 Authors: Sally Britton, Sarah Eden, Ashtyn Newbold, Karen Thornell Genre: Anthology Pages: 400 Release Date: October 3, 2023 Publisher: Covenant Communications This holiday season, fall in love with a brand-new collection of swoon-worthy novellas from four of your favorite historical romance authors. From meddling matchmakers to fortuitous fiascos, the holidays have never been more magical! “A Family Christmas” by Sally Britton After years abroad, Cyril Grant worries about relating to his highborn relatives at the family’s holiday celebration. But an unexpected connection with a member of the household staff opens his heart—in more ways than one. “Christmas Forevermore” by Sarah M. Eden In this reimagining of the beloved Charles Dickens tale A Christmas Carol, spinster Minna Schofield is inadvertently ensnared by a local matchmaker whose meddling launches Minna on a journey of self-reflection that could lead her to unexpected love. “Christmas at Cranfield” by Ashtyn Newbold Though childhood friends Hannah and Samuel secretly adore one another, fate conspires to keep them apart. But after years of shared holidays and missed opportunities, this Christmas brings the hope that their stars will align. “A Thrill of Hope” by Karen Thornell After a devastating loss, Christmas holds little appeal for Isabel Reid. But when a snowstorm traps her in the company of a surprising traveling companion, the perpetual winter of Isabel’s heart may just begin to thaw.
8/21/2022 Five and Dime Christmas Authors: Susanne, Dietz, Patty Smith Hall, Christina Lorenzen, Cynthia Hickey Genre: Historical Romance Anthology Release Date: September 1, 2022 Christmas Is a Time for Romance at a 1880s Department Store Visit Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1881 where the Woodworth’s Five and Dime has become the center of Christmas commerce—and a great place to fall in love. A Merry Little Christmas by Susanne Dietze Woolworth’s store clerk Hattie Scott’s heart is touched by a handsome customer, but when she takes on additional secretarial work to earn money for Christmas, she learns her new boss is Englishman Timothy Branson—her favorite customer. . .and a threat to her brother’s job! Can two proud hearts overcome their differences to help her brother. . .and find love? A Home for Christmas by Patty Smith Hall Essie Banfield doesn’t need money but welcomes the challenges of working a job where she meets a minister and six little boys who inspire Christmas wishes. But will Pastor Max Warner trust that she is more than just a socialite with charitable intentions? The Light of Christmas by Christina Lorenzen A job is the only thing independent orphan Lizzie Miller needs, and Henry Kimball is singularly focused on proving his success outside the family business. But could the lure of an old-fashioned family Christmas bring them together? Lunch with Maggie by Cynthia Hickey Maggie Larson works the lunch counter where she befriends a girl who’s lonely father delivers milk each Friday. Friday’s noon hour becomes the highlight of Maggie’s week, but after being left at the altar, she closed her heart to love and to God. Will Seth Jamison be able to unlock her heart?
9/7/2020 A Hopeful Christmas Authors: Anneka R. Walker, Sian Ann Bessey, Carla Kelly, Krista Lynne Jensen Genre: Historical Romance Release Date: October 1, 2020 Kindle the spirit of the season as four of your favorite storytellers weave tales of love and hope in this charming yuletide collection.
3/29/2019 Gift of the Magpie Author: Zoe. M. McCarthy Genre: Contemporary Romance Amanda Larrowe's lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia, has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine's Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn't instill trust in Amanda's heart. When Cam doesn't recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it's safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy is she wrong.
12/27/2018 Love at Christmas Inn Author: Tanya Stowe, Marianne Evans, Mary manners, Delia Latham Genre: Contemporary Romance/Anthology Nestled into five beautiful acres just outside Hope Creek, Tennessee, Christmas Inn is an unforgettable place known for its joyful atmosphere and festive setting. Holiday decorations adorn each room. Trees glittering with ribbons and ornaments, gorgeous wreaths, velvet stockings and pine-scented candles brighten visitors’ stay at this vacation spot dedicated to Christmas all year, every year. The resort offers all the usual enticements plus one unique amenity…love. The little white chapel behind the inn, built by the Christmas family in the 1890s, boasts bell tower bells that toll when couples fall in love.Every year people come to the inn looking for their Christmas spirit. Sometimes they find love too. Will the bells ring again this year?
