A Cheery Christmas Collection

By Vickey Wollan

This festive anthology will brighten your holiday season with seven romantic tales each with a twist of Christmas magic. All feature a happily-ever-after that aims to put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. 

 

This sweet collection includes:

 

●      Lainey Shea's Christmas Treasure Quest – young adult – A romantic adventure ensues when teens search for a prized family heirloom.

●      An Elf's Challenge – mystical - Catch a glimpse of the North Pole where feuding elfin families collide until Santa steps in to save a romance.

●      A Secret Santa Surprise – young adult - A high school holiday gift exchange brings two opposites together as more than just friends.

●      Becoming a Reindeer – paranormal - The process is more complicated than you'd ever imagine when reindeer fall in love.

●      The Christmas Ornaments' Gift – mystical – Magical ornaments are the gift that ignites a romantic Christmas flame. 

●      The Gingerbread House – contemporary - It's a baking competition. If they don't find a way to work together, neither contestant stands a chance at winning the contest or each other.

●      Charity at Christmas – contemporary - Can being charitable bring prosperity that drives an unlikely couple toward each other?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vickey Wollan
• Release date: Nov 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781735534077

Vickey Wollan

Vickey Wollan has written for business publications, but is excited to embark on her long-awaited romance writing journey. Her stories are designed to transport readers to a less stressful portion of their day and leave them with a feeling of awe. Her work is now published in six fiction books including a completed three-novel series. The Christmas season is the backdrop for Vickey’s earlier stories because most people allow their inner-child to roam and their innate generosity to ooze at that time of year. She has now branched out beyond holiday stories, but her writing will remain sweet and clean. Originally from Ohio, she moved to Florida in the late Eighties. But, there’s something about a white Christmas that fills her heart with joy. She draws from her vivid imagination while creating characters that come to life in plots that will keep readers guessing, but leave them with a happily ever after. With a background in healthcare and wellness she hopes to intertwine her past skills with her longing to write in a way that sooths the nerves and reminds folks there is still good to be found in our fast-paced world. Vickey uses experiences from her trips to our country’s National Parks with her husband to create authentic outdoor settings that will come to life in the reader’s mind. Thank you for your curiosity and interest in Vickey Wollan’s creations. Please check back often for her most recent story that it might help you find reading that relaxes.

Book preview

A Cheery Christmas Collection

By Vickey Wollan

Contents

Lainey Shea's Christmas Treasure Quest

An Elf’s Challenge

A Secret Santa Surprise

Becoming a Reindeer

The Christmas Ornaments' Gift

The Gingerbread House

Charity at Christmas

Copyright © 2023 Vickey Wollan

All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locals is entirely coincidental.

To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

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ISBN: 978-1-7355340-7-7

Acknowledgements

In my author career I’ve written many Christmas themed short stories. This anthology brings the best of them together. The featured story A Lainey Shea Christmas Treasure Quest is designed to help launch The Lainey Shea Treasure Quest Series of novellas to begin releasing in 2024.

My critique partners mean the world to me: Leah Miles and Glo Ferguson. Authors often reach out to others for help or feedback. You always answer the call.

A special thank you goes to Emily Harmston, Editor and Nancy Quatrano, Editor.

First Coast Romance Writers provided more knowledge and support than I can describe. The members of this organizations are nurturing and generous beyond words. There are too many to name, but you can see the list at https://firstcoastromancewriters.com/chapter-history/our-fcrw-authors/

My family and friends provided unwavering support and encouragement. Special thanks to my beta readers: Diane and Bonnie. Thank you to my parents and sister for helping me believe that I can accomplish anything. My highest gratitude goes to my husband. He allowed me to follow my dream and gave me a boost every time I needed one. Your love is the greatest gift I’ve ever received.

Again, thank you so much to one and all.

To Paul…

The best partner in life and business. Your unwavering support feeds my creativity.

I’m so thankful to be taking this journey with you.

Helaina Shea—Lainey to her friends—sauntered back into the living room of the home she’d lived in for all seventeen of her years. Today was a special day. The first Sunday in December had always been set aside for the family Christmas decorating party. She took a deep breath of fresh pine scent while gazing at the familiar sights. Stockings hung on the mantle, twinkling white lights on the tree, and the completely uneven clay snowman she’d made in first grade sat in its designated spot on the coffee table.

