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Christmas on Cape Cod
Christmas on Cape Cod
Christmas on Cape Cod
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Christmas on Cape Cod

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About this ebook

Secret wishes, sweet surprises, and gifts straight from the heart. Delight in this season’s most joyous presents with these four sparkling tales…

“Making Spirits Bright” by Fern Michaels
Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly…until unexpected sparks have Melanie dreaming of forever by his side…

“Runaway Christmas” by Elizabeth Bass
A glass of wine, lounging in pajamas, and catching up on movies—that’s Heidi Bogue’s idea of a perfect Christmas. Until her thirteen-year-old niece makes a surprise visit—and a snowstorm turns Heidi’s café into a community refuge. Now one handsome cop is giving Heidi plenty more reasons to celebrate…

“Home for Christmas” by Rosalind Noonan
Jo Truman needs a replacement Santa for her gift shop’s Christmas Eve party. She’ll do whatever it takes to convince lonely soldier Sam Norwood that he’s perfect for the part...and that the season for love is always…

“Christmas on Cape Cod” by Nan Rossiter
Maddie Carlson would do anything for her best friend. And helping Asa Coleman babysit a rambunctious puppy Christmas Eve night is her one chance to help the troubled teacher put his past to rest…and give the sweetest gift of all.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherZebra Books
Release dateOct 30, 2018
ISBN9781420148831
Christmas on Cape Cod
Author

Nan Rossiter

Nan Rossiter is the award-winning and bestselling author of seven novels, including The Gin & Chowder Club. Nan lives in Connecticut with her husband, Bruce, and a noble black Lab named Finn. They are the parents of two handsome sons who have decided to grow up and strike out on life journeys of their own. When she’s not working, Nan enjoys hiking or curling up with a good book.

