Christmas is a magic time of year, especially when love is in the air and Aspen Grove, Colorado celebrates five weddings and a family reunion.
Christmas is a magic time, especially when love is all around and the Mother Lode hosts five weddings and a family celebration.
Cory’s Christmas – Sherry Derr-Wille
Cory never expected to run Baker’s Secret Hideaway, but when she needs help, Dex Trenton enters her life in more ways than one.
Christmas Day – Luanna Rugh
Chris Day isn’t looking forward to Christmas. But injured skier Raven Chase lands in Red Rock Clinic on Christmas Eve, and her holiday plans change.
Mistletoe Magic – Lorna Collins
All Noelle McGregor wants is real mistletoe her first Christmas without family, but getting it leads to literally falling for Matt Spicer.
The Gathering – Christie Shary
Sonata Sullivan returns home where she encounters her widowed high school boyfriend, Tommy Henderson. But her heart belongs to Jamali in Morocco.
Christmas Treasure – Cheryl Gardarian
Posing as tourists, Sara Hayden and Gretchen Dodge meet Swedish businessman Thad Johansson. When he returns unexpectedly, will their deception be discovered?
Excerpt
Judi (Wilson) Brower
November
Aspen Grove, Colorado
“The holidays will be here before we know it,” I told Josh. “The Mother Lode will be packed.”
My husband’s family built the original Mother Lode Saloon in 1867. They’ve been here in town since the silver mining days. Over the years, the saloon has been expanded. Now we have several large new banquet rooms as well as a family-style restaurant and the original bar with the old-fashioned mirrors and paneling. Folks come from Denver and even farther away for our great barbeque. Last year, our chef, George, expanded the menu, and the additions have won us new customers as well as providing an upscale catering menu.
We’re now also becoming known in this area as a party venue.
“We’re really booked for the holidays. In addition to the usual business luncheons and evening events, we have a huge family party, and four wedding receptions scheduled,” I said, checking the reservations.
“We can handle it,” he assured me. “Besides, we have to start paying for the addition. The new banquet rooms need to be in use to justify the cost.” Then he grinned and I knew he was confident in our decision to expand.
I love it when he smiles. His eyes light up and his whole face glows. It’s a reminder of why I married him.
I smiled back, then returned to the plans for the holidays.
I must admit, I enjoy having the special celebrations here, especially wedding receptions. And there’s nothing more beautiful than a holiday wedding. Folks here in Aspen Grove take Christmas seriously. Josh says I go overboard decorating, but heck, the season only comes around once a year.
I already know what I’m doing. I’ve planned lots of twinkle lights, greenery and red roses for the saloon and restaurant with basic greens and lights in the banquet rooms. Now I just have to meet with all the brides to coordinate their menus, colors, and additional decorations. Unless they’ve made other arrangements, Margie will do the cakes. At least that’s one area I won’t have to worry about.
Good thing I adore this time of year, especially when love is in the air.
Professional Reviews
An Aspen Grove Christmas for Readers Favorite
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Saturday, January 8, 2011
An Aspen Grove Christmas By Sherry Derr-Wilde; Cheryl Gardarian; Luanna Rugh; Christie Shary; Lorna Collins
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
5 Stars
1/8/11
Christmas is the magical time of the year and what better place to be then in Colorado with the majestic snow covered Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and snow covered streets and Christmas weddings. In their newest anthology “An Aspen Grove Christmas” four well know authors have come together again with a new addition to the writing group.
“Cory’s Christmas” finds Cory Baker on leave from her nursing duties to help run his Bed and Breakfast. With the death of his wife earlier to his injuries suffered in an accident it looks like her career has now changed. When Dex Trenton enters the picture he not only works for the B&B but in Cory’s life also.
“Christmas (Rose) Day” is not looking for a husband or a boyfriend as a matter of fact, that is until Raven Chase lands practically in her lap. Injured in a skiing accident there was only one place for him to stay. Her place. Not only does she celebrate Christmas with him but her birthday also.
From “Mistletoe Magic” where all Noelle McGregor wants is a bunch of fresh mistletoe to falling at the feet of one of her favorite writers to “The Gathering” finding Sonata Sullivan returning to Aspen Grove after years of working with UNICEF, to meeting an old lost love from years earlier.
Ending the book with “Christmas Treasures” Sara Hayden and Gretchen pose as tourist after meeting a successful Swedish businessman. When they discover that Thad Johansson is returning how can they hide their deception. After all he’s rich,and they just hold down meager jobs.
I always look forward to reading any of the anthology’s Sherry Derr-Wilde; Lorna Collins and the others write. They know how to pack a full novel into a short story. To everyone who still believes in the wonder and magic of Christmas~~ you will enjoy their newest venture. Recommended.
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