All I Want for Christmas

Eternity by Kally Jo Surbeck

Hundreds of years ago, their love was interrupted. Heath has been searching for his beloved Simone ever since, yet she always runs before he has a chance to rekindle the love that is between them. This Christmas he hopes that things will be different. Can he find a way to touch her heart and break the cycle of loneliness and heartache?

Eternity offers an unusual twist on love unfulfilled. Readers are introduced to the characters and as the story builds, they are offered glimpses into the past. The snippets of history are essential to understand the present situation of the characters. As the story culminates with a refreshing blend of providence and humor, readers are able to understand the complete story and appreciate the loss these two lovers have suffered. Ms. Surbeck does an excellent job illustrating the heartache Heath and Simone experience, while at the same time giving rise to the hope and joy that is growing between them.

The Color of Love by Brenna Lyons

When Grace receives an unusual ring in the mail, the last thing she expects is for the mood ring to reflect the true feelings she has buried deep within. Michael is hoping for just that. He made the mistake of walking away from Grace and now he wants her back. He will use any means necessary to win her back, even using her emotions against her. Yet, even Michael can’t foretell the colors the ring will reflect when Grace wears it. Will he have gambled and lost or will the ring show the Color of Love?

The Color of Love is a heartwarming short story of love’s second chance. Brenna Lyons does an outstanding job creating realistic characters that have believable reactions to the situation they find themselves in. Grace is not ready to automatically forgive Michael and struggles with what she should do, however her character is honest enough to admit that the love they shared is hard to forget. Michael’s candor is a nice change of pace. He is a man that realizes that he made a mistake and that the situation he finds himself in is of his own making. The ending of this story is a wonderful finale that reflects the depth of emotion that has been hinted at in the previous scenes.

The Christmas Necklace by Elaine Charton

Annabelle and Jilly want to be more than best friends, they want to be sisters. Deciding that Jilly’s mom Kirsten and Annabelle’s Uncle Brian would be perfect together, these two seven year-olds decide to enlist the help of someone who can’t fail, Mrs. Claus. Unbeknownst to Annabelle and Jilly, Kirsten and Brian know each other and were once very much in love. Is a second chance all their hearts need or will it take more than the magic of a necklace and Christmas for them to realize the real gift they have received?

The Christmas Necklace is a holiday read that will warm your heart no matter when it is read. Kirsten and Brian are characters that are very easy to relate to. As they rediscover the love they let go, they must deal with very real, every day issues. Their interaction with Annabelle and Jilly injects humor and fun into an already entertaining read. The history behind the necklace Kirsten has and its role in her romance with Brian bring just a little more magic to an already magical season.

All I Want for Christmas is a wonderful addition to holiday reading. These short stories are romantic and fun and will ensure that you are filled with the spirit of the holiday long after December has passed.

Reviewed by: Amanda