Hey, wait a minute. Where’s the train? asked her father.

Yeah, that train is going to be mine someday. Frank, her younger brother, tossed around empty boxes, looking for the family heirloom.

I just came down from the attic, Lainey said. There aren’t any more boxes in the corner we use to store Christmas decorations.

Her father pulled his cell from his pants pocket and tapped several times on the screen. Crossing one leg over the other, he got comfortable on the couch Hey, sis. How are you? Sorry to interrupt. Just a quick question. Is the Lionel train at your house?

When her father’s eyebrows pinched together, her mother joined him on the sofa and held his hand.

"I took down Mom’s decorations, and I put the train in the attic along with the rest of the Christmas stuff. Her dad shot forward to the edge of his seat, his body tense. What do you mean you forgot to clean out the attic?"

Honey, it was a difficult time for your sister, too. Go easy. Her mother slowly rubbed his back until he plopped back onto the cushioned seat.

    I’m sorry, sis. Yes, it was a lot to handle. Go back to enjoying your family time. We’ll take it from here. No, I’m not mad. Love you, too. His phone dropped to his lap.

Frank settled on the arm of the couch. What does that mean, Dad?

Because my sister made plans to come back for items in the attic, then forgot, the new owner of grandpa’s house has our train. He sighed.

With fourteen-year-old energy, Frank nearly fell on his behind as he scurried from his perch to the foyer to grab his coat. Shoving one arm in and then the other, he swiped the contents from a basin atop a curio cabinet in the corner opposite the coat rack. It’s worth fifteen thousand, but it’s priceless to me. They’ll have to give it back. It’s got Gramps’ initials, and we’ve got pictures.

He then dangled car keys in Lainey’s direction.

You coming? I can drive, but I’m not old enough. Anyway, you’re better with the politeness and manners.

She tilted her head past Frank to gauge her parents’ reaction to his plan. She sensed concern, but neither of them told her to stay put. I suppose we’re off on our next great adventure.         

* * *

Having driven only a few blocks, Lainey parked the car in front of her grandparents’ former home and swallowed past the lump that had gathered in her throat. Gramps had been gone a couple of years and Gran passed just six months ago. She hadn’t been back since.

Frank threw the car door open and slammed it shut with equal force as he slipped on the icy sidewalk. Regaining his balance, he stomped with authority toward the front gate.

Wait. Let me do the talking. You can show the pics on your phone and sprinkle in the train’s details. Except how much it’s worth. She stayed off the walk to avoid the ice and crunched in the snow-covered grass. It slowed her down, but she did her best to contain her energetic brother. She loved him dearly. Still, he could be handful.

The wails of an unhappy child met her ears before she even pushed the doorbell, and acid churned in her stomach. She shivered while she and her brother waited. Eventually, a woman in a fluffy robe answered the door with a toddler following close behind her.

I don’t want any, and I donated at church. The woman had dark circles under her eyes and sighed wearily as she glanced back over her shoulder toward the sound of the crying baby. I gotta go. Merry Christmas.

Just a quick question. Per usual, Frank did as he wished when his parents weren’t around.

Lainey gave him a stern look.

Please … he added.

The woman gave an impatient nod. What is it?

Lainey took a deep breath of chilled air. Our grandparents used to live here. Have you been up in the attic since you moved in?

Frank jammed his phone inches from the woman’s nose. We’d like to retrieve this. My aunt said she’d come by to get it but forgot.

Lainey elbowed him, hard.

Please. This time, his tone had a bit of an edge to it.

The woman squinted and took a step back. Oh, yeah. Sorry kids. Too late. I waited a couple of months. Then, when I didn’t hear from your aunt, I sold that at the ABC Pawn Shop a couple of weeks back.

For how much? asked Frank.

I think about twenty bucks.

Before Lainey could offer a pleasant farewell, the door closed with a thud. Thinking fast, she grabbed a big fistful of Frank’s sleeve and hauled him with her down the path to the car.

