Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940156840649 |
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| Publisher: | Purple Papaya, LLC |
| Publication date: | 10/11/2016 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Sales rank: | 58,579 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
A Heartwarming Holiday: 15 Connected Sweet Holiday Romances
4.8 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
19 reviews.
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I loved every story!
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Easy reading and good stories.
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The Spirit of Christmas is very much alive and working in Christmas Town, Maine. These three stories have some of the same characters, although each story has one primary girl and guy.
Christmas Past by Tara Taylor Quinn – Magic Moments Novella #1
Three-year-old Camille Posey is missing—she just disappeared from Posey’s Diner with no one noticing. At the same time, Bella Potter is having “feelings” that could be about a child, but she knows it’s just her imagination—or is it? Her mother, Edith Potter, is supposed to be a psychic. Bella tries to ignore her feelings until she decides she needs to call Sheriff Chad Andrews about it. He becomes her shadow for three days trying to understand what Bella’s feelings mean. Can they find Camille before something very serious happens to her? As terrible as the time waiting is, Bella and Chad come to understand this “gift” that Bella has.
It Only Happens in Christmas Town by Shirley Hailstock – Magic Moments Novella #2
Whitney Emerson and Trenton “Trent” Knowles each receive a note from Edith Potter. Of course, they are in two different parts of the country and don’t know each other. However, the notes contain latitudes and longitudes to an unknown place. Each of them follows the directions and ends up in Christmas Town. Whitney wants nothing to do with Christmas because her fiancé Mike was killed at Christmastime. However, the magic of this Christmas season will help them find their true love.
The Magic Stocking by Liz Flaherty – Magic Moments Novella #3
Eleanor “Ellie” Madison Griffith and Patrick “Pat” Nolan are the main characters in this wonderful Christmas story. Pat comes from a family of fisherman, but he gets seasick before even getting on a boat, so he owns a Christmas tree farm. Needless to say, he’s a disappointment to his family. Ellie has her own problems, but with the magic of Christmas Town, they find their happily-ever-after ending.
I received a complimentary copy of these stories for my honest opinion, which I have given. I would recommend this collection to everyone.
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Let me just start off by saying I LOVE holiday books, especially at this time of year. They just put me in a great mood. I was asked to review this box set and I jumped at the chance. What's better than reading 1 holiday book? That's right...reading 15!!! This set includes 5 Books. Each book has 3 Novellas each. Each of these 3 stories are connected. Each book in this set takes place in the same location, a small and wonderful town called Christmas Town in Maine. So that is the way I split up my review (just to help you understand my review a little better). This set presents the reader with holiday cheer, romance, and family.
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BOOK 1: ONCE UPON A HOLIDAY
Once Upon A Thanksgiving: Anna Adams (4 STARS)
In this story you meet Micheal who is trying to care for his grandparents who ran away from their assisted living facility to go back to their hometown. You also meet Lacey who was hired by them to decorate their house for the upcoming holidays. She helps run a company called Boxes and Boughs with her two best friends. Soon Micheal and Lacey find themselves at odds with what they see is right for his grandparents, but they also can't deny the attraction building between them.
This story was so good. It told a tale of holiday cheer, a search for independence, and the love a family.
Once Upon A Christmas: Anna J. Stewart (5 STARS)
In this book you see Charlotte from Boxes and Boughs help two young kids have a Christmas they want, but won't get this year. With their mother dead, they now live with their reclusive uncle who doesn't seem to care much for the holidays. Charlotte is on a mission to help these kids have a good Christmas no matter what. While in the process she may find a little something she has been missing too.
This book was awesome. It literally grabbed me and had me crying in the first chapter. The kids really made the story. It also made me very happy. This is a great short story filled with love and Holiday cheer.
Once Upon A New Years Eve: Melinda Curtis (5 STARS)
In this book you see Gavin, the other partner from Boxes and Boughs. Gavin is fighting his grief over the death of his friend and trying to decide to stay when he feels like he needs to keep going. Amelia is a vet who is trying to find her place in Christmas town alone. Together, they help each other heal, with the help of none other than a playful dog.
This book was so cute. The dog was the winner of this story. I love my animals so this story won me over fast. This story was a wonderful story of healing and love.
