- Deborah and Phillip
- oh those meddling mamas
- Kissing Bough competition is sweet
- cute read
- There was a lot packed into that short story. I'm impressed

Healing Hearts for the Holiday - Anneka Walker
- Esmund and Julia
- I'm not normally super excited about star crossed lovers but I'm enjoying this.
- made me smile. Often.
- Esmond is a sweetheart mixed with a tease and I like it.
- Warmed even my Grinch heart

A Christmas Correspondence - Sarah McConkie
- forced proximity 👌
- Caroline and John
- a Christmas Carol inspired romance. Yes, please.
- a very sweet redemption story with a beautiful romance weaved throughout

Meet me under the kissing bough by Josi Kilpack.

I loved that this book was a more mature second love story. Deborah had loved and had children and then became a widow. As she starts seeing her husband’s best friend differently (who is also a widow) she gets to choose love again as a more mature women the second time around. I loved their shared empathy, the idea of happiness versus status, and the idea of giving children the example of a healthy marriage.

Healing Hearts for the Holidays was a story of forgiveness and peacemakers coming together to reunite a family. I loved how this short story included so much. It was easy to root for the characters and fly through the story to see how things would resolve.

A Christmas Correspondence was a regency Christmas carol retelling. Often when a main character is unlikable it’s hard to read the story. That was not the case with this story. The main character was flawed, but there was enough backstory and mental dialog for her to also be understood. It was fun to see her changing her heart and outlook. I enjoyed all the subtle nods to the original Christmas carol, but they didn’t take away from this new story and the characters that had their own problems to overcome.

I loved this anthology of Christmas stories.

The first story was of a widow and a widower and their relationship. She is finally having her traditional house party after five years, Deborah's warmth and caring as a hostess is evident. Add a sprinkle of mischief from her mother as she tries to navigate feelings for another man after her husband's death. This sweet story was warm and inviting, everything a Christmas Story should be. Bring on the Hallmark movie.

The second story in this anthology was a follow up from a story found in a Hopeful Christmas which was published last year. In it we find a little more in the mystery of why the two families are feuding. This story brought a couple together and the families as they find common ground. It teaches us that sometimes silence is the most damaging.

The third story brought to mind A Christmas Carol in subtle yet noticeable ways. It took me a little bit before I caught all the parallels, but one I saw them they were every where. In spite of this, I found the story fresh and wanted more.

These three romances were a perfect anthology. I may have to curl up with a blanket, a hot cocoa, and read it again to greet the holidays.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Josi Kilpack 5*
I absolutely adored this novella of second chance love. So sweet and tender. It was great at showing the many emotions of finding love again after a spouse has passed away. The sadness of not having them around, yet the pull of feeling loved and cared for again and the pull of family and friends as well. I loved these two characters and the joy they found with each other and each other's children. My favorite novella of the three.

Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka Walker 4*
In this novella, we get to see several family members from this author's previous Christmas novella. I loved coming back to this little town and family. It was fun to see the couple from that first novella to this one and the love they've found. But there's still strife between their families. Now Julia and Esmond, the sister and brother to our first couple, are continuing their friendship in a bit of a secretive way. How else is Julia to see her sister and help her in her need without her father finding out? And Esmond is always the gentleman. The carriage rides are so great! And the letters. Oh, my!!! You'll have to read it to discover the bit of mystery.

A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L. McConkie 4*
This was a cute novella spun off from A Christmas Carol. You'll find several nods to the characters and storyline in here. It was fun. I really enjoyed watching these characters work through their pasts and struggles and finding healing. Some characters are just wonderful and have already found peace and forgiveness and joy and love in their lives. While other characters need to find all of that in their lives.


Content: All three novellas are clean.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Do you like novellas? I tend to sway toward novels but there’s something refreshing about being able to read a whole story in an hour or two. Also…these were Christmas novellas and it totally made me excited for winter. Even though I love Fall.

Meet Me under the Kissing Bough was super sweet! I’m not usually a fan of romances with people older than me, even though Deborah isn’t much older than me. Oh gosh! I thought the story was very believable and there was enough sustenance to the story to make it have conflict, romance, stolen kisses, and resolution. I really enjoyed this one.

Healing Hearts for the Holidays was entertaining. I was dying to know what happened so I’m glad it was just a novella and I could get to the HEA faster. First, I love the name Esmond! His character was perfect and I loved that Julia was a selfless person who found joy in helping others. It was a delightful read.

A Christmas Correspondence - I read that it was similar to A Christmas Carol and I wasn’t sure what to expect. This rendition of that classic tale was thoroughly entertaining. I liked how Caroline went through the “ghosts” even though no ghosts were involved. It was quite clever. The ending was amazingly sweet and tied everything together nicely.

The first story in this collection is, Meet me under the kissing bough, by Josi S Kilpack. A sweet second time around romance. It is refreshing to read about a couple that has loved and lost. But it doesn’t make it any easier. Deborah had always pleased those around her, but it was time for her to learn how to please herself. Lovely characters and story tied up in its Christmas finery.
The second story, Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka Walker is a beautiful story of love and faith. A feud has torn two families apart. When Julia and Edmond discover hidden love letters. They work to put an end to the feud and a beginning to happiness.
A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L McConkie
Another wonderful story. Caroline had endured her father’s belligerent mood since her Mother’s passing. Unfortunately she had become as her father, thinking herself well above others and belittling those around her. When a young, shabbily dressed man came to her home to deliver a letter. The letter that could upend her life. The characters are well thought out and engaging, love Aunt Ebby! The story is has a lovely message of treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves!
All three stories are lovely Christmas time romances, with wonderful messages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.