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kebreads's review
4.0
I enjoyed reading these stories. They had some good relationship advice in them, which had me evaluating what my husband and I can do better. Here's what I thought of each story:
Forgotten Kisses - The story quickly drew me in. I was on the edge of my seat to find out what would happen next. In some ways, Madison reminded me a bit of some good friends I've had over the years. This story had advice about the importance of trust and communication in relationships. I'm not sure how I'd deal with situations she had to.
Content: clean
Rating: 4.5 stars
The Last Christmas - This story highlighted the importance of communication in marriage. It also clearly demonstrated the importance of knowing each other's love language and expressing love in the way your spouse best receives and recognizes it, as well as recognizing how your spouse expresses love. It showed that in a relationship you need to learn to meet each others' needs.
Content: clean - one swear word
Rating: 4.5 stars
Truth or Dare - This was a sweet story. It was a good story to read by the fire, which I did. I liked how both the main characters were in need of healing, and how they were able to help each other as they reconnected.
Content: clean
Rating: 4 stars
Holiday Bucket List - This story had great character and a great story. I especially liked Mike. I did have to look up what some of the things on their bucket lists were, though.
Content: Clean
Rating: 4 stars
Christmas Every Day - I really liked this story. It was a cozy story that had great characters. I enjoyed seeing how the main characters didn't let their troubles destroy them and how they helped each other. This story brought a smile to my face.
Content: Clean - 2 swear words
Rating: 4.5 stars
First (And Last) Christmas Date - This story was cute and well-written. They all were, but this one particularly stood out to me as being well-written. The characters had some crazy adventures. It also highlighted how miscommunication can affect relationships.
Content: Clean - some innuendo, passionate kissing
Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: Review Copy
Forgotten Kisses - The story quickly drew me in. I was on the edge of my seat to find out what would happen next. In some ways, Madison reminded me a bit of some good friends I've had over the years. This story had advice about the importance of trust and communication in relationships. I'm not sure how I'd deal with situations she had to.
Content: clean
Rating: 4.5 stars
The Last Christmas - This story highlighted the importance of communication in marriage. It also clearly demonstrated the importance of knowing each other's love language and expressing love in the way your spouse best receives and recognizes it, as well as recognizing how your spouse expresses love. It showed that in a relationship you need to learn to meet each others' needs.
Content: clean - one swear word
Rating: 4.5 stars
Truth or Dare - This was a sweet story. It was a good story to read by the fire, which I did. I liked how both the main characters were in need of healing, and how they were able to help each other as they reconnected.
Content: clean
Rating: 4 stars
Holiday Bucket List - This story had great character and a great story. I especially liked Mike. I did have to look up what some of the things on their bucket lists were, though.
Content: Clean
Rating: 4 stars
Christmas Every Day - I really liked this story. It was a cozy story that had great characters. I enjoyed seeing how the main characters didn't let their troubles destroy them and how they helped each other. This story brought a smile to my face.
Content: Clean - 2 swear words
Rating: 4.5 stars
First (And Last) Christmas Date - This story was cute and well-written. They all were, but this one particularly stood out to me as being well-written. The characters had some crazy adventures. It also highlighted how miscommunication can affect relationships.
Content: Clean - some innuendo, passionate kissing
Rating: 4.5 stars
Source: Review Copy
chanizzle's review
2.0
Forgotten kisses 2
Last Christmas 3
Truth or Dare 2
Holiday Bucket List 3
Christmas Everyday 2
First and last Christmas date 2
Average 2.3 Stars
Last Christmas 3
Truth or Dare 2
Holiday Bucket List 3
Christmas Everyday 2
First and last Christmas date 2
Average 2.3 Stars
jnak's review
4.0
Sweet Christmas anthology
I enjoyed this sweet Christmas anthology of novellas I listened through kindle unlimited as I was getting ready for Christmas, perfect combo
I enjoyed this sweet Christmas anthology of novellas I listened through kindle unlimited as I was getting ready for Christmas, perfect combo
saradavcamp's review
4.0
This is a great collection of Christmas romances. I love reading Christmas stories during the Christmas season, and these really worked for me. There are six stories. All of which I enjoyed a lot.
