One Fine Christmas

Willamina ‘Willa’ Bernard, a wealthy young widow was in the center of every man in London’s eye. Why? She was the sole owner of the Bernard Holdings within London and sat on a large fortune. Marriage was offered not for love, but to control her life and fortune. They would fail because Willa was too smart for that. Christmas time was always a dull affair, she was alone with just a small trusted staff in the mansion. There was no parties where she was invited, no friends to share gifts, instead she watched the merry masses outside her window and longed not to feel so alone. Until her dead husband’s best friend came home and then her world was turned upside down. He offered her, gentle touches and brought a sense of magic into her home. Could Willa trust her feelings or was this another attempt to control her using her heart as leverage? Sir Gideon Aldrich, explorer and entrepreneur came home to London to find his friend had died and now his widow was left alone. Instantly smitten by Willa he wanted to protect her especially after hearing how they talked about deceiving her and the nefarious plans that were afoot. He was charmed by her wit and intelligence while she tried to make good changes within her factories. But Gideon also wanted to see her smile, hear her laugh and watch the wariness fade from her eyes. He vowed to show her his affection though the holidays and while ensuring she was safe. Willa needed more than just love, she needed to trust, to believe that there was someone who loved her unconditionally. Willa would have that and more, because this one fine Christmas, he planned to make her, his forever.

Each story, complete with a synopsis, a link to the liturgical calendar, and a corresponding scripture, offers us a glimpse into the mystery of life and faith.

Perfectly Fine Christmas is an entertaining coming-of-age holiday fairy tale with a romantic twist that La Jill Hunt’s fans are sure to enjoy. “Who says Cinderella is the only one who gets a happily ever after? Shouldn’t the fairy godmother get a knight in shining armor too? After all, she’s the one with all the magic.” Kendall Freeman, a self-assured, full-figured seamstress and aspiring fashion designer, loves Christmas. Niya Fine, a shy, introverted, plus-size teen, is dealing with the recent loss of her mother. She’s now living with her widowed grandmother, Claudia, an elitist who criticizes Niya’s every move. While Kendall is working hard to make the season bright, planning Christmas parties and whipping up amazing gowns at the boutique where she works, Niya is begging her uncle Reese, the “reprobate” of the family, to spend the holidays with her at his mother’s home. She hopes that will make living there a little less lonely. A twist of fate leads to a unique friendship between Kendall and Niya, and a quest to pursue a family tradition that seems impossible to achieve. Can Kendall help Niya embrace who she is and help the family rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season? Is there a possibility of finding her own true love in the process?

If you love sweet romances (PG-rating), look no further than Rachelle Ayala's Have a Hart series. The Harts are a family of San Francisco firefighters. Their family motto is: Heart comes first. A mix-up between two pet lovebirds brings Melisa Hart face to face with the dashing Dr. Rob Reed, the man she crushed on her entire life. Unfortunately, he’s not welcome in her large Irish family. He’s not a firefighter like her father and brothers, and they believe he stole her brother’s girlfriend. Can the hunt for a lost lovebird and a Christmas miracle open Melisa’s heart to giving Rob another chance? Book 1: Melisa & Rob, Christmas Lovebirds Book 2: Jenna & Larry, Valentine Hound Dog Book 3: Connor & Nadine, Spring Fling Kitty Book 4: Cait & Brian, Blue Chow Christmas Book 5: Jenna & Larry, Valentine Wedding Hound Book 6: Grady & Linx, Summer Love Puppy Book 7: Dale & Nessa, Dog Days of Love Book 8: Jenna & Larry, Valentine Puppies and Kisses Book 9: Pete & Kim, Happy Goose Year

A few short stories that include parodies of classic Christmas characters. Maybe they can find their way among the ranks of stories that fuel the Christmas spirit. Other than that they're just some crap a crazy guy wrote. Have fun and make sure to reimagine Christmas every year to keep it fresh. Unless you're old and you don't care. Chances are no one will ever care about these stories anyways. That's not being negative that's just reality. Alternatively my optimism has a point that at least I laughed at these stories. I had a good time destroying Christmas by elevating these stories to be fit for a mature audience. Who knows maybe you'll end up telling them at the bar or on Christmas morning to have a laugh. Either way I feel like they're just a funny dumpster fire.

The Greatest Gifts . . . Are Always Unexpected ... Lady Noelle has no intention of marrying just to save her family’s castle. She feels nothing for Sir Gavin, the man who will become her husband on Christmas Day. Then she spies Camelot’s newest knight, the notorious Sir Nicholas the Dragon, a champion as renowned for his prowess in the beds of Camelot’s maidens as for his skill in battle. Noelle’s heart has found the man she longs for, even as her hand is promised to another. Sir Nicholas’s only loyalty is to his king, whose orders are clear. he is to fend off the enemy besieging Noelle’s castle and bring the lady safely back to Camelot for her wedding day. But spending time with the proud beauty awakens an irresistible hunger in him. Now, as desire does battle with duty, Nicholas has only two choices --to surrender the woman he loves to another man or fight to the end to make her his own.