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Shelter Bay #6.5
Christmas on Main Street
‘Tis the season to fall in love in these four small towns.
In “Christmas in Shelter Bay,” New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross returns to Shelter Bay, where Kelli has long tried to keep her feelings for her friend Cole a secret. But when the local matchmakers conspire to send them to a secluded lakeside cabin, the two friends soon discover that a little love will keep them warm.
TV producer Nathaniel Ravelle knows the Bayberry Island mermaid legend is a joke— how could a statue grant a wish for true love? But when a Christmas Nor’easter lands him in close quarters with local Annie Parker, they see magic at work in matters of the heart in New York Times bestselling author Susan Donovan’s “A Seaside Christmas.”
In LuAnn McLane’s “Mistletoe on Main Street,” Clint isn’t sure how to rekindle his romance with high school sweetheart Ava—until his father bows out of playing Santa at the annual Cricket Creek holiday parade and Clint gets the chance to make this Christmas one to remember.
And in Alexis Morgan’s “The Christmas Gift”, business is booming at Bridey Roke’s pastry shop. Everyone in town stops in to sample her holiday treats. But in her spare moments, she’s perfecting a special recipe to charm the handsome new neighbor—who has his own surprise gift for her come Christmas Eve!
In “Christmas in Shelter Bay,” New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross returns to Shelter Bay, where Kelli has long tried to keep her feelings for her friend Cole a secret. But when the local matchmakers conspire to send them to a secluded lakeside cabin, the two friends soon discover that a little love will keep them warm.
TV producer Nathaniel Ravelle knows the Bayberry Island mermaid legend is a joke— how could a statue grant a wish for true love? But when a Christmas Nor’easter lands him in close quarters with local Annie Parker, they see magic at work in matters of the heart in New York Times bestselling author Susan Donovan’s “A Seaside Christmas.”
In LuAnn McLane’s “Mistletoe on Main Street,” Clint isn’t sure how to rekindle his romance with high school sweetheart Ava—until his father bows out of playing Santa at the annual Cricket Creek holiday parade and Clint gets the chance to make this Christmas one to remember.
And in Alexis Morgan’s “The Christmas Gift”, business is booming at Bridey Roke’s pastry shop. Everyone in town stops in to sample her holiday treats. But in her spare moments, she’s perfecting a special recipe to charm the handsome new neighbor—who has his own surprise gift for her come Christmas Eve!
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
About the author
JoAnn Ross
228 books798 followersNew York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross has written over a hundred novels for a bunch of publishers. Two of her titles have been excerpted in Cosmo and her books have also been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
A member of the Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll of best-selling authors, she's won several awards, including Romantic Times's Career Achievement Awards in both category and contemporary single title.
Currently writing a new Honeymoon Harbor series for HQN set on the Washington peninsula, that will launch in April, 2018, JoAnn lives with her husband (her high school sweetheart, who proposed at the sea wall where her Shelter Bay books are set), in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 12, 2014
This review is for Christmas in Shelter Bay (December 12, 2014)
I enjoyed this prequel to the series featuring Cole Duchett and Kelli Carpenter and their unusual friends to lovers story. She's been in love with him since she was seven years old and he only noticed her not being a kid when she turned 16. But, she's also his best friends' little sister and he was warned off. Well, she's now 25 and he's 33 and all bets are off.
Their romance ramped up pretty quickly but understandably so given their lifetime history. Many characters were introduced seamlessly and I got a good sense of who they are and am looking forward to starting the series.
I enjoyed this prequel to the series featuring Cole Duchett and Kelli Carpenter and their unusual friends to lovers story. She's been in love with him since she was seven years old and he only noticed her not being a kid when she turned 16. But, she's also his best friends' little sister and he was warned off. Well, she's now 25 and he's 33 and all bets are off.
Their romance ramped up pretty quickly but understandably so given their lifetime history. Many characters were introduced seamlessly and I got a good sense of who they are and am looking forward to starting the series.
November 26, 2013
Christmas on Main Street is a collection of four Christmas novellas that will touch the hearts of readers this Christmas. Each of the four authors gives the reader a novella set in the world of a series they have already created which makes them even more entertaining. Christmas time is such a joyous time of year and each of these stories has the spirit of Christmas at it's heart.
JoAnn Ross's story, "Christmas in Shelter Bay," centers around the oldest of the Douchett boys, Cole and Kelly. The local matchmakers decide to help turn friendship into love when the two are stranded in a secluded cabin. Ross's Shelter Bay series is one of my favorites and I really enjoyed this story about Cole. I think readers will love the characters and how they interact in this one. Christmas isn't far away and love is in the air.
Susan Donovan's story, "A Seaside Christmas," is set in her Bayberry Island world where a local statue of a mermaid is said to grant true love. When Nathaniel slips on the ice and has to be nursed back to health by Annie, he begins to believe that maybe the stories are true. I thought Donovan did a great job with her small town setting for this one. Bayberry Island really comes to life and readers will find this Christmas season full of surprises.
LuAnn McLane's story, "Mistletoe on Main Street," is a classic second chance romance with two former high school sweethearts that find the sparks are still there after all this time. I loved this one. The story is just very romantic and tender. I like a good Christmas romance and this one really hit the spot. It was evenly paced and had a great feel good atmosphere to it.
Alex Morgan's story, "The Christmas Gift," was one of those stories that just felt inspiring. Both the hero and the heroine were so deserving of finding love and Morgan adds a bit of a surprise at the end that was very satisfying. I thought it was a great way to close the collection and keep the readers feeling like Christmas even after the book was over.
Overall this was a well put together Christmas collection. I liked the fact that each story corresponded to the world that these authors are used to writing about, it added a feeling of quality vs. quantity to it. Though the stories were short, they were very good. This collection really put me in the mood for Christmas music, cocoa and putting up the tree. It's a good one, you don't want to miss!
JoAnn Ross's story, "Christmas in Shelter Bay," centers around the oldest of the Douchett boys, Cole and Kelly. The local matchmakers decide to help turn friendship into love when the two are stranded in a secluded cabin. Ross's Shelter Bay series is one of my favorites and I really enjoyed this story about Cole. I think readers will love the characters and how they interact in this one. Christmas isn't far away and love is in the air.
Susan Donovan's story, "A Seaside Christmas," is set in her Bayberry Island world where a local statue of a mermaid is said to grant true love. When Nathaniel slips on the ice and has to be nursed back to health by Annie, he begins to believe that maybe the stories are true. I thought Donovan did a great job with her small town setting for this one. Bayberry Island really comes to life and readers will find this Christmas season full of surprises.
LuAnn McLane's story, "Mistletoe on Main Street," is a classic second chance romance with two former high school sweethearts that find the sparks are still there after all this time. I loved this one. The story is just very romantic and tender. I like a good Christmas romance and this one really hit the spot. It was evenly paced and had a great feel good atmosphere to it.
Alex Morgan's story, "The Christmas Gift," was one of those stories that just felt inspiring. Both the hero and the heroine were so deserving of finding love and Morgan adds a bit of a surprise at the end that was very satisfying. I thought it was a great way to close the collection and keep the readers feeling like Christmas even after the book was over.
Overall this was a well put together Christmas collection. I liked the fact that each story corresponded to the world that these authors are used to writing about, it added a feeling of quality vs. quantity to it. Though the stories were short, they were very good. This collection really put me in the mood for Christmas music, cocoa and putting up the tree. It's a good one, you don't want to miss!
November 10, 2018
What a delightful start to my Holiday reading!
These 4 stories were packed with love and the joy of the holidays and some even had the magic that only holiday cheer can bring.
I loved each story but my favorite was the first story in the book which was “Christmas in Shelter Bay”. I pictured myself in that cabin with Kelly and Cole ☺️
My 2nd favorite story was “Seaside Christmas”. Can I just admit right now that i wish those romance sea novels were a real series 😆
I’m also a major sucker for gorgeous covers like this one! A cover speaks to me and says a lot about the book and sometimes sets the tone and setting for me. The village in the front with the snow and Christmas tree was so romantic and magical it was the perfect atmosphere to picture the setting for these 4 stories.
Happy Holiday reading 2018!
These 4 stories were packed with love and the joy of the holidays and some even had the magic that only holiday cheer can bring.
I loved each story but my favorite was the first story in the book which was “Christmas in Shelter Bay”. I pictured myself in that cabin with Kelly and Cole ☺️
My 2nd favorite story was “Seaside Christmas”. Can I just admit right now that i wish those romance sea novels were a real series 😆
I’m also a major sucker for gorgeous covers like this one! A cover speaks to me and says a lot about the book and sometimes sets the tone and setting for me. The village in the front with the snow and Christmas tree was so romantic and magical it was the perfect atmosphere to picture the setting for these 4 stories.
Happy Holiday reading 2018!
December 21, 2021
Yes, 4 cheesy romances but it is Christmas after all.....
December 1, 2022
4 super quick holiday romances all in one book!! No complaints here :) quick, easy, fun read!
December 31, 2013
3 1/2 stars - charming and fun holiday novellas
I really enjoyed this four pack of novellas all with the holiday theme. All four are sweet stories that make an evening more enjoyable by reading them. Each one is just about the right length to enjoy in an evening. I really did enjoy them all.
My favorite was Christmas in Shelter Bay. I haven't read the Shelter Bay series but I didn't need to. Cole and Kelli have a great story to share. She's loved him forever and he's tried not to notice his best friends little sister. I love these kind of stories. Big brother threatens best friend to stay away from his sister and they resist as long as they can before they just can't any more. It's always so much fun.
The other one that really stands out in this book is The Christmas Gift. I thought it was well written and a great example of how a novella can work with characters that haven't met before. Most of the time, I think novella work best if the characters have some history but this one proved my theory wrong. I enjoyed these two getting to know each other over coffee and shelf building. There was just the right amount of summary and day to day action to make the shorter story work. I love Seth. He's a little different for a leading guy and that's what I liked about him the best. Gonna have to read it to figure out what I mean.
Even with the holiday's over, this is a good one for cold evening. If you enjoy romance in small town, then this one is a great choice.
September 22, 2014
I picked up this book because story #1 was Christmas In Shelter Bay, and I've been reading the Shelter Bay series.
Story #1 was very good and gave us a lot of back story details on characters in Shelter Bay.
Story #2 was lame and a bit oversexed for my taste.
Story #3 was very good. Perfect plot with minor, but believable setacks. I enjoyed meeting the charming inhabitants of Cricket Creek and may look for more of that series.
Sotry #4 was also good. It was unique to have a hero with a stutter.
Story #1 was very good and gave us a lot of back story details on characters in Shelter Bay.
Story #2 was lame and a bit oversexed for my taste.
Story #3 was very good. Perfect plot with minor, but believable setacks. I enjoyed meeting the charming inhabitants of Cricket Creek and may look for more of that series.
Sotry #4 was also good. It was unique to have a hero with a stutter.