The first story, Forgotten Kisses, was sweet, romantic and fun to read. It's a love lost and regained sort of story, and I enjoyed it a lot.
The second story, The Last Christmas, I didn't expect to like it. I usually prefer first love stories and this is about a woman trying to pretend like she and her husband aren't getting divorced for one last Christmas when their adult girls come home. I ended up loving it. It was sweet and real and a good reminder of what makes a marriage work.
The third story, Truth or Dare, is a great story about a wounded veteran and the girl he loved in high school meeting up again one Christmas. I loved it! It was sweet and romantic and made me cry a little.
The fourth story, Holiday Bucket List, was a great story of a couple of widowed people learning to love again. The story was fun, engaging, exciting and very sweet.
The fifth story, Christmas Every Day, is about a girl who works in a Christmas store and is in a terrible relationship. The love interest is sort of a prodigal son, returning to ask for forgiveness. The way they meet is great and they are both such likable characters. I enjoyed this one a lot.
The sixth story, First and Last Christmas Date, is about a couple trying to go on a first date again after their real first date disaster ten years ago. They'd never forgotten each other and want to try again. The date is another disaster that kept me laughing and their personalities were such a match.
All these stories were fun, quick reads and kept me in the holiday spirit. I enjoyed them a lot.
The first story, Forgotten Kisses, was sweet, romantic and fun to read. It's a love lost and regained sort of story, and I enjoyed it a lot.
The second story, The Last Christmas, I didn't expect to like it. I usually prefer first love stories and this is about a woman trying to pretend like she and her husband aren't getting divorced for one last Christmas when their adult girls come home. I ended up loving it. It was sweet and real and a good reminder of what makes a marriage work.
The third story, Truth or Dare, is a great story about a wounded veteran and the girl he loved in high school meeting up again one Christmas. I loved it! It was sweet and romantic and made me cry a little.
The fourth story, Holiday Bucket List, was a great story of a couple of widowed people learning to love again. The story was fun, engaging, exciting and very sweet.
The fifth story, Christmas Every Day, is about a girl who works in a Christmas store and is in a terrible relationship. The love interest is sort of a prodigal son, returning to ask for forgiveness. The way they meet is great and they are both such likable characters. I enjoyed this one a lot.
The sixth story, First and Last Christmas Date, is about a couple trying to go on a first date again after their real first date disaster ten years ago. They'd never forgotten each other and want to try again. The date is another disaster that kept me laughing and their personalities were such a match.
All these stories were fun, quick reads and kept me in the holiday spirit. I enjoyed them a lot.
brookeonbooks's review
4.0
I love five out of the six short stories in this collection of contemporary romances. The stories were sweet and with a satisfying conclusion. Several of them tugged on the heart strings and brought tears to my eyes. One thing I greatly enjoyed was the huge variety in stories: they featured couples in very different places in life such as a married couple on the brink of divorce, widowed neighbors raising kids alone, as well as younger couples trying to make their way in the world through some challenging situations. Sweet Christmastime story lines brings all these couples together in a charming way.
ghumpherys's review
5.0
I just can't go wrong with these Timeless Romance collections! I love the short stories by some of my favorite authors. I love how they're all different, yet tied by a central theme (in this case, Christmas!). I love how they encompass relationships at all levels. In this collection, there are stories about first meetings as you might expect, but also stories about a married couple on the verge of divorce, neighbors with grown children (both widowed), and childhood friends who haven't seen each other in years. I usually come away wanting more from these great characters, yet still very satisfied with the happy endings!
I received a free e-book of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free e-book of this book in exchange for an honest review.
nicolepeck's review
4.0
Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Roland Anderson: Cute story about the reunion of a couple that were previously engaged. It was a bit fast for me, for the development of the story and their feelings for each other rekindling, but it was a fun read with a fun setting in the entertainment industry.
The Last Christmas by Annette Lyon: This was a very interesting approach, with the pending divorce. I could relate to so many of the feelings that Meredith felt in her marriage and wondering if change was for real or just to placate her. I enjoyed the humor of Erik cooking the Christmas dinner and was surprised, when I'd been unsure through the story if I would be OK with it, based on my connection to Meredith's feelings, to be okay with the ending. A great reminder that we need to look at each other's perspectives and work on communication!!
Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon: Another interesting approach to a Christmas/love story. High school friends/neighbors reunited after several years apart, both dealing with tough issues in their life and how they reconnect and open up to each other in one evening, reminding us that we never know what others are dealing with and to always be kind and, yes, deal with our own problems but be aware that others' lives are difficult as well.
Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden: I really enjoyed this one and the connection between the two single neighbors that have been "just friends" forever, plus the interesting dynamic the stalking aspect brought into the story. Well done, a very entertaining read.
Christmas Every Day by Heather B. Moore: I enjoyed the quick connection between Jaxon and Monica and the concept of Christmas every day with the store. The drama with Monica's ex was a bit much for me for a short story and would have been better developed in a longer story, again, to me, but it was still a cute and enjoyable read.
First (and Last) Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith: This story was a train wreck, and I think it was meant to be for the date that Tag and Juliet went on, but it was just a bit too much for me. There were some great points made by the story, but the action was just too fantastic for me. It was fun in a way, but quite a bit over the top.
I received a copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for my honest review.
The Last Christmas by Annette Lyon: This was a very interesting approach, with the pending divorce. I could relate to so many of the feelings that Meredith felt in her marriage and wondering if change was for real or just to placate her. I enjoyed the humor of Erik cooking the Christmas dinner and was surprised, when I'd been unsure through the story if I would be OK with it, based on my connection to Meredith's feelings, to be okay with the ending. A great reminder that we need to look at each other's perspectives and work on communication!!
Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon: Another interesting approach to a Christmas/love story. High school friends/neighbors reunited after several years apart, both dealing with tough issues in their life and how they reconnect and open up to each other in one evening, reminding us that we never know what others are dealing with and to always be kind and, yes, deal with our own problems but be aware that others' lives are difficult as well.
Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden: I really enjoyed this one and the connection between the two single neighbors that have been "just friends" forever, plus the interesting dynamic the stalking aspect brought into the story. Well done, a very entertaining read.
Christmas Every Day by Heather B. Moore: I enjoyed the quick connection between Jaxon and Monica and the concept of Christmas every day with the store. The drama with Monica's ex was a bit much for me for a short story and would have been better developed in a longer story, again, to me, but it was still a cute and enjoyable read.
First (and Last) Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith: This story was a train wreck, and I think it was meant to be for the date that Tag and Juliet went on, but it was just a bit too much for me. There were some great points made by the story, but the action was just too fantastic for me. It was fun in a way, but quite a bit over the top.
I received a copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for my honest review.
mcorinne's review
4.0
I really liked all the short stories except for two. Here's the breakdown.
Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Roland Anderson—2.5 stars. This one wasn't great, but also wasn't terrible except that it included the trope "all girls are bad except the main girl." I hate that trope. With all my heart. Girls are cool! We don't have to bash on other girls! So let's stop using it? Sound like a plan? Ok good.
The Last Christmas by Annette Lyon —4 stars. Ok ok ok. I get that not everyone would love this one because the plot has some holes. Like why hasn't this married couple communicated ever before in their marriage? And if the wife was so miserable why did the kids and husband have ZERO idea? BUT despite the plot holes, I thought it was really cute. 1) We don't get a lot of timeless romance short stories with middle-aged people, and I think we need to include people of all ages in romance! Love isn't just for the young! And I also liked it because the husband actually listened to his wife's concerns, she listened to his, and they got their relationship back together. In a really short amount of time, granted, but I'm a SUCKER for stories that center on married people re-falling in love. So sue me.
Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon —3.5 stars. I didn't love this one as much as some of the others, but it was good. I was impressed by how much real conversation happened between the characters. That was basically the whole short story was just them talking to each other. So that was cool. But there was also the fact that a white woman was writing a black female character who grew up with drug addict mother and a pregnant teenage sister... and I don't think that's a stereotype she was qualified to write about.
Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden —4 stars. This one also centered on a romance between two middle aged people!! It was so fun to read! They were really cute together, the premise of the short story was cute (Christmas bucket list), and basically the story was just cute cute cute. It was also so different from what Sarah M. Eden usually writes (as in it was set in modern-day), which made it fun to read too!