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Reviewed by LisaReview copy provided by Zebra Books - Kensington PublishingCurl up by the fireplace and escape with four delightful Christmas stories. Finding love, starting a family, second chances and most of all enjoying the holiday season are major themes in each story. Making Spirits Bright by Fern Michaels Melanie McLaughlin runs a successful business and lives with her two beloved pets Odie and Clovis. While watching her best friend’s girls, Amanda and Ashley, Melanie starts to feel the pangs of not having a family of her own. After some soul searching, Melanie decides not to wait for Mr. Right and she contacts an adoption agency. Unfortunately, the adoption agency prefers perspective parents to be married. When Bryce Landry comes back to town, Melanie begins to wonder if she might have found the love and the family she has wanted for so long. Making Spirits Bright is a fast paced story that flows easily. The chemistry between Melanie and Bryce is a bit awkward at the start. As the story progresses, their relationship grows to a slow burn. The relationships between Melanie and her friends are realistic and heart warming. Especially, the heartfelt moments Melanie has with Amanda and Ashley. The story comes to a satisfying end that will not disappoint the reader. Michaels’ captures the magic of Christmas and the importance of always believing in your dreams. Runaway Christmas by Elizabeth Bass Heidi Bogue, the owner of the Sweetgum Café, has the perfect Christmas planned. Heidi has been looking forward to spending the day alone in her pajamas watching movies. Erica, Heidi’s thirteen-year-old niece, also has the perfect Christmas planned. Erica concocts a plan to leave Texas and travel to New York to be with Heidi. A snowstorm, a runaway nanny, an adorable toddler and an unexpected guest are not what Heidi planned. Sometimes in life, those random moments of chaos, lead to a lifetime of bliss. Runaway Christmas is a delightful story that will put a smile on your face. The dialogue is snappy and there are a lot laugh out loud moments. Bass introduces many characters at the beginning of the story. As the plot progresses, the characters and their back stories come together seamlessly. The character of Laura and her issues with pregnancy are quirky and fun. The interaction between Heidi and the secondary characters provide many humorous moments. Heidi’s developing relationship with Patrick is tender. Bass weaves the elements of humanity, compassion and love into delicious story. Relax, unwind and get comfortable in the Sweetgum Café. Home for Christmas by Rosalind Noonan Jo Truman is co-owner of Cousins’ Christmas Shop in lovely Woodstock, New Hampshire. Jo, determined to put the past behind her, works hard to support herself and daughter, Ava. Memories of the past begin to rise to the surface after Clarice Diamond visits Cousins’ Christmas Shop. Shortly thereafter, Sam Norwood, an old friend comes back to Woodstock after serving in Afghanistan. As Sam and Jo begin to discover their feelings for each other, Jo must fight for the future of her family and Woodstock. Rosalind Noonan has crafted a well-written short story with multi-dimensional characters. Determination, forgiveness and family values are at the core of Home for Christmas. Noonan captures the essence of the picturesque small New Hampshire town. The chemistry between Jo and Sam sizzles from the start. As the story develops, their relationship deepens and they both begin to heal. The issues associated with returning to civilian life and dealing with injuries from the war is told in a realistic and honest tone. Home for Christmas is a story that will warm your heart and bring a tear to your eye. Christmas on Cape Cod by Nan Rossiter Maddie Carlson leaves town to celebrate Christmas with her best friend, Asa Coleman and his son Noah. This Christmas it the first that Maddie has not spent with her family. As Asa and Maddie take care of a puppy on Christmas Eve, Asa begins to see Maddie as more than a best friend. Christmas on Cape Cod has elements of new beginnings, gratitude and tradition. Rossiter captures the feeling of Christmas by detailing each character’s family traditions. Maddie’s back-story regarding her family tradition with picking the perfect Christmas tree and making Glug breathes life into the story. Noah’s relationship with his father feels awkward but the addition of Asa’s parents fills the void. Maddie and Asa’s relationship is very slow to start and begins to percolate by the end. Unfortunately, there was not enough tension between Asa and Maddie to make their story come to life. Take a trip out to Cape Cod and you may pick up a new holiday tradition.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT Fern Michaels; Elizabeth Bass; Rosalind Noonan; Nan Rossiter4 stories for the price of one, you can't go wrong!Making Spirits Bright by Ferm MicahelsThis is just one story out of 4 in this Christmas book. This tale is of a woman that shuts down her PC during the holidays so you can devoteher whole time to the holidays and friends and fmaily. She cares for the little girls down the street and attends parties that arise suddenly.She also meets up with her friends brother and they spend several days together, doing everything: skiing, chopping down a real Christmas treeand traveling for a short holiday. She get antsy about having children and starts the adoption process and wonders if her being single is goingto be a problem. Tragic things happen that lead to a wonderful finish. They would make a prefect fit with one another but there are others to consider.I rate this book a 5 out of 5, it's easy to follow with a handful of characters. Love the holiday season, the decorations, food, festivities, friendsand family. Like that this is so up todate with events that have made the paper - the octomom was one mention. This is only one out of 4 so I know therest will be just as good as this first story.Runaway Christmas by elizabeth hassIn this story we find Heidi, she runs a bake shop in NY. Her idea for Christmas this year is to not decorate her apartment and watch Avatar. Her niece in Texas feelsleft out with a new baby on the way in the family. Heidi gets a free tree, drags it home and there are problems. Up top of everything else she forgets about the cashbox in a plastic bag from the shop. Now the landlady and the nanny upstairs need her. What else can go wrong, oh plenty more. It's called an ice storm and effects everything.Maybe there won't be a Christmas at all? I rate this story a 5 out of 5, light reading with some intrigue. Easy to follow and in the spirit of the holidays.Home for Christmas by Rosalind NoonanJust started this story and am in love with it. set in Woodstock, NH as Jo is heading up the mountain with others there is a talk aboutthe area, the Old Man in the Mountain is a spot I've recently wanted to see with my spouse. The trip is in the works as we speak as he's neverbeen there. Jo runs a Christmas shop and has finally made a lot of money selling trees fully decorated. so much money she no longer has to workat nights at the ski lodge cleaning for them. her spouse was killed on the slopes and she's heading up there to ward off others from going downthe icy terrain. Her daughter is well looked after by a live in cousin as she goes to college for her nursing degree. ah-yeah and wicked=love theNew England slang! this story reminds me of my family-they even have a swear jar. he's just back from the war and is disfigured and doesn't allowher to even see him til they've met many times. as they begin to care for one another she wants to keep him in the dark about their relationshipand other things that are finally brought out the day before Christmas. Will they be able to get through it or does he leave?Christmas on Cape Cod by Nan RossiterMaddie helps her teacher friend and child for the holidays. They travel to the Cape Cod house where the boy remembers his previous parents andcertain things. Traditions are a must: carrots for the reindeer, cookies and eggnog for Santa, Mass the night before where Noah is given a specialthing to do, makes him feel real special. The surprise Noah gets when he wakes up in the morning has a two fold meaning. What a precious story thisis and the characters are also in another of Nan's books: the gin and chowder club. I rate this book a 5 out of 5, easy to pay attention to what'sgoing on with the characters, their surroundings and the Christmas traditions.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Just finished the Elizabeth Bass story, liked it pretty well. Just couldn't seem to get into the Fern Michaels story.

    The family tree in "Runaway Christmas" took a few pages for me to straighten out. A lot of stepfamilies and ex-stepfamilies going around. A lot more characters than I'm used to in Christmas romance anthologies. Overall it was pretty good though.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really enjoyed reading this book and it is the second time I have read it and it was just as good the second time as it was the first time. Well worth you time to read.

Book preview

Christmas on Cape Cod - Nan Rossiter

1:17

Chapter 1

Dad, wake up! There was a short pause and then the same soft voice whispered again with more urgency. Dad ... Dad, wake up! We have to go find a tree! You said we had to get up early. This time the plea was accompanied by gentle nudging and prodding. Asa Coleman opened one eye and squinted at the little face, which was inches from his nose. The face smiled. Time to get up! it announced cheerfully.

