Simple Gifts : Four Heartwarming Christmas Stories : Just Curious / Miracles / Change of Heart / Double Exposure (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author), Jude Deveraux (Author) "I DON'T BELIEVE in miracles," Karen said, looking at her sister-in-law with her lips pressed tightly together..." (more)
Key Phrases: Frank Taggert, Spencer Addison, Lady Skeffington (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Bestselling authors Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught shine with love's magic in this wonderful collection. Here are their most dazzling Christmas tales -- the perfect treat for every romantic at heart....

SIMPLE GIFTS

In the snow-covered hills of Virginia, a young widow finds that miracles really do come in the least expected packages, in "Just Curious." "Change of Heart," set in modern-day Colorado, is the touching story of a clever twelve-year-old who plays matchmaker for his bighearted, impractical mother.

Regency London comes to life in "Miracles," the enchanting tale of a world-weary lord -- and an outrageous proposal. In "Double Exposure," a determined young woman photographs a magnificent wedding at a reclusive tycoon's Newport estate, and manages to unlock the secrets of a man's heart.

About the Author

Judith McNaught has most recently won critical acclaim for her sensational #1 New York Times bestseller, Night Whispers. She first soared to stardom with her stunning bestseller Whitney, My Love, and went on to win the hearts of millions of readers with such breathtaking novels as Double Standards, Tender Triumph, Once and Always, and the New York Times bestsellers Something Wonderful, A Kingdom of Dreams, Almost Heaven, Paradise, Perfect, Until You, and Remember When. There are more than twenty million copies of her books in print. Judith McNaught lives in Houston.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Pocket; 1 edition (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743442237
• ISBN-13: 978-0743442237
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #334,526 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Previously Published but Worth the Re-read, November 27, 2001

By	Shawna Lanne "Shawna" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

Simple Gifts By Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught

This collection of Christmas novellas from the mid-90s reminded me of why I use to enjoy both authors so much, each story is worth reading. Their characters are compelling and likeable. I care about the characters they created for these short stories because they were likeable in themselves and because they continued some family sagas from previous books.

There are four novellas "Just Curious" and "Miracles" by Judith McNaught and "Miracles" and "Change of Heart" by Jude Deveraux each story has been previously published and even though I read them when they first came out they were still fun to read again.

Actually I enjoyed these older stories far more than I have enjoyed anything that the two have put out in recent years. I wish that they would move away from the suspense or thriller type of stories that they have been writing the last several years and go back to what they did before. I haven't found recent stories of theirs as character based as they used to be now they seem to be more plot rather than person driven now. It used to be that they could make my stomach drop in empathy with a character now I can barely finish their books.

Anyhow this is a great collection and worth buying.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointed, May 23, 2003

By A Customer

I had waited and waited for so, so long for a story on Nicky and was really disappointed to find his story in this collection. Throughout most of her historical romance bestsellers, he was the champion for her heroines and deserve much better. I had expected him to have his own book. I am not sure why Ms. McNaught decided to cut his story short, but I am sure that I am speaking for all her fans out there, that she should consider publishing a full story on Nicky.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quick reads by the divas of romance!, August 11, 2005

By	Justwannaread! (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews

Four quick reads that are perfect for your wait at the doctor's office or waiting at your child's sports practice.

"Just Curious" is a touching tale about a woman who is a widow and stuggling to move on with her life alone. Her boss makes her a business proposition that she can not refuse, not realizing that it will lead to true love.

Some reviewers were disappointed with "Miracles", the story of Nicki and Juliana. Nicki was such an intriguing secondary character in Whitney My Love and Until You (two of Judith McNaught's best sellers), that I can see why fans wanted him to have a longer story.

Those of you who follow the Montgomery/Taggart series written by Jude Deveraux will be interested in "Change of Heart", a story about Frank Taggart. This is a story of mature love between a struggling single mom and a wealthy businessman. Unbelievably, a young boy orchestrates the meeting of these two unlikely characters and it really is a heart-warming story.

"Double Exposure" is a prequel to Remember When written by Judith McNaught. It is Corey and Spence's story. I liked it because I was familiar with the characters. It is an interesting, if not bizarre, wedding.

These short stories may be a good way to become acquainted with these fabulous authors if you have not read any of their longer romance novels. Avid McNaught/Deveraux fans will feel right at home with them!