December 31, 2018
Book 1- Christmas in Shelter Bay by JoAnn Ross- 3 Stars
This novella was okay. It's about Kelli and Cole. They grew up together and were always friends, but last Christmas things went terribly wrong when he proposed to her enemy, Marcia. She thought he was going to propose to her, so it was a humiliating situation (one we just hear about in the story, we weren't there). However, my first complaint actually starts there. They mention multiple times that he thought of her as a little sister, so even though she has a crush on him, why would she assume he was proposing to her? Clearly they weren't dating or in any sort of romantic relationship, so is that really a reasonable assumption? One worth ending a lifelong friendship? Not to me.
Anyways, she decides she's going to spend this year in Hawaii, but she can't get a plane so Cole's grandma offers her their family cabin in the woods. She gladly accepts and is looking forward to some solitude, but unbeknownst to her, the grandma has also offered the cabin to Cole. So, she shows up and Cole is there, the house is stocked with food and alcohol, and their families' plans to push them together is underway. It takes less than 24 hours until they are doing the deed and confessing their love for each other. They go back the day after Christmas and tell their families and he proposes. Happily ever after.
I thought this was really unrealistic and a cheap novella throw in to a series. He's a marine and she's a teacher and I feel like the series may have a shot at being decent, but this one was not great. In the year between Christmases she dated the school principal and I thought that relationship could’ve been used to show us a little more about who Kelli is.
Book #2- A Seaside Christmas by Susan Donovan- 3 stars
This is apart of the Christmas on Main Street anthology by Joann Ross.
Strange instalove. This one is about Annie and Nat. She lives on a small island that is built around a mermaid myth based on the siren song. A guy was lured and fell in love with a mermaid and built a gold statue in the middle of town and anyone who goes with no preconceived notions and a pure heart and kisses the mermaids hand and vows to go wherever love takes them will fall deeply in passionate love. If you have preconceived plans about The Who, what, why then you will have heartbreak. Love can also be granted through mermaid juju if the clan of old ladies dresses up like mermaids on the night of a solstice and basically “prays” for one person to find love. The book opens with the mermaid ladies doing their ritual for Annie. Then Nat, a man coming in from LA to film a show on the island, gets there and falls and knocks himself unconscious right in front of Annie’s door. She takes him in, strips him naked to prevent hypothermia and puts him in her bed. At first she’s very shy and bashful but the story progresses quickly. She’s the owner of a mermaid erotica shop and she writes novels about the topic. May eventually comes to and they share a night of talking and tears and vulnerability and then have lots of passionate sex, despite the concussion. She tells him the mermaid myth and they start to be suspicious that the old ladies prayed for Annie. The doctor orders him to stay there in bed for a couple weeks so his whole family comes and they all celebrate Christmas together. 6 months later he comes back for good And proposes.
This romance was so unrealistic and the pacing was so off. At first it seemed like it was setting us up for a good slow burn, but then the flood gates opened and it was tears, sex and secret spilling everywhere. After less than 24 hrs he was talking about her heart and mind and how well he knew them..: and she was crying because she bought it. Lost me right there.
Overall cute enough but not worth recommending.
Book #3- Christmas on Main Street by LuAnn McLane- 3 Stars
Ava and Clint dated in HS but then he left without a word to pursue baseball. He’s back to help his dad play Santa. She’s the elf. They still hold a torch for each other and despite her remaining hurt, the flame is reignited on the night of the Christmas Carol karaoke event. He pays to kiss her under the mistletoe and then they get back together. It’s a mostly clean romance that ends with him getting snowed in his family cabin and she shows up with his mom and dad to surprise him. He bought a ring so I imagine the rest is history."
Book #4- The Christmas Gift by Alexis Morgan- 2 stars
This one is about Seth and Bridey. She owns a bakery and he is a famous artist using wood. He moves to her small town because he's hit a dry spell with his art. He goes by Geoffery as the artist, but goes by Seth (his middle name) socially. So they meet, he offers to do build outs on her bakery's kitchen, and they fall in love. In the end, his identity as the artist is revealed and she is hurt and betrayed, but he makes her a sign for her bakery and its all ok. I thought this book was really dull. It didn't have any conflict aside from him hiding the fact that he's an artist (but who really cares?). They also mention that Bridey has an ex husband and he reappears briefly in the end, but it made no sense to the story because there was no background information. Seth also stutters throughout the book and that is never explained. This book is really underdeveloped and uninteresting. Would not recommend, although I did like hearing about all of her baking adventures.
This novella was okay. It's about Kelli and Cole. They grew up together and were always friends, but last Christmas things went terribly wrong when he proposed to her enemy, Marcia. She thought he was going to propose to her, so it was a humiliating situation (one we just hear about in the story, we weren't there). However, my first complaint actually starts there. They mention multiple times that he thought of her as a little sister, so even though she has a crush on him, why would she assume he was proposing to her? Clearly they weren't dating or in any sort of romantic relationship, so is that really a reasonable assumption? One worth ending a lifelong friendship? Not to me.
Anyways, she decides she's going to spend this year in Hawaii, but she can't get a plane so Cole's grandma offers her their family cabin in the woods. She gladly accepts and is looking forward to some solitude, but unbeknownst to her, the grandma has also offered the cabin to Cole. So, she shows up and Cole is there, the house is stocked with food and alcohol, and their families' plans to push them together is underway. It takes less than 24 hours until they are doing the deed and confessing their love for each other. They go back the day after Christmas and tell their families and he proposes. Happily ever after.
I thought this was really unrealistic and a cheap novella throw in to a series. He's a marine and she's a teacher and I feel like the series may have a shot at being decent, but this one was not great. In the year between Christmases she dated the school principal and I thought that relationship could’ve been used to show us a little more about who Kelli is.
Book #2- A Seaside Christmas by Susan Donovan- 3 stars
This is apart of the Christmas on Main Street anthology by Joann Ross.