BOOK 2: HOLIDAY HEROES
Thankfully Yours: Leigh Riker
(5 STARS)
Ash lost his leg while he was a Navy Seal. He has came to Christmas Town to take over the Blue Spruce Mountain Resort, a ski resort that his father owns. He battles daily with his pain from losing his leg and his confidence. Jill is a teacher facing her own daily pain. She lost her husband 3 years back after he had an accident while skiing on Blue Spruce Mountain. This connection makes her dislike the resort and Ash from the beginning. Soon she can't deny the connection that they have, despite all the pain that surrounds them.
I'm all about books with our military in them. My husband is a disabled vet and so I feel for them all. I know how to relate I guess. This story was awesome and touching. Sometimes its hard to heal both mentally and physically. This story shows that and so much more.
Cooking Up Christmas: Tara Randel
(5 STARS)
Simon is the new chef
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All great stories, set in an enchanting Christmas town! Definitely worth checking out!
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I received an ARC of book 1 (Once Upon a Holiday set in Christmastown, Maine) in this set. I enjoyed it so much I had to order the whole set. I always love stories about the holidays.
Once Upon a Thanksgiving
Michael is supposed to be bringing his grandparents back to their asssisted living facility, but they are determined to stay in Christmastown. Lacey is one of the partners in Boxes and Boughs and has been hired by his grandparents to decorate for them for Thanksgiving in an attempt to get the whole family there to celebrate together. The struggle with what defines success - family and love verses a career - was well played out in this story and I loved all of the characters.
Once Upon a Christmas
Charlotte, another partner at Boxes and Boughs, really gets into the spirit of Christmas when she takes on decorating a house for two orphaned children living with their uncle Grant. Grant really struggled with not knowing how to take care of young children and although his heart really was in the right place, he didn't seem to know what to do. I really loved how Charlotte went out of her way to help all three of them.
Once Upon a New Year's Eve
This story follows Gavin, the last partner in Boxes and Boughs and his dog, Snowflake. I loved how Snowflake played matchmaker between Gavin and Amelia (who seems to hate everything related to the holidays). The humor added so much to this story as Gavin and Amelia make their way through figuring out where they belong.
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This is a review for three of the fifteen novellas in this collection. All three of these interconnected stories were sweet and fun. They were easy to sit down and enjoy and were a nice way to look forward to the upcoming holidays.
Once Upon a Thanksgiving by Anna Adams
Of the three stories, I had a bit more trouble connecting with the characters in this novella, but still enjoyed the story. Bring together a man who loves his family but feels he has something to prove, with a woman who doesn’t have a strong family connection, and two grandparents who simply want their extended family home for Thanksgiving and you have the makings for a very unique celebration.
Once Upon a Christmas by Anna J. Stewart
In this novella, it took me a little bit to warm up to the hero of the story, however, once I understood his back story and watched the leading lady work her holiday magic for two sad children, I really enjoyed seeing this little family learn to celebrate Christmas together.
Once Upon a New Year’s Eve by Melinda Curtis
This novella was fun right from the start. The two main characters were both hurting in different ways and neither one was very happy with the way their lives were taking shape when the story began. I enjoyed watching their journey together and the humor that the dog brought into the story.
I received a complimentary copy of these three novellas. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This review is on three of the stories within the anthology: Book 5 Nutcracker Sweethearts which was gifted to me. The three stories are by Dana Mentink, Roz Denny Fox and Amie Denman. These three stories were a delight. I love reading about characters in the same town and Christmas Town is well named for the season. I especially enjoyed Roz Denny Fox's story as it was very touching. Christmas stories are always a favorite and I also really enjoy clean and wholesome romances. I would recommend these for getting in the mood for Christmas.
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A Heartwarming Holiday collection of Novellas presented a group of uplifting, fresh, and joyful approaches to each holiday that engaged the reader in the holiday season. The development of a romantic relationship with all the various twists and turns was the centerpiece of each novella. Each author included well developed characters and plot details that could have fit into a full length novel. Stellar writing ability can be attributed to each individual writer in this collection with their ability to bring the reader into each holiday experience and hold the reader’s attention to the last word on the page. I would highly recommend this collection and each authors’ individual work.
