Season for Miracles

Description

Emilie Dalton, fleeing Boston with her nieces and nephew, takes refuge from a bitter snowstorm in an old Victorian house. When the neighbors welcome her, assuming she is the mysterious owner, she goes along the charade and melts everyone's hearts, including the handsome police officer, Nathan Bishop. Yet dangerous secrets from her past return to threaten her new life--and her love for Nathan--until a little angel intervenes. Ads in "Romantic Times".

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Customer Reviews

Liked the book better!
I have just discovered Ms. Pappano's books, and had seen the Hallmark Hall of Fame production of this tale many times. I really loved the television production, and watched it during the year, not just during the holidays. However, I found myself unable to put the book down. The characters seem much more realistic and fleshed-out than the TV production, with actual feelings and emotions. I felt a much stronger bond between Emilie and Nathan in the book than in the movie. I also enjoyed meeting the citizens of Bethlehem, and was excited to see that the series went on to tell the stories of its other residents (Holly, Lynda, Agatha/Corinna, etc).

Unfortunately this book doesn't come on Kindle (some of the books in the Bethlehem series do). I know I'm not the only one who'd like to have the whole series in my pocket at once!

2010-02-15 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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SKIP THE BOOK AND WATCH THE MOVIE
After reading the book I was disappointed. The only reason I decided to read the book is because I loved the Season for Miracles Movie my Hallmark. That movie is one of the first movies I ever bought with my own money when it first came out about ten years ago. I still watch the movie every year. So I thought I would give the book a try. That being said, I may have expected more from the book than the average reader who has not seen the movie.

I don't know what it was about the book but it lacked enjoyment, I was struggling to finish the book. I probably had a little bit more trouble getting through because in my mind I kept comparing it to the movie. It just didn't work. There was too many things that were different. Plus I didn't like the ending. I felt it kind of left you hanging or as if the author didn't know how to end the book. I also felt that the book was just poorly written, because I found a few errors in grammar. My recommendation is stick with the movie, and if not make sure you read the book before watching the movie.

2010-01-25 (Minnesota) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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Yes, I cried too
What a wonderful book. I have not seen the movie - not sure I would be able to really, but I tell you, the book is a great read. You will not want to put it down. I think I read this in one sitting or at least tried to. The opening chapter just broke my heart and even after reading it several months ago, I still think about it and how the story unfolded. I am so happy how Ms. Pappano took us on a journey, had us crying at times, laughing at times and in the end...we were smiling.

That's what books are all about, huh?

After reading this book, I purchased every book I could get my hands on from Ms. Pappano's.

Please, read this book...order it from either from Amazon or your local library if they have it. You will not regret it.

2006-03-17 (San Jose, CA United States) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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I liked the movie better!
Well, I hate to be the one who "breaks up the party", but I was dissapointed when I finished reading this book, the first one I have read by this author. Part of reason I didn't really like it may be due to the fact that I already own the movie (from Hallmark Hall of Fame - I first saw it on TV), and have watched it every year since 1999. I am aware that the book came first, but I discovered it second. (This may be one of those things that you will like whichever you experienced first, I don't know.) That being said, I may have expected more from the book than the average reader has not seen the movie.

The main difference between the book and the movie was it's family friendliness. The movie was very sweet and the romance was completely clean (no sex, just kissing) and could have been rated "G". Just a very nice, heartwarming movie that you could watch with your kids. But the book had several sex scenes in it (some of which were fairly explicit.) I know that it won't bother everyone, but it did bother me.

However, whether or not you liked the book, I can almost guarantee that you will like the movie. You can find it right here on the Amazon website, on DVD or VHS.

2005-10-13 | bookworm (Alberta, Canada) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 3

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WARNING - DO NOT READ IN PUBLIC.....
if you are afraid to be seen crying. I read this book during my commute on the train but was so engrossed I did not care if I was being watched. I was so touched by this book I have given to all my dearest friends with the warning that they will be touched. I have worked with social services and court systems in two states. Yes - this may be the work of Ms. Pappano's creativity - but there are parts that ring very true. I fell in love with each child, Allana, Josie and Brendan. All very different believable little personalities striving for one common goal - to keep their little family together with a little help from devine intervention. This is not just a holidy season book. This is the first book in a wonderful series that reminds the reader even in the worst of times we must hang on to our hope.

2003-06-29 | melist (San Jose, CA United States) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Criminal Deception (Silhouette Romantic Suspense)

Product Details

• Notes: BUY WITH Trust, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and use to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• ISBN13: 9780373276615
• Stipulation: New

Description

"This is far from over."

After being the target of a mob hit intended for his twin brother, Joe Saldana had settled in to his trauma-free life in Copper Lake. But when his brother's girlfriend, Liz Dalton, entered the coffee shop looking for his twin, Joe found his new life suddenly unraveling. The threat still existed--and so did the white-hot attraction between Joe and Liz.

A U.S. Marshal, Liz had taken precautions to ensure her pretend boyfriend's safety. Now that he had escaped protective custody, she had to find him and bring him in to testify. She didn't count on needing Joe's help, on deceiving him yet again. She could only count on wanting him despite all the reasons she shouldn't....

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Small Wonders

Description

Small Wonders

Coming home to Bethlehem in hand-cuffs isn’t the way Cole Jackson’s life was supposed to turn out. Now, trapped in the last place on earth he wants to be, he’s facing serious jail time…and the woman and kids who are both better off without him. Once Cole thought sexy single mother Leanne Wilson could make a new man of him…until he walked away from the tantalizing promise of a future together. But seeing her again rekindles the kind of passion that could set one lifelong sinner on the rocky road to redemption.

Liar. Schemer. Heartbreaker. Sure, Leanne knows Cole Jackson. Everyone knows how he cheated the good folk of Bethlehem, then skipped town, leaving Leanne to pick up the pieces. She swore she’d never forgive him, but something’s happened since Bethlehem’s bad boy returned. Maybe it’s those five thousand hours of community service that are slowly turning the town Cole’s way. Or maybe it’s how he’s seducing her all over again with a passion that makes her yearn for forever with the man who could be her last, best mistake…

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Customer Reviews

Her best Bethlehem book
I recently started reading the Bethlehem series and, even though I'm a romantic suspense person, I'm hooked. I have enjoyed all of her books except for the endings. Her books fall in this pattern-the main characters fall in love, one of them needs to be forgiven for some indiscretion he/she neglected to tell the other, the other character cannot forgive the person, and an angel dramatically changes the mind of the character in the last 5 pages. Bang -end of story.

Her latest book, "Small Wonders" began with everyone knowing most of Cole's problems. The book dealt with self discovery, the ability to change, and being able to forgive yourself.

The secondary story of Melissa and Alex was also wonderful. As a Special Ed teacher I felt especially appreciative of how this story was handled. I wish more people were so easily accepting.

I thorougly enjoyed the whole book. Oh, and the angels were still there, but the characters were given litlle nudges throughout the book, not a mind altering nudge at the end.

2003-12-30 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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Entertaining escapism...
Leanne Wilson is not known for making the best choices when it comes to romantic relationships. Her four year-old son's father skipped town as soon as she told him she was pregnant. Then, Leanne thought she had finally met the love of her life in Cole Jackson -- until he conned almost the whole town of Bethlehem into a nonexistent investment, and took off with all of their money. It doesn't matter to Leanne that he eventually repaid everyone. A thief is a thief, in her book. She'll also never forgive him for leaving his twelve year-old son behind, even though she loves the boy like her own. Now Cole is back in town, sentenced to five thousand hours of community service as punishment. But, just who's being punished here -- Leanne or Cole?

Cole Jackson knows what he is, and figures it's too late to change. He never dreamed he'd end up back in the small town where the majority of the residents hate him. All Cole wants is to serve his jail time and get the heck out of there. Instead, he gets the shock of his life when the judge sentences him to almost two and a half years of community service. Now he'll have to live across the street from Leanne Wilson, the woman he loved as much as a man like him could, and the son he left behind. Cole would much rather be behind bars!

I found the first few chapters of SMALL WONDERS a tad annoying with Cole's constant inner self-loathing, and Leanne's constant inner pity parties. Whenever they met on the street the two harped at each unmercifully. But, as the story continued, and the two really started to communicate, I was glad I persevered. Cole is one of the most unlikely of heroes, Leanne almost too good to be true, but as the story unfolds, they work well together.

