Stay For Christmas: A Place To Belong\A Son Is Given\Angels In The Snow [Mass Market Paperback]

During the waning months of the year, I always look forward to the Christmas anthologies. These delightful short stories always seem to sweeten the hustle and bustle of the holidays. STAY FOR CHRISTMAS is no different. This seasonal anthology contains three touching tales that embrace a western theme.

Book 1 -
"A Place To Belong" by Judith Stacy -
Colorado 1887. What was it about Miss Maggie Hudson? Sheriff Jack Crawford may be new to the territory, but he recognized deception a mile away and Maggie Hudson was definitely hiding something. The woman had big problems! The townspeople boldly shunned her; she secretly ordered merchandise, and she wanted Jack's prisoner released from jail! WHY?

*** Comments:
The heroine's big, horrendous secret is as limp as a dishrag. Surely, author Judith Stacy could come up with something a bit more substantial! Although, A PLACE TO BELONG is a pleasant read - I expected and wanted more from the shame department!

Book 2 -
"A Son is Given" by Victoria Bylin -
Denver, Colorado 1865. Katherine Merritt is taking her daughter and going back to Philadelphia, to her parents' home. Her husband of ten years, Reverend William Merritt will not be accompanying them, for Katherine can neither forget nor forgive him! His endless drinking has seen to that! Sadly, William had caused the death of their infant son. To remember that night hurt and Katherine could and would never trust him again. It seemed the lure of a whiskey bottle was too great a temptation and William was too unsteady a man.

*** Comments:
I admit I am a real chump when it comes to a romantic "tearjerker" and A SON IS GIVEN is a humdinger. Author Victoria Bylin managed to rip my heart out and I loved every minute! The author stayed strong through smooth writing and wonderful wording. A SON IS GIVEN is a delightful Christmas tale founded on forgiveness and the power of love. Superb.

Book 3 -
"Angels in the Snow" by Elizabeth Lane -
Wyoming, December 1866. Della Brown was tired and cold but she refused to give up. She would freeze to death, rather then return to her former life. To most, she was contemptible. To most, she was a sordid vulgarity. Until evening came, then some relished in her existence! Sadly, Della knew Hunter McCall was a good man. And such a man would never have a fallen woman in his life. Still, what kind of man denied his son the joy of Christmas?

*** Comments:
A wise woman once wrote, "Let's hear it for adjectives" and this reader could not agree more. Adjectives are Elizabeth Lane's strong suit and by sprinkling meaningful adjectives throughout her story, Ms. Lane places the reader smack dab in the setting. And what a glorious setting -- Christmas in the mountains -- snow, wind, loneliness -- and the warmth of love. ANGELS IN THE SNOW is a nice story. It is soft, gentle, heartwarming and perfect for the Christmas season! Page-turner status.

MaryGrace Meloche.

All three Christmas stories in this book are wonderful! Very heartwarming and in the true spirit of the season. I highly recommend this book! I love getting three stories in one book.

Judith Stacy's story was the best of the bunch, but it still needed some work. The characters were both likeable-especially Jack the sheriff. He was a gentleman through and through without being the least bit wimpy or prudish. He just seemed to honestly care for Maggie and that made their romance believeable. What wasn't so believable was the 'horrible secret' Maggie had that ostracized her from the community. I just found it hard to believe that everyone in the town who knew her would turn thier backs on her for something her mother did. And her strange belief that putting on a Christmas paegent was going to make it all better just didn't seem believable. If you took those away, it was a very sweet story.
Victoria Bylin's story was so mired in pain and suffering that it actually depressed me in the middle of the Christmas season. A short story in a Christmas anothogy was no place for this kind of story. It needed a full length novel to make the transition believeable and even then it would be a stretch. This woman actually felt sick whenever she thought of her husband for most of the story. Not really a heart warmer.
and finally, Elizabeth Lane's story. Not bad, but I always have a hard time buying the romance when one of the main characters is still mourning a lost spouse. His wife died one year ago at Christmas and I just find it hard to believe he could find 'happiness and love' so quickly while still in mourning.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews  4.0 out of 5 stars