Holiday Reviews: Burning Bright & Wish Come True

Tis the season, fa la la la la and all that. I love reading holiday novellas to get me into the holiday spirit.

The next two books are holiday themed anthologies that were kind of hit or miss so I’m just going to talk about the stories I did like from each book.

Source: Both books purchased



This December, take a break from dreidel spinning, gelt winning, and latke eating to experience the joy of Chanukah. When you fall in love during the Festival of Lights, the world burns a whole lot brighter. ~ Goodreads

My thoughts: 

Miracle by Megan Hart 
It’s definitely not love at first sight for Amanda and her cute but mysterious new neighbor, Ben. Can a Chanukah miracle show them that getting off on the wrong foot doesn’t mean they can’t walk the same road?

~ I loved this story! Gorgeous writing and conflict. Miracle ended on the perfect HFN note but could have easily been a full length novel as Ben navigates his way from his life as an Orthodox Jew to the more secular world and romance with Amanda. 5 stars

I can see why everyone raves about Hart’s writing now and can’t wait to read more of this author.

All I Got by KK Hendin
All Tamar expected from her Israel vacation was time to hang out with one of her besties and to act like a tourist, cheesy t-shirt and all, in her two favorite cities. She definitely was not expecting to fall for Avi, a handsome soldier who’s more than she ever dreamed.

~ KK Hendin was another new to me author and this was a fantastic story set in Israel and steeped in tradition and culture. I have to admit that it was a somewhat difficult read at times since I didn't understand many of the words or phrases but I also found it an educational experience and a way to learn about something new to me. 4 stars

*The other two stories, A Dose of Gelt by Jennifer Gracen and A Home for Chanukah by Stacey Agdern, were fine but didn’t stand out to me and both had a few editing issues. 3 stars



First love. Young love. Holiday love...
Wish Come True is a collection of contemporary, new adult, holiday short stories by some of our favorite authors! ~ Goodreads

My thoughts:

Mr Perfect's Christmas by Joanna Chambers
Sam Warren’s new job hasn’t been going so well so the last thing he’s in the mood for is the obligatory office Christmas party, particularly since Nick Foster’s going to be there. Nick–the guy whose shoes Sam has been trying to fill–seems to take very opportunity to point out where Sam’s going wrong. But when Sam receives an unexpected Secret Santa gift at the party, he’s forced to question his assumptions about his rival. Could it be that he’s been misinterpreting Nick’s actions all along? And is it possible that his reluctant attraction to Nick is reciprocated?

~ This had a fun Christmas feel to it. Awkward holiday office party with inappropriate, drunk, flirty co-workers and gag gifts. Sam and Nick had just enough conflict at first to make the romance interesting with a nice resolution that made you believe in their HEA. 4 stars

Just Like Heaven by Suki Fleet
One rainy night in December, David helps a busker with pretty eyes get his stolen money back. He doesn’t imagine the strong attraction he feels is mutual. But after overcoming his shyness, David discovers Jess is definitely interested.

~ This was an odd little story at first – I wasn’t sure where it was going but it ended up being a nice holiday romance about two men who take a chance and risks their hearts.

*A Very English Christmas by Keira Andrews, The Christmas Ship by Amy Jo Cousins, Not Your Grandfather's Magic by Kaje Harper, Bottle Boys by Anyta Sunday were all pretty good but also a little awkward as far as story flow and writing style.