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Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After a couple days, I finally Finished all the stories in this anthology.
It’s Hard to pick a favorite buttttt, I think Searching for Thanksgiving by S.E Smith might be the one. I’m going to have to go read the Dragonlings of Valdier series. So I can see more of these characters. The second Choice would be 🤔 Wicked Beginnings by Stephanie Harrell.but truthfully i think there is something for everyone. I would highly recommend reading this mix of books. It won’t disappoint. You will definitely find an author you’ll like and will want to read more of their books. 🥰
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good holiday story! This anthology has eleven of them! Even if you’re not big on holiday stories, this compilation has something for every reader. The characters are all well-written, and their journeys are interesting. This cozy, entertaining book will keep your hands glued to each cover (or to whichever electronic device) and will also leave you wanting more from each of these authors. I could not try to pick a favorite, and I’m glad I did not have to choose just one story to read. There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with this book. I recommend this book to everyone, not just those who may be more jolly this time of year. There really is something for everyone in this anthology! It really “hits the spot.”
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fun group of holiday stories. This is a great way to be introduced to new authors you may not have heard of or read before. I will definitely be checking out more than a few of these authors other books. They all were well written, easy to follow, and fun to read. There is at least one writing style for every person in this grouping of stories.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this anthology of festive reads. It has really put me in the Christmas spirit. There are 11 stories by 11 different authors all of who have a different and unique tale to tell but each one is entertaining and enjoyable.
There are several types of stories in this book from sci-fi fantasy and paranormal to historical, Romance and mystery.
There is literally something for everyone no matter what type of story you enjoy reading.
While I don’t have a favourite out of these collection because they were all unique and I loved them all in different ways, it has definately helped increase the overall feeling of Christmas spirit and the magic of this time of year.
One of the stories that really spoke to me was Unwrapping The True Spirit by Electra Gajdos. This is a beautiful story about the Keen family and their journey to find the true meaning of Christmas. It is full of drama, mischief and pranks and really brings the true meaning for Christmas and more importantly the meaning of time with your family to light.
This anthology will be one that I pick up and read every Christmas from now on.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Festive Fates” earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its engaging mix of 11 short stories by a diverse group of authors. The anthology delivers a delightful holiday escape, seamlessly blending genres and capturing the spirit of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The stories, ranging from dragons on Thanksgiving quests to Christmas battles with Santa’s army, offer a unique and enjoyable read.The two I liked best were: “Sunshine’s War” by Jill Wallace and “Retired, but not Forgotten” by Natalie Palma stealing the spotlight. Wallace’s heartfelt narrative about two individuals caught in the crossfire of war, unexpectedly meeting in a veggie patch, is a true gem that tugs at the heartstrings. On the other hand, Palma’s “Retired, but not Forgotten” adds a fun twist to the anthology, blending luck, work troubles, and a missing Christmas spirit into a lighthearted yet mysterious adventure. I didn’t much like the alien and paranormal stories -but this is a good winter weekend read.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
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
Festive Fates Anthology is a wonderfully written collection of elven Holiday theme inspired short stories that will surely get you in the Holiday Spirit. I love a good Anthology that has a variety of genres that brings you something different from time to time. There’s several authors that are new to me but there’s also a couple I’ve read other books by. Each story brings something a little different but one thing they have in common is Holiday Spirit/ Romance. The characters are relatable fully developed and bring the stories to life. Grab yourself a copy and prepare to be put in Holiday Spirit. I highly recommend reading this Anthology and I look forward checking out the new to me authors and what other books they have written.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
This book is a great collection of festive stories, by a talented group of authors. Each book was different from the rest, so it was easy to differentiate between them. There is a great mix of genres throughout the book, which I really enjoyed. The anthologies I have read previously tend to be all one kind. The variety made it much more interesting to read.
Each of these authors brought something to the collection and I enjoyed them all for different reasons. Some had great characters, others had well written storylines. This was a brilliant way to discover some new authors and I will definitely be checking out more of their work.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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!
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book will put you in the holiday mood. There are 11 short stories from some great authors and you will not be able to put it down. I also liked that there are some new authors in this book as well. I could not wait to read it so I started right when I got it. These stories take you on an adventure that you will not forget. I read them all and it only took me a couple of days to finish. I’m now going to look up all these authors and see what else they have written and read some more books of theirs.
Review by @heatherbass
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Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love Christmas stories! This book was such a cool take on it! Original Christmas stories with a fantasy/sci-fi twist. Such a fun read, like nothing you’ve ever read before. Read this book if you like romance, action, sci-fi, and so many plot twists! All separate stories, all new characters, and all fun experiences!
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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!
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun way to get into the holidays this year.
This was truly a first for me, I love getting into the holidays with holiday reads but this is a first not being cozy holiday mysteries or romances.
This is an anthology with 11 stories including…
Searching for Thanksgiving by S.E. Smith
This is a fantasy with dragons and a touch of mystery . I loved the characters.
Twas the Fight Before Christmas by Pauline Baird Jones
A little romance, a little science fiction, this was a fun read.
Home for Christmas At Christmas by Candace Colt
Another interesting Science Fiction Holiday Romance, with a little guessing dare I say mystery to it.
Unwrapping the True Spirit by Electra Gajdos
This may be the closest in the anthology to the Holiday stories I am used to, gets behind the meaning of the holidays.
Wicked Beginnings by Stephanie Harrell
I love a good duel POV story, its really what I’ve been into lately. This was fantastic with great characters.
Seshka’s Gift by Eliza Sinclair
This was a fun fantasy adventure that is a prequel to a book, which I will have to read soon!
Christmas Trappings by Kendra Hatch
I never thought I would love a Christmas Story that included Aliens, but here I am loved this so much.
The Winter Queen by Cassandra Chandler
Paranormal Romance (?), I guess. I loved this story of the Winter Queen. Clearly I have been missing out never knowing such Holiday stories existed.
Retired, but not Forgotten by Natalie Palma
This is a cozy mystery, easy to read and very enjoyable.
Sunshine’s War by Jill Wallace
A very well written historical romance, I wish it never ended.
Magical Mayhem by Winnie Winkle
Halloween, Full Moons, and Magic. This was a fantastic Rom Com
Such a fun group of stories I never imagined myself reading but so glad that I did.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A big collection of holiday stories with a mix of genre and holiday themes. The variety of themes and genres go from sci-fi, fantasy, magic, mayhem, holiday giving and generosity. I did enjoy reading the vast difference of stories in the holiday spirit with a twist. A great gift to give those sci-fi, fantasy and mystery genre readers! One of my favorites is the one where the Winter Queen in where Kris Kringle is in search of his Ms. Kringle, it brings warmth to the holiday romance tale. Stories are each unique to its theme and how its author draws their reader.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a perfect holiday book to get into the paranormal spirit with! There are 11 different stories from a variety of authors that give you exactly what you need. Each story is so well written, I felt they gave me plenty to connect with the main characters in each story. Witches, aliens, shifters and more, with lots of action, romance and adventure. I’m definitely glad I picked up this book. It’s not your typical Hallmark Christmas movie. I recommend this collection of short stories.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A festive anthology of eleven original stories by different authors which will get you into the holiday mood. This anthology is a mix of stories so has something for everyone, romance, fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, mysteries and more. In ‘Searching for Thanksgiving’ by S.E. Smith, the youngest dragonlings are on a mission to find Thanksgiving. Whilst in ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas’ by Pauline Baird Jones, Doc is not a fan of Christmas and is happier fighting than singing carols. Cassandra Chandler’s, ‘The Winter Queen’, sees a human man and a fae women come together, but he will have to melt her cold winter heart. ‘Home for Christmas’ by Candace Colt is a heartwarming paranormal romance where love and being together at Christmas are the best gifts.
‘Magical Mayhem’ by Winnie Winkle, is a fun and chaotic story featuring ‘Keeper’ Cleopatra O’Keefe. Stephanie Harrell’s ‘Wicked Beginnings’, is a steamy romantic story of missed chances, lingering love and mistletoe. Aliens are trying to stop Christmas in Kyndra Hatch’s ‘Christmas Trappings’. ‘Seshka’s Gift’ by Eliza Sinclair, is a story of dark forces and danger at the Mageguild Academy during the Harvestmoon. Whilst ‘Sunshine’s War’ by Jill Wallace, is a heartwarming story of love between a couple on different sides of a war.
