Customer Reviews

Christmas Spirit (Leisure romance)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bah Humbug -

The first of three stories in this anthology, _Bah Humbug_ is a charming little tale reminiscent of Scrooge. Nate, an over-worked ad executive is fed up with Christmas and the endless number of decorations and hoopla that fairly scream, "You must love Christmas! You must love Christmas!" What he needs is a little Christmas cheer to pick him up. He finds that in his neighbor, Milly. She's like Ms. St. Nick -- totally devoted to all things Christmas but she doesn't have anyone to share it with. Nate's sense of humor will leave you in stitches and Milly's a hoot with her oversized joy of Christmas. They're completely opposite but so well suited for each other I was grinning from ear to ear. But, it isn't all wine and roses, sparks fly when these two get together! The ending will make you cry! Ms. Greenwood has a wit to her writing that is thoroughly refreshing. This story will have me searching for her other work. I really got a lot out of this little story. It was a great read and I'll be picking it up again come Christmas.

Christmas Present -

A cute quick read, this one didn't quite catch my attention like the first one. A story of old hometown rivals heats up with romance amid advice from a wizened old man that seems to know everyone in town. Starts off slow but does get better toward the end.

Blue Christmas -

What woman hasn't dreamed at least once in her life of being swept away by a wildly sexy musician? Jess lives the dream in this cute story by Linda Winstead. It'll make you cry and laugh and urge you to latch on to what you feel is right even if you think you shouldn't. Right on par with the first story, _Blue Christmas_ is a feel-good tale rather reminiscent of _It's a Wonderful Life_. It'll make you cry more than once and it'll make you feel warm and cozy no matter the time of year.

All in all, _Christmas Spirit_ is a remarkable little book filled with lovely Christmas tales. Suitable to read anytime, I'm sure I'll pull it out often and give it a read through again -- but I will also make sure to read it every Christmas to put myself in the Christmas mood.

BAH, HUMBUG-Written by Leigh Greenwood. Nate Jerome, an advertising exec, wanted to go somewhere hot for the holiday season, to get away from business, and the ice cold weather. But when he gets an invitation from his neighbor, Milly Thurston, to spend a cozy, passionate, holiday with her, it's an offer he can't refuse. 4 stars.

CHRISTMAS PRESENT-Written by Elaine Fox. When Susannah Murphy returns home for Christmas, she meets up with a late-night savior, who may just be the person who can teach her the true meaning of love and happiness. 4 stars.

BLUE CHRISTMAS-Written by Linda Winstead. Jess Lennox has had enough bad luck with dating, to know that she will NEVER, EVER date a musician. But when he meets up with Jimmy Blue, a handsome, up-and-coming one. She takes a chance on love, and may just have a happy ending. 4 stars.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the three stories in this holiday collection, and hope to read more by these authors. Fans of the holiday collection, "The Night Before Christmas" will relish in these stories.

Erika Sorocco

OK, I was surprised! I have read so many stories with the Christmas theme lately and most have been rather hum-drum but CHRISTMAS SPIRIT was actually rather nice. It was a pleasant package of three short contemporary romances with characters and story lines that were refreshing.

Leigh Greenwood's BAH, HUMBUG! was the longest about an advertising exec who finds the holidays something best forgotten. That is until he meets a financial investor who helps him find those special memories that make it the most wonderful season. 4 Stars

Elaine Fox's CHRISTMAS PRESENT has a young lady visiting her hometown during the holidays. Competitiveness and money were synonyms that her mother threw at Susannah while she was growing up. Her love for her father brings her back and, unexpectedly, she meets a man that she never thought she'd have feelings for. Can Santa bring everybody together? 4 Stars

Linda Winstead's BLUE CHRISTMAS takes a woman on a journey to show her what her life would be like if she misses out on the man who pursues her. Heartbroken once before Jess Lennox refuses to date musicians. But Jimmy Blue isn't just a singer. He has thought she was special from the moment he first met Jess. He only asks that she give him a chance. 4 Stars

This is a Christmas anthology that has stories that are better than the norm. If you are looking to take a break from all the holiday fuss grab something warm to drink, a blanket and cozy up in your rocker for a relaxing time. I think you will enjoy these satisfying moments.

I bought this book because I wanted to get in the Christmas mood. I was already familar with Leigh Greenwood and Elaine Fox and liked their stories fine, but I really enjoyed the story by Linda Winstead (Jones). Even though reading the description of the story on the back of the book didn't sound too great to me, I was pleasantly surprised. Since previous reviewers have pretty much explained what each story is about, I won't go into that but will say that ending the book with the Linda Winstead story was a good thing. It left me feeling just what I wanted - all Christmas-y.

I know this was a short story but I did not want it to end. It was a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit.