A perfect holiday escape with 5 amazing stories that will pull at your heart strings while building your Christmas spirit. Each story takes place in the town Friendship with different couples. The one strong constant is Gabe, a homeless man that seems to be wise beyond his years providing just the right advice or nudge to our unsuspecting heroes and heroines. Snowflake Lane by L.P. Dover: Layla is looking for an escape. As a successful fashion designer but when her latest line fails, she needs some place to rejuvenate and recharge her spirit. She rents a house in Friendship and seems to keep crossing paths with Colin. Colin isn’t looking for love and when Layla rents his house, he doesn’t expect much from the fashion designer but finds her down to earth and easy to be around. Will this unlikely pair find love together? Runaway Christmas Bride by Cindi Madsen: Regina never dreams that when she gets to the end of the aisle, her fiancé says he doesn’t want to marry her. She gets in her car and just drives, ending up in Friendship with no idea what will come next. Emmett carries a lot of weight on his shoulders as sheriff but meeting Regina is a breath of fresh air. Will these two lonely souls be able to heal each other? Christmas Lights by Amy Briggs: Samantha has lost her Christmas spirit but goes through the motions for her sister and her family. When she meets Jason and his daughter, Emily, there is an unexpected spark that she isn’t expecting. Jason works hard to build a wonderful life for his daughter. He feels a connection to Sam that he didn’t expect. Can Jason help Sam restore her Christmas spirit? Christmas Encounter by R.J. Prescott: Oh Lauren, she is living a life she dreads. Her father goes from scheme to scheme, moving them to avoid being caught which pushes her to steal or eat from dumpsters. Her latest mark, Jensen, is a smooth-talking Brit that sees beyond her actions to the strong woman inside working to change her path. Jensen is at a fork in the road for his life after losing a dear friend. Will meeting Lauren be the push he needs to take a new direction? It’s a Wonderful Holiday by Heidi McLaughlin: The desire to provide for his family caused Rory to fade away from his wife and daughter. When Gwen asks him for a divorce, he is shocked. He doesn’t want to lose his family. Will he find a way to show he has changed and will be a present husband and father? I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

This anthology definitely got me in the holiday spirit! These books all share a character that makes you believe in Christmas magic. Even though there were different authors, they each captured Gabe’s voice in the same way. I was so impressed by that. A couple of these authors are autobuys for me but the others I’ve never read. I loved all of these stories and I can’t wait to check out other work by the new to me authors. *This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*