Strange instalove. This one is about Annie and Nat. She lives on a small island that is built around a mermaid myth based on the siren song. A guy was lured and fell in love with a mermaid and built a gold statue in the middle of town and anyone who goes with no preconceived notions and a pure heart and kisses the mermaids hand and vows to go wherever love takes them will fall deeply in passionate love. If you have preconceived plans about The Who, what, why then you will have heartbreak. Love can also be granted through mermaid juju if the clan of old ladies dresses up like mermaids on the night of a solstice and basically “prays” for one person to find love. The book opens with the mermaid ladies doing their ritual for Annie. Then Nat, a man coming in from LA to film a show on the island, gets there and falls and knocks himself unconscious right in front of Annie’s door. She takes him in, strips him naked to prevent hypothermia and puts him in her bed. At first she’s very shy and bashful but the story progresses quickly. She’s the owner of a mermaid erotica shop and she writes novels about the topic. May eventually comes to and they share a night of talking and tears and vulnerability and then have lots of passionate sex, despite the concussion. She tells him the mermaid myth and they start to be suspicious that the old ladies prayed for Annie. The doctor orders him to stay there in bed for a couple weeks so his whole family comes and they all celebrate Christmas together. 6 months later he comes back for good And proposes.
This romance was so unrealistic and the pacing was so off. At first it seemed like it was setting us up for a good slow burn, but then the flood gates opened and it was tears, sex and secret spilling everywhere. After less than 24 hrs he was talking about her heart and mind and how well he knew them..: and she was crying because she bought it. Lost me right there.
Overall cute enough but not worth recommending.
Book #3- Christmas on Main Street by LuAnn McLane- 3 Stars
Ava and Clint dated in HS but then he left without a word to pursue baseball. He’s back to help his dad play Santa. She’s the elf. They still hold a torch for each other and despite her remaining hurt, the flame is reignited on the night of the Christmas Carol karaoke event. He pays to kiss her under the mistletoe and then they get back together. It’s a mostly clean romance that ends with him getting snowed in his family cabin and she shows up with his mom and dad to surprise him. He bought a ring so I imagine the rest is history."
Book #4- The Christmas Gift by Alexis Morgan- 2 stars
This one is about Seth and Bridey. She owns a bakery and he is a famous artist using wood. He moves to her small town because he's hit a dry spell with his art. He goes by Geoffery as the artist, but goes by Seth (his middle name) socially. So they meet, he offers to do build outs on her bakery's kitchen, and they fall in love. In the end, his identity as the artist is revealed and she is hurt and betrayed, but he makes her a sign for her bakery and its all ok. I thought this book was really dull. It didn't have any conflict aside from him hiding the fact that he's an artist (but who really cares?). They also mention that Bridey has an ex husband and he reappears briefly in the end, but it made no sense to the story because there was no background information. Seth also stutters throughout the book and that is never explained. This book is really underdeveloped and uninteresting. Would not recommend, although I did like hearing about all of her baking adventures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2014
I really loved this book, especially since my children's play, ABC December, was featured in the story as the play the main character, Kelli (a kindergarten teacher) uses it for her class holiday play. ABC December was co-written with my daughter, Kerry Gallagher, who is also a kindergarten teacher!! Sherrill S. Cannon
December 1, 2013
I only read the JoAnn Ross story, about the two characters we have seen together in the series. This one is a prequel of sorts, the heroine has always loved the hero though he hasn't seen her in that vein and this caused problems when he proposed to another woman. I found his sudden change of heart weird, they both instantly made up and then fell in love.
December 1, 2014
4 short stories. I only liked the last, by Alexis Morgan. Seth helps Bridey redo her pastry shop and romance ensues. Liked the characters, liked the plot. Made me long for Disney World's gingerbread cupcake, not to mention an almond kringle and plum tart, ha.
June 15, 2014
Christmas in Shelter Bay by JoAnn Ross
Series: Shelter Bay (Book .5)
Kelli has long tried to keep her feelings for her friend Cole a secret. But when the local matchmakers conspire to send them to a secluded lakeside cabin, the two friends soon discover that a little love will keep them warm.
Loved finally getting to read Kelli and Cole's story. Kelli is Cole's best friend's little sister and was told long ago that she was off limits, but they have been friends. Kelli has been in love with Cole for years. Last Christmas when he was home on leave he showed her an engagement ring - and then proposed to someone else, breaking her heart. This year he is back home, the engagement long over, and realizing that it's Kelli he really wants. Not sure how to go about winning her, his grandmother sends him off to the family cabin to "plan his mission". Unknown to him, she has also suggested to Kelli that she go to the cabin to get away from the stress of being around Cole. When she arrives, they realize that they've been set up, but decide to go for it as a chance to repair their friendship. Of course, Cole also intends to lay siege to Kelli's heart.
I really enjoyed seeing the two of them together. Now that Cole has admitted his feelings to himself he just has to convince Kelli. The sparks between them are quite hot, and it was fun to see Cole use that heat. He's determined to be patient, so he works hard to keep it to just kisses at first, which drives Kelli nuts. Once they take that first step to be together things really take off between them.
Cole has also reached the point of having to decide if he's going to stay in the Marines or get out. Kelli senses that he has things that he is dealing with and has the love and patience to wait for him to open up to her about it. I really enjoyed the ending and their pranking of the matchmakers.
A Seaside Christmas by Susan Donovan
Series: Bayberry Island (Book .5)
TV producer Nathaniel Ravelle knows the Bayberry Island mermaid legend is a joke— how could a statue grant a wish for true love? But when a Christmas Nor-easter lands him in close quarters with local Annie Parker, they see magic at work in matters of the heart .