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I read Book 1, Once Upon a Holiday, which are three novellas at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis, and as always, I really enjoyed the collaboration between them. [This is the third set of Christmas novellas I have read by them.] The three stories center around a new business in Christmas Town, Boxes and Boughs, owned by Lacey, Charlotte, and Gavin, and each of them have their own romance during this season of celebrations. They have been friends since college and want to succeed together. They live in a three-story Victorian home that doubles as their place of business. Christmas Town, Maine is a perfect location for their interior (and exterior) design, decorating, and light display business, and a wonderful way to meet and intermingle with the town people. You never know when you might inadvertently find love! The stories are all sweet and each of the main set of characters have their own complexities from the past. The other main characters, Michael, Grant, and Amelia, have their own problems figuring out what to do in this next stage of their lives and whether to stay in Christmas Town, go back to what they were previously doing, or take a different path. I was warmed by the love of family, shed some tears, and also laughed out loud, especially listening to St. Bernard, Snowflake, talk. [I received this book for free.]
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This is a great collection of stories for the holiday. I loved every one. Highly recommend!
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I was able to read a set of 3 of these stories and really enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit! Going back to Christmas Town, Maine makes me want to live there. I wish such a place existed!
*Once Upon a Thanksgiving by Anna Adams
This story brings out the Christmas spirit by helping us remember what is really important during the holidays. Michael thinks he is doing all the right things for his grandparents - for their physical well-being - but he doesn't really listen to them as to what they REALLY want. He just keeps making decisions for them and not really taking their wishes into consideration. Lacey, on the other hand, listens to them and tries to get Michael to understand that his grandparents want to stay in Christmas Town. I enjoyed the dynamics of all the people in the story and remembering the holidays bring out the best in people when it comes down to it!
*Once Upon a Christmas by Anna J. Stewart
I absolutely loved this story --- probably because it involved two children who lost their mother and were in the custody of their Uncle Grant who was a scientist & very absorbed in writing a book so didn't know how to help them through their grief. Enter Charlotte, who has so much love and compassion for children....she shows Grant how to celebrate Christmas again and deal with the children's grief....and his own! The characters were wonderful and the story so touching. I had great emotion as I read this story. It definitely touches your heart and soul!
*Once Upon a New Year's Eve by Melinda Curtis
Amelia, known as Dr. Scrooge around town, just wants to get through the holidays and continue getting her veterinary practice up to speed. She's had about enough with all the well-meaning people in town trying to decorate her "space" for the holidays! Gavin "loses" a huge dog that ends up "finding" Amelia and brings the two of them together! Gavin is all about decorating for Christmas and he slowly tries to draw Amelia out of her "Scrooge" personality! A fun story and it also touched me. We can all bring joy and happiness to others during the holiday season!
***I received a complimentary copy of these 3 books.
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A visit to Christmas Town, Maine is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. These three stories involve the partners in Boxes and Boughs who have come to love this small town and call it home.
Anna Adams starts thing off with Once Upon A Thanksgiving. Michael Hume is sent by his family to bring back his grandparents. They left their assisted living residence to go to Maine for Thanksgiving in the hope that their children and grandchildren would follow. No such luck. Michael wants them safe. Lacey Dickens shows him what really matters. Thank goodness he realizes that family and love give life real meaning. I loved the characters, the romance and joy of belonging.
Once Upon A Christmas by Anna J Stewart shows the joy of giving is its own reward. Charlotte Powell helps make Christmas special for two children who have lost their mother and finds a wonderful man to love. The children live with their Uncle Grant who has no idea how to care for them. When Charlotte comes in, he's grateful and ashamed. She shows him what family is and helps him connect with the children. Attraction and love bloom. Is their a HEA in their future? This is a feel good story that touched my heart. What a wonderful tribute to the holiday season. I cared about the children and their bumbling Uncle and I loved Charlotte for her loving heart.
Melinda Curtis in Once Upon a New Year's Eve introduces us to Amelia Lawson aka Dr. Scrooge. She wants nothing to do with the holidays. Her mother's over the top obsession with all things Christmas took care of that. How ironic that she would move to Christmas Town. When she meets Gavin Elliot from Boxes and Boughs she likes him and his doggie friend, Snowflake. The dog plays matchmaker and is successful until Gavin feels his work isn't challenging and plans to leave Christmas Town. I loved the magic and Snowflake's determined interference. This romance is the perfect combination of heartbreak and humor. What a romantic story!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
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A Heartwarming Holiday: 15 Connected Sweet Holiday Romances
by Anna Adams, Anna J Stewart, Melinda Curtis, Leigh Riker, Tara Randel, Cari Lynn Webb, Carol Ross, Amy Vastine, Cheryl Harper, Tara Taylor Quinn, Shirley Hailstock, Liz Flaherty, Dana Mentink, Roz Denny Fox, Amie Denman.
Your favorite Harlequin Heartwarming authors are back with fifteen all new stories set in charming Christmas Town, Maine.
Book 3: 24 North Pole Lane by Carol Ross, Amy Vastine & Cheryl Harper:
Romance is being delivered to 24 North Pole Lane this holiday season.
Novella 1: Hers by Thanksgiving by Carol Ross, USA Today bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author
Novella 2: Peace, Love, and Baby Joy by Amy Vastine, USA Today bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author
Novella 3: Never Say Never on New Year's by Cheryl Harper, USA Today bestselling, Harlequin Heartwarming author
24 North Pole Lane: Novella #1
Hers by Thanksgiving by Carol Ross
“Actually, the horses are cared for by Allison Talbot and her assistant, Bryce Mowes."
Realizing he could no longer put off this chore, Cotton John Larkspur III pulled his boots on. He
really needed to stop putting off all of the tasks regarding his uncle’s estate, so he’d decided to start
with the one he’d been dreading the most. The horses.
Hers by Thanksgiving by Carol Ross is wonderful well written.
Peace, Love, and Baby Joy by Amy Vastine
Novella # 2
Lucas and Valerie
Being an electrician came naturally to Lucas. His mom had always said he was born
with electricity in his blood. His great-grandfather and grandfather started the family business over
sixty years ago and he imagined running Baker and Son Electrical with his own son someday.
A familiar car pulled up and parked in their driveway. Someone who looked a lot like Valerie got
out of the car. Only it couldn't have been Val. The woman had an enormous pregnant belly and Val
wasn't pregnant. She came around the back of the car and popped the trunk.
Peace, Love, and Baby Joy by Amy Vastine is wonderful well written.
Never Say Never on New Year’s
24 North Pole Lane: Novella # 3
Never Say Never on New Year by Cheryl Harper
Ren graduated from design school, gotten an apprenticeship, and made her dreams come
true.
He,Amanda, and Ren had been the best of friends growing up.
Sydney is Chris daughter.
Ren Monroe, Sydney and Chris.
Never Say Never on New Year’s by Cheryl Harper is wonderful well written.
I highly recommend reading Novella #1 Hers by Thanksgiving by Carol Ross, Novella # 2 Peace, Love, and Baby Joy by Amy Vastine and Novella # 3
Never Say Never on New Year by Cheryl Harper.
24 North Pole Lane is wonderful well written 5 star.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
There are five connected books in A Heartwarming Holiday. That means each set of three novellas shares characters and storylines! This collection of PG-rated holiday romances are all set in Christmas Town, Maine, a location introduced in the 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release Christmas, Actually. A Heartwarming Holiday will bring you laughter, tears, and happily-ever-afters (no cliffhangers), for more than 1200 pages.
Book 1: Once Upon a Holiday by Anna Adams, Anna J Stewart & Melinda Curtis:
Three former college roommates start a business to bring the magic of the holidays to everyone in Christmas Town.
Novella 1: Once Upon a Thanksgiving by Anna Adams, award-winning, USA Today bestselling, Harlequi
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*Note, this review is for Once Upon A Thanksgiving, Once Upon A Christmas, and Once Upon A New Year’s Eve, which are three of the 15 novellas in this box set.
I got started on the Christmas Town stories a couple years ago and they have been my favorites of all the holiday books that come out this time of year. I love the idea of different authors connecting their stories by a common family, place, or event. In this case, the authors are connecting their stories through a common place: Christmas Town, Maine.
The novellas I read were about three former college roommates who decide to go into business together in Christmas Town. Lacey, Charlotte, and Gavin are building their design company, Boxes and Boughs, from scratch and are hoping to help clients with their holiday decorating needs. However, they’re not sure that they can generate enough income to keep them afloat throughout the rest of the year, leaving them wondering how permanent this new business venture will be.
Once Upon A Thanksgiving
When Lacey takes on the Hume family as clients, she definitely gets more than she bargained for. Not only has she had to go head-to-head with her clients’ handsome but stubborn grandson multiple times, but Chris and Lily Hume want some of the tackiest decorations known to man to grace their front lawn. Can Lacey honor her clients’ wishes while still keeping Boxes and Boughs’ reputation intact?
