Would you like to treat yourself to a fabulous anthology this month? If so, I have a suggestion for you....

Four best selling regency authors have collaborated on their third anthology titled CHRISTMAS IN DUKE STREET. The setting for each of the stories is the On The Shelf bookstore. I loved that the book store setting connected each holiday story because it gave me the feeling that I had read an entire book, not four unrelated stories.

THE RAKE WHO LOVED CHRISTMAS by Miranda Neville

I adored Ms. Neville's character driven story about Sir Devlyn Stratton and print seller Oriel Sinclair. Dev loves Christmas and enjoys selecting the perfect gift for each of his family members. Looking for gifts for his sister and grandmother, he meets Oriel at On the Shelf. He is intrigued by his conversation with Oriel and is concerned that both his brother and a notorious rake have shown interest in Ms. Sinclair. Love the scenes at the play between Dev and Oriel when Dev makes the wrong assumption and Oriel plays her part to perfection!

Will Dev be able to sort out his feelings for Oriel before she leaves London?

A SEDUCTION IN WINTER by Carolyn Jewel

Carolyn Jewel has written a deeply moving love story featuring childhood friends; Honora Baynard and Lord Wrathell, Leoline Marrable. Honora considers Wrathell her hero as he protected her years ago when she was tormented by others. Wrathell and Honora cross paths at On the Shelf. It's obvious from their conversation that Honora has followed Wrathell's military career and his life in India. Wrathell, Honora and her father Frederick Baynard are artists. The author's descriptive prose draws the reader into this complex love story which centers on Honora, Wrathell and their complex family relationships.

How does an artist view beauty? Is beauty in the eye of the beholder?

A PRINCE IN HER STOCKING by Shana Galen

A PRINCE IN HER STOCKING by Shana Galen has adventure, romance and intrigue! Love the couples first meeting at On the Shelf, the neighborhood bookstore. The mysterious Mr. Lucien Glen collides into widow Cass Ashbrooke and almost knocks her over! Cass is one of my favorite Shana Galen heroines and I love how passion transforms her during the course of the novel. Ms. Galen's characters-- a lonely widow and a prince without a kingdom-- are endearing! The author had each character play the truth and favor game to learn more about each other. During the game of questions and answers, Cass is apprised of Lucien's situation. Lucien is the sole survivor of a revolution and he believes he is in grave danger. He is looking for papers which will substantiate his position as heir to the Kingdom of Glynaven.

Will Cass and Lucien find the documents in time?

THE APPEAL OF CHRISTMAS by Grace Burrowes

After reading CHRISTMAS IN THE DUKE'S ARMS, I was hoping that author Grace Burrowes had a story for Gervaise Stoneleigh. I liked the character and was curious if the author would write a happily ever after for him. Ms. Burrowes has written a different type of hero, Gervaise is not fond of the entire holiday season! In fact Gervaise is rather a Grinch! Our hero is not looking to buy holiday gifts or in the mood for family gatherings. Gervaise is in search of a good book to read when he stops by On the Shelf after work. The book shop provides a haven for him until Hazel Hooper arrives. Hazel and Gervaise are friends and he offers to walk her home. Hazel and Gervaise play a game of chess and share a kiss. Love the well written scene where Gervaise asks Hazel what she'd like for Christmas. Her direct response surprised me and sets the stage for a fabulous holiday story filled with love, passion and lots of humor!

Does Gervaise figure out the prefect gift for Hazel?

I enjoyed each one of these stories. Ms. Neville's characters are well crafted and the banter between the characters is superb! Carolyn Jewel's story was very moving and I loved that each character decides the importance and value of beauty. Shana Galen fans will love the romance and adventure in her novella. I enjoyed Gervaise and Hazel's visits to the book shop and the subtle holiday messages contained in Ms. Burrowes' novella.

Grab a mug of hot cocoa and spend an afternoon reading these fabulous stories! I am sure you will enjoy them as much as I did!