Denise Devine

A sweet twist on the Grinch scenario. Gordon bottles up his anger and resentment along with loneliness and pain to the point where his bitterness overshadows everything that has importance in his life. Holly is the optimist that turns his life upside down and pulls him kicking and screaming into the magical season of hope, charity and faith. Maybe even love. I am not normally a fan of stories with Grinch or Scrooge like characters but there was something so compelling about Gordon that I show more couldn't look away. Deck the Hearts exposes what an open heart and open mind can do for the soul and the difference one action can make in the lives of others. show less

1925 St. Paul, Minnesota: Charlotte LeDoux’s husband, Gus, has run a lucrative whiskey bootlegging business since the death of his father and the closure of the family’s whiskey distillery. He also has legitimate businesses involving car dealerships, hotels, and a very successful BYOB nightclub. Local authorities turn a blind eye, but local tensions escalate, and violence is becoming increasingly common. Exhausted and beaten down by her husband’s philandering, Charlotte wants out. That show more opportunity arises during a bloody raid by the Feds. Ms. Devine does a marvelous job of character building throughout this cozy mystery, her first in the series Moonshine Madness. You will fall in love with Charlotte as she does what is necessary to ensure the safety of her mother, teen sister, herself and her unborn child (Gus doesn’t know). The author captures the subtilties of dress, architecture, and general ambiance of life in the 1920’s. The novel takes a real turn in the last quarter which provides fodder for subsequent books but left me scratching my head at the protagonist’s intentions. Overall, a very satisfying read. show less

I LOVE this collection! I've read 8 of the 14 stories and have nothing but good things to say. If sweet holiday reads are what you enjoy then this is definitely the collection for you! Each story will tug at your heart and get you in the holiday spirit!

There is a great collection of stories out called, Love, Christmas-Holiday stories that will put a song in your heart. I read , We Need A Little Christmas by the talented Leanne Banks. It was sweet, well written and I loved the characters very much.

Lilly is a wonderful , caring person. She spends her time helping the homeless and checking on her neighbors that aren't able to always get out . I loved how the author shared about the homeless and made readers aware that this is an ongoing show more problem. It was very emotional to read how Lilly would take the coat off her back and give to someone living on the streets . Have you ever helped someone in need? Lilly wants to provide coats to the homeless this Christmas and hopes to get lots of donations.

Justin is the CEO of a prosperous retail company. He does do charity work, but tries to avoid cameras or publicity. It reminded me of the verse in the Bible about doing things to help others without trying to get recognition for it. I loved his giving heart and humble attitude. He is always being asked to give to so many charities and of course they want to meet him. What happens when Lilly asks Justin's company for donations?

I loved how the two meet and makes the story so interesting. There is a theme of trust, forgiveness and giving that makes the story an uplifting read.Be sure and pick up your copy of this beautiful story and find out what happens between Lilly and Justin.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it. show less