Christmas stories by MJ Fredrick (With a novella giveaway)

About this time every year, my grandmother would start stocking up on Christmas books. She loved the novellas by different authors that the publishers would put out. We found a lot of new authors that way, because she'd give the books to me when she was done, and I'd race to read them before Christmas.

She passed away in 2004, but every time I see a set of Christmas novellas, I think how she'd be gobbling those down right about now. She didn't watch as much TV as I do, and she'd take advantage of the long evenings to read and read.

Now novellas don't have to be bundled in groups for people to enjoy. Thanks to digital publishing, they can read novellas all the time. I have to say, I'm a huge fan. But I also like discovering new authors, like I did back in the day with my grandmother's books.

So Trish Milburn, Tanya Michaels and I took a trip to Alabama and worked on a set of related Christmas stories set at the beach. This is what we came up with:

Christmas isn’t always snow-covered with a frosty chill in the air. Sometimes it’s sandy beaches with balmy breezes.

And sometimes we find love in the most unexpected places, a place like Starfish Shores.

Here Comes McBride by Tanya Michaels

Shelby James has only truly loved one man — but Finn McBride broke her heart when emotional baggage from his past came between them. Now, Shelby is serving as maid of honor at a beach wedding where Finn is the best man. Will reuniting with Finn be a Christmas miracle, or the worst mistake she's ever made?

Two Hearts a Leaping by MJ Fredrick

After a break-up with her high school sweetheart, Harley Blume retreats to her brother's home in Starfish Shores to lick her wounds and figure out what she's doing next. But her brother is in the Coast Guard reserves and heading out of town, leaving her in the care of Liam Channing, his best friend since they played college football together. She's never been able to keep her tongue in her mouth when good-looking, easy-going Liam is around. How is she going to find her way if she can't keep her balance?

Cruisin’ for a Kiss by Trish Milburn

When Avery Phillips loses her magazine job right before Christmas, she heads back home to Starfish Shores to spend the holidays with the grandparents who raised her. The plan is to hit the job search hard so that she has a new position when the New Year arrives. What isn’t part of the plan is heading up a remodeling effort at her family’s beach motel or falling for the man helping to save the business into which her grandparents put a lifetime of work. As Christmas draws closer, will Avery stick to the original plan to leave town again or take a chance with Luke Taylor and a new life she never expected?

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo.

How about you? Are you hooked on holiday books? How do you find new authors? One commenter will win a copy of my other Christmas novella, Sanctuary with the Cowboy.

Christmastime is Here...(Warning: Suggestive book covers included)

The tree is trimmed. The lights are hung outside. Candles are in the windows. Stockings are hung by the gas fireplace with care. Wreaths are in place, and I've already hosted a Christmas party.

Clearly, December has commenced.

I've started Christmas shopping, and fortunately my family is small. I'll probably be done next week. Don't hate me.

Christmas music is all I'll listen to now whether it's on the radio or from my private collection that includes everything from Kenny G to Transiberian Orchestra to Ray Charles. This time of year always makes me wish I could sing, but I'd have better luck carrying an elephant instead. The beauty of listening to this holiday music while driving alone in my car is that I can throw caution to the wind and sing my heart out without any nasty repercussions.

I also enjoy reading holiday books during December. This year I devoured Penny Watson's SWEET INSPIRATION, which is about one of the sons of Santa Claus. Witty, hot, and full of holiday cheer, this book helped me kick off my season on the right foot...or snow boot, that is.

I have two of my own holiday reads available from Whispers Publishing.

 

MIDNIGHT MISTLETOE
Art history professor Dr. Melina Fairlee refuses to spend Christmas alone in New York while her twin daughters enjoy the holiday with their father in Disney World. To escape a lonely December at home and to forget that her girls would rather be with her ex-husband, Melina travels to Spain on a mission to lose herself in the art museums of Madrid.

Dance instructor Diego Ramos always has a full dance card, but he’s tired of being nothing more than a quick tango. While he enjoys teaching his clients, he longs to share the beauty of dance with someone who knows how to heat up the floor…and him. Christmas with his family is just another reminder of the love he can’t seem to find.

On a snow-dusted Christmas Eve, Melina and Diego will celebrate the holiday in a way neither of them thought possible. The gifts they give each other under the mistletoe will set Madrid on fire, but how long will the blaze between them last?

IN THE NICK OF TIME
You never know what you'll find under the Christmas tree.  

Electrician Ivy Garrow would rather be at home in Rhode Island enjoying a snow-covered New England Christmas. Instead she's trapped in the Hawaiian heat at her sister's wedding. An entire continent separates Ivy from her annual holiday fun.

Canoe builder Nick Huntley can't wait to dump off his current passenger, a bride with the body of a goddess and the arrogance to match. When he arrives at the wedding and meets the bride's sister, Nick is ready to row away from double the hassle.

Is Christmas magic possible when the air is filled with sunshine and ukulele music?
Visit me at http://www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com/ to download both today and get filled with holiday spirit!

Happy Holidays!
Christine DePetrillo