AN ENCHANTED SEASON

Author: Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh and Jean Johnson ISBN: 042521785X 10/2007 PARANORMAL Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION

It's the time of year when dreams come true, miracles happen every day, and love is the greatest gift of all... The holidays always seem to bring out the best in everyone, with heartfelt hugs for long-missed friends, sincere smiles in the spirit of the season, and a feeling of magic in the air. Here, for the first time, is a collection of paranormal romances celebrating the holidays as never before. From a shape-shifting leopardess who wants a packmate to be her soulmate to a snowstorm that brings a surprise gift, these all-new tales by Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh, and Jean Johnson will stir your spirit in all the right places.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

AN ENCHANTED SEASON is a terrific, paranormal holiday anthology by these extremely talented authors: Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh and Jean Johnson. This is a great anthology filled with four romantic stories that will help get you in the Christmas spirit!

Maggie Shayne's Melting Frosty kicks off this wonderful anthology. After reading all four stories, Melting Frosty has to be my favorite. It begins so heartbreakingly, but ends with one of the best happily-ever-afters! Both Holly and Matthew have had a tough childhood. Now, as adults, how they have dealt with their traumas has shaped them into the persons they are today. When they finally meet at Holly's rundown family house the day before Christmas, an attraction is formed and so is a heart warming Christmas miracle.

This is such an inspirational read. Not only that, it is romantic, sensual and just about one of the best short stories I have read in a long, long time. Melting Frosty is the perfect story to kick off this holiday paranormal anthology!

Erin McCarthy's Charlotte's Web is the next story in AN ENCHANTED SEASON. Well, you're just going to love this sexy romance between two friends who are in love with each other, but need a little push in the right direction to get them to admit it. This is another great story. It's funny, romantic and very sexy. Charlotte and Will are so in love with each other, but can't profess it. It takes the meddling of Charlotte's sisters (who, by the way, are witches just like Charlotte) and some "enchanted mistletoe" to help get these two lovebirds moving in the right direction.

I loved this story, too. The characters are so likable. Will, Charlotte and her sisters are just so funny and enjoyable. An all around great romantic holiday short story!

Nalini Singh continues her Psy/Changeling saga with her contribution to AN ENCHANTED SEASON called Beat of Temptation. What can I say? Here is another fantastic story! Readers of Nalini Singh will instantly recognize the characters from this story—Tamsyn and Nate. It's a real treat to read how they became a couple. Beat of Temptation is powerful and passionate. It's a real gift to those who love her Psy/Changeling series.

Jean Johnson closes up this anthology with her short story, The Gifts of the Magi. Here is another inspirational story that is heart warming, right down to the last page. Steve and Rachel deserve their happy ending, and the way they acquire it is truly a Christmas miracle. It's a wonderfully written story with characters that I would love to see have a full-length novel one day!

AN ENCHANTED SEASON is one of those anthologies that you can pick up and read anytime. The stories are all written by highly talented authors who have a knack for telling engaging stories that are combined with passion, drama and a touch of paranormal! A great Christmas read that will also make an even better gift!

Julie Kornhausl