In ‘Retired, but not Forgotten’ by Natalie Palma, a rather grumpy ex-homicide detective is paired with an extremely cheerful PI when a string of crimes occurs during the Christmas season. Electra Gajdos, ‘Unwrapping the True Spirit’, sees a billionaire weapons inventor discovering true magic of the holiday, after forgetting to buy his mate a present. I ‘binge read’ this anthology as I thoroughly enjoyed each story and was fully immersed in each one. A great weekend read to get you into the holiday spirit, which ever one it may be.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Festive Fates Anthology is a collection of eleven engrossing stories by eleven talented authors. These authors all have different styles and approaches to their writing- but each one is unique and individual, adding its mark to the overall anthology. These authors have come together with a common purpose- to get us in the festive spirit, set the mood ready for the holidays.
We have a variety of stories, from sweet to spicy – we get sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary romance, paranormal, adventure, mystery, history, and more. We meet a variety of leading characters as each of the stories are cast with wonderful characters who easily pull you into their tale, getting you invested in them and the outcome of their story, and keeping you immersed the whole way through.
All the stories are set around the holidays, and while most are set around Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving are also represented.
So, find a comfy spot and settle in for a wonderful reading experience…
The Anthology contains:
–Twas the Fight Before Christmas By: Pauline Baird Jones
Delilah Oliver Clementyne “Doc” has to make it through Christmas celebrations with the family- ugly sweater and all. She is a tough cookie, but this is a Christmas she won’t soon forget- especially when Santa and his elves enter the scene. This romantic science fiction story makes for an entertaining read, bringing action, adventure, family, love, courage, and opening your heart.
–Home for Christmas At Christmas By: Candace Colt
“It never got old. If she lived to be a hundred, Rhea Tanner could never be jaded by the mind-blowing experience of cruising among the stars. The panoramic view out the window of the Xigard 200 was beautiful, of course. And mesmerizing. And always scary. As she stared into the endless universe, her thoughts turned to her family on Earth. It was Christmas— another one she’d missed with them.”
This is a great sci-fi paranormal romance with a sweet story, fantasy, witches, Christmas, and family. With the arrival of another Christmas, being so far away from home has Rhea feeling particularly homesick. Little does she know that her man has a big surprise planned. But will things turn out the way he planned? Will Christmas wishes come true? You really should read all the sweet details for yourself.
–Unwrapping the True Spirit By: Electra Gajdos
This is a story about finding the true meaning of the season. With family dynamics, drama, mischief, pranks, mayhem, and things going awry- we follow as the Keen family learn what’s truly important.
–Christmas Trappings By: Kendra Hatch
Christmas Trappings is a fun Sci-fi story with plenty of hijinks, family, aliens, humour, capers, the joys of the holiday season, and more. What happens when alien ‘friends’ take it upon themselves to save their human family from the ‘dreaded’ Santa Claus. Alex has his work cut out for him if he has any chance of salvaging Christmas for his family.
–The Winter Queen (A Court of the Yuletide Fae Prequel) By: Cassandra Chandler
OMG- this is such a sweet story. Giving a new perspective on the Winter Queen folktales. We get pulled into Kris Kringle and the Winter Queen’s story- and I was entirely captivated the whole way through. I didn’t want it to end. So, I was excited to see that it is part of a series which I will definitely be diving into asap.
The Winter Queen is the prequel to A Court of the Yuletide series. It is a sweet paranormal romance with a completely charming storyline that you won’t want to miss!
–Retired, but not Forgotten (A Madison Law Prequel) By: Natalie Palma
Retired, but not Forgotten is the prequel to the Madison Law series. It is a fantastic cozy mystery, with some edgy/darker tones that made the story even more intriguing. Madison is a medically retired police detective turned PI, who gets pulled into a missing persons case that leads to more than she bargained for. With drama, danger, tension and more- this story packs a lot into a small space. I have not read any of Ms. Palma’s stories before, so I was excited to dive into this short story and get a taste of what she can do. I love that this was a mystery- and really loved meeting Madison Law. I can’t wait to continue the series and see what else she gets up to. One of my favourites from this collection.
