Bargain Book Roundup, Part I

I'm starting off today's Bargain Roundup with several books by Robyn Carr, whose Sheltering Hearts is still free, starting with Forbidden Falls ($2.84), the eighth in the Virgin River series.

Book Description
Virgin River is abuzz with the news that a stranger bought the town's abandoned church on eBay. The buyer, a young widowed reverend, is a little like the building itself: in need of some loving care.

Noah Kincaid arrives ready to roll up his sleeves and revitalize his new purchase, but he's going to need some help. An ad in the local paper brings an improbable candidate his way.

If you want to start the series at the beginning, be sure to pick up the Virgin River Omnibus ($9.99), which contains the first four books in the series: Virgin River ($5.04), Shelter Mountain ($5.76), Whispering Rock ($5.04) and A Virgin River Christmas ($5.69).

Book Description
The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years--and there's always room for more-

A recently widowed nurse thinks she's made a mistake coming to Virgin River--until an abandoned baby and former marine make her feel right at home. A marine who has seen his share of pain helps a woman in need, and discovers emotions he has never allowed himself to feel. A cop longs to settle down with the woman of his dreams--but must free her from a painful past first. And a woman tracks down the soldier who once saved her husband's life-and finds an emotionally wounded man who needs her help to open his heart.

Experience all the emotion, joy and romance as the residents and visitors of the small town of Virgin River find healing and love amongst the rugged beauty of the California mountains.

The rest of the series is just above the $5 bargain price cutoff: Second Chance Pass ($5.76), Temptation Ridge ($5.59), Paradise Valley ($5.04), Angel's Peak ($5.76) and Moonlight Road ($5.76).

The Wedding Party ($4.32) is a stand-alone novel

Book Description
Charlene Dugan started her day as usual--single. Then, all in the space of a few hours:

-- Her daughter announced she doesn't want to "end up like her"

-- Her absentminded mother got lost in a parking lot

-- Her ex-husband accused her of being afraid of commitment

Now her decision to utter those three little words--let's get married--has everyone around her in a tailspin. The maid of honor is in a tempest over a man fifteen years her junior. Her daughter, the official bridesmaid, has decided to reinvent herself. The groom is spending all of his free time with the wedding consultant. And her ex-husband, a man who still drives her crazy, is making some pretty convincing arguments for a second chance.

The wedding party is out of control, they're calling for rain and the bride has cold feet. This isn't exactly what Charlene had in mind.

Blue Skies ($4.68) is the final novel by Robyn Carr in today's list.

Book Description
Nikki Burgess has survived a terrible marriage and an even worse divorce. And she's just about given up hope of ever finding love and happiness. But when her ex-husband suddenly dies, she gets custody of her kids again and a chance to start over and do it right.

Dixie McPherson, on the other hand, has had way too much love. She has eleven tennis bracelets, dozens of trinkets, piles of sexy lingerie and a tarnished reputation when all she ever wanted was true love, a partner and a family.

Carlisle Bartlett is loyal, generous, kindhearted and the funniest guy slinging drinks in the back of an airplane. But he has an ugly little secret. The only kind of love he's used to comes with bruises.

They are three people who could seriously use a break. A fresh start. A shot at success and a chance to shine. Maybe a little romance--the kind that sticks. And some adventure wouldn't hurt. So when they're presented with the challenge of joining a team starting a new airline in Las Vegas, they don't hesitate. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, these three friends are going in search of their own blue skies.

That Holiday Feeling ($3.46) is a collection of short stories/novellas by Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber and Sherryl Woods

Book Description
Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber

In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says "I do."

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods

Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will...if Savannah Holiday's aunt Mae has anything to do with it.

Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr

When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town's Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it's his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues and tails wagging!

Next up are several books from Debbie Macomber, starting with several Christmas/Winter themed selections, the first of which is the novella collection Home for the Holidays ($1.24)

Book Description
The Forgetful Bride

Caitlin Marshall's trying to go home to Minnesota, but at the last minute she gives her airline ticket to a stranded soldier. So Cait spends Christmas with Joe Rockwell, who was a childhood friend--and is still a terrible tease, claiming that Cait's his wife. Oh, sure, they were "married" in a pretend ceremony when she was eight, but now Joe wants to make their "marriage" real!

When Christmas Comes

Emily Springer trades her Leavenworth, Washington, home for Charles Brewster's Boston condo. Then Emily's friend Faith comes to visit her in Washington--and instead finds Charles, a complete stranger and a curmudgeon, to boot. His brother, Ray, meanwhile, shows up at Charles's place, only to discover Emily living there. But through all the mix-ups and misunderstandings, among the chaos and confusion, romance begins to emerge....

Where Angels Go ($1.24), is the last in the Angels Everywhere series.

