Book picks similar to
Snowplace Like Home by Tonya Kappes


christmas
southern-mystery
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A Christmas so Sweet


Liz Talley - 2018
    She has a new life, but Rose is missing one thing – someone to share it with. An opportunity Adam can’t pass up… Adam Bryan has a plan for his life, but everything changes when he gains custody of his young sister Daisy. Still, he’s determined to advance his career, and the boss’s daughter could be the perfect person to help him reach his goals. A love worth finding… As Christmas nears, old memories and new attractions intertwine, making Adam doubt what he wants in his life. Perhaps his meddling sister, sugar cookies, and the magic of a holiday festival can convince him what he’s been looking has been under his nose all along. *previously published as Second Chance Rose in Christmas Roses anthology

The Beloved Christmas Quilt, SAMPLE


Wanda E. Brunstetter - 2017
    Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, Jean, and granddaughter, Richelle.For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3The scripture embroidered on the back of a beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime. Luella’s Promise by Wanda E. BrunstetterLuella Ebersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. When Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook. Karen’s Gift by Jean BrunstetterKaren Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?  Roseanna’s Groom by Richelle Lynn BrunstetterWhen the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.

Silver Bells


Sadie Hart - 2011
    It’s a job he started fifteen years ago, when Dash became Dasher, one of Santa’s reindeer, and accepted the worn leather harness now hanging on the hooks at the back of the carousel barn. The one with its beautiful, silver bells that once made the most wondrous sound in the world, and now lay quiet.That is, until Merry, a young, homeless woman wanders in looking for a place out of the cold. Unlike Dash, she can hear the sweet chimes of the bells, proving to him that it’s not the harness that’s broken. As Christmas draws near, Dash finds himself drawn to Merry and her quiet, stubborn pride. However, unable to hear the sleigh bells Dash isn’t sure what Christmas this year will bring, only that the magic in that harness is far less important than the woman he’s come to love. BONUS: Also includes the first chapter from What the Heart Haunts, a novella by Sadie Hart (around an extra 2,000 words)!

Peanut Brittle & the Prince


Kate Tilney - 2021
    As a dentist, I can't recommend any of his sweets. But as a single mom and loving daughter, I can tell you they're all amazing.While I'm working at the booth, a handsome stranger in an impeccable booth stops by to buy some peanut brittle. When he chips his tooth, I offer to help. I don't expect what happens next: I fall for him.TheoAfter abandoning my detail, I hide out at a quaint town's holiday festival. I am only looking for a few days away from the demands of royal duties. When I meet Joy, I find myself wanting more from this holiday: her.As I get to know Joy and her family, I build a connection with them I have never experienced before. They like me for me, not because of my title. I know I have to tell them the truth about who I am. But I do not want to break the spell of this magical Christmas we are sharing together.Sugar & Spice Nights is a multi-author series of holiday inspired instalove, curvy woman and hot guys stories. Come find out how hot and sweet the nights can get today!

Sweetwater Springs Scrooge


Debra Holland - 2014
    Then Elias meets the young grandson of his former betrothed, Marian Williams, and everything changes for him. Can Elias reemerge into civilization, overcome the mistakes of his past, and win back Marian's love? Sweetwater Springs Scrooge takes place at the same time as Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Series Short Story Collection. The Montana Sky Series in Chronological Order: 1880s Beneath Montana's Sky Mail-Order Brides of the West: Trudy Mail-Order Brides of the West: Lina Mail-Order Brides of the West: Darcy 1890s Wild Montana Sky Starry Montana Sky Stormy Montana Sky Montana Sky Christmas Glorious Montana Sky Sweetwater Springs Scrooge Sweetwater Springs Christmas

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe


M.L. Broome - 2021
    I love Christmas, but I’m not in the mood for merriment and mistletoe this year. I have a different plan—camping out at my lakefront cabin to nurse a bottle of wine and a broken heart. It’s all going smooth, until my ex-fiancée, Jackson, shows up on the doorstep with the same plan. There may be a blizzard outside, but I’m far more worried about the inferno smoldering between Jackson and me—one he insists on stoking every chance he gets. Looks like there’s more than one way to keep warm this Christmas.

Doctor, Doctor: A True Story of Obsession, Addiction, and Psychological Manipulation


Merry Freer - 2014
    Although smart and successful in a controlled and stable workplace, she has been taught since childhood to substitute her own judgement for that of others, leaving her naïve, gullible and ill-prepared to effectively manage the complexities of her new life.When Susan meets Mark, a charismatic and charming doctor, she thinks she has found the kind of love and passion she has longed for. But things are not as they appear with Mark, and slowly she becomes aware of the deceptive life he is leading. Seeking counsel and solace in a trusted therapist, she encourages Mark to accompany her to a session.The three year odyssey begins with intense therapy - appointments orchestrated by a psychiatrist who develops a personal stake in the couple’s progress. Secrets, lies, and silent pacts draw Susan, inexperienced and trusting, deeply into Mark’s treatment plan. The shrewd therapist’s unorthodox and manipulative schemes break all the rules, taking Susan into a world of drama, deceit, betrayal, and an excruciatingly close encounter with the law – an encounter that forces her to choose between saving Mark or saving herself.

A Dark Root Christmas: Merry's Gift


April Aasheim - 2015
    Suddenly, she's become the parent to a strange baby owl, and the caretaker of what appears to be an enchanted tree. But will her wish for a family Christmas be granted? Or will her mother's desire for a year without a holiday win out? Magick, mystery, and family take center stage in this charming witchy novella featuring the Maddock girls when they are young. This 20k word novella is a prequel story to the popular Daughters of Dark Root series and can be read as a stand alone novel.

Christmas Ever More


Christina McKnight
    To do so, she sets out to host the grandest holiday celebration Foldger’s Hall has ever seen; proving to everyone—including herself—that she has more to offer than the hardship and loss she has brought to her family. A woman forging a new path in life... Mrs. Ruby Jakeston is tired of others taking care of her. She is ready to show everyone that she can look after more than just herself and her new husband; she also wants to set her overprotective friend at ease, and bring her hellion sister to heel. A girl lost and in search of a place to belong… Lady Ellington is on the brink of losing the only home she’s ever known. The last thing she wants is to attend a grand soirée. However, when her older sister demands her presence at a country Christmas party, she is compelled to attend. With only a stablehand as her companion, she arrives at a house teeming with unfamiliar faces—and nowhere to hide. A trio of women holding out hope for three different holiday miracles… Christmas ever more.

Hungry for Kellen


Barbra Campbell - 2020
    I needed her.MarthaThanksgiving was my jam... and my pie, and my rolls. My obsession.When my Christmas obsessed sister asked to host MY holiday, I was more than a little grumpy. But something in my gut told me to let her have it. Turns out, there had never been a better time to trust my instincts.She'd invited a French guy she worked with, and once I got sight of Kellen, I wasn't hungry for Thanksgiving dinner anymore. After one taste of his dough, I was certain we were the perfect combination. But his work visa said otherwise.Was I a fling to keep him entertained until he left the country?KellenGorging myself on Thanksgiving dinner wasn't my ideal way to spend my extra day off, but Betsy had insisted I not 'celebrate' alone. I didn't bother to explain that the French didn't celebrate American Thanksgiving. In Betsy's world, everything was celebrated.When I met her gorgeous sister, Martha, and found an opportunity for a hands-on baking lesson, I was trying to figure out how to extend my work visa. Because once I'd tasted her goods there was no turning back.Is there anything better than falling in love? Finding another HEA? I'll always give you a dirty-sweet story to keep your heart full and your windows steamed!

Waiting Under the Mistletoe


Elsie James - 2020
    She’s a Christmas miracle, but she’s also his best friends little sister. Can he earn her trust or will he be left waiting under the mistletoe?NoelSpending my time indulging in all things Christmas brings joy to my world.I never thought I’d move back to my small town, but an offer to turn my blog into a holiday baking show is one I can’t refuse.When my older brother’s best friend turns out to be the production manager, all is merry and bright.He’s tall, handsome, and I want to deck his halls.But can I learn to trust him?NickAfter losing my mom, I’ve always been a bit of a grinch during the holidays.But producing a holiday baking show means playing Santa and hiring new talent.When my best friend’s little sister finds her way onto my lap, I’m sure to be on the naughty list.Noel is curvy, sexy, and makes me believe in holiday magic.But can I convince her that my love is real or will she leave me waiting under the mistletoe?

When Love Leads You Home


Jami Crumpton - 2019
    After missing the Olympic team because of injury, and being shut out by her ‘winning is everything’ father, she’s built a career as a top notch, award-winning coach. When a serious student injury propels her to the outside of the gymnastics world, she finds herself broke and alone – until a bequest from a mysterious and unknown aunt takes her on an unexpected journey. Who was Aunt Winnie, and what does the equally mysterious and unknown Mr. Boudreaux have to do with it? Army veteran, Cole Boudreaux, has returned home a hero to Cardinal Point, Texas, but a few things went wrong with his homecoming. His fiancée cut him loose, and he lost his position as a police officer because a wartime injury left him nearly deaf. Then, the woman who was like a mother to him dies suddenly. Cole knows God has a plan, and if he could settle Winnie’s estate and grow his budding security business, he just might figure out what it is. Winnie’s niece is not making it easy. She’s rolled into town with a ton of baggage and secrets she’s not willing to share. Why is Jacey so distant, and why is she so determined to not let him in?

Christmas Shoppe Magic


Juliette Hill - 2012
    Now Sophia’s alone, and she can’t help but wonder. Will the magic be gone, or will this year’s love be even stronger? Brew a cup of tea, grab a Christmas cookie, and prepare for a treat. You won’t want to miss this one!

Better Watch Out


Willow Rose - 2017
    Some are even afraid of clowns.None of those things scare Sara. But she is terrified of one man, who comes to her house every year, in the middle of the night.Santa. Curl up with some frightening Christmas horror from the Queen of Scream, Willow Rose. Warning: you might not feel like putting out cookies for Santa ever again after reading this short story.

Lost and Found


Wendell E. Mettey - 2013
    While written over a span of years, the stories have a timelessness that appeals to readers of all ages. These simple stories share the emotional journey of characters whose struggles with doubts, fears and resentments cause them to lose hope, but who ultimately find a great gift through the discovery of the true meaning of Christmas. Readers will recognize their own anxieties and concerns in the reactions of the characters and celebrate with them their triumph as they discover the joy of giving… the true spirit of Christmas.