Christmas anthologies are fun, no matter the season, in my humble opinion. Whenever I read them, it brings a cheerful note to that time of year. Having read most of these authors before, I was looking forward to reading each of them.
THE CHRISTMAS THIEF (Edith Layton) -- Fortunately, this was the last story of the book and it was delightful. It really felt like a Christmas story and Lt. Major Maxwell Evers was an admirable and likable character. He was really down on his luck at the time of the story and so he gave up his wish of happiness with Lisabeth. Sometimes, the magic of Christmas interferes. (4 stars)
THE GIFT OF SPOONS (Nancy Butler) -- This story is a bit different; a man with a dying son goes to find a healer in some woods. When he finds the healer, she tells him that her mother has died and she lacks the skills of her mother. He still begs her to come. There is a spirited conflict between the two major characters. Until near the end, it did not seem to be a Christmas story. (3.5 stars)
LITTLE MIRACLES (Barbara Metzger) -- Having two mice as the main characters were fun and original. St. Cecelia's Church is falling down in a tiny region of England. However, only the last two mice residing in the church know about the riches hidden there. Finally, a minister who is worthy becomes vicar and the mice pull out all the stops to help him. (4 stars)
THE RECKLESS MISS RIPLEY (Dianne Farr) -- This story started out to be a lot of fun, particularly between the two main characters. However, it soon fizzled out. I couldn't imagine deciding on marriage after less than 48 hours together. Before long, I decided "marry in haste, repent at your leisure" was going to be the outcome of this story. Claudia would be hard on the personality in a short amount of time. Poor Fred Bates. (3 stars)
THE MARRIAGE STAKES (Allison Lane) -- The idea that a large number of potential brides would descend on one property (for the Christmas season) and try to out-do each other for the hand of the Earl of Westlake seemed contrived and unrealistic. Sophie seemed to be a paragon, instead of a human. (3 stars)
Overall, Barbara Metzger and Edith Layton offered delightful stories. The other three were less interesting or realistic. Overall score: 3.5 stars.
THE CHRISTMAS THIEF (Edith Layton) -- Fortunately, this was the last story of the book and it was delightful. It really felt like a Christmas story and Lt. Major Maxwell Evers was an admirable and likable character. He was really down on his luck at the time of the story and so he gave up his wish of happiness with Lisabeth. Sometimes, the magic of Christmas interferes. (4 stars)
THE GIFT OF SPOONS (Nancy Butler) -- This story is a bit different; a man with a dying son goes to find a healer in some woods. When he finds the healer, she tells him that her mother has died and she lacks the skills of her mother. He still begs her to come. There is a spirited conflict between the two major characters. Until near the end, it did not seem to be a Christmas story. (3.5 stars)
LITTLE MIRACLES (Barbara Metzger) -- Having two mice as the main characters were fun and original. St. Cecelia's Church is falling down in a tiny region of England. However, only the last two mice residing in the church know about the riches hidden there. Finally, a minister who is worthy becomes vicar and the mice pull out all the stops to help him. (4 stars)
THE RECKLESS MISS RIPLEY (Dianne Farr) -- This story started out to be a lot of fun, particularly between the two main characters. However, it soon fizzled out. I couldn't imagine deciding on marriage after less than 48 hours together. Before long, I decided "marry in haste, repent at your leisure" was going to be the outcome of this story. Claudia would be hard on the personality in a short amount of time. Poor Fred Bates. (3 stars)
THE MARRIAGE STAKES (Allison Lane) -- The idea that a large number of potential brides would descend on one property (for the Christmas season) and try to out-do each other for the hand of the Earl of Westlake seemed contrived and unrealistic. Sophie seemed to be a paragon, instead of a human. (3 stars)
Overall, Barbara Metzger and Edith Layton offered delightful stories. The other three were less interesting or realistic. Overall score: 3.5 stars.
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