Asa closed his eyes, pulled his pillow over his head, and pretended to fall back asleep. He heard a small sigh of frustration and, from under the pillow, pictured the little boy standing in the middle of the braided rug with his hands on his hips, the arms and legs of his new pajamas rolled up to fit his small frame. To add to the boy’s dilemma, Asa let out a loud snore. Almost immediately, there was a determined tug on the blanket ... but Asa just pulled back and snored again.

It was quiet for a moment and he began to wonder what new plan was being hatched. He lay still, waiting, and felt the mattress press down under the weight of two small feet. He felt the two feet planting themselves firmly on either side of his legs and then he felt their weight shift as the small body leaned forward to take hold of the covers. Another moment passed and he could barely contain his laughter. But ... just as the unsuspecting perpetrator was about to give the covers a tremendous heave ... Asa threw off his pillow, spun around, and tackled him. The surprised boy giggled helplessly as Asa bounced him onto the bed and tickled him mercilessly.

Stop, Dad! Dad, stop! the squealing, squirming boy pleaded breathlessly. I’m going to wet my pajamas!

What?! Asa teased. You mounted an attack on the enemy without going to the head first? What were you thinking, man?

The little fellow giggled, shrugged, and sputtered, I don’t know!

Asa picked him up and set him on the floor. Go ... He watched the blond-haired boy run down the hall and wondered if he’d ever get used to being called Dad. He looked out the window and glanced at his bedside clock—not even six yet—Noah certainly was an early riser! Just then, he came running back down the hall, full tilt, and bowled his father onto the bed, attempting to return the tickle. Asa laughed, feigning surrender and protest, and tried to protect himself. Noah just giggled, truly believing he had the upper hand—until Asa turned the tables and the little fellow found himself on the bottom again, getting the worst of it.

Hey, what’s the idea of waking up your old man before it’s even light out? Asa interrogated playfully.

Noah was trying to catch his breath, and sputtered, You said we had to find a tree!

And ... how can we find a tree in the dark? Asa teased.

Well, we have to have breakfast first, Noah explained matter-of-factly.

We do?

And you said we have to pack.

Pack what? Asa continued to tease.

Clothes ... and Christmas presents! Noah answered with a beaming grin.

Oh ... no need to worry ’bout that.... I think you’re just getting coal for Christmas.

Noah looked dismayed.

Well ... have you been good? Asa asked with a serious face.

Noah nodded. Mm ... hmm.

Asa cupped his chin thoughtfully. I don’t know ... I guess we’ll have to wait and see ...

You’re just teasing, Noah said hopefully.

Asa shrugged, raised his hands palms up, and smiled. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and yawned. So, what’re you making for breakfast?

Da-ad! Noah moaned despairingly. "You’re making breakfast!"

I am? Well, what am I making?

Hmmm, Noah said, cupping his own chin in thought. How ’bout French toast?

Are you goin’ to help?

Sure! Noah said, hopping off the bed and pulling Asa by the hand. Asa slowly relented, stopping only to pull on his jeans, and then shuffled to the kitchen.

First things first, he said sleepily, reaching into the cabinet for the coffee.

Okay, Noah said, opening the fridge and taking out the milk, orange juice, and butter. How many eggs? he asked.

Two. Asa answered, absently measuring the coffee.

Noah balanced the eggs in one hand and then reached into the back of the fridge for a small jug of maple syrup.

Gettin’ low, he announced with authority.

Is there enough for today?

Noah shook the bottle and peered inside. Even though he couldn’t really see how much was left, he answered with optimism, I think so.

With the coffee perking cheerfully, Asa pulled out the pancake griddle, set it on the stovetop, and lit the burners. Then he reached for the bread. How hungry?

Two, Noah answered with a nonchalant shrug. Asa took out four slices of bread and Noah pushed an old oak chair over to the counter. Asa set the bowl in front of him and Noah looked up in surprise.

Go ahead ... you know how.

Noah grinned and reached for an egg, but, just as he cracked it, there was a knock at the door. He looked up and the eggshell fell into the bowl. With egg still dripping from his fingers, he hopped down and went to the door and opened it, smearing the knob in the process.

Maddie peered around the door. Am I too early? Then she answered her own question as she unzipped her jacket. Actually ... looks like I’m just in time!

Asa smiled at the rosy, freckled cheeks of his old friend and noticed that they were wet. Is it snowing? he asked.

Just started ... but not too hard. She closed the door behind her and then looked from her hand to the doorknob.

Thank the chef, Asa said, smiling and nodding toward Noah, who was back up on his chair, fishing out the eggshells. Maddie rinsed her hands and Asa handed her a steaming cup of coffee.

Mmmm, thanks. I knew there was a reason I liked you! She blew softly on the coffee and a

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