A Cozy Country Christmas An Anthology

By Christine Arness

An anthology set in the country, all of the stories are about families, love, and the memories, hope and joy that are such an integral part of the holiday season.

The Memory Tree
At Christmas, a young mother mourning the loss of their possessions in a fire learns from her children an invaluable lesson on how to start again.

The Most Important Ingredient
Anita is grieving over the fact that her broken wrist won’t allow her to continue her favorite holiday tradition of baking cookies for friends and family. Then Anita’s two small daughters assure her that she doesn’t have only one hand—she has five.

If Wishes Were Horses
When a horse galloped up and stopped at the barn door, eight year old Kim knew her prayers for a horse for Christmas had been answered. But her thoughts go in a very different direction after her mom shares a life changing memory.

Live as in Lively
This live outdoor Nativity turns out a lot “livelier” than the director anticipated.

Let It Snow
An overstressed mother remembers a past when her own mom made every holiday full of fun and joy. At the last moment, she realizes what is truly important and changes directions for the family Christmas Eve party.

One Midnight Clear
While studying a Christmas store window scene, a homesick man is shocked to find himself handcuffed to the woman at his side. As he looks at her small son’s guilty face, Tim realizes his life is about to take an unexpected turn.

Star of Bethlehem
A small girl’s desire for a Christmas tree is granted by a loving community, bringing hope to her family.

In For a Penny
A couple who believes their marriage is irrevocably broken finds healing, life lessons, and hope during a visit to an eccentric relative.

Breath of God
A Minnesota farm girl in the early 1900’s has been forced into a woman’s responsibilities. Betsy’s struggles to come to terms with her deceased mother’s plans for her bring her in conflict with both family and community expectations. Memories of the love between her parents help Betsy make the decisions she needs to face her future.

Piano Christmas
A schoolgirl’s sacrifice of a gift from her cherished teacher gives hope to a classmate and also shows her that giving can bless the giver as well.

Pocketful of Love
A grandmother learns that love is never lost when you reach out to others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melange Books, LLC
• Release date: Nov 13, 2014

Christine Arness

Lori Ness wrote her first novel when she ran out of books that she liked to read. Rosemary for Remembrance, published by Harper Paperbacks under the pseudonym Christine Arness, was nominated for a Romantic Times Award for Best Contemporary Romantic Novel. Her second book, Wedding Chimes, Assorted Crimes, was a hardcover published by Five Star. Lori has also published numerous articles, short stories, newspaper articles and essays.