L. A. Merrill

This is another excellent collection of winter holiday stories from Dreamspinner Press - they range from historical to contemporary to science fiction and even fantasy/paranormal, and while the majority focuses on Christmas, there are a few with other holidays sprinkled in for good measure.

I particularly enjoyed:
- All I Want for Christmas... Is No Christmas by Colton Aalto
- Bite Night by Clare London
- How the Supervillain Stole Christmas by Charles Payseur
- Krampus Hates Christmas by Andi Van
- Mele Kalikimaka by B.G. Thomas
- The Orpheum Miracle by Pat Henshaw
- Popcorn Garlands by Ariel Tachna
- Teddy Bears by Brandon Witt

But I liked all of them and am already looking forward to the 2017 event!


NOTE: These books were provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
… (meer)

It is never easy to deal with the death of a partner, but Ray is taking his loss particularly hard. Even two years later, he cannot face Hanukkah – his partner’s favorite holiday – and he has not gotten rid of the collection of over two hundred chanukiyah (candelabras) that takes up most of the house. His rabbi has been there to support him, and she finally takes things into her hand and pairs him up with Josiah, a new convert and Hanukkah enthusiast.

Ray is hesitant, having lost the few social skills he had and not wanting anyone new in his life, not even a friend. But Josiah, a musician, is irrepressible and his overabundance of energy and joy soon has Ray involved in way more than he thought he was ready for. There is romantic attraction between them as well, but it takes a blizzard for things to become clear to both men.

If you like stories about men who have to learn to love life again after a significant loss, if you think that sometimes it takes a new friend to add some perspective to your life, and if you’re looking for a sweet, gentle romance with lots of Hanukkah joy, then you will probably like this short story.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.… (meer)