Christmas Kisses: Mackenzie's Magic/ Silver Bells/ A Wild West Christmas

Customer Reviews:

I'd hoped for better.......2005-11-26

Book description:

"Mackenzie's Magic" by New York Times Bestselling author Linda Howard
Just in time for the holidays: author Linda Howard's beloved Mackenzies. Meet Maris Mackenzie--and the sexy stranger she woke up to find in her bed! Unfortunately, she had no memory of Alex MacNeil, the previous day...or the prize Thoroughbred she'd apparently stolen...

"Silver Bells" by bestselling writer Debbie Macomber
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with the Manning family.
It wasn't easy for Philip Lark to single-handedly raise his rambunctious teenage daughter. But the girl had hatched a plot to fin her father a wife, and lovely Carrie Weston fit the bill. Philip claimed he wasn't interested in remarriage, but would the magic of the holiday season--and Carrie's wonderful charms--help him change his mind?

"A Wild West Christmas" by Linda Turner
Years ago, Priscilla Rawlings gave Wyatt Chandler her innocence. He repaid her by running out on her. Now he'd come back to the Rawlings ranch for Christmas, and Priscilla had to face the one man who had broken her heart...but whom she had never stopped loving.

And my review:

I knew when I purchased this book that the stories were part of a series each author had written. I hadn't read any of the other books in any of the series, but I didn't let that deter me. Most authors who've produced series have managed to make each book capable of standing on its own. And after all, this was a Christmas romance anthology, and those are my not-so-secret passion. But I'm afraid I was dissapointed by this book.

I wasn't expecting much from Linda Howard's novella, as I have not been impressed by her work in the past. My instincts were correct. Right off the bat, this was a falling-in-lust story (which I've never liked) rather than a falling-in-love story. I have nothing wrong with sexual attraction between characters (in fact, it's necessary for a good romance) but it needs to be handled well. I need to see more motivation for a couple to be together than just wanting to jump each other's bones. The amnesia plot wasn't as well done as I've read in other books. One star.

I had much higher hopes for Debbie Macomber's story. While not very many of her books make it onto my keeper shelf, her stories are usually cute, heartwarming, and sensual without being too explicit - worth it for a one-time read. But this one felt much too rushed. The author touched on the characters without really fleshing them out. I couldn't really see why Carrie should be attracted to Philip, nor why, apart from the fact that she would make a great stepmother, he would want her. I found myself getting bored by the end and had to force myself to finish the story. Two stars. (If you want really good Christmas romance by this author, check out her "Angel" books, including 'Shirley, Goodness and Mercy', 'The Trouble With Angels', 'Touched by Angels', 'Season of Angels' and 'Those Christmas Angels', available at Amazon.com)

Linda Turner's main characters were just not likeable. Priscilla was a sour harpy, and Wyatt was a conceited jerk. The way he spurned her when she was a teenager was utterly unforgivable, yet he justifies it by saying that he did it for her own good. As if taking a barely-at-the-age-of-consent's virginity and then setting it up so that she finds you in the arms of another woman is anything other than reprehensible. I tried to push past this, but the book descended into a silly contrived scene where Priscilla tries to prove that he means nothing to her by kissing him, which of course backfires. Oh brother. I started rolling my eyes at this point. And Wyatt was so full of himself that I wanted to push him into a pile of horse manure. I couldn't even finish this one. One star.

I hate to give such a negative review, but this book just wasn't up to par. I would not recommend buying this book, unless you happen to be a hardcore fan of these authors, and/or want to complete the series collections that these novellas belong to. While any of these stories could stand on its own, (I wasn't confused, even though I didn't read any of the other books in any of the series) I didn't think they were good enough to justify the price of the book.

SERIES ADDITIONS -- ALL THREE.......2003-09-21

The story of Maris Mackenzie should have been full length but the story was excellent in itself [if too short].
Meeting up with the FBI special agent Alex MacNeil and tumbling in love with him in the process of trying to catch horse killers was fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes of setting up the sting and the complications.

But most enjoyable of all, of course, was going back to Mackenzie's Mountain and rejoining Wolf and Mary's family.

Note that this is the 4th story in the Mackenzie series with Chance's story following to complete the series.

Also be aware that Debbie Macomber's story is a follow-up of the Manning family series.
And Linda Turner's story is a follow-up to the Wild West series of the Rawlings family - Love these add ons. Just too short.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ALL especially for family catch-ups.

Satisfying.......2003-07-17

For once, I like all of the authors who contributed to this book. I got it because I wanted to read about Maris McKenzie. It was very satisfying to me. I love the McKenzie family.

Debbie Macomber and Linda Howard also contributed a good story each. The only reason I give this book 4 stars is the stories were too short. I prefer these authors in longer formats.

Ilike the books on the Mckinzies, I would like more of them........1998-04-21

The kook on the McKinzies mountain and the mission were just Great ,I also like where they always got the family togeather, it shows much love for each one even Chance, I would like one where Chance finds some one and gets married,

I highly recommend each story in this book........1998-04-16

I especially enjoyed Linda Howard's continuation of the Mackenzie family. Maris' story includes all of the elements that make a Linda Howard book so difficlut to put down. The hero was a surprise. A must for this author's fans. Debbie Macomber's "Silver Bells" was one of her better stories and a true pleasure to read. Then Linda Turner added her story to make this one of the best holiday books published for Christmas.

Average customer rating:

Ding Dong
A story of Love and Commitment
Superb
Enchanting Christmas Tale of Second Chances
Sweet Holiday Story

Silver Bells
Luanne Rice
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553588559
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Book Description

Every year on the first day of December, Christopher Byrne traveled from his farm in Nova Scotia to sell his Christmas trees on the streets of Manhattan. But this year there'd be no cheer for the widower and his twelve-year-old daughter, Bridget. For New York City had taken Christy's only son, headstrong sixteen-year-old Danny, who'd run off without a trace.

Librarian Catherine Tierney used to love the holidays: the lights, the carols, the nip in the air. But after her husband's death on Christmas Eve three years ago, the festivities seemed to start too early and last too long. Just before he died, Brian told his wife that he'd never leave her, that every Christmas he'd send Catherine a sign. On the quaint Chelsea street where she lives, Catherine will meet the tree seller from Novia Scotia. Both figured the world had forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. But they hadn't counted on finding each other, on fate, on second chances. . . and on a holiday gift of new love and new hope to last a lifetime.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Every year on the first day of December, Christopher Byrne traveled from his farm in Nova Scotia to sell his Christmas trees on the streets of Manhattan. But this year there’d be no cheer for the widower and his twelve–year–old daughter, Bridget. For New York City had taken Christy’s only son, headstrong sixteen–year–old Danny, who’d run off without a trace.

Librarian Catherine Tierney used to love the holidays: the lights, the carols, the nip in the air. But after her husband’s death on Christmas Eve three years ago, the festivities seemed to start too early and last too long. Just before he died, Brian told his wife that he’d never leave her, that every Christmas he’d send Catherine a sign. On the quaint Chelsea street where she lives, Catherine will meet the tree seller from Novia Scotia. Both figured the world had forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. But they hadn’t counted on finding each other, on fate, on second chances…and on a holiday gift of new love and new hope to last a lifetime.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Ding Dong.......2007-01-10

This book was just a little too tied up w/ a bow. It was very predictable and eye-rolling at times. If I found it under my tree, I'd throw it back up the chimney!!

A story of Love and Commitment.......2007-01-04

This is a wonderful book, first of all it is set at Christmas time; which my favorite time of the year and it is written by one of my favorite authors, Luanne Rice. The whole story is about a father's determination to bring his family together again, and a woman's commitment to help someone who she could see had promise, and in the end heal her broken heart and bring closure to a situation where there could be no happy ending. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a love story in a Christmas setting.

Superb.......2006-12-20

I believe "Silver Bells" is one of Luanne Rice's best books. I've read and own almost all of them and there isn't a one I wouldn't recommend. Alas, if only we could clone Luanne Rice. If you're looking for a heartwarming holiday read, please read this one.

Enchanting Christmas Tale of Second Chances.......2006-08-15

Lose yourself in this charming little book that oozes with the wonder of a New York Christmas. From the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center to the streets of Chelsea where Clement Clark Moore lived and penned his immortal "Twas the Night Before Christmas," the reader is transported into that magical time of year when miracles really can happen.

A tree farmer from Nova Scotia, an embittered widow in Chelsea, a runaway boy, and a kooky hat maker are all brought together and given second chances at life and at love in this endearing story.

