Reviews

Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Kyndra Hatch, S.E. Smith, Candace Colt, Winnie Winkle, Stephanie Harrell, Cassandra Chandler, Natalie Palma, Jill Wallace, Eliza Sinclair, Electra Gajdos, Pauline Baird Jones

roxsannel's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It is the festive season, and everyone seems to be happy, filled with love and ready to spend some quality time with those around them, but is this the same on every planet? 

Story number one "Twas The Fight Before Christmas" involves a family gathering where one of the guests is more familiar with fighting than with singing carols, but will that change this year?

Story number two "Home For Christmas" talks about the importance of family, home and love as one woman's meditation leads to unexpected consequences, but will she learn anything from this experience?

Story number three "Unwrapping The True Spirit" deals with a non-earthbound festival where gifts are exchanged and love abounds, but when one billionaire forgets to buy a gift, can he figure out what the perfect gift for his mate could be before time runs out? 

Story number four "Christmas Trapping" Baxin and Miaxa are two aliens who are protecting an Earth family, the Maddox's, but when they learn about Santa Claus, they are determined to stop him in his tracks, but will they succeed, or will a peaceful Christmas reign?

Story number five "The Winter Queen" is a charming story of one man and his big heart as he tries to win over one which has been cold as ice for a long time, but can he really melt it, or will his become just as cold?

Story number six "Retired But Not Forgotten" is all about recapturing life as a retired detective takes to the streets once again as a PI with a cheerful partner and a determination to solve her cases, but can this lonely and jaded woman be won over and find joy in the Christmas season once again?

In Story number seven "Sunshine's War" it is WWII and one South African reconnaissance pilot is severely injured during service, but when he wakes up being nursed by a stranger, will he be able to find a new sunshine, or will he lose it all?

Story number eight "Wicked Beginnings" amid a works Christmas party, two colleagues have feelings they try to hide and bury deep within themselves, however, when they finally have a chance under the mistletoe, will they take it, or miss out again?

Story number nine "Magical Mayhem" a bartender finds out that her job is much more than meets the eye when Halloween comes around and new responsibilities are thrust upon her as a Keeper, but can she figure out how to corral the magical creatures who frequent the establishment, or will magical mayhem reign? 

In story number ten "Seshka's Gift" one girl must overcome her past to create a new future by learning that adversity can be a strength, especially when things go drastically wrong in the Mageguild Academy during the Harvest Moon, but can she do it?

Finally, story number eleven "Searching For Thanksgiving" tells the tale of a group of young Dragonlings who go on an adventurous quest to find Thanksgiving, but with only half a story and one map to go on, can these youngsters save the day, or will danger find them first? 

This anthology spins these short stories with festive flair which will envelop you in feel good vibes and sweet romances from different points of view while you go on a whirlwind adventure through the universe. 

shannlynn's review

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

This is the first anthology I’ve read that I enjoyed each story within it. Two of my favorites were Wicked Beginnings with chemistry that popped off the page, and Magical Mayhem that made me laugh at times with the Halloween shenanigans! This book has definitely helped kickstart my festive spirit right in time too. There are plenty of adventures, mystery, romance, and some paranormal themes throughout these stories. While I have heard of some of these authors before, I was introduced to a few new ones which I am incredibly excited about! I can’t wait to look up each author and see what other adventures I can take. There is most definitely a variety of stories for everyone here, so don’t pass it up! I highly recommend this collection of holiday stories. 

tytanmom23's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious relaxing tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology by SE Smith, Jill Wallace, Eliza Sinclair, Kyndra Hatch, Candace Colt, Natalie Palma, Winnie Winkle, Electra Gajdos, Stephanie Harrell, Pauline Baird Jones, Cassandra Chandler. This is an amazing anthology of Holiday romances, sci fi, paranormal, mystery and fantasy. They are so good and each one has its own story by they seem to fall in line as well. These stories revolve mainly around Christmas but there are some other holiday's as well. These stories will for sure get you in the holiday mood. A couple of my favorite stories are Unwrapping the True Spirit by Electra Gajdos which is a story of finding the true meaning of Christmas. It follows the Keen family and all of their drama, pranks and family dynamics. Retired, but not Forgotten (A Madison Law Prequel) By: Natalie Palma. I loved this story. Its the story of Madison who is a retired detective and now a private investigator. She had to retire as a police detective due to medical reasons so she really wasn't ready but has really enjoyed the Private Investigating gig. This is a short cozy mystery. Sunshine’s War by Jill Wallace. This is an amazing historical romance and I loved every word! If you need any help getting into the holiday spirit or just love a varied collection of stories this is the anthology for you! 

bilberrysweet's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

There are 11 festive holiday stories in this anthology and never a dull moment. This is an excellent way to bring in the festive holiday spirit. Each story is a paranormal adventure with witches, aliens, shifters, and much more. It was easy to settle into this book with a glass of wine for some danger, mayhem, magical realms, and laughter. I was pulled into these stories and read the book straight through!

brinastewart's review

I only read Stephanie Harrell's story in this because of an arc. It was a nice little teaser for the full story to come. Can't wait for Hazel and Jareth's full story though it was awfully rude to leave me hannging :-D.

rayne's review

5.0

An collection of original Christmas tales 

*Twas the fight before Christmas- an alien/earthling Christmas party. This short story was engaging and fun.