He yanked his coat free of her grasp as they reached the road. She got taken. Pawn shops are full of crooks. Wait till I get my hands on them.

Frances Ignatius Shea, you’ll do no such thing. Lainey used her five-foot-ten height to tower over him. I’ll take you to the pawn shop, if you promise to keep your mouth shut. I mean it.

Geez. His voice cracked as he slumped. I can’t wait until I’m taller than you.

* * *

Twenty minutes later, Lainey made a point of entering the pawn shop first and did her best to keep Frank behind her. With a quick scan of the room, she realized most of the inventory was in glass display cases or up on shelves behind the counters that ran the length of three walls. She’d have to talk with an employee.

In the back of the store, a youthful looking guy sat on a stool next to the cash register. There was something about him that seemed familiar. She mentally shook off the feeling.

Welcome to ABC Pawn. I’m Hayden. How can I help you? The boy-man stood.

He had to be at least six and half feet if not slightly taller. She liked taller guys. Then she noticed the way he stared at her. Is he attracted to me? Lots of people said she was pretty. She didn’t believe them. In this case, if her looks could help her get Gramps’ train back, maybe she’d go with it. Just this once.

Did this shop take in a Lionel standard gauge pre-war No. 378W train set? asked Frank.

Lainey wanted to thwack Frank’s shoulder, but he’d cut to the heart of the visit with one question.

Hayden’s eyebrows shot up. Not on my watch. I’d remember that. A full set would be worth some serious cash. Then he cleared his throat like he’d said something he shouldn’t have. He pivoted to a desktop computer on the counter near the cash register. Let me check what’s in stock.

Suddenly, Frank tugged on Lainey’s mitten. He gave her a stealthy hand signal to keep an eye on the shopkeeper while he looked elsewhere and dashed to another counter, scouring the contents. With her head on a swivel, she did her best to keep Frank out of mischief. An impossible task that she routinely failed. So did everyone else, except for her parents.

We haven’t logged the purchase of a train of any kind in months. Sorry.

Her eyes met Hayden’s when he looked up from the computer. There was a warmth to his brown irises. She couldn’t look away. Didn’t want to. Thanks for trying.

I know you. I almost didn’t recognize you out of uniform. Aren’t you a cheerleader? I’m a senior. Play linebacker.

Lainey couldn’t gather enough air to speak. She stood like a statue.

You go to Upper Arlington, right? asked Hayden.

The clerk waved a hand at her as if to get her attention. She blinked at the motion. Silent.

I used to be … Lainey answered Hayden’s question several moments late. Since she’d been nursing an ankle sprain, her tryout performance for this year’s squad—her senior year—hadn’t been good enough to be chosen.

Yes, we go to UA. Go, Golden Bears! Frank stood beside her again. The lady said she sold it here. You make deals off the books, don’t you?

I know some pawn shops can be shady, but here at ABC we have integrity. Hayden gave her a broad smile.

Did he hear me? He may not be interested in helping me, since I’m no longer a cheerleader.

I want to speak with the owner, barked Frank.

Frank. Behave. Lainey’s cheeks heated over her brother’s outburst.

Dude, not gonna happen. Like I said, ABC runs a clean shop. Hayden came out from behind the counter. I have an idea. Maybe the lady gave you the wrong name. I’ll help you look at the nearby shops. He gave Frank a conspiratorial grin. If she comes with us.

Lainey’s head snapped up so fast she nearly lost her balance.

I’m Frank. She’s Lainey. Deal. Frank held out his hand, and Hayden shook it.

While Lainey’s mind whirled, Frank made plans with Hayden. She didn’t like being the pawn in this plan, but the train set was unbelievably important to Frank and her father, so she decided to go along with the strategy. Frank had inherited their parents’ smarts just like her. Maybe he was onto something. Getting to know Hayden could be an added perk.

* * *

The moment his palm hit Frank’s, Hayden nearly let out a holler. Searching for the train might be fun, but being close to Lainey would be special. He remembered her. The other cheerleaders didn’t give him the time of day. Lainey, on the other hand, had been nice to everyone around her. His father would describe her as a good woman.

With any luck, she wouldn’t automatically think of him as a