Johnny's Fortune -
Rosemary Traviata had liked Johnny Fortunato since high school, but he was always way out of her league and barely noticed her. So why is he interested in her now? Did his friends put him up to it?
Johnny was entranced by Rosemary in high school but she was younger than he and what would his friends say if he were with her? He had a reputation to uphold. But now they are adults and things are about to change.
Johnny and Rosemary find their attraction to each other seems larger than life, yet they still need to deal with issues and find out if what they truly want is right in front of them or doomed before it has a chance to grow?
The Way Home -
Life has once again dealt Brody Justicea a horrible blow. He is in a nasty storm with fog, ice, rain, snow and boulders falling around him. When he swerves to avoid one, he collides with another car making his already bad year worse.
Abby Montgomery is in that other car. When she awakes, she has lost most of her memory, barely remembering what happened. With no place to go and not knowing who she is, she accepts an offer from Brody to recuperate at his place.
Abby and Brody are troubled people at their meeting. They need to deal with what is inside them before they can move forward with the intense attraction they feel for each other. But is it possible that one of them cannot do that?
Heartfelt -
Cela Donovan is having a strange week. She keeps running into a young girl named Essie who insists she knows Cela. Yet, Cela cannot remember this child no matter how hard she tries. What a puzzle it becomes when she meets Essie's father. The sparks between them shine bright.
Ben Wright has had a tough year. His wife died in a terrible accident and he is raising his daughter with the help of his sister. Now Cela has dropped into his life and he is so smitten he wants to be with her always.
When Ben tells Cela something she does not know; it could be the end of what they have started. He does not want to do it, but if she learns from another source, she may think he wants to be with her for the wrong reasons. He cannot do that to her or his daughter.
Window Wonderland -
Ben Lightson is not in the mood for the holidays. They seem to make him even more miserable and cantankerous. That is until he sees the light flickering on the card and thinks he is going crazy.
Lady Vania Dahl is from the year of our Lord sixteen hundred and forty-four. She is in hiding from her betrothed, a prince she refuses to marry. When she meets Ben, who seems to appear out of nowhere, she is more than intrigued with him.
Ben and Vania have come together from two different times and places, yet they have a strong attraction to each other. They allow their feelings to be fulfilled before Vania must flee and Ben finds his way back home.
I'll Be Home for Christmas -
Mitch Ferguson joined the Marines because he loves his country and is willing to fight to the death for it. Death is almost exactly what happens to him when he is seriously injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq. His whole world is now changed.
Annie has loved Mitch since grade school and has worried about him since the moment he left for Iraq. She wants to spend the rest of her life with him, only fate has something else in store for them. When he is injured, Mitch pushes her away.
Both Annie's and Mitch's life have changed to something they never thought could happen. She does not want to go on without him and he doesn't want her to see him as half a man. Can this couple get a Christmas miracle to save them from ending their life together?
Counterpoint -
Eve's marriage is crumbling and fast. She and her husband cannot seem to get along. In her opinion he is being a stubborn fool about everything. She works hard raising their children and keeping house, so why does he argue with her instead of helping out once in awhile?
Pete is frustrated and exhausted. He feels that all he does is work, work, and more work but never seems to get anywhere. His marriage is a mess. After another fight with Eve, he decides to go with another woman and ends up in the hospital in critical condition.
Eve's mind races with all kinds of thoughts while keeping vigil at Pete's side. She is angered by his betrayal. Is this the
Holidays bring magical memories and open the heart to all things bright and beautiful . . . especially romance. There's no season like it . . . no better time to find Romance Upon A Midnight Clear. Deborah MacGillivray, Leanne Burroughs, Patty Howell, Rebecca Andrews, Isabel Mere, Amber Dawn Bell, Erin E.M. Hatton and Jill and Julia offer up eight tales of romance designed to please every taste.
ROMANCE UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, a Christmas treasure for one's library, is a treat to curl up with and escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This anthology has a diverse group of stories that touch a wealth of emotions.