9/14/2018 Fall in Love Author: Delia Latham Genre: Anthology/Contemporary Romance BE SWEPT AWAY IN FIVE HEARTWARMING ROMANCES WITH AN AUTUMN FLAIR... CAPTIVE AT SEA Claire Mulvaney’s benevolent spirit has her biting off more than she can chew when she spearheads a charity fishing event to raise funds for Winding Ridge’s overcrowded animal shelter and is forced to call on fishing expert Sean Maguire. Sean blames himself for his brother’s death. He spends his days in mourning and when Claire turns to him for help, he chases her off with gruff words meant to fortify his distance from the pain that has taken hold of his soul. But the enchanting woman with emerald eyes captivates, and Sean soon finds himself drawn to her warm-hearted enthusiasm. NEVER THE TWAIN Hollywood agent Cass Townsend makes a more-than-satisfactory living helping talented “wannabe” actors become stars. Thanks to a twin brother who made it big in Hollywood and then estranged himself from his family, rugged Texas horse rancher Ryder Hayes sports oversized chips on both very broad shoulders toward celebrities. He’s not convinced any good at all can come out of Hollywood. She’s prim and proper to a fault. He’s fun-loving, with a streak of pure mischief. Ryder’s a good man, but not a Christian—not by a Texas mile. Cass can’t remember missing a single Sunday service since childhood. They’re the epitome of polar opposites and never the twain shall meet…or so the saying goes. FULLY COMMITTED Receiving a Dear Rand email while serving his country didn’t douse the fire in Rand Tenneson’s heart for his high school sweetheart. Fully committed, nothing quenched that love, not even news that Bryanna married. Back home now, Rand enjoys a busy life, firefighting and clowning around with patients at the children’s hospital. But a chance run-in with his ex-girlfriend, now a widow, rekindles that spark. God put her back in his life for a reason, and he vows to be there for her. Ten years ago, Bryanna Fenwick shattered two hearts, hers and Rand’s. But the Navy SEAL, deployed across the world, couldn’t rescue her from the real fear she faced at home. She made a choice and lived the lie for a decade. When Rand discovers the truth, she fears she’s hurt the handsome firefighter yet again and destroyed her relationship with her daughter. Can God’s grace overcome such a ginormous lie? Has He brought them back together for a second chance at love or only to reveal the truth? WITHOUT A SONG Still reeling from the loss of her husband, young widow Roni Marsden resolves to be strong for her precocious daughter. Invited to stay on the cleansing hills of her friend’s Nebraska ranch, she tries to figure out the next step. Should she leave Norfolk? Could she find work? Songwriter Dawson Bennett returns home to his brother’s ranch when the production company for his first album goes bust. He searches his heart for new songs he's unable to write. Even as he seeks direction for his career, he attempts to mend the past with his elderly father. Back in high school, Dawson had crushed on the lovely Roni when she dated his brother. Those emotions are reawakened when he discovers Roni and her daughter at the ranch. Protective feelings for the child, as well as for a stray pup that arrives on the scene, work together to soften his bitterness. Will these connections enable him to write lyrics that honor God? AUTUMN LOVES Two years after her husband’s tragic death, middle-aged widow Rylie Thornton struggles to raise her three sons while keeping the family business in the black. As the lush colors of her favorite season display, she finds herself struggling. Heart surgeon Micah Haden, on a rare break from his demanding profession, finds his sister’s friend a lovely mystery. He’s happy to help Rylie and her boys prepare for an upcoming autumn event. Why can’t she accept his offer with a little more grace? Is there a chance he could become one of Rylie's treasured Autumn Loves?
6/27/2018 The Victorian Christmas Brides Authors: Vanessa Riley, C.J. Chase, Kathleen L. Maher, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Susanne Dietz, Lorna Seilstad, Erica Vetsch, Gabrielle Meyer, Rita Gerlach Genre: Historical Romance/ Christmas Experience a Dickens of a Christmas Faced with the daily extremes of gluttony and want in the Victorian Era, nine women seek to create the perfect Christmas celebrations. But will expectations and pride cause them to overlook imperfect men who offer true love? Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley 1837 Framlingham, England How can widow Ophelia Hanover give her son a perfect Christmas when his guardian, the Earl of Litton, arrives early to take permeant custody of the boy? One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase 1855 Devonshire, England Wounded soldier Tristram Nowell returns home to indulge his mother’s wish for a family Christmas—and encounters Marianna Granville. Can he forgive the former heiress who jilted him years before? Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher 1857 Elmira, New York SarahAnn Winnifred overcomes orphanhood apprenticing with pioneering doctors. Rufus Sedgwick, relocating his English estate, seeks help for his ailing Mum. Christmas reveals the secret wish of both hearts—for love. The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels 1867 Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan When Canadian barrister Percy Gladstone finds his aristocratic British family unexpectedly descending upon him for Christmas, he turns to American social reformer Eugenie Mott and her fledgling catering crew for help. Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze 1875 County Durham, England This Yuletide, Bennet Hett, Viscount Harwood, offers Lady Celeste Sidwell matrimony and the Star of Wonder diamond necklace, as their fathers arranged. When the diamond disappears, will they find a greater treasure? Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad Chicago, Christmas 1880 Widowed harpist Beatrix Kent believes love can only come once in a lifetime, but this Christmas, carpenter Hugo Sherman hopes to pull on the musician’s heartstrings and prove her wrong. The Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch 1880s London Melisande Verity might be in over her head trying to create the perfect Christmas window display, but if she succeeds, will she finally attract the attention of her boss, Gray Garamond? A Christmas Vow by Gabrielle Meyer London, England, Christmas 1899? Lady Ashleigh Pendleton is hosting a houseful of guests for Christmas when railroad executive Christopher Campbell unexpectedly arrives from America with a mysterious agreement signed by their fathers before their birth. The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach 1900. Small town along the Potomac near Washington DC A glass ornament. Love letters tied in red Christmas ribbon. Lily Morningstar and British antiquities expert Andrew Stapleton are drawn into a family secret that binds their hearts together.