*Home for Christmas- paranormal/alien Christmas story about family and forgiveness. 

*unwrapping the True Spirit - This short Christmas story is about remembering that Christmas is about more than just physical gifts. 

*Christmas Trappings - what happens when aliens find out about Santa Claus? Hilarious antics- that’s what. Alex and Beth gave their hands full when their resident aliens hear the story of Santa Claus and take on the role of self-appointed protectors. 

*The Winter Queen - the enchanting story of Kris Kringle finding his magical Mrs Kringle.

*Retired but not forgotten - when a case needs solving and you have to put up with the too cheery Christmas spirit of a partner - what’s a girl supposed to do? 

*Sunshine’s War - when 2 people who should not have an attraction do, not even war can keep them apart.

*Wicked beginnings- This is Jareth and Hazel’s story. It was a great read with both of them skirting around the obvious. 

*Magical Mayhem - Christmas for the supernatural is Halloween. This is the story of a snarky Keeper who needs to navigate the most celebrated night in the magical community.

*Seshka’s gift - Magical Academy with danger and battles.

*Searching for Thanksgiving - dragons and cat-shifters on an adventure to find the magic that is Thanksgiving. 

I enjoyed every book in this collection. Each was well written and bought an individuality that was endearing.  Highly recommend!

bwagner's review

fast-paced

4.0

This is a great collection of holiday spirited stories.  A collection by some new authors for me and a couple of ones I have read in the past.  Each story is unique, engaging and has holiday romance.  They will add heat and warmth to your holiday season.  There is something for everyone in this book.  A guarantee to warm up your day and night and put you in the holiday spirit.  I enjoyed these stories and I think you will too.  I highly recommend this anthology.

jennadb's review

5.0

What better way to get ready for the Holiday season than to have this limited-edition anthology with 11 fantastic short stories by best-selling authors and a few lesser known all in one place. No need to think about which books to buy because it is all there just waiting to be consumed like a fine apple cider or wine. 

Festive Fates is full of original tales that the authors lovingly crafted that will have you engrossed and enchanted before the end of the first story. Imagine the smell and taste of the holidays, a glass or two of wine and settle in with the wonderful characters and their journeys. 

There is action and adventure, magic and mayhem, danger and madness, fun and laughter and so much more to be had hiding amongst the pages.

The stories will immerse you in some of your favourite holidays with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. With romance, mysteries, sci fi, paranormal, and fantasy added with Aliens, Dragons, Shifters, Mages, Fae, Witches and so, so much more you have everything you need for an amazing read.

Searching for Thanksgiving by S.E. Smith. There is nothing worse than a bored dragonling not to mention several. This fun tale sees these wonderful characters embarking on an adventure to find Thanksgiving. 
Watch the madness begin.  

‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas by Pauline Baird Jones. This heart-warming tale sees Doc quaking in her boots at the thought of family, ugly sweaters and Christmas, together, near her, she doesn’t do it. But then Santa has an army…………

The Winter Queen by Cassandra Chandler. This lovely romance tale gives you all the feels. The Winter Queen despite her name is not what she appears. Can one human man and a Fae woman find their way together? 

Home for Christmas by Candace Colt. Is a sweet paranormal romance tale. Our beloved eccentric witch Rhea is back. She sacrificed for love now he is willing to make things happen for her, but will it lead to fun and games or will hearts be broken?

Magical Mayhem by Winnie Winkle. Cleopatra is on another adventure or is it shenanigans to keep the magical world in line. Magical Mayhem is certain an apt name for the story or any story really when Cleopatra is around. I cracked up reading this fun tale.

Wicked Beginnings by Stephanie Harrell. Yes please! Ooohlala. Say no more. Sexy, steamy, alpha males, kick arse women, romance and all the good things when love comes around. Don’t forget to stand under the mistletoe.

Christmas Trappings by Kyndra Hatch. One small town. A few clueless Aliens who are about to discover the true meaning of Christmas. And you should not believe everything you read. A battle that could take out Santa and destroy Christmas.  

Seshka’s Gift by Eliza Sinclair. Mages, Magic and dark forces bring about this tale. Seshka must learn to trust others and trust in herself if they are going to defeat a darkness that lurks in the shadows. 

Sunshine’s War by Jill Wallace. It’s not every day you find a man in your vegie patch. Two people from opposite sides of a war are thrown together in the mist of war. Will they survive the danger all around them or will they become casualties of war………. This heartfelt tale will pull on the ol’ heartstrings.

Retired, but not Forgotten by Natalie Palma. A fun tale. Out of luck. Out of work and one missing cheery Christmas spirit. Follow along with Madison as she tries her hardest to work with one far too cheery PI whilst trying to solve the mystery of a missing coworker.  

Unwrapping the True Spirit by Electra Gajdos. Winter Moon Holiday is all but forgotten. They need to find the meaning of the holiday and reunite as a family, or all will be lost. Magic and mayhem come about in this tale. 

I enjoyed each and every story and know that you will too.