A Country Christmas

a solid collection based on the theme of celebrating Christmas in the country

SAINTS AND SINNERS - Josi S. Kilpack.
Neville Franklin is returning home to work with his father and assume control of the estate. He's returning with his friend, Henry Burke, whom he has been traveling with to America over the past couple of years. When Henry suggests they have a kissing contest with the prize being Neville's childhood friend, Eloise, Neville refuses to accept. However, his reasons confuse him? Eloise is still a child, right? How is he supposed to act with her all grown up? Why does he feel so protective of her?

Eloise Hallstrom has loved Neville Franklin for as long as she can remember. But, will her efforts to get him to notice her at the Christmas ball backfire? Does he only see them as friends or brother / sister? And, when Mr Burke claims that she's part of a wager, what is she to think?

This is a sweet story of two childhood friends growing up and discovering their feelings for each other. They struggle with communication and misunderstandings start to build up. Fortunately, friends and family come to the rescue and help sort everything out.

THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE - Carla Kelly.
Sailing Master Able Six is simply living life as content as he can. He tries not to stand out, but it happens anyway because his intelligence and ability to learn are so far beyond anyone else. The fact that he never forgets anything means that he has achieved more in his 26 years of life than most in a lifetime. However, England is at a cease fire with France and he's willing to assume additional work while he waits for the peace to fail and war to resume. Therefore, he accepts a post teaching the sons of a vicar. There, he meets the vicar's younger sister in law and for the first time in his life, he meets someone who understands him. But, what of the navy? He has no other job and no money. Is their romance doomed before it ever has a chance?

Meridee Bonfort has just about accepted the fact that she's destined to be a spinster - especially since she has no dowry and is stuck in the country assisting her elder sister. Then, a man shows up to teach her nephews and she discovers a gentle, kind genius who desperately needs someone to watch after him. She's willing to assume that role, but only if she can get him released from the navy.

I absolutely loved this story. The telling is slightly different from what I'm used to. It's told from an omniscient narrator. But, once I got into the storytelling, I was hooked. It's both sad and encouraging. Able Six's background is heartbreaking, but the hope he learns through Meridee is wonderful and encouraging. If only we all had champions for our cause in life!

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS - Jennifer Moore.
This story picks up a few months after the events in the story, A Happy Accident, found in the anthology, Spring in Hyde Park. However, in this story, the focus shifts to Archie Clawson and Jane Croft. Archie has fallen in love with Jane and wants to ask her to marry him. But, he envisions asking her on Christmas Eve in front of the Christmas tree. He's got everything all planned out - or so he thought. As the group venture forth for their Christmas celebrations, events do not necessarily go as planned. Will Archie have a chance to ask Jane? Or will he be too discouraged to try?

I loved reading this story. It shows how the Christmas spirit is within each individual and not in the trappings around us. And, that peace and love can shine forth in the most humble of settings.