Fun story. Nat has been sent to Bayberry Island to scope out locations for an episode of the show Truly Weird, focusing on the mermaid legend of the island. He arrives in the middle of a storm and ends up slipping on the ice right in front of Annie's house and store. She gets him into the house - the description of that process is very funny - where she helps him recover from the fall.
I liked both Nat and Annie. Nat is pretty level headed and also jaded about all the so-called supernatural things he has encountered during his job. Ending up flat on his back, surrounded by old mermaids, is pretty confusing for him until he fully regains consciousness. At that point he is fascinated by Annie and very attracted to her.
Annie has been burned by love, so each summer she picks a good looking tourist to have a summer fling with, then sends him on his way at the end of the season, thus preserving her heart. The rest of the time she concentrates on her job of baking naughty mermaid treats and writing erotic mermaid romances. When Nat falls in front of her house, she takes him in. There's something about him that really appeals to her and that makes her very nervous.
I really enjoyed the banter between the two of them. And while the chemistry is explosive, I also enjoyed the fact that they actually spent a lot of time just talking to each other. They discovered that they had a lot in common, which made their mutual attraction even stronger. I loved seeing Annie read him some of her stories and also tell him the legend of the mermaid. The ending was very good.
What neither of them knows is that the mermaid ladies had done one of their ceremonies, asking the mermaid's help in finding a man for Annie. They didn't expect it to work so quickly and they promised each other they would never tell what they had done. These ladies were a hoot and I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
Mistletoe on Main Street by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek (Book 5.5)
Clint isn't sure how to rekindle his romance with high school sweetheart Ava—until his father bows out of playing Santa at the annual Cricket Creek holiday parade and Clint gets the chance to make this Christmas one to remember.
I liked this second chance story. Clint is back in town after fifteen years away and realizes that his feelings for Ava have never gone away. Ava is reluctant to trust her heart to him again. I really liked Clint, he was a sweetheart of a guy. He came back to town to help his dad who is having health issues. He isn't really sure how long he's going to stay until he sees Ava again and realizes just how much he's missed her. I loved their first meeting as they're playing Santa and Mrs Claus. Ava isn't ready to forgive him for never contacting her again. She still has feelings for him, but doesn't want to go through that pain again. Clint isn't going to give up, and his attempts to woo her are really sweet. It was great to see Ava take her friend's advice and not push away the chance to be happy. The ending was terrific. This is the first thing I've read by LuAnn, but it won't be the last.
The Christmas Gift by Alexis Morgan
Series: Snowberry Creek (Book 1.5)
Business is booming at Bridey Roke's pastry shop. Everyone in town stops in to sample her holiday treats. But in her spare moments, she's perfecting a special recipe to charm the handsome new neighbor—who has his own surprise gift for her come Christmas Eve!
Very sweet story. Bridey is very busy at her pastry shop, but it doesn't stop her from noticing the new customer who is spending a lot of time there. He doesn't say much but he makes a very definite impression on her. Seth has come to Snowberry Creek in search of some peace. He's a talented wood sculptor who has been suffering from a lack of inspiration. Being around Bridey gives him a different kind of feeling.
I loved both Bridey and Seth. Both of them sort of dance around each other at first, being cautious about getting involved with someone. Bridey has a bad marriage behind her, one that sucked the joy out of her until she got out of it and came home. Her ex also did a number on her self confidence. Seth has had problems with women who are more interested in what he is rather than who he is. He is also rather insecure around people because he occasionally has problems with stuttering.
Their romance is slow building as they take the time to get to know each other. I loved seeing Seth's happiness at having the chance to build Bridey's shelves for her. Having the time alone with her as he builds those shelves before the store opens gives them both the chance to get really comfortable with each other. I loved seeing Seth's inner sexiness start to come out as his feelings for Bridey grew. I also enjoyed seeing the way that Bridey used her baking as a way to reach out to Seth. She starts out a little hesitant, but the more she gets to know him the stronger her feelings get. I loved seeing her get her confidence back as Seth's attentions get more intense.
I loved seeing Seth come to her defense against her ex-husband's nastiness, even though it blew his secret before he had a chance to explain. I was happy to see that there wasn't too much heartache before Seth and Bridey were able to resolve their differences. The ending was really sweet.
Series: Shelter Bay (Book .5)
Kelli has long tried to keep her feelings for her friend Cole a secret. But when the local matchmakers conspire to send them to a secluded lakeside cabin, the two friends soon discover that a little love will keep them warm.
Loved finally getting to read Kelli and Cole's story. Kelli is Cole's best friend's little sister and was told long ago that she was off limits, but they have been friends. Kelli has been in love with Cole for years. Last Christmas when he was home on leave he showed her an engagement ring - and then proposed to someone else, breaking her heart. This year he is back home, the engagement long over, and realizing that it's Kelli he really wants. Not sure how to go about winning her, his grandmother sends him off to the family cabin to "plan his mission". Unknown to him, she has also suggested to Kelli that she go to the cabin to get away from the stress of being around Cole. When she arrives, they realize that they've been set up, but decide to go for it as a chance to repair their friendship. Of course, Cole also intends to lay siege to Kelli's heart.
I really enjoyed seeing the two of them together. Now that Cole has admitted his feelings to himself he just has to convince Kelli. The sparks between them are quite hot, and it was fun to see Cole use that heat. He's determined to be patient, so he works hard to keep it to just kisses at first, which drives Kelli nuts. Once they take that first step to be together things really take off between them.
Cole has also reached the point of having to decide if he's going to stay in the Marines or get out. Kelli senses that he has things that he is dealing with and has the love and patience to wait for him to open up to her about it. I really enjoyed the ending and their pranking of the matchmakers.
A Seaside Christmas by Susan Donovan
Series: Bayberry Island (Book .5)
TV producer Nathaniel Ravelle knows the Bayberry Island mermaid legend is a joke— how could a statue grant a wish for true love? But when a Christmas Nor-easter lands him in close quarters with local Annie Parker, they see magic at work in matters of the heart .
Fun story. Nat has been sent to Bayberry Island to scope out locations for an episode of the show Truly Weird, focusing on the mermaid legend of the island. He arrives in the middle of a storm and ends up slipping on the ice right in front of Annie's house and store. She gets him into the house - the description of that process is very funny - where she helps him recover from the fall.
I liked both Nat and Annie. Nat is pretty level headed and also jaded about all the so-called supernatural things he has encountered during his job. Ending up flat on his back, surrounded by old mermaids, is pretty confusing for him until he fully regains consciousness. At that point he is fascinated by Annie and very attracted to her.
Annie has been burned by love, so each summer she picks a good looking tourist to have a summer fling with, then sends him on his way at the end of the season, thus preserving her heart. The rest of the time she concentrates on her job of baking naughty mermaid treats and writing erotic mermaid romances. When Nat falls in front of her house, she takes him in. There's something about him that really appeals to her and that makes her very nervous.
I really enjoyed the banter between the two of them. And while the chemistry is explosive, I also enjoyed the fact that they actually spent a lot of time just talking to each other. They discovered that they had a lot in common, which made their mutual attraction even stronger. I loved seeing Annie read him some of her stories and also tell him the legend of the mermaid. The ending was very good.
What neither of them knows is that the mermaid ladies had done one of their ceremonies, asking the mermaid's help in finding a man for Annie. They didn't expect it to work so quickly and they promised each other they would never tell what they had done. These ladies were a hoot and I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
Mistletoe on Main Street by LuAnn McLane
Series: Cricket Creek (Book 5.5)
Clint isn't sure how to rekindle his romance with high school sweetheart Ava—until his father bows out of playing Santa at the annual Cricket Creek holiday parade and Clint gets the chance to make this Christmas one to remember.
I liked this second chance story. Clint is back in town after fifteen years away and realizes that his feelings for Ava have never gone away. Ava is reluctant to trust her heart to him again. I really liked Clint, he was a sweetheart of a guy. He came back to town to help his dad who is having health issues. He isn't really sure how long he's going to stay until he sees Ava again and realizes just how much he's missed her. I loved their first meeting as they're playing Santa and Mrs Claus. Ava isn't ready to forgive him for never contacting her again. She still has feelings for him, but doesn't want to go through that pain again. Clint isn't going to give up, and his attempts to woo her are really sweet. It was great to see Ava take her friend's advice and not push away the chance to be happy. The ending was terrific. This is the first thing I've read by LuAnn, but it won't be the last.
The Christmas Gift by Alexis Morgan
Series: Snowberry Creek (Book 1.5)
Business is booming at Bridey Roke's pastry shop. Everyone in town stops in to sample her holiday treats. But in her spare moments, she's perfecting a special recipe to charm the handsome new neighbor—who has his own surprise gift for her come Christmas Eve!
Very sweet story. Bridey is very busy at her pastry shop, but it doesn't stop her from noticing the new customer who is spending a lot of time there. He doesn't say much but he makes a very definite impression on her. Seth has come to Snowberry Creek in search of some peace. He's a talented wood sculptor who has been suffering from a lack of inspiration. Being around Bridey gives him a different kind of feeling.
I loved both Bridey and Seth. Both of them sort of dance around each other at first, being cautious about getting involved with someone. Bridey has a bad marriage behind her, one that sucked the joy out of her until she got out of it and came home. Her ex also did a number on her self confidence. Seth has had problems with women who are more interested in what he is rather than who he is. He is also rather insecure around people because he occasionally has problems with stuttering.
Their romance is slow building as they take the time to get to know each other. I loved seeing Seth's happiness at having the chance to build Bridey's shelves for her. Having the time alone with her as he builds those shelves before the store opens gives them both the chance to get really comfortable with each other. I loved seeing Seth's inner sexiness start to come out as his feelings for Bridey grew. I also enjoyed seeing the way that Bridey used her baking as a way to reach out to Seth. She starts out a little hesitant, but the more she gets to know him the stronger her feelings get. I loved seeing her get her confidence back as Seth's attentions get more intense.
I loved seeing Seth come to her defense against her ex-husband's nastiness, even though it blew his secret before he had a chance to explain. I was happy to see that there wasn't too much heartache before Seth and Bridey were able to resolve their differences. The ending was really sweet.
August 26, 2023
Four delightful short stories about the perils of love and Christmas. Christmas in Shelter Bay brings Cole home and Kelli tries her best to avoid him until the two of them are tricked into going a mountain cabin in the snow at the same time. Enough said…..cute book.
A Seaside Christmas tells the story of Nathaniel coming to town to expose the mermaids as a joke until he sees the real picture through the eyes of Annie who can turn a great story.
Mistletoe on Main Street tells of lost love where the flame never truly went out.
The Christmas Gift finds a very lonely woodcarver hiding from his life in Snowberry Creek away from pressure and his agent. He meets baker Bridely who steels his heart so slowly and carefully that he didn’t realize what had happened. What would she think when she finds out that he is a well known sculptor? Great stories
A Seaside Christmas tells the story of Nathaniel coming to town to expose the mermaids as a joke until he sees the real picture through the eyes of Annie who can turn a great story.
Mistletoe on Main Street tells of lost love where the flame never truly went out.
