Christmas-themed stories, some by local authors, share a variety of aspects of the holiday from protecting Santa as part of his security detail to contemporary love stories, and from those set during World War II and the Regency era to ones that incorporate the religious side of the season.
*****
"THE IMMORTAL NICHOLAS," by Glenn Beck, Mercury Ink, $26.99, 326 pages (f)
When Glenn Beck's children were young, he wasn't pleased with how Santa was becoming more important to his children during the holiday season than Jesus was.
To solve this problem, the nationally syndicated radio host, founder of The Blaze and author whose books have been on New York Times best-sellers lists, spun a tale that would not only captivate the imagination of young children who still wanted to believe in a kind and charitable man named Saint Nicholas, but also turn their hearts toward the Savior by showing a fictional intersection of the two men's lives.
In "The Immortal Nicholas," Beck takes the reader back in time to key places in Jesus' life by following a man named Agios, who had suffered much heartache but, by circumstance and loyal devotion to those he came in contact with, had devoted his life to serving Jesus and following his teachings.
The reader is fully immersed in the culture and setting of Biblical times and sees the life of Jesus from a different view. Beck truly tests Agios character and teaches about the resilience of the human spirit, forgiveness and what it means to be Christlike.
When the familiar tales of the legend of Saint Nicholas start developing, the connection is natural and shows the qualities Saint Nicholas and Jesus share, and what makes them both so special to the season.
There is no foul language or sexual content, though there is some mildly described violence, including combat and scenes depicting Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Tara Creel
*****
"HOME AND AWAY: A World War II Christmas Story, by Dean Hughes, Shadow Mountain, $16.99, 169 pages (f)
The Hayes family is having a difficult winter in Home and Away: A World War II Christmas Story. For the third holiday in a row, Glen is away while serving in the military during World War II. His younger brother, Dennis, feels obligated not only to help provide presents for his sisters and parents but also to bring peace into their tenuous home life.
The Christmas season is especially difficult for parents Hal and Norma Hayes as they struggle to keep their marriage intact while dealing with the stress of a meager income. With the added holiday expectations, the Hayes home is full of all kinds of emotions.
Home and Away is a touching story about the healing that comes when hearts are opened and past hurts are forgotten during one of the most magical times of the year. Dean Hughes delivers yet another masterpiece in this book set during the 1940s. As the Hayeses make mistakes and struggle to find joy, they can help readers remember that true happiness comes from family and service.
Home and Away has clean language, very brief kissing and minimal combat violence. This story with a happy ending can be a wonderful addition to Christmas book collections.
Elizabeth Reid
*****
CHRISTMAS JARS JOURNEY, by Jason F. Wright, Shadow Mountain, e-book, $3.99, 34 pages (nf)
Its been a decade since the release of Jason F. Wrights book Christmas Jars, which focused on the impact of the gift of a jar of collected change.
The 34-page Christmas Jars Journey e-book shares the story behind the book how Wrights family had done a Christmas Jar-esque effort the year before and how that percolated into a manuscript. Then there was his foray into finding a publisher and then doing what he could to help promote the book, which was noticed by Glenn Beck.
What he wasnt prepared for was the email he received the day after Christmas, on Dec. 26, 2005, from a woman who was the recipient of a Christmas Jar. And the reactions from recipients have kept coming in. He estimates that about $10 million has been given in change in jars during the past decade.
Along the way, Wright has had many reminders, including several from his wife, that this movement doesnt belong to him but to those who have been touched by the magic of a jar.
Its a quick and sweet story with interesting background on the book and updates on the impact the movement has had.
There is no swearing, violence or sexual content.
Christine Rappleye
*****
"CHRISTMAS WONDERS," by Robyn Buttars, Familius, $18.95, 122 pages (f)
"Christmas Wonders" by Robyn Buttars is a sweet story for those who want to indulge in a little holiday nostalgia and magic.
Nine-year-old Luke is a boy whose life changed when his mother died and he moved from the farm and everything he knew. His father is withdrawn, and Luke fixes his own cereal for breakfast and dinner, and tucks himself into bed. Apparently, Luke has never experienced presents or tree-trimming or anything like it.
Luke just accepts the occasional cup of hot chocolate and kind word until he notices the Christmas Wonders boxes that seem to play a big part in a town tradition.
He's curious about what they mean and starts to figure it out when the story takes a crazy turn, opening up memories and unleashing his and his fathers past.
The ending is a little too coincidental but is forgivable with a broken picture, a note from the past and a few lucky finds solving the mystery. This sometimes-predictable story tugs at the heart, and though it's hard to believe a once-loving husband and father could be so indifferent to his child, it still makes for a story that begs to be read all the way through.
It's also a lesson in appreciating the moments and Christ's love that make the Christmas holiday magical.
Sharon Haddock
*****
"SECRET SANTA," by Richard Grant Bennett, Bryce Clark and Jason deVilliers, Sweetwater Books, $17.99, 160 pages (f)
Noel Green, head of Santas Secret Service, has a lot on his plate. Not only does he have to make sure sightings of The Beard are kept to the approved list, but he also has to hire a new public relations representative and thwart the evil schemes of Cole, the disgruntled elf headquartered in the South Pole.
In this clever story written for the holidays by Utah residents Richard Grant Bennett and Bryce Clark, and California author Jason deVilliers, romance and mayhem abound.
After hiring Veronica Snow as Santas PR rep, Green, Snow and the SSS encounter a barrage of attempts by Cole, who is aligned with a rogue SSS agent, to destroy the North Pole and rid the world of Santa. Their adventures include a harrowing sleigh chase through the New York skies, befriending an abominable snowman and a kiss under the mistletoe.
Secret Santa is a clever take on a Christmas romance. Though the plot seems disjointed at times and in spots the dialogue seems mundane, Secret Santa is a tale the entire family could enjoy.
There is no swearing or sexual content. While there are explosions, they aren't descriptive.
Sharon Palmer
******
"NORTH FOR CHRISTMAS," by Christina Dymock, Sweetwater Books, $12.99, 176 pages (f)
"North for Christmas" by Utah author Christina Dymock begins as Ruby Jeavon is reviewing her plans to take a Christmas ski trip to Italy with her boyfriend and his parents. Ruby is hopeful her boyfriend is going to use this trip as a chance to ask her to marry him.
Ruby's plans are suddenly put on hold when her mother, who is a CEO, informs her she cannot pay to send her to Italy. Ruby knows her mother could afford it if she did not give so much to charity.
As a compromise, Ruby's mother offers her the opportunity to go to Nashville and investigate one of her charities. As compensation for the trip, she will pay Ruby enough for her to travel to Italy in time for Christmas.
Ruby agrees and soon learns her mother is trying to teach her a lesson about charity. Along the way, Ruby finds North, who is learning a lesson about forgiveness.
"North for Christmas" is a sweet Christmas story filled with enough Christmas spirit to make even the Grinchiest person light up with cheer.
There is no swearing, violence or sexual content.
Steve Larson
*****
"THE MISTLETOE INN: The Mistletoe Collection, Book 2," by Richard Paul Evans, Simon and Schuster, $19.99, 320 pages (f)
In Utah author Richard Paul Evans' latest Christmas book, "The Mistletoe Inn," 32-year-old Kimberly Rossi has a past full of heartache. She lost her mom to depression and suicide at a young age, and with two broken engagements and a divorce, she hasn't had the best of luck when it comes to love.
She decides it's now or never when it comes to fulfilling her dreams as an aspiring author. When Kimberly hears her favorite romance author, H. T. Cowell, will be a speaker at a writing conference at the Mistletoe Inn in Vermont, she decides to go. The best-selling author hasn't made an appearance in more than a decade.
While at the conference, Kimberly meets Zeke, another aspiring author, who becomes her critique partner for one of the breakout sessions. Soon, however, they become more than just critique partners. As Zeke helps Kimberly with her book, she opens up and shares her past. Kimberly discovers she's not the only one with dark secrets.
"The Mistletoe Inn" is a heartwarming Christmas story about healing, forgiveness and love.
Evans' book does not contain any swearing or violence. Any romantic scenes do not go beyond kissing. Depression and suicide are discussed.
Wendy Jessen
****
EVERGREEN SPRINGS, by RaeAnne Thayne, HQN Books, $7.99, 346 pages (f)
Dr. Devin Shaw, a family physician and cancer survivor, knows she will be working at the local hospital through the holidays in Evergreen Springs, the third and last book in RaeAnne Thaynes Haven Point series.
Unexpectedly, an old high school friend, Tricia, who is pregnant with twins, comes into the emergency room with a sprained ankle and has to be hospitalized. She was helping out her brother, Cole, a former rodeo star who recently gained custody of his two children, ages 6 and 8, after the death of their mother.
Devin strikes a deal with Cole shell help out while Tricias in the hospital if he will let her elderly patients use the hot springs on his property.
Devin hasnt been lucky in love and knows that motherhood may not be in her future, and Cole isnt looking for love as hes focused on his children and starting up a horse-training business. But that doesnt mean attraction cant blossom as certain emotional wounds start to heal in this Christmastime story set in the Idaho mountains.
There is occasional strong language, and the romance sizzles between the two main characters but doesnt go beyond kissing. There is no violence.
Christine Rappleye
******
"REGENCY CHRISTMAS GIFTS," by Carla Kelly, Camel Press, $14.95, 210 pages (f)
Regency Christmas Gifts by Carla Kelly features three novellas written in her well-known Regency romance style.
In The Lasting Gift, widow Mary Ann Poole and her daughter, Beth, receive a package misdirected to them by the post office. When they return it to the sender, Thomas Jenkins, a retired sailing master, their lives take an unexpected but welcome turn of events just in time for Christmas.
Set in Scotland, Faithfully Yours is a tale about John McPherson, an impoverished young man who left his hometown 10 years ago to seek his fortune and is now coming home. One young woman said she would write, but another actually did. Its up to John to discover which of the two young women was his faithful correspondent.
Lucys Bang-Up Christmas features a family preparing for a Christmas wedding as they mourn their mothers death. Second cousins Lucinda Danforth and Miles Bledsoe discover more than friendship as they seek to brighten a rather dismal situation.
These three romances, written in Kellys charming style, celebrate family values and the Christmas season. There is no foul language or described violence, and while there is some sexual innuendo, it is not graphic.
Kelly is an award-winning author who lives in Idaho with her husband, Martin.
Rosemarie Howard
*****
"UNDER THE MISTLETOE COLLECTION: Timeless Romance Anthology," by Cindy Roland Anderson, Annette Lyon, Julie Coulter Bellon, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Jennifer Griffith, Mirror Press, $4.99, 185 pages (f)
Just in time to tempt fans of the Timeless Romance Anthology series with some holiday flair, a handful of writers have released six contemporary novellas in Under the Mistletoe Collection.
Crafted by six experienced authors, this collection dabbles in a variety of love stories meant to celebrate the season and tickle the hearts of readers of romance.
In Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Anderson, Madison, a talented costume designer, is shocked when her handsome ex-fiance becomes the star of her television show. Dredging up memories, their time together is baffling, but Madison may not want to lose her second chance at love.
The Last Christmas brings Annette Lyons characters Meredith and Eric together for a final, phony happy holiday before they break the news of their impending divorce. Unsure how their love was lost, Eric delves deep to find what Meredith is missing and to see if their hearts can be healed.
Julie Bellon tells of an injured soldier, Jonah, who is returning home after losing his foot in Truth or Dare. Jonahs childhood friend Cami glints into his life, bringing a radiance he hasnt felt in years. Faced with personal demons, both friends need support to conquer their struggles and grow beyond their fears.
Sarah Edens contribution, Bucket List, shares the story of two single parents facing Christmas alone. Celeste is sure this holiday will be horrible, but due to Mikes challenge to turn Christmas into a competition, the two come together in a way they never imagined.
Christmas Every Day is Heather Moores account of a hopeful shop owner thrown into a heated encounter with the only person who could ruin her plan for the future. Faced with losing her heart or her dreams, she must decide what she really wants.
The energetic characters in First (and Last) Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith find each other 10 years after a horrific high school date to try for love one more time. When the second date takes another disastrous turn, neither knows what to expect from the future.
While these stories remain true to the series claim of clean romances free of foul language and sordid behavior, this compilation engages more mature themes than most of the previous works. There are brief references to a man jailed for a sexual relationship with a minor and struggles with teen pregnancy.
Despite these moments, the work is simple and tidy and a good fit for readers who enjoy the series.
Melissa DeMoux
******
MR. DARCYS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Julie Peterson, illustrated by Sheryl Dickert, Gibbs-Smith, $9.99 (f)
Based on the classic Christmas poem and Pride and Prejudice, its the night before Christmas at Pemberley, and Mr. Darcy is still up when Santa arrives, in Mr. Darcys Night Before Christmas by Julie Peterson.
Mr. Darcys Christmas wish is to find a wife, and though hes attracted to Elizabeth Bennett, his pride is getting in the way. Santa devises a way to help him overcome his pride by inviting Mr. Darcy along to help deliver gifts, including notable stops at Rosings Park, London and, finally, Longbourn. And, of course, Santa can help vouch for who has been on the nice and naughty lists and for how long.
Its a witty, fun and entertaining retelling of both stories. Peterson keeps up the meter and rhyming throughout the story, which is illustrated by Salt Lake resident Sheryl Dickert.
There is no swearing, violence or sexual content.
Christine Rappleye
*****
"THE IMMORTAL NICHOLAS," by Glenn Beck, Mercury Ink, $26.99, 326 pages (f)
When Glenn Beck's children were young, he wasn't pleased with how Santa was becoming more important to his children during the holiday season than Jesus was.
To solve this problem, the nationally syndicated radio host, founder of The Blaze and author whose books have been on New York Times best-sellers lists, spun a tale that would not only captivate the imagination of young children who still wanted to believe in a kind and charitable man named Saint Nicholas, but also turn their hearts toward the Savior by showing a fictional intersection of the two men's lives.
In "The Immortal Nicholas," Beck takes the reader back in time to key places in Jesus' life by following a man named Agios, who had suffered much heartache but, by circumstance and loyal devotion to those he came in contact with, had devoted his life to serving Jesus and following his teachings.
The reader is fully immersed in the culture and setting of Biblical times and sees the life of Jesus from a different view. Beck truly tests Agios character and teaches about the resilience of the human spirit, forgiveness and what it means to be Christlike.
When the familiar tales of the legend of Saint Nicholas start developing, the connection is natural and shows the qualities Saint Nicholas and Jesus share, and what makes them both so special to the season.
There is no foul language or sexual content, though there is some mildly described violence, including combat and scenes depicting Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Tara Creel
*****
"HOME AND AWAY: A World War II Christmas Story, by Dean Hughes, Shadow Mountain, $16.99, 169 pages (f)
The Hayes family is having a difficult winter in Home and Away: A World War II Christmas Story. For the third holiday in a row, Glen is away while serving in the military during World War II. His younger brother, Dennis, feels obligated not only to help provide presents for his sisters and parents but also to bring peace into their tenuous home life.
The Christmas season is especially difficult for parents Hal and Norma Hayes as they struggle to keep their marriage intact while dealing with the stress of a meager income. With the added holiday expectations, the Hayes home is full of all kinds of emotions.
