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mclellan's review against another edition
1.0
I was looking for a holiday book and thought this would be cute. I was disappointed. I tried but I just could not like it.
jandi's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting anthology, with different takes on Mrs. Claus, ranging from humor, steam punk, and fantasy to sci-fi. The editor starts by mentioning that searching for information on Mrs. Claus will just get you a short blurb about her being Santa's wife and very fond of baking - this book is out to remedy that. My favorites: "Wight Christmas", "Good Morning" and "Agatha Sings to the Scorpions"
mmking108's review against another edition
1.0
The stories were all pretty dark. I was hoping for more lighthearted stories that still centered around a strong and independent Mrs. Claus.
crystalm17's review against another edition
4.0
As always this anthology had a mixture of hits and misses but the strong entries were so well done that it lifted the total rating. Yes, some were very weird and incomplete but quite a few were downright amazing.
lessthn3's review against another edition
4.0
I was rewarded an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mrs. Claus is certainly an interesting compilation of short stories, with some tales a bit more touching than others, and some that are downright bizarre. If you're looking for a wide range of possible back stories for the lovely wife of Saint Nick, look no further.
As with most anthologies, some stories were more enjoyable than others. Still, I found myself liking at least some aspect of each author's unique take on the prompt. I recommend this book to anyone curious to read alternatives to the traditional Santa story.
Mrs. Claus is certainly an interesting compilation of short stories, with some tales a bit more touching than others, and some that are downright bizarre. If you're looking for a wide range of possible back stories for the lovely wife of Saint Nick, look no further.
As with most anthologies, some stories were more enjoyable than others. Still, I found myself liking at least some aspect of each author's unique take on the prompt. I recommend this book to anyone curious to read alternatives to the traditional Santa story.
literaryfeline's review against another edition
4.0
Reivew originally published on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty:
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/12/bookish-thoughts-sugar-pine-trail-by.html
Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say edited by Rhonda Parrish
World Weaver Press, 2017
Fantasy/Science Fiction; 215 pgs
Source: E-copy provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
I could not pass up this anthology of short stories when I first came across it. Santa Claus is canon as is his wife, although she always gets the short straw when it comes to most stories about Christmas. In Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say, readers are treated to fourteen stories featuring Mrs. Claus as you have never seen her before. As with any collection of short stories, some of the stories are stronger than others, but I enjoyed them all overall.
There were a few stories I wanted to like more--and I might have had there been just a bit more development. The one that immediately pops into my mind is Randi Perrin's "Moves Like Jagger", in which Mrs. Claus is a witch--and you know how I love stories about witches. I liked the world building and the hint of backstory provided, but, as I said, wish there had been more to flesh it all out for me. I had a similar feeling about "Good Morning" by Kristen Lee, which I was pulled into right away, but felt was too short.
"Miss 'Lil Toe Head" by Michael Leonberger was likely the most melancholy of the lot. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it, to be honest. Playing Mrs. Claus along with the woman she loves dressed as Santa Claus, the two make money during the holidays by acting like the jolly couple--hired by parents to be "caught" by children in their homes leaving behind presents. It takes a dark turn after that, with a few unexpected twists--medical experiments, a traumatic childhood, and a appearance by the real Miss Claus. Or one of them at least.
Among my favorites was "Wight Christmas" by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, her story featuring Mrs. Claus as a Valkyrie investigating the recent destruction of toys and the murder of elves. A mix of humor, well-imagined characters, and an intriguing premise, I was quite taken with this first story in the collection. It got the book off to a solid start. I also really enjoyed "Unexpected Guests" but Andrew Wilson, about a powerful fae version of Mrs. Claus and her human husband. While her husband is away, Elora discovers some unwelcome guests out to steal from her. I do love stories about the fae, and I liked the world building in this one quite a bit. Another really fun one, and perhaps my favorite of all of the stories was "Shouldering the Burden by M.L.D. Curelas, in which our heroine, Phaedra Claus, a bit of a pirate, returning a statue to her home in Greece.
There was a definite science fiction and fantasy slant to several of the stories, from aliens to monster hunters, to stories with a more steampunk feel to them. Or even stories with a more traditional feel despite Mrs. Claus being as nontraditional as they come. Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say was the perfect way to finish up my holiday reading for the time being. A bit of romance, crime fighting, horror, comedy, action, and a whole lot of magic mixed mixed in.
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2017/12/bookish-thoughts-sugar-pine-trail-by.html
Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say edited by Rhonda Parrish
World Weaver Press, 2017
Fantasy/Science Fiction; 215 pgs
Source: E-copy provided by publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
I could not pass up this anthology of short stories when I first came across it. Santa Claus is canon as is his wife, although she always gets the short straw when it comes to most stories about Christmas. In Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say, readers are treated to fourteen stories featuring Mrs. Claus as you have never seen her before. As with any collection of short stories, some of the stories are stronger than others, but I enjoyed them all overall.
There were a few stories I wanted to like more--and I might have had there been just a bit more development. The one that immediately pops into my mind is Randi Perrin's "Moves Like Jagger", in which Mrs. Claus is a witch--and you know how I love stories about witches. I liked the world building and the hint of backstory provided, but, as I said, wish there had been more to flesh it all out for me. I had a similar feeling about "Good Morning" by Kristen Lee, which I was pulled into right away, but felt was too short.
"Miss 'Lil Toe Head" by Michael Leonberger was likely the most melancholy of the lot. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it, to be honest. Playing Mrs. Claus along with the woman she loves dressed as Santa Claus, the two make money during the holidays by acting like the jolly couple--hired by parents to be "caught" by children in their homes leaving behind presents. It takes a dark turn after that, with a few unexpected twists--medical experiments, a traumatic childhood, and a appearance by the real Miss Claus. Or one of them at least.