Book Description
Christmas is a time for angels Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are back! These three irresistible angels love their assignments on earth. They especially love helping people who send prayer requests to Heaven (even though the Archangel Gabriel, their boss, knows they're going to break his rules)!

This Christmas, Mercy is assigned to bring peace of mind to an elderly man... who discovers an unexpected answer to his prayers.

Goodness is sent to oversee the love life of a young woman afraid to risk commitment for a second time.

And Shirley has the task of granting a little boy's fondest Christmas wish.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy go wherever they're needed. These three charming angels often find themselves in trouble, but somehow things always work out for the best especially at Christmas.

The Perfect Christmas ($2.53), by Debbie Macomber

Book Description
What would make your Christmas perfect? For Cassie Beaumont, it's meeting her perfect match. Cassie, at thirty-three, wants a husband and kids, and so far, nothing's worked. Not blind dates, not the Internet and certainly not leaving love to chance.

What's left? A professional matchmaker. He's Simon Dodson, and he's very choosy about the clients he takes on. Cassie finds Simon a difficult, acerbic know-it-all, and she's astonished when he accepts her as a client.

Claiming he has her perfect mate in mind, Simon assigns her three tasks to complete before she meets him. Three tasks that are all about Christmas: being a charity bell ringer, dressing up as Santa's elf at a children's party and preparing a traditional turkey dinner for her neighbors (whom she happens to dislike). Despite a number of comical mishaps, Cassie does it all and she's finally ready to meet her match. But just like the perfect Christmas gift, he turns out to be a wonderful surprise!

On A Snowy Night ($3.81), contains two stand-alone novels.

Book Description
THE CHRISTMAS BASKET

More than ten years ago, high-school sweethearts Noelle McDowell and Thomas Sutton planned to elope--but then he jilted her. This Christmas, Noelle is home to celebrate the holidays, and she and Thom discover they are still in love. Now only the decades-old rivalry between their mothers stands in the way of a second chance together.

THE SNOW BRIDE

It-s a month before Christmas and Jenna Campbell is flying to Alaska to marry a man she met on the Internet--until her seatmate takes it upon himself to change her plans. Which is how Jenna ends up stranded in tiny Snowbound, Alaska, alone with Reid Jamison (plus a bunch of eccentric old men and a few grizzly bears). And then there-s a blizzard.... Maybe she-ll be a Christmas bride after all!

Angels at Christmas ($4.29), is an omnibus in the Angels Everywhere series, containing Those Christmas Angels and Where Angels Go.

Book Description
Every Christmas, three lovable angels visit Earth. Once a year, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are allowed to intervene (or, more accurately, interfere!) in human affairs. Despite their frequent misadventures and the chaos they often cause, things always seem to turn out right....

This Christmas, join Those Christmas Angels as they respond to Anne Fletcher's prayer request. She wants her son, Roy, to meet a special woman--and the angels contrive to throw Julie Wilcott in his path (literally!).

Watch as the heaven-sent messengers reunite a divorced couple, bring peace of mind to an elderly man and grant a little boy's fondest wish. Because there's always joy Where Angels Go.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy offer you laughter and Christmas cheer in these two heartwarming stories!

A Gift To Last ($4.58)

Book Description
The best gifts are the ones that don-t come wrapped! Gifts of home, of family and friends, of love...

Can This Be Christmas?

On December 24, a crowded train is taking holiday travelers home for Christmas. But because of a snowstorm, this group of strangers ends up spending Christmas Eve together, stranded in a small New Hampshire station. Despite the cold and discomfort, they create an impromptu celebration that reminds them all what Christmas really means.

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy

Greg Bennett hates Christmas. Divorced, virtually friendless and about to lose his business, he has no time for what he considers sentimental nonsense. It takes three wacky angels to show him the truth. Shirley, Goodness and Mercy shall follow him...until he learns what Christmas is all about!

Leaving the holidays behind, there are still plenty of Debbie Macomber titles on the bargain list currently. Starting off the omnibus volumes is the Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series ($15.69), which contains the first six novels of her Cedar Cove series in one collection, for one low price! Bundle includes 16 Lighthouse Road, 204 Rosewood Lane, 311 Pelican Court, 44 Cranberry Point, 50 Harbor Street, and 6 Rainier Drive.

Complete the series by picking up Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series, Volume 2 ($9.99), which contains books 7-10: 74 Seaside Avenue, 8 Sandpiper Way, 92 Pacific Boulevard and 1022 Evergreen Place.

Book Description
Debbie Macomber's bestselling and beloved Cedar Cove series continues with these four novels! Reconnect with your favorite characters and meet some new friends from this tight-knit community where love and friendship are just around the corner....

Wyoming Brides ($2.81), contains both books in the Wyoming series, at less than the price of just The Wyoming Kid ($3.60).

Book Description
Denim and Diamonds
Rancher Chase Brown has always loved Letty Ellison, but nine years ago she left their small Wyoming town, searching for a different kind of life. Now she's come home to Red Springs with her dreams in tatters--and a five-year-old child in tow. She's ready to trade the false glitter of Hollywood for the true happiness of being a rancher's wife. Chase's wife. But is it too late?

The Wyoming Kid
Rancher Lonny Ellison is an ex-rodeo cowboy who's used to the adulation of women. But that's something he doesn't get from Joy Fuller. In fact, they argue constantly. His sister, Letty, says it's because he's interested in Joy...and Lonny figures she's right. Can he convince Joy that marriage to the Wyoming Kid will be as exciting as an eight-second bull ride and as sweet as the cookies she likes to bake?

The Manning Sisters ($4.33) contains both books in the The Manning Sisters series (Cowboy's Lady & Sheriff Takes a Wife).

Book Description
When Taylor Manning accepts a teaching job in Cougar Point, Montana, she discovers that life there is very different from life in Seattle. So are the men! She soon notices a handsome, opinionated, stubborn rancher named Russ Palmer, and he notices her. In fact, they more than notice each other... After only a few months, Taylor's certain of one thing. Despite their conflicting backgrounds, she'd love to be The Cowboy's Lady.

The first day Christy Manning visits her sister, Taylor, she meets Sheriff Cody Franklin. To Christy's shock--and Cody's--they're immediately attracted to each other. Intensely attracted. There's a problem, though. Christy's engaged to someone else, someone back in Seattle. So what's the solution? See what happens when The Sheriff Takes a Wife...

The Manning Brides ($5.47), contains the first two books in the Manning Sisters series (Marriage Of Inconvenience & Stand-In Wife) and should be read before the next series, below.

Book Description
Rich Manning and Jamie Warren have always been friends and nothing but friends. However, that changes when she asks him to father the child she so desperately wants. Rich agrees if she'll marry him. Because he thinks their Marriage of Inconvenience could become a real marriage instead.

Paul Manning, a grieving widower with three small children, turns to Leah Baker for help and comfort. When that comfort begins to grow into something else, Paul discovers that he wants more than a Stand-In Wife.

The Manning Grooms ($4.96), completes the Manning Sisters series, containing Bride on the Loose & Same Time, Next Year.

Book Description
Jason Manning is content with his life as a bachelor, a slob and a sports fan. Then a precocious girl named Carrie Weston decides to play matchmaker, introducing him to her mother, Charlotte. To his relief, Charlotte is as averse to marriage as he is. But Jason's feelings start to change once he gets to know his Bride on the Loose.

James Wilkens was almost a Manning groom--because he almost married one of the Manning sisters. With that broken engagement behind him, he spends New Year's Eve in Las Vegas...where he meets Summer Lawton. She's just suffered a painful betrayal, and James promises her that in a year, she'll be over it. To prove his point, he makes a date to meet her in Vegas Same Time, Next Year. Except it turns out to be more than a date--it's a wedding!

Orchard Valley Grooms ($5.76) contains the first two in the Orchard Valley series, Valerie & Stephanie.

Book Description
Valerie rushes home to Orchard Valley, Oregon, when her father, David, suffers a heart attack. She and her two younger sisters, Stephanie and Norah, are gathering at his side, praying he'll live, fearing he'll die....

At a time like this, falling in love is the last thing on Valerie's mind. And with Dr. Colby Winston, of all people! He's David's heart surgeon, a renowned specialist who enjoys small-town living, while Valerie is a high-powered businesswoman who prefers city life. They're complete opposites in every way. Yet David keeps insisting she and Colby are a perfect couple.

Meanwhile Stephanie has other worries besides her father's health. She'd fled Orchard Valley three years earlier after her humiliating rejection by local journalist Charles Tomaselli. Now she's home, and it's not long before they begin reliving past battles--and renewing old feelings. He was the reason she left. This time, will he give her a reason to stay? David seems to think so....

Summer on Blossom Street ($3.06) is the sixth in the Blossom Street series.

Book Description
They're both about beginnings--and endings. That's why Lydia Goetz, owner of A Good Yarn on Seattle's Blossom Street, offers a class called Knit to Quit. It's for people who want to quit something--or someone!--and start a new phase of their lives.

First to join is Phoebe Rylander, who's trying to get over a man. Alix Turner and her husband want a baby, so she has to quit smoking. And Bryan Hutchinson needs a way to deal with the stress of running his family's business.

Then there's Lydia's friend Anne Marie Roche. She and her adopted daughter, Ellen, have finally settled into a secure and happy routine--when a stranger appears asking questions.

Meanwhile, Lydia and her husband, Brad, have their hands full with the angry, defiant twelve-year-old who unexpectedly becomes their foster child....

But when your life--and your stitches--get snarled, your friends can always help!

Navy Husband is the sixth (and final) volume in the Navy series.

Book Description
I, Shana Berrie, am my sister's official navy "parenting plan." That means I'm in charge of adorable Jazmine until my sis returns. But-surprise!-nine-year-olds have lots of opinions, including ones on my love life (or lack thereof). Now she's trying to set me up with our family friend, Adam Kennedy. Excuse me-Lieutenant Commander Adam Kennedy. So he's great looking and very helpful (if dictatorial), but I am not in the market for a navy husband.

This Matter Of Marriage ($3.60)

Book Description
The alarm on Hallie's biological clock is buzzing. She's hitting the big three-O and there's no prospect of marriage, no man in sight. Hallie, an organized, goal-setting kind of person, gives herself a year to meet Mr. Knight...In Shining Armor. But all her dates are disasters. (There's the cheapskate and the sex fiend and...well, never mind.)

Too bad she can't just fall for her good-looking neighbor Steve Marris--who's definitely not her type. Anyway, Steve's busy trying to win back his ex-wife, Mary Lynn, who's busy getting married--but not to Steve. Life would be so much simpler if he could fall for someone else. Like...Hallie. They're friends, though--and sometimes friends become lovers. Sometimes friends become more.

Between Friends ($3.60)

Book Description
Debbie Macomber tells the story of a remarkable friendship--and tells it in a remarkable way. Between Friends is a story in which every woman will recognize herself...and her best friend.

The friendship between Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski begins in the postwar era of the 1950s. As they grow up, their circumstances, their choices--and their mistakes--take them in virtually opposite directions. Lesley gets pregnant and marries young, living a cramped life defined by the demands of small children, not enough money, an unfaithful husband. Jillian lives those years on a college campus shaken by the Vietnam War and then as an idealistic young lawyer in New York City.

Over the years and across the miles, through marriage, children, divorce and widowhood, Jillian and Lesley remain close, sharing every grief and every joy. There are no secrets between friends....

Happy New Year!

We will open the book. Its pages are blank.
We are going to put words on them ourselves.
The book is called Opportunity
and its first chapter is New Year's Day.

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to All!

I've got several bargains and freebies lined up for later today, so stay tuned.

And, if you know someone who just received their new Kindle (or any other ereader) for Christmas this year, be sure to send them a link to this blog. It's the Christmas gift that keeps on giving!

Free Movie Rental(s) at Amazon

Amazon is giving everyone a four dollar credit towards renting (or buying) anything in their Video on Demand Store. The promotional offer is valid from December 22, 2009 12:00 AM PST through January 3, 2010 11:59 PM PST. You must redeem the code by January 3, 2010 11:59 PM PST.

Click HERE and follow the instructions to register your promo code (AVODGIFT), then you can shop in the store. Once you click on Buy, the credit will automatically be applied to your purchase. The fine print says that the credit will apply to "future purchases", so it looks like you could rent four 99 cent shows or a singler higher price movie (generally $2.99 or $3.99) or take $4.00 off the purchase of any movie or TV show.

Here are a few Christmas rentals you might want to check out:
Four Christmases ($3.99)
A Christmas Story ($2.99)
Polar Express ($2.99)
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas ($0.99)

And some free 7-day rentals (for a limited time):
Scrooge
March Of The Wooden Soldiers
Plan 9 From Outer Space

as well as this free music video:
Christmas Music Video

You'll find more to choose from at Amazons' Holiday Central.

Christmas Cheer on Kindle

A selection of Christmas themed books in the Kindle store at bargain prices, in no particular order.

Saint Nicholas, The Christmas Story ($0.99), by Matthew Eldridge

Book Description
From his early days as a monk working with orphans to his final days as Bishop, this historical fiction fantasy novel details the life of the true Saint Nicholas, as never told before.

In an effort to help the poor in Asia Minor, Nicholas makes a risky trip to Byzantium (soon to be Constantinople), but finds himself evading the evil Emperor, Diocletian, who tracks him down across the middle east.

Escaping to the mountains east of Byzantium and north of Myra, Nicholas finds a winter wonder-land where a community of dwarfs live to escape cruel treatment from Rome. The little people are gifted craftsmen and entrepreneurs. The Bishop also falls in love with a beautiful woman, challenged with the choice of leaving a life of celibacy for an intimacy of a more earthly kind.

The Bishop discovers his monastery burned by Roman soldiers upon his return, and is later turned in by the Cardinal himself.

Imprisoned and sentenced to death, his only hope is the successor to Diocletian, the Warrior Constantine.

More than just an adventurous love story, SAINT NICHOLAS, THE CHRISTMAS STORY comes alive with the spirit of Christmas as we follow the world's greatest gift-giver, reminding us what giving is really about.

Cowboy Christmas ($4.32) is a Christmas anthology

Book Description
Twelve days of Christmas--three heartwarming romances!