Christmas Every Day by Heather B. Moore —4.5 stars. This one started off slow but by the end it was my favorite. Mostly because I LOVED both of the main characters. They were SO SWEET to each other. I especially loved the scene when they were Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause at the shop's Christmas party. *so cute* So yeah this one started off ok but by the end I was in love. Definitely my favorite story from this anthology.
First (and Last) Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith —1 star. Ugghhh this was bad. The premise had some promise... two kids who had crushes on each other in high school but didn't know meet up 10 years later for a date? Cheesy, yeah, but I can get behind it. What I can't get behind is this nice girl falling for a super misogynistic guy (talk about double standards)... and add in racism (white people STEALING a kimono to wear at a party??? This was written 5 years ago! We should know that's wrong!) So yeah I hated the main guy and both characters being super *hot* does not make me ship them. Period. Never reading that trash again. OH! And it also included the "aLl GiRlS aRe BaD eXcEpT yOu" trope which did I mention I hate? UGH
Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Roland Anderson—2.5 stars. This one wasn't great, but also wasn't terrible except that it included the trope "all girls are bad except the main girl." I hate that trope. With all my heart. Girls are cool! We don't have to bash on other girls! So let's stop using it? Sound like a plan? Ok good.
The Last Christmas by Annette Lyon —4 stars. Ok ok ok. I get that not everyone would love this one because the plot has some holes. Like why hasn't this married couple communicated ever before in their marriage? And if the wife was so miserable why did the kids and husband have ZERO idea? BUT despite the plot holes, I thought it was really cute. 1) We don't get a lot of timeless romance short stories with middle-aged people, and I think we need to include people of all ages in romance! Love isn't just for the young! And I also liked it because the husband actually listened to his wife's concerns, she listened to his, and they got their relationship back together. In a really short amount of time, granted, but I'm a SUCKER for stories that center on married people re-falling in love. So sue me.
Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon —3.5 stars. I didn't love this one as much as some of the others, but it was good. I was impressed by how much real conversation happened between the characters. That was basically the whole short story was just them talking to each other. So that was cool. But there was also the fact that a white woman was writing a black female character who grew up with drug addict mother and a pregnant teenage sister... and I don't think that's a stereotype she was qualified to write about.
Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden —4 stars. This one also centered on a romance between two middle aged people!! It was so fun to read! They were really cute together, the premise of the short story was cute (Christmas bucket list), and basically the story was just cute cute cute. It was also so different from what Sarah M. Eden usually writes (as in it was set in modern-day), which made it fun to read too!
Christmas Every Day by Heather B. Moore —4.5 stars. This one started off slow but by the end it was my favorite. Mostly because I LOVED both of the main characters. They were SO SWEET to each other. I especially loved the scene when they were Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause at the shop's Christmas party. *so cute* So yeah this one started off ok but by the end I was in love. Definitely my favorite story from this anthology.
First (and Last) Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith —1 star. Ugghhh this was bad. The premise had some promise... two kids who had crushes on each other in high school but didn't know meet up 10 years later for a date? Cheesy, yeah, but I can get behind it. What I can't get behind is this nice girl falling for a super misogynistic guy (talk about double standards)... and add in racism (white people STEALING a kimono to wear at a party??? This was written 5 years ago! We should know that's wrong!) So yeah I hated the main guy and both characters being super *hot* does not make me ship them. Period. Never reading that trash again. OH! And it also included the "aLl GiRlS aRe BaD eXcEpT yOu" trope which did I mention I hate? UGH
petra_reads's review
4.0
Under The Mistletoe was a very entertaining anthology of six romance novellas, which were all set during the Christmas holiday season. Even though all the stories were about second chances for love, there was a really good mix here with each story line being totally different and presenting a wide range of characters, from the young to the middle-aged, childhood friends reuniting, a war veteran, a widow and a couple who is about to divorce. There was something there for everybody. Some were funny others were really touching. Each novella was very well written. There was no swearing or anything sexually explicit, just good old clean romances. I don't read a lot of short stories, but this was just right for this time of year for reading in between all the holiday preparations. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I was given a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was given a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
rachearl's review
3.0
Six little stories about Christmas love. Some were a little rushed, but most were cute.
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