Home and Away is a touching story about the healing that comes when hearts are opened and past hurts are forgotten during one of the most magical times of the year. Dean Hughes delivers yet another masterpiece in this book set during the 1940s. As the Hayeses make mistakes and struggle to find joy, they can help readers remember that true happiness comes from family and service.
Home and Away has clean language, very brief kissing and minimal combat violence. This story with a happy ending can be a wonderful addition to Christmas book collections.
Elizabeth Reid
*****
CHRISTMAS JARS JOURNEY, by Jason F. Wright, Shadow Mountain, e-book, $3.99, 34 pages (nf)
Its been a decade since the release of Jason F. Wrights book Christmas Jars, which focused on the impact of the gift of a jar of collected change.
The 34-page Christmas Jars Journey e-book shares the story behind the book how Wrights family had done a Christmas Jar-esque effort the year before and how that percolated into a manuscript. Then there was his foray into finding a publisher and then doing what he could to help promote the book, which was noticed by Glenn Beck.
What he wasnt prepared for was the email he received the day after Christmas, on Dec. 26, 2005, from a woman who was the recipient of a Christmas Jar. And the reactions from recipients have kept coming in. He estimates that about $10 million has been given in change in jars during the past decade.
Along the way, Wright has had many reminders, including several from his wife, that this movement doesnt belong to him but to those who have been touched by the magic of a jar.
Its a quick and sweet story with interesting background on the book and updates on the impact the movement has had.
There is no swearing, violence or sexual content.
Christine Rappleye
*****
"CHRISTMAS WONDERS," by Robyn Buttars, Familius, $18.95, 122 pages (f)
"Christmas Wonders" by Robyn Buttars is a sweet story for those who want to indulge in a little holiday nostalgia and magic.
Nine-year-old Luke is a boy whose life changed when his mother died and he moved from the farm and everything he knew. His father is withdrawn, and Luke fixes his own cereal for breakfast and dinner, and tucks himself into bed. Apparently, Luke has never experienced presents or tree-trimming or anything like it.
Luke just accepts the occasional cup of hot chocolate and kind word until he notices the Christmas Wonders boxes that seem to play a big part in a town tradition.
He's curious about what they mean and starts to figure it out when the story takes a crazy turn, opening up memories and unleashing his and his fathers past.
The ending is a little too coincidental but is forgivable with a broken picture, a note from the past and a few lucky finds solving the mystery. This sometimes-predictable story tugs at the heart, and though it's hard to believe a once-loving husband and father could be so indifferent to his child, it still makes for a story that begs to be read all the way through.
It's also a lesson in appreciating the moments and Christ's love that make the Christmas holiday magical.
Sharon Haddock
*****
"SECRET SANTA," by Richard Grant Bennett, Bryce Clark and Jason deVilliers, Sweetwater Books, $17.99, 160 pages (f)
Noel Green, head of Santas Secret Service, has a lot on his plate. Not only does he have to make sure sightings of The Beard are kept to the approved list, but he also has to hire a new public relations representative and thwart the evil schemes of Cole, the disgruntled elf headquartered in the South Pole.
In this clever story written for the holidays by Utah residents Richard Grant Bennett and Bryce Clark, and California author Jason deVilliers, romance and mayhem abound.
After hiring Veronica Snow as Santas PR rep, Green, Snow and the SSS encounter a barrage of attempts by Cole, who is aligned with a rogue SSS agent, to destroy the North Pole and rid the world of Santa. Their adventures include a harrowing sleigh chase through the New York skies, befriending an abominable snowman and a kiss under the mistletoe.
Secret Santa is a clever take on a Christmas romance. Though the plot seems disjointed at times and in spots the dialogue seems mundane, Secret Santa is a tale the entire family could enjoy.
There is no swearing or sexual content. While there are explosions, they aren't descriptive.
Sharon Palmer
******
"NORTH FOR CHRISTMAS," by Christina Dymock, Sweetwater Books, $12.99, 176 pages (f)
"North for Christmas" by Utah author Christina Dymock begins as Ruby Jeavon is reviewing her plans to take a Christmas ski trip to Italy with her boyfriend and his parents. Ruby is hopeful her boyfriend is going to use this trip as a chance to ask her to marry him.
Ruby's plans are suddenly put on hold when her mother, who is a CEO, informs her she cannot pay to send her to Italy. Ruby knows her mother could afford it if she did not give so much to charity.
As a compromise, Ruby's mother offers her the opportunity to go to Nashville and investigate one of her charities. As compensation for the trip, she will pay Ruby enough for her to travel to Italy in time for Christmas.
Ruby agrees and soon learns her mother is trying to teach her a lesson about charity. Along the way, Ruby finds North, who is learning a lesson about forgiveness.
"North for Christmas" is a sweet Christmas story filled with enough Christmas spirit to make even the Grinchiest person light up with cheer.
There is no swearing, violence or sexual content.
Steve Larson
*****
"THE MISTLETOE INN: The Mistletoe Collection, Book 2," by Richard Paul Evans, Simon and Schuster, $19.99, 320 pages (f)
In Utah author Richard Paul Evans' latest Christmas book, "The Mistletoe Inn," 32-year-old Kimberly Rossi has a past full of heartache. She lost her mom to depression and suicide at a young age, and with two broken engagements and a divorce, she hasn't had the best of luck when it comes to love.
She decides it's now or never when it comes to fulfilling her dreams as an aspiring author. When Kimberly hears her favorite romance author, H. T. Cowell, will be a speaker at a writing conference at the Mistletoe Inn in Vermont, she decides to go. The best-selling author hasn't made an appearance in more than a decade.
While at the conference, Kimberly meets Zeke, another aspiring author, who becomes her critique partner for one of the breakout sessions. Soon, however, they become more than just critique partners. As Zeke helps Kimberly with her book, she opens up and shares her past. Kimberly discovers she's not the only one with dark secrets.
"The Mistletoe Inn" is a heartwarming Christmas story about healing, forgiveness and love.
Evans' book does not contain any swearing or violence. Any romantic scenes do not go beyond kissing. Depression and suicide are discussed.
Wendy Jessen
****
EVERGREEN SPRINGS, by RaeAnne Thayne, HQN Books, $7.99, 346 pages (f)
Dr. Devin Shaw, a family physician and cancer survivor, knows she will be working at the local hospital through the holidays in Evergreen Springs, the third and last book in RaeAnne Thaynes Haven Point series.
Unexpectedly, an old high school friend, Tricia, who is pregnant with twins, comes into the emergency room with a sprained ankle and has to be hospitalized. She was helping out her brother, Cole, a former rodeo star who recently gained custody of his two children, ages 6 and 8, after the death of their mother.
Devin strikes a deal with Cole shell help out while Tricias in the hospital if he will let her elderly patients use the hot springs on his property.
Devin hasnt been lucky in love and knows that motherhood may not be in her future, and Cole isnt looking for love as hes focused on his children and starting up a horse-training business. But that doesnt mean attraction cant blossom as certain emotional wounds start to heal in this Christmastime story set in the Idaho mountains.
There is occasional strong language, and the romance sizzles between the two main characters but doesnt go beyond kissing. There is no violence.
Christine Rappleye
******
"REGENCY CHRISTMAS GIFTS," by Carla Kelly, Camel Press, $14.95, 210 pages (f)
Regency Christmas Gifts by Carla Kelly features three novellas written in her well-known Regency romance style.
In The Lasting Gift, widow Mary Ann Poole and her daughter, Beth, receive a package misdirected to them by the post office. When they return it to the sender, Thomas Jenkins, a retired sailing master, their lives take an unexpected but welcome turn of events just in time for Christmas.
Set in Scotland, Faithfully Yours is a tale about John McPherson, an impoverished young man who left his hometown 10 years ago to seek his fortune and is now coming home. One young woman said she would write, but another actually did. Its up to John to discover which of the two young women was his faithful correspondent.
Lucys Bang-Up Christmas features a family preparing for a Christmas wedding as they mourn their mothers death. Second cousins Lucinda Danforth and Miles Bledsoe discover more than friendship as they seek to brighten a rather dismal situation.
These three romances, written in Kellys charming style, celebrate family values and the Christmas season. There is no foul language or described violence, and while there is some sexual innuendo, it is not graphic.
Kelly is an award-winning author who lives in Idaho with her husband, Martin.
Rosemarie Howard
*****
"UNDER THE MISTLETOE COLLECTION: Timeless Romance Anthology," by Cindy Roland Anderson, Annette Lyon, Julie Coulter Bellon, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Jennifer Griffith, Mirror Press, $4.99, 185 pages (f)
Just in time to tempt fans of the Timeless Romance Anthology series with some holiday flair, a handful of writers have released six contemporary novellas in Under the Mistletoe Collection.
Crafted by six experienced authors, this collection dabbles in a variety of love stories meant to celebrate the season and tickle the hearts of readers of romance.
In Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Anderson, Madison, a talented costume designer, is shocked when her handsome ex-fiance becomes the star of her television show. Dredging up memories, their time together is baffling, but Madison may not want to lose her second chance at love.
The Last Christmas brings Annette Lyons characters Meredith and Eric together for a final, phony happy holiday before they break the news of their impending divorce. Unsure how their love was lost, Eric delves deep to find what Meredith is missing and to see if their hearts can be healed.
Julie Bellon tells of an injured soldier, Jonah, who is returning home after losing his foot in Truth or Dare. Jonahs childhood friend Cami glints into his life, bringing a radiance he hasnt felt in years. Faced with personal demons, both friends need support to conquer their struggles and grow beyond their fears.
Sarah Edens contribution, Bucket List, shares the story of two single parents facing Christmas alone. Celeste is sure this holiday will be horrible, but due to Mikes challenge to turn Christmas into a competition, the two come together in a way they never imagined.
Christmas Every Day is Heather Moores account of a hopeful shop owner thrown into a heated encounter with the only person who could ruin her plan for the future. Faced with losing her heart or her dreams, she must decide what she really wants.
The energetic characters in First (and Last) Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith find each other 10 years after a horrific high school date to try for love one more time. When the second date takes another disastrous turn, neither knows what to expect from the future.
While these stories remain true to the series claim of clean romances free of foul language and sordid behavior, this compilation engages more mature themes than most of the previous works. There are brief references to a man jailed for a sexual relationship with a minor and struggles with teen pregnancy.
Despite these moments, the work is simple and tidy and a good fit for readers who enjoy the series.
Melissa DeMoux
******
MR. DARCYS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, by Julie Peterson, illustrated by Sheryl Dickert, Gibbs-Smith, $9.99 (f)
Based on the classic Christmas poem and Pride and Prejudice, its the night before Christmas at Pemberley, and Mr. Darcy is still up when Santa arrives, in Mr. Darcys Night Before Christmas by Julie Peterson.
Mr. Darcys Christmas wish is to find a wife, and though hes attracted to Elizabeth Bennett, his pride is getting in the way. Santa devises a way to help him overcome his pride by inviting Mr. Darcy along to help deliver gifts, including notable stops at Rosings Park, London and, finally, Longbourn. And, of course, Santa can help vouch for who has been on the nice and naughty lists and for how long.
Its a witty, fun and entertaining retelling of both stories. Peterson keeps up the meter and rhyming throughout the story, which is illustrated by Salt Lake resident Sheryl Dickert.
There is no swearing, violence or sexual content.
Christine Rappleye
