In the depths of the Great Depression, poor families like the Van Slotens are lucky to have a roof over their heads. Work is scarce, and there hasn't been enough of it to provide even the necessities, let alone a luxury like a holiday celebration. But when Tom, the oldest son, takes it into his head to provide a Christmas for his family, the stage is set for a story that will warm your heart and restore your faith in the true spirit of the season!

    Serve with a side of naughty and nice.Claire Morgan and her sisters are a tad twitchy. Their father is on his way for their first Christmas in Arizona, but the tidings of joy are few and far between. For one thing, their mother is pissed about her ex-husband flying in to play Santa. For another, their mother is just pissed. Period.Christmas will never be the same again for the Morgan sisters.

    AbbottEmma Louise Fallon, aka Elf, has two wishes for Christmas. Having spent the last few months bragging about her latest boyfriend, who's turned out to be a womanizing cheat, one, she needs to escape her well-meaning family, and, two, she needs to avoid all men while she's in a man-hating mode.But stranded alone in a cold isolated cabin, when her girlfriend is forced to bail out on their vacation plans, Elf makes one more desperate wish: Can she please learn how to build a fire before she freezes to death?The solo rustic life is becoming all too much for her. She's convinced that a stray cat, who has decided to keep her company, has magical powers, that the local shop owners are secretly Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and nothing can stop her from laughing when the hot local Martian -come cop - come veterinarian - introduces himself as Rudi.Will Elf need to break her rule about staying away from men, and rely on this hunk for helping her start a fire? Or, worse, yet, will she be able to control the fire that Rudi's ignited in her?TWO HEARTS' CHRISTMAS WISH (TWO HEARTS WOUNDED WARRIOR ROMANCE BOOK 4)by Multi Award-Winning, #1 International Bestselling Author Tamara FergusonSeventeen-year-old Jason Matthews made a wish when he'd shared a kiss with Katherine Conlin under the mistletoe at Dragonfly Pointe, fourteen years ago. Now an Air Force Captain and wounded warrior, he awakens in the hospital in Germany, where his dreams have been invaded by the girl from his past.Once he returns home to the states, he finds out approaching Kat might be a little more difficult than he'd thought, since she's been in a long term relationship for nearly two years.But another year later, when Jason discovers she's on her way to the Dragonfly Pointe Inn for the Christmas holidays, without her boyfriend, he seizes the opportunity to be reacquainted.Kat had been expecting a proposal this Christmas, and when her boyfriend backs out, yet again, on the carefully laid plans she's made for them, she realizes she probably wouldn't be happy with him anyway.Kat has often wondered what happened to Jason Matthews, the boy she'd made a wish with years ago, and the last thing she expects is to run into him again at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn.Will there still be that special Christmas magic between them, to make those long ago wishes come true?Tamara Ferguson: Two Hearts' Christmas Wish is Tamara's 4th Wounded Warrior Romance. Not only has her Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Series won 6 awards, including a silver medal in Military Fiction from Readers' Favorite, in 2016 alone, Two Hearts Surrendered was a #1 International Bestseller on 16 lists, while Two Hearts Unspoken was a #1 International Hot New Release as well as a #1 International Bestseller on 16 lists.Allyson R. Abbott: Goodbye, Hello became a #1 international bestselling book in 2015 and a total of five books have received glowing 5 star reviews from The Readers Favorite Editorial Book Reviewers, earning a hefty collection of 5 Star seals. Allyson also has a bestselling nonfiction book called How to Write a Simple Book Review, which has accumulated over 50-5 star reviews.

    Eight authors bring cheer, romance, and a whole lot of steam to the Big Apple this holiday season as they hang some "Mistletoe over Manhattan" in the very first Book Hoarder's anthology.All proceeds from eBook sales of this anthology will benefit Solar Responders, a non-profit dedicated to installing solar and battery-powered storage systems in first responder stations.

    And then she shows up out of nowhere and ruins everything. Two years ago Declan’s life looked different. Parties, alcohol and women fill up his nights and everything was fine. Then a phone call changed everything. Now he’s in the woods to get away from it all. Except that she’s showed up. With her red lips and her bright eyes and a body that brings him to his knees. He was only supposed to chop wood for her fireplace. And then he was stripping her clothes. She’ll be gone by Christmas. But can he lose her now that he got a taste of her? You’ll love this heartwarming holiday romance, because everyone loves a captivating story with a twist. Get it now.

    So when Alison needs a favor, she's more than eager to help out.Alison, a successful businesswoman, is fed up with her friends' matchmaking efforts. She hopes that introducing Cindy as her girlfriend will put an end to them.The unusual pact comes with unforeseen consequences. Both of them will have to figure out what matters most in life, and if love is worth taking the risk.

    And a neighbor who needs cheering.When Leah returns to Alaska after years as a travel writer, she plans to make her log cabin a home. Christmas decorations fill every room. She spreads the holiday spirit by cooking for her neighbor. Having failed at romance in the past, she isn’t looking for love now.After losing his hotel management job right before Christmas, Ben’s staying in a friend’s cabin to lick his wounds and consider his options. The cute woman in the neighboring cabin is appealing, but he may need to leave the state for work. Is there a way for them to have a merry future together?Merrying in Alaska is a stand-alone book that can also be read as book 2.5 in the sweet and clean Alaska Dream Romance series. If you like charming holiday stories, adorable kittens, and happy endings, then you’ll love this novella. Includes two cookie recipes!Buy Merrying in Alaska to bring Christmas joy today!Previously published as a book by Shannon L. Brown.

     During Christmas, an angel comes to the rescue, the hardest decisions are made, assignments turn deadly, choices are made, lovers realize they are meant to be together, dreams come true, true love comes from distracting romances, and old loves show up in the nick of time. Mischievous Christmas Angel (new): Mimi Barbour, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author: He couldn’t cope with life or love without the help of his special angel. My Girl (new): Jacquie Biggar, USA Today bestselling author: Sometimes, the right decision isn't the easiest one to make. Two Hearts’ Christmas Promise (new): Tamara Ferguson, USA Today bestselling author: Can an Air Force pilot convince his fiancé that beauty is only skin deep, when her news assignment turns deadly? Carnations & Hot Toddy Kisses (new): Stacy Eaton, USA Today bestselling author: Is it destiny or fate that brings the past and present together? Burning for the Nanny (new): Suzanne Jenkins, USA Today bestselling author: When Firefighter Leon Saint gets a surprise visit from a one night stand, a beautiful neighbor with a reputation comes to the rescue. Because You Said So (new): Dani Haviland, USA Today bestselling author: Sometimes that's all it takes. Holiday Love: Natalie Ann, USA Today bestselling author: Can the magic of the holiday make these coworkers realize they are finally meant to be together? Once Upon a Christmas: Denise Devine, USA Today bestselling author: When old friends reunite, will a new enemy keep them apart? The Right Kiss: Mona Risk, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author: What’s a girl to do when she dreams about another man while in her fiancé’s arms? Her Christmas Secret: Alicia Street, USA Today bestselling author: Lila courts a cold-hearted investor for her handmade toys, but finds herself instead drawn to a handsome maintenance man. With her sister’s family on the line, a distracting romance is the last thing she needs. Right Man/Wrong Groom: Patrice Wilton, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author: When an old love shows up for the wedding, Nadine has to make that final choice.

    She gets it into her head that she can take the place of Matthew Yoder, her shunned Amish neighbor, and be part of the huge Yoder clan. A stray white dog, fixing a manger set with her foster dad, and a homeless man all show Lexi an important lesson about the love of God...which prepares her heart for the biggest Christmas surprise ever.

    Volume 1 features all new and original stories from authors Joe R. Lansdale, John Skipp, Cody Goodfellow, Jeff Strand, J. F. Gonzalez, Stephen Mark Rainey, Nate Southard, Shane McKenzie and (in deluxe hardcover retail editions only) William Meikle. Each story is preceded by a full page/full bleed color illustration by artist Zach McCain. Table of Contents “Santa Explains” by Joe R. Lansdale “The Endless Black of Friday” by Nate Southard “Red Rage” by Stephen Mark Rainey “Pointy Canes” by Jeff Strand “Naughty” by Shane McKenzie “Krampusnacht in Cell Block J” by Cody Goodfellow “The Shittiest Guy in the World (A Christmas Fable)” by John Skipp “Belsnickel” by J. F. Gonzalez “The Color That Stole Christmas” by William Meikle (Deluxe Hardcover Editions Only)

    A waitress and a sexy FBI agent mix business with pleasure while investigating a crime over the holidays. A crime lab worker finds herself in danger six days before Christmas...and only her off-limits but oh-so-attractive coworker can help. And two childhood friends rediscover their sense of wonder—and love—when reunited for the holidays. Discover these four classic seasonal novellas:And a Dead Guy in a Pear Tree by Leslie KellySeduced by the Season by Merline LovelaceEvidence of Desire by Debra WebbSeason of Wonder by Marta Perry

    A hilarious and touching gift book anthology of poetry and prose on the subject of Christmas from the Yorkshire school inspector and bestselling author of the Dales series and Little Village School series.

    But what of those who work for the famous royals? This collection of three romantic holiday tales takes you to the Barrali winery, an elegant royal yacht, and through the palace’s secret garden to experience the passions of those who serve.A Special Time of YearChristmas With a Prince – A Christmas wedding at the Famiglia Barrali winery forces Holly Elliott to choose between two princes: one who holds a crown, and one who could break her heart…but fulfill her every fantasy.Christmas on the Royal Yacht – When April Dietrich left New York to renovate Sarcaccia’s royal palace, she also left her lover. But when Rock Fournier is hired as head chef on the royal yacht, will it cook up trouble for both their careers?Christmas With a Palace Thief – Palace security chief Umberto Niro defends the royal family from all threats, internal and external. When he finds his ex-girlfriend, a confessed thief, in the queen’s closet, can he choose between duty and passion?

    Like an overstuffed stocking on Christmas morning, NPR Holiday Favorites is full of unexpected pleasures and evergreen delights.• David Sedaris contributes his now classic “Santaland Diaries,” his account of his experiences playing Santa’s little helper at Macy’s in New York.• Susan Stamberg sneaks her mother-in-law’s recipe for cranberry relish onto the air—again.• Storyteller Kevin Kling finds an invitation to participate in a production of The Nutcracker too tempting to resist.• Ghanian-born commentator Meri Danquah shares her thoughts on Kwanzaa.• Cowboy poet Baxter Black describes a Christmas cookie with “the denseness of an anvil and the half-life of a radial tire.”• Robert Siegel goes in search of the correct spelling for December’s Jewish holiday.• The Thanksgiving tables are turned on unsuspecting Bostonians in “When Turkeys Attack.”And more...

    For the special edition slipcase please go here.You know the drill by now. The 2020 Short Story Advent Calendar is a deluxe box set of individually bound short stories from some of the best writers in North America. This year's slipcase is a thing of beauty, too, with electric-yellow lining and spot-glossed lettering. It also comes wrapped in two rubber bands to keep those booklets snug in their beds.