A Stockingful of Joy (Signet Historical Romance)

Although the other stories in this anthology were interesting reads none touched me like the Snow Rose by Susan King. It was a poignant story of how a young woman was able thru her own pain helped another deal with his pain, making the reader the winner. Having read the prequel of sorts to this nouvella, THE RAVEN'S WISH, I found that she has created a wonderful story for one of the many Fraser cousin's who needed their own. The story was believable and was perfect for the holiday season

creating a believable sense of hope that all will be well. It isn't easy to write a satisfying story in so few pages but Ms. King's writing ability shines thru with this most endearing story of a promise redeemed in a most unusual way by a most wonderful hero all to capture the love of his heroine. Of the stories in this anthology Ms King's gave the reader the most hope this holiday season and her other books are not to be missed by any who call themselves romance readers.

Ho ho hum (0/0 people found this helpful)

Like another reviewer, I'm not a big fan of collections, but I do like Mary Jo Putney, so I bought this book for 25 cents at a library book sale. It's worth about that. Putney's story is good, but the others are rather contrived and silly--two concerning headstrong females who can somehow survive the perils of winter while supporting as many as 6 children. I didn't find much holiday cheer in this book.

One of the all around best anthologies I've ever read! (1/1 people found this helpful)

I grabbed this one with great expectations because it contained stories by two of my favorite authors and two other authors that I hadn't read but have heard good things about. And the rare thing happened, all of my expectations were met and I discovered a new author (King) whose backlist I'm probably going to track down.

The King story ["Snow Rose"] set in the Scottish Highlands is probably my favorite. I found it tender, sensual and gripping and all of the little historical details really placed me in the time period.

The Barnett story ["Boxing Day" - set in Victorian New York] was my second favorite, it was funny and witty, light and really hit the spot, the hero was very lovable and the heroine was an *older* woman.

The Putney story ["The Best Husband Money Can Buy" - set in Regency England] was also great about a woman who buys herself a hubby but I have to admit I was a little bothered by the fact that they were cousins (I know this was acceptable during that time but it still makes me squirm).

The Dare story ["A Light in the Window" - set in late 1800s Wyoming] was good but probably my least favorite because I felt it was too short and that she wasn't given enough space to fully develop her characters. I highly recommend this anthology for those who like 'em.

Loved it! (0/0 people found this helpful)

Not being a fan of anthologies BUT being a fan of Mary Jo Putney (who wrote in the anthology, not Mary Balogh) and Jill Barnett, I purchased it anyway. I could nitpick and say which stories I thought needed a longer format, but none of that really matters. It's a delightful read just as it is. Plus, I now have two new authors to look for. :>

Mary Jo Putney, Jill Barnett, Justine Dare

Reader Reviews:

Snow Rose a five star read in a four star anthology (0/0 people found this helpful)

Ho ho hum (0/0 people found this helpful)

One of the all around best anthologies I've ever read! (1/1 people found this helpful)

Loved it! (0/0 people found this helpful)

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