Luanne Rice delivers love and laughter and happy ever after in classic Christmas fashion.

Sweet Holiday Story.......2005-12-18

I should start out by saying that I have never read a Luanne Rice novel before, so I really have nothing to compare this too. Silver Bells was a sweet story, kind of generic, but good nonetheless.

This is a great book for the holiday season. The author could not have picked a better setting than snowy New York city. The scenes of sledding, roaring fires, christmas decorating, and tree lightings really help get the reader into the holiday spirit. As with most holiday stories, the plot is somewhat expected. The idea of two lost, lonely souls finding each other at christmas has definitly been done before, but Luanne Rice does manage to through in a few surprise and dramatic turns. All in all, I enjoyed the story and would definitly recommend it to someone who was looking for something light to read during the holiday season.

Tombstone's Treasure: Silver Mines and Golden Saloons

Average customer rating:

Fascinating Study

Tombstone's Treasure: Silver Mines and Golden Saloons
Sherry Monahan
Manufacturer: University of New Mexico Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0826341764

Book Description

Sherry Monahan is an authority on "the city that wouldn't die" and its history. In Tombstone's Treasure, she focuses on the silver mines, one reason for the city's founding, and the saloons, the other reason the city grew so quickly.

When the discovery of silver at Tombstone first became known in mid-1880, there were about twenty-six saloons and breweries. By July of the following year, the number of saloons in Tombstone had doubled. The most popular saloon games of the time were faro, monte, and poker, with some offering keno, roulette, and twenty-one.

Monahan shares true tales about Tombstone's mining and gambling history and describes a different time and locale where wealthy businesspeople and rugged miners rubbed elbows at the bar and gambled side by side.

It is both shocking and enlightening to learn just how sophisticated Tombstone really was when the Earps, Doc Holliday, Johnny Ringo, and Curly Bill strode the boardwalks. Tombstone actually had telephones, ice cream parlors, coffee shops, a bowling alley, and a swimming pool. Wow! It is so contrary to the Hollywood version of the town . . . but it's absolutely true."--from the Foreword by Bob Boze Bell

The silver rush in Tombstone, Arizona, created one of the most sophisticated towns in the American West, complete with lavish saloons, gambling, ice cream parlors, and a swimming pool.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating Study.......2007-05-07

This is a fascinating study of a part of Tombstone that never got any scrutiny in the past. Well written story with plenty of detail. I recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Holiday Readings
Excellent read

Silver Bells (Arabesque)
Lynn Emery , Gwynne Forster , and Carmen Green
Manufacturer: Pinnacle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786003332

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Holiday Readings.......2002-01-21

"Silver Bells" combine three novellas of a warm and loving combination of the holiday season, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Years.

In "Christopher's Gifts," Ms. Forster combined three spirits together -- a child's view with that of a businesswoman and a father. Sometimes it takes a child's wisdom to shed light on a situation. In this case, Christopher, aka Chris, is a child who is confused by his view of his father, Wade. The confusion comes about through what Chris has seen or heard all his life from his mother and Wade's ex-wife. However, it is through Chris that other lives are changed. When Chris comes to live with his father, who Chris refers to as "Wade", Chris also meets the woman Wade is "working" for, Nadine Carpenter. A relationship develops between Wade and Nadine. However, Nadine has a secret and so does Wade. Through Chris, the secrets are unfolded. Nadine's secret is something she has been hiding for years, although no fault of her own. She feels self conscious and wants to hide behind her cloak of hair.

To Nadine, Wade appears to be more than meets the eye. Wade is on a mission to gain something that is more precious to him than his life, the love and respect of his son, Chris. Wade would do anything to make this happen, even if it means stepping down in life, staying put, and being around when needed. Wade also has another objective after meeting Nadine, a woman who has also changed his life.

However, Chris is in for some surprises also. Chris has a secret too. One that once he faces, he in turn, is able to help Nadine overcome a similar situation. Also, a young child, Chris not only learns about life and its values, but he also learns what it is to love someone and have that love returned.

In "Christopher's Gifts" love and happiness await Chris, Nadine, and Wade. Truly, the gifts shared with the trio, were priceless gifts. Great story of love, hope, and happiness.