This is the first of Marilyn Pappano's books I've read, and I'm thinking of tracking down the rest of the books in this series. Several surprise twists and turns held my attention, and a bit of a paranormal twist added some sparks to the story.

Overall, I recommend SMALL WONDERS as an enjoyable, mostly light read with intriguing characters. If you're looking for an entertaining, hometown type of romance, this is the book for you.

2003-10-06 | Carla (USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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A delightful charmer
Con artist Jack Coleman works his trade in Savannah until the local police arrive to arrest him claiming he is Cole Jackson. However the local cops hand him over to Bethlehem, New York police sergeant Nathan Bishop to escort Cole back north to face charges of embezzlement and child abandonment.

Cole hates returning there because he left behind his son Ryan and the woman he loves Leanne Wilson, owner of SMALL WONDERS. Unable to do anything but plead guilty though he knows his parents and siblings would call him a barbarian for the con is in the gene pool, Cole is shocked by the sentence. The Judge sentences him to 500 hours of community sentencing under some weird young man Eli. Though he plans to book at the first moment he can flee, the magic of the town begins to cleanse his soul as much as his love for his son, Leanne, and her son.

The latest miracle romance is a delightful charmer though in many ways it is similar to previous stories in the series. The key is the cast. The reprobate Cole knows he has the con gene while Leanne oozes goodness yet is no turn the other cheek miss. The two children act like youngsters while Eli provides mysticism to the usual wonderful Marilyn Pappano novel.

Harriet Klausner

2003-09-02 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Some Enchanted Season

Product Details

• Train: New
• ISBN13: 9780553579826
• Notes: BUY WITH Trust, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and checking to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Description

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Customer Reviews

HELLO - ADULTERER - HOW CAN ANYONE RATE THIS 5 STARS DID THEY READ THE SAME BOOK AS I DID?????
Husband cheats with wife's best friend she leaves and has an accident and nearly dies, she spends 10 months in hospital and rehab and he offers to spend 2 months to help her at home before they divorse. She can't remember the last year so she can't remember him cheating, so this book is about how he learns to fall in love with the woman that she has always been but that he totally ignored because he was so wraped up in his business. He never acknowledges what he did to her, never says I'm sorry that I abandoned you treated you like crap, nothing. Right at the end of this book she remembers, and guess what an angel appears to her and tells her to forgive him tells her that it was her fault that he cheated because she stoped the physical relationship with him, hello what about all that he did to her, this angel then tells her that their marriage was nearly ended anyway and to forgive him. WT, then she just goes home sits on his lap kisses him and gives him this christmas ornament that says that there marriage is forever or whatever at this point I'm thinking just how stupid do you think I am. She remembers he cheated and she just goes and sits on his lap and kisses him, theres no discussion nothing she just forgives him and kisses him, this has to be the biggest WTF moment I have ever, ever read. I would recommend that you never read even a word from this book. I will be in angst that I was advised by the readers that this was a good book. There is no resolution no discussion nothing, I'm still shaking my head thinking how dare this author think that as a reader that I would be so stupid to accept this ending. PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. ADULTERER. NO RESOLUTION, NOTHING. SAVE YOUR MONEY. YOU DON'T NEED THE ANGST.

2010-05-07 (Australia) | Helpful Votes: 12 | Rating: 1

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Tender Story
This book was good and sweet. Maggie is married to Ross, a rich workaholic. She wants more out of life than just money. Will she stay with Ross, or will she divorce him and found somebody else? There is a lot more to this book than just that, but you have to read the book to find out. I do not want to ruin it for you. This book is very good and touching. I loved the character Noel.

2006-09-10 | Readaholic (USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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For the cynics
I read this book ages ago, upon completion I contacted my bookseller and special ordered and presented copies to each of my friends. The story was emotional and draining. After reading I was ready to relocate to Bethlehem, since everyone longs for a Ross or someone of his calibre in their lives. He is strong and
dependable force,yet he has his own set of insecurities, you can't help but admire as you admonish him for not realising the treasure he has in his wife. Maggie, is resigned to her future, yet she rises to the challenge of meeting each new day with grace and dignity, even though the thought of divorce looms darkly in the distance. Any woman would respect her convictions and cry along with her as she suffers through acceptance of the possible demise of her marriage. The words are nostalgic at times, painful yet provided the reader with insight to hopefully a happy ending, which it delivers at the end. This book is truly an inspiration, especially to die-hard cynics like myself. This story was reminiscent of true love with the knowledge that the path to true happiness is not always paved with good intentions. Their rediscovery of each other reflects how easily one can lose themselves and the vows taken, yet, rediscover the path to true happiness with perseverance and devotion. I highly recommend this book, emotional and insightful. Great read.