Sunshine’s War By: Jill Wallace
This is an historical romance set during WWII. We go on a journey of finding love unexpectedly in the most challenging of situations, promises made, hope, and emotion. Will the promises made during harrowing times be kept- or are they just words spoken in the heat of the moment?
Wicked Beginnings By: Stephanie Harrell
Another of my favourites of this series. This is a fantastic contemporary romance with an age gap, boss/employee attraction, chemistry, secret desires, a Christmas party, revelations, a grumpy/sunshine factor, a plus size FMC, tension, drama, and interesting characters. It is told from a duel POV, which gives the story an extra element of interest- as we get to see things playing out from both the MC’s perspectives. Highly recommended.
–Magical Mayhem (Boogie Beach and The Record Series Prequel) By: Winnie Winkle
This is the prequel to Boogie Beach and The Record series and is a very entertaining urban fantasy. Set during Halloween this story brings magic, shenanigans, spice, humour, fun, paranormal beings, and so much more. Cleopatra O’Keefe is forced to work on the night of her 21st birthday- which she isn’t too happy about. But add in the fact that her cocktail mixing skills have got to be on point, and serving the magical community attendees, puts extra pressure on Cleopatra to not mess things up. Being a Keeper means she has responsibilities she can’t ignore. What is a keeper? Does she manage to not mess things up? How Does the night turn out? You really should read all the fun details for yourself.
“Halloween is coming up, Patra. This year, it’s falling on a full moon which means a night of absolute insanity. Either the holiday or the moon are already crazy; stick them together and it’s an epic mashup of magical mayhem. I need help, so starting immediately, you’re training on the magic side. Be prepared to recite cocktail recipes, hazards, and cleanup procedures at the drop of a hat. Screw up and you might die. So don’t.”
“Billy! That’s my twenty-first birthday! My real one, I mean. Sadie’s throwing me a party. I…”
Serious brown eyes stared me down. “Did you take an oath and accept your role?” “Well, yeah, but,” my voice dribbled off.
–Seshka’s Gift (Mageguild Academy Prequel) By: Eliza Sinclair
This is the prequel to the Mageguild Academy series, which I will definitely be exploring after reading this engrossing morsel. Seshka and Rexi set off on a tour of the city. But what should have been an easy exercise takes a dangerous turn, thrusting the pair into a high-stakes adventure. This is a great little fantasy with magic, mages, a battle for survival, being put to the test, intrigue, and more.
–Searching for Thanksgiving (A Dragonlings of Valdier Novella) By: S.E. Smith
This charming fantasy has all the ingredients needed to keep me flipping the pages to find out how everything plays out.
-Fantasy
-Dragonlings
_Adventure
-A quest to find Thanksgiving
-Shifters
-A little drama
-A sprinkle of mystery
-A touch of mayhem
-A pinch of the unexpected
All combined to make a fun read.
All the stories are so engaging, with wonderfully written plots, and well-developed characters. I have read books by several of these talented authors before- but most of the authors were new to me… so I was excited to not only read the contributions by the authors I knew and loved, but also to get an introduction to the authors who are new to me.
So, settle down for some wonderful reading. There’s definitely something here for everyone!
Happy Reading…
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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!
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is such a great way to get into the holiday spirit if you aren’t already or to embrace the holiday spirit more than you already are. This is the collaboration of 11 short stories all centered on the holiday spirit. I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I started reading because of the different authors. Each author has their own writing style and even though this book is composed of short stories, I just didn’t know if it would flow like it a normal book. I was incredibly impressed. The book flowed from story to story but it also had the feel of the same author writing each story. It was a really quick read because of the short stories. I felt like I was on an adventure and making new friends with each story. I highly recommend this book if you are looking to just get lost in a story but maybe not have the time to commit to a full book. These short stories allow for you to leave and come back. I however, couldn’t put it down and kept reading till it was on the last page.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The “Festive Fates Anthology” is a delightful collection of 11 holiday-themed stories that are perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Each story in this anthology is written by a different author, offering a diverse range of styles and themes that keeps the reading experience fresh and engaging.
One of the highlights of this anthology is the variety of genres and settings featured in the stories. From heartwarming tales set in small towns to magical stories in fantasy realms, there is something for everyone in these pages. The authors demonstrate their creativity and storytelling skills, providing readers with a mix of romance, mystery, fantasy, and more.
The characters in each story are well-developed, relatable, and likable. The authors do a wonderful job of making readers care about the protagonists within the limited space of a short story. Despite the brevity, the characters’ emotions and motivations are effectively conveyed, creating a connection that allows readers to become fully invested in their journeys.
The pacing of the stories is well-executed, ensuring that readers remain engaged from start to finish. Each story is the perfect length to be enjoyed in one sitting, making this anthology a great choice for those who want a quick and entertaining holiday read. The writing styles vary across the stories, but all maintain a high standard of quality, allowing the anthology to flow seamlessly.
While not every story in the anthology will resonate with every reader, the wide range of themes and genres ensures that there is something to suit all preferences. Whether you prefer stories filled with holiday magic, sweet romances, or thought-provoking mysteries, you are likely to find a story that captivates and entertains you.
•°•🔹️•*•📖•*•🔹️•°• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°•🔹️•*•📖•*•🔹️•°•
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
Amazon – https://amzn.to/46bj7w3
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Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – SciFi Fantasy
Page Count – 780
Cover Designer – Melody Simmons
Goodreads – Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology
Bookbub – Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales contains 11 original stories celebrating friends, family, and holiday cheer! Which holiday, you ask? Well, that question stumped us, too. So you’ll find stories from Halloween to New Years, both actual and fantastic, told by riveting storytellers, and designed to leave you feeling a wonderful glow.
~ AMAZON ~
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology
Festive Fates was born of the strong bonds of friendship between eleven authors who have been blessed to cross paths at the right time in their lives. All are as unique as their stories, but they rejoice in their differences as well as what they all hold dear—family, friendship, and the celebration of this wonderful world.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH PAULINE BAIRD JONES
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This anthology is broken up by spice level which is unique!
The first story I read was Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie. I was immersed into this story quickly and found myself relating to the characters for different things throughout.
Elijah is a single dad who has moved to a new town to start over with his infant son. His new neighbor catches him at a weak moment and he inserts himself pretty quickly into helping. With a love interest and some mystery this was a great quick read.
Another book in this collection was Into the Flames by Dawn Luedecke.
A firefighter and a photojournalist spent one night together and both never forgot it. Now Sadie is back and Dalton won’t let her go. With Sadie risking her life for animals and Dalton risking his for Sadie will they fan the flames between them?
Fallen Honor by Pandora Snow was another story that stood out to me.
This one had me hooked! An ex marine, mystery and heat! I really wanted this not to end. I wanted to know more.
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a sucker for anthologies because you get to sample a bunch of awesome authors. This collection focuses on your everyday heroes (DUH) and they are some mighty fine heroes. I really like how this anthology is broken up by spice level (the second one I’ve read to do this and it is *chef’s kiss*). And once I saw that Naomi Valkyrie had a story in this anthology, I was game! I absolutely love her writing style and she didn’t disappoint with “Unexpected Heroes.” This is a MM, small-town romance filled with suspense. Valkyrie packs romance, suspense, angst, and spice into Jude and Elijah’s story and does it really well. I really like how she developed these characters as well as the plot line.
The next story that caught my eye was “Into the Flames” by Dawn Luedecke. Looking for a hot fireman and a photojournalist (who happens to be working for the fire department) who can’t cook AND who happen to live in the same apartment complex? Well, this is the story for you! This is also a second chance romance (which I’m quickly becoming a sucker for) and it’s just really cute. Dalton and Sadie’s story is funny and sweet with a little bit (OK…maybe a lot) of spice and an HEA.
Another story that had me on the edge of my seat was Heroes & Hurricanes by TK Eldridge. I’d classify this as more of a romantic thriller because it was definitely suspenseful at times but don’t let that put you off…the romance and spice were there as well. I really loved the plot line of this one. It really kept me on edge and turning the pages. Definitely a must read out of this anthology!
Grab a copy of this anthology now! All of these stories are beginners for series and they will hook you right in so if you are looking for a new series…check some of these out!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved this anthology with so many wonderful and talented authors. Each story is unique in its own way. I loved as I turned the pages the spice level heats up…and I highly recommend this anthology to any romance lover.
I loved each story and a few that stood out to me were……..
Unexpected Heros by Naomi Valkyrie
I love this author and she is one of my favorites….Unexpected Heros is a MM Romance as Jude and Elijah try and navigate feelings, knowing that they were hurt in the past for different reasons. This story was fantastic and I love the bond of Jude and Elijah.
Jude is trying to live each day at a time. Realing from a loss, he is alone in his thoughts…and in between his security detail jobs, he does not want to go down the deep spiral….until he ends up getting a new neighbor. Elijah is new in town, trying to start a brand new life with his son. Elijah never expected to be embraced by not only his new neighbor, Jude, but also his new job. When unsettling things start happening to Elijah…will Jude be able to save Elijah and his son when they need him the most? Will Jude be able to get past his loss and be able to move on and love again?
Just Another Hallmark Fool by Eliza Matthews
This is a short story that was very enjoyable and left me wanting more….the spark and sizzle between Sawyer and Kate, with a little bit of banter…. definitely want more and looking forward to reading more from this author.
Sawyer is retired special ops military, now home enjoying to work for a security company. On a security detail in New York, he meets Kate, literally Kate running into Sawyer by accident. Kate is a successful designer owner, but she has a love of being an artist…what Sawyer loves is how this spitfire of a beauty keeps him on his toes…and have a night they together that is hard to forget. Back home in Tyler Creek, Sawyer did not think he would see Kate again, but when Kate ends up being Sawyer’s parents neighbors aunt…..the attraction between Sawyer and Kate comes in full force. Will Sawyer save Kate from what is lurking in shadows and the reason why she needed a break from New York?
Into the Flames by Dawn Luedecke
If you love a good story with a firefighter…this story is for you. Very enjoyable, romance, sizzle with a firefighter and a photojournalist. I am definitely looking forward to more from this author and this series.
Dalton Brown is a local fighter in Cold Springs….and he never forgot a night he spent with Sadie a year prior. When a neighbors fire alarm is constantly going off in the apartment building where he lives, Dalton decides to help out, but when Sadie Aberdeen answers the door, there is definite shock and the same sizzle from a year ago. Dalton never forgot Sadie, and he is still pining after her and wants so much more and to love Sadie…..
Sadie Aberdeen is a photojournalist, who loves her job, and she is back living in Cold Springs as the photojournalist for the local fire department. After her fire smoke detector is constantly going off due to her lack of cooking skills, the chance encounter that Dalton Brown is her neighbor to help her with the alarm issue. When Sadie is out with the fire crew again with a wildfire, Sadie goes missing trying to save a baby fox that needs help due to the wildfires that are spreading. Will Sadie be rescued before it is to late when the fire threatens her and the firecrew’s safety? Will Sadie have the same feelings toward Dalton and reignite the spark and sizzle they once had?
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful collection of romance stories. This anthology has something for everyone to enjoy. I especially like how it shows that the main characters complement each other in one way or another. All of the authors have done a very great job in keeping my interest in each story.
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an amazing collection of romance stories. I loved that these stories are based on the heat ratings which mean there’s stories for every one. There are mild romances and then we have the spicy ones as well. Also loved that this collection was based on modern day heroes like police officers to fire fighters.
One of my favorite stories is from the awesome Naomi Valkyrie called the Unexpected Hero.This story touched my heart. Elijah is a single dad and that has been dealt a horrible hand but he does everything for his child. He meets the amazing Jude and his life starts to change big time. Elijah helps Jude with his addiction and it was beautiful to read. Will they find their happy ending or will the past come back and destroy it all?
Review by @heatherbass
View all my reviews
Saved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a unique collection of stories. I loved it! It’s all about people who care about each other, take care of each other, and are there for each other when it’s needed. Being an “everyday hero” is just about being a good friend, companion, and person. And that is what these stories are about. People’s love and care save the lives of their loved ones around them! Read this book if you love short romance stories, edgy plot twists, and excitement that makes you keep turning the pages!