This was a delightful anthology of sweet, Christmas related tales. It is such a pleasure to read stories that a based in faith and honorable virtues. I highly recommend this for a great holiday read!

I love Christmas stories. I actually collect Christmas novels, and I have a special bookcase that is full of those treasures from years gone by. I add to it every year – but these days it seems that more of those additions are digital eReader books. The times change, the delivery of the stories change but the magic of a Christmas Romance novel never, ever changes.

Journey with these twelve brides as they make their ways to their own Christmas adventures with hopes of love and a happy ending.

The stories included in this collection are:

The Festive Bride by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer The Nutcracker Bride by Margaret Brownley The Christmas Star Bride by Amanda Cabot The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy The Christmas Tree Bride by Susan Page Davis The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman The Gift-Wrapped Bride by Maureen Lang The Gingerbread Bride by Amy Lillard The Fruitcake Bride by Vickie McDonough The Snowbound Bride by Davalynn Spencer The Yuletide bride by Michelle Ule All are short stories, novella sized and of course, some are longer than others. Yet every single story is a celebration of Christmas and love. Can’t ask for much more than that. These stories are Christian Romance.

I enjoyed this Christmas collection and would recommend it to any reader who loves to celebrate the season with stories of love and devotion. Perfect for the holiday season or anytime throughout the year when you just want to go back to the serenity and celebration of a historical Christmas.

*I received an e-ARC of The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection is an aptly titled as the book contains Christmas-themed short stories. Some of the short stories start with a Bible verse while others do not. Each story starts with a dateline showing a location and date, which reminded me of reading the start of a letter or postcard.

If you like wholesome, old-fashioned stories you should love reading The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection.

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

What is your favorite holiday and time of the year? Mine? It's during the Christmas season. What makes it special? It's the birthday of our Lord Jesus, a time of blessings, special love and gifts and joy and happiness, all in one. It is because of the warm fuzzy feeling one (at least I do) gets around the Christmas season, I love to read novels set around that time. When I am down or need a little cheering, I tend to gravitate towards a good Christmas story - the birth of Jesus, the Christmas stories from Richard Paul Evans (such as Lost December, The Christmas Box...etc.) and the many many great Christmas love stories. And with that I was thrilled to receive a copy of "The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection".

"The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection" is one book, with all 12 short stories. They are currently released and told separately on Amazon. Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Michele Ule, Amy Lillard, Miralee Ferrell, Susan Page Davis, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Davalynn Spencer, and Vickie McDonough each contributed to a story for this collection. With 12 acclaimed Christian authors as such, penning a story each, what more can a Christmas story lover like me want? I guess the answer is to have more. *wink wink. To be honest, I don't know all of the 12 authors, but I've heard of them, and after reading these short stories, I'm incline to read more of their "normal" full novels. You will be delighted with this collection. Some stories are stronger than others, but overall, each story gives us a lovely romance with inspiring faith and set in historical, mostly western states. And to top it off, add a special Christmas theme that will warm your hearts.

Here's a list of the stories available:
The Festive Bride by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer The Nutcracker Bride by Margaret Brownley The Christmas Star Bride by Amanda Cabot The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy The Christmas Tree Bride by Susan Page Davis The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman The Gift-Wrapped Bride by Maureen Lang The Gingerbread Bride by Amy Lillard The Fruitcake Bride by Vickie McDonough The Snowbound Bride by Davalynn Spencer The Yuletide Bride by Michelle Ule Give them a try - great way to bring a little Christmas spirit to any time of the year.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this collection as an e-galley from the publisher, Barbour Publishing Inc., through Net Galley for an honest review.

Title: The 12 Brides of Christmas Collections Authors: Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Michele Ule, Amy Lillard, Miralee Ferrell, Susan Page Davis, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Davalynn Spencer, and Vickie McDonough.
Publishser: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review:

"The 12 Brides of Christmas Collections" by: Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Michele Ule, Amy Lillard, Miralee Ferrell, Susan Page Davis, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Davalynn Spencer, and Vickie McDonough.

What I enjoyed about this novel.. .'12 Heartwarming Historical Romances for the Season of Love'

This was 12 beautiful novellas of Brides of Christmas Collection taking place in the 19th century. I loved reading each and everyone of the stories that were so sweet and loving showing each date and location of the story in front of each beginning chapter. This is definitely one book to read during the Christmas season. The recipes that accompanied most of the novellas were a plus to each read.

