Do you have a favorite romance story that takes place at Christmas? One that really stands out and makes you smile to remember it?
You would think a Christmas romance would be one of the easiest tales to tell, wouldn’t you? I mean, what could be better than a backdrop of snow and mistletoe, the warmth of a fire in a great room, a twinkling Christmas tree…but what about creating a little excitement?
https://www.amazon.com/Outlaws-Kiss-Cheryl-Pierson-ebook/dp/B00M27PX9M/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481406768&sr=1-4&keywords=Outlaw%27s+Kiss
As romance readers, we want something that’s going to keep us turning the pages, no matter what time of year it might be—and let’s face it, sitting in front of a fire, half-asleep, with a book on our laps and a full stomach is not all that exciting—or romantic, either.
https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Christmas-Cheryl-Pierson-ebook/dp/B00M282L7S/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481406880&sr=1-9&keywords=A+Hero+for+Christmas
But sometimes, it can be a little tough to create a full length novel around a short time span—with the entire story being told in a month’s (or less) time. And for me…I’m not ever sure if my characters are going to decide if a short story is going to do their tale justice—or if they’re going to want MORE.
https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-under-Mistletoe-Stacey-Coverstone-ebook/dp/B01M5J1BWQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481407022&sr=1-2&keywords=a+cowboy+under+the+mistletoe
I’ve written quite a few WHR novellas for Christmas boxed sets and anthologies, with some single-author collections of my own that take place for the most part during the Christmas season. But as for full-length novels that take place a Christmas, I haven’t tackled that yet, though I’d love to write one someday. This year, I DID write my first Medieval story--a Christmas wedding tale that appears in the boxed set ONE WINTER KNIGHT!
https://www.amazon.com/One-Winter-Knight-Lindsay-Townsend-ebook/dp/B01M8LQ9MK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481407170&sr=1-1&keywords=One+Winter+Knight
What are your favorite romance stories that take place at Christmas? Got some to share? I always love holiday Regency stories—and it seems there are more of those that are full-length novels than other genres.
https://www.amazon.com/Wallflower-Christmas-Novel-Wallflowers-Book-ebook/dp/B0017SWS8G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481407358&sr=1-1&keywords=a+wallflower+christmas
Lisa Kleypas is a favorite of mine with her older Wallflower series. Each takes place in a different season, but there is the Christmas installment, A WALLFLOWER CHRISTMAS. It’s not a western, but this is a wonderful series, and I especially loved the Christmas tale.
Here are some heartwarming tales that make for some good holiday reading for yourself and for others!
Here's one by Livia J. Washburn (Reasoner) that's sure to please--and right now, it's FREE!
https://www.amazon.com/Naughty-Mice-Livia-J-Washburn-ebook/dp/B017MZWJPY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481407516&sr=1-1&keywords=Naughty+or+Mice
A touching novel of redemption and love by Angela Raines! Only .99!
https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Forgiveness-Agate-Gulch-Story-ebook/dp/B01MTU1SWF/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481407663&sr=1-2&keywords=The+gift+of+Forgiveness
An oldie but a goodie!
https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Texas-Christmas-Cheryl-Pierson-ebook/dp/B00PZ9EV38/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
A mail-order bride Christmas story!
https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Convenience-Mail-Order-Bride-ebook/dp/B01JY2IJAW/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
What are some of YOUR favorite holiday romance tales? Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of ONE of any of these title in e-book format! I'll be drawing three names--you could be a lucky winner!
Hi Cheryl, I love Christmas stories, and I so agree, the novellas and short stories are best this time of year. Lately I'm reading them while riding my exerbike--I can read an entire story during my ride. I love all the Christmas themes of forgiveness and miracles. I love the anthos you put out. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOK...I had to stop and reread that you exercise long enough to read an entire story...I would be DEAD. LOL
DeleteOh, I had so many other PRP stories I wanted to include here, but maybe next time I can snag those--and Kathleen had a wonderful giveaway for commenters on the 8th. I love giveaways, and I'm like you--Christmas stories are my favorites!