The Christmas Gift finds a very lonely woodcarver hiding from his life in Snowberry Creek away from pressure and his agent. He meets baker Bridely who steels his heart so slowly and carefully that he didn’t realize what had happened. What would she think when she finds out that he is a well known sculptor? Great stories
November 21, 2020
All of the four authors were new authors for me and I enjoyed all of the stories very much. A SEASIDE CHRISTMAS by Susan Donovan had me laughing throughout the whole story! THE CHRISTMAS GIFT by Alexis Morgan had me laughing and crying as it was a Hallmark movie in a book. MISTLETOE a ON MAIN STREET by LuAnn McLane reminded me of my first love and what could have been if only. CHRISTMAS IN SHELTER BAY by JoAnn Ross was one of those stories where you have someone else getting involved in your love live and you don’t know what the results are going to be. I enjoyed all of these authors and will be looking for more of their books.
December 14, 2019
Before I begin I want to be clear.....I did not finish this book. Normally I wouldn’t write a review if I didn’t finish a book. This is more like a ‘heads up’ than a review..... for those of us who prefer to avoid descriptive sex scenes, this isn’t the book for us. I only read to page 45 (out of 405) and it was already too graphic for me. Not horrible yet, but looked like it would only get ‘worse’. Granted, I’m a bit conservative.
February 17, 2020
This books contains 4 stories inside it. The stories have nothing to do with each other. They are 4 separate stories. It was a good read but I do t particularly like short stories like these as there really is no story to them. I feel short stories are rushed and when a story is only 7 chapters long I don’t find that enough time to tell an amazing story. Also with short stories you don’t have the time to connect with a character.
December 26, 2023
Book 1 was good. Kelli was jilted by Cole and he has returned to town. The family connives to get them together at the family cabin. Give it a 3.
Book 2 terrible! Mermaid erotica author… give it a 1
Book 3 was good. Toy store owner’s old boyfriend returns to town to woo her. Rate it a 3
Book 4 was good. Rate it a 4. Coffee store owner and stuttering wood artist fall in love without knowing their pasts.
Book 2 terrible! Mermaid erotica author… give it a 1
Book 3 was good. Toy store owner’s old boyfriend returns to town to woo her. Rate it a 3
Book 4 was good. Rate it a 4. Coffee store owner and stuttering wood artist fall in love without knowing their pasts.
November 25, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
4.5 STARS
It’s very rare that I read a Holiday anthology and not know one author in the group but in Christmas On Main Street these are all new to me authors and I enjoyed discovering some new authors to keep my eye on. Four very enjoyable stories, sweet with a hint of sexy, all taking place in small town America making them a delightful holiday treat!
Christmas in Shelter Bay by Joann Ross 4.5 stars
I must admit as I was reading this book I thought about my friend and fellow reviewer KcLu as the hero’s family was originally from Louisiana and I saw many moments of that culture in Cole’s parents and grandparents. I loved this story of unrequited love that was meant to be and helped along with what seemed like both their families and half the town. It was easy to see that Kelli held quite a bit of animosity towards Cole from something that happened the year before but even she was unable to deny her feelings and hopes from him. I enjoyed the ploy to shove them together and the fact that once they realized they wanted to be together they went full speed ahead. Their story was far from perfect but it was entertaining and sweet, yet sexy as well. I very much enjoyed the elder Douchett’s and their ability to get these two over their issues and on to their happily ever after.
A Seaside Christmas by Susan Donovan 4.5 stars
When this book started I thought I had gotten myself into some shape shifter mermaid story and I was a little nervous but that wasn’t the case at all and I actually found this story to be quite amusing and entertaining. Annie doesn’t do long term, every year she finds a willing male tourist to have a summer fling with and sends him on his way but one night shortly before Christmas when a half frozen man falls on her doorstep, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. Nat isn’t sure what to expect when he wakes up in a strange room surrounded by an angel and several old mermaids…yep, mermaids. All he does know is that he doesn’t want the angel to leave his side and since she seems determined to care for him that works to his favor. It was really easy to love these two characters and their interactions from beginning to end and while their relationship moved quickly, let’s just say they had a little help in that department. This story had many fun and funny moments as well as some super steamy ones as well (featuring a few select passages from some romance books written by the heroine). I enjoyed this quirky town with their strange little beliefs but most of all I really enjoyed watching these two fall in love.
Mistletoe On Main Street by LuAnn McLane 4.0 stars
I enjoy reunited lovers stories and this one takes place 15 years after they first parted. They are very different people now and honestly I was a little taken aback by how much hurt the heroine was still carrying after so many years. Despite that, it was hard not to like this story because of the magic of the holiday, the uniqueness of the town, and all of the characters involved. When Clint left town in hopes of having a shot as a player in the major leagues he left behind Ava. Never in all the years has he contacted her even when he was in town to see his Dad, something that still bothers her until this day. So, when he returns to help his father through a health crisis and finds himself regretting the way he left and wanting her even more than he did back then he sets out to prove he can be the man she needs. This was a cute story filled with some great holiday moments and centered around a town I think most people dream about being a part of. Ava was one of those heroines I really don’t like too much, she was holding on to a grudge for way too many years without realizing they were kids when it happened. I enjoyed Clint and the fact that he wanted to make things right because in his heart he knows he didn’t do things right for many years even though he felt like his reasoning was valid. While I enjoyed this story, I just didn’t feel the same heat and passion I did when I read the others in this anthology.
The Christmas Gift by Alexis Morgan 5 stars
This is one of those Christmas love stories that just brings a smile to your face and makes your heart happy. Bridey owns a coffee shop bakery in the small town of Snowberry Creek , WA. She’s quite successful and lately the town’s newest resident has taken to visiting her store quite regularly. Seth feels at home when he’s inside Bridey’s shop Something’s Brewing and while he enjoys her coffee and pastries, it has more to do with the owner than anything else. I love the way these two kind of tip toed around each other until Seth found a way to spend more time with her and although I was a little disturbed he was keeping a big part of himself from her I could understand why he did it. It made my heart happy to see this man who was having such a hard time with his art become so relaxed and feeling such a piece of the community that his creativity was unleashed. I loved this couple and the time they spent together both getting to know each other and having sexy fun. Awesome characters, an entertaining plot, and some good lovin’ make A Christmas Gift my favorite story in this anthology.
Review copy provided for an honest review
4.5 STARS
It’s very rare that I read a Holiday anthology and not know one author in the group but in Christmas On Main Street these are all new to me authors and I enjoyed discovering some new authors to keep my eye on. Four very enjoyable stories, sweet with a hint of sexy, all taking place in small town America making them a delightful holiday treat!
Christmas in Shelter Bay by Joann Ross 4.5 stars
I must admit as I was reading this book I thought about my friend and fellow reviewer KcLu as the hero’s family was originally from Louisiana and I saw many moments of that culture in Cole’s parents and grandparents. I loved this story of unrequited love that was meant to be and helped along with what seemed like both their families and half the town. It was easy to see that Kelli held quite a bit of animosity towards Cole from something that happened the year before but even she was unable to deny her feelings and hopes from him. I enjoyed the ploy to shove them together and the fact that once they realized they wanted to be together they went full speed ahead. Their story was far from perfect but it was entertaining and sweet, yet sexy as well. I very much enjoyed the elder Douchett’s and their ability to get these two over their issues and on to their happily ever after.
A Seaside Christmas by Susan Donovan 4.5 stars
When this book started I thought I had gotten myself into some shape shifter mermaid story and I was a little nervous but that wasn’t the case at all and I actually found this story to be quite amusing and entertaining. Annie doesn’t do long term, every year she finds a willing male tourist to have a summer fling with and sends him on his way but one night shortly before Christmas when a half frozen man falls on her doorstep, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. Nat isn’t sure what to expect when he wakes up in a strange room surrounded by an angel and several old mermaids…yep, mermaids. All he does know is that he doesn’t want the angel to leave his side and since she seems determined to care for him that works to his favor. It was really easy to love these two characters and their interactions from beginning to end and while their relationship moved quickly, let’s just say they had a little help in that department. This story had many fun and funny moments as well as some super steamy ones as well (featuring a few select passages from some romance books written by the heroine). I enjoyed this quirky town with their strange little beliefs but most of all I really enjoyed watching these two fall in love.
Mistletoe On Main Street by LuAnn McLane 4.0 stars
I enjoy reunited lovers stories and this one takes place 15 years after they first parted. They are very different people now and honestly I was a little taken aback by how much hurt the heroine was still carrying after so many years. Despite that, it was hard not to like this story because of the magic of the holiday, the uniqueness of the town, and all of the characters involved. When Clint left town in hopes of having a shot as a player in the major leagues he left behind Ava. Never in all the years has he contacted her even when he was in town to see his Dad, something that still bothers her until this day. So, when he returns to help his father through a health crisis and finds himself regretting the way he left and wanting her even more than he did back then he sets out to prove he can be the man she needs. This was a cute story filled with some great holiday moments and centered around a town I think most people dream about being a part of. Ava was one of those heroines I really don’t like too much, she was holding on to a grudge for way too many years without realizing they were kids when it happened. I enjoyed Clint and the fact that he wanted to make things right because in his heart he knows he didn’t do things right for many years even though he felt like his reasoning was valid. While I enjoyed this story, I just didn’t feel the same heat and passion I did when I read the others in this anthology.
The Christmas Gift by Alexis Morgan 5 stars
This is one of those Christmas love stories that just brings a smile to your face and makes your heart happy. Bridey owns a coffee shop bakery in the small town of Snowberry Creek , WA. She’s quite successful and lately the town’s newest resident has taken to visiting her store quite regularly. Seth feels at home when he’s inside Bridey’s shop Something’s Brewing and while he enjoys her coffee and pastries, it has more to do with the owner than anything else. I love the way these two kind of tip toed around each other until Seth found a way to spend more time with her and although I was a little disturbed he was keeping a big part of himself from her I could understand why he did it. It made my heart happy to see this man who was having such a hard time with his art become so relaxed and feeling such a piece of the community that his creativity was unleashed. I loved this couple and the time they spent together both getting to know each other and having sexy fun. Awesome characters, an entertaining plot, and some good lovin’ make A Christmas Gift my favorite story in this anthology.
August 22, 2017
I only read the Susan Donovan portion of the book...cute little side story about how Annie met her husband.
October 15, 2018
Four Christmas novellas, four authors, all with blissful endings.
December 28, 2018
Easy, enjoyable read with 4 different stories
February 2, 2019
Nice short stories!
December 9, 2019
4 short holiday tales of love and small towns. 2 were good, 1 so so, and 1 dnf. Ok.
December 20, 2019
Some stories are good and others are ok.
December 27, 2019
Same old same old romance story.
November 10, 2021
A collection of 4 novellas about Christmas in small towns, all parts of series by the various authors. They were all good,, but the one by Susan Donovan is not quite as good as the others.
December 14, 2021
3.5 stars
December 26, 2021
Read 2 of the 4 stories
January 3, 2022
It's like reading Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movies!
February 23, 2024
Didn't love the Alexis Morgan writing, I really enjoyed the others
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