Holiday Brides

HR manager, Brenna has all things going for her at work but her love life is pretty miserable. Intent on changing things she signs up for the online dating service, [...] and sends a nod to someone interesting. Just when things start to look up for her she gets laid off and stood up by her Mr. Right. When the head of IT, Evan, invites Brenna out to lunch on what turns out to be her last day he's accidentally caught up in the lay off aftermath. While consoling her he suddenly sees her in a very different light. But taking the leap from just friends to something more is a little more than he signed up for and Evan heads for the hills. Little did either of them know is that the matchmakers behind [...] are truly heavenly and they will stop at nothing to bring the pair back into each other's arms. [...] was a cute and quick read. It has a timeless storyline of good friends not really seeing each other for anything more than friends until they get a kick start and once that happens they can't stop thinking about each other. But what's different about [...] is that there is also a message about believing in your self and empowerment for women. I highly recommend this one if you love a good romance.

I must admit, I love anthologies and romance stories. Holiday Brides by Jewel Amethyst, Farah Rochon, and Stefanie Worth are both those things wrapped up in one nice looking cover. The stories are different but very entertaining and enjoyable. I went from the islands to the cold streets of Detroit. I would gladly do the journey again, stopping off in New Orleans. Kerina, Sheridia, and Janelle are three friends determined to get away from their mundane lives and have a different type of Christmas. But most of all they want to bring the spirit of the holiday back to their friend, Venetta, who has been grieving the death of her husband for a few years. "From SKB with Love" by Jewel Amethyst takes a woman who did not see how she could possibly move on and turns her world into a whirlwind of steel pan festival and a handsome dreadlock man, Sean. What is the one gift that she can give to him? What is the one gift that he can give to her? When we receive gifts for Christmas is there such a thing as an ordinary gift? If you ask Kemah in "No Ordinary Gift" by Farah Rochon, she would say there is no such thing when it comes to those who have done without for most of their lives. Kemah works for a community center that Tyson's late mother started. The community center caters to the children of a very poor neighborhood. The children remind Kemah of a life she once knew all too well. Tyson, on the other hand, has never wanted for anything until now. He did something stupid six months ago and now he would do anything to right the wrongs. Would Kemah be forgiving? If ever I would need to find a mate, I would love to believe that there is a place available online where angels makes a love connection. Brenna and Evan have more in common than they know. They both have big dreams for their future in business and in love. These two people have put their life on hold for so long that someone had to finally step in and make things happen. "[...]" by Stefanie Worth is a story of realization. Would Brenna realize all her possibilities? Would Evan realize the value of what is right in front of him? Christmas stories are warm and fuzzy. Reading about brides or soon-to-be brides is like the topper on the cake. Each story gave me insight into the lives of people I never knew. Amethyst introduced me to St. Kitts traditional way of celebrating Christmas. Rochon gave me an idea of how I can introduce another tradition that children are not really taught in schools or anywhere, if their families do not do it. Worth taught me that sometimes I should look no further than the tip of my nose to find exactly what I have been looking for. I recommend Holiday Brides to readers who enjoy romance and holiday stories combined. Jennifer Coissiere APOOO BookClub

Brenna Campbell and Evan Shephard have been coworkers for about three years now, yet neither actually know the other. Brenna's life is rearranged ("re-routed") by an unexpected company layoff right before the end-of-the-year holidays. Evan suggests that Brenna stop talking about launching her own business venture in a few years and instead proceed with her desire now. Neither realizes a pair of guardian angels are nudging them toward each other and a romance that is heaven sent. ***** FIVE STARS! I was sent a galley copy of this novella for an honest review. I am going to assume (yeah, I know the joke about assuming) that the other two stories are as good as this one. Therefore, this book receives the full five stars from me. Stefanie Worth's story hits close to home as she clearly shows how the economic world of today is, as well as how it affects people who live in it. Her characters, both mortal and angelic, are totally believable. Nothing comes across as odd or false. This book is perfect for reading while you are cuddled up in front a cozy fire indoors while the snow piles up outside. ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

"From SKB with Love" by Jewel Amethyst'. Widow Venetta planned to stay home for Christmas and grieve her beloved MJ's death as she always does during Christmas; but her friend Kerina won the lotto and insistd they, along with two other BFFs, go to St. Kitts to escape the Baltimore cold. There she meets Sean, but as she falls in love Venetta fears losing the memory of her first love. "No Ordinary Gift" by Farrah Rochon. Kemah worked hard to come a long way from her impoverished childhood while her first love Tyson grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. She tries to give something back to the community working at the Darolyn Crawford Community Center. He is the director who cares about the children putting his money up. However, Tyson has another goal besides making the center a success; he wants Kemah before the Kwanzaa celebration ends. "HeavenSent.com" by Stefanie Worth. Brenna and Evan have met all types of losers on line and off. Both seek a perfect everlasting relationship, but with each respective failed encounter they are ready to call it quits on dating. That is until matchmaking guardian angels pair them up for New Year's Eve. These three African-American holiday romances are fun reading, as each contains a different holiday to celebrate. Although the women are fully developed, the men are not quite so, but fans will enjoy these hunks going after the women who make them want to celebrate the season and much more. Harriet Klausner