It may be October, but it's Christmastime in the publishing universe. I've been getting red and green books for weeks now, and figured the best way to let you all know about them was to start a thread. So forget the Twelve Days of Christmas. I'm counting down starting now!
Melanie_Murray wrote:
I wanted to start with a home run, so my first post in this 2011 holiday thread is Victoria Alexander's His Mistress by Christmas. What could be a better present to one's self than finding an interesting man? Lady Veronica Smithson has been a widow for three years and she's ready to move on. Lonely but far too liberal-minded to begin a husband search, she casts her eye on man-of-the-world Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater. There's just one little catch. Sebastian needs a wife, not a lover. And Veronica cherishes her freedom far too much to submit to any arrangement involving a wedding.It's a really charming book. I love Victoria Alexander's writing, and this is a breezy, witty, romantic story. The perfect mood-setter for this winter season!
My daughter thinks like a publisher - she usually has her tree up by now. She got two kittens this year - that tree isn't going to stand a chance with those two around!
I'm in a Christmasy mood - I've only received a couple Christmas books from publishers (I guess mystery and murder aren't QUITE as in tune with the holiday as romance!), but they have put me in the mood for balsam-scented candles and tinsel!
Oh, Becke, I actually love Halloween and have been enjoying reading my daughters stories about witches and goblins, but come November 1, I will be all about Christmas. I am already menu planning in my head, to be honest.
Anyway, on to the Christmas offering of the day. It's four stories in one beautifully-covered book.
A Vampire for Christmas has novellas by Caridad Pineiro, Michelle Hauf, Laurie London, and Alexis Morgan. And it's out today!
Melanie_Murray wrote:
Oh, Becke, I actually love Halloween and have been enjoying reading my daughters stories about witches and goblins, but come November 1, I will be all about Christmas. I am already menu planning in my head, to be honest.
Anyway, on to the Christmas offering of the day. It's four stories in one beautifully-covered book.
A Vampire for Christmas has novellas by Caridad Pineiro, Michelle Hauf, Laurie London, and Alexis Morgan. And it's out today!
Hi guys, yes my piles are full of red and green already too, sometimes being an early reviewer is a good thing. 
Here's a few that I got
A Lawman's Christmas (McKettrick Series)
1225 Christmas Tree Lane (Cedar Cove Series #12)
Bring Me Home for Christmas (Virgin River Novel Series #14)
An O'Brien Family Christmas Now just bring on the mistletoe and the eggnog
Looking for a community-based, warm-hearted holiday book a la Macomber or Roberts? I've got the story for you: Christmas on Nutcracker Court by Judy Duarte. I hadn't read her books before, but she's written three previous stories set in the town of Fairbrook, where there are streets named Sugar Plum Lane and - yes- Nutcracker Court. There's also a population of lonely hearts: single-mom and cash-strapped Carly Westbrook, frustrated writer Max Tolliver, disillusioned Grant Barrows, and a mysterious newcomer named Maggie who seems to have just the right touch with everyone.
Highlander for the Holidays Unfortunately the beautiful summary I wrote about this book got gobbled up by the site, so let me summarize:
I picked this book up while sorting through my holiday books, read page one and came to around page a hundred still standing in the same spot.
I got caught up in the story of Jessie Pringle, a woman recovering from a traumatic situation who has fled as far as she can from her home in Atlanta to the far reaches of the US. Pine Creek, Maine, is less than an hour from Canada and is just the sort of place Jessie can put her life back together. It's full of friendly Mainers, interesting forest dwellers, and one Highlander-throwback named Ian, whose broad build and trace of brogue has Jessie wishing she were ready to jump back into dating.
And did I mention the dog? There's a service dog named Toby, a beast of a Rottweiler who's a hero beneath the bulk.
I kind of loved this book, and recommend it even if you haven't got the Christmas spirit right now.
Debbie Macomber's Christmas Cookbook Obviously I could fill this entire thread solely with Macomber titles, and no doubt there will be a fiction entry in coming weeks. But surely some of you romance lovers cook, right? When I was told about this book, I half-heartedly agreed to take a look, not really expecting much. Well, shame on me. This book is GORGEOUS. Truly. Not only is it beautifully put together with lush, colorful pictures of yummy-looking treats and perfectly made decorations, but the recipes are easy to follow and for things you actually want to make, her anecdotes are written with the same familiar charm as her books, and you'll get good hostessing ideas. (I am already trying to knit the silverware-holding mini-stockings.)
But seriously, how does she have time to live her life???
Melanie_Murray wrote:
Debbie Macomber's Christmas Cookbook Obviously I could fill this entire thread solely with Macomber titles, and no doubt there will be a fiction entry in coming weeks. But surely some of you romance lovers cook, right? When I was told about this book, I half-heartedly agreed to take a look, not really expecting much. Well, shame on me. This book is GORGEOUS. Truly. Not only is it beautifully put together with lush, colorful pictures of yummy-looking treats and perfectly made decorations, but the recipes are easy to follow and for things you actually want to make, her anecdotes are written with the same familiar charm as her books, and you'll get good hostessing ideas. (I am already trying to knit the silverware-holding mini-stockings.)