A Husband for Christmas by Carol Finch
To reassure her overprotective parents, Victoria Thurston must convince the town marshal to be her "holiday husband." But the magical, festive air--and Tori's luminous green eyes--make it very difficult for Logan Daniels to keep to their marriage in name only!

The Homecoming by Elizabeth Lane
Brooding rancher Clay McAllister paid his reckless brother's dues in a tough Kansas jail. Now Clay must win back his beautiful wife, Elise. And, after three years apart, some yuletide passion is just what Clay and Elise need to reignite the fire that still smolders between them....

The Cattleman's Christmas Bride by Pam Crooks
With her reputation cruelly slandered, Allethaire Gibson is forced to flee to the snowy Montana mountains. There the dazzling socialite unexpectedly finds a Christmas romance with a man who has fought for respect just as she has--rugged cattleman Mikolas Vasco!

Together by Christmas ($4.32) is a holiday anthology

Book Description
THE UNMASKING OF LADY LOVELESS by Nicola Cornick
Lord Alexander Beaumont is on a mission of seduction and revenge, and the target is his estranged wife, Melicent. Once Alex learns his supposedly inexperienced wife is "Lady Loveless"-- writer of erotic literature--he's determined to unmask her as a wanton. But when his nights with Melicent take an unexpected turn, Alex's heart is in danger!

CHRISTMAS REUNION by Catherine George
Felicia Maynard hasn't seen her first love, Gideon Ford, for years, but here he is, insisting they spend Christmas together. As Christmas casts its spell, will Gideon claim Felicia as his bride?

A MISTLETOE MASQUERADE by Louise Allen
Lady Rowan Chilcourt agrees to masquerade as a lady's maid to help her friend avert an undesirable marriage. But while among the servants she meets handsome Lucas Dacre. As Christmas approaches, Rowan begins to fall for Lucas, until she learns she isn't the only one masquerading under the mistletoe...

A Cowboy Christmas ($3.83), by Janette Kenny

Book Description
One Starry Night

Reid Barclay doesn't have time for Christmas, not with trouble brewing at the Crown Seven Ranch. He's got prize thoroughbreds to protect and a long-ago wrong that he wants to make right. But the beautiful cook who's taken over the ranch kitchen is a welcome distraction, even if Ellie Jo Cade burns everything from gingerbread to roast beef. Her sweet face and womanly figure are pure temptation...

Cornhusk angels...bright berry garlands...spun-sugar snow--everything about Christmas holds fond memories for Ellie Jo. She's doing her best to make peace with an ornery wood-burning stove and make the old ranch house truly festive. All she wants is to believe in Reid...and the only-at-Christmas magic that makes hearts glow...

A Christmas Scandal ($4.47), by Jane Goodger

Book Description
In her latest romance, Jane Goodger weaves an unforgettable tale of a woman who thinks she's lost everything--until a little Christmas magic reunites her with the one man she could never forget. . .

Dashing, debonair, and completely irresistible, Edward Hollings has all of Newport buzzing--and to Maggie Pierce's surprise, she alone has caught his eye. But when the handsome earl returns to England without proposing, a devastated Maggie knows she must forget him. Life only gets worse for Maggie, as all her dreams of happiness and love come crashing down around her. When Maggie receives an invitation to go to England for the Christmas birth of her dear friend's baby, she accepts--vowing to keep her devastating lies and shameful secrets from the one man she has ever loved.

Edward vowed he'd never marry, but he came dangerously close with Maggie. She's beautiful, witty, indescribably desirable--and Edward can't forget her. When Maggie visits mutual friends for Christmas, Edward can't stay away. In fact, he finds himself more attracted to her than ever--a desire fueled even more by Maggie's repeated snubs. With the love he never thought he'd find slipping away, Edward is determined to make Maggie his own, no matter what the cost. . .

All I Want for Christmas... is you ($1.99), by Gayle Eden

Book Description
Lucas Bennington Earl of Moncrief approached the week of Christmas with dread. To the handsome and aloof Lucas, it was merely a prelude to another year tacked on his already advanced age. At thirty and six Lucas never really had his chance in the race for hands of ton beauties, he’d been too busy working, trying to save the family fortune. Now, when everything was secure, he certainly saw all that he had missed. And, as there were 10 young bucks to every beauty, he was feeling as if all his chances had passed him by.

But Lucas had a secret, a fantasy, and a fascination for one woman—though he considered that she’d find him too old, it did not stop his gaze from finding her at every ball, nor keep his mind from imagining she could be his. Would the man known for his cold demeanor and intimidating rep, dare to take this chance to sweep the woman of his dreams off her feet…

Verena (Rena) Shyer had been on the social scene since her debut at sixteen. She was twenty and five and unlike her aunt, the Duchess, who despaired and fretted that Rena was still unwed—Rena had long since noticed only one man, one aloof and intimidating earl whom it was rumored was a confirmed bachelor, not to mention a near icon amid the aristocracy. However at the Christmas Ball, Rena finally sees at once an opportunity to gain Moncrief’s notice….

In a season of miracles, can two uncertain hearts find the daring and confidence to meet across a crowded room and at last reveal the longing they’d held secret from each other for so many years…?

The Christmas Ball ($1.99), by Gayle Eden

Book Description
Shay O’ Sullivan never expected to go to London and have a Season, as most debs do, but she had been determined to have her fairy tale. Slipping uninvited to a Christmas Ball, she found more than she bargained for when she fell headlong into the arms of seductive rakehell, Lord Derrington and lost her virtue and her belief in dreams as the morning dawned. Now, five years later, she is unintentionally swept up in a crowd headed for another Christmas celebration and another night of magic and who should be sitting across from her in the coach, but the dangerous rogue himself!

Thrown together once more by Fate the two lovers have never forgotten the secret that they shared. Far from erasing those memories, time has only served to fan the flames of passion and desire even hotter than before. But this time the dawn hour will find their hearts ensnared with a greater enchantment and a restored belief in the happy ever after magic of a Christmas Ball.

The three stories in the Coming Home anthology, The Millionaire's Christmas Wish, by Lucy Gordon, A Christmas Marriage Ultimatum , by Helen Bianchin, and A Prince for Christmas, by Rebecca Winters, are $1.19 each.

Book Description
When Cupid borrows Santa's suit, just about anything can happen. . .

This Christmas grab a steamy mug of hot chocolate, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and join some of Harlequin's bestselling authors in three delicious tales of home and holidays.

Curl up with Helen Bianchin's tale of a woman who returns home to find a most unusual proposal from the most unexpected man! Meanwhile, author Lucy Gordon shows how wearing a Santa suit can change one man's perspective--and his love life. And unwrap Rebecca Winters's story of a true Christmas fairy-tale romance. . .prince included!

Sometimes you'll find the most unexpected things under the mistletoe--and on your doorstep!

The two stories in the Christmas Party 2-in-1 book, Christmas Fantasy, by Janelle Denison, and Naughty or Nice?, by Stephanie Bond, are $1.19 each.

Book Description
Christmas Fantasy
Austin McBride's business was fulfilling women's fantasies, but he'd never indulged in one of his own. Then he met Teddy Spencer. She was smart, sexy...and terrified of commitment. But she also needed him--to play the role of her lover at the company Christmas party. Austin was willing to take the job...as long as he could convince her to make it a full-time position!

Naughty or Nice?
Corporate hatchet man Eric Quinn Stanton had never let pleasure interfere with business--until now. Arriving early and incognito at the Chandelier House, he planned to see firsthand what was working...and what wasn't. Unfortunately, he couldn't seem to see past general manager Cindy Warren's beautiful green eyes...or her other assets. But would Cindy still want him when she discovered he'd been more naughty than nice...?

Two of the three stories in the Christmas Secrets/span> anthology, Christmas Passions, by Catherine Spencer, and A Seasonal Secret, by Diana Hamilton, are $1.19 each.

Book Description
Something Naughty Christmas Passions
Ava Sorensen's long-awaited visit home for the holidays is turned upside down when a snowstorm forces her to spend the night in a horse stable! Matters get complicated when Ava is accompanied by too-hot-to-handle Leo Ferrante and the chilly night sends sparks flying between the two. Now if only Leo weren't engaged to Ava's best friend. . .

And Something Nice A Seasonal Secret
Carl Forsythe's return home is bittersweet--newly divorced and without any family to call his own, there's not much to celebrate. When he suddenly finds himself at Beth Hayley's front door, Carl is stunned to discover that that passion they once shared four years ago is still very much alive. But Beth has a secret she's been hiding from Carl. And she intends to keep it that way.

Christmas Train ($3.99), by David Baldacci

Book Description
Tom Langdon, a weary and cash-strapped journalist, was banned from flying in the U.S. when an overly probing search wand caused him to blow his top at LaGuardia Airport. Now, the train is his only option to get to Los Angeles for Christmas to be with his girlfriend. To finance the trip, he pitches a story about a train ride taken during Christmas season to his ex-flame editor, Eleanor. Thereupon begins one of the most hilarious-and heartwarming-train rides ever. Along the way Tom encounters mechanical failures, derailments, and eccentric characters like Agnes Joe, who rides trains all the time, though no one knows why. There's also a mysterious passenger whom Tom suspects may be a fugitive, an avalanche that changes everyone's Christmas plans, unexpected romance, and a rekindling of holiday spirits. As the mighty Southwest Chief chugs along, Tom Langdon and his wonderful train adventure will have you laughing as you turn the pages. It will also reacquaint you with what makes Christmas truly special.

