This year, Christmas is truly a delight when Ramiro returns home to discover his father hired a companion.  Determined, stubborn and beautiful, Ramiro finds himself drawn to Shawnie and suddenly longs for family and traditions he’s denied to build his fortune. 

A Delightful Christmas

by Jewel Stone

Anthology, Northwest Tales of the Season

 By Judith B. Glad, Mary Taffs, J. A. Clarke, Maureen Mackey, RubyLee Schneider, and Jewel Stone from Awe-Struck eBooks

ISBN: 1-58749-404-3

Available NOW for download from Awe-Struck eBooks in the following formats:  HTML, PDF, Palm, Pocket PC, Rocket, eBookman, and Hiebook. 

Or order a cute diskette directly from Jewel!

Reviews: 

"Ms. Stone has penned a thought-provoking story on what is truly important in life...For a reminder of the wonder of the holiday season, check out NORTHWEST TALES OF THE SEASON.  You won't be sorry."  Angela Camp, Romance Reviews Today.  Click here to read complete review!

"Where else can you find a romance that is overflowing with such a vast wealth of compelling stories written by six of the leading names in romance?"  Suzie Housley, MyShelf.com   Click here to read complete review!

"..a novel filled with Christmas stories that touch your heart and leave you feeling all warm and toasty inside. You will fall in love with the characters as you feel their joy and sorrow and rejoice with their happily-ever-after. I loved this book!!!  ~Judy Leigh Peters, reader & author  Click here to read complete review!

"There’s something extra-special about love at Christmas time. These short stories are perfect when you’re in the mood for a quick helping of holiday cheer."  Alane, The Romance Junkies  Click here to read complete review!

"This beautifully written anthology truly has some- thing for everyone. A delightful read for the holidays that you won't want to miss." Margaret Ohmes, Affaire de Coeur Click here to read complete review!

"This reviewer definitely recommends starting off your holiday season with
the Anthology Northwest Tales of the Season. There is nothing better to get you into the Christmas spirit than a very good holiday read"  JoAnn  Click here to read complete review!

"Lighthearted, yet packed full of many elements that make up  great stories, such as love, adventure, mystery, and smiles! Love tales at their best, ready to be enjoyed and remembered! For the romantic in all of us, a plate full of delicious delicacies ready to be devoured!"  Shirley Johnson, Midwest Book Review  Click here to read complete review!

"With the variety of stories offered in Northwest Tales of The Season you will find one or two that will make you laugh, feel the pain and sorrow, and the triumph that love prevails over all...Jewel Stone has given us another wonderful story in A Delightful Christmas."  Pam, A Romance Review.  Click here to read complete review!

Complete Reviews:

Six authors from northwestern states gather to offer readers a six-pack of
Christmas cheer.


LORD OF MISRULE Judith B. Glad (historical)

Luke Savage is not happy.  Married in a shotgun wedding, he will never know
if his wife Katie would have chosen him otherwise.  He worries more when he
finds out she comes from money, since he is poor.  Katie can't understand
what has gotten into Luke.  He seemed perfectly happy until they got to her
parents' home.  Will Luke realize Katie is the woman who can help him build
his own empire, or will he let pride win?

This story sets the Christmas spirit nicely.  I would like to have an
old-fashioned Christmas like the one in the story.

THE SNASS CHUCK RubyLee Schneider (historical)
From the memoirs of Tillie Emerson DeWade

As told to Tillie's grandchildren one day: Tillie Emerson is
furious.  Nobody stands her up for a dance and escapes unscathed.  She and
her friend Mildred decide to ride their landlord's mares to the
dance.  Their landlord's wife tells them to watch out for the snass chucks.
(What are snass chucks, you ask?  Read the story and find out.)  After
Tillie and Mildred arrive at the Christmas dance, Tillie meets Frank
DeWade, who makes her forget her pique at her date. After her real date
shows up and starts trouble, Tillie acknowledges Frank is the man for her.

A delightful Christmas tale.  Readers can almost see the dance hall in
their minds.

KEEPER OF SECRETS J.A. Clarke

Shawna Carlson needs a place to get away from her cheating, soon-to-be-ex
fiancé, so she gets the directions to a fishing cabin owned by a
friend.  It seems to be an ideal place, except for the hairy, grouchy
neighbor.  Dr. Gregory Harris has his own reasons for wanting to be alone
during the holidays.  He doesn't need a city slicker who knows absolutely
nothing about roughing it.  Can they figure out they are exactly what the
other needs?

My favorite story of the whole anthology, this short story is full of the
real meaning of Christmas.

A MIDNIGHT CLEAR Maureen Mackey

Sophie Weyland inherited her grandmother Adele's house.  It is perfect for
what Sophie wants, a new life.  Burnt out on teaching in Portland, Sophie
plans to sell the house and start fresh in California with the
money.  Enter opposition in the form of one Jake Lazarra.  Next-door
neighbor, local businessman, and head of the local school board, Jake can
derail all of Sophie's plans.  He doesn't want his town changed by big-city
developers.  What starts out as a plan to make Sophie reconsider turns into
a battle to show the power of love.  Will Sophie realize small-town living
is perfect for her?

A MIDNIGHT CLEAR is another winner in this celebration of the holiday season.

A DELIGHTFUL CHRISTMAS Jewel Stone

Shawnie Martin is upset.  Her employer, Diego Sanchez, is looking forward
to his son coming home for the holidays.  Shawnie, on the other hand,
doesn't approve of how Diego's son feels.  Ramiro Sanchez thinks the most
important things are material.  He has turned his back on love.  Can
Shawnie teach Ramiro what the most important thing in life is?

Ms. Stone has penned a thought-provoking story on what is truly important
in life.

A RING FOR CHRISTMAS Mary Taffs

Neal is over the moon.  Not only has he landed his first major painting
commission, he is in love with the perfect woman, Marian.  Who cares if she
is twenty-three years older than he is?  But when he asks Marian to marry
him, she thinks the age difference is too much to overcome.  Can Neal
convince her he knows what he wants?

A wonderful story about how love can overcome anything, even a generational
age difference.

Each novella in this collection has a wonderful celebration of Christmas at
its center. From the historical LORD OF MISRULE to the contemporary A RING
FOR CHRISTMAS, the joy of the season shines through them all.  The
characters and settings in every tale come to life.  For a reminder of the
wonder of the holiday season, check out NORTHWEST TALES OF THE SEASON.  You
won't be sorry.

Angela Camp, Romance Reviews Today
 

Northwest Tales of the Season
A Christmas Anthology
By Judith B. Glad, Mary Taffs, J.A. Clarke, Maureen Mackey, Ruby Lee
Schneider and Jewel Stone

There is no other anthology quite like Northwest Tales of the Season: A
Christmas Anthology. Where else can you find a romance that is overflowing
with such a vast wealth of compelling stories written by six of the leading
names in romance? Readers will bask in the down-home country feeling of
each heart-warming story. This book captures this true magic of the holiday
and would make an excellent Christmas gift.

      Lord of Misrule by Judith B. Glad
      Katie and Luke Savage travel to Boise to spend Christmas with Katie's
prominent, rich family. Having been married in a shotgun wedding, Luke is
nervous the family will not accept him. He doubts he will be able to
provide the lifestyle Katie is used to living. Will their marriage be
strong enough to survive this obstacle?

      The Snass Chuck: From the Memoirs of Tillie Emerson Dewade by Ruby
Lee Schneider
      In the fall of 1931, two school teachers, Tille and Mildred, await
the arrival of Finn McCool. Finn had promised to pick them up and take them
to the Christmas Dance. When he fails to arrive on time, they are forced to
ride horseback to the event. Upon arriving, Tilly is attention is
immediately drawn to Frank Dewade. Their first encounter sends an
electrical shock up her arm. What impact is this handsome stranger about to
have on her life?


      Keeper of Secrets by J.A. Clarke
      Ad Executive Shawna Carlton's world has been turned upside-down ever
since she discovered her fiancée had been cheating on her. To help sort out
what to do about the relationship, she seeks out peace and solitude at a
friend's rustic cabin. The cabin comes with some unexpected surprises: no
indoor plumbing, an unfriendly rat as the cabin's mascot, and a handsome
neighbor in the form of Dr. Gregory Harris. Greg recognizes Shawna as a
city girl unaccustomed to mountain life and decides to interrupt his
vacation to be her exterminator and handyman. Will their growing nearness
be just what the Doctor ordered?

      A Midnight Clear by Maureen Mackey
     Sophie Weyland had returned to Sea Spray to tie up loose ends of her
Grandmother's estate. Having inherited her home and property, she planned
to sell it to a contractor who would turn it into an exclusive resort. With
the funds, she would be able to create a new life for herself-one far away
from her teaching position in Portland. She hadn't counted on meeting any
obstacles; her plan seemed foolproof, until she met Jake Lazzara. Jake is a
lifetime resident of Sea Spray. Being a renowned business owner and head of
the school board, he is a strong voice in the community, determined to
block anything that threatens the quiet fisherman's village he calls home.
Upon meeting Sophie, he recognized her as a beautiful, determined, woman.
How will she react when she learns he was the one that was intent on
playing havoc with her future?

      Delightful Christmas by Jewel Stone
     Shawnie Martin serves as a companion to Ramiro Sanchez and has grown
to love the elderly man and see him as a father figure. She was saddened to
learn this kindly old man's own son Ramiro broke his father's heart by not
taking a interest in the family land and heritage. Instead, he selected to
go off to college and become a successful businessman. After a long
absence, Ramiro os scheduled to visit at Christmas. Upon their first
encounter, Shawnie is determined to reunite the two. Will her plan be met
with resistance-one that could endanger her own heart?

      A Ring For Christmas by Mary Taffs
      For the past four years, Neal had lived off the generosity of Marian,
who was twenty-three years older and who offered him the opportunity to
expand his artistic talents. As payment for her support, Neal offers her
the only thing of value he owned-himself. Having just landed an art deal
that promises a brilliant art career, it is time to celebrate. Rushing home
to Marian, he is excited to share his good news, but is puzzled when she
doesn't share in his happiness. When she indicates their relationship is
over, he is determined to find out what is behind this sudden change of
attitude.

Reviewed by Suzie Housley at MyShelf.com
 

Northwest Tales of The Season is a novel filled with Christmas stories that touch your heart and leave you feeling all warm and toasty inside. You will fall in love with the characters as you feel their joy and sorrow and rejoice with their happily-ever-after. I highly recommend these heartwarming tales by Judith B Glad, Mary Taffs, J.A. Clarke, Maureen Mackey, RubyLee Schneider, and Jewel Stone. You won't be able to put it down until the end!
 
I loved this book!!!  ~Judy Leigh Peters, reader & author

4 STARS!

LORD OF MISRULE by Judith B. Glad
Luke Savage didn’t know exactly what he was getting into when he married Katie Lachlan. The newlyweds are visiting Katie’s family for Christmas, and Luke is overwhelmed when they finally arrive. The land, the house, and the big, boisterous family are intimidating and he’s feeling a little inferior. He wasn’t born to that kind of money! He wants to work hard to support his family without handouts from Katie’s relatives, but can he ask her to make so many sacrifices? Katie doesn’t understand Luke’s doubts. She loves Luke and knows her family will accept him. Will love provide a strong enough foundation for two people who want to build a life together?

THE SNASS CHUCK by RubyLee Schneider
When Finn McCool stands up schoolteacher Tillie Emerson for the Christmas dance, she and her friend Mildred are left without transportation. Their only hope is to borrow horses from their landlord and ride over the hill to get to that dance. They are desperate enough to give it a try, but they had better watch out for the Snass Chucks! Is it worth the risk just to go to a dance? Who knows what they will find there!