I must admit, I'm not a Christmas story fan. I've read a few and enjoyed them but would not search them out. I know, weird, huh? I'll have to give one of yours a try.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I had to laugh when I read this. Weirdly, it made me think of the time I admitted to my best friend I was not really crazy about candy corn at Halloween. LOLLOL I totally, totally understand. It's just a matter of taste--I think I like Christmas stories so much because I'm a big third grade girl at heart and Christmas is my favorite holiday--so I just love stories that take place at Christmas. But when I read what you wrote, it also made me realize that I don't search them out, either. I buy them at Christmas time and read them then. My aunt used to listen to Christmas music all year round. My mom told her "You shouldn't do that. When Christmas comes, you don't have anything to look forward to!" LOL Maybe that's why I only read Christmas stories during "the season", and I buy them when they're being advertised and are available...hmmm...food for thought. I hope you'll find one of these to your liking, Linda. Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteCheryl
ReplyDeleteFirst, thank you for including my story. Second, the thing I love about PRP is its Christmas and other holiday offerings. I can tell my poor Kindle is going to get a lot of recharging this season. So many stories, now to find the time. I'm like you, Tanya's routine would wipe me out, but there's always 2017 to start a new trend. (Maybe not...grin) Doris
Doris, I really enjoy your Agate Gulch stories. All your characters have such diverse backgrounds--and that's just how it is in the real world. Oh, yes, that Kindle is going to get a work-out, for sure! There are so many excellent reads out there! Thanks for stopping by today!
DeleteI love Christmas stories! I haven't been able to read the latest anthologies yet but I'll get to them soon. One of the very first romance novels I read way back when was a Christmas story, and I've been hooked on them since, but don't ask me who wrote that story. Yes, it was that long ago. LOL.
ReplyDeleteThe Prairie Rose Publications Christmas anthologies are all wonderful, and what a deal! I thoroughly enjoyed writing stories for three of them and am moping because I couldn't get to it this year. But next year!!! I hope.
Jacquie, I moped, too! I DID manage to get my medieval one written, but then ran out of time on the western one. And I didn't want to be "THAT ONE" that was holding up the anthology. LOL Maybe next year we'll both have one ready. Thanks for stopping by today and for sharing on FB. You are a dear! I know you're busy, and I sure do appreciate it.
DeleteI love Christmas stories. I don't know why, but they seem even more romantic. Lisa Kleypas is a favorite of mine, too.
ReplyDeleteI have Livia's Naughty or Nice and Celia's Christmas Wedding. The boxed set of Medieval stories, One Winter Knight is on my list to purchase. I mean, really, can you ever have enough books to read? I particularly like anthologies of short stories especially when I have so much to do.
Prairie Rose always has some great book choices ready for the taking.
LOL Sarah, NO, you really can't have too many books, can you? There are sure a lot of good ones to snap up right now, too. And more coming! Becky Lower has one coming out this Thursday called Dance With Destiny and part of that novel takes place at Christmas--it's really a wonderful story--hard to put it down. And Randy Eickhoff has a very different, excellent novel coming out on the 20th--it's called THE DONKEY WHO CARRIED MARY. The donkey's name is Sara, and she is granted immortality, and is Mary's donkey from the time just before Jesus is born all through his life and after his death. Oh, talk about not able to put it down. That really isn't so much a Christmas tale, but of course part of it is. That is one I will be ordering in paperback for my keeper shelf.
DeleteI really enjoy Lisa Kleypas's stories. I don't think I could ever write a regency story--I know there is a lot to keep track of in those. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Like you, I love Regency as well as western historical romance. I enjoyed one last year Wishing For A Cowboy. Choosing one from that anthology would be too hard as each is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, thanks so much for your kind words. That was our very first book we published at PRP, and we are so proud of it. It really is just full of wonderful stories. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Merry Christmas!
DeleteHi, Cheryl. I'm late to the party, but I love a good Christmas story, too. You're right. The compressed timeline is hard to write, and though I tell myself that challenge is part of the fun, it really isn't. :-) I have the medieval anthology, but haven't read all the way through it it. I'm waiting for a snowy night so I can read by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
ReplyDeleteHey girl! You're never late to the party with the internet! LOL And we post for 2 days here at SOTW, so you are right on time.
DeleteI love my job. I get to read some of the best stuff for the first time, before anyone else gets to see it--and helping "fix" it with the correcting typos, etc., makes me feel better to get it out there for everyone. We have so many wonderful authors at PRP and Imprints, and it's proven time and again when we put these anthologies together AND with our authors' individual works, as well. It's hard for me to write short, too.
I will also be re-reading these anthologies when I have a chance to just sit down and relax like you mention--a cup of hot chocolate, a blazing fire, and ...well, maybe not the snow. LOL
Thanks for stopping by Keena!
I drew three names...and they are...
ReplyDeleteDORIS, JACQUIE, and KEENA!
Y'all contact me at fabkat_edit@yahoo.com and let me know which one of these great reads you choose for your very own!
Thanks to everyone for stopping by and reading and commenting!
Finally catching up on these emails and I so enjoyed seeing the many books you posted. What a fantastic line up. Nice post as always.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bev!
ReplyDelete