Once Upon A Christmas
Charlotte agrees to take two children who are grieving the loss of their mother on as clients, vowing to give them the best Christmas she can. However, that proves to be a little difficult when their well-meaning, but completely out-of-touch-with-reality uncle gets in the way. Can Charlotte give Addison and Wesley the type of Christmas they so desperately need? And can she fight her growing attraction to their nerdy but incredibly cute Uncle Grant?
Once Upon A New Year’s Eve
Gavin is still grieving the death of his best friend and is feeling stifled in Christmas Town. While he and his business partners have had a very successful holiday season with their business, he’s feeling increasingly more restless. It doesn’t help that the beautiful new veterinarian in town makes him uncomfortable with her spot-on observations about his secret intent to pack up and leave. Will this new business venture be enough for him? Or will the excitement of his former life be too strong and pull him back?
I thoroughly enjoyed this set of novellas. I have loved reading about Christmas Town for the last couple years and was so excited to read about more of the characters from that charming little place! I thought this was a great set and I breezed through it in no time. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the different characters and their love interests. The chemistry was sizzling in all three stories, but was kept very clean, which I appreciate. Honestly, you can’t beat the price of this set of 15 novellas! I pre-ordered mine right away! I promise that you’ll love this box set and am willing to bet that you’ll fall in love with the characters of Christmas Town just like I have! I highly recommend this set!
(I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. However, I have also purchased the box set. All of the above opinions are entirely my own.)
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It was fun to come back to Christmas Town for a holiday visit! The “pod” set up of this anthology works for me. I enjoyed reading about each group (in a pod) and sometimes revisit characters from past stories. No worries, this set is completely standalone but it was fun for me to read about some old friends.
In the first pod, Once Upon a Holiday, Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart and Melinda Curtis created heartwarming stories revolving around three former college roommates. All three get their HEA’s but for me, it was a heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, ride. My favorite story was from Anna J. Stewart; her story in this pod will bring about those sniffles and heart-thumpings. Charlotte Powell, one of the roommates, and Dr. (Uncle) Grant Carver (a great nickname!) help two young charges deal with the death of their mother. And the kids and Charlotte help Grant discover the joy of living again. Each of the roommates has a great story and you won’t be sorry.
In the second pod, three former Navy SEALs get their stories and HEA’s. The first story has Jill still trying to come to terms with the death of her beloved husband. It has ties to the ski resort (that plays a ceter role in this pod) and Ash, our first SEAL. I have a soft spot for returning vets and this story will get to you as much as it did me. The second novella is a hoot and showcases two very headstrong individuals who somehow manage to get together. And the third? Both of the main characters have to work thru deeply personal issues but they eventually get there!
In the third pod, the stories are all about the folks who live at 24 North Pole Lane. For the characters in these stories, they will need kindness and understanding to be able to get their HEA’s.
In the fourth pod, there’s a bit of magic happening! I loved all the gypsy influences in these stories and the undercurrent of magic – you have to truly believe!
In the fifth pod, the stories revolve around the town production of the Nutcracker. Starting at Thanksgiving with a little girl named Viola…you are going to be pulled into the stories as I was and they will leave you sniffling and smiling. The second story happens at Christmas and the last, ends at New Year’s.
All in all, this was a great holiday box set and is a perfect example of heartwarming from all these authors.
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Unfortunately, the character limitations here do not allow me to leave my complete, unbiased review. You'll need to look elsewhere for that, under the username DMP.
For now, I'll just say that this is a light hearted collection from seasoned authors. Most of the stories are fun and engaging. I liked some, others I did not. I read through Hers By Thanksgiving by Carol Ross.
Among those first 7 stories I rated them as follows:
Once Upon a Thanksgiving - Anna Adams - 2 stars
Once Upon a Christmas - Anna J Stewart - 5 stars
Once Upon a New Year’s Eve - Melinda Curtis - 5 stars
Thankfully Yours - Leigh Riker - 5 stars
Cooking Up Christmas - Tara Randel - 5 stars
Countdown to Romance - Cari Lynn Webb - 4 stars
Hers by Thanksgiving - Carol Ross - 4 stars
So, why the overall 5 star review? Because I have faith that the remaining authors have written an excellent story and deserve the vote of confidence. Also, I don't want to discourage others from buying this collection since some of those I did read and review deserve the full 5 stars.
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'&3 oxb
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