I love short stories, especially about love at Christmas. These are fun as well as touching stories about love and loss and happy endings, even when they take a while.

I really enjoy Christmas novellas and double the enjoyment when they are regency novellas! My favorite of these four novellas was by far Karen Thornell’s story. The story was witty, spunky, and just fun to read!! I love when a book makes me laugh out loud and this one definitely did.
I had a few issues with the pacing in the other three novellas. Most novellas are pretty fast paced, because they have to be to fit everything. But I found myself skipping paragraphs to get to the conclusions in the first three novellas. They are still great novellas, I just wish they had flowed a little better. I love all of these authors and will always recommend their books to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

These were great short and sweet novels. I can honestly say there wasn’t a one where I wished was out of the book. They were all cute, unique, well timed, and sweet stories. My favorite was the two last ones mainly because they had to be patient to get their happily ever after. But as they were patient their love stories came. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends.it’s a perfect cozy up to a warm fire and read with a smile on your face and warm fuzzy joy in your heart.

With some of my very favorite authors, how could this collection not be anything but brilliant?! Each story is heart warming and leaves you with that little love struck, happy sigh. Beautifully done!

A wonderful collection to warm your heart
Four wonderful stories set at Christmastime and all so good. Each one had me involved and wanting more. The first, A Family Christmas by Sally Britton, has Cousin Cyril returning to England after a long absence and becoming reacquainted with extended family in England. That also included his grandmother’s companion Jane Allen, a woman the likes of which he had never known. When Jane is asked to try to get Cyril to relax and enjoy himself, things are put into motion that will surprise both Jane and Cyril. As they work together on Christmas festivities, they soon discover more than just a helper in each other. The second, Christmas Forevermore by Sarah Eden, sees a busybody matchmaker setting her sights on making a match by Christmas Day for Minna, an orphan with only a cousin as family but with enough money from her deceased father to allow her to live comfortably. As Minna is ‘matched’ to three gentlemen over the next few days, she seeks solace from these encounters with her good friend Rupert, who finds himself rather disturbed and jealous over the matchmaker’s efforts even as Minna becomes more aware of the value she places on her relationship with Rupert. Christmas at Cranfield by Ashtyn Newbold, is the third story. Cranfield is a small estate inherited by Samuel, the closest friend to William and the secret love of William’s sister Hannah. Now at last she has a chance to be seen as more than William’s little sister. But things never run smoothly especially for Hannah, especially when she discovers Samuel is engaged to be married as part of the inheritance agreement. However, time and best laid plans may have surprises for both Hannah and Samuel. The last is A Thrill of Hope by Karen Thornell. Isabel is heading to her aunt’s home for Christmas to be escorted there by Mr. Collingham. She’s surprised when instead of the mature Mr. Collingham she is greeted by his son a man close to her own age. Neither is pleased with this arrangement and they verbally take it out on each other. Constant conversational missteps, an accident leading to the driver being incapacitated, a severe storm making driving impossible, Christmas festivities, and a matchmaking aunt blend to make a wonderful story of needing others, healing from pain, acceptance people as they are, and learning to open your heart after being hurt. All together a wonderful book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

I loved this sweet collection of Christmas romances. Very enjoyable read. Each story differed from the rest of the collection and though just novella length, they felt complete. Loved reading this.

“A Family Christmas” by Sally Britton: If only all the upper crust families were so inclusive and accepting. I loved watching Cyril relax and accept his place in the family and I loved Jane accepting being part of the family even though she also knew that she would step aside for a family member if needed. I loved that she was happy to play with the children even though that wasn't in her job description. She was like a 'favorite aunt'.

“Christmas Forevermore” by Sarah M. Eden: I read this story without having read the blurb prior and didn't really catch that it was a reimaging of A Christmas Carol, but looking back with that knowledge I can see that was true. It just wasn't as obvious as three ghosts coming to visit. I'd like to reread with that knowledge in mind and find all the major points. I loved that Minna's life situation was different than most Regency romance I've read. Usually one would have to have a guardian or companion but Minna just lived with her cousin. They played the role of companion to each other. I loved seeing independent women.

“Christmas at Cranfield” by Ashtyn Newbold: I'm always amazed how young Ms. Newbold was when she first started publishing books. But that is neither here nor there. I just think she is great. Her story was perhaps a little more high angst than the others but I enjoyed it. There is a big time-passage that I would have loved to see filled in and know exactly what happened but the ending is written is such a way that it doesn't matter. It is sweet and satisfying.

“A Thrill of Hope” by Karen Thornell: I enjoyed this story too. It was fun to watch both characters soften and begin to see life with joy again. And it wasn't just about a romantic relationship. The characters reconnected emotionally to their family members as well.

All four stories were lovely to read, despite this being June instead of Christmas time. I enjoy Christmas any time of year and these stories were feel good - happily ever afters. Loved them.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

he book has four novellas in it and I enjoyed reading all four. Each one is set at Christmas time. The first one is about wanting connections with family but not knowing how to connect. Jane helps Cyril connect with his family and in the process a connection is developed between the two. The second story is about Minna, her cousin and two gentlemen friends. This is a best friends to lovers story that will warm your heart. The third story is about Hannah and Samuel. Samuel is Hannah’s brother Williams best friend. Hannah has lived Samuel from a young age but does he love her too. The last story is about 2 people trying to avoid Christmas because of pain but end up having a great Christmas together.

What a great grouping of Christmas stories. There is not a bad or slow one in the group.

A Family Christmas was so sweet, with a lovely main character full of love and caring. Her personality is so contagious that she brings joy wherever she goes.

Christmas Forevermore is so touching as we watch these friends grow through grief and change. As usual, Sarah's characters are deep with emotion and grow as we go. She continues to amaze me with her talent.

Christmas at Cranfield is all about love and second and third chances. As time moves forward, I continued to hope for the best, hopeful that love will win in the end.

A Thrill of Hope is all about overcoming prejudice and finding a place for grief to live with us but not eat us alive. The characters were fun, with great banter. It helps remind us that being happy again is okay. I loved the generosity that was portrayed also. This is an author to watch.

What a fun collection!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed these festive Christmas stories. Surprisingly, Sarah Edens story was my least favorite in this because I love all of her other works. The last two were my favorites. Very clean historical fiction that were heart warming!!!

All the stories were nice and light to read, perfect for the holiday season.
I particularly enjoyed “A Thrill of Hope” by Karen Thornell, even if I was afraid I wouldn’t be in the mood for a story with an underlying sadness.
My favorite was “Christmas at Cranfield” by Ashtyn Newbold: I’ve read all of Ashtyn's books, and she never disappoints.



Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.