A Gentleman For All Seasons by Shana Galen, Vanessa Kelly, Kate Noble and Theresa Romain is a fantastic collection of stories.  Each of the 4 books in this collection is a complete book and can be read as a standalone.  They are also connected in some way to the other books in the collection.  Every book is well written with lovely characters, humor, drama and spice.  I enjoyed all 4 of these stories and look forward to reading more from these talented authors in the future.  

Summary (in italics) and review: (These stories were really short - 4 stories within 135 pages, so my reviews will be short because there is not a lot to tell.)

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen

1803- Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?

I liked that the two MCs were older and shared a history that included the French Revolution. It is not a strict HEA, but the ending was a definite promising HFN. This story really helped to set up Lady Winterson's annual Christmas Ball (the thread that links the stories). 3.5 stars.

One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly

1818- Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.

I liked this book, but it took some getting used to the female MC until the author showed us her POV, then the story really clicked for me.  3.5 stars

His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell

1825- At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.

I didn't like this story at all. The female MC was very inconsistent - she was more than willingly to accept being the Lord's mistress, but when he proposed, she made him go through hoops to show/prove his love. Also, I am not a fan of Cinderella-types unless it is in a fantasy genre; in romance, the rich MC usually comes across as a savior, making the relationship seem off-balance. 0 stars.

The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble

1830- Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...

This was an unexpected, but happily taken, surprise. I have heard interviews with Ms. Noble and really enjoyed her talking about writing (both literature and for the screen). This story was a nice ending to the anthology; I enjoyed Philbert and Lady Winterson's relationship development more than the two MCs. 3.5 stars.

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?

Overall: 3 stars. Enjoyable while reading, but nothing that stays with you after you close the book.

    It's funny, dealing with one of the worse reader's slump this year. I think I have read more these two months then I have all year. Plus them being traditional and sweet Christmas stories- it's been great escape from a busy time of year

Finished putting together my December Reads. Lots of holiday stories loaded on my NOOK from as long as two years ago - definitely read and either archive or delete time. So many of these books are short - less than 50 pages. I may end up reading some of the books I didn't get to read from November or October to fill out the month. No school for this month and other than the cookie drive and spouses' club Holiday party, no huge volunteer commitments so I have lots of time to read. Here is what is on tap:

Mistletoe Mischief by Stacey Joy Netzel (contemporary romance

A Grosvenor Square Christmas (Anthology/various authors) (historical romance)

Second Chase Christmas by Shawn Inmom (contemporary romance)

The Christmas Cottage by Samantha Chase (contemporary romance)

Unexpected Gifts & Unexpected Endings by Elena Aitken (contemporary romance)

The Romance of a Christmas Card by Kate Douglas Wiggins (classic)

A Bit of Mistletoe by Ava Stone (historical romance)

All He Wants for Christmas by Jerrica Knight-Catania

The Billionaire's Mistletoe Baby by Tabitha Robbins (contemporary romance)

Mallow Girl by Rachel Dove (contemporary romance)

Silver Bells by Sadie Hart (reindeer shifter romance)

A Present for Christmas by Shiloh Walker (contemporary romance)

A Very Tudor Christmas by Amanda McCabe (historical romance)

A Very Scandalous Holiday (Anthology/various authors) (historical romance)

Christmas Collection by Carla Kelly (historical romance)

Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas by Sugar Jamison (contemporary romance)

Bah, Humbug! by Heather Horrocks (contemporary inspirational romance)

The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight (contemporary inspirational romance)

A Dog Gone Christmas by Lindsay Downs (contemporary romance)

The Theft Before Christmas by Cheryl Bolen (mystery)