Upon a Midnight Clear

1. The Teacher by Jude Deveraux: Wow - I can't recall a character in any western historical who displays the courage and grit of Kathryn! One can only admire the way she confronted even the hardest of people and stood up for what she believed in. I have a bit of a problem believing that the highly disagreeable Cole made the conversion into a kind and decent man, but I suppose only Kate had the power and charm to tame even the beastliest man. 2. Christmas Magic by Margaret Allison: Margaret Allison is the only author in this anthology with whom I wasn't familiar. I really like her style - the story flowed nicely and the dialogue was realistic and respectful. The theme of reconciliation between an estranged father and daughter is a wonderful illustration of the Christmas spirit, and showed how forgiveness and understanding are keys to inner peace and healing. 3. Jolly Holly by Stef Ann Holm: A magical story about the value of treasures that money cannot buy and the joy that can be found in sharing! The plot and the characters were quite unique, as was the setting, which was a refreshing break from the usual storyline formula of most romances. 4. If Only in my Dream by Mariah Stewart: I have two pet peeves concerning romance novels. One is the use of bickering dialogue representing conflict and sexual tension. On the contrary, this story was so delightful because of the respectful and loving way the characters interacted with each other, and I congratulate the author for brilliantly presenting the story in this manner! These were warm and likable people I admired immensely. My other peeve are conflicts that could easily resolved, or avoided entirely, if the characters simply communicated more openly and clearly with each other. Unfortunately, that was the case in this plot. Still, the story was highly enjoyable and quite relaxing to read, especially to this believer in the lasting qualities of true love between soulmates. 5. White Out by Linda Howard: Linda Howard is known for writing lusty and erotic scenes, so the graphic sex shouldn't have been such a shock to me, except that the previous 4 romances were comparatively sweetly romantic because the sexual aspects were left up to the imagination. I didn't like how the characters were nearly unconscious when they first came together, because it was so careless and animalistic. However, I like how the story opened, describing the lakefront property in such wonderful detail, as though it were a showcase home on HGTV. The blizzard was also described in such remarkable detail that it almost felt as though the storm was swirling around me too! This attention to visual and sensual detail is what makes Linda Howard's brilliant to me, not the gritty sex. This particular story redeemed itself from the off-putting erotica by ending with a dramatic flare of action, drama and mystery-solving.

I only read the Linda Howard story "White Out," so I can't give a review of the others. But, that one alone is great. Yes, the premise of the Price's and Hope's relationship--and fabulous sex--is not something that can be applied to reality. But, so what? The story is still cute, fun, and very sexy. Plus, Howard has a true talent for making almost any scenario plausible with her skilled writing (e.g. anyone read "Son of the Morning"?). If you don't want to buy the anthology, I recommend settling in at Borders with a cup of coffee and reading "White Out" right there. Very Entertaining!

Even though every story in that book is good and delightful, i personally like Ms. Howard's work the best. I didn't know how two people can fall in love in one night! Now i can. And i just wanna say thank you for her work.

If you were a little disappointed with Legend read it again and read Upon a Midnight Clear as soon as you finish it. You should be as eager as I am to here more about the Jordan family in "Legend" through the wild Wendell. Jude, if you read this I anxiously await for each new publication. Donna Green

UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR is a fun to read Christmas anthology by five of Pocket's top writers. All five short stories are quite good and fans who enjoy Yuletide tales will love this collection. Kathryn de Longe is "The Teacher" in Legend, Colorado. Her worst student is Zachary Jordan, son of the arrogant Cole, who decides that he wants to be the teacher's pet. However, she and her son are in hiding and a relationship is not what she needs, even if love is the prize. This is a great tale from one of the greats, Jude Devereaux. Artist Kim Risson and her father have barely talked to each other over the years. However, when he becomes ill, she runs home to see him. Soon, Kim finds herself being pulled between a father she never had and his handsome doctor. Margaret Allison gifts her fans with a magical Christmas present with her story, "Christmas Magic". John Wolcott and Isabel Burche are two lonely people, who are down on their luck. Both enter a holly berry collecting contest in dire need of winning the first prize of cash. Working together, they can win more than just a contest. Readers will have a "Jolly Holly" time reading Stef Ann Holm's piece of fabulous fiction. Quinn Hollister and Cale McKenzie were once sweethearts. Now a blizzard forces the lonely pair to share a close proximity to each other. "If Only In My Dreams" is a lovely holiday story by the marvelous Mariah Stewart. Hope Bradshaw saves the life of Price Tanner when he is caught in a blizzard near her isolated cabin. Price insists that he is a law enforcement official even if it appears that he is not. Still, love grows during their "White Out". Now, if trust could only quickly follow, a relationship could bloom. Linda Howard completes this masterly anthology with a wonderful story. Great Yuletide fare that fans of holiday short story collections will want to read and keep as a treasure to be reread next Christmas. Harriet Klausner