Among my favorites was "Wight Christmas" by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, her story featuring Mrs. Claus as a Valkyrie investigating the recent destruction of toys and the murder of elves. A mix of humor, well-imagined characters, and an intriguing premise, I was quite taken with this first story in the collection. It got the book off to a solid start. I also really enjoyed "Unexpected Guests" but Andrew Wilson, about a powerful fae version of Mrs. Claus and her human husband. While her husband is away, Elora discovers some unwelcome guests out to steal from her. I do love stories about the fae, and I liked the world building in this one quite a bit. Another really fun one, and perhaps my favorite of all of the stories was "Shouldering the Burden by M.L.D. Curelas, in which our heroine, Phaedra Claus, a bit of a pirate, returning a statue to her home in Greece.
There was a definite science fiction and fantasy slant to several of the stories, from aliens to monster hunters, to stories with a more steampunk feel to them. Or even stories with a more traditional feel despite Mrs. Claus being as nontraditional as they come. Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say was the perfect way to finish up my holiday reading for the time being. A bit of romance, crime fighting, horror, comedy, action, and a whole lot of magic mixed mixed in.
kelli513's review against another edition
4.0
Book Review: Mrs. Claus Not the Fairy Tale they Say
Authors: Multiple
Edited By Rhonda Parrish
Four Stars
In this Anthology there are 15 different authors with one common theme.....Mrs. Claus. The authors are all writing about Mrs. Claus in the fantasy spectrum. These authors are sharing the love Christmas and the Lady behind the Jolly old St. Nick, Mrs. Claus. If you are a fantasy lover this anthology would be great for you. There are so many different ways that the authors have portrayed Mrs. Claus in the fantasy world. An alien that comes from the stars. The Witch, the magical, even a Valkyre. Just more and more. There are some books that are wistful and then there are the suspenseful and almost horrifying stories. These books will keep you engaged and leave you wanting more. This anthology proves that Mrs. Claus is definately no side kick to the Jolly Guy after all.
A Good anthology. This anthology can be ready by most all audiences as it is of the fantasy genre there is only a couple that have a romance nature to them that would require reader discretion.
The different authors are Laura VanArendonk Baugh, C.B. Calsing, DJ Tyrer, Jennifer Lee Rossman, Kristen Lee, Randi Perrin, Michael Leonberger, Andrew Wilson, Ross Van Dusen, MLD Curelas, Maren Matthias, Anne Luebke, Jeff Kuykendall, and Hayley Stone.
Kelli Harper
Authors: Multiple
Edited By Rhonda Parrish
Four Stars
In this Anthology there are 15 different authors with one common theme.....Mrs. Claus. The authors are all writing about Mrs. Claus in the fantasy spectrum. These authors are sharing the love Christmas and the Lady behind the Jolly old St. Nick, Mrs. Claus. If you are a fantasy lover this anthology would be great for you. There are so many different ways that the authors have portrayed Mrs. Claus in the fantasy world. An alien that comes from the stars. The Witch, the magical, even a Valkyre. Just more and more. There are some books that are wistful and then there are the suspenseful and almost horrifying stories. These books will keep you engaged and leave you wanting more. This anthology proves that Mrs. Claus is definately no side kick to the Jolly Guy after all.
A Good anthology. This anthology can be ready by most all audiences as it is of the fantasy genre there is only a couple that have a romance nature to them that would require reader discretion.
The different authors are Laura VanArendonk Baugh, C.B. Calsing, DJ Tyrer, Jennifer Lee Rossman, Kristen Lee, Randi Perrin, Michael Leonberger, Andrew Wilson, Ross Van Dusen, MLD Curelas, Maren Matthias, Anne Luebke, Jeff Kuykendall, and Hayley Stone.
Kelli Harper
arthistorygirl's review against another edition
4.0
Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say is an anthology of stories centering on Mrs. Claus. This was a fun and interesting read. We always get stories about Santa but Mrs. Claus is the one waiting at home as a good, little wife. These stories will change your opinion of the sweet, domesticated wife. The stories are all different versions but show a strong woman. I have read several anthologies that have been edited by Rhonda Parrish and all have been interesting. The stories deal with Mrs. Claus but with different situations. The fun twist is that there is a paranormal or fantasy twist to Mrs. Claus. I will most likely and read some of the stories again.
katie_83's review against another edition
5.0
Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say
Edited by Rhonda Parish
5 stars
I always look forward to the anthologies that are edited by Rhonda Parish! They always contain brilliant short stories that are so well written – Mrs Claus was no exception! It was fabulous collection of short stories. I am starting to recognise many of the authors now that are included in these anthologies and I love that I am able to read more of their work. Each story had its own unique Christmas twist to it. It’s not very often that I like all the stories in an anthology but for this one I did – I will admit I loved some more than others but I thought they were all 4 or 5 star reads!
I loved that this was Mrs Claus!! Who needs Santa when Mrs Claus is about!! If you are a fan of anthologies, getting to read new authors and love Christmas themed short stories then I recommend this anthology to you!!
Edited by Rhonda Parish
5 stars
I always look forward to the anthologies that are edited by Rhonda Parish! They always contain brilliant short stories that are so well written – Mrs Claus was no exception! It was fabulous collection of short stories. I am starting to recognise many of the authors now that are included in these anthologies and I love that I am able to read more of their work. Each story had its own unique Christmas twist to it. It’s not very often that I like all the stories in an anthology but for this one I did – I will admit I loved some more than others but I thought they were all 4 or 5 star reads!
I loved that this was Mrs Claus!! Who needs Santa when Mrs Claus is about!! If you are a fan of anthologies, getting to read new authors and love Christmas themed short stories then I recommend this anthology to you!!