I have a select few books that I like to pull out frequently to reread during the Christmas season. The Best Gift will definitely join their ranks. Though one need not read If Only in My Dreams to follow the plot of this book, it would probably help enrich the experience as both books (written…
In Christmas Letters Debbie Macomber says what every mother of young children has wanted to say to the childless who are full of “helpful” advice on child-raising. As a mother, I got the distinct feeling that Ms. Macomber had also been in the position of receiving unwanted “help” as her child “acted out” in the…
Every autumn brings a plethora of holiday-themed romances to bookstores. Like most readers, I’ve read my share of them. M.J. Rodgers’s Heart vs. Humbug remains one of my all-time favorites. The third in her Justice, Inc. miniseries, it’s a marvelous blend of intelligent characters, razor-sharp dialogue, clever plotting and good emotion that makes for a…
The Shadows of Christmas Past offers two stories, one a wonderful read and the other only just good enough to pass the time. Both stories, though, have enough plot to keep the reader interested and spread a little holiday cheer. A Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan Although the title A Rocky Mountain Miracle kept…
Fans of Jo Beverley’s Malloren series will be hard pressed to resist Winter Fire. The Mallorens return in a supporting role as their cousin finds love and a long-standing feud resolves itself. Genova Smith finds herself spending Christmas as companion to the elderly Trayce sisters – gruff Calliope and childlike Thalia. Invited to the home…
What’s better than a house party book? A Christmas house party book, of course. Members of the Regency list I hang out on know that my ears perk up with the mention of the words “house party,” and nothing seems to suit a house party better than snow storms and mistletoe. Donna Simpson’s latest book…
Sugarplum Surprises is exactly the type of book I hope to read when I open a traditional Regency Romance. It has a worthy heroine who is somewhat down on her luck, a noble hero (who is the furthest thing from a cad), a fun Bath setting, period detail (and period mores), an engaging plot that…
No matter how innocent the lie, it will come back to haunt you. Carson Fairfax finds out the hard way. Upon hearing that his mother, the Countess of Atwick, is near death, Denver businessman Carson gets the bright idea to send her a telegraph saying he is engaged. When his mother regains her health, instead…
A Springwater Christmas is a warm-hearted, rather sweet and predictable tale about acceptance, love and forgiveness that will get you in the holiday spirit. If you’ve read the previous books in the Springwater series, you’ll no doubt be thrilled with the reappearance of these fertile ladies and their numerous offspring. But if you’re like me…
Charles Thornton Baxter, fifth Viscount Balfour, also known as Lord Thorn, dislikes Christmas. This particular Christmas season is even more irritating than usual because he has lost the services of his valet, Temple, a man who was closer to him than his own father. Now, in addition to the other Christmas annoyances, he must train…