KEEPER OF SECRETS by J.A. Clarke
Shawna Clark just wants to get away for a few days. Away from the city, her cheating fiancé and the very real possibility that she’ll lose her job. She doesn’t expect the fishing cabin to be quite so… rustic, though. No heat, no running water, nothing but a rude neighbor who is determined to ignore her for the sake of his own peace and quiet. Dr. Gregory Harris doesn’t need company interrupting his annual ritual, especially not a woman who can’t even build a fire to keep herself from freezing to death in the cabin next door. To the chagrin of both, Shawna decides to stay. Both were looking for solitude but will they find something better instead?

A MIDNIGHT CLEAR by Maureen Mackey
Sophie Weyland is ready to start a new life. She just needs to make a brief stop in Sea Spray to sell the house her grandmother left her, so she can afford to move to a new city and start a new career. But Jake Lazarra, head of the school board and Sophie’s new neighbor, keeps blocking her attempts to sell her inheritance. He convinces her to step in as a teacher at the local elementary school, reawakening her interest in teaching. Jake is beginning to pique her interest, too. Sophie seems to be starting new life in Sea Spray, but can the small town – and Jake - compete with the allure of a glamorous city?

A DELIGHTFUL CHRISTMAS by Jewel Stone
Shawnie Delight Martin loves her job as companion to Diego Sanchez. When Diego’s son Ramiro arrives home for a Christmas visit, he immediately assumes Shawnie is a gold digger and orders her out of his father’s house. He’s already broken Diego’s heart by refusing to take over the family farm that Diego can no longer run by himself. Ramiro has a lot to learn about love and family. Will Shawnie be the one to teach him?

A RING FOR CHRISTMAS by Mary Taffs
Neal is a promising young artist who has just gotten a big break. His contract to provide the artwork for a large corporate headquarters building is just what he needs to get on his feet professionally. His mentor Marian is proud of him and feels her work is complete, but Neal disagrees! He’s in love with Marian. Marian loves Neal too, but in her opinion there’s an insurmountable problem: Neal is 23 years her junior. She’s sure that Neal is feeling gratitude and friendship, not deep, enduring love. Can Neal convince Marian to believe the evidence of her own heart and accept his love?


All six of these heartwarming Christmas stories take place in the Pacific Northwest. Some are tales of days long past, others are from more contemporary times, but all share a common theme: love. There’s something extra-special about love at Christmas time. These short stories are perfect when you’re in the mood for a quick helping of holiday cheer.

Reviewed by Alane for The Romance Junkies
 

5 Stars!  Northwest Tales of the Season is a wonderful collection of Christmas
stories sure to please even the most discriminating romance reader.

In "Lord of Misrule" by Judith B. Glad, Katie and Luke struggle to make
their marriage work. It isn't just the shotgun wedding that has them off to
a shaky start; it's also the fact that they come from very different back-
grounds. Is love enough?

"The Snass Chuck" by Ruby Lee Schneider draws upon the memoirs of Tillie
Emerson De Wade, a grand- mother, relating to her grandchildren the story of
how she meet her husband. It's a warm and wonderful ac count that will leave
you smiling.

In "Keeper of Secrets" by J. A. Clarke, Greg and Shawna each have reasons
for escaping the holidays to hide away in a secluded mountain cabin. Forced
to be neighbors and constantly intruding on the quiet solitude of the other,
they finally realize that have much in common.

"A Midnight Clear" by Maureen Mackey tells the story of Sophie and Jake, two
people at odds over what should become of a piece of inherited real estate.
Sophie has decided to sell to a land developer. Jake will do whatever it
takes to keep that from happening.

In "A Delightful Christmas" by Jewel Stone, Shawnie is a paid companion to
Diego, an elderly man who re- fuses to leave his home that once was a
bountiful or- chard. Ramiro, Diego's son, has found his fortune far from
what once was their successful family business. He rarely visits his father,
and when he does, he is bad-tempered and unkind. Shawnie thinks she knows
why, but can she get him to admit it and rekindle those lost feelings of
love?

