Welcome to a real treat. Two stories by Nora Roberts are being reissued under one cover. Both starring characters that simply jump off the page.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS centers on a set of rather precocious twin brothers. Being brought up by a loving father has been fine. But this Christmas the boys decide they want a mom. Not just any mom but the mom. So they write a letter to Santa specifically wishing for only two things. It seems a simple transaction since they have both been really good. Zeke and Zack want bicycles and the mom. Of course, the dad had no idea that they compiled this missive to Santa. But in all candor, they do seem very preoccupied and secretive. Enter a new teacher in the small-town school where both Zeke and Zake attend. Nell Davis is the new music teacher. She has systematically endeared herself to all her students. And the twins are no exception – with one notable item. Nell fits the description and wishes of the brothers for the opening for a mom. The dad Mac does notice that Nell is very comfortable with his boys but can’t help but worry about her staying power. After all, Nell comes from a big city and Mac is sure that if a position opened at her old school there is no way she would miss that opportunity. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS was first published in 1994 as a novella.

CAPTIVATED is a horse of a different color. The main character Morgana Donovan is a witch. Not in the nasty woman category but a young woman born into a family of those with gifts in witchcraft. Morgana is immensely close to her family and lives in an area surrounded by gorgeous mountains and forests. She does not dabble in witchcraft – which she makes entirely clear when she meets Nash Kirkland who has come to do research on his latest movie script. Nash has been remarkably successful with his creations, mostly delving into the world of the supernatural and the occult and downright scary. His latest idea is of a story involving witches, the twentieth-century variety. And Morgana caught his eye. Here is a strong, independent woman with her own business. Completely comfortable in her own skin. Surrounded by folks who treat her as one of their own. In short, she belongs. Something Nash has never experienced in his own personal life. Her story is just what Nash is looking for. However, nothing is as simple as it seems. Morgana would love to have a great love including the possibility of children and family. Her extended family is filled with lovely relationships. Nash on the other hand avoids relationships like poison. Attraction be damned. Nash is determined to stay the course.

CAPTIVATED was actually book one in a four-book series the Donovan Legacy. It was first published in 1992.