"Pleasure is his only pursuit... Colin Rowley, Viscount Hartsford, has been given an offer too good to ignore: if he comes home to Lancaster Hall and his family by Christmas morning, he'll win a coveted racehorse as well as an estate. Trouble is, recollections attached to his ducal father's castle leave him haunted, especially those regarding the first girl he's ever loved, the one who rejected him. Faced with reduced circumstances... Widow Lucy Ashbrook is leaving London for the last time. Now that her husband's savings have dried up, she can no longer afford her lifestyle, so after she attends the Christmas house party at Lancaster Hall—the site of so many delicious memories—she'll return to her parents on the neighboring property. Too bad the man who first won her heart, and who accompanies her on the journey to Derbyshire, hasn't changed his selfish ways.The magic of the holiday season... When a series of mysterious events continually throw Colin and Lucy together, they can't help but revisit the past, and rediscover the joy made during those long-ago winters. Happiness will elude them both unless they find the Yuletide wonder and give themselves over to a love that has waited... with the help of a few, secret Christmas wagers working behind the scenes." -- Provided by publisher.

Sometimes love needs a few wagers to stick the second time around.Pleasure is his only pursuit... Colin Rowley, Viscount Hartsford, has been given an offer too good to ignore: if he comes home to Lancaster Hall and his family by Christmas morning, he'll win a coveted racehorse as well as an estate. Trouble is, recollections attached to his ducal father's castle leave him haunted, especially those regarding the first girl he's ever loved, the one who rejected him.Faced with reduced circumstances... Widow Lucy Ashbrook is leaving London for the last time. Now that her husband's savings have dried up, she can no longer afford her lifestyle, so after she attends the Christmas house party at Lancaster Hall-the site of so many delicious memories-she'll return to her parents on the neighboring property. Too bad the man who first won her heart, and who accompanies her on the journey to Derbyshire, hasn't changed his selfish ways.The magic of the holiday season... When a series of mysterious events continually throw Colin and Lucy together, they can't help but revisit the past, and rediscover the joy made during those long-ago winters. Happiness will elude them both unless they find the Yuletide wonder and give themselves over to a love that has waited... with the help of a few, secret Christmas wagers working behind the scenes.

Can the Ladies Wagering Whist Society help bring Christmas joy to a desperate man and a nurturing woman? Quinn Ainsby wants only one thing for Christmas – for his mother and his aunt to end their thirty-year feud. When the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society suggest he host a Christmas house party, he knows it will be just thing to bring the two warring sisters together. What he doesn’t anticipate is his grandfather’s new caregiver, the beautiful Charlie Moore. Charlie is just happy to have a roof over her head and someone to care for. After her father’s death left her with nowhere to go and no way to live, she is grateful her distant cousin was good enough to take her in and is more than happy to tend to the crotchety old man. But when her cousin’s grandson comes home Charlie’s heart discovers that there’s more to life than just caring for the elderly and infirm--there are young, handsome men who need care as well. When Christmas comes and the halls are decked with greenery there is no better time to find your true hearts’ desire.

You are cordially invited to Christmas at Millworth Manor. . . Camille, Lady Lydingham, requests the pleasure of your company at a festive house party, as she endeavors to coax a marriage proposal from Prince Nikolai Pruzinsky of Greater Avalonia. The hostess's relatives will be in attendance--in this case, a troupe of actors hired to impersonate a proper English family in order to fool the Prince. Gate-crashing, distractingly handsome first loves like Grayson Elliott are most unwelcome. Games will be played. Motives will be revealed. Mayhem may ensue. And hearts will be won--and lost--in the most romantic, magical season of all. Please RSVP "Cleverly conceived and flawlessly executed: the perfect holiday treat." –The Chicago Tribune "Alexander's divine Victorian Christmas confection provides an abundance of wit and warmth." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Do you ever find yourself drowning in secularization and commercialization, being pulled under as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas intermingle and fly by in a frantic blur? Have you ever wondered if there is any way to reclaim the true meaning of such seasons as Advent and Lent, and be helped to live more intentionally and meaningfully the other Christian celebrations? Reasons for the Seasons makes that possible in a delightfully engaging manner. With humor and rich illustrations, this widely read spiritual author draws upon life experiences from childhood in Appalachia to his teaching at Princeton University and into his spiritual pilgrimage intent on uniting his Protestant mind with a Catholic heart. Focus is given to the church's central seasons of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany and Lent/Easter/Pentecost. Lesser-known Christian celebrations are engaged, such as Candlemas, Trinity Sunday, and the Feast of the Transfiguration. Additionally, illumination is provided for exploring such secular holidays as New Year's, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Halloween. This book will be informative and engaging not only for personal use but also in enabling families to deepen their celebrative time together. Groups will also find it helpful for study, as will churches in giving depth to their liturgical planning.

Can the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society help a gentleman to believe in a Christmas miracle? The joyful and lovely Rachel Corbyn may be dedicated to helping her father’s parishioners stay healthy and happy but a delicious flirtation with the Duke of Warwick’s handsome secretary last spring awoke a desire she hadn’t even realized was lurking within her. Despite his silence since then, she wonders if she can tease the serious man enough to reignite their friendship if nothing else. Martin Arbeit had decided long ago to dedicate himself to his employer and his work. The beautiful Miss Corbyn is upsetting all of his plans. She makes him smile and even laugh! She makes him happy—an emotion he’s tried to remove from his life so as to be the best secretary to the duke. But when the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society put thoughts of romance into his head, he finds himself unable to resist the idea—and Miss Corbyn. A night in a manger, three wise men, and the miracle of birth on Christmas morning turn all the cards in Martin’s favor. How can he possibly resist the most precious gift of all—love?

The Big Book of Christmas Tales is an unparalleled collection that brings together the works of several of the most prominent authors in literary history to explore the multifaceted themes of Christmas. By weaving together a tapestry of diverse literary styles from the whimsical to the solemn, the anthology encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season through a broad spectrum of perspectives. The collection stands out for its inclusion of timeless classics alongside lesser-known gems, providing a rich literary context that illuminates the universal appeal of Christmas. The varied narratives, woven with themes of hope, generosity, and reflection, highlight the cultural and emotional significance of the holiday across different times and places, underscoring the anthologys importance as a literary compendium. The backgrounds of the contributing authors are as diverse as their stories, with figures such as Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy standing alongside Emily Dickinson and Beatrix Potter. This assembly of authors, each influential in their own right, comes from a broad spectrum of historical, cultural, and literary movements, offering readers a panoramic view of Christmas through the ages. The contributions of these authors, who have each left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, collectively enrich the anthology's overarching theme by showcasing the holiday's universal resonance across various cultural and societal backgrounds. This collection is a treasure trove for readers eager to explore the depths of Christmas through an expansive lens. It beckons to those who are not just looking for holiday tales but are in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the myriad ways in which this time of year reflects and influences the human condition. The Big Book of Christmas Tales is more than a seasonal anthology; it is an educational journey and a celebration of literary diversity that promises to spark reflection, joy, and a renewed appreciation for the enduring power and complexity of the Christmas spirit. Readers are encouraged to delve into this collection, not only for its aesthetic and sentimental value but also for the unique opportunity it presents to engage with the rich tapestry of Christmas narratives from some of the most revered authors in literature.