At least, not until she met the straitlaced Earl of Claymere, the most unattainable bachelor in all of England who made it known to one and all that he would not marry for at least another decade.No one could have predicted...Claymere had never met anyone like the bold and beautiful Miss Barnett, and her effect upon his senses was dizzying. One passionate embrace led to another, and suddenly, Claymere could not imagine a life without her. He proposed, and she rejected his proposal. A year ago, he would have felt relieved. But not now.

    Employed by his neighbor back in Yorkshire, the governess with the lovely eyes has always seemed off limits, but she’s visiting here as a guest—and there’s nothing like a little mistletoe to make the spirits bright…Miss Winifred Nightingale never dreamed a holiday visit with her sister would lead to both ladies spending Christmas as the local lord’s guests. But the big surprise is when she finds the handsome Sir Lucien Blakemore staying there too. Their attraction between is undeniable, but will an old nemesis and a party guest bent on mischief make their first kiss under the mistletoe their last?

    But to prevent corporate mutiny, she needs the help of his business partner, Valerio Marchesi.Little does Daniela know that Valerio has already sworn to keep her safe. And when the tycoon discovers she's in grave danger, he insists she become his bride! He'll risk the unavoidable chemistry that sparks every time they lock eyes. Because this engagement of convenience is anything but... It's a red-hot fire burning out of control!

    The only one thing he doesn't have? Charm.As the second son, Alexander Gordon was never supposed to inherit the earldom. But then again, his elder brother wasn't supposed to die in a tragic hunting accident, either. Alex's gruff manners and quiet nature are far better suited to his solitary life as as a scholar, but Alex is honor-bound to do right by the title and by his family. Which means...he must find a wife. More importantly, he must learn how to woo a wife. Luckily for Alex, his great aunt has brought her companion along to celebrate Christmastide. The lovely Miss Lovelace might be plagued by scandal and notoriety, thanks to her family's downfall, but she knows more than anyone about the art of charm and flirtation. His new instructor makes the ideal practice partner for conversation, and dancing, and...kissing? But no, that was a mistake. He has a duty to his family to uphold, and as delectable as his new teacher might be, she's not a proper choice to be his wife. When it comes to love versus duty, it would be wicked to choose with his heart...wouldn't it?

    Ten New York Times, USA Today or Internationally bestselling authors bring you their twist on the holidays using some of your favorite characters in STARS ARE BRIGHTLY SHINING . This collection includes: "Heart of Thanks" by Paula Quinn -  ‘Tis the season of miracles, and when Elysande MacPherson begins falling in love with the son of her father's worst enemy, she's going to need one. A very big one. "The Hope of Love" by Meara Platt - Felicity Billings, raised as an orphan, has always hoped for a family of her own. Will her wish come true when she takes a tumble and Wellesford's handsome doctor comes to the rescue? "A Christmas Kiss for the Highlander" by Collette Cameron - A prisoner of his past, Quinn Catherwood scorns heritage and kin. Skye Hendron cherishes family and traditions, and she offers him freedom and a future…but can he pay the price? "Christmas Heart" by Mary Lancaster - A quarrel with her husband sees the Duchess of Alvan travelling to her parents’ home for Christmas. But the road is blocked by snow and there is no room at the Hart Inn… "Starlight Night" by Alexa Aston - A child from the streets. A couple with love in their heart. A warm, wonderful Christmas. "One Beastly Christmas" by Sydney Jane Baily - A frigid Christmas Eve, an infuriated husband, and beloved family members gone missing. Forlorn Lady Lindsey needs a holiday miracle, or maybe three! "Warming Winter's Heart" by Elizabeth Ellen Carter - Julian Winter has had his heart broken a time of two. And he's tired of his well-meaning family trying to set him up with yet another vapid debutante. His attitude to attending a winter house party is frosty indeed until he meets fellow guest Caroline, a widow with a young son. As Christmas draws near Julian finds there is warmth in Winter's heart, after all. "A Bunch of Mistletoe" by Lynne Connolly - When Matilda, chaperone and aunt to the most scandalous family in London, takes a tumble from a tree, she's rescued by the most unlikely saviour. Toplofty stickler Harold, the Duke of Trensom, is more than annoyed to find Matilda on his property. Worse when he finds himself falling for her. "A Solitary Candle" by Avril Borthiry - Lost in a winter storm, a cold-hearted man is drawn to a flicker of light in the darkness. Will he find the warmth he seeks? "A Merry MacNaughton Mishap" by Aubrey Wynne - When Calum MacNaughton rescues a rival clan member from an icy drowning, he is unexpectedly rewarded with the clansman’s most precious possession. Now Calum has until Twelfth Night to convince her to stay. From Dragonblade to you, we wish you a very happy holiday season! (Note: This collection will be approx. 500 pages)

