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.