Fern Michaels’ piece has two adult children returning to their Virginia homes to deal with difficult parents. Amy Baran’s super busy mother has committed to a Christmas tree sale that could financially break her. Gus Moss is trying to keep his dad from letting the family tree farm fall to ruin. The characters are likable, the action sweet, and the ghost of Gus’ mother even makes a few appearances. This is the most complex story in the anthology. It’s a double romance with a solid base in the business of Christmas trees.

The spirit in The Ghost of Christmas Past, by Beverly Barton, exists in the memories of widow Kate Hadley. She is still mourning and loving husband Darrell four years after his death. She escapes to the mountains to avoid spending the holiday with family and runs her late husband’s prized Mustang off the road in a snow storm. Gruff Mack MacKinnon, still physically recovering from both physical and emotional military injuries, finds her and takes her to his cabin. They are physically attracted, but Kate is a “good girl” -- and Mack does not want the commitment that entails. They are stuck together until the roads clear, making timid overtures and quick retreats. This is a sweet tale of new love and moving on.

Joanne Fluke gives the reader lots of recipes and the tale of two private school teachers both helped and hindered in romance by the six charges who must remain at the academy over Christmas break. Hannah Swensen, the dessert chef extraordinaire from Flukes mystery series, lends a hand and finds out the truth. The characters here are all extremely likable, if not complex.

Shirley Jump’s Twelve Days is an office romance set in a rather dysfunctional office. Natalie Harris has the hots for for Jake Lyons, but stutters when she tries to talk to him and doesn’t think he’s really noticed her. Natalie wants to make a difference in the world. She helps at a local shelter. She also wants a romp with her sexy boss before she moves to another job. She draws Jake’s name as “Secret Santa” and sends him spicy gifts and messages. It is interesting to see Natalie reevaluate her wishes, while Jake alters his. Their office mates are both silly and realistic.

Kensington has given us four pleasant confections, tasty at any time of the year.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
November 7, 2007