    Will she find her home, and a loving heart, with the lonely pastor, David McDermott?"The Christmas Dove" by Victoria BylinMaddie Cutler once snubbed bad boy Dylan McCall, but with nowhere else to turn she has come back to town--with a babe in arms. Dylan is a reformed man, and on seeing Maddie again he longs to heal her hurt--and claim her once and for all!"A Baby Blue Christmas" by Cheryl St.JohnTurner Price hasn't been the same since he lost his wife and child. But when he finds a young woman and newborn twin babies in his stable, he realizes this may be his second chance to be a loving husband and father, just in time for Christmas!

    Chelsea Tory needs is to be snowbound with the man she’s in love with, especially since he doesn’t seem to notice. However, she took an oath to help the sick, so when he needs a doctor for his sick mother, she goes home with him knowing she’s going to end up trapped. Brawny Winters loves the beautiful doctor. But if he can’t stand to look at himself since the accident that scarred him, how can he expect Chelsea to? It’s even worse: now she has to help with his sick mother and becomes snowbound at their home. To save her reputation, he has to marry her. Can they both overcome their misunderstandings? Can Chelsea heal her love's heart? Can Brawny see past his own scars to heal the ones he’s causing Chelsea?  Or is their love destined to be Snowbound for all eternity?***This is a companion tale to the popular Silverpines series. It is an opportunity to visit the Silverpines Community with additional stories.You can join the Silverpines Reader's Group by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/silve...Read all of Christine's Black Hill Brides Romances:1. Her Secret Past2. Her Secret Baby3. Her Secret Shame4. Her Secret Love5. Her Secret HusbandRead all of Christine's Silverpines Romances:1. Wanted: Medicine Man2. The Coffin Maker3. Wanted: Gravedigger4. Snowbound5. Wanted: RedemptionRead all of Christine's Proxy Bride Romances:1. A Bride for Jeremiah2. A Bride for ElijahRead all of Christine's Pinkerton Matchmaker Romances:1. The Pinkerton Matchmaker2. An Agent for Claudette3. An Agent for PenelopeRead all of Christine's Holiday Romances1. Wynter's Bride2. A Cozy Mitten Christmas

     Having grown up in the shadow of her glamorous cousin, she has resigned herself to a life of solitude. Until she attracts the attention of someone she’d never dare dream of. For Jonathan Allen, Duke of Ekhard, being back in England means the resurgence of painful memories. When a Christmas ball finds him dancing with his best friend’s sister he realizes not only that his wounds are still fresh, but also that he is undeniably attracted to her. After a riding accident leaves Isolde injured, Jonathan comes to a startling conclusion: the thought of losing her is too much to bear. When her father announces her betrothal to his business partner, Isolde is left with a terrible choice: marry him or see her whole family ruined. And then, the fates deliver the final blow in the form of a terrible rumor: Jonathan has been playing her for a fool all along... *If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then A Mistletoe Match for the White Duchess is the novel for you. This is Patricia Haverton's 4th novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after. Pick up "A Mistletoe Match for the White Duchess" today to discover Patricia's captivating story!

