Christmas Spirit

Bah Humbug - The first of three stories in this anthology, _Bah Humbug_ is a charming little tale reminiscent of Scrooge. Nate, an over-worked ad executive is fed up with Christmas and the endless number of decorations and hoopla that fairly scream, "You must love Christmas! You must love Christmas!" What he needs is a little Christmas cheer to pick him up. He finds that in his neighbor, Milly. She's like Ms. St. Nick -- totally devoted to all things Christmas but she doesn't have anyone to share it with. Nate's sense of humor will leave you in stitches and Milly's a hoot with her oversized joy of Christmas. They're completely opposite but so well suited for each other I was grinning from ear to ear. But, it isn't all wine and roses, sparks fly when these two get together! The ending will make you cry! Ms. Greenwood has a wit to her writing that is thoroughly refreshing. This story will have me searching for her other work. I really got a lot out of this little story. It was a great read and I'll be picking it up again come Christmas. Christmas Present - A cute quick read, this one didn't quite catch my attention like the first one. A story of old hometown rivals heats up with romance amid advice from a wizened old man that seems to know everyone in town. Starts off slow but does get better toward the end. Blue Christmas - What woman hasn't dreamed at least once in her life of being swept away by a wildly sexy musician? Jess lives the dream in this cute story by Linda Winstead. It'll make you cry and laugh and urge you to latch on to what you feel is right even if you think you shouldn't. Right on par with the first story, _Blue Christmas_ is a feel-good tale rather reminiscent of _It's a Wonderful Life_. It'll make you cry more than once and it'll make you feel warm and cozy no matter the time of year. All in all, _Christmas Spirit_ is a remarkable little book filled with lovely Christmas tales. Suitable to read anytime, I'm sure I'll pull it out often and give it a read through again -- but I will also make sure to read it every Christmas to put myself in the Christmas mood.

BAH, HUMBUG-Written by Leigh Greenwood. Nate Jerome, an advertising exec, wanted to go somewhere hot for the holiday season, to get away from business, and the ice cold weather. But when he gets an invitation from his neighbor, Milly Thurston, to spend a cozy, passionate, holiday with her, it's an offer he can't refuse. 4 stars.CHRISTMAS PRESENT-Written by Elaine Fox. When Susannah Murphy returns home for Christmas, she meets up with a late-night savior, who may just be the person who can teach her the true meaning of love and happiness. 4 stars.BLUE CHRISTMAS-Written by Linda Winstead. Jess Lennox has had enough bad luck with dating, to know that she will NEVER, EVER date a musician. But when he meets up with Jimmy Blue, a handsome, up-and-coming one. She takes a chance on love, and may just have a happy ending. 4 stars.Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the three stories in this holiday collection, and hope to read more by these authors. Fans of the holiday collection, "The Night Before Christmas" will relish in these stories.Erika Sorocco

I know this was a short story but I did not want it to end. It was a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit.