A collection of scary and humorous stories for readers to enjoy during the spooky season...or any day of the year!

5 Tombstones! "Truly a new twist on old urban legends. This collection is everything I hoped it would be. Clever, spine-chilling stories that made me unable to stop reading. The characters are outstanding and unique. A great Halloween anthology. "The Unvanished Hitchhiker" by Margaret L. Carter (4.75 R.I.P.): A new spin on an eerie urban legend. Not grisly but a cliffhanger making you eager to solve it. This is an addictive story. The ending made my heart leap. "When the Dead People Brought a Dish-to-Pass" by Christine DeSmet (5.0 R.I.P.): The story drew me in. Such unique characters. Halloween celebrating the lives of our loved ones who have passed on. This spooky parable is a real page turner. "Trick or Treat" by Carrie S. Masek (4.75 R.I.P.): Enchanting story. Definitely for the whole family! The curls in story give new life to a seasoned tale. The characters were delectable, the writing is very vibrant. I watched the scenes in my head as the story unfolded. "White Elephants" by C.J. Winters (4.5 R.I.P.): New spin about the abandoned house in town. Not the characters I expected, which was very refreshing for me. I was relentless until reaching the end. Having an unique ending left me very satisfied. "Papa" by Karen Wiesner (5.0 R.I.P.): The eerie tale of Hansel and Gretel has just gotten more chilling. Papa’s characters were unyielding individuals with strict beliefs. Just when I thought I had figured it out, the book turns and it throws all my first conclusions out the window. It kept me on my toes. This is a truly Halloween inspired revamp, to an old fairytale. "The Beast" by Jane Toombs (4.5 R.I.P.): The old Halloween Party. I was entertained. The characters were a perfect spin to the story. Even though this tale was brief it is well written. The ending is a cliffhanger, which is a delicious way to end this story. "Ghost of a Chance" by Karen Woods (4.75 R.I.P.): Romance is in the air even on a tragic Halloween. The characters are so real this could be your boss or even your best friend. From the start the author lays out the teasing scenes. It is packed with ghostly encounters, black cats and even a tragedy. This is a Halloween romance if there ever was one." ~Bitten by Books http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1434

5 Angels! "Are you looking for creepy, hair-raising tales, then this anthology has it! Seven of the Jewels of the Quill authors each contributed a spine-tingling story to Shadows in the Heart. Even though the stories happen around Halloween, it doesn’t need to be Halloween if you are in the mood for chills! I liked all of the stories and find it hard to make comparisons or pick a favorite. I might prefer one tale because it is a type of story I prefer, but each tale is uniquely different from the others and are all good for their type of story. Your favorite may not be my favorite so I prefer to let you pick for yourself. I would like to suggest that you might want to leave an extra light on when you sit down to read this anthology, just in case…

""The Unvanished Hitchhiker" by Margaret L. Carter: I loved the suspense in this tale! Ms. Carter keeps the reader off balance up until the end of the story, guessing what is really going on and what will happen. This story definitely rates a 5 in creepiness!

"I have not read any of the other Mischief in Moonstone stories yet, but I intend to now! "When the Dead People Brought a Dish-to-Pass" (A Mischief in Moonstone Story, Book 4) by Christine DeSmet is a delightful romance and ghost story. The creepiness in this story is in the beginning, after all wouldn’t you be unnerved by finding a dead man in a car crash who disappears then reappears at your house and tells you he has come to help you? This story is just down right fun! I loved it and can’t wait to read more stories in the Mischief in Moonstone Series.

""Trick or Treat" by Carrie S. Masek: This is a fun, yet hair-raising story. This one has a creepy rating of 5 but is still fun, I loved it!

""Ghost of a Chance" by Karen Woods: I loved this sweet tale of two people overcoming tragedy in their life and finding there is still a lot of life to be savored. I didn’t find this one creepy because I loved the thought that Cathy’s ghost wants to see her husband happy without her.

""White Elephants" by C.J. Winters: I laughed at the messes Jonas and Tobias make of the effort to get rid of the pile of bones and my favorite is Tobias final solution! You’ll just have to read this one to find out what happens. I don’t want to give anything away!

""Papa" (Woodcutter’s Grim Series—Classic Tales of Horror Retold, Book 1) by Karen Wiesner is the creepiest story in this whole anthology. It is a twisted reversal of the Hansel and Gretel story I grew up with. This story is off the creepiness meter. I had chills down my spine reading this one. Do not read this story at night, alone, and especially not in a cabin in the mountains! If you love the scary ghost stories you probably used to hear around the campfire when you where a kid growing up, then this is the story for you.

""The Beast" by Jane Toombs is another story that is off the creepiness meter! The tale is told in first person and you are never told the name of the speaker so the effect is like you are that person. I loved this story but I kept waiting for someone to jump out and say “BOO” or “the beast man is going to get YOU” like we used to do when we were kids telling scary stories. That didn’t happen but this story didn’t need it, I was scared anyway!" ~Stephanie B. for Fallen Angel Reviews http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2007/November/StephanieB-ShadowsOfTheHeart.htm

4 Hearts! "Seven Jewels of the Quill authors serve up a varied and enjoyable Halloween sampler in this anthology. "When the Dead People Brought a Dish-to-Pass" by Christine DeSmet is a ghost story both funny and sweet. This is a truly original story, my favorite in the collection. It is filled with both silliness and wisdom. Karen Wiesner gives the reader a spooky grown-up tale reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel in "Papa" with a trip to a village where time stands still in a truly scary excursion. "White Elephants" by C.J. Winters: This is clever and readable, with just the right touch of humor. Karen Woods contributes "Ghost of a Chance" and provides some traditional romance. Jane Toombs horror tale, "The Beast": Jealousy, perhaps insanity, and a possibly heart-chomping serial killer make this taut little psychological tale a winner. "Trick or Treat" by Carrie S. Masek is a fun young adult story. Margaret L. Carter’s "The Unvanished Hitchhiker" is a twist on an old urban legend. This is a nice blend of genres and an enjoyable read." ~reviewed by Lynn Bushey for The Romance Studio http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/shadowheartanthology.htm

"SHADOWS IN THE HEART is a Jewel of the Quill Anthology by Whiskey Creek Press authors. Being a Halloween collection, the stories are ghastly, now and then crimson stained, time and again ghost seeping. "The Unvanished Hitchhiker" by Margaret L. Carter opens the suspense. In Christine DeSmet's "When The Dead People Brought A Dish-To-Pass" a whole saga unfolds. In Carrie S. Masek's "Trick or Treat", a Halloween witch makes Derrick and his little sister bipolar. Together they make one mean match for the Middle School bullies. On the date of murdered wife Cathy's birth remembrance, Judge Jake Reynolds moons alone before court in "Ghost of a Chance" by Karen Woods. As C.J. Winters contributes her bones in "White Elephants", Amy in Karen Wiesner's "Papa" turns into one hell of a nightmare. The collection culminates neatly with "The Beast" by Jane Toombs, perhaps my favorite of the collection. Anyone keen on a counterbalance of love, horror, murder and apparition will have a feast on SHADOWS IN THE HEART which in turn stirs a keenness to read more of the Jewel of the Quill collections available from the publisher." ~TCM Reviews http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/1736.html

"A wonderful Treasure Trove of stories to be told by moonlight on Halloween! Author Margaret L. Carter chills the blood in "The Unvanished Hitchhiker." On Halloween night a crimson scarf is returned by passing motorists who knock on Alice Wade’s door, only to haunt her. "When the Dead People Brought a Dish-to-Pass" by author Christine DeSmet is a mystery Alyssa Swain has to solve before she loses the Halloween ghost who has turned her world upside down. Derrick Olsen wanted to attend the school Halloween dance wearing his ninja costume, not baby-sit his sister, Squirt. Author Carrie S. Masek turns this "Trick Or Treat" night into one Derrick and Squirt will never forget. Judge Reynolds was lonely, it was Halloween, and it was Cathy’s birthday. 'Mystery' the black cat understood what Jake needed. "Ghost of a Chance" by Karen Woods is one fate-filled night Jake and Mary will never forget. Noel and Merry Callaghan find a skeleton while pulling down the interior of a Victorian house to be bulldozed the morning after Halloween. Jonas is sent out into the woods to hide the evidence so they do not lose the contract. "White Elephants" by C. J. Winters has bones rattling in places they should never be. Randall Parker only sees the ghosts of his children after Amy falls ill and refuses to leave the apartment. He takes her to Woodcutter’s Grim where time stands still. Karen Wiesner chills Halloween night with the story "Papa." "The Beast" by author Jane Toombs is a heart stopper. Howard did not want to discuss the Beast Man—no one did. A Treasure Trove of Anthology stories by Jewels of the Quill Authors to definitely read every Halloween night when ghosts return to haunt." ~Pamela Faye for Rolling Seas Reviews www.rollingseasreviews.com

4 Stars! "Her dead daughter's reappearing shawl has Alice confused and her friend doubting her sanity in Margaret L. Carter's tale of horror, "The Unvanished Hitchhiker." Christine DeSmet's romantic paranormal mystery, "When the Dead People Brought a Dish-to-Pass," is a beautiful but unusual love story about John and Alyssa. She's alive and he's not quite. Derrick doesn't want to babysit, but he and his 6-year-old sister have an incredible adventure on Halloween. Carrie S. Masek paints a spooky tale for young adults in "Trick or Treat." The ghost of his wife and a mysterious cat conspire to match Judge Jake with Mary, a widow he's known for 25 years, in "Ghost of a Chance," a romance by Karen Woods. C.J. Winters describes a home demolition with surprises and precocious 8-year-old Tobias with a bag of bones in "White Elephants." "Papa" is a chilling interpretation of Hansel and Gretel in the romantic horror novella by Karen Wiesner, where Randall and new bride Amy are haunted by specters of his deceased children. "The Beast," a horror story by Jane Toombs, is best told at midnight around a campfire. Who is the Beast Man, and why is someone afraid of him? The gems shine again in this Jewels of the Quill Halloween anthology. Their award-winning talent in this potpourri offers a variety of treats--and possibly a trick or two." ~reviewed by Donna M. Brown for Romantic Times BOOKreviews

"“When the Dead People Brought a Dish-to-Pass” by Christine DeSmet is a great Halloween story of how love can work miracles and make one wish to live again. “Trick of Treat” by Carrie S. Masek is a delightful tale of assuming the identity of the Halloween costume you don. “Ghost of a Chance” by Karen Woods is a terrific ghost story. It is one that pleases all who read it. “White Elephants” by C. J. Winters is one of the best. “Papa” by Karen Wiesner is a creepy tale of a man who hears his children crying after they die in a car wreck. Curl up with a copy of SHADOWS IN THE HEART, a Jewels of the Quill Halloween Anthology, on Halloween to have a spooky night. Jewels of the Quill never fails to produce a time of reading pleasure, and this time they have added a creepy aspect. Urban legends and fairy tales take on a new look in the hands of these talented women." ~Dawn Myers for Writers Unlimited http://www.writersunlimited.com

"SHADOWS IN THE HEART is an anthology of spooky-themed tales, all with paranormal elements featuring seven authors and published by Whiskey Creek Press. I suspect it was unintentional or coincidental, but guess that many of these authors are feline-fans.

""The Unvanished Hitchhiker" by Margaret L. Carter: The innocuous little place at the end of the road houses two women; one cheerily competent, and the other, oddly knowing, even expectant. We know something will happen - and are not disappointed. The occurrence is bizarre, and still, believable. There is that person inside all of us that wants to debunk the paranormal. When the main character sets out out to clear up the questions brought about by the strange occurrences of Halloween night, we are join her quest, impatient to discover what really happened. The writer presents a puzzle though, that is sure to intrigue.

""When the Dead People Brought A Dish-to-Pass" by Christine DeSmet is a paranormal mystery. It starts with tragedy - then a puzzle. Main character Alyssa is well-meaning, but tormented by her own past. Alyssa doubts herself, her sanity, and we share her--and perfect pussy Miss Millicent's -irritation, with the fleabag of a ghostly cat intruder, too. Threads of romance weave the story together offers a certain appeal and rather farcical humor. The premise is unusual and the story is a quick and entertaining read.

""Trick or Treat" by Carrie S. Masek has the immediacy and punch of the best of first-person narratives. We find ourselves in shoes familiar to most of us - walking house to house, hoping for the best treats... and just at that stage where one starts to wonder just where the treat cut-off age is. Derrick, chaperoning a six-year-old, has better plans in store, but adult concerns land him in disappointment. It is all so comfortably familiar - from the spooky dark walk to the hoped for candy (Snickers and M&Ms feature highly.) So, when things really start to happen, it is a total surprise. This is fast and fun, as well as incredibly imaginative and unexpected.

""Ghost of a Chance" by Karen Woods: A match-making ghost inhabits this tale. The courtroom setting catches the attention right off the bat. While much of the tale happens in retrospective it remains active and interesting. Strong characters really make this tale. The writer manages to balance grief delicately. This lively contemporary romance is sure to please. Most intriguing may be Mystery, the cat... who might be a cat, and then again, might not.

""White Elephants" by C. J. Winters: When a deadline looms, even the dead can't drag the twins from their commitments! This active story features one unfortunately-located skeleton, snappy dialogue, and (to save time) a self-appointed forensics team. The premise is a hoot and the story unpredictable. Who would have thought that resolving one minor problem (what to do with that unwanted skeleton in the closet) would lead to such offbeat adventures?

""Papa" by Karen Wiesner: In this is a dark and disturbing tale, guilt only serves to feed the terror. The darkness of the theme is enhanced by many images: from tombs, accidental death, endless grief and a place, called a "Grimm." Sin and guilt form a backdrop here, as well as the specter of a pact with the devil. It starts dark enough, but the growing awareness of a true horror waiting just around the corner will make even hardcore horror fans cringe.

""The Beast" by Jane Toombs: The anxiety builds in this tale built around a costume ball. Our fuzzy-headed narrator leads us to question the sanity of our perspective. Why would she want to go as a bride - or better yet, a saint? Who exactly will be attending as the Beast Man, and why shouldn't he be mentioned? This tale charms us with its questions, twists our perspective, and requires our narrator to take things into her own delicate hands." ~The Long And Short Of It Reviews http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2007/09/review-shadows-in-heart.html

(Cover art designed by Karen Wiesner)

CHRISTMAS WISHES A Jewels of the Quill Christmas Anthology Edited by Barbara Raffin, Jane Toombs and Karen Wiesner 978-1-60313-258-9 (trade paperback); 978-1-60313-259-6 (electronic) Available now from Whiskey Creek Press Printable order form Order from Amazon.com Order from Fictionwise Whiskey Creek Press TOP TEN BESTSELLER LIST for sales in November and December 2008! Award nominee from The Romance Studio!

"Little Cat Feet" {YA fantasy} by Margaret L. Carter (Dame Onyx): In this tale inspired by the legend that animals can speak on Christmas Eve, a teenage runaway on the streets saves a stray cat from abuse. The cat helps her in return.

"All She Wore Was A Bow" (Men of Moonstone Series, Book 2) {humorous contemporary romance} by Christine DeSmet (Dame Moonstone): They’re tall as the oaks, bold as the bulls they’ve ridden in rodeos, and they don’t talk about the past. They’re three buddies who’ve seen the worst the world has to dish out. One by one, they ride into Moonstone for missions impossible and women improbable.

Kincaid “Kade” Hunter rocked the rodeo world with a record-breaking bull ride in Las Vegas, Nevada. He’s a rising star! He grew up wild and willing to try just about anything—except marriage. But when he comes to Moonstone at Christmas-time to save his friend John “Bozeman” Hall from marrying what looks like the wrong woman, Kade meets with interference extraordinaire: Gloria Gibson, the wedding planner from Hell. Gloria has her own ideas about where to hang mistletoe and what or who Kade should be riding to glory.

"Annie's Outlaw" (Sapphire Palace Series, Book 2) {romantic historical/old west} by Nancy Pirri (Dame Sapphire): Outlaw Cane Smith arrives in Bozeman, Montana, released after serving several years’ time in a Texas prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He’d led a hard life as a cowboy, herding cattle from Texas to Montana for years, until he was accused of robbing a train. Living behind bars in Texas has changed him--especially when he discovers he’s a father. On one of his cattle drives, he’d spent a few nights in a Bozeman brothel, where he met and fell in love with one of the prostitutes. When he learns the woman was killed but left behind his child, Cane resolves to prove his innocence. A year later, Cane arrives in town to claim his son, who’s been adopted by successful rancher, Tom Callahan.

Tom can’t fault Cane for wanting to claim his son, but has his own daughter, Annie, to deal with. Annie Callahan works at The Sapphire Palace, and she’s helped her father raise the small boy she named Mark. After all this time, she can’t give him up. He’s a Callahan.

Cane, who’s been longing for a love and home of his own, has a solution: Miss Annie will have to marry him if she wants to keep Mark in her life.

Annie will do anything to keep her little boy with her—but can she live with the hard, rough Cane Smith?

"Are You Listening?" (North of Nonesuch Series, Book 6) {YA paranormal} by Jane Toombs (Dame Turquoise): A six-year-old’s wish to have her daddy back for Christmas uncovers a dark secret.

"Perfect Cadence" (Kaleidoscope Series, Book 1) {contemporary romance} by Karen Wiesner (Dame Amethyst): Kaleidoscope Office Building provides employment to nine hot, young singles—all about to make a love connection. Working 9 to 5 has never been so complicated…or so much fun!

Thirty-year-old Keri Woods has had it with her no-commitment, no-way boyfriend Rob. Planning to get her head on straight, she accepts her boss Angela’s offer to use the Lewis family’s cabin for a two-week skiing vacation over the Christmas holiday. Little does Keri realize that her boss's cousin, Joshua Lewis, is already occupying the very same cabin at the very same time.

Ten years earlier, Keri and Joshua had shared a single, unforgettable day and night together that ended with a kiss that left them both desperately smitten. Yet Joshua’s life had been too complicated. At only twenty-six, he’d realized that there could be no long-distance, long-term relationship between them. He hadn’t been ready to have his whole life happen to him at once. His decision to leave and never see her again had come back to bite him in the butt. For years after confiding to his closest friend Dandy—the foreman on his father’s cattle ranch in Fever, Texas and the true father figure in his life—Joshua had had to listen to the old man encourage and berate him for not following his heart with Keri Woods.

Joshua has come to the family cabin after the recent death of Dandy, who’d made him promise to return to the cabin to “mend old regrets.” The last thing Joshua expects to find is the drop-dead beautiful woman he’d regretted abandoning a decade earlier naked in his bed.

Unbeknownst to either of them, Dandy and Angela had schemed to make all of Joshua and Keri’s Christmas wishes come true.

"Christmas Faith" {inspirational romance} by Karen Woods (Dame Coral): Faith Caldwell finds her name to be a joke. Faith? Not her. Not when everyone she’s ever loved has been cruelly taken from her. What kind of loving God lets people suffer like that? The veterinarian wants nothing to do with the God she grew up trusting implicitly. So, when the new neighbor happens to be a widowed minister with a houseful of kids, Faith tries to be civil but distant. But none of the Hendersons—from little Clara to "Father Ed" in the Anglican collar—understand civil or distant. Ed helps her to realize God still loves her, but can reborn faith heal her scars?

Reviews for CHRISTMAS WISHES:

5 Hearts! "This anthology offered the best of the best by the Jewels of the Quill group of authors. The six stories were as diverse as the writers themselves. There was so much fabulous reading enjoyment in this anthology that I could not read it fast enough. These women offer some of this era’s greatest writings. However, this seemed to be above and beyond the levels I have come to expect. The characters were spectacular, the storylines enthralling, and the actions by even the lesser characters was spell-binding. I loved each of these stories, even those which are not my favorite genres. I loved the books and am thrilled to be able to read/review them. Kudos to the authors. I highly recommend this anthology to everyone. You will definitely not be disappointed. I guarantee it." ~Brenda Talley for The Romance Studio http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/christmaswisheswcpantho.htm

5 Stars! "An anthology filled with Christmas love… "All She Wore Was A Bow" by Christine DeSmet: Christine DeSmet does it again. She never disappoints her numerous fans. This story will keep readers laughing and wishing for their own cowboy. "Little Cat Feet" by Margaret L. Carter: This was probably my favorite story. I love cats. Lauren’s story is heart warming, especially knowing that it is true for many teens. "Christmas Faith" by Karen Woods: What a beautiful story. This story captures the spirit of Christmas. "Perfect Cadence" by Karen Wiesner: What could make a better story than a cabin and an old flame? Karen Wiesner is a talented author; I always look forward to her art. "Are You Listening?" by Jane Toombs: This is a unique story from an author that pens distinctive YA paranormal stories. It is sure to be a big hit with teens. "Annie's Outlaw" by Nancy Pirri: An endearing romance. The six stories in CHRISTMAS WISHES are sure to be cherished favorites. Each story centers on Christmas and a wish or need. Pirri, Wiesner, Toombs, Woods, Carter and DeSmet make a formidable team of authors. Each brings their own unique perspective [to this Jewels of the Quill holiday collection]. While this anthology is filled with love, it is not all romance. Thank you, ladies, for another good read." ~reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com http://www.reviewyourbook.com/review.cfm?reviewid=608

4 1/2 Pixies! "A delightfully diverse collection, the Jewels of the Quill's CHRISTMAS WISHES Anthology is sure to delight readers of many tastes and fans of these special authors. Six talented ladies take on the task of spinning Christmas cheer to Jewels of the Quill fans; each offer delectable morsels for the reader's imagination as their hopeful and optimistic approach to happy endings brings joy and the glory of the Christmas spirit straight to readers' hearts. From fantasy and the Old West to paranormal, inspirational, and humorous contemporary, all with a powerful helping of romance, tension, and the proverbial happy endings, the Jewels of the Quill Dames delight and titillate with scrumptious holiday offerings to fill any reading table. Although designed for Christmas on the theme of the Christmas Wish, these stories can be enjoyably sampled in any season. Margaret Carter's "Little Cat Feet" examines the different nature of animals at the holiday season, and proves that charity does indeed have its own reward. Christine DeSmet's "All She Wore Was A Bow" is part of the author's Men of Moonstone Series: rodeo star conflicts with wedding planner--all in the name of male friendship--and oh, do the sparks fly! "Annie's Outlaw" from Nancy Pirri's Sapphire Palace Series is a touching and heartwarming Old West romance. Jane Toombs' "Are You Listening?" from her North of Nonesuch Series is a spooky and difficult-to-forget family tale of the paranormal with many unexpected twists and revelations. "Perfect Cadence" is from prolific author Karen Wiesner's Kaleidoscope Series and looks at young singles working in the same office building, whose Christmas plans turn topsy turvy. "Christmas Faith," a heartbreaking yet wholly optimistic inspirational romance from Karen Woods, works on many semantic levels. This story will linger in the reader's mind for a long time to come." ~reviewed by Frost for Dark Angel Reviews https://www.darkangelreviews.com/Christmas_Wishes.html

4 1/2 Books! “The Jewels—Dame Moonstone, Dame Onyx, Dame Coral, Dame Amethyst, Dame Turquoise, Dame Sapphire—give us six stories that fit many different moods of the Christmas holiday season. All of them leave us with that good feeling that things do come right even if it does take longer than we plan at times. “All She Wore Was a Bow” by Christine DeSmet takes us back to Moonstone, Wisconsin, a quaint little village where unusual things happen. The humor and the love that shines through in this poignant tale far outweigh the confusion. The lasting, real joys of life rather than the fleeting excitement of casual sex and fast money are revealed in loving and subtle ways that leave the reader with an affirmation of the good in humanity. It also reminds us we need to find a place to get away and “listen to the quiet” to find our center when things are hectic. “Little Cat Feet” by Margaret L. Carter is a young adult paranormal story that touched my heart even though I’m long past young adult status. I grew up on fairy tales, fables, and folklore so, of course, I believe animals talk on Christmas Eve just like the tabby named Pumpkin talks to Lauren. When a confused, unhappy, scared teenager and a talking cat get together and conspire, good things come out of bad circumstances. This is a delightful tale. Good reading! “Christmas Faith” by Karen Woods is an inspirational story that tells us that even though we stop loving God, He does not stop loving us. “Christmas Faith” is a story of love on many levels—family, friends, and lovers. Some of the secondary characters are treasures, especially little Clara who brings joy to the heart. Karen Woods uses some quotes from the Bible and the 1928 Book of Common Prayer that bring comfort in a troubled world. This is a story to be enjoyed more than once. “Perfect Cadence” by Karen Wiesner is from her Kaleidoscope Series, Book 1. These two extremely independent people have lots of stumbling starts before they find their way in this emotion called love that they are both rather leery of. Josh’s cat, Leonardo the Maine coon, tries to help in his own special way. “Are You Listening?” by Jane Toombs is a paranormal story that made me shiver. Twelve-year-old Rico grows up in a hurry when his three-year-old sister Holly goes missing. The things he comes to realize about his father and himself make a gripping story. “Annie’s Outlaw” by Nancy Pirri is part of her Sapphire Palace Series, Book 2. As the characters try to untangle the emotional web that has them all on edge, the reader sees distinct personalities emerge. Personalities that create tension, doubt, and love as the story unfolds. This is a story to read on a cold, stormy night while being thankful for the warmth and comfort of home. Romantic love and family love shine like stars on a cold clear night in “Annie’s Outlaw”. What a happy-ever-after! CHRISTMAS WISHES is an anthology for the ‘keeper’ shelf of your library.” ~reviewed by Camellia for The Long And The Short Of It Reviews http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/1208/ChristmasWishes-AN.htm

4 Cups! “”All She Wore Was a Bow” by Christine DeSmet: Sweet and warm as hot cocoa by a cracking fire on a snowy Wisconsin Sunday. Christine DeSmet has penned a delicious little romance you can wrap yourself up with. Loved the setting, loved the characters, and loved her delightful tale of holiday surprises. ”Little Cat Feet” by Margaret L. Carter: Ms. Carter gives us a short little gem that reminds us miracles can come from the most unlikely sources. We just need to open our eyes and ears and appreciate them when they come along. “Christmas Faith” by Karen Woods: In a very honest look at pain and the power of healing, Karen Woods exposes her characters' flaws to the light of love and understanding. Her story seems to be a tableau written from an inspired heart, her message universally relevant. “Perfect Cadence” by Karen Wiesner: A warm and hopeful tale of true love lost and found again, this story made me want to book a mountain cabin with my own true love, my own Perfect Cadence. Of course, like Keri, I would let him do the cooking and wood chopping. “Are You Listening?” by Jane Toombs: A happy paranormal Christmas can be found in this Jane Toombs’ short story. I liked Rico and his relationship with his baby sister and the resolution was satisfying. “Annie's Outlaw” by Nancy Pirri: A sweet and slightly supernatural story set in the old west, Ms. Pirri's tale shows that love for a child can turn strangers into family, and family into the greatest Christmas gift of all. This anthology has variety, humor, romance, and some old fashioned holiday cheer for flavor. I liked the individual stories, differing genres, and hopeful themes. A good, light seasonal read, Christmas Wishes had me looking for my fireplace and hot cocoa.” ~reviewed by Heather for Coffee Time Romance http://www.coffeetimeromance.com

"First up in this Christmas collection is "All She Wore Was a Bow" by Christine DeSmet. You won't need to read the first book to enjoy this romance. This is a contemporary love story with some humor and a lot of Christmas.The characters are easy to warm to and the story is a little over the top but it hits the spot. Margaret L. Carter is next up in the anthology with a Young Adult story called "Little Cat Feet". This is a short but sweet story that any reader will enjoy. Magical, inspiring and full of moral, this is the kind of tale that shows what the festive season is really about. "Christmas Faith" by Karen Woods is up next. This was nicely written and had a nice ending. Karen Wiesner carries on this collection with her story "Perfect Cadence". Matchmaking can be fun, and it can work which this story proves. A typical romance with nice characters, this will leave any reader of this genre satisfied and wanting more. And there will be more...the next story in this series will be out for the Valentine's anthology. The next story is another Young Adult tale called "Are You Listening?" by Jane Toombs. This lovely paranormal story was a nice breath of fresh air to the collection. Although short, it makes an impression and reads like a modern day Christmas fairy tale. The last story in this Christmas collection is "Annie’s Outlaw" by Nancy Pirri. This historical romance is set in the 1880's. With some nice characters and an interesting story, this story added something different to the collection and gave it a nice ending. This anthology will definitely get any reader into the Christmas spirit. With so many different genres covered, there is something for everyone. With most of the stories being part of a series, this collection gives the reader the chance to try out an array of authors and find some future reading material." ~reviewed by Anne Marie Chalmers for Front Street Reviews http://www.frontstreetreviews.com/

"The six Quill contributions cover several genres to include young adult, but share in common an interesting and uplifting jewel of a holiday theme." ~reviewed by Harriet Klausner http://genregoroundreviews.blogspot.com/2008/09/christmas-wishes-jewels-of-quill.html

3 Stars! "Six Jewels of the Quill authors join forces for a Christmas collection. [T]he stories are family oriented and heartwarming..." ~reviewed by Barb Anderson for Romantic Times BOOKreviews

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