"A Ring for Christmas" by Mary Taffs is the story of Neal, a young and
promising artist, and Marian, Neal's mentor who is 20 years his senior.
Their relationship is much more than business; they are in love, and Neal
pro- poses after his first big sale. But Marian is convinced that they have
no future. She's been married before, and she's also terrified that one day
Neal will wake up and want someone younger in his life.

This beautifully written anthology truly has some- thing for everyone. A
delightful read for the holidays that you won't want to miss.

Margaret Ohmes, Affaire de Coeur
 

NORTHWEST TALES OF THE SEASON (Anthology) by Judith B. Glad, Mary Taffs, J.A. Clarke, Maureen Mackey, RubyLee Schneider and Jewel Stone

Awe-Struck E-Books
ISBN: 1-58749-406-X

Reviewed by JoAnn
Rating: 4 angels

With the holidays fast approaching, Northwest Tales of the Season is just
the book to get you in the spirit. There are six short stories in this
Anthology full of Christmas Cheer.


In Lord of Misrule by Judith B. Glad, we meet a young, newlywed couple,
Luke and Katie, who have overcome many obstacles on the trail to finally
make it to Katie’s family home for Christmas. For Luke this is not an easy
undertaking since the only one in her family he has met was her father and
that resulted in a shotgun wedding. When he sees how Katie’s family lives
and what she gave up for a life with him, he begins to doubt their
marriage. After a falling out between the two, both decide to separate. Can
a family celebration help them find their love or will it only show more
differences?

The Snass Chuck by RubyLee Schneider brings us a story from the memoirs of
Tillie Emerson DeWade. After being stood up by Finn McCool, Tillie and her
friend Mildred decide to find their own way to the Christmas dance.
Arriving at the dance on horseback they meet up with Mildred’s beau, Red.
They begin to have a nice time despite how the evening began until once
again Finn McCool shows what he is truly made of. How does Tillie possibly
find love at the Christmas dance?

Keeper of Secrets by J.A. Clarke introduces us to Shawna Carlton, who has
decided to get away from it all including her fiancé by escaping to her
friend’s lodge in the mountains. Gregory Harris, the jerk in the house next
door, does not take to her right off the bat, but eventually they begin to
form a friendship with a hint of maybe more. However when Shawna’s fiancé
shows up, she finds that decisions made before hand are not always the
correct ones.
 

A Midnight Clear by Maureen Mackey is the story of Sophie Weyland. She has
come back to Sea Spray to sell her Grandmother’s house, which was her
inheritance. Sohie doesn’t plan on staying long instead she hopes to move
onto Portland and change careers, but Jake Lazzara has different plans in
mind for Sophie.
 

In A Delightful Christmas by Jewel Stone we meet Shawnie Martin, who has
become a close friend of Diego Sanchez. When Diego’s son Ramiro comes home
for Christmas, she plans on making it memorable for the two. What she did
not expect was the impossible jerk she met. Does this brute of a man care
about his father or his dreams? Shawnie has no choice but to voice her
opinions on the matter and see where it leads. Christmas is all about new
beginnings.
 

A Ring for Christmas by Mary Taffs is the story Neal and Marian. Neal has
just gotten a big deal for his artwork and to celebrate he has decided to
ask Marian to marry him. Unfortunately, Marian has other plans. She had
previously decided to end their relationship after Christmas. Both are
shocked by the revelations made by the other. Will they decide on a life
together or a life apart?
 

Each story in this anthology had its own unique characteristics. They all
put this reviewer into the Christmas spirit. All six stories bring us a
remarkable tale of love. In Lord of Misrule we have not only love but also
the beginning of a marriage. As any person who has ever been married before
knows first holidays with in laws is never as easy as it seems. The Snass
Chuck had this reviewer laughing throughout the whole story. Tillie is
definitely a memorable character. Keeper of the Secrets brought us to
people who really thought they were seeking solitude, but in all reality
they were seeking a new beginning.
 

In A Midnight Clear Sophie is looking for a new start in life, but
sometimes, as she learns, we are not always looking in the right places.
This reviewer loved Sophie’s teaching methods and praises any teacher who
could capture a class as Sophie did. Ramiro in A Delightful Christmas
definitely needed an attitude adjustment and this reviewer was happy to see
Shawnie put him in his place. A Ring for Christmas had two remarkable
characters. Each having very sound reasons for the decisions they started
out with, but in the end love will conquer all.
 

This reviewer definitely recommends starting off your holiday season with
the Anthology Northwest Tales of the Season. There is nothing better to get
you into the Christmas spirit than a very good holiday read.
 

I always love when I review short stories.  I know that I can sit down and finish one right away. I was not disappointed with the tales within "Northwest Tales of the Season."  Lighthearted, yet packed full of many elements that make up  great stories, such as love, adventure, mystery, and smiles! Love tales at their best, ready to be enjoyed and remembered! For the romantic in all of us, a plate full of delicious delicacies ready to be devoured!  ~Shirley Johnson, reviewer for Midwest Book Review
 
  Lord of Misrule
 
  Kate and Luke, the main characters of this short story, are on their way to Kate's family for Christmas, and for Luke to meet his new in-laws.  Luke was not very excited about meeting the Lachlan clan all at once, he wondered if they would accept him and if he was indeed good enough to be Kate's husband.
 
  Kate's family was well off financially, something that Luke's background did not have, this worried him. The closer they came to the homestead the more upset Luke became making Kate wonder if he was sorry that he married her.
 
  Kate's family were a delightful group of people and the author quickly drew you into the atmosphere of love that radiated from them to one another. The story takes you on a journey of Kate and Luke taking a good look at each other and  within themselves.  Did they make a mistake when they married?

 Was there a future for them and would Luke be able to accept Kate's family?  A delightful ending awaits you as these two find out what love,life, and marriage are all about!
 
  Keeper of Secrets
 
  I really enjoyed this story.  Shawna Carlton was running away from a forthcoming marriage that she knew was not right for her. At the generosity of her friend she made her way to the mountain cabin during the Holiday Season only to find it was rustic to say the least, and just where was the bathroom?
  Horrors!
  Little did she know that she would have a neighbor, Dr. Gregory Harris, who was also trying to find peace, not only from the hectic world that he lived in, but from the loss of his beloved wife.
  Starting off on a bad note, soon these two found that they needed each other more then they would like to admit.  Perhaps fate played a hand in this meeting! This was an adorable love story, set in a wonderful winter location that just made you yearn to snuggle up with someone and share the moment! Great read!
 
  A Midnight Clear
 
  Sophie had lost her grandmother and returned to Sea Spray to sell the property and continue on with her life. Little did Sophie know that a certain young man, by the name of Jake Lazzara would change those plans forever. This was a good story involving a little bit of mystery and a little bit of fun for the characters.  I liked the Italian aspect of it, knowing how Italians love to match people (I am Italian) I got a real smile out of Jakes family, yes I could relate!
  Jake and Sophie go through some troubles before they realize they just might have a future together. A very warm and loving story that leaves you with a good feeling inside after the read. I truly enjoyed this one.
 
 
A Delightful Christmas
 
  Shawnie took care of Diego, she needed the money and she liked the man.  He was a good friend to her, now she had to get ready to meet his son Ramiro and that was not
  going to be easy for any of them.
  Ramiro didn't feel the way his father did about
Rancho de la Huerta Generosa, and the family business.  He sought a life outside of what was important to his father. Shawnie and Ramiro were drawn to each other, or though they tried hard to fight the longings they both felt.  Finally after much turmoil Ramiro returns to his father, their ranch and the love he feels for Shawnie.
  Talk about happy endings, this one is tops in that area! A very heartwarming story.

 
  A Ring for Christmas
 
  We often hear of the love between an older man and a younger woman, but be honest, don't you think twice when it is a younger man and an older woman?  I know that I have.
  This is the story behind "A Ring for Christmas", the story about Marian and Neal.  Neal loved Marian, but she had many issues with their age difference and what the future would hold for them. The author does a great job in bringing to light what I am sure many people face in this situation. Does love triumph over age?
  Ah...you will have to read this story to find out.
  Good job Mary, as always!
 
