Christmas Short Stories Anthology

Christmas may come but once a year but human emotions, the driving force of our characters, are with us every day. Yet, somehow these same emotions when they happen at Christmas seem amplified; we seem more tender to their touch, their words. Whether it’s a long-lost returning soldier wondering how best to return to the arms of his family without too great a risk of shock... Or a prodigal son whose taken path has driven pain into his own and others hearts… These stories reveal much about the human condition.

This is a mini-sequel to The Other Son, a little gift for all those listeners who have been begging to know what happens next. Alice has been lying to herself for years, holding fast to the belief that the needs of her family far outweigh her own. But her outwardly successful marriage hides dark secrets, and for much of her life, the children were the only reason she stuck around.

'Rumpole and the Christmas Break' sees the irrepressible barrister defending a young Muslim man who has been charged with murder. As the case adjourns for the holiday, the cards are stacked against him and the judge is hostile. Stuck in a country house hotel over Christmas, can Rumpole use the break to clear his client's name? Bill Wallis reads this special seasonal story starring Horace Rumpole, scourge of all QCs and friend of the criminal classes.

New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury - the “queen of inspirational fiction” ( Time) - is acclaimed for her poignant, uplifting tales. Here, Kingsbury recounts a series of true stories about people whose lives were changed by the mystery and wonder of Christmastime. Each story offers proof of God’s presence today - and a joyous reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.

The tales in Mark Haddon's lyrical and uncompromising new collection take many forms - Victorian adventure story, science fiction, morality tale, contemporary realism - but they all showcase his virtuoso gifts as a stylist and the deep well of empathy that made his three best-selling novels so compelling. The characters here are often isolated physically or estranged from their families, yet they yearn for connection.

Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology.

For listeners who are tired of Christmas commercialism, or who feel that Santa Claus and reindeer don’t tell the whole story, these classic gems provide a winning alternative. Selected for their insightfulness, spiritual value, and literary quality (nothing moralistic here) they project the spirit of the season in a fresh, compelling manner that will resonate with listeners of all ages - from children too young to read to themselves, to parents and grandparents who enjoy listening to stories, as well.

A Gift of Ghosts: Akira has secrets. But so does the town of Tassamara. A Gift of Thought: Sylvie Blair swore she’d never go back to Tassamara. She was wrong. The Spirits of Christmas: Akira's plans are simple: Write wedding invitations, bake Christmas cookies, and eat red meat. (The last surprises her, too.) But when Rose, the ghost who haunts her house, asks for a favor, Akira can't say no. A Gift of Time: Natalya thought she knew everything. Time is proving her wrong.

Imagine a Victorian England village in the Cotswolds where very little out of the ordinary ever happens...except at Christmas time. This year, Edward Haddington, a lowly candlemaker, is visited by a mysterious angel. That angel silently imparts a precious gift - a gift that’s bungled and subsequently lost. The candlemaker and his wife, Bea, struggle to find the gift. And when they do, they have to make a difficult choice. Who among their community is most in need of a Christmas miracle? Join inspirational author Max Lucado and experience anew the joy of Christmas.

Three novellas and an unforgettable short story, now available together in one festive package!

Celebrate Second Christmas, a treasured, lighthearted time of community, with four Amish romances. This collection includes “When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman, “Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid, “A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller, and “The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer.

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happily-ever-after! This special holiday historical romance anthology featuring three heartwarming novellas proves that no matter the obstacles, ’tis the season for love.

P. L. Travers wrote with a signature blend of sugar and spice; her characters, including Mary Poppins, are endearing, outsized, and cozy. Her talent for capturing the perspective of children shines through Aunt Sass Christmas Stories. Each of the stories in this audiobook was written as a holiday gift, sent to her friends and family and never published. Now her millions of readers and listeners and generations of filmgoers will recognize how she used her life story to inform her fiction.

A selection of short stories for the holidays including classics from Hans Christian Andersen, Tolstoy and L. Frank Baum.

"Get ready to be swept away on a sleigh ride of emotions you won't soon forget." In the enchanting embrace of Worthington Hall, a whirlwind of festive delights unfurls as sisters, Annie and Vicky Abbott, step into their new roles as shop owners poised to dive headfirst into the electrifying spirit of Christmas. But amidst the dazzling kaleidoscope of twinkling lights and jubilant decorations, an unanticipated guest is thrown into the mix. Can someone so charming, so seemingly perfect, be too good to be true? Or is Annie allowing the shattering losses of her past to dictate the happiness she...

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born on 4th July 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts, a town synonymous with the earlier Salem Witch Trials. It was instrumental in Hawthorne’s later use of American Gothic and dark romanticism in his writing. Hawthorne’s short stories were first published in magazines but in 1837 were collected and published as ‘Twice-Told Tales’. A steady literary career still did not come his way and so he worked in a good position at Salem’s port and married the love of his life Sophia Peabody. Finally, in 1850 came spectacular literary and commercial success with ‘The Scarlet Letter.’

In this glittering and heartwarming collection, three of today's bestselling sweet romance novelists offer up the gift of cheer for the winter holiday season. On the Way to Christmas features a return to small town home, a Christmas cross-country train ride, and a Christmas bakery. Perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and Debbie Macomber.

In this irreverent take on the holidays, Ian gets a new quest in a virtual reality video game: kill a monstrous villain named Sinter Klaws. (And no, he is NOT a jolly old elf.) Join Ian, his succubus Alaria, and his imp Stig as they journey through a winter wonderland full of killer reindeer, lecherous elves, and the worst mall Santa in the history of the world.

Runyon's short stories are almost always told in the first person by a narrator who is never named and whose role is unclear; he knows many gangsters and has no job that can be gleaned from his musings, nor does he admit to any criminal involvement; he’s a bystander, an observer, an average street-corner Joe. Runyon described himself as 'being known to one and all as a guy who is just around'. That line seems to say a lot about Runyon and his life.

In spite of a brief experimentation early in their relationship, Doc and Carrie Baumgartner have since maintained a monogamous marriage without too much difficulty or even temptation - until now. A move far from home, coupled with new friends and long hours away from each other, have left the young Baumgartner couple on shaky ground. Doc believes bringing in someone "new" like they did early in their relationship might add just the spice their marriage needs, but Carrie isn't so sure about that plan.