But seriously, how does she have time to live her life???
Oh Melanie I have this one too and it's incredible. Plus all the different ideas for gift giving, shh don't tell any one but I've already started on a couple
I have some sample recipes here, so I'll share
http://thereadingfrenzy.blogspot.com/2011/09/sampl
Holly Lane (Destiny, Ohio Series #4) Ah, Destiny, Ohio, the charming town where the steamiest interludes in America play out.
I've posted about some sweet books, and now it's time to talk about one that'll melt the snow. But this is Toni Blake, and it's her Destiny, Ohio, series, so you should know going in what you're in for.
What I love about Toni's books is the balance between sensuality and emotion. The sex scenes are beyond hot but always between two people who have a serious heart connection. Which is why I eagerly add them to my TBR pile.
So here we have Sue Ann Simpkins (she's been in previous books) who is trapped in a cabin with her ex's best friend. One thing leads to another - they are snowbound after all! - and soon Adam Becker can't get Sue Ann out of his mind. Of course, there is a history between them, and it's not every day a person can take up with a pal of her ex's. But it's Christmas! And it's Destiny!
This book is as wonderful as Toni's previous Ohio stories, and it's out tomorrow. Treat yourself.
Melanie_Murray wrote:Holly Lane (Destiny, Ohio Series #4) Ah, Destiny, Ohio, the charming town where the steamiest interludes in America play out.
I've posted about some sweet books, and now it's time to talk about one that'll melt the snow. But this is Toni Blake, and it's her Destiny, Ohio, series, so you should know going in what you're in for.
What I love about Toni's books is the balance between sensuality and emotion. The sex scenes are beyond hot but always between two people who have a serious heart connection. Which is why I eagerly add them to my TBR pile.
So here we have Sue Ann Simpkins (she's been in previous books) who is trapped in a cabin with her ex's best friend. One thing leads to another - they are snowbound after all! - and soon Adam Becker can't get Sue Ann out of his mind. Of course, there is a history between them, and it's not every day a person can take up with a pal of her ex's. But it's Christmas! And it's Destiny!
This book is as wonderful as Toni's previous Ohio stories, and it's out tomorrow. Treat yourself.
Melanie - I have a question about this book - Should I have read some of her other books in the series ? Last year (or the year before) I read the Janet Chapman "Highlander" Christmas book, and I didn't have any trouble except that I have now begun reading the series from the beginning !! Thanks - I do love the Christmas books !!!
Anne
1AnneB wrote:
Melanie_Murray wrote:
Holly Lane (Destiny, Ohio Series #4) Ah, Destiny, Ohio, the charming town where the steamiest interludes in America play out.
I've posted about some sweet books, and now it's time to talk about one that'll melt the snow. But this is Toni Blake, and it's her Destiny, Ohio, series, so you should know going in what you're in for.
What I love about Toni's books is the balance between sensuality and emotion. The sex scenes are beyond hot but always between two people who have a serious heart connection. Which is why I eagerly add them to my TBR pile.
So here we have Sue Ann Simpkins (she's been in previous books) who is trapped in a cabin with her ex's best friend. One thing leads to another - they are snowbound after all! - and soon Adam Becker can't get Sue Ann out of his mind. Of course, there is a history between them, and it's not every day a person can take up with a pal of her ex's. But it's Christmas! And it's Destiny!
This book is as wonderful as Toni's previous Ohio stories, and it's out tomorrow. Treat yourself.
Melanie - I have a question about this book - Should I have read some of her other books in the series ? Last year (or the year before) I read the Janet Chapman "Highlander" Christmas book, and I didn't have any trouble except that I have now begun reading the series from the beginning !! Thanks - I do love the Christmas books !!!
Anne
Hi Anne,
I don't think you'll enjoy this book any less if you haven't read the other books. It definitely stands alone. However, the other books are really good and worth the read, though they aren't holiday themed.
M
There were several Christmas books released today, but Robyn Carr's Bring Me Home for Christmas (Virgin River Novel Series #14) must be one of the most anticipated. We don't talk about Robyn's books nearly enough here at RR, but I know many of you love this series.
Melanie_Murray wrote:
And really, Virgin River is almost the perfect setting for a holiday story. This one involves a second chance at love, community spirit, and the wonderful hero Denny Cutler, who has been in several of the Virgin River novels.Just look at that cover! It puts carols in my head!
Thanks Melanie and it was a great one
http://thereadingfrenzy.blogspot.com/2011/10/revie
Whoever came up with the notion of pairing an Argeneau story and a Cat-and-Bones novella in one volume and setting them both at Christmas time gets a giant gold star.The Bite Before Christmas contains two short novels, "The Gift" by Lynsay Sands and "Home for the Holidays" by Jeaniene Frost. I'm guessing that many of you will stop what you're doing to buy this since there are so many Night Huntress fans here at RR. And who can refuse a vampire story? My favorite thing about this Argeneau installment is that the vampire is the heroine. Katricia Argeneau gets snowbound in a cabin with a hot cop, Teddy Brunswick. This might be the most perfect winter romance set-up ever; I never tire of it.
