Roxy Boroughs

Having read Roxy's novella, A Stranger's Kiss, ahead of its release, I came into this novel knowing that it would be about child abduction, and knowing that if it was anything like her novella, I'd be biting my nails and turning the pages. Indeed, my expectations were met, and I love the introduction of Stafford Webb (who had a much smaller part in the novella).

With consummate skill, Roxy easily brings you into the story, sympathizing with both Maggie and Stafford, and with little Davie. The show more plot is full of twists and turns, and I had a hard time figuring out the motivations of the perpetrator. That's a rarity for me, and I was kept in suspense until the end.

I highly recommend A Stranger's Touch. It's well worth the read, and you won't be able to put it down. show less

The wonderful thing about anthologies is meeting so many new authors at once. Are you looking for some cowboy romance? Some good, clean, fun. holiday reading, sure to put a smile on your face and maybe find some new authors to add to your reading list.

I enjoyed meeting each and every character, spending time in their world in or near Alberta, Canada. Each story is a novella that ends in a happy ever after. There was sadness and tears, and love and laughter. Some I cared for more than others, show more but each gave me something to take with me when I finished the story.

The first story I started with was Lawna Mackie because she is the only author I was familiar with and have enjoyed reading her stories.

Silver Belle’s Christmas Cowboy

…life in Alaska was what she wanted. Right?

Silver Belle is an ecologist with a degree in Zoology, caring for nine reindeer in Alaska. She’s working on her thesis, studying the reindeer. Problems arise and she may need to steal the reindeer to keep her promise. Yes, we do have a blizzard. That always adds a little extra to the story, especially when Jace Newman comes to the rescue. She has a heart as big and wide as the countryside and will stop at nothing to make a little girl’s dream come true for Christmas. A wonderfully magical Christmas story.

Another story that stood out for me was:

All I Want For Christmas by Victoria Chatham

Luke Evans is a rancher and plans to spend his Christmas alone with his trusty sidekick, Chloe, a Golden Retriever. A snowstorm delivers Kate Cooper and her five year daughter, Alice Cooper to his doorstep. Alice Cooper does not take after her namesake, rock and roll legend, Alice Cooper. She is sweet as molasses.

‘Christmas is better with snow.”

“Like cake with icing, Alice chimed in, pushing her way between them, pressing her nose against the windowpane, then looking up at him. “Why haven’t you got decorations?”

There are many adorable moments, with the innocence of Alice taking center stage, and the cute dialogue that only children can supply.

"I love all my presents....But really, all I want for Christmas is a daddy."

The happy ever after brought a tear or two to my eye.

My overall rating is a solid four and I highly recommend A Cowboy This Christmas for some Christmas novellas that are sure to put a smile on your face. show less

This book follows the journey of a mother, Maggie, trying to find her kidnapped son. She coerces a psychic and friend of her police chief to join her on a cross-country search for her son. Along the way, their dislike for each other turns into attraction. Although the book felt a bit slow at times, it was over all an enjoyment to read.

What Child is This, Book 1, from A Frost Family Christmas was a wonderful romantic story. It's perfect to read during the holidays, but a good, clean romance like this one can be enjoyed any time of the year.

As I was reading What Child is This, I kept thinking that it would make a great romantic holiday movie. The story is so heartwarming. C.J. Carmichael has created characters that I immediately felt a connection to. Single father, Garret Frost, reluctantly falls in love with the new public show more relations manager for his family's business. Lily, easily falls for Garret, although love is the last thing she's looking for. Lily took the job at the maple syrup business in Carol Falls, Vermont as an attempt to heal herself from the painful losses of a child and husband in New York.

Garret has emptiness in his life from the loss of his wife and unborn child. Although he's not looking forward to Christmas, Garret wants to ensure that his five year old son, Duncan, will have a good Christmas. This proves to be almost impossible when the only thing on Duncan's list for Santa is not a toy, but a trip to the North Pole.

Every Christmas, the Frost family business, "Old Sugar Shack," hosts a major event called "Frosty Frolics." This year, Lily is closely involved in the event's planning as the public relations manager. The whole community is invited and funds are raised to provide Christmas baskets for needy families in Carol Falls. During the holiday event, Lily discovers an abandoned baby in the manger scene. Old wounds are reopened for Lily, but the baby draws Lily closer to Garret and into the Frost family.

What Child is This is Book 1 of a trilogy: "A Frost Family Christmas." It can be a stand alone novella, however, I could never stop reading at the first book. Carmichael doesn't reveal the identity of the abandoned baby's birth mother in the first book. It's a mystery that is continued in the trilogy. I'm sure other readers will also continue on with this heartwarming tale.

RATING: 4 1/2

Heat Rating: Sweet

REVIEWED BY: Molly Waters

Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More show less