"Johnny Fortune" by Leanne Burroughs
"Hey, doll, wanna dance?" sets a romance in motion that takes the reader into the customs and mores of 1968 in Milwaukee and America in general. The reader gets to see and feel the courtship of Johnny Fortunato, "the bad boy", who has grown into a man and Rosemary Traviata, "the good girl" who had been off limits in his school days. A precious love, that started way back in the fifth grade, begins to unfold with bumps along the way but finally blooms into a love to stand the test of time.
"The Way Home" by Rebecca Andrews
One foggy night with black ice on the highway, both Brady Justin and Abby Montgomery are each alone in their vehicles running to escape emotional pain that has taken away all normalcy of life and left only despair.
A wreck that leaves Abby with amnesia brings them together. In a cabin high in the mountains of northern New Mexico, Brady and Abby struggle to keep pain and anger from eating them alive. Nightmares bring the past to light helping them to reach out to each other.
From very different, heartbreaking experiences in the past, Abby and Brady save each other and find a happy-ever-after that leaves the reader sure that the spirit of Christmas is still alive and well.
"Heartfelt" by Patty Howell
"A little child shall lead them" works magic in this heartwarming story. Little Essie meets Cela Donovan in the library and says that they know each other. Cela, a psychologist, has all kinds of explanations about why Essie thinks this is true.
Cela's mother's wisdom and unshakable faith in God is a golden thread woven through this poignant story. They have seen Cela through years of sickness and a heart transplant and continue to support as Cela finds love with Essie's widowed father a love that has some very special meanings.
"Window Wonderland" by Isabel Mere
This paranormal love story is enchanting. Ben Lightson, a park ranger in Coronado National Park USA, struggles to cope with his misery the first Christmas after his wife's death. As he looks at the Christmas cards his friends have sent, he sees an old English manor on the front of one. As he looks, a light begins to shine is a window of the manor and the light moves from window to window. He feels a tug!
Ben finds himself in Bremington Manor in Nasley England, on December 22, l644. Here he meets Lady Vania Dahl who is in hiding from King Charles and Prince Rupert. This is a section of the story to be savored and I wouldn't dream of ruining it by telling too much.
While Vania and her lady attendants make good their escape, Ben steps through the door to detain the soldiers seeking Lady Vania for the king.
He finds himself back in Coronado National Park giving a tour lecture for tourists. One of the tourists, Viviana Dahl, asks him a question about "sky islands". The question brings Ben a revealing flashback.
"I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Amber Dawn Bell
Ms. Bell mixes the supernatural and firm Faith in God together to create a story about Mitch Ferguson, a soldier in Iraq in the summer of 2005 and his fianc Annie who lives in Round Rock, Texas. Mitch and Annie seem to have a perfect love with a bright future ahead until Mitch is wounded.
Wounded and bitter Mitch comes to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. His interaction with his family and with Annie makes the reader doubt that he will ever be able to truly "Be Home For Christmas". This story seems so real it makes the heart ache.
"Counterpoint" by Erin E. M. Hatton
Counterpoint, a method of combining melodies, seemed to be what Eve and Pete had done when they married twelve years ago. They had blended to make beautiful music. Now, Eve sits by Pete's bed at the hospital. He is unconscious from a car wreck that he had while with another woman.
Gabe, the man who introduces himself as the hospital chaplain, reaches out to Eve as she sorts through the past and wonders about what the future may hold. He listen and hugs her with compassion then tells her that Pete is at fault but it is up to her to decide what to do with it does she let go of the pain and forgive or does she walk away. The choice is hers to make.
When Pete regains consciousness, can "counterpoint" return or has there been too much discord?
"Light of Hope" by Jill & Julia
In 1872, winter came early to Wyoming and Jacob Richards almost froze to death before he found the house of the Matthias where Hope and her son Caleb live with her in-laws.
Little Caleb, has lost his faith in Santa but his little elf friend Lola Lewinsky assures him that Santa is going to make his mother happy this year just like Caleb asked him. Caleb can't see how with "sir" and "ma'am" being so mean to his "ma". But, with the arrival of Jacob, things begin to change and Caleb begins to hope again.