12 Brides of Christmas Collection.... 1-12

1. Festive Bride featuring... Roy and Alma 2. The Nutcracker Bride featuring... Lucy and Chad 3. The Christmas Star Bride Featuring Esther and Jeremy 4. The Advent Bride featuring Melanie and Henry 5. The Christmas Tree Bride featuring Polly and Jacob 6, The Nativity Bride featuring Curt and Deborah 7. The Evergreen Bride featuring Annebelle and Samuel 8. The Gift Wrapped Bride featuring Sophie and Noah 9. The Gingerbread Bride featuring Madeline and Harlon 10. The Fruitcake Bride featuring Karen and Clay 11. The Snowbound Bride featuring Arabella and Nate 12. The Yuletide Bride featuring Kate and Ewan

I wasn't able to pick my favorite because I loved them all of these wonderful novellas, so definitely I would recommend this collection to you as a good read.

I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A uplifting collection of stories to put you in the Christmas spirit.

I loved these stories! Each one transported you to a different time during the magical time of Christmas, in a era long gone. All the authors did an awesome job of describing their characters and settings. A nice read to get you in the holiday spirit!

This book is a collection of 12 short novellas about Christmas. In each story, we are introduced to varying couples who meet under some intriguing and trying circumstances during the 1800's. I love how each story was developed and the characters faced the prospects of love and marrisge. This is a great collection to curl up with and enjoy over several nights with a cozy chair, blanket, and beverage. If you want to be ready for Christmas then this is one for you. However, I will say that i feel like I would love to have the stories continue so that I could have seen all the happily ever afters.

The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection is a collection of 12 stories. The stories include:
The Festive Bride by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer The Nutcracker Bride by Margaret Brownley The Christmas Star by Amanda Cabot The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy The Christmas Tree Bride by Susan Page Davis The Nativity Bride by Miralee Farrell The Evergreen Bride by Pam Hillman The Gift-Wrapped Bride by Maureen Lang The Gingerbread Bride by Amy Lillard The Fruitcake Bride by Vickie McDonough The Snowbound Bride by Davalynn Spencer The Yuletide Bride by Michelle Ule Wow! The book was awesome. It was a book full of author "all stars" with my favorite authors: Margaret Brownley, Mary Connealy, Susan Page Davis, Pam Hillman, and Vickie McDonough. This has got to be one of my favorite collections I have read. A definite must read for the Christmas season! 100 plus stars.

I love these collections! This Christmas collection is so wonderful that I will be reading it many times during the Christmas season. The stories are magical, the authors are wonderful. If you have not been able to read any stories by the authors listed in the book, this is a great introduction to the wonderful romance authors contained in these pages. Enjoy the book, I know I did.

Probably one of the best collections of novellas I have ever read, every story was so well done, and I loved them all!

Festive Bride: Alma's father tells widower Roy Gibbons that he can marry his daughter. Roy has two daughters himself, Elizabet and Frances, who both want a mother for Christmas, so he agrees. But Alma has had little say in the matter, and she won't consider Roy unless he courts her properly. Filled with sweet characters and humor, it is a heartwarming tale of the different ways that we become family.

Nutcracker Bride: When a mysterious rider on a black horse rides up and tosses something into the bed of her wagon, and rides away, it isn't until Lucy shoots him and patches him up that she discovers that he is a Texas Ranger. Will he be able to complete his mission? A humorous tale, with plenty of action, fast-paced, and well written, perfect read for a night curled up by the fireplace.

Christmas Star Bride: Is a sweet tale of two people who thought love had passed them by, getting a second chance at love. Emily needs a special picture painted for her niece's Christmas Star, and when she sees Jeremy's work she knows that he's the one to do it. Two people who thought they were forgotten by love find it, at Christmastime.

The Advent Bride: Melanie is the schoolteacher, and she has one student that get's picked up later than the other kids, so she finds a box and fills it with puzzles to do until his father comes to pick him up. Will their prayers be answered this Christmas? I loved how Melanie went about and beyond what was expected of her, she was a heroine truly devoted to her students.

The Christmas Tree Bride: Polly and her family are moved to Wyoming from the East, they run a stagecoach station, and Polly asks one of the drivers, Jacob to find her the perfect tree for Christmas.
Will he be able to find her the perfect tree and win her heart? I liked how Jacob is a strong hero, who is always respectful and polite, very likable and considerate.

The Nativity Bride: Five years ago Curt's father gave him an ultimatum, give up woodworking or leave. He chose to leave, but that also meant leaving Deborah, who couldn't leave her ill mother. Now he's back hoping to win back Deborah, but will his father keep them apart yet again. Probably one of the most poignant reads of the collection, with touching characters, and emotions that run deep.

The Evergreen Bride: Annabelle has always wanted a "White Christmas" so when she get's the chance to visit her cousin, she's determined to make the most of it. But with the excitement of a White Christmas, will she overlook love? A sweet story, filled with the wonder of Christmas.

The Gift Wrapped Bride: Noah has changed alot since he moved to Chicago, but Sophie doesn't buy it. She remembers how he used to tease her, when they were children. But Noah is persistent, will he be able to prove his love for her before it's too late? A charming romance. I liked how Noah didn't give up and was determined to show that he'd changed.

The Gingerbread Bride: Maddie can't wait for Harlan to propose so she buys a love potion and makes cookies for him with it, but when he does propose she feels so bad, and can't bring herself to believe his sincerity. A humorous comedy of errors, that will keep a smile on your face throughout!

The Fruitcake Bride: Karen comes to town to marry her childhood sweetheart, Clay, who is now a preacher. But the Mayor's daughter has her sights set on Clay, and she tries to run Karen out of town, bringing to the surface all of Karen's insecurities about being a preacher's wife. A strong story about a likable heroine and the obstacles that she overcomes for love.

The Snowbound Bride: Ara is desperate ti escape her uncle's henchmen, so she hides in the wagon of a rancher named, Nate, who is headed up to his ranch. But when a snowstorm strands them together, Nate's mother is ready to do some matchmaking! Nate is a very likable hero, strong and silent. And his mother is great!

The Yuletide Bride: Ewan know that Kate is the girl that he wants to marry, but her father won't consent unless he earns, $70 by Christmas. He takes every job that he can, but he also has a rival, Josiah, who works in a bank. Will Ewan be able to earn the money before Christmas so that he can marry Kate? This is a sweet story, I liked how supportive and helpful Kate was, and how they work well together.

Overall, a great read, short and sweet stories, every story was engaging ans entertaining, with great characters, and plenty of humor, filled with faith, family and the joy of Christmas.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

An awesome collection of 12 Christmas Brides, just in time for the holidays! 12 awesome stories by 12 talented storytellers. I absolutely adored each and every story. It would be hard to pick a favorite story. Each author brought their own unique writing style to the collection. The characters in each story were endearing, engaging and believable. I enjoy Christmas stories and gotta say, these are an absolute delight to read. A must read for the upcoming Christmas holidays. A sweet, heartwarming collection of Historical Romances. An enjoyable and satisfying read!

* Personal Buy *

Rating: 5 Heat rating: Sweet Reviewed by: AprilR

Great variety of stories. I enjoyed the book very much. Christmas and love stories are such a wonderful combination.

Awesome collection.

This was a lovely compilation of novellas. This publisher always puts together great authors who are write sweet stories that create a cohesive collection- and this book is no exception. I truly enjoyed reading through the different plots as well as seeing the range of characters as well as their depth. It most definitely made me a bit homesick for Christmas and the past.

Wonderful stories! With great historical insight of unusual situations, I greatly enjoyed these stories about life in early America, this collection set in the 1800's! While there are 12 stories and 546 pages total, each story ends up a nice compact inspiration and picture of Christmas traditions around the country. Nice historical Christian romances! All of Barbour Publishing's Christian Romance Collections are lovely!

Wonderful book

Every now and again, a book slips through my fingers and I don't realize it's still in my TBR pile. When I found this one, I sat down to start reading it. There are twelve humorous stories of romance during the Christmas season in this collection. I am sorry that I let this one slip by me.

The authors have a great talent to be able to write a complete story in less than a novel's length. I adored every single story in the olio, but my favorites were the first two or three and the last one. In the last one, I appreciated how Michelle Ule worked in how Ewan used different methods to teach the children their math facts. He was not tied into belly-button teaching (prop the book on your belly button and do not deviate from the book at all). Ewan was having to earn $70 by Kate's birthday to be able to marry her. When the teacher of the younger children eloped, he was offered the job, which helped him toward his goal of $70. He was a quick thinker when a blizzard came through and got the children to safety by tying knots in a rope and having them hold onto the knots to walk back to town.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a sprig of mistletoe to kiss under.

My thanks to Barbour Books for their patience in my tardiness with my review.