2005-05-02 | VFC (London, UK) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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A Good Love Story
This was a good, well-written love story. The plot was good. I loved it. I loved the character Noel; she played a very important role in the story. This story is an example of what can happen when you don't always have your priorities in order and don't have your soul mate as your #1 priority.

2004-11-07 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Glad I didn't read this one first.
I loved all the books in the Bethlehem series. Although this book was the first in the series, it was actually the third one I read. If I'd read this first I wouldn't have read any more.

Maggie and Ross are about to get a divorce after 16 years, although they are still living together. He wants power, prestige and money and doesn't care about anything but getting it. To that end he turns Maggie into a Stepford wife; using her to further his career, even though Maggie's dreams are being sacrificed in the process. Ross wants Maggie to dress a certain way, decorate a certain way, have certain social contacts, etc. since this all reflects on him and helps him pursue his ambition.

Ross works 100 hour work weeks and never has time to spend with Maggie. However, he does manage to find time to have an affair with Maggie's best friend, the wife of a man they are also friends with. He's "lonely" and "needs affection" and Jessica is "willing" and "available". How this equates into sex and justifies breaking your wedding vows I can't fathom. This all comes out on Christmas Eve when Ross buys a very expensive gift for his mistress and she opens it in front of Maggie and Jessica's husband. Frankly, the way Ross gave Jessica this gift made it seem as if he wanted this to be brought to light and hurt Maggie in the most humiliating way.

When Maggie takes off in her car in the middle of a snowstorm Ross makes no attempt to stop her even though he knows she's too upset to drive. Maggie almost dies (at the time she thinks that would be the best Christmas present she could give Ross) in a terrible auto accident and loses her memory of that Xmas eve. Ross very reluctantly agrees to take care of her while she is recuperating and trying to regain her memory.

Sorry, but I think this guy is a jerk. He doesn't want to be with Maggie, resents the fact that he is, and is only doing it out of his own guilt. Maggie was strong, loving and finally found the courage to go after her dreams. I think she deserves a whole lot better than Ross. I don't believe he loved Maggie or he couldn't have done all the things he had to her over the years.

I gave this a four because I liked Maggie, the setting, the other characters and of course the writing. But Ross came in at about a minus ten!

2004-03-22 (Columbus, Ohio USA) | Helpful Votes: 7 | Rating: 4

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Protector's Temptation (Silhouette Romantic Suspense)

Description

When AJ Decker left Dallas for the peaceful Georgia town of Copper Lake, the big-city cop wasn't looking to put his life at risk again. But when an old friend asked him to help out a woman in danger, how could he refuse? Then he found out who she was. Masiela Leal. His ex-lover.

Masiela knew AJ lived by a strict code of honor. That made him the only man the embattled attorney could trust. But hiding out in AJ's house awakened bittersweet memories of the night she'd spent six years trying to forget. As desire reignited, Mas knew they were fighting for their future…and a second chance at love.

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In Sinful Harmony

Description

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Customer Reviews

Beautiful!
I LOVED this story! Sometimes I feel like Celine and I related to her so well! We'd all like to be a sinner sometimes (for those of us who are shy), and Will was the perfect hero for her, as well as she being the perfect girl for him. Fabulous quotes I got from this story, and the dialougue just sparkles! Great book!!!

1999-09-05 | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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Get it!! You'll love it!!
If there ever was a hero that to make a "good" girl turn "bad" Will Beaumont is the "bad" boy to do it. Celine is the perfect little good girl until Will Beaumont blows into town and rocks her world. Steamy, with a "wicked web of intrigue" to add sit on the edge of you seat excitment.

1998-08-31 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Great!
I thought this was a good book. Even the murder was a bit of a surprise. I wish that I could have gotten a little better picture of Will in my mind. Jared might make an interesting story. Is there one?

1998-06-20 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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