4/26/2018 Cooking Up Kisses Author: Delia Latham Genre: Contemporary Romance/Anthology LOVE ON A DARE BY MARY MANNERS Alana Mulvaney’s life is in a holding pattern. Consumed by day-to-day operations of the family business, Alana has no time for fun or romance. But a little fun and a whole lot of romance is just what Alana’s sisters have in mind when they learn childhood friend Donovan O’Reilly has returned to town. Donovan O’Reilly has loved Alana Mulvaney since he moved in next door to her at the age of five. But he broke her heart when he was forced to leave town, and now that he’s returned home to Winding Ridge he has a second chance to prove himself. But is it too late to earn her trust…and her love…again? HUMMINGBIRD KISSES BY DELIA LATHAM Toni Littlebird believes that when she meets the man God created for her, she’ll know—and she’ll love him in that very moment. But then Dax Hendrick roars into Hummingbird Hollow on a noisy, crippled Harley, stinking up the air and chasing away her beloved hummingbirds. One look into the intruder’s eyes and her heart sinks. He’s “The One.” She’d been right about knowing, but wrong about something far more important: She will never love this man! HEARTS ON THE HARBOR BY ROBIN BAYNE Cara Peyton is content with her life, her trendy Baltimore bookshop is perfect for her. But when her ex turns up to remodel the store, asking for a second chance, she’s torn and unsure about risking her heart again. Can he convince her to trust him, and God, before the job is finished? HIS VALENTINE PROMISE BY DORA HIERS Another Valentine’s Day and Quinn Randolph prefers to spend it with her sweet rescue lab. Who needs men and their broken promises? Especially Pierce Karson’s! Years ago, his desertion shattered her. Now he’s trying to steal the property she targeted to expand her florist shop! Pierce only wants to belong…and for Quinn to choose him. His Valentine Promise… THE INVISIBLE WOMAN IN A RED DRESS BY ZOE M. McCARTHY Candace Parks lives a passionless life in Richmond. The computer programmer returns to the empty family home in the Blue Ridge Mountains solely to evaluate her job, faith, and boyfriend. Her high school crush, Trigg Alderman, who barely remembers her, visits his Gram next door. Sorting her life out? How about nothing of the sort!
 Reviewer: Mary Hemlow With all that the First Nations people have been through, the segregation, the residential school program, the disregard for their family ties and way of life and their current struggles with addiction, violence against women and racism, I have often thought how badly we each need Christ. That is why I was delighted to discover this book and even that there is a volume one somewhere. John Capecci and Timothy Cage, authors of Living Proof: Telling Your Story to make a Difference wrote, “Be an advocate for the people and causes important to you, using the most powerful tool only you have - your personal stories.” The book is a compilation of a wide variety of writing styles, each one distinguished by the authenticity of the author’s voice and the power of their experiences. Some are testimonies about what life was like before Jesus Christ and after. Unable to comment on each one separately, I’ll mention a few. Sarah Beardy’s piece is a meditation on her struggle to marry her Christian values with her indigenous ones. She is able to do this by distinguishing the Eurocentric practices of the Christian church from Jesus and His simple purpose in coming to save the souls of everyone. Thomas Michael McDonald illustrates the difference between the “nominal church” and the person of Jesus Christ. He contemplates the teachings of the New Testament which highlight Jesus as healer against the history of domination, cruelty and abuse carried out by said “church”. He argues that the nominal church was not the church of Jesus, but became a tool of Satan. He reminds the reader that Jesus was not a European, but a Middle Easterner and His message is for everyone. Especially heart wrenching is the account of a fifteen year old, desperate for the love and some connection with his older, drug addicted half-brother, while living with and being cared for by his adopted mother. Some are humorous, some are harrowing accounts of struggles with violence, addiction, living on the street and the hard-heartedness of health care providers. Uniquely, in each work the authentic voice of a person with hope can be heard, because of the Saviour who loves us all, in spite of the hurt we inflict upon each other.  Reviewer: Kelly Miller
This book was not at all what I expected it to be. While I was anticipating great stories of how God has worked in the lives of these indigenous authors, what I found was a collection of 30 brief and shallow testimonials and sermonettes written by First Nations authors. Although some of the authors eluded to 'issues' and 'difficulties' they had in their lives, for the most part they were glossed over, which made their testimonials unimpactful. It would be very difficult for the average reader to connect with the author and their message. If the intention of the book is to speak to fellow First Nations friends and family, I don't feel as if the stories have enough meat in them to have any kind of significant influence. I did find Thomas Michael McDonald's story, Conclusion, very interesting and agreed wholeheartedly with his statements about nominal Christianity. I wish he had gone one step further and shared what being 'born again' means, so that if any non-believers should read this works, they would understand the message of Christ. This book could have great impact if the authors had bared their hearts and shared more deeply and specifically how faith in Christ has impacted and changed their lives. As it stands now, I am unsure whom this book is meant for and what their intention for it is. |
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10/27/2023
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