REVIEW: Believe: Christmas Anthology 2010

Paperback: 158 pages
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (November 19, 2010)

A collection of uplifting Christmas stories from Turquoise Morning Press. Romance, inspiration, and unexpected gifts—
Reminding us to simply...believe.

If you’re anything like me, than you love Christmas not just for the gifts or the food, but for the cheesy holiday specials on tv! I am a fan of all ABCFamily original movies and have been known to watch It’s A Wonderful Life over…and over…and over again.

This set of short stories is like all of my favorite holiday specials wrapped into one! Each story is filled with romance, Christmas miracles and that little piece of the holiday spirit that just makes you want to smile :) Since there are a bunch of stories in here, I thought I’d just put up a few words one each one.

Second Hand Horses by Amy LeBlanc
I loved this story so much because it was about more than the characters simply falling in love over their looks. These two actually get to know each other over the course of a night while taking care of a sick horse – and they realize all that they have in common and enjoy about each other. So sweet and romantic.

Mall Magic by Cat Shaffer
This is an adorable story that shows how things may not be exactly as they appear. You absolutely fall in love with the male protagonist and kinda wish you were the one dating him!

Another Quirky Christmas by Tonya Kappes
This is a great story that reminds me very much of A Christmas Carol – without the ghosts. There are so many of us out there who just never seem to get into the Christmas spirit (for whatever reason), but we all need to learn that life is about cherishing what you have right now. And above all, family can never be replaced.

Concourse Christmas by Margaret Ethridge
This story is every girl’s dream! Being stuck at an airport, to find the future guy in your life who happens to be smart, witty, and best of all – romantic. I love this story because it’s something that every girl can dream about. We all get stuck in airports, we all hope to have a great story to tell our grandkids one day. This one would definitely fit the bill.

Love in an Elevator by Krista Ames
This story is about two people who have liked each for a long time (but never told one another) and who happen to be in for a long elevator ride. Although I enjoyed hearing the thoughts of both characters, and I understand that the idea of being stuck in an elevator with the guy you love is super romantic, I didn’t really find this story believable. I love the idea of it, but maybe if it had been a bit longer, with more of a backstory on the two characters, I would’ve enjoyed it more.

Fixing Christmas by Elizabeth Chalkley
This was my absolute favorite out of the bunch. It has a little bit of regret (which we all understand), a little bit of Christmas miracles (which I love) and honest to goodness LOVE (which I adore). The two characters in this story have known each other since they were young, then get separated, then come together again. This story just made me smile, and remember exactly why I love Christmas so much.

Angel on Board by Janet Eaves
This story reminded me a lot of It’s a Wonderful Life, in the sense that here is a man at the end of his rope. He has nowhere to go, and has just completely given up on life. And just when he is about to end it all, he gets saved by an Angel in the form of a little girl – the same age as his daughter. I LOVED this story!

The Twelve Seductive Days of Christmas by Marissa Dobson
This is such a heart-warming story about a woman who desperately needs a new start on life and gets it right before Christmas. In the two weeks before Christmas, her life will change dramatically, and for the better. This story is cheesy (in a good way), romantic, and a great way to end this entire series of Christmas short stories. I loved the Anthology – and again, if you’re like me – go pick it up for yourself. It will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

*NOTE: Check out our interview with one of the authors, Marissa Dobson, and you can even enter our contest to win a copy of Believe. Check it out here.