jjares reviewed Silver Bells Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology) (Volume 9) on + 3274 more book reviews
I've been working my way through the Timeless Historical Anthologies. Fortunately, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, and Annette Lyon provide short stories in this collection. After purchasing this book, I found I'd already read Sarah M. Eden's story in a different I've also read a pleasant book by Lucinda Brant. However, I'm unfamiliar with the other two authors. I rounded up the score.
FAIRY CHRISTMAS (Lucinda Brant) -- 2 stars
Kitty Aldershot, an orphan living with the Earl of Salt Hendon and his family, is interested in Mr. Tom Allenby. However, she has no dowry and will not have a Season. Kitty finds a letter written by Lady Caroline, and her world falls apart. Who cares? Not me. Kitty was not a compelling character to care about.
A CHRISTMAS PROMISE (Sarah M Eden) -- 5 stars
This is an original story here but reprinted in BRITISH ISLES COLLECTION. The charming way the author tells this tale enchanted me immediately. Sean and Maeve are a charming couple, and Mae's brothers are a hoot.
TWELVE MONTHS (Heather B Moore) -- 4 stars
Lawyer Lucien Baxter is summoned to his best friend's home because Will is dying just before Christmas. He begs Lucien to take care of his new wife and unborn child. Will wants Lucien to marry Cora. After Will dies, Lucien poses his question. Cora turns him down. But Lucien stays through Christmas with Cora and her mother. He realizes that marrying Cora would be no hardship. However, how can he change Cora's mind? This was a nice story that dragged on too long.
A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS (Lu Ann Staheli) -- 4 stars
Ebenezer Scrooge and Dick Wilkins work for Mr. Fezziwig and are excited about the annual Christmas party the counting house owner holds. Scrooge is almost engaged to the eldest daughter, Annabelle Fezziwig. Dick is enamored with the second daughter, Pricilla. Scrooge tells Dick that he must earn Mrs. Fezziwig's favor before he can hope for Pricilla's love. When Dick gets to the party, he realizes he is not the only man interested in Pricilla. What is a poor man to do?
A TASTE OF HOME (Annette Lyon) -- 4 stars
As Claire Jennings arrives home, she discovers her family is quarantined because her little brother has measles. Traveling with childhood friend William Rhodes, who also works in California, he offers to help her stay in a hotel until they can return to their jobs. However, Claire is very sentimental about Christmas, and William works to help her experience the things she loves most about the holiday.
MY MODERN GIRL (Becca Wilhite) -- G+
This author pushed the "modern girl" too much. Also, some of the language was corny. Margie leaves Pennsylvania for a job at Macy's in NYC. Henry is disappointed but understands that Margie needs to try her wings. It's another case of the grass not being greener on the other side of the fence.
FAIRY CHRISTMAS (Lucinda Brant) -- 2 stars
Kitty Aldershot, an orphan living with the Earl of Salt Hendon and his family, is interested in Mr. Tom Allenby. However, she has no dowry and will not have a Season. Kitty finds a letter written by Lady Caroline, and her world falls apart. Who cares? Not me. Kitty was not a compelling character to care about.
A CHRISTMAS PROMISE (Sarah M Eden) -- 5 stars
This is an original story here but reprinted in BRITISH ISLES COLLECTION. The charming way the author tells this tale enchanted me immediately. Sean and Maeve are a charming couple, and Mae's brothers are a hoot.
TWELVE MONTHS (Heather B Moore) -- 4 stars
Lawyer Lucien Baxter is summoned to his best friend's home because Will is dying just before Christmas. He begs Lucien to take care of his new wife and unborn child. Will wants Lucien to marry Cora. After Will dies, Lucien poses his question. Cora turns him down. But Lucien stays through Christmas with Cora and her mother. He realizes that marrying Cora would be no hardship. However, how can he change Cora's mind? This was a nice story that dragged on too long.
A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS (Lu Ann Staheli) -- 4 stars
Ebenezer Scrooge and Dick Wilkins work for Mr. Fezziwig and are excited about the annual Christmas party the counting house owner holds. Scrooge is almost engaged to the eldest daughter, Annabelle Fezziwig. Dick is enamored with the second daughter, Pricilla. Scrooge tells Dick that he must earn Mrs. Fezziwig's favor before he can hope for Pricilla's love. When Dick gets to the party, he realizes he is not the only man interested in Pricilla. What is a poor man to do?
A TASTE OF HOME (Annette Lyon) -- 4 stars
As Claire Jennings arrives home, she discovers her family is quarantined because her little brother has measles. Traveling with childhood friend William Rhodes, who also works in California, he offers to help her stay in a hotel until they can return to their jobs. However, Claire is very sentimental about Christmas, and William works to help her experience the things she loves most about the holiday.
MY MODERN GIRL (Becca Wilhite) -- G+
This author pushed the "modern girl" too much. Also, some of the language was corny. Margie leaves Pennsylvania for a job at Macy's in NYC. Henry is disappointed but understands that Margie needs to try her wings. It's another case of the grass not being greener on the other side of the fence.
