Timeless Christmas Romance

by Laurel O'Donnell et al.

  She joined in his merriment with a smile of her own. “And she found him.”

  Gabe nodded, lowering his head to kiss her lips. “Aye. She did.”

  Note from Laurel O'Donnell

  My Dear Reader –

  Thank you for reading The Knight Before Christmas. It was a lovely, fun tale to write. Christmas has always been a special, magical time for me filled with love and beauty. I hope that I relayed some of the magic to you.

  If you feel so inclined, I would appreciate if you left a review to help other readers decide if they should read Eve and Gabriel’s tale.

  Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for updates on my newest novels, fun contests and so much more! https://www.laurel-odonnell.com

  Welcome to my world!

  More Books by Laurel O'Donnell

  Medieval Romance Boxed Sets!

  Heroic Tales of Medieval Romance

  Heroic Tales of Medieval Romance on Amazon

  Heroic Tales of Medieval Romance contains four full-length medieval romance novels! My Noble Knight, Midnight Shadow, The Lady and the Falconer, and A Knight of Honor.

  Legends of Medieval Romance - The Complete Angel Assassin's Trilogy

  Legends of Medieval Romance contains the complete Angel's Assassin collection, including Angel's Assassin, Cherished Protector of Her Heart, and Beloved in His Eyes.

  Legends of Medieval Romance on Amazon

  Medieval Romance Novels

  A Knight With Mercy

  A Knight With Mercy on Amazon

  Book 2 in the Assassin Knights series!

  Mercy Brooker will do anything to save her young son from being taken away to work for the church, never to be seen again. During a brutal attack, Sir Richard le Breton has lost his memory. When the lovely woman caring for him asks for one favor, how can he resist? Will the dark deeds of Richard's past doom their growing love? Can they work together and save the innocent boy?

  A Knight With Grace

  A Knight With Grace on Amazon

  Book 1 in the Assassin Knights series!

  Lady Grace Willoughby defies her father’s orders to marry Sir William de Tracy and escapes with a friend. She has no intention of wedding a cursed man, a man ostracized from the church, a man who would only doom any future children they might have to the fires of Hell. She prays for a knight to rescue her.

  My Noble Knight

  My Noble Knight on Amazon

  A #1 Best-Seller in Medieval Romance!

  Layne Fletcher desires to joust in a real tournament, using the skills she has been taught by her brothers. Griffin Wolfe, an honorable knight discovers her facade and demands restitution. Will he be able to teach her how to behave like a lady and hide his attraction to her while keeping his focus on the jousting tournament?

  The Angel and the Prince

  The Angel and the Prince on Amazon

  A #1 Best-Seller in Medieval Romance!

  In this exciting medieval romance, the French lady knight known as the Angel of Death wages a battle of wills and desires against her dreaded enemy -- the English warrior known as the Prince of Darkness

  Angel's Assassin

  Angel's Assassin on Amazon

  Winner of the International Digital Award!

  Damien is an assassin, a man with no home and a tortured past. Sold into slavery as a young boy, he is trained to kill with cold calculation, without remorse. Lady Aurora of Acquitaine is the epitome of purity and goodness, beloved by all her people. When Damien enters Aurora’s life, tempting her with promises of dark passion and forbidden lust, he threatens to tear her peaceful world apart.

  The Lady and the Falconer

  The Lady and the Falconer on Amazon

  “Medieval readers will find The Lady and the Falconer a highly satisfying, well crafted story that fills their craving for a tale of medieval intrigue and passion.” - Romantic Times Magazine

  A mysterious Falconer. A ravishing green-eyed Lady. A castle under siege. A killer hiding among them. Traitors are revealed. Family loyalties are betrayed. Can hated enemies find common ground in each other's arms? The Lady and the Falconer is an exciting medieval romance filled with action, intrigue, suspense and a desire that defies every sinister obstacle put in its path.

  A Knight of Honor

  A Knight of Honor on Amazon

  Winner of the Holt Medallion Award for Best Medieval Novel!

  Taylor Sullivan is a raven-haired hellion fleeing the flames that destroyed her family. She arms herself with a quick sword and a sharp tongue, hiring herself out as a mercenary, willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Slane Donovan is a knight of honor, sworn to uphold his oath and his word. He seeks the woman who wears the Sullivan ring, determined to bring her back to Castle Donovan.

  Midnight Shadow

  Midnight Shadow on Amazon

  When the unjust rules of a neighboring lord terrorize her friends, a Lady dons the mask and cloak of her childhood hero to right the wrongs and save them from oppression. Torn between the woman he longs to trust and the outlaw he has vowed to hang, a Lord vows to find the truth. Will a legendary hero find love in the arms of her enemy?

  Beloved in His Eyes

  As captain of the guard, Gawyn serves his brother, Lord Damien, faithfully and loyally; there is nothing he would not do for him. Justina Auber must protect her younger brother from the assassin who murdered her father. Will Gawyn betray his brother to save the woman he is falling in love with? Book 3 in the Angel's Assassin series!

  Beloved in His Eyes on Amazon

  Champion of the Heart

  Champion of the Heart is an exciting medieval romance filled with dark secrets and haunted castles, villainous betrayal and heartbreaking tragedy, honor and family loyalty—and a love that conquers all.

  “Captivating from the very first page, readers will have a hard time putting CHAMPION OF THE HEART down. The characters emotional turmoil coupled with the sensuality and delightful cast of characters adds a special, unique depth… and elevated this to another level.”

  - RT Book Reviews

  Champion of the Heart on Amazon

  Medieval Romance Novellas

  A Knight Amid Thorns

  A Knight Amid Thorns on Amazon

  When the murderer of her brother is welcomed into her castle as a friend, Lady Ella Rames vows to make his life as miserable as hers and to avenge her brother. Struggling to fulfill an oath and find the elusive blue rose, Sir Graden Dumount’s final hope rests with a woman who despises him. Can Ella and Graden overcome their animosity and let the power of the blue rose heal them and turn enemies into lovers?

  A Knight's Protection

  A Knight's Protection on Amazon

  A healer and outcast, Lia discovers a dying Templar knight who entrusts her with an important treasure and elicits her promise to protect it. Kade de Claremont returns home upon news of his mother’s death only to find his father is searching for a mythical treasure. Lia and Kade must join together to keep the treasure from his father, but secrets and trust come between them to sabotage their growing attraction.

  The Bravest of Them All

  The Bravest of Them All on Amazon

  All her life, Nessa has idolized her older sister, Melwyn, following in her footsteps, doing what she did. When Nessa falls in love with her sister’s betrothed, she is willing to sacrifice her own feelings to ensure Melwyn’s happiness. Luke of Brackley has vowed to protect the innocent, including his lord’s daughters. Betrothed to Melwyn, Luke always believed his future lay in her arms. When he discovers Nessa has been kidnapped by an enemy, he risks everything to save her. Will Nessa be able to keep her love for Luke a secret even as her heart breaks?

  Cherished Protector of Her Heart

  Cherished Protector of Her Heart on Amazon

  Aurora, the honored lady of Acquitaine prepares for her upcoming marriage. Damien, her betrothed, battles the unwanted visitors that have come for more than just celebration. Will his past catch up to hi
m and ruin all he has fought so hard to protect? This novella features characters from Angel's Assassin! Part 2 of the Angel's Assassin Trilogy.

  The Bride and the Brute

  FREE - The Bride and the Brute Novella on Amazon

  Jayce Cullen has been fighting her fear of thunder and lightning ever since she was a child, but nothing could have prepared her for the fury of her new husband. Feeling deceived and betrayed into a loveless marriage, Lord Reese Harrington wants nothing to do with his new wife. Trapped in a marriage with no escape, the beautiful young bride must battle the demons of her husband’s past and hope that she can weather the storm his brutish behavior unleashes. This medieval romance novella is available for FREE for a limited time!

