Jackies Christmas Tales Series by Jackie C. Myrtle

The city was coming alive with the joy of Christmas. Decorations were being hung. People were bustling from store to store in search of that perfect gift that would clearly express how much they cared for someone special in their lives. The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for most. For some however it can be a lonely reminder of how life has left them with very little to celebrate... moreThe city was coming alive with the joy of Christmas. Decorations were being hung. People were bustling from store to store in search of that perfect gift that would clearly express how much they cared for someone special in their lives. The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for most. For some however it can be a lonely reminder of how life has left them with very little to celebrate. However when the light fades from the city and the Christmas lights are glittering against the muddy slush of melting snow, the city still belongs to the lonely. In the shadows of night the holiday season cannot hide the truth about life. Not everyone is full of happiness. Couples squabble after having too many drinks. People struggling just to pay the bills trudging through the snow after working double shifts. One woman in particular is faced with the absence of family and loved ones. Annie was happy to be free of an abusive marriage, but it was still hard to see the season filling the city around her, without it inspiring any warmth in her own heart. She was ready to celebrate yet another Christmas all alone in her small untidy apartment. Annie did not bother to keep it neat as she never had visitors. She did not hang decorations because they would only be for her to see. There was no extra money for such frivolities, anyway. Annie's life was full of struggle, but it was a struggle she was comfortable with. If she ever got lost in feeling sorry for herself, she would remind herself of how much worse it could be. In Annie's experience sometimes it is much better to be alone than to risk the harm that could come from trusting and loving the wrong person. She had given everything she had within her to the wrong man, and no matter how lonely her nights might be, she was determined never to make that mistake again. As careful as she was, keeping herself isolated from others, always keeping her head down as she walked, she did not expect that anything extraordinary could impact her life. She was okay with the idea of muddling through without the excitement or fulfillment of a loving relationship. What Annie could never have expected was fate deciding to set her life on an entirely different course than she had planned. One walk through the snow led to a life changing chance meeting with an old friend. He reminds Annie of all she had once been, but she is certain she is not that person anymore, and could never be again. Annie believes she is in control of her life, but she may be forced to learn that there are more powerful forces than a wounded heart, like love's desire to heal. Annie is proof that just when you think life is all out of miracles, everything can change because of one chance meeting. Has Annie been too hurt in the past to risk opening her heart to another man? Will she let another Christmas season slip past without anyone to share it with? Settle in for a heartwarming tale of renewed romance, and one woman's journey from a life of isolation to a life full of love. less

Everything was finally falling into place for Amy. She was certain that the choices she had made in her life had destined her for a happily ever after with the man she had chosen. Amy had always loved Christmas, not just because of the gifts and music, but also because of the warmth and the way that everyone always treated each other with so much love. Christmas was a time of togetherness, a time to celebrate the love of family and friends... moreEverything was finally falling into place for Amy. She was certain that the choices she had made in her life had destined her for a happily ever after with the man she had chosen. Amy had always loved Christmas, not just because of the gifts and music, but also because of the warmth and the way that everyone always treated each other with so much love. Christmas was a time of togetherness, a time to celebrate the love of family and friends. So what better time could there be to have a wedding? Amy has planned every minute of her ceremony to perfection. She is certain that all it takes to be happy and have a successful life is careful planning and logical expectations. True love, as she had once believed in, now seemed like a romantic dream of a giddy teenager. What she had with her future husband she felt was much more important than a pounding heart; it was real, rational, and made perfect sense. They were good together. Their lives would be good together. At least that was what Amy continued to tell herself whenever an ounce of doubt approached her. Because of this she was not worried in the least, as most brides might be. Amy was eager to begin her new journey, she was certain she has chosen her groom wisely. He is a kind, successful, and reliable man. At least, she thought he was. Just as the ceremony is about to begin Amy's beloved sister delivers some shocking news. There would be no wedding. There would be no perfectly planned life unfolding before Amy. Her carefully selected groom had eyes for one of Amy's bridesmaids, and the two had run off together, leaving Amy with a wedding full of guests to face. She is painfully embarrassed to have to call off the wedding, but what is even worse is that she is not really heartbroken. She had only ever been head over heels with one man, and when that relationship did not work out she had made what she thought was a mature choice by setting aside her childish beliefs in romance and accepting the affection that she felt was love that was good enough. Now she could only think of that pain that happened so long ago. It was the loss of that love that echoed in her mind, not the absence of a man who she had never felt that strongly about. When her family insists that she go on her honeymoon after all, as a chance to escape the drama of the ill-fated wedding. Amy finally agrees that it might be good for her, but in truth she is just looking forward to being able to lie in bed all day with no one around to try to cheer her up. Amy was not the only one who could make plans. Someone was plotting away behind the scenes, and when Amy arrived in paradise she soon discovered that things were amiss. She is not the only one who has been booked into the honeymoon suite. When Amy is faced with true love once more will she be too afraid to pay attention to it? Has too much damage been done? Can Amy overcome the hurt she feels, and find a way to trust again? Will she give true love a second chance? less