The Santa Mysteries ($1.97), by S. William Shaw

Book Description
Bennett Short has a dream and a plan. He is going to stow away aboard Santa's sleigh and explore the mysteries of the North Pole. Young Bennett dreams of writing a tell all book about Santa and making a gazillion dollars. But Bennett's plan is taken on a detour when his curiosity results in Santa being abducted by aliens. Along with his friends Darcy and Pickle, and a robot named Algore, Bennett travels across the stars to the icy planet of Tundra 57. If he fails to overcome the penguin fruit aliens and the football-headed tripods, Christmas will never be the same.

So This Is Christmas ($4.68) is an anthology.

Book Description
Sherryl Woods "The Perfect Holiday"
What was a holiday without a handsome husband? To Aunt Mae, it wasn't very festive at all! So she sent the perfect man to her single niece, Savannah Holiday. But would wealthy bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime?

Beverly Barton "Faith, Hope and Love"
After one passionate night, Faith Sheridan found herself pregnant with her sexy bodyguard's child. Now she hoped the news of their secret child would be a welcome gift to Worth Cordell this holiday--and the beginning of a lifetime of love....

Leanne Banks "A Rancher in Her Stocking"
This Christmas, spirited schoolteacher Amy Winslow was sharing a home with a ruggedly handsome rancher! Now if only she could teach tight-lipped Lucas Bennett that the holidays were meant to be merry. And that he was made for love!

Santa's Super Rescue: How Beezle T. Claus Tried to Steal Christmas ($1.99), by Bruce Thomason, is a children's book.

Book Description
While Santa Claus is making his rounds on Christmas Eve, his evil second cousin, Beezle T. Claus, and three giant elves, Spike, Tiny, and Gumball Goober, kidnap him and steal all the toys. Just when it appears Christmas will be ruined forever, three children with unique super powers come to the rescue and save Christmas.

An Interview with Santa and Other Christmas Treats ($1.99), by Gregory Bernard Banks, is a collection of short stories and poetry.

Book Description
Enjoy these magical, moving, and inspirational Christmas treats, comprised of short stories and poetry about this beloved holiday season. Not only contains the highly acclaimed tale, "Living with Mrs. Klase" but also "Shadows from a Christmas Past," a never before published tale from Gregory Bernard Banks.

A Death at the North Pole ($0.99), by Joel M. Andre

Book Description
Detective Lauren Bruni has dealt with death for her entire life. She has watched it ruin lives, and brought people closer together. Her job taught her to separate fact from fiction.

But on a cold December day, all Lauren had believed in would be shattered and tossed aside. Thrust in a world unlike any she has seen before, she investigates a prominent figure's grisly murder, and searches for answers along a strange new set of people.

With a killer watching her every move in the background ready to strike again at a moments notice.

What is the secret of the death at the North Pole, and what is the larger horror at hand? Life lessons are learned and a realization that sometimes the most real things in this world, are the ones we believe in the least.

**This title won a 2009 Editor's Choice Award.**

Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May.) ($3.99) is another children's title, this one optimized for the Kindle DX.

Book Description
It’s holiday time, and Room One is doing lots of fun things to celebrate.

Like making elf costumes! And singing joyful songs! Only, how can Junie B. enjoy the festivities when Tattletale May keeps ruining her holiday glee? And here is the worst part of all! When everyone picks names for Secret Santa, Junie B. gets stuck with Tattletale you-know-who! It’s enough to fizzle your holiday spirit! Hmm . . . or is it? Maybe, just maybe, a Secret Santa gift is the perfect opportunity to give May exactly what she deserves.

Christmas Day of the Dead ($0.99), by Yolanda Sfetsos, is for those who day must include Zombies.

Book Description
Christmas in Australia just isn’t what it used to be. Ever since the Earth cracked open, spewing forth demons, it’s become the loneliest holiday. What do you give your zombie neighbors for a gift anyway? Certainly not your brains. Some of us have survived. Hey Santa. Can I have a new baseball bat this year? My old one is broken and bloody now. I’ve been good...at killing zombies.

A Creed Country Christmas

A Creed Country Christmas ($9.15 Kindle), by Linda Lael Miller, is available for half price at Kobo books, for today only; normally $9.99, so $5.00. However, the only formats I see are Web (read one chapter at a time in their flash viewer) and Mobile (if you have a compatible device; I've never tried this format, there). No EPUB for the Sony or nook and no Kindle compatible formats.