Iman Parrish and Cedric Hamilton heat up Carmen Green's story, "Whisper To Me" during the Kwanzaa celebration. Iman and Cedric are a great couple. Iman teaches not only about Kwanzaa, but she teaches Cedric a lesson in love and life. Cedric is a man, who in the past had to face hard times, so he is wary of his future and strives to gain all he could. He wants to make the best for his daughters and ensure that they are never without. Cedric is a little overanxious where money is concerned, but it takes Iman to show him that money does not always mean happiness and there is more to life than money. Love can also mean happiness and security. Iman turns Cedric's life around with just the soft whisper of words, until he says, "Whisper To Me."

"Happy New Year, Baby" was great. It covered the political and social issues involving a city that brought Shani Moore and Eric Aucoin together not only in the public, but also in their private lives. Shani and Eric had to deal with events that left their personal lives upturned. Could their new found love withstand the obstacles they were faced with involving community action or would their love slowly dissolve as the old year goes out and the New Year comes in with a bang?

"Happy New Year, Baby" was a wonderful story. Loved it, Ms. Emery.

Excellent read.......1999-02-17

One of my favorite of Gwynne Forster. The story line is well written with affection and love. The characters demonstrate warmth and pride. Whenever I need a pick-me up I reach for this book.

Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry, 1840-1950 (Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry)

Average customer rating:

On the boring side
Questions about Old Jewelry: Covers 1840-1850
Old Jewelry
Comprehensive Jewelry Book
Full of Information

Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry, 1840-1950 (Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry)
Jeanenne Bell , and C. Jeanenne Bell
Manufacturer: Krause Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0873417313

Book Description

Many people are curious about old jewelry. Usually they have some tucked away somewhere or have inherited jewelry passed down from previous generations. This book helps readers accurately circa date their pieces, authenticate and identify metals, and determine the value of treasured items made form 1840 to 1950. With 2000 updated prices, this revised edition is a key reference for dealers, collectors, and appraisers. Sections include jewelry styles from 1840 to 1950, an overview of 100 years of cameos, and the answers to questions about jewelry manufacturing and construction techniques.

*2000 updated prices
*Additional information includes Mexican jewelry, Bakelite, and makers' marks

Customer Reviews:

On the boring side.......2007-07-15

Book was not put together very good. It was also very boring in alot of areas. The middle section that has pictures...fell completely out of the book and into my hands. Very bad binding job and cheaply made book. Would not recommend this book to anyone.

Questions about Old Jewelry: Covers 1840-1850.......2007-01-04

Didn't provide the type of information I was looking for but had some helpful hints.

Old Jewelry.......2006-07-22

I have serveral of J. Bell's books and I enjoy them all. This one is informative and I love the quality pictures.

Comprehensive Jewelry Book.......2006-07-22

This book will educate you concerning the history of jewelry from the 1840's through the 1950's. Excellent history, pictures, price guides for the collector and the researcher. Contains not only black/white and color photos, but hallmarks, dating clues, artists marks, glossary and much much more. Invaluable book and one of the most used in my jewelry library.

Full of Information.......2004-11-18

You might say I'm a novice when it comes to vintage jewelry. I learn as I go and every book I buy has some tidbit of excellent information. My feeling is that one can never have too many books as they become our reference guides. Jeanenne Bell did an excellent job and I refer to this book regularly. I'm glad I bought it.

Gail Gupton, Author: The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth.

Average customer rating:

Cry Silver Bells
Thomas Burnett Swann
Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0879973455

The Silver Chalice: The Bestselling Classic of the Cup of the Last Supper (Christian Epics)

Average customer rating:

A Classic and deservedly so
Excellent

The Silver Chalice: The Bestselling Classic of the Cup of the Last Supper (Christian Epics)
Thomas B. Costain
Manufacturer: Moody Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0802471048

Customer Reviews:

A Classic and deservedly so.......2003-04-30

This book together with THE ROBE and QUO VADIS are the GREATEST of Christian literature that brings not only the early Church and its people alive but makes you forget you are reading and causes you to fall into the book almost.
Great.

Excellent.......1999-12-02

This is THE book to read. THat is all i have got to sa

SILVER SPURS (SAVED BY THE BELL #13) (Saved By the Bell)

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SILVER SPURS (SAVED BY THE BELL #13) (Saved By the Bell)
Cruise
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Ex-Zack-Ly (Saved By the Bell)

ASIN: 0020427883

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Silver Bells: A Musical Pop-Up Book
Jay Livingston , and Ray Evans
Manufacturer: Little Simon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689801807

Silver Bells (Harlequin Romance, No 3092)

Average customer rating:

A cute, feel-good romance
Couldn't keep my interest
Silver Bells Is A Good Christmas Romance Book!.
Cute Little Romance Story!

