First place winner in the International Digital Awards (Contemporary Shorts Category) "The Children's Author ..." Annie Hamilton's children's series Star Light Star Bright is a mega hit. She loves kids and wants nothing more than a family of her own, but twice burned, thrice shy. When a gorgeous man with two young boys moves next door, Annie can't help but dream her impossible dream. "And The Widower Who Moved Next Door ..." Cole Evans is a brilliant scientist, but finds fatherhood a challenge. When his son develops a bond with their enchanting neighbor, the boy's favorite author, Cole discovers just how much he's lost--and how much he needs. "Will Their Wish Come True This Christmas Night?" Can Cole overcome family meddling and alleviate Annie's fears so they can be a ready-made family?

A poem about the visit that Santa Claus pays to the children of the world during the night before every Christmas.

Murder Mysteries for the Long Christmas Night is a potently curated anthology that traverses the shadowy realms of suspense, gothic horror, and captivating mystery. Impeccably arranged to reflect the chilling ambiance of Christmas nights, the collection ingeniously weaves together a diverse range of literary stylesfrom the eerie psychological twists of Victorian gothic to the cunning riddles of golden-age detective fiction. Highlighted within this assemblage are narratives that not only stand as hallmarks of their respective authors oeuvre but also collectively redefine the contours of the mystery genre. Each story, with its unique narrative voice and stylistic prowess, contributes to a larger mosaic of suspense and intrigue. The contributing authors, a veritable whos who of 19th and early 20th-century literary giants, bring to the anthology an array of backgrounds that enrich the thematic and narrative diversity of the collection. From Dickens masterful portrayal of human nature to Conan Doyles unrivaled deductive adventures, and from Wilkie Collins intricate plot constructions to the supernatural elegance of M.R. James' tales, these authors collectively embody the historical and cultural shifts of their times. Their contributions not only underscore the evolving landscape of literature but also mirror the societal fascinations and anxieties of their eras, making the anthology a captivating study in the intersection of narrative form, cultural commentary, and entertainment. Murder Mysteries for the Long Christmas Night offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the seminal works that have shaped and informed the mystery genre. Perfect for both aficionados and newcomers to the genre, this collection promises a riveting exploration of human curiosity, the thrill of the chase, and the eternal allure of the unknown. It invites readers to wrap themselves in the warm glow of storytelling mastery, all the while navigating the chilling twists and turns that lurk within its pagesa seasonal treasure trove of literary gems that both educates and entertains.

A family makes its annual pilgrimage to decorate an evergreen tree with food for the forest animals at Christmastime.

ON A DARK CHRISTMAS NIGHT 25 Holiday Spook Classics & Murder Mysteries gathers together an exceptional anthology that bridges the festive cheer of the holiday season with the intriguing shadows of mystery and the supernatural. This collection boasts an impressive palette of literary styles, weaving through the eerie corridors of gothic tales, the enigmatic puzzles of classic mysteries, and the chilling whispers of ghost stories. It illuminates the oft-overlooked darker side of Christmas literature, promising to surprise and captivate readers with its unique juxtaposition of holiday warmth against a backdrop of suspense and spectral ambiance. The range of narratives included showcases the versatility and innovation of its celebrated contributors, making it a standout compilation in the genre of holiday literature. The anthology is curated by a distinguished assembly of authors whose names are synonymous with the pinnacle of English literature and the development of the mystery and supernatural genres. Figures such as Charles Dickens, recognized for intertwining the spectral with the festive, and Arthur Conan Doyle, master of the detective story, contribute to the anthologys rich canvas of holiday noir. The collection not only aligns with the literary movements of Gothic and Victorian mystery but also reflects the eras fascination with the ghostly and the macabre, breathing new life into the traditional Christmas narrative. By combining the works of such illustrious writers, this anthology provides a multifaceted exploration of the themes of redemption, duality, and the supernatural that these holidays evoke. ON A DARK CHRISTMAS NIGHT is an invitation to readers to venture beyond the conventional holiday tales into a realm where the festive spirit meets the mysterious and the uncanny. It offers a unique opportunity to revel in the mastery of classic storytelling while exploring the complex intersection of joy and fear, celebration and contemplation. This collection is an indispensable addition for those who seek to deepen their appreciation of literary craftsmanship and are intrigued by the shadowy dimensions of holiday lore. Its educational value and the rich dialogue it fosters between the different authors works make it a must-read for enthusiasts of literature, history, and the arts alike.