A Midnight Clear

Set in the Ardennes Forest on Christmas Eve 1944, Sergeant Will Knott and five other GIs are ordered close to the German lines to establish an observation post in an abandoned chateau. Here they play at being soldiers in what seems to be complete isolation. That is, until the Germans begin revealing their whereabouts and leaving signs of their presence: a scarecrow, equipment the squad had dropped on a retreat from a reconnaissance mission and, strangest of all, a small fir tree hung with fruit, candles, and cardboard stars. Suddenly, Knott and the others must unravel these mysteries, learning as they do about themselves, about one another, and about the "enemy," until A Midnight Clear reaches its unexpected climax, one of the most shattering in the literature of war.

Winner, Anthologies, 2020 International Book Awards Six stories of not-so-merry Yuletide whimsy. A woman so cold she hardens to ice on a winter's eve. Risen from his grave before his time, a winter god alters the balance between seasons. A wolf's holiday season is interrupted by a strange curse. From a murder at the Stanley Hotel to demons of Christmas past, present, and future, and a mad elf and Santa's Candy Court, these authors share their love for winter holidays in this collection of dark winter tales, destined to chill your bones and warm your heart for the Yuletide season.

Ever think Scrooge had it right before the ghosts ruined his life? Meet Aidan O'Conner. At one time he was a world-renowned celebrity who gave freely of himself and his money without wanting anything in return . . . until those around him took without asking. Now Aidan wants nothing of the world - or anyone who's a part of it. When a stranger appears at his doorstep, Aidan knows he's seen her before. . .in his dreams. Born on Olympus as a goddess, Leta knows nothing of the human world. But a ruthless enemy has driven her from the world of dreams and into the home of the only man who can help her: Aidan. Her immortal powers are derived from human emotions - and his anger is just the fuel she needs to defend herself . . . One cold winter's night will change their lives forever . . .Trapped together in a brutal winter storm, Aidan and Leta must turn to the only power capable of saving them - or destroying them both: trust.

Katherine Stone's magical touch makes A Midnight Clear a story for all seasons.”—Book Page Thunder sounded anew, closer now, an ominous rumbling, a ferocious growl. Both of them greeted the sound with gentle smiles. Then Jace spoke without smiling, but with such gentleness still, as lightning illuminated the night gray sky. “I think, Julia, that you are absolutely fearless.” “No, Jace. I’m not. On paper maybe I might seem that way. On plans conjured months in advance and an ocean away. But now that I’m here . . .” “I would be very happy to prove my point. By accompanying you to Canterfields.” “Really?” “Of course.” “I . . . yes. Thank you. That makes me feel safe.” Oh, Julia Anne Hayley, he thought, you are not safe with me. For him, love was a nightmare . . . Haunted by memories of a Christmas Eve inferno, trauma surgeon Jace Colton guards his solitude as fiercely and as passionately as he tends to the desperately injured who need his care. For her, love is an awakening . . . Julia Anne Hayley's memories are lovely, not haunting, a billowy cocoon in which she has hidden from life, from living, far too long. But she knows it is time to leave the solitary sanctuary that is her home, and, if she dares, to fly. Jace and Julia have six magical days—and nights—in London at Christmas. But their Christmastime enchantment is like a snowflake, delicate, perfect, and destined to die. The magic cannot possibly last . . . can it? Praise for the novels of Katherine Stone: “Katherine Stone’s unique voice is clearly evident in this newest lyrical tale . . . an almost mystical quality that is distinctly her own.”—Romantic Times on A Midnight Clear “A shimmering, hypnotic story of two wounded souls who heal each other. An addictive and indulgent treat.”—Bookbug on A Midnight Clear “Remarkably romantic and thoroughly enchanting.”—Rendezvous on Pearl Moon “Poignant . . . Cass is an intrepid heroine, but it is Chase who wins our hearts when he refuses to allow Cass’s seeming betrayal to stop him from protecting his beloved.”—Midwest Book Review on Bed of Roses “Fairytale elements mix with those of a present day romance for . . . thoroughly enjoyable results.”—Kirkus Reviews on Rainbows Katherine Stone writes “in the vein of Danielle Steel and Sandra Brown”—Library Journal “Alluring . . . Fascinating . . . Each page brings a new adventure, every plot twist another question begging to be answered.”—Rendezvous on Imagine Love “Heart-tugging . . . few romance fans will remain unmoved.”—Publishers Weekly on Thief of Hearts Katherine Stone's "high quality romance ranks right up there with Nora Roberts."—Booklist “Sweeping drama . . . Her most emotionally charged and intricate story of love yet.”—Romantic Times on Imagine Love

A story from Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology A MIDNIGHT CLEAR by DEBBIE McGOWAN It's a cold, desperate December when a young girl flees home, in search of food, shelter and the real Santa Claus. Stranded in George and Josh's hometown, she discovers that the spirit of Christmas can be found in the most unexpected of places. Includes the story of The Little Match Girl, by Hans Christian Andersen. * * * * * ABOUT BOUGHS OF EVERGREEN Boughs of Evergreen is a two-volume collection of short stories celebrating the holiday season in all its diversity. Penned by authors from the UK, the USA, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, these are tales of the young and the not-so-young from many different walks of life. Themes of family, friendship and romance take readers on a journey through some of the major holidays, both past and present, including Thanksgiving, Advent, St. Lucia Day, Hanukkah, Eid, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice, Yule, Christmas and New Year. In each we find at the very least hope, and often love, peace and happiness. Proceeds from sales of this anthology will be donated to The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization [USA] providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

Dr. Tom Crawford isn't feeling the spirit of the season when he arrives in Last Chance. Far from friends and family, he's the odd man out in this town of gossiping, tight-knit Southerners-until he meets a sweetly sexy single mom who makes him feel welcome. Suddenly the handsome doctor is thinking he's finally found a place to call home. Local florist Teri Summers has her hands full of mistletoe in preparation for the holiday, yet finding someone to kiss is her last priority. But when the gorgeous new doctor makes a connection with her special needs son, Aiden, Teri finds herself wondering if she's finally found happiness in this season of joy. For Teri and Tom, Last Chance may be their best chance at love . . .

Little Nattie needed love, and Callie Randolph was just the woman to make her smile again. A licensed nurse with sorrows of her own, Callie felt a deep and special connection to the troubled child. And after years of heartbreak over a bitter secret, Callie was falling in love—with Nattie's handsome daddy, David Hamilton. It all seemed perfect—a beautiful little girl who adored her and a kind man who challenged her heart and made her want to sing. But it was time for Callie to trust in God and tell David everything. Did she have the strength to test her courage this one time—all for love?