I very much enjoyed two of the four stories in this collection. Cathe Swanson's book is great. The conflict between Charlea and Pamela was frustrating, and I was happy when it got resolved. I loved that Pamela was a hippie who found salvation through the Jesus People! I also enjoyed 12 Dates of Christmas. It was a fairly fluffy read, but there was a lot about forgiveness and sibling relationships in it. I didn't really enjoy the first two books in this collection very much; they just aren't my style.

For the last several years I have enjoyed reading books by these authors and reading the Christmas Lights collections. So I was glad to have the opportunity to participate in this tour and read these books. Chautona Havig and Cathe Swanson always write books that pull me into their stories. This book represents the fourth book in the Christmas Lights collection and is just as captivating as the previous books.

The collection begins with Kari Trumbo’s book. What should a woman to do when her brother decides not to come home for Christmas and her parents decide to head south for the winter? Merry winds up being pushed out of her comfort zone by her mother encouraging her to volunteer at a thrift store. She finds the commercialization of Christmas unacceptable. But then she mets Jacob, someone who loves searching for and finding the absolutely perfect present for everyone. So when the two meet, interesting things are bound to happen.

The next story is Toni Shiloh’s I’ll Be Home. Losing your job, having to move home, and topping it all off with having to go to your sister’s wedding (who happens to be marrying your ex-boyfriend) provides a horrible situation. But becoming reintroduced to your brother’s best friend and taking a second look provides hope for the future.

A second chance at romance occurs in Cathe Swanson’s Seasons of Change provides a wonderful look at what can happen when you meet someone from your past. Cathe Swanson does an incredible job of creating settings and characters that pull me into the story.

Finally, the collection concludes with Chautona Havig’s The Twelve Dates of Christmas. Regan saw Alex as her high school nemesis, but he is taken by surprise when he discovers that years later. Chautona Havig does a remarkable job of creating memorable stories that make me want to keep reading.

So check out this collection for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review. ( )

I love reading Christmas stories and could read them year round. This collection is perfect for enjoying love, faith and family. Each author has a unique style of writing that shows as they deliver stories that made me smile , laugh and cry. Settle back, get comfy, relax and have fun reading stories that will get you in the Christmas spirit.

Merry and Dashing by Kari Trumbo

From the moment I started reading this story I fell in love with Merry. She isn't so happy this year as she finds herself all alone for the holidays. I had to laugh when she found out her parents had made other plans. Her mother's suggestion to volunteer has Merry thinking maybe it would be nice and maybe not. The Thrifty Pumpkin is a perfect place for Merry to share some holiday cheer. Merry has a lot of cheering up to do if she expects to help people at the shop.

Jacob is a wonderful character who is cheery and encourages Merry to volunteer. He has been doing it for ten years and knows the reward you get from being there. I loved reading about the thrift store and all it had to offer. The author reminds us that Christmas is about giving and being a blessing. I don't think I have really taken the time to think about those without warm coats or even a place to keep warm much. This story excites me to go volunteer and that is just what I will do for the holidays. I need cheering up and what better way than to help others. It's a lovely story that helps one person understand the true meaning of Christmas while finding joy and love.

I'll Be Home by Toni Shiloh

Going home for the holidays should be exciting, but for Starr it was bitter sweet. She has a big secret she is trying to hide and there is that little matter of her sister marrying her ex-boyfriend. This is going to be a holiday Starr will never forget. I felt a twinge of sadness for Starr as she has always felt left out in her family. I loved how the author writes Starr with compassion and a need to feel wanted. I know what it is like to feel unwanted by your family. The feeling of rejection is deep and only God can heal that wound.

I loved the author sharing the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. What a beautiful sight that would be. Starr is with her family and an old friend named Waylon enjoying the festivities. I'm not to sure that I liked Angel very much. She is so focused on her wedding that she hasn't really made Starr feel welcomed. There is tension between them that could cause a big problem. I loved reading about how Starr and Waylon started to have feelings for each other. The author writes a wonderful story with a look at sibling rivalry, forgiveness and a bright future.

Season of Change by Cathe Swanson

Losing everything in a fire has to be devastating. For Charlea she now has to live with her mother while she figures out what to do after the tragic fire. I can't imagine what it would be like to stand there and see your home as a pile of ashes. I was intrigued where the author would go with this story and see if Charlea could have a better relationship with her mother. I must say Charlea's mother is quite unique and a bit eccentric in many ways. She has a carefree attitude and I wasn't sure if she was happy to share her home with Charlea.

I absolutely loved the line Charlea's mother said; " You don't have to go to church to be a Christian." I have said that many times to people. Just because you carry a bible doesn't make you a Christian. All these sayings are true. Your actions show if you are a Christian. I am starting to like Charlea's mom a little more. I found Charlea's job very fascinating. Helping senior citizens downsize to a better living environment can have its rewards. It also can be heartbreaking seeing people have to give up their home and special items .

I loved reading about Woodstock and thought the author did a great job of including it in the story to remind us of a time in history that will never be forgotten . The story is filled with wonderful information about running a farm and it made me think of my granddad's farm in Oklahoma. There are wonderful characters in the story and a beautiful example of family coming together in a crisis. The faith element is good and really highlights the importance of trusting God. There are a few surprises in the story and unexpected romances that make this story so inspiring.

12 Dates of Christmas

Reagan has come home for the holidays hoping for relaxation. Thanks to her mother Reagan now has a speaking engagement at the school she attended years ago. I laughed when she ran into her old nemesis Alex. Reagan sure can hold a grudge. She is not the least bit happy to see Alex and demands an apology for the way he treated her in school. I wanted to tell her to get over herself. Has she ever heard the word forgive?

The interactions between Reagan and Alex are classic. I loved reading their banter and especially liked how Alex encouraged Reagan to get out of her comfort zone. She may seem to have it all together, but deep inside is a person screaming with insecurity. The story is fun to read as each date between Alex and Reagan is filled with an apology. Reagan begins to see a different side of Alex as he becomes more important to her. I loved their dates and how the author blends faith into the story that delivers a message about forgiving and believing in yourself. I have to say this story would be perfect as a made for TV movie.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )