The Christmas Heirloom by Karen Witemeyer and Kristi Ann Hunter and Sarah Loudin Thomas and Becky Wade

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station. In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love. In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance. In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

3.5 stars
Cute concept. Most suffered from a bit of the cram-too-much-in syndrome common to novellas, though Witemeyer's didn't.

Legacy of Love: Kristi Ann Hunter 3 stars
This one was a little difficult for me to get into, but turned out really sweet. It's about a young woman in Regency era whose future doesn't look too rosy until a friend gives her the brooch.

Gift of the Heart: Karen Witemeyer 5 stars
I'm still thinking about how sweet and engaging this little story is. It's by far my favorite story in the book! A widow who's fallen on hard times and a man with a deformed arm are the stars of this little story, and there's even a bit of intrigue thrown in. I'll be rereading this one more than one time. Just another reason why Witemeyer is a top favorite author!

A Shot at Love: Sarah Loudin Thomas 3 stars
I think I just struggle in connecting to Thomas's author voice. It was good but I didn't feel any emotions over these characters. I also didn't like some of the feminist vibes that didn't quite get dealt with, the idea that children were a burden...obviously the MC later had kids for there to be a fourth story, but I was left thinking perhaps she didn't really want to become a mom.

Because of You: Becky Wade 2.5 stars
Becky's shorts are hit or miss for me, either love-love or eh. This one was an “eh” for me. I liked Maggie more as a side character in the Bradford Sisters novels, which was odd for me.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.