5 mistletoe #bookreview of MISTLETOE MAGIC

As I previously announced, I was recently asked to write a short story for a Christmas anthology.  I was so thrilled to be included with these very talented authors.  My story, Silent Night is the second story in the book, and I obviously can’t write a review for my story, but I can or the other six.  So, here are my reviews:

MOMMY’S FAVORITE by Joe DeRuen

In Joe DeRouen’s Mommy’s Favorite, the bond between a mother and her child is supposed to be unbreakable. When Alex comes home for Christmas, however, he’ll learn the hard way that sometimes even a mother’s love can go too far.

Family holidays can bring out so many buried emotions, rather good or bad.  The spite we’ve felt over the years can suddenly come boiling to the surface, and ugly secrets we thought were long buried are brought to light.  Such is the case in this tale.  I really identified with Sam’s plight as her mother dotted on her brother, Alexander.  Then, one day she discovers a secret and decides to reveal it as a Christmas present to her older brother.  Unfortunately, she had no idea how deep and dark the secret really was.  I enjoyed the story, and the ending reminded me of my short story, Nightmare Storm. 

SIMPLE BLESSINGS by Heather Osborne

In Heather Osborne’s Simple Blessings, return to the world of the Mansfield and McCafferty families, as they celebrate their first Christmas together after the end of the American Civil War, with several unexpected guests.

If you’ve read Heather’s book The Soldier’s Secret, you’ll recognize the characters in this book.  I thought it seemed so fitting that she chose them for her Christmas tale.  To me, it felt like this story tied up some loose ends to her novel.  It’s the kind of Christmas we all dream about, being surrounded by loving family and friends.  I loved this tale and it brought tears to my eyes.  This one is tied for first place.

HERESEY’S CHRISTMAS by Patricia Rose

In Patricia Rose’s Hershey’s Christmas, Hershey, the big, brown, hound dog from Iron Mike, is back! Everyone’s favorite character, Hershey stars in this sweet Christmas prequel. Everything that Christmas Eve starts out perfect … but it soon becomes clear somebody is destined to die that night. Can Hershey save them … or is he just a dog?

Heresey is a dog from Patricia’s book IRON MIKE.  I’ve heard a lot of really good things about the book, but I haven’t read it yet.  Reading this short story has inspired me to read it now.  In fact, it’s the next book on my TBR list.  Patricia has done a fabulous job portraying the emotions of a dog.  We really get to know Heresey’s character, and the tough decision he has to make to save Christmas for the children.  My one point of contention was, in trying to save Christmas, what Heresy was willing to scarf ice would’ve destroyed Christmas for the children anyway.  Death is death, no matter who it would’ve been.  I also enjoyed the dark slant she placed on Santa Claus.

CLAUDE SAVES CHRISTMAS by CJ Rutherford

In CJ Rutherford’s Claude Saves Christmas, the week before Christmas, Claude and his nephew, Cedric, hear such a clatter. Who can it be, and what role will dragons play in the human festive season?

If you know CJ, you understand he has a dragon named Claude living in his head.  So it made perfect sense to me that Claude would be the subject of his Christmas tale.  How can Claude help Santa deliver al his presents in time?  I found myself chuckling over some of Claude’s observations.  Oh, to have some of the mermaid’s whiskey.  This is a light, fanciful story which I really enjoyed, and it would’ve been one of my favorites, but I felt it ended to abruptly.  Sorry.

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS by Jada Rykar

In Jada Ryker’s Just in Time for Christmas, a time-travelling stalker targets an innocent young college student. Terrified for the girl, Macey Malloy tries to help her, only be trapped in the web of lies and deceit. Macey reluctantly joins forces with a handsome stranger who makes her heart race… with both attraction and the fear he may be following a secret, deadly agenda. Even with her grumpy black cat’s help, will Macey be in time to save the girl?

I’ve read several of Jada’s books, and she always throws in a curve ball or twist.  This story is no exception.  Jada’s stories always have a smattering of romance in them too.  My favorite character is Wikket, the cat.  As I’m a feline lover, that’s a given. You’d think time travel and a Christmas tale wouldn’t mix, but it does.  This is a very entertaining story, and I enjoyed it to the end. 

A SOUL FOR CHRISTMAS by DM Singh

My name is Paimon, and I love Christmas. Not for the presents, or the food but for the souls that are ripe for the taking. Guard your soul well this holiday season, or yours could be the next one I claim. Find out in DM Singh’s A Soul for Christmas.

This is the first story I’ve read by Singh, and I see I’ve been missing out.  Imagine being the famous crossroads demon, the bargainer of souls, then one day, you no longer have the zest for your job.  What is a demon to do?  DM did a wonderful job building Paimon’s character.  I could really feel his dilemma.  I really loved this story, and it ties for first place.

SILENT NIGHT by Sahara Foley

In Sahara Foley’s Silent Night, Deak is a man lost in his grief. Faced with another empty Christmas, ready to end his suffering, he’s interrupted by a young girl pleading for his help. Will he be able to help her, and in the process, save himself?

Then there’s my Christmas tale.  This is my own story, from my heart, not one of Bob’s.  I think it’s an awesome story, and if you don’t end up with a smitchen of wetness behind your eyes, you have a hard heart indeed. 

The book is supposed to be free but Amazon hasn’t caught up yet.  So check it out HERE.;