A Very Gothic Christmas (Holiday Classics) (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author), (Author) "JESSICA FITZPATRICK WOKE UP screaming, her heart pounding out a rhythm of terror..." (more)
Key Phrases: Dillon Wentworth, Christmas Eve, Mama Rita (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

TWO WICKED AND
WONDROUS HOLIDAY NOVELLAS

AFTER THE MUSIC
by CHRISTINE FEEHAN

TerriÞed by mysterious threats, Jessica Fitzpatrick spirits away her twin wards, Tara and Trevor, to the remote island mansion of their estranged father, world-famous musician Dillon Wentworth. Ever since the Þre that claimed his troubled wife's life and left him horribly disÞgured, Dillon has shut out the world. With Christmas approaching, the spark between him and Jessica might light the future, but there are those who shared Dillon's wife's love of the occultŠand their evil machinations may plunge the family into darkness -- unless a Christmas miracle occurs....

LADY OF THE LOCKET
by MELANIE GEORGE

The echoes of history and romance lure Rachel Hudson to Glengarren, the Scottish castle where her parents met many Christmases ago. But it is the portrait of Þerce Highlander Duncan MacGregor that sparks an inexplicable yearning inside her. On a storm-tossed night, as lightning cracks across the castle's turrets, Rachel Þnds herself face-to-face with MacGregor himself, astride a mighty stallion. Now, stepping into Rachel's time -- and her heart -- the warrior from the past is pursued by an ancient, evil enemy....

About the Author

Christine Feehan, a USA Today bestselling author, has written six novels in her Dark series and one Gothic historical romance. Her novel Dark Magic was a finalist for the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance of 2000. She lives in Cobb, California.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Pocket; 1ST edition (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743442717
• ISBN-13: 978-0743442718
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #238,012 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 4 in The Christmas Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gothic?? Naaaaaa......, March 14, 2002

By	"kmready" (Nashua, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This was an excellent book...but Gothic? Naa! Sure it was dark, setting that is, but it wasnt gotic. BUT that does not take away from the story!

In Ms. Feehan's story, Dillon Wentworth is disfigured and reclusive. His children are left in Jessica Fitzpatrick's care since his wife was killed in the fire that disfigured him. When Jessica returns before Christmas with the children, she is visited by nightmares of what happened to her the last time she lived in that house. She also comes to realize that her attraction to Dillon is returned. One word for this story..YUMMY. Dillon being disfigured took nothing away from his silent sex appeal and Jessica jumped right on in!

In Ms. George's story, Rachel Hudson goes on a trip visit the Scottish castle where her deceased parents met. While there she has the "pleasure" of falling for a scottish warrior that is swept into the present from the past. Along with him, though, comes a force that is out to kill. This story was good although it had a tear jerker of an ending. All ends well though! :)

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Superb romance - but lacking in gothic flavor, November 24, 2001

By	Desmond Chan (Bishan North Singapore) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

AS an anthology that offers gorgeous romance from this year's two promising writers, A VERY GOTHIC CHRISTMAS is unequivocally a cosy read that warms your heart. However, the gothic element as summoned by the bookcover fails to permeate throughout the two stories. Especially so - when Christine Feehan with her immensely popular Dark series that is redolent of fantasies and gothic aura fails to create the magic in AFTER THE MUSIC. It is a contemporary romance that centres on the tragedy of Dillion Wentworth, a talented musician haunted by his mistakes in the past. A broken marriage to his ex-wife, a secret growing love for the ward, Jessica Fitzpatrick, and a fire that demolished his home, left him scarred and alienated to his children sums up his misery. Years later, after Jessica rescues his children from the inferno, she returns to find Dillion - cold and almost a stranger. She hopes for a Christmas miracle - that is to give Dillion the love of his children and gift of music. Yet a hideous murderer is determined to extinguish the hope.... In the desperation of danger, Dillion finds himself eager to protect his children and gathers the courage to face Jessica and his music again. AFTER THE MUSIC despite its lack of gothic flavor is saved by its taut suspense and tight romance. The fears and barriers Dillion and Jessica have to brave through is palpable - and their passionate romance is indeed a triumph.

Melanie George with Lady of the Locket surprisingly sheds the usual scintillating and humorous tone in her Devil's series to churn out a time-travel romance that is reminiscent of Lind Howard's Son of the morning. Rachel Hudson returns to the scottish castle Glengarron to bury the ashes of her demised parents, who met here several years ago. Her heartache and loneliness is devastating - even more so when she sees a portrait of a laird, Duncan MacGregor, who died as a patriot to his clan. On a stormy night when lightning strikes, she finds herself miraculously accosted by him who has stepped past a portal to her time. The chemistry between them is inexplicably strong and Rachel finds herself deeply entrenched in love. Yet their passion cannot fight against time and the relentless pursuit of an enemy..... Will a miracle happen?

Melanie George has succeeded in knitting an engaging read brimming with sensuality and passion. Rachel is vulnerable and Duncan's protectiveness is the perfect antitode to her pitiful existence. Lady of the Locket compared to AFTER THE MUSIC is richer in its gothic tone and more unforgettable. The quality of both romance in this anthology, A Very gothic Christmas is nevertheless superb; the romantic atmosphere is ubquitous and poignantly heartfelt.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EMOTIONAL... PASSIONATE.. A KEEPER, November 1, 2001

By	Avid Reader (UK) - See all my reviews

I Normally do not like Novella and Anthologies to short.. However, this book will live with me for a long time..AFTER THE MUSIC by CHRISTINE FEEHAN.. this is the first story by Christine that is not Historical Gothic.. as her book THE SCARLETI CURSE Nor is like her DARK SERIES.. However, this is one of the best Gothic Suspense Contempary novels I have read.. As with all of her books Christine has the ability to draw one into her world her characters are full of emotion and passion.. Time stops for me when reading her books and this Novella is no acception....I would love to see more of Christine's work in this field... SHE IS VERY TALENTED..and wonderful Author... onto LADY OF THE LOCKET by Melanie George. Again another story that is full of emotion.. and wonderful characters.. a superb story.... I have not yet read the other books I have by Melanie but shall enjoy them no doubt....