"Light of Hope" is a delight even though it has some dark spots when Hope and Caleb are so poorly treated and all under false pretense. Gooding reading!
"Detour to Love" by Deborah MacGillivray
Kaelyn Reynolds returns to the hills of Kentucky near Pandora's Landing. She had recently inherited the cabin from her aunt and uncle where she had spent many happy summers during her youth. She finds herself snowed in at Christmas time with lots of time to reflect on "back when" which gives the reader some poignant reading.
Morgan Galloway, the man she adored when she was a teenager, is also back in Pandora's Landing. He had been too old and too rich out of her reach back then. When he and WT show up at her cabin as the "Welcome Wagon" the present becomes even more interesting than the past.
This is a "Second Chance" love story, a page-turner, with a couple of secondary characters that add a special touch of delight to the happenings -- Wiggie and WT are not to be missed.
This story makes a wonderful ending for this Christmas anthology that is a keeper one to be enjoyed year after year.
Camellia, Long and Short Reviews
~~~
Johnny's Fortune -
I admire the characters in this story and how they handled themselves and their issues. Even though this is a short story, it left me with a warm, glowing feeling and rooting for this couple to end up together.
The Way Home -
Bittersweet describes this story; heartache and tenderness combine to make an emotional read that you will regret it if you miss it.
Heartfelt -
Miracles seem to be a part of this story. Fate is directing this couple on a wondrous course that is an emotional rollercoaster. This is a very heart-touching read.
Window Wonderland -
Strangely entertaining describes Window Wonderland. Such a large amount of imagination has gone into this story. It makes you smile and wonder "hmmwhat if?"
I'll Be Home for Christmas -
Such turmoil these characters go through. This is a very realistic story that can happen to anyone and grabs your gut from the beginning, leaving you breathless in anticipation of the outcome.
Counterpoint -
Second chances are very rare. Reading this one becomes unsure whether there will even be a first chance for love let alone a second chance. Very deep emotions run in this book. An excellent soul searching read.
Light of Hope -
Deception that keeps another from love is such a shame. These two determined people decide to go for what they want against many obstacles and tell a tale of strength and love. A very good story.
Detour to Love -
Being true to oneself is the great lesson this story offers. Follow your own heart as this couple learns to do. A sweet romantic tale that leaves you with a smile on your face is what you will find in this read.
---
Each of these stories is well-written and will stand-alone and when grouped together, they pack a powerful punch. Each author shares exceptional characters and a multitude of emotions ranging from grief to elation in their stories. You cannot help being able to relate to these stories that touch your heart and will entertain you at any time of year, not just the holidays. I feel honored to have been able to sample the works of such talented authors.
Matilda, Coffee Time Romance
Holidays bring magical memories and open the heart to all things bright and beautiful . . . especially romance. There's no season like it . . . no better time to find Romance Upon A Midnight Clear. Deborah MacGillivray, Leanne Burroughs, Patty Howell, Rebecca Andrews, Isabel Mere, Amber Dawn Bell, Erin E.M. Hatton and Jill and Julia offer up eight tales of romance designed to please every taste.
ROMANCE UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, a Christmas treasure for one's library, is a treat to curl up with and escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This anthology has a diverse group of stories that touch a wealth of emotions.
"Johnny Fortune" by Leanne Burroughs
"Hey, doll, wanna dance?" sets a romance in motion that takes the reader into the customs and mores of 1968 in Milwaukee and America in general. The reader gets to see and feel the courtship of Johnny Fortunato, "the bad boy", who has grown into a man and Rosemary Traviata, "the good girl" who had been off limits in his school days. A precious love, that started way back in the fifth grade, begins to unfold with bumps along the way but finally blooms into a love to stand the test of time.
"The Way Home" by Rebecca Andrews
One foggy night with black ice on the highway, both Brady Justin and Abby Montgomery are each alone in their vehicles running to escape emotional pain that has taken away all normalcy of life and left only despair.
