by Kat Latham
For me, December is a time where love mixes with stress in a uniquely potent way, leaving me sobbing “Everyone’s going to hate the gifts I got them—especially you!” on my husband’s shoulder on Christmas Eve.
Thank God he’s got broad shoulders. They’ve absorbed a lot of stress-induced tears over the last nine years.
The very last thing I feel I have time (or money) for during the holiday season is treating myself. That’s why one of my favorite things about the month before Christmas is the opportunity to find short stories and novellas from new-to-me authors. First, they’re reasonably priced. Second, when it comes to Christmas stories, I usually don’t want a full novel. A novel is too much commitment at a time when my to-do list is already laughable and could only realistically be tackled by five military strategists, not one scatterbrained woman.
Here are a couple of novellas I’ve read that are the perfect length for diverting your mind while you stand in an impossibly long line at the post office.
One Perfect Night by Rachael Johns
Peppa Grant’s fellow employees may call their new CEO Mr. McSexy, but she’s also heard that he’s aloof and distant. Cameron McCormac certainly seems cold toward Christmas when she meets him at the company’s annual party…but he’s also the sexiest man Peppa has ever seen. And when he offers to forgive the damage she accidentally caused to his expensive car in exchange for accompanying him to his family’s holiday get-together, she agrees.
Cameron needs a date to the family party to get his matchmaking relatives off his back. Their chemistry is instant and undeniable, leading to an incredible one-night stand. But Peppa wants love and family, while Cameron’s only interested in temporary pleasure. When their relationship takes an unexpectedly serious turn, will he run the other way—or will he give love a second chance?
58,000 words
This Time Next Year by Alison Kent
(Note: This can be bought on its own or in the anthology Holiday Kisses by Carina Press. I won This Time Next Year on Alison Kent’s blog and really enjoyed it. I’d love to know what other readers think about the other stories in the anthology.)
Brenna Keating is on her way to spend Christmas with her grandmother when treacherous roads and a skittish deer put her car in a ditch. Riding to the rescue—literally—is Dillon Craig, a reclusive doctor who insists she weather the storm in his cabin.
Since returning from Afghanistan where he treated wounded soldiers on the front lines, Dillon’s made it a point to avoid any emotional involvement. But his unexpected guest has him dangerously close to breaking his own rules.
Brenna has a plan for her life—until she’s stranded for three days with Dillon. Soon, the chemistry sizzling between them forces her to reexamine her priorities. The man is gorgeous, if taciturn, and a true hero in every sense of the word. No woman in her right mind could resist him, and so Brenna doesn’t—even though she can’t stay…
27,000 words
If you get a chance to read any of these, I hope you enjoy them. Because really, there’s no better genre than romance for helping you escape the crap the holiday season can heave in your face, while reminding you that love is the real reason you’re hitting the mall at a time when any sane woman would be lounging at home with a glass of mulled wine and a masseur named Carlos.
How do you feel about holiday novellas and short stories? Can you recommend any? Comment and enter to win a copy to win both books!
Kat Latham has been reading romance for a couple of decades. With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the depth, humor and emotion of real life. When she’s not writing contemporary romance novels, she can usually be found blogging or tweeting overly personal information. She loves meeting other readers and writers online, so follow her on Twitter or check out her blog and say hello!
I love these short, quick Holiday treats! Mary Balogh has several anthologies Christmas keepsakes was one of them. Jingle Bell Rock has another story by Alison Kent, Sara Smiles, Jill Shalvis has had a couple, Merry Christmas Baby for one. Nora Roberts had Jingle Bell Rock and Gabriel’s Angel. NASCAR has had 3 Holiday themed anthologies.
Thanks for the heads up on One Perfect Night. I already have Allison’s book on my eReader:)
I have been reading a lot of holiday short stories lately and really enjoying them, will have to check these out.
I haven’t read any short stories in a while but I do like some Christmas novellas. There is an anthology with Donna Kauffman and Cynthia Eden in it, The Naughty List, I think and all the stories were very enjoyable.
I like reading the shorter stories at this time of business in my day. Gee, I thought I was the only one that bought suitcase type purses to tote books around with me and read in lines and at places most peopele don’t. Well, let’s face it, most people don’t read. They are really missing out on a lot.
Happy holidays to all the readers
They can be short and sweet. Normally I like full-length novels but I don’t mind reading a short story in between. The good thing about them is that if you don’t have an ereader, they won’t strain my eyes too much reading them on the PC. I’m looking forward to Alison Kent’s “This Time Next Year”.
I am a retired teacher and I substitute now a couple of days a week, so I love a short read. One I can read in less than an hour when I am on break. I also love holiday stories. Thanks!
Both ONE PERFECT NIGHT and THIS TIME NEXT YEAR sound like must reads. I enjoy Christmas stories and other short novellas when I don’t have a lot of time to read. Sorry, but I can’t think of any examples right now.
I don’t read many short stories or novellas.
May I also suggest Her Christmas Pleasure by Karen Erickson…Perfect way to spend an hour of time! Great Christmas-themed novella. And I’m not a lover of the novella, so that’s saying a lot.
Love Christmas/Holiday short stories. During this time of year I rarely have time for long reading sessions so novellas help me relax while also giving me quick, happy closure on a story. I am looking forward to Alison Kent’s novella and can recommend Tessa Dare’s new short story, “Once Upon A Winter’s Eve”.
I’ve only read 1 Christmas Romance “Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish” by Grace Burrowes. It was amazing. Because of this incredible book, I’m thinking about buying another, though, I prefer to stay with Historical Romances for now. I like the Highlander (Irish/Scotland) novels as well. So, if anyone knows a great Christmas Romance that fits my favourites, please feel free to let me know.
Bev. please don’t enter me in this contest. I recently won. Thanks.
I agree that novellas are perfect for the season. Have to admit that I’m trying to whittle the TBR down a bit and haven’t actually started on the Christmas reads, so nothing to recommend just yet. I did have Alison’s book, This Time Next Year, on my wish list, but had not heard about One Perfect Night – thanks for the heads up!
I love novellas, especially ones with the Christmas theme. There are several Blazes out with Christmas themes that are wonderful to read
Love it, so great for this time and all timevlol, congrats, Thanks, for the prizes A’s alsways,
I love Christmas Novellas. If there is ever a year where I am just not into Christmas, I dig some old ones and look for new ones and read them all !! They usually help get the Grinch out of me!
I have heard some very nice things about THIS TIME NEXT YEAR. It sounds like one I will enjoy.
I have one bookcase full o Christmas books, most of them anthologies. I love the format. A lot can be said in a short space if done well.
Sometimes a quick read is all I’m after when life is busy around Christmas. They fill a need.
+1 for Grace Burrowes’ Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
I also enjoyed Cathy Maxwell’s His Christmas Pleasures and Mary Balogh’s A Christmas Promise.
I enjoy novellas — but, sometimes, I wish the story could be longer. ^_^
I never used to like novellas at all, I always felt that they were “missing” the rest of the story – it was kind of like reading an except and you wanted more. Then I got my ereader and read a couple of novellas and realized that sometimes, these books can be just as rewarding as the thicker books, and many times, they are better because the author is much more careful to stay on track. And with the holidays upon us, I find myself reading more and more short stories just so I feel as if I have accomplished ‘something’ when everything else in life seems overwhelming right now.
For me the longer the better! I have a couple holiday reads waiting for me (so please don’t enter me, I just wanted to comment).
And that’s cute that you get stressed over gifts you give, when I am sure that you do a wonderful job and people love your gifts! I know you do a great job of that on your blog!
I like reading shorter works on the Kindle not so much full-length novels so holiday novellas are perfect.
I don’t stress too much about whether the gifts I give are perfect. That’s what gift receipts are for. Or if it’s something more general in nature, then I expect it to be re-gifted (although not back to me).
I’m not a big fan of novellas and short stories in general so…