The very first story is Midnights by Rainbow Rowell. I give this story a 5 out of 5. I really loved it overall. At first I wasn't too sure about it in the beginning but by time the end came around I really did love it. I wanted a novella from this story if it were possible. I haven't read anything before by Rowell but I think I might pick up a book by her to check out.
The second story is The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link. I give this story a 2 out of 5. I liked the ending, and the concept of the story, the rest not so much. For me it didn't really contribute to the story, it was just about the little girl growing up and moving on with her life while figuring out something to do with the guy. That's pretty much it.
Next is Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Peña. I give it a 3 out of 5. It was a sweet story, a really sweet story and I loved the cat. That's about it for the story for me. I liked the characters, I loved that Peña included a cat, I kind-of liked where the story was going, but that's it. It has it's sweet and cute moments, I will say that.
Polaris is Where You'll Find Me by Jenny Han is the fourth short. I give this story a 3 out of 5. Han made this a cute little tale and I liked where it was going. It was different and I liked that very much, but it was only 14 pages long. Don't get me wrong, I liked it but I wanted more in a not that good way.
It's a Yuletide Miracle Charlie Brown by the editor herself Stephanie Perkins is next. I give this story a 5 out of 5. I really found myself able to connect with Marigold. Which is funny I find myself typing that about this story but there is another story kind-of like this one and I don't feel the same way. She wants out and to do something big, I have that feeling a lot as well. I really like the feel of the story even from the beginning. It was cute and I found myself wanting more of the story at the end.
The sixth story is Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan. I give this one a 5 out of 5. It was hilarious! I laughed almost the whole way through reading this story. I also liked that the main Guys name wasn't given, at all (as far as I can tell, I could have missed it though I wouldn't be surprised if I did). The ending was very adorable too.
The seventh story is Krampuslauf by Holly Black. I give it a 5 out of 5. The name alone made me smile, I knew it was going to be a different take on Christmas as it was. This story really called out to my child side that still believes in magic. From the beginning to the end I loved Krampuslauf, and I wanted a full length novel.
Next is What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I also connected with Sophie as well, again she wanted out and I know that feeling. It was a cute read, however I wouldn't read this story over and over again. Forman's writing style was very nice and I might seek out a book from her.
Beer Bucket and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire, I give this a 5 out of 5. I laughed the whole way through the story and I loved it. The first sentence really hooked me and kept me the whole way though. If this is how McEntire writes I will for sure be seeking out a book by her. Though to be fair if the story wasn't funny I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much.
The tenth story is Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White. I give this one a 5 out of 5 as well. This is the story where I should have connected with the character but I didn't. She ended up falling in love and then got out. I don't see that for me. However I did smile the whole time while reading the story and I did like the cook (Ben) and his full name reveal. Maria trying to guess his full name had me laughing a few times.
Next is Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I liked the story but I don't think I would have picked it up on its own. It was cute, and I really liked it but it just wasn't my cup of tea. I've never taken an airplane anywhere and it makes be wonder if you really could switch tickets with someone and get away with it. Carter's writing was really nice and I think I might look in to another book of hers.
The last story and the one I was looking forward to reading the most is The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. It is a very good thing that this wasn't at the beginning story because I wouldn't have read the rest of the book. What stopped me from reading just this story and not the rest? I have not a clue so don't ask. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I liked Taylor's story so very much, but I wanted a lot more. From the cover I was hoping that Karou from the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy would be in it but she wasn't. I wasn't overly disappointed, I still enjoyed the story very much.
I completely and utterly recommend this book to everyone. I'm far from upset with the stories and authors that were compiled together. I would love to own this book, however I probably wouldn't read it cover to cover very often. I would pick and choose which stories I was in the mood for and read them. Also if you would like to know which pairs of the people on the front cover belongs to which author, I provide a picture down below that someone (not me) graciously points out who belongs to whom. From what I can tell they are correct, though over half of them I had not a clue and couldn't match them up myself. For a young adult novel I do think adults could enjoy a number of the stories that are held in this book. I would say that it is perfect for the holiday season and for those who like holiday stories.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 321 pages (hardcover)
Price: $18.99
Next Book: TBA
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
If you want to know why Laini's characters have (stand-in) on the bottom of her name http://naturallysteph.tumblr.com/post/100249929020 click that link and read!
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