Let me make myself perfectly clear -- I am not a huge fan of these contribution compilation books. Too often each is not much better than a sample -- which of course makes these books a sampler. One shining note is that at times you get a chance to meet a new author -- new to you not necessarily new in the industry. And that is a good thing. But still and all from these samplers you get a sort of tease.

In A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER each contributing author has written a short holiday themed story followed by an excerpt from one of their full length books. For many the excerpt was more enticing than the short story but this book is available as an eBook for $1.99. Less than the price of a magazine. Not too steep an investment for some light heartened reading.

Most of the authors are very recognizable and some are favorites of mine which is what caught my attention. Really can you go wrong with stories by Jill Shalvis, Hope Ramsay and Molly Cannon. What surprised me was that I really liked the contribution by Marilyn Pappano -- an author who shall definitely be added to my reading list. The most unique experience was the contribution by Kristen Ashley. The holiday story was actually the ending to a relationship born in a previous story which I had not read. The characters were quirky as were their names and so it took a while to get passed that. But then I read the excerpt from Ashley's "Own The Wind" and it meshed for me.

Since the actual stories are short -- not even novella sized -- I will forego any attempt to provide a glimpse into the actual story. Suffice it to say each story will leave you with a feel good ending and some very diverse looks into the holiday season. Each author has a unique way with characters and candidly that's what appealed most to me. I am a character person.

So if you are looking for some light holiday reading then A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER is a nice choice. The addition of an excerpt from each of the contributing authors will give you some ideas of some books that you could put on your holiday wish list. All and all spending a few hours with Hope Ramsey, Molly Cannon, Marilyn Pappano, Kristen Ashley and of course Jill Shalvis is a wonderful treat.

Book Summary

Curl up with this heartwarming Christmas collection!

Jill Shalvis, Dream a Little Dream: Melissa has kept every man at a safe distance-especially firefighter Ian, a sexy friend with sexy benefits. But Ian secretly longs for more. Luckily, 'tis the season for giving love a chance . . .

Kristen Ashley, Every Year: Holidays don't come easy for Shy and his brother, Landon. But with the magic of Christmas, along with a little help from Tabby and her family, the Cage brothers are about to get the gift of a lifetime . . .

Hope Ramsay, Silent Night: Down on her luck and evicted from her apartment, single mother Maryanne hopes to start over in Last Chance. When the snow begins to fall, it looks like her baby might literally spend Christmas Eve in a manger. And Maryanne might celebrate the holiday with a handsome stranger.

Molly Cannon, Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas: Lincoln is a bachelor who's set in his ways-until a professional organizer dressed up as Mrs. Claus changes his life, one tip at a time. . .

Marilyn Pappano, A Family for Christmas: War widow Ilena doesn't mind spending Christmas alone. But when a new doctor blows into town with the winter wind, will she get her secret Christmas wish?