The crackling of the fire in the fireplace, the scent of cinnamon in the air, Jayne was thrilled to be in the holiday season again. Christmas was a time of tradition for Jayne, of wonderful memories and the chance to believe in magic once more. She looked forward every year to reuniting with her family and enjoying the holidays. Lately though Jayne is feeling as if she is living through everyone else's joy... moreThe crackling of the fire in the fireplace, the scent of cinnamon in the air, Jayne was thrilled to be in the holiday season again. Christmas was a time of tradition for Jayne, of wonderful memories and the chance to believe in magic once more. She looked forward every year to reuniting with her family and enjoying the holidays. Lately though Jayne is feeling as if she is living through everyone else's joy. Her parents loving marriage only reminds her of the one true love that she has yet to find. Jayne has always believed in the magic of romance. She has been determined to never settle for less than love at first sight. The kind of romance that made her tear up at the end of a romantic movie. As each Christmas passes by however Jayne was becoming more and more aware of how long she has been waiting. Her only distraction was her passion for baking, and her secret desire to make herself successful with her talent. It keeps her busy and fills her home with the scent of the holidays. Still in the back of her mind, she knows it would be so much better if she had someone there to share it with. Jayne dreams of a loving husband, and a home full of children. This year in particular Jayne feels like the last sister standing, as her older sister is married with two children, and her younger sister is bringing a new boyfriend to Christmas dinner! Jayne tries not to let the loneliness get to her, and to be happy for her sisters. However when she arrives at her childhood home to share in the joy of the day, she discovers a shocking surprise. For so long she had been dreaming of that special moment when the accidental brush of a hand or the longing locking of eyes from across a crowded room would finally prove that all of her waiting had been worth it. However when she finally does feel the magic, she instantly wishes she never had. Unfortunately, she feels it with her youngest sister's new boyfriend! Jayne is determined to ignore the sensations, but when he makes it clear that he feels it to, she finds it impossible to resist. After going so long through life completely alone Jayne wants nothing more than to give in to the dreamy flutter of her heart when he is near, but the idea of betraying her little sister leaves her absolutely appalled. To make matters even more confusing, this is no ordinary man. He is young, handsome, and nearly famous. Jayne finds it very hard to believe that he would ever be genuinely interested in her, despite his determined attempts to make his desire known. He is nothing like the men Jayne had imagined in her mind. She expected the man of her dreams to be mild mannered and accepting. This man had an edgy temper and a will that would not be ignored. Will Jayne's loyalty to her family and tradition keep her from taking a chance on what may be her one true love? Will believing in the magic of love mean that she has to risk losing the love of her sister? less

Emma had everything she could dream of in life. Her parents' wealth had allowed her to be raised in the finest clothes and finest school. However her father's affection for treasure hunting had often left her without him. The few adventures Emma remembers from her childhood when he took her along with him were the most important memories to her. As a result she has a strong love of treasure and artifacts, but not much faith in or love for people... moreEmma had everything she could dream of in life. Her parents' wealth had allowed her to be raised in the finest clothes and finest school. However her father's affection for treasure hunting had often left her without him. The few adventures Emma remembers from her childhood when he took her along with him were the most important memories to her. As a result she has a strong love of treasure and artifacts, but not much faith in or love for people. Emma presents herself as spoiled and arrogant, but really she is insecure and fairly certain she will be alone for most of her life. Even though her faith in love has faded, she still harbors the dreams of a little girl who hopes for a water slide and an elephant at her wedding in the moonlight. The only person other than her father that she feels close to is her grandmother. She always looks forward to her Christmas presents as they are inevitably spectacular and unique. This year it is a beautiful charm necklace. Emma's father has been missing for five years, and although he has disappeared for years before, this is the longest stretch. As she worries about his wellbeing she is confronted by a man who claims to be sent by him. Emma doubts that this is possible, and the sparks begin to fly. Emma doesn't like Stephan's hardened personality or the fact that he seems to think he can make her hear him out. She tries to ignore him, but he is very persistent. Only when her grandmother confirms that Stephan is in fact a friend of the family, does Emma give him the time of day. Even though he is who he says he is, Emma is still suspicious. The tension builds between them as Emma's spoiled ways grate Stephan's nerves. When a delivery truck loaded with treasures her father left behind arrives, Emma and Stephan are stuck sorting through them together. As they grow more comfortable with one another and get to know each other, the friction they felt begins to transform into passion. As their relationship begins to develop Emma finds herself believing more and more in love. Not only that, she is discovering that she can fall hard and fast! When they stumble across a tiny box with a lock but no key, Emma is determined to figure out what is inside. With her mind buzzing with ideas for a new business and the joy of a friend's surprise wedding, there is definitely a lot happening in Emma's world. Is everything moving just a little too fast for her? Underneath it all, Emma has the continued worry that perhaps her father will never return. Though she has all of his treasures, she would trade them all, just to have him back with her again. With so much change so quickly Emma has a right to be suspicious, but maybe it is time to let fate to take control. Will she forgive Stephan for his brusque nature; will he forgive her for her arrogant behavior? Though Emma may be unsure, the universe is certainly convinced that this holiday season, is one of love. less