Making Spirits Bright

Fern Michaels · Elizabeth Bass · Rosalind Noonan · Nan Rossiter

May 2011 · Kensington Publishing Corp.

About this eBook

”This swoon-worthy collection of novellas hits the holiday sweet spot” with four tales of sweet surprises, family connections, and unexpected romance (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

“Making Spirits Bright” by Fern Michaels

Melanie McLaughlin desperately wants to adopt two orphaned siblings and give them a real home for Christmas. A just-for-the-holiday marriage to Bryce Landry fits her plan perfectly . . . until Melanie starts dreaming of forever by his side . . .

“Runaway Christmas” by Elizabeth Bass

Watching movies in her pajamas is Heidi Bogue's idea of a perfect Christmas—until her thirteen-year-old niece makes a surprise visit. And when a snowstorm turns Heidi's café into a community refuge, a handsome cop gives her a new reason to celebrate . . .

“Home for Christmas” by Rosalind Noonan

Jo Truman needs a replacement Santa for her gift shop's Christmas Eve party. She's determined to convince lonely soldier Sam Norwood that he's perfect for the part . . . and that the season for love is always . . .

“Christmas on Cape Cod” by Nan Rossiter

Maddie Carlson would do anything for her best friend. And helping Asa Coleman babysit a rambunctious puppy on Christmas Eve night is her one chance to help the troubled teacher put his past to rest . . . and give the sweetest gift of all.

Ratings and reviews

"Making Spirits Bright" will uplift any sad heart for the December holiday season. There are four short stories in this delightful book, beginning with Fern Michael's 'Making Spirits Bright' which tells of unmarried Melanie McLaughlin's decision to adopt a child. Then Elizabeth Bass's 'Runaway Christmas' tells of young teenager Erica's running away from her Texas home to her aunt's coffee shop in New York City just in time for Christmas. Rosalind Noonan's 'Home for Christmas' is Jo Truman's story. Jo's love, the legendary skiier Shane, is killed and she must raise their child alone while she tends her hometown gift shop. The last, 'Christmas on Cape Cod' by Nan Rossiter, tells the story of Asa Coleman who is finally raising his young son, Noah, and of his best friend, Maddie, who'd like to be much more than his best friend. Anyone giving this book of four holiday stories to a relative or friend will be loved forever! "Making Spirits Bright" is four well-written and well-edited Christmas stories by well-known authors that will please readers everywhere. The characters in all four stories are totally believable and lovable and their stories will tug at anyone's heart strings. The plotlines of each of the stories are well-developed and not entirely predictable which is what readers will appreciate. For instance, in 'Christmas on Cape Cod', the reader will smile at the subplot of the gift of Coal to Noah and Asa. "Making Spirits Bright" is delightful reading for any time of year and not just at Christmas!

Wonderful uplifting short stories with characters that you will hold dear to your heart and remember for a long time to come !

Making spirits bright

About the author

Fern Michaels is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of the Sisterhood, Lost and Found, Men of the Sisterhood, and Godmothers series, as well as dozens of other novels and novellas. Her books have been translated into more than 20 languages and sold over 150 million copies in print. Fern Michaels has built and funded several large day-care centers in her hometown and is a passionate animal lover who has outfitted police dogs across the country with special bulletproof vests. She shares her home in South Carolina with her fur family of dogs and cats, as well as a resident ghost named Mary Margaret. Visit her website at FernMichaels.com.

ELIZABETH BASS lives with her husband in Montreal, where she writes and astounds the locals with her makeshift French. An elderly cat or dog (or two...or four) can typically be found in her apartment, and during the busiest day, Elizabeth usually finds time to sneak in an old movie. She loves to hear from readers and can be found on Facebook, Twitter (@ElizabethBass), or at elizabeth-bass.com.

ROSALIND NOONAN is a New York Times bestselling fiction author and graduate of Wagner College. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes in the shade of some towering two-hundred-year-old Douglas fir trees. Readers can visit her website at www.rosalindnoonan.info.

NAN ROSSITER was born in Mount Vernon, New York. She grew up in Pelham, New York, and in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. From a young age she loved to draw. After high school, she attended Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a BFA in illustration. Nan lives in rural Connecticut with her husband and two handsome sons. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking with her family or reading a good book. Visit her website at www.nanrossiter.com.