Silver Bells (Harlequin Romance, No 3092)
Val Daniels
Manufacturer: harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373030924

Customer Reviews:

A cute, feel-good romance.......2006-12-26

This was a cute take on a theme that's been told many times before - a woman engaged to Mr. Wrong gets stranded in a secluded cabin during a blizzard with commitment-phobe Mr. Right, and they each much reconcile the past before admitting that they belong together. A fun book to infuse Christmas spirit into the coldest December day!

Couldn't keep my interest.......2006-10-22

From the back cover:

Christmas...with the wrong man!

Jillian Kemp had planned the holiday carefully--a secluded cabin, a beautifully decorated tree, even stockings hanging by the fireplace. The first Christmas shared with her soon-to-be-fiance, Harrison, would be perfect.

But even the best of plans can fall apart. The electricity failed, the phone went dead, and Harrison didn't show up. Then, just when it seemed things couldn't get any worse, a complete stranger arrived at the door.

No amount of cautious planning could have prepared Jillian for Matt Carson. Handsome and virile, he stormed into the cabin--and her heart--as if he belonged there.

And my review:

Maybe if I'd read this when I was still a teen, I might have enjoyed it too. Instead, I found it ridiculously formulamatic. It is mentioned that this is the author's first book--well, it shows.

The characters were not deeply drawn, just mere carboard cutouts. This was especially the case with the hero. The reader had no idea (apart from his numerous sexual innuendos) what made him tick. And it was ridiculous, they way they kept kissing each other within mere hours of meeting, when they knew nothing more than each other's names. The first kiss, I could understand, since Jillian thought that Matt was her fiance finally arrived at the cabin. But the ones that came after in the hours that followed just felt so out of place they had me snorting in disbelief.

And c'mon! Isn't the heroine supposed to be practically engaged? How about saying, "Hey buddy! Stop kissing me. For one thing, I hardly know you, and for another, I'm taken!" But no! And we're supposed to swallow this because we find out later that the fiance is actually a jerk. So cheating is okay if the one you're promised to isn't a nice guy? Ugh.

There are far better Christmas romances out there. For example, LET IT SNOW, a Superromance by author Sherry Lewis is delightful. As is SWEET SEA SPIRIT by Emilie Richards. As for SILVER BELLS, I'd recommend you give it a miss.

Silver Bells Is A Good Christmas Romance Book!........2005-10-18

I really enjoyed reading Silver Bells because I love a good Christmas romance story and this was definitely a good Christmas romance story. Jillian was hoping to spend Christmas with her Fiance Harrison at her friends cabin, she arrived at the cabin first and while she was waiting for Harrison to arrive she is frightened when a man she does not know opens the door and walks in, his name is Matt and he claims the same friends promised him use of the cabin for Christmas and when they call the friends to verify their rights to use the cabin they realize that the friends goofed up but can't do anything about it as a big blizzard is on the way. The blizzard hits and Matt and Jillian are stranded together in the cabin for days, she at first talks about her fiance as though he is absolutlely perfect in every way but slowly begins to realize that she and Matt are attracted to each other and they fall in love, even if neither one of them realizes it at the time. When Jillian does get back to her apartment in the city you at first feel sorry for her fiance Harrison until you find out that he's a jerk! I Highly recommend this book!

Cute Little Romance Story!.......2001-12-23

Silver Bells written by a romance book writer named Val Daniels was a pretty good Christmas romance book it was very charming and a pleasure to read, it is about a young lady named Jillian Kemp who has planned the perfect Christmas vacation with her fiance in a cabin in the woods after her friend Karen lends her the cabin but soon learns that even the best of plans can hit a snag because her friend Karen does not know that her husband Jim has promised use of the cabin to his friend Matt Carson so when Jillian gets to the cabin she is soon shocked when Matt who she has never met shows up at the cabin and they soon wind up getting snowed in and it's a good thing that her original plans fell apart because as it turns out her fiance isn't really such a nice guy. This is really a cute little romance book and I'm glad I read it.

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