A wreck that leaves Abby with amnesia brings them together. In a cabin high in the mountains of northern New Mexico, Brady and Abby struggle to keep pain and anger from eating them alive. Nightmares bring the past to light helping them to reach out to each other.
From very different, heartbreaking experiences in the past, Abby and Brady save each other and find a happy-ever-after that leaves the reader sure that the spirit of Christmas is still alive and well.
"Heartfelt" by Patty Howell
"A little child shall lead them" works magic in this heartwarming story. Little Essie meets Cela Donovan in the library and says that they know each other. Cela, a psychologist, has all kinds of explanations about why Essie thinks this is true.
Cela's mother's wisdom and unshakable faith in God is a golden thread woven through this poignant story. They have seen Cela through years of sickness and a heart transplant and continue to support as Cela finds love with Essie's widowed father a love that has some very special meanings.
"Window Wonderland" by Isabel Mere
This paranormal love story is enchanting. Ben Lightson, a park ranger in Coronado National Park USA, struggles to cope with his misery the first Christmas after his wife's death. As he looks at the Christmas cards his friends have sent, he sees an old English manor on the front of one. As he looks, a light begins to shine is a window of the manor and the light moves from window to window. He feels a tug!
Ben finds himself in Bremington Manor in Nasley England, on December 22, l644. Here he meets Lady Vania Dahl who is in hiding from King Charles and Prince Rupert. This is a section of the story to be savored and I wouldn't dream of ruining it by telling too much.
While Vania and her lady attendants make good their escape, Ben steps through the door to detain the soldiers seeking Lady Vania for the king.
He finds himself back in Coronado National Park giving a tour lecture for tourists. One of the tourists, Viviana Dahl, asks him a question about "sky islands". The question brings Ben a revealing flashback.
"I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Amber Dawn Bell
Ms. Bell mixes the supernatural and firm Faith in God together to create a story about Mitch Ferguson, a soldier in Iraq in the summer of 2005 and his fianc Annie who lives in Round Rock, Texas. Mitch and Annie seem to have a perfect love with a bright future ahead until Mitch is wounded.
Wounded and bitter Mitch comes to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. His interaction with his family and with Annie makes the reader doubt that he will ever be able to truly "Be Home For Christmas". This story seems so real it makes the heart ache.
"Counterpoint" by Erin E. M. Hatton
Counterpoint, a method of combining melodies, seemed to be what Eve and Pete had done when they married twelve years ago. They had blended to make beautiful music. Now, Eve sits by Pete's bed at the hospital. He is unconscious from a car wreck that he had while with another woman.
Gabe, the man who introduces himself as the hospital chaplain, reaches out to Eve as she sorts through the past and wonders about what the future may hold. He listen and hugs her with compassion then tells her that Pete is at fault but it is up to her to decide what to do with it does she let go of the pain and forgive or does she walk away. The choice is hers to make.
When Pete regains consciousness, can "counterpoint" return or has there been too much discord?
"Light of Hope" by Jill & Julia
In 1872, winter came early to Wyoming and Jacob Richards almost froze to death before he found the house of the Matthias where Hope and her son Caleb live with her in-laws.
Little Caleb, has lost his faith in Santa but his little elf friend Lola Lewinsky assures him that Santa is going to make his mother happy this year just like Caleb asked him. Caleb can't see how with "sir" and "ma'am" being so mean to his "ma". But, with the arrival of Jacob, things begin to change and Caleb begins to hope again.
"Light of Hope" is a delight even though it has some dark spots when Hope and Caleb are so poorly treated and all under false pretense. Gooding reading!
"Detour to Love" by Deborah MacGillivray
Kaelyn Reynolds returns to the hills of Kentucky near Pandora's Landing. She had recently inherited the cabin from her aunt and uncle where she had spent many happy summers during her youth. She finds herself snowed in at Christmas time with lots of time to reflect on "back when" which gives the reader some poignant reading.
Morgan Galloway, the man she adored when she was a teenager, is also back in Pandora's Landing. He had been too old and too rich out of her reach back then. When he and WT show up at her cabin as the "Welcome Wagon" the present becomes even more interesting than the past.
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