    She was a girl stifled by the demands of her family and constrained by the strict customs of Victorian society; a bird caged and without hope.Raised in two disparate worlds, with one fortune rising while the other tumbled, they might never have known each other.But when a disreputable old rogue dies unexpectedly and in spectacular, explosive style, a chain of remarkable events is destined to draw these two strangers close— to the bemusement of one and the disgust of the other.The last Will and Testament of Sir Mungo Lightfoot Mayferry McClumphy has gone astray, and a large number of claimants are fighting over a vast fortune.She wants nothing to do with it, her grieving heart bereft of hope. He is in the thick of it, a man of ruthless perseverance and— in her eyes— a dark, mercenary, unfeeling heart. Drawn together one Christmas, these two “Mortal Enemies” will have to find a way to put aside the strife and be civil. Whether or not they can survive the season remains to be seen. If they also find hope and love along the way, it will surely be a Christmas miracle.

    The fact the event falls on Christmas Day prompts his mother to invite potential brides to Wollaston Hall to celebrate the festive season. Time and the weather are against him. The sudden snowstorm means the roads are impassable, and so all he can do is suffer their intolerable company. That is until a late-night visitor brings a welcome diversion. A lady desperate to help her grandfather reunite with a lost love. The plan was simple, or so Miss Lara Bennett thought. With her carriage stuck in the snow, she would take refuge at Wollaston Hall. Her grandfather would battle the bitter conditions to come to her rescue, and in the process reunite with a lost love. Except no one could have predicted she’d become embroiled in a murder investigation. No one warned her of the earl’s handsome countenance, or that a connection would spark between them hot enough to melt the snowdrifts.

    In nineteenth century settings across the heartland of America, experience old-fashioned Christmas traditions and sweet romance from twelve acclaimed Christian authors.The Festive Bride by Diana Lesire BrandmeyerThe Nutcracker Bride by Margaret BrownleyThe Christmas Star Bride by Amanda CabotThe Advent Bride by Mary ConnealyThe Christmas Tree Bride by Susan Page DavisThe Nativity Bride by Miralee FerrellThe Evergreen Bride by Pam HillmanThe Gift-Wrapped Bride by Maureen LangThe Gingerbread Bride by Amy LillardThe Fruitcake Bride by Vickie McDonoughThe Snowbound Bride by Davalynn SpencerThe Yuletide Bride by Michele UleMeet Alma, Lucy, Esther, Melanie, Polly, Deborah, Annabelle, Sophie, Maddie, Karen, Arabella, and Kate who are surprised by how God brings them the desires of their hearts. Watch as faith, courtship, and heartfelt gifts open each of their hearts to love.

    The revelry of the ton is a reminder of Christmas four years ago, when his first love, Thomas Bennett, broke his heart and fled to New York without a word. So when he encounters Thomas at a holiday ball, Alexander is determined not to let on how much he still hurts. Thomas has returned for one reason only: Alexander. Having finally come to terms with his forbidden desires, he will do whatever he must to convince Alexander to give their love another chance. But instead of the happy, carefree man Thomas once knew, Alexander is now hard and cynical. Saddened to know he's to blame for the man's bitterness, Thomas resolves to reignite the passion he knows lies hidden behind the wall of disdain...28,000 wordsAlso part of the Men Under the Mistletoe Anthology

    She’s lost her grandfather and the bookshop they ran together. If not for the invitation from the Duke of Danby, she would have no place to go.No Christmas festivities for Baron Ellesworth this year. His newly inherited estate is in bad shape—and so is his bank account. He’ll spend the holiday traveling to do a bit of business with Lord Danby, in hopes of bringing Christmas to Elleshaven next year.Traveling during the holiday season doesn’t sound romantic, but a star in the East, an abandoned child and a quest for holiday cheer might just convince these two that love is the best gift of the Season.

    Then Captain John Alistair arrives at her door—the very image of the perfect lover of her most private dreams. But can a man with a secret and a woman who's never known love find happiness when they least expect to?

    . . and nothing was ever the same again!Once upon a time, four superstar storytellers—New York Times bestselling authors Stephanie Laurens and Mary Balogh, along with Jacquie D'Alessandro and Candice Hern—came up with a delicious idea. What if they each wrote a story about a proper young lady stranded at a remote inn away from society's constraints? What would happen? And how long would it take for her to give in to desire?In these four amazing tales, four heroines will come face-to-face with the men who got away . . . only to discover that, instead of anger, there is still a passionate connection that cannot be denied. And while each of their lives is quite different, and their pasts utterly unique, they will all make a common discovery—that one night can change everything . . . forever.