And yes: Cat and Bones at Christmas! You can guess that it won't be all tree-trimming and baking cookies for those two.
The book's in hardcover and was released yesterday - I forgot to add it to the list at NRT but hope posting it here makes up for that. 
It's a steampunk Christmas!
Guys, I'm sorry to have been away from my holiday schedule the past few days - can I blame a Halloween snowstorm?
I'm making it up to you with this awesome novella, available in e-book, from author Heather Hiestand.
Captain Andrew's Flying Christmas
Here's the story description:
Housemaid Linet Fenna would rather be an air pirate than a servant. When she finds the ladder to an airship dangling outside her garret window on Christmas Eve, 1892, she ascends to the skies above London on her late father’s flagship dirigible, the Christmas. The new captain is someone she never expected to see again, a dangerous, sexy foe. Is the Fenna family nemesis offering Linet her heart’s desire or a dastardly trap?
Captain Andrew’s motivations are as foggy as the coal-soaked sky. Prime Minister Gladstone’s Blockaders, a horde of automen and a teenage girl named Hatchet want Linet to fail in her quest to discover what happened to her missing family, but she is determined to have a happy Christmas.
Melanie_Murray wrote:
It's a steampunk Christmas!
Guys, I'm sorry to have been away from my holiday schedule the past few days - can I blame a Halloween snowstorm?
I'm making it up to you with this awesome novella, available in e-book, from author Heather Hiestand.
Captain Andrew's Flying Christmas
Here's the story description:
Housemaid Linet Fenna would rather be an air pirate than a servant. When she finds the ladder to an airship dangling outside her garret window on Christmas Eve, 1892, she ascends to the skies above London on her late father’s flagship dirigible, the Christmas. The new captain is someone she never expected to see again, a dangerous, sexy foe. Is the Fenna family nemesis offering Linet her heart’s desire or a dastardly trap?
Captain Andrew’s motivations are as foggy as the coal-soaked sky. Prime Minister Gladstone’s Blockaders, a horde of automen and a teenage girl named Hatchet want Linet to fail in her quest to discover what happened to her missing family, but she is determined to have a happy Christmas.
Hi Melanie, I was starting to worry about you and your family. I'm glad to see you and how much did you get. Wow I don't want another winter like the last one and I know you don't either.
Take care
Deb, we lost internet over the weekend but didn't get hammered like many others in Connecticut. The power stayed on, thank goodness! (My family up in Massachusetts is still in the dark though!)
I guess all the snow helps with the reading of Christmas books, though! Here's another holiday tale:
Julia Herington is overjoyed when her stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged--to a viscount, no less. Louisa's only hesitation is living a life under the ton's critical gaze. But with his wry wit and unconventional ideas, Julia feels James is perfect for Louisa. She can only hope to find a man like him for herself. Exactly like him, in fact. . .
One Choice. . .
As the new Viscount Matheson, James wished to marry quickly and secure his title. Kind, intelligent Louisa seemed a suitable bride. . .until he met her stepsister. Julia is impetuous--and irresistible. Pledged to one sister, yet captivated by another, what is he to do? As Christmas and the whirl of the London season approach, James may be caught in a most scandalous conundrum, one that only true love, a bit of spiritous punch--and a twist of fate--will solve. . .
Christmastime is a good time to be a reader of Harlequin - I literally have a box of holiday books on my desk, so this week I'm going to devote my posts to its contents.
First up is Sherryl Woods latest Chesapeake Shores Novel An O'Brien Family Christmas.Dating Matthew O’Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.
But the O’Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?
Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?
I admit I'm not caught up on all the Chesapeake Novels, but the two or three I've read have been just what you want in a cozy, neighborhood-set series. Here they are, if you're interested in getting the set as a well-deserved present for yourself:
The Inn at Eagle Point (Chesapeake Shores Series #1) Flowers on Main (Chesapeake Shores Series #2) Harbor Lights (Chesapeake Shores Series #3) A Chesapeake Shores Christmas (Chesapeake Shores Series #4) Driftwood Cottage (Chesapeake Shores Series #5) Moonlight Cove (Chesapeake Shores Series #6) Beach Lane (Chesapeake Shores Series #7)
Melanie_Murray wrote:
Christmastime is a good time to be a reader of Harlequin - I literally have a box of holiday books on my desk, so this week I'm going to devote my posts to its contents.
Dating Matthew O’Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.
But the O’Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?
Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?
I admit I'm not caught up on all the Chesapeake Novels, but the two or three I've read have been just what you want in a cozy, neighborhood-set series. Here they are, if you're interested in getting the set as a well-deserved present for yourself:
The Inn at Eagle Point (Chesapeake Shores Series #1) Flowers on Main (Chesapeake Shores Series #2) Harbor Lights (Chesapeake Shores Series #3) A Chesapeake Shores Christmas (Chesapeake Shores Series #4) Driftwood Cottage (Chesapeake Shores Series #5) Moonlight Cove (Chesapeake Shores Series #6) Beach Lane (Chesapeake Shores Series #7)
Melanie, glad to hear you are ok, I hope your family gets power back soon.
I'm right now reading this, I haven't read her before, how can that be, she's wonderful
Stay warm everyone!!!
