Do you have a favorite romance story that takes place at Christmas? One that really stands out and makes you smile to remember it?
You would think a Christmas romance would be one of the easiest tales to tell, wouldn’t you? I mean, what could be better than a backdrop of snow and mistletoe, the warmth of a fire in a great room, a twinkling Christmas tree…but what about creating a little excitement?
As romance readers, we want something that’s going to keep us turning the pages, no matter what time of year it might be—and let’s face it, sitting in front of a fire, half-asleep, with a book on our laps and a full stomach is not all that exciting—or romantic, either.
But sometimes, it can be a little tough to create a full length novel around a short time span—with the entire story being told in a month’s (or less) time. And for me…I’m not ever sure if my characters are going to decide if a short story is going to do their tale justice—or if they’re going to want MORE.
I’ve written quite a few WHR novellas for Christmas boxed sets and anthologies, with some single-author collections of my own that take place for the most part during the Christmas season. But as for full-length novels that take place a Christmas, I haven’t tackled that yet, though I’d love to write one someday.
Here’s a wonderful boxed set of western historical romance stories from Prairie Rose Publications that is available in print and e-book. It also features a wonderful story by fellow filly TANYA HANSON, among others!
What are your favorite romance stories that take place at Christmas? Got some to share? I always love holiday Regency stories—and it seems there are more of those that are full-length novels than other genres. Lisa Kleypas is a favorite of mine with her older Wallflower series.
Each takes place in a different season, but there is the Christmas installment, A WALLFLOWER CHRISTMAS. It’s not a western, but this is a wonderful series, and I especially loved the Christmas tale.
Here are some heartwarming tales that make for some good holiday reading for yourself and for others!
A HERO FOR CHRISTMAS is a collection of four stories that take place at Christmas, each with a little “something extra” that happens within the story. It’s available in print and also in Kindle format. I will be giving away an e-copy of A HERO FOR CHRISTMAS today to one commenter!
Fellow filly Tracy Garrett penned this heart-wrenching tale of lost love found again. You won’t want to miss this one!
WILD TEXAS CHRISTMAS is an anthology that I’m proud to have a story in along with Kaye Spencer, Jacquie Rogers, C. Marie Bowen, and fellow filly “sister” Kathleen Rice Adams.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PZ9EV38?tag=pettpist-20
And here’s my latest Christmas short single sell, A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE. I will be giving away an e-copy of this short story today as well! Be sure to leave a comment!
Now, let’s hear from you! What are some of YOUR favorite holiday romance tales?
A native Oklahoman, I've been influenced by the west all my life. I love to write short stories and novels in the historical western and western romance genres, as well as contemporary romantic suspense! Check my Amazon author page to see my work: http://www.amazon.com/author/cherylpierson
I live in Oklahoma City with my husband of 40 years. I love to hear from readers and other authors--you can contact me here: fabkat_edit@yahoo.com
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My favorite Christmas story is Charles Dicken, A Christmas Carol. I loved that stiry. All your books I’ve read have been fabulous Cheryl. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Tonya! Thank you so much for the very kind words! You made my day.
Yes, I loved A Christmas Carol, too! That was an excellent tale, wasn’t it?
I don’t have a favorite Christmas story, but am drawn to them. I love to see what writers do with thus wonderful season.
Veda, I love all kinds of Christmas stories–romantic stories, or just Christmas stories we grew up with, like the one Tonya mentioned–A Christmas Carol. I guess they are ALL my favorites! LOL
I really like A Christmas Card and Christmas Story.
Oh, I love the movie of A Christmas Story. I want to read the book–I think I will jump over to Amazon and buy that here in a minute. The movie was so good, I’m sure the book will be, too.
I enjoy Christmas books, but can’t really say I have a favorite. It’s like with anything else, my favorites change from day to day depending on my mood.
Janine, I think that’s true of all of us. You know when you’re young, you think THIS IS MY FAVORITE whatever. And the older you get, the more you see and do in the world and you realize you don’t have to have ONE favorite–there can be several! LOL
It’s very hared to pick a favourite Christmas book. I have read and loved so many but one that stays in my mind is Christmas at Timberwoods.
I’m going to look that one up at Amazon, Kathleen. I’m always ready for another good Christmas story to add to my list! Thanks for stopping by today!
Your mentioning A WALLFLOWER CHRISTMAS reminded me of how much I like books where characters from a series all get back together, and Christmas is a terrific setting for that. So, that reminded me how much I really enjoyed A MACKENZIE FAMILY CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Ashley that features the absolutely unforgettable character Ian from the first book in the series THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE. Ian suffers from Asperger’s back when it was misunderstood in Victorian times, but the author pulls off the romance brilliantly and it was nominated for quite a few awards. So a Scots clan gathering of favorite characters at Christmas, including Ian, was a real winner for me. (I obviously recommend The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie to anyone who hasn’t read it. The Christmas gathering may not work as well without having read the series, but I’m not sure.)
Also, I used to be a hardcore viewer of all the classic Christmas movies, but especially _all_ of the various versions A CHRISTMAS CAROL going back to Reginald Owen and Alistair Sim as Scrooge. Charles Dickens is one of my all-time favorite authors anyway. I think my favorite, though, was the musical film adaptation starring Albert Finney as Scrooge and Alec Guinness as Marley’s Ghost.
(Please don’t enter me in the contest for the ebooks. Thanks. 🙂 )
Oh, Eliza, the MacKenzie books you mentioned sound great! I am going to get those and maybe the rest of the series, too–I love that time period and it sounds as if Lord Ian has got a terrible problem…I can only imagine how awful it had to be for people who had Asperger’s and other maladies that were misunderstood “back in the day” when they just had to deal with it as best they could. Thanks for bringing those up!
As far as Christmas movies go…I think my favorite is still It’s A Wonderful Life for the serious side of me and A Christmas Story for when I need a good laugh.
Thanks for stopping by today! I always look forward to your comments!
Hi Cheryl, it’s always such a joy to be part of your anthologies. I love things short and sweet at this busy time of year. I love Christmas stories and Christmas movies any time of year truth is, but especially now. I’m trying to read Christmas stories and novellas while I ride my exerbike, multi-asking LOL. Best wishes with your wonderful stories. xo
I’m not getting any reading done right now, Tanya, but I’m hoping during the Christmas break that is going to happen. My son is getting married a week from today, and then Christmas…yikes. Busy times, but GOOD times, for sure! I am always so happy to see one of your stories come my way! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Tanya!
Guess I should have come here first this evening. Missed your giveaway. One of my favorite Christmas reads is one I got here, CHRISTMAS MOON by Elizabeth Lane. Another is A TEXAS CHRISTMAS by Jodi Thomas, Linda Broday, Phyliss Mirands, and Dewanna Pace. I had hoped to reread them again this year, but I have a detached retina and am not getting much reading done. The initial treatment hasn’t worked. Hope things improve soon, I have so many good books to read.
I hope you and your family have a Wonderful Christmas and a Great New Year. How wonderful that you will have a wedding at this special time of the year. I hope you get some good reading in as soon as things calm down.
Hi Patricia! I’m so sorry to hear you have a detached retina! I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and hoping that further treatment WILL work and get you back in fine form again and able to read to your heart’s content. A TEXAS CHRISTMAS is an excellent Christmas read! And I just snapped up Christmas Moon by Elizabeth Lane–it’s on sale at Amazon right now.
Things will be a LOT calmer after the wedding. I think this will be the first year I’ve thought that everything will be calmer just BEFORE Christmas instead of after it. LOL Take care of yourself, and get well with that eye. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!