  The Snass Chuck

  Grandma is telling a story and what a story it is.  It's about how she first met Grandpa and about snass chuck. What is snass chuck?  You will have to read the story to
  find out.  Sounds mysterious doesn't it?
  This was a sweet story about two friends who had to get to the Christmas dance and had no way to get there except to ride two old horses, but as determined as they were to go, it was just what they had to do.
  After arriving at the dance the very man who had promised  to give them a ride starts a fight and the two ladies end up hiding under one of the tables.  However, that is how
  Grandma meets her true love as he protects her from the drunken Finn McCool.
  This was a good story with a nice twist. Decent people finding deep love that lasted a lifetime. Simple, yet entertaining! Good read!
 

Northwest Tales of The Season has a variety of stories that are sure to please you, as they vary in subgenres as well. There is a total of six stories, which will keep you interested from one to the next; each story is set around Christmas.
 

The first story is by Judith B. Glad, titled Lord of Misrules. This is a historical story that tells of what one man thinks of himself as a provider and a husband and if he can fit into the mismatched family of his wife Katie. We see the struggles and doubts that Luke has about Katie and her family. Both Katie and Luke have some growing to do in order to make the marriage work. Can Christmas bring them closer together?
 

The Snass Chuck by RubyLee Schneider is a delightful tale of how one meets their true love and marries them. Grandchildren hear the tale of how their grandmother met her husband and the events that led to that night and him dropping her off at her house. Oh, we also find out what 'Snass Chuck' is as well, and what people thought it was and how they reacted.
 

Keeper of Secrets by J.A. Clarke is one of my favorites from this anthology. Shawna is off to a rustic cabin in the woods, with no modern amenities - and no idea what she is doing - to try and figure out if she really wants to marry her fiancé. Greg Harris was at his modern cabin for a little soul searching of his own. He likes his privacy there and doesn’t like it when Shawna interrupts it several times. There are many quirks to this story that will have you laughing at the antics of Shawna and Greg. Greg had a saying in the book that I just loved, especially after we found out his profession. Can these two come to terms with their past in order to move on to a future together?
 

Midnight Clear by Maureen Mackey is a tale of following one's heart and conquering a fear. Sophie has inherited her grandmother’s house, so off she goes to the island to sell the house; she already has a buyer for it. Sophie meets Jake and lets first impressions convince her he is someone else. Well, Jake was not who Sophie thought he was - but he didn’t try to tell her otherwise. Sophie and Jake go head-to-head in the battle of the property and in their growing attraction to each other. Can this attraction, and her unexpected job, be enough for Sophie to stay and not sell the house? Or will the vindictiveness of one woman ruin it all?
 

Jewel Stone has given us another wonderful story in A Delightful Christmas. Shawnie is the companion and cook to Diego, an older man with only a son living. Shawnie has some very strong beliefs in family and what they should and should not do and she tells them to Ramiro, Diego’s son. Ramiro has his own life and he likes living away from the place that he called home at one time. He doesn’t see it as his father and mother did. Can Ramiro realize what he is missing and try to make changes in his life? Will Shawnie be one of the changes? It is interesting to see the intensity between the two of them and the attraction.
 

A Ring For Christmas by Mary Taffs deals with the hurt and pain of being in love and the doubts of one person in the relationship. Neal loves Marian and wants to marry her, so he buys her a ring for Christmas. But Marian has many doubts about being married to someone several years younger than she is. Can she get over her doubts and marry Neal? Or will her doubts push Neal out of her life for good?
 

With the variety of stories offered in Northwest Tales of The Season you will find one or two that will make you laugh, feel the pain and sorrow, and the triumph that love prevails over all. Of all the stories, I enjoyed Keeper of Secrets the most, it was funny to see how these two come to terms with each other.

There wasn’t one story that I didn’t like. I have found some authors that I have not read before but I will now be on the lookout for their books. Reviewed in October 2003 by Pam for A Romance Review.

 


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