Book picks similar to
The Holiday Shorts: a collection by Alexandria House


romance
short-fiction
author-alexandria-house
mental-illness-and-mental-health

The Billionaire's Email-Order Date


Vivi Holt - 2018
    She needs the money. A heartwarming, feel-good Christmas romance. You’ll laugh, cry, and fall in love with this touching, emotional and MAGICAL holiday story… Billionaire businessman, Chris Everett, is successful, admired and in charge. Still reeling from his wife's death three years earlier, he's shut himself off to love and life. When he decides to follow his friend’s advice and take an email-order date home for Christmas he has no intention of letting his feelings get involved. Kate Grant is a struggling artist without a family. Abandoned by her fiancé, the thought of facing the holidays alone again is more than she can bear. When Kate turns up at the Everett mansion with a Christmas-Gram to deliver, Chris mistakes her for his date and Kate can't say no to the ten thousand dollars on offer. A snow-white Christmas on a cozy ranch in Montana might be just the thing Kate needs to help her get through the holidays. Chris soon learns that Kate is hiding more than one secret and, when uncovered, her deception could drive them apart for good. But snow-capped mountains, warm hearths, eggnog, and mistletoe work to draw together two lost souls for a happily-ever-after they never saw coming. A sweet and festive romance about overcoming grief and loss, finding yourself and opening your heart to second chances. Perfect for fans of Debbie Mason, RaeAnne Thayne and Debbie Macomber.

The Wish


Nicholas Sparks - 2021
    Sent away at sixteen to live with an aunt she barely knew in Ocracoke, a remote village on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, she could think only of the friends and family she left behind . . . until she meets Bryce Trickett, one of the few teenagers on the island. Handsome, genuine, and newly admitted to West Point, Bryce gradually shows her how much there is to love about the wind-swept beach town—and introduces her to photography, a passion that will define the rest of her life.By 2019, Maggie is a renowned travel photographer. She splits her time between running a successful gallery in New York and photographing remote locations around the world. But this year she is unexpectedly grounded over Christmas, struggling to come to terms with a sobering medical diagnosis. Increasingly dependent on a young assistant, she finds herself becoming close to him.As they count down the last days of the season together, she begins to tell him the story of another Christmas, decades earlier—and the love that set her on a course she never could have imagined.

In a Holidaze


Christina Lauren - 2020
    She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

The Mistletoe Wedding (The Brides of Christmas #1 )


Izabella Brooks - 2019
    Fate brought them together again, at Christmas, no less. But this time, she’s determined to safeguard her heart. Breona Ten years ago, he stole everything from me. We used to be friends. We could have even been more than that. Until he left me behind for good, ruining my life in the process. But backstabber or not, we’re both part of a wedding party. Together. At Christmas. It might be a season of love, magic, and second chances, but not for us. We’ll be lucky if we make it through the wedding without killing each other or setting the place on fire. Karsyn Okay, there’s no denying it: Breona Smyth is the most obnoxious, beautiful, enchanting woman I’ve ever met. She’s also clinging on to the notion that I ruined her life. Ten years later, she’s just as obnoxious, beautiful, and enchanting. I don’t want to ruin my best bud’s wedding, but I’m determined to make her see reason. I just don’t know if she’ll really listen. Or if I can keep myself from falling in love with her all over again. **** This is a standalone Novella with a touch of steam and HEA. ****

Sweet Christmas Kisses 4


Mona RiskShanna Hatfield - 2017
    Sweet Christmas Kisses 4 takes you from the Pocono Mountains to sunny Florida, and as far away as Portugal. Curl up with your favorite hot beverage and enjoy this sweet romance boxed set that’s sure to put you in the mood for Christmas. Mona Risk, In Time for Christmas Dr. Sylvia Reynolds promised to be at her parents’, in time for Christmas dinner, but her priorities change after she meets a motherless baby and her gorgeous uncle. Beate Boeker, Unique Christmas Chiara hopes to spend a solitary Christmas all by herself. But when a man jumps through her office window to save her from an accident, things spin away—beyond her wildest dreams. Christine Bush, Christmas with the Cat Lady Carly is happy living alone in her mountain house with her cats. Can the handsome author who rents a room over the Christmas holidays change her mind? Lyn Cote, Loving Winter At her cousin’s wedding, Winter Woodard, owner of her family’s garden center, isn’t expecting to meet her match in local football coach, Clay Dixon, (she isn’t IN to sports!) but he stands by her through a holiday season fraught with unexpected setbacks. Denise Devine, Once Upon a Christmas Small town girl returns home to find love and success, but can she outlast the mistakes of her past? Raine English, Christmas in Walnut Creek Will a Christmas blizzard reunite a couple and give them a second chance at love? Jean C. Gordon, A Team Macachek Christmas Sparks fly from a Christmastime reunion of motocross racer Jesse Brewster and his ex-girlfriend Lauren Cooper. But is it the wrong time for their love? Shanna Hatfield, Saving Mistletoe A stubborn cop, a hotshot attorney, and a little girl determined to see her father need a miracle to make this holiday season jolly and bright. Milou Koenings, The Gift of Yesterday When Bailey returns to Green Pines to open a pastry shop, Joe Hudson sees all his Christmas wishes coming true—if only he can convince her to risk her heart again. Josie Riviera, A Portuguese Christmas The holidays—like love—can sneak up on you. And sweep you away like a riptide. Roxanne Rustand, A Christmas in Montana Kristen Weatherby goes to Montana to get her late grandmother's house ready to sell, but finds much more than she bargained for: a house she can't let go, a charming mountain town, and a handsome veterinarian who just might steal her heart. Magdalena Scott, A Cowboy for Christmas Hannah Kincaid is in love with Jacob Hollingsworth, and will overcome her fear of horses and his bossy brother Michael to get a Christmas happily-ever-after with the cowboy of her dreams. Kristin Wallace, Loving You at Christmas Annaliese Matheson is convinced she’ll never love again. This Christmas will become the opening act for her holiday happily ever after. Merrillee Whren, Puppy Love and Mistletoe Can a little girl and a fluffy black dog bring a reluctant couple together in a Christmas miracle?

Dear Santa: A Christmas Wish (The Holiday Series Book 3)


Mimi BarbourStephanie Queen - 2020
    Her wish comes true when she finds Mr. Right injured and stranded, but will they survive the dangerous storm?Rebecca York – Christmas Miracle 1935: Can he trust her enough to help free her father from jail?Patricia Rosemoor – Marrying Molly: Dear Santa, Please let me meet a McKenna man who will help me end Sheelin O’Keefe’s horrible curse on both our families. Molly KavanaughSusanne Matthews – What Dottie Wants: All Ronnie wants is to give Dottie a great Christmas, but not being able to find the doll she wants may make that impossible.Traci Hall – Christmas Kiss: Can a teenage crush become forever love?Angela Stevens – Dear Sinterklaas: Dan had his heart stolen by a girl on summer vacation, now it’s Christmas time, and with a little bit of magic from Sinterklaas, he hopes to make his Christmas wish come true.Melinda Colt – Saving Maddie: The only reason demons exist is because angels do, too.Stacy Eaton – Finding Love with Dear Santa: All Faith wants is to get her life back on track.Stephanie Queen – He Has Santa: A second chance hockey romance.Josie Riviera – A Chocolate Box Christmas Wish: He’s been all over the world. She’s a home-town girl. Can a holiday wish bridge the gap?Mona Risk – Dalia's Christmas Wish: Will the doctor make the right decision between an angry fiancée and a medical emergency?Rachelle Ayala – Toy Soldier Christmas: Can a toy soldier make her wish come true?Dani Haviland – A Plate of Christmas Cookies: Is it too much to ask for a second miracle?Taylor Lee – Please Christmas: Be Done: When his 7 year old son ran away looking for Santa... and all his teenage daughter wants for Christmas is for it to be done....the district attorney concedes not only did he lose his wife to cancer, but he was in danger of losing his children.Susan Jean Ricci – Cruising for Mr. Right: Can a widow discover second chance romance aboard a Christmas cruise and make the right choice between two adoring men?Alyssa Bailey – Christmas Wishes and You: Beth’s Christmas Wish of a Second Chance at Love could happen if only she would be willing to risk her heart... again.Nancy Radke – Zsuzsa’s Christmas Wish: She asks Santa for a strong man to help corral a mule that won’t stay home, and is given a rancher who plans to corral her.Carmen DeSousa – Chicago Hope: Aspiring journalist Maura Hall dreams of changing the world, but she'll settle for Chicago.

A Match Made for Thanksgiving


Jackie Lau - 2019
    He loves late nights partying and taking women back to his penthouse. And so it is with great reluctance that he returns to his boring hometown of Mosquito Bay for Thanksgiving.This year, however, is even worse than usual. His interfering parents and grandparents, frustrated with the lack of weddings in the family, have invited blind dates for him and his three siblings. Nick’s brother Greg has been set up with Lily Tseng, who just so happens to be Nick’s latest one-night stand, the one he can’t get out of his mind.Although Nick has never been interested in settling down, Lily has him reconsidering. Perhaps he’s good for more than a single night of sex, dumplings, and bubble tea after all. But first, he has to get through this painful weekend with his family and convince her that she should be with him, not Greg…

A Christmas with Snow


Ellie Danes - 2017
    This time I got him. Christian Snow is off limits — he’s my best friends’ brother. Now we’re spending Christmas together. I would have run if I knew he was going to be there. There are reasons I can’t be with Christian, reasons why I shouldn’t even try. I’ve got a secret weighing on me, But all I can think about is unwrapping the perfect Christmas package. A Christmas with Snow is a hot and steamy holiday romance with plenty of love, romance and steam with a HEA you'll love

Christmas on Main Street


E. AyersPepper Phillips - 2013
    Merry is a long way from home and missing her family as Christmas approaches, until she falls right into Santa's lap.Her Christmas Cruise by Mona Risk. The perfect fiancé is a cheater and the fabulous Christmas wedding is off. But the would-be honeymoon cruise may fulfill the dreams of Julia and her unexpected companion.A Snowy Christmas in Wyoming by E. Ayers. A Native American cowboy with his thirteen-month-old daughter and a national news anchorwoman have nothing in common, except for their pasts, but in this season of giving, will fate reach through time and give the gift of love?The Christmas Con by Jill James. Two reformed jewel thieves, Robin and Ian, are on the job to retrieve a priceless necklace, but Santa has special plans for a reunion of the ex-lovers.Small Town Glamour Girl Christmas by Stephanie Queen. Small town girl Julie hates being an Audrey Hepburn look-alike. When the big city man of her dreams comes to town for Christmas will she sell out to model in the city or settle into small town life on his terms?The Christmas Gift by Pepper Phillips. When an opportunity to make money presents itself, eleven-year-old George faces the biggest decision of his life. Will he become a thief like his father or will he discover the fact that giving, rather than receiving, is the best gift of all?A Potters Wood Christmas by Leigh Morgan. A plot to steal an ancient artifact in the Bennett's possession could be the key to opening an even greater prize. Will Cian find family and the spirit of Christmas again?A Baby for Christmas by Susan R. Hughes. When Ryan opens his home to Paige, a beautiful stranger who happens to be pregnant, will it take a Christmas miracle to make them realize where their hearts truly belong?A Light in the Christmas Cafe by Kristy Tate. A food thief, a haunted house, a matchmaking grandmother and a handsome stranger: Are the apron strings tying Deirdre to her grandmother's café tangling up her life plans or are they leading her to love?What if...this Christmas by Kelly Rae. Will a marriage proposal be the end of Katie and Chris' forever?A Smoky Mountain Christmas by Carol De Vaney. Falling in love wasn't in Tina's plans. She'd survived the snowstorm, but could she survive the love of recently divorced Hank Gordon who's sworn off women?

Special Delivery


Lauren Blakely - 2019
    Yep, brilliant, strategic me who raised her hand and said yes I’d love to hang mistletoe with that hot former sports star. (Note to self: Mistletoe leads to toe-curling, knee-weakening kisses.)And I’d love to get snowed in with the one guy I shouldn’t fall for. (Addendum to the note to self: You know exactly where eight inches of snow leads to. Ahem, eight inches.)As long as I can make it through the holidays I’ll be on my merry way, fa la la la la. But the holidays have a surprise for me.

Zoe and Verse


Jade Jones - 2018
    On the contrary, she's the total opposite. Zoe’s life has been an uphill battle for as long as she can remember. Raised by crack addict parents, life has already dealt her a bad hand and she has to do everything she can to survive – even if some of the tricks up her sleeve can land her in hot water. But twenty years old and headstrong as ever, Zoe is hell-bent on following her boyfriend Sensei – a jack boy who landed himself behind bars after being caught with stolen work - through fire and brimstone. When it comes to Sensei, Zoe is just a naïve young girl in love and she swears to hold him down. But when her boyfriend’s irresistible older brother Verse enters the scene, she is helpless against his charms and falls for him hard and fast, the other brother soon forgotten. At 38, Verse is everything Sensei wishes he was - including the boss of H-town. Although he idolizes his brother, will things change now that Verse has stolen his girl? Will Sensei still aspire to follow in Verse’s footsteps when he gets out of prison to find that Zoe’s keeping time with him? And can Zoe finally get herself together and change for the better? Find out in “Zoe and Verse”, the first volume of this epic and unforgettable Houston-based story of love, passion, betrayal, and reckoning! THIS IS A COMPLETED SERIES.

Christmas in Cape May (Cape May Book 2)


Claudia Vance - 2020
    Though it hasn't been open to guests in years, the pair endeavor to reopen in time for the holidays. Problem is, they discover the charming old place is really a money pit full of more issues than they can handle on their own.On top of dealing with renovations, Margaret is surprised by an unexpected visit from her ex-mother-in-law. Having never gotten along, Elaine has a lot of nerve to request Margaret step in and do something about her ex-husband giving his mother the slip. Not only that, but the neighbors who own the Morning Dew Cottage next door are nothing but nasty and rude, which is a mystery to the sisters. As Margaret and Liz get to know their other neighbors, they uncover hidden secrets within the Seahorse's walls.Dave and Margaret are still going strong, but will his brash mother and big family feud over the holidays prove to be the straw that breaks Margaret's back?In Book 2 of the Cape May Series, follow Margaret and Liz's journey of reopening The Seahorse Inn while the magic of the holidays-and the B&B itself-bring together family and friends for a special Christmas to remember.This is Book 2 in the Cape May series. It is recommended to start at Book 1, The Cape May Garden.

Christmas in Mistletoe Square: Christmas Romance Novella Collection


Pepper D. Basham - 2021
    Will romance find four couples in the month of December or will the pressure to keep the festivities Mistletoe Square is known for keep these couples apart? Find out in this collection of four novellas from inspirational authors Pepper Basham, Cara Putman, Janine Rosche, and Teresa Tysinger.The Christmas Clue to Finding You by Pepper BashamAfter five years away, Piper Dawson returns home to Kedgewick Creek and is pulled into a Christmas Scavenger Hunt that resurrects a heartbreak from Christmas past she’s not quite ready to mend. Will a matchmaking granny, a little Christmas magic, and a cute guy in a kilt make all the difference to her Christmas yet-to-come?Silver Bell Secrets by Cara PutmanGrowing up with dyslexia, Avery Blair didn’t love books, but the family-owned bookshop held her heart. She never expected her little business on the backside of nowhere to garner a New York City publishing house’s attention. Hunter Chase has lived an “always winter, never Christmas” existence, and spending the holidays in Christmas Town U.S.A. wasn’t exactly on his Christmas wish list, but he had no choice when his boss gave him an ultimatum. Can small town and big city discover a Christmas future that will last far beyond the page?An Unscripted Christmas by Teresa TysingerEllie and Oliver Larson face a Christmas full of uncertainty rather than festive cheer. Ellie is tired of playing a supporting role to Oliver’s passion of running the Kedgewick Creek Playhouse. Oliver can’t imagine his life without her. When things go off script, will their love story find its second act?Dreams in Toyland by Janine RoscheToy shop owner Peyton Hammond knows a secret that could take down online giant Kiljoy Toyz and its owner, Joey Kiljoy. After the two adversaries spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts for charity, will the sun rise on newfound love, or will prejudice and lost dreams keep hope in the dark?

Wish List


Sylvia Day - 2005
    When he works late and finds a crumpled piece of paper listing Steph's personal wish list, he knows he's in luck. Because all Steph wants for Christmas is him, in a number of naughty ways.And not-so saintly Nick is going to make every one of her carnal wishes come true.

Billionaires in Love


Carly Phillips - 2014
    The Playboy’s Second Chance This story was formerly titled Kismet. Since the title was confusing to readers, I changed the name and now bring you The Playboy’s Second Chance. I hope you enjoy my sexy, stand-alone novella. Trevor Dane, Wall Street Hot Shot and billionaire, has everything — money, power and any woman he could possibly want yet he isn’t happy. When his latest interviewer turns out to be the one woman he’s never forgotten, Trevor sees a second chance and he won’t let Lissa Gardelli’s wariness or old hurts stop him from getting back into her bed… and her heart. Midnight Angel Hollywood superstar, Dylan North, revisits his home town with the express intent of seeing his first love once more, to see if they can reignite the love he stupidly threw away ten years before. The last thing Dr. Holly Evans needs in her life is her high school sweetheart returning and stirring up old feelings. But Dylan is determined to convince Holly that happily ever doesn't only happen in the movies.