“You think I’m idiotic. Right again. Why else would I be talking to a cat?”
Jenny Lyme
The great thing about anthologies entirely by an author I enjoy is that I know I will like all of the novellas, which is the case with this one. Mary Jo Putney’s collection of Christmas stories shines. The stories were written between 1990 and 2002, but they all hold up well. I laughed, smiled, and ended the anthology wanting to read more.
A Holiday Fling
Watching Jenny and Greg work together to save her hometown Tithe Barn is a joy. They are both older and settled into their careers, so there is less angst at the beginning because they both know what they want.
It fell apart somewhat in the last two chapters when they both assumed they knew what the other wanted. It didn’t take long for Jenny to get the prod to talk through what they wanted, thankfully.
This one is worth reading if you’re looking for a sweet holiday romance.
The Christmas Cuckoo
This is a delightful story about finding a family. Cases of mistaken identity don’t always end well. Still, in this case, Mary Jo Putney has a beautiful way of making it all work. Jack’s easygoing manner meshes well with the goings-on in Meg’s home. Watching him enjoy the comforts of a family that he never had is one of the joys of this novella. Meg is a magnificent head of the household and ensures that everyone has a place, even after many disappointments, including losing her old house.
Everything clicked for me in this novella.
Sunshine For Christmas
I genuinely adore Mary Jo Putney’s more mature leading characters. Randolph and Elizabeth know what they are doing as they travel through Naples and the surrounding countryside. Of course, that doesn’t mean there are no misunderstandings, but they are not blindsided by their developing feelings.
They make a sweet couple as they move away from their past heartaches and towards a new future.
The Christmas Tart
Nicole and Philip had a memorable start to their acquaintance, that’s for sure. I truly enjoyed Philip’s practicality about it. The fact that his mother can laugh at him is truly a bonus. On the other hand, Nicole wallowed in overthinking things a little too much. It’s understandable with her background, but it brings the story’s tone down.
It is still a sweet story and well worth reading.
The Black Beast of Belleterre
The Black Beast of Belleterre does not hide that it is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and is all the better for it. Instead, it embraces reimagining the fairytale in Victorian England.
James was deemed ugly in childhood. Further damaged in an accident, he has come to accept the lonely life his ugliness has subjected him to while still finding enjoyment. Ariel is the quintessential beauty but chooses life in the country rather than living as a trophy wife. When they are thrust together in a marriage of convenience to protect Ariel, they must come to terms with themselves and their growing feelings for one another.
While by no means ground-breaking, The Black Beast of Belleterre is a quick, delightful, fluffy romantic read with a dash of Christmas charm. James and Ariel blossom as characters, and their romance is a joy to read.
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