Short Story Christmas Reviews.

Rebekah Louise
Dec 22, 2017
4 min read

This week I've had the pleasure of reading four short story books, 'The Reading Group' by Della Parker, 'Three Men and a Maybe' by Katey Lovell, 'A Christmas Gift' by Stella Wilkinson and 'The Snow Globe' by Kristin Harmel. I've enjoyed reading these festive books and I wanted to share my thoughts with you all. There are no spoilers in this post.

'The Reading Group': December: a FREE short story (The Reading Group Series) by Della Parker.

'Grace knows that the holiday season is going to be different this year. No turkey, no tinsel, no gorgeously wrapped gifts under the tree . . . how on earth is she going to break it to her little boys that Christmas is effectively cancelled? And can she bear to tell anyone her embarrassing secret? Enter the Reading Group: Grace's life might have turned upside down but there's no problem they can't solve.' (Book blurb taken from Amazon).

I haven't read any of Della's books before, but I'm really glad I came across this story as I really enjoyed it from start to finish. It is a story of only 17 pages but I was moved and engaged with the characters immediately. Della writes with a lot of warmth and emotion which, in turn, brings her characters to life.

A lot of Christmas stories are set in a cosy cottage, logs burning and mince pies and mulled wine being served. People unwrapping gifts and a time of celebration, happiness and peace. Well, The Reading Group isn't like that as it tackles genuine issues that families face during the festive season (and obviously other times of the year too). The story tells another side of life and Della writes it with warmth, some humour, yet sensitivity too.

I would certainly recommend this to anyone who likes women's fiction. The cover is cute and festive and at the time of writing this post, it's free. It's the ideal story to read whilst eating your lunch or soaking in the bath. What more could you want? There is also a series of novels by Della entitled 'The Reading Group...' which you may enjoy.

The second book I read this week was 'Three Men and a Maybe: (Free Romance Short Story) by Katey Lovell.

It’s the age-old saying. You wait all day for a bus, and then three come along at once. But proposals? That’s just ridiculous. And yet, on New Year’s Eve, as the countdown finishes and the whole pub erupts in celebrations, Cerys finds herself staring at her ex-fiancé, Ricky. Who just so happens to be kneeling on the floor, ring in hand, asking her to marry him. Again.

And if that weren’t enough, hot barman Angelo, and longtime friend Huw also decide to pop the question. At the exact same time.

Three men, two real contenders, but just one choice. What on earth will she do? (Book blurb taken from Amazon).

When I first read the blurb for 'Three Men and a Maybe' I thought the story line was going to be unrealistic, I mean who has three marriage proposals in one night (I know I never have)? HOWEVER, I was pleasantly surprised. In the first part of the story, Cery receives three marriage proposals. The story then pauses and goes back in time and you get an in-depth version of how she met all three guys and her feelings/relationships with each of them. This element offers depth and understanding to the story. I also thought writing the story in the present and the past was a brilliant way to write a story as it was something different and creative.

The ending of the story was what I predicted, however, I felt it was realistic and a sensible end without it being boring. The story was well written and I would happily read more of Katie's books in the future. At the time of writing this post the book is free to download and you'd be mad not to give it a read. I love the cover art and it's definitely a cover that grabbed my attention.

A Christmas Gift: Festive Romance by Stella Wilkinson

Holly and Caleb had been best friends as children, growing up on the same street, but as teenagers they couldn't be further apart. When Caleb unexpectedly asked Holly to help him pick out a Christmas gift for his girlfriend, neither of them anticipated where it would lead. (Book blurb taken from Amazon).

I hadn't heard of Stella before, but when I came across her Christmas short story I couldn't resist giving it a try. I loved the cover and the blurb convinced me that it would be a story that I'd enjoy. This is a young adult (YA) book which I have never tried before, however I felt as though it was suitable for all and, even as a 33 year old, I felt comfortable reading it.

The story is lighthearted, fun and so easy to read. The story is really short but this does not detract from getting to know the characters and settling into the story. There are three other stories in this set, so I look forward to having a look at those.

The Snow Globe by Kristin Harmel

'Christmas Eve, 1942, Paris. A boy stands beneath the statue of Liberte in the Jardin du Luxembourg, awash in a flurry of snowflakes, on the eve of his sixteenth birthday. Time is running out - the curfew means he needs to get home, this is a dangerous time to be on the streets. But then he catches sight of a young girl called Rose, and his fate is sealed... '(Book blurb taken from Amazon).

The Snow Globe isn't a story I would usually pick as it's set in 1942. However, I loved the cover and I'm so happy that I gave it a chance as it was a beautiful and touching story.

The story is well written and easy to read, it is a wonderful story of how love can give a person hope even in the most harshest of circumstances. The Snow Globe brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Kristin for writing such a lovely piece. I am intrigued to read 'The Sweetness of Forgiving' which is the novel to compliment this short story.

Rebekah Louise has written two short story books which can be found below: