Christmas in the Country: Returning Home for Christmas Stirs Up Two Romances from the Past

Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (11/06) "Christmas in the Country" contains two beautifully written romance novels snuggled together between the covers. The two authors bring the feeling of Christmas into your soul. The first story shares the heartache of love gone awry as, what seems like, a perfect romance ends for no 'good' reason, or does it? Will Abigail allow the one man she has loved so deeply step back into her life, even after he's broken her heart and betrayed her love to marry another woman? Or will Nick have a valid reason for casting her aside and be able to win her heart back? As they find themselves pushed into a situation of surviving a horrible snowstorm that threatens to keep them from celebrating Christmas Eve with their friends and family 'back home,' they just may find that there is so much more involved in their love then they ever imagined. Fighting to get back home after their flight has been cancelled, they finally have the chance to really talk to each other and Abigail discovers that there is much more involved in Nick's choice to marry another woman then she could ever imagine. The second story tells of the love of friendship, so deep that they know each other's every thought. Or do they? Perhaps there is something a little more intense that has never been said and all they need is the perfect setting to bring out their true feelings. As best friends, they seem to be able to conquer the world but may never allow their own true love for each other to give them the happiness they search for. Together, Lauren and Jeff make a family that's hit by hard times, but feel the true meaning of Christmas spirit by giving them a new start on life. With the spirit of Christmas taking them full force into Christmas Eve, they need to decide what they want for themselves as they share their generosity with others. Can Lauren force herself to smile another day as Jeff takes a phone call from his newest girlfriend, who seems to be 'the one' this time? What will she decide to do this year to celebrate Christmas, the one holiday they always shared together with their families? Is it time to walk away and move on with her life or should she decide to be happy in his new found love and remain best friends? "Christmas in the County" contains touching stories that will not only bring back the spirit of love but the true spirit of Christmas to anyone who reads this beautifully written duet. What a wonderful treat in any romance readers stocking this year! Written from the heart with a Christian perspective, you will step away glowing with the feeling of holiday spirit and sentimental love that reaches deep into your soul.

A Christmas Wish by Jeanie Smith Cash Abigal Forrester is going home to Pierce City, Missouri for Granny Forrester's traditional Christmas Eve gathering and nothing is going to get in her way. Not even discovering she has to share the plane ride with Nick Creighton, her ex-fiance can dampen her spirits. But then she didn't plan on being grounded in Denver by a snowstorm. Abbie is one determined woman. Refusing to give up her plans, she tries to rent a car, and Nick announces he's going with her, whether she wants him or not. Abby isn't sure she can handle being cooped up in a car with Nick for twelve or thirteen hours. After all the man jilted her fourteen months ago and married another woman. Now he's a widower with a young son but Abby learned the hard way not to trust Nick Creighton. Jeanie Smith Cash's A Christmas Wish is a charming love story with a strong theme of forgiveness. Home For the Holidays by Christine Lynxwiler Lauren Forrester attracts needy people, mainly because she doesn't know how to say no. Jeffery Warren, is a long time friend who wants to fall in love and settle down. Everytime he's sure he's found the right woman, something happens. He's dated practically every girl in Pierce City, Missouri, but so far, no wedding bells. Then Lauren takes a job at a library in St. Louis. Jeff has another chance with Krista, his current love interest. But with Christmas coming will Lauren make it home for Granny Forrester's Christmas Eve gathering? Christine Lynxwiler's Home For the Holidays makes the point that it really is better to give than to receive, and that we don't always know what we have until we're in danger of losing it. I enjoyed both of these stories very much