Holiday Cheer (Arabesque) [Paperback]

Kensington (Producer)

Book Description

Series: Arabesque | Publication Date: December 1, 1995

A trio of holiday romances includes "Invitation to Love," as a woman finds a second chance with her ex-fiance+a7; "Fresh Fruits," about a beautiful art expert who falls for the head of a Manhattan private school; and "Friend and Lover," about two Atlanta attorneys who find their friendship deepening. Original.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In its second annual holiday collection, Pinnacle's Arabesque line features a trio of upbeat contemporary African American romances, each focusing on a different winter holiday. A successful Washington businesswoman and a stockbroker reclaim the spirit of Christmas and a love they thought they had lost in Shirley Hailstock's "Invitation to Love." A sophisticated ethnic art expert and the head of a Harlem prep school find love in Rochelle Alers's "First Fruits." And a sham engagement between two longtime attorney friends leads to the real thing just in time for New Year's Eve in Angela D. Benson's funny and engaging "Friend and Lover." Sensual, romantic, and modern, these novellas reflect a range of styles and approaches, though they could have been more tightly edited. A unique collection that will appeal to all romance readers.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Pinnacle (December 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786002107
• ISBN-13: 978-0786002108
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,414,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Holiday Cheer" - Seasoned with just the right spice, January 14, 2001

By 

Luv2Read "imareader2" (Baton Rouge, LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holiday Cheer (Arabesque) (Paperback)

The three novellas make a perfect combination for the holiday season. Whatever your style, it was there -- Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year. The Christmas novella "Invitation to Love" was a heartwarming story of renewing an old romance. It dealt with forgiveness as well as believing and trusting. "Invitation to Love" was a chance for Elizabeth and James to recapture the joy and romance that was shattered. It was a chance for Elizabeth to discover the love that she thought was buried with the death of her sister, Claire. "Invitation to Love" was right in tune with the Christmas spirit of love, joy, hope, and sharing. "Invitation to Love" was a beautiful and moving story.

What can I say about Aler's "First Fruits?" I love Rochelle Alers' books and this novella was no exception. It was rewarding to see concern for the younger generation and Marshall Graham's actions to steer the younger male in the right direction with the operation of Nia Academy for males. Marshall set out not only to have the academy in operation, but to cover all aspects of learning - academically, as well as socially, -- in learning english, math, history, art and dance. I praise Marshall for being the sort of guy set on making a difference and making it happen. Shelby Carter, Marshall's love interest, would handle the art aspect at Nia Academy. However, Shelby had not only captured the art contract, but she had also captured Marshall's heart. When first introduced by Marshall's aunt and Shelby's friend, Naomi Morrow, it was a love interest at first meeting for both of them. It was not easy and there were some misunderstanding, but eventually, their love did flourish and the romance came to harvest. "First Fruits" was a rewarding novella that was not only informing with the information about Kwanzaa and the Kwanzaa celebration, but it was a wonderful romance about two people deserving love and each other. Great story, Ms. Alers!

Angela Benson's "Friend and Lover" was my favorite. This was a hilarious story of two people with truly a loving friendship. Reed was a guy who knew how to take matters into his own hands. He moved into Paige's apartment after the Christmas holiday and before the New Year's holiday and into her heart for life. Paige was a wonderful girl, who agreed to play Reed's game of being engaged. But was this only for Reed's grandmother's sake, or did Paige really have a motive of her own? Was she missing something in her own life that she saw when Reed and Grandmother Lewis came to visit? Where was the spark between Paige and her fiance', Dexter? The sparks ignited when Reed kissed Paige or was near her, but she could not remember anything like that in her relationship with Dexter? If you have not read this one, then you must read it. It is not only funny, but touching. I am sure that you will enjoy it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I really got into the Holiday Season with this one!!, October 16, 2000

By 

"missnikki" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holiday Cheer (Arabesque) (Paperback)

Great Read! I really enjoyed this book. It had everything, second chances, educational aspects, and it was very funny! I always look forward to one of Alers's books. She did not disappoint! Hailstock's novella was very heart felt. It is the kind of story that makes you smile at the end. And Benson, all I can say is I'll never see my best friend the same again ( of course he's male). I love this story the most. It had me on the floor laughing. I read it none stop!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Calling All Angela Benson fans..., December 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Holiday Cheer (Arabesque) (Paperback)

It's been a while since Angela Benson's last book. The holiday season is the perfect time to read her story, Friends and Lovers. It's funny and it's fun. It's my favorite in the collection. However, Rochelle Alers' Kwanzaa story and Shirley Hailstock's Christmas story will put you in the spirit of the season.