Book Description
Celebrate the holidays with the Creed forefathers--Montana men who built the family homestead and established a legacy of love... In the unforgiving Montana wilderness of 1910, widowed rancher Lincoln Creed is up against more than rustlers, wolves and the coming winter storms. His young daughter has needs beyond the beans and bacon he can barely cook. Lincoln must find little Gracie a governess, a lady who can teach and cook--yet won't set her sights on him. Disowned for her refusal to marry, twenty-five-year-old Juliana Mitchell shares the love in her heart with her young students at the underfunded Indian school. When she meets Lincoln and Gracie, her response to the handsome rancher makes her realize she's not against marriage after all. She longs to help, yet the two orphaned brothers in her care need her. But in the season for miracles, Providence just might find a way to bring Juliana, the boys and the Creed family together for Christmas Eve....

Order the book HERE and use coupon code Miller50 during checkout for the discount.

Free Audiobook - A Christmas Carol

Tim Curry fans won't want to miss A Christmas Carol: An Original Performance by Tim Curry, by Charles Dickens, especially since it is currently a free download at Audible. This is an unabridged version and runs 3-1/2 hours.

Book Description
A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens' timeless tale, has never been out of print since its original publication in 1849 and has been adapted for stage, television, film, and opera. It has often been credited with returning the jovial and festive atmosphere to the holiday season in Britain and North America, following a period of sobriety and somberness that emerged during the Industrial Revolution.

The story opens on a bleak and cold Christmas Eve as Ebenezer Scrooge is closing up his office for the day. That evening, he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns of a terrible fate for the miserly Scrooge if he does not change his ways.

As the story progresses and Christmas morning approaches, Scrooge encounters the unforgettable characters that make this story a classic: Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and of course the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

Happy Thanksgiving

Click on the image for more Thanksgiving poems

The Harvest Moon
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It is the Harvest Moon! On gilded vanes
And roofs of villages, on woodland crests
And their aerial neighborhoods of nests
Deserted, on the curtained window-panes

Of rooms where children sleep, on country lanes
And harvest-fields, its mystic splendor rests!
Gone are the birds that were our summer guests,
With the last sheaves return the laboring wains!

All things are symbols: the external shows
Of Nature have their image in the mind,
As flowers and fruits and falling of the leaves;

The song-birds leave us at the summer's close,
Only the empty nests are left behind,
And pipings of the quail among the sheaves.



The New-England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day
by Lydia Maria Child

Over the river, and through the wood,
To grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way,
To carry the sleigh,
Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To grandfather's house away!
We would not stop
For doll or top,
For 't is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,
With a clear blue winter sky,
The dogs do bark,
And children hark,
As we go jingling by.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play—
Hear the bells ring
Ting a ling ding,
Hurra for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood—
No matter for winds that blow;
Or if we get
The sleigh upset,
Into a bank of snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To see little John and Ann;
We will kiss them all,
And play snow-ball,
And stay as long as we can.

Over the river, and through the wood,
Trot fast, my dapple grey!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound,
For 't is Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood,
And straight through the barn-yard gate;
We seem to go
Extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait.

Over the river, and through the wood—
Old Jowler hears our bells;
He shakes his pow,
With a loud bow wow,
And thus the news he tells.

Over the river, and through the wood—
When grandmother sees us come,
She will say, Oh dear,
The children are here,
Bring a pie for every one.

Over the river, and through the wood—
Now grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurra for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurra for the pumpkin pie!

Free Thanksgiving Books (PDF)

Sirius/XM Radio's annual "Thanksgiving Hotline" will air November 23, 24 and 25 on The Martha Stewart Living channel. Each of the chefs has contributed recipes to the The Martha Stewart Living Radio Thanksgiving Hotline Cookbook, a 56 page PDF download available HERE.

30 top chefs and entertaining experts offer tips, tricks and more to listeners for 30 hours over three days on Stewart's exclusive satellite radio channel. Stellar lineup of experts, including Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten help America cook the biggest meal of the year.

This extraordinary "Thanksgiving Hotline" offers Martha Stewart Living Radio and SIRIUS XM listeners a rare chance to hear these culinary legends divulge their favorite Thanksgiving recipes for the main course, hors d'oeuvres, variations on the traditional turkey meal, desserts, wine pairings, specialty cocktails (including non-alcoholic suggestions) designed for the holidays and much more. They will also share their personal Thanksgiving memories and family traditions.

Smithfield spokeswoman Paula Dean has a 36 page Holiday Hosting Guide available as a free PDF download.

I know all too well how stressful the holiday season can be! What, with all that cooking and hosting and gift buying, there’s barely time to take a breath! Smithfield and I want to help make your holidays a little bit easier. A few months ago we put out a call for your holiday cooking and entertaining questions, and we’ve gathered the best of those in a wonderful little guide that you can download here for free. We’ve also added some new recipes, gorgeous table setting ideas, and some wonderful articles to help make your holiday both creative AND economical!

So take a breath, relax and enjoy a few minutes of light reading – I promise you’ll be glad you did!

No registration required for either book and neither one will take long to glance thru and find a few ideas for the upcoming holiday (and you even have time to try out a recipe this weekend before committing for the big day).