  Paranormal Romance

  Immortal Death on Amazon

  Jade Smith's supernaturally fast ability to heal has made her a freak. After years of fearful reactions from others, she stays hidden in the shadows of life. The one thing that keeps her sane is her writing--and her wonderful Demetrius, an imaginary character she created in her online stories. But when Demetrius suddenly appears in her apartment, her life changes forever.

  Demetrius Mercer is a fighter vampire for the de Nouviant family who spends his days hunting a rival vampire family for killing his beloved Rosaline. When he learns Jade Smith knows his life story and is publishing it on the Internet for all to see, he must uncover who she is and how she knows so much about his past--before she exposes him and endangers his entire family.

  Will Jade's abilities be enough to heal Demetrius's scarred soul, or will he spend eternity alone in anguish?

  Urban Fantasy

  Lost Souls: Resurrection - Episode 1 on Amazon

  Christian Thompson is killed but refuses to pass into the afterlife because of his need to shelter his daughter from her cruel mother. He soon discovers there are others like him, other spirits trapped between the world of the living and the dead. He joins the Lost Souls in their struggle against a dark evil that threatens them all.

  Lost Souls: Imperfection – Episode 2 on Amazon

  Sam and her brother Ben, along with their new friend Christian, have just defied the leader of the Lost Souls. Outcast from their former group, the three of them battle the dark forces of the Changed on their own. With the help of their old friend, Eugene, they investigate the mysterious disappearance of one of their Lost Soul brethren. As the investigation deepens, they come to the chilling realization that their nemesis, Scala, has escaped his centuries-old prison with revenge on his twisted mind. A demonic possession leads to grave consequences and the Lost Souls must make a difficult choice between life and death for an innocent victim.

  Lost Souls: Deception - Episode 3 on Amazon

  Sam, Ben and Christian continue to battle the dark forces of the Changed, the inhuman monsters who feed on the energy of their Lost Soul brethren. After receiving surprising news about the whereabouts of Sam and Ben’s sister Cora, they arrive at a friend’s to investigate. As their search deepens, Ben becomes consumed with trying to save Cora, taking a very dangerous path that puts himself and everyone around him in jeopardy. Treachery and deception threaten their group as they discover nothing is as it seems…

  Lost Souls: Altercation - Episode 4 on Amazon

  Sam and Christian have mysteriously disappeared. An unlikely group of allies is formed as Damien, Ben and Eugene search for their missing friends. With the calming presence of Sam gone from his life, the urge to make the Jump into a human grows dangerously strong inside of Damien. To add to their anguish, a powerful new menace threatens destruction for both Souls and humans alike. Can they find Sam in time to stop Damien from making the Jump? Can they stop this new foe from gaining strength and building a deadly following? Read Lost Souls – Altercation to find out!

  Lost Souls: Suspicion - Episode 5 on Amazon

  As the Souls try to discover who their nemesis, Scala, has possessed, Sam fights inner doubts and demons. The Souls look to Sam to lead them, but can she find the courage to save her brother and her friends from their most challenging enemy or will her suspicions doom them all?

  Get Lost Souls Episodes 1-4 in a convenient boxed set on Amazon!

  Lost Souls Boxed Set on Amazon

  For more information on any of these books or other novels by Laurel O'Donnell, please visit her website at www.laurel-odonnell.com, or follow her Amazon author page.

  Upon a Midnight Clear

  Amanda McCabe

  Copyright

  Copyright statement © 2015 Amanda McCabe

  All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions

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  Please Note

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  Chapter One

  December 21, 1816

  “Oh, Aunt Antoinette, please won’t you come to Bath with us? Christmas won’t be Christmas without you!”

  Lady Penelope Leighton’s childish voice piped into the fire-warmed air of the sitting room. Her large, green eyes were wide and beseeching as she leaned against Antoinette’s knees.

  “Grandmama’s house in Bath is always jolly, but it won’t be if you’re not there,” added Penelope’s brother, Edward, hanging off the back of Antoinette’s chair with his sturdy, chubby little hands. “We’re going to see a pantomime.”

  “And a lecture on Greek theater,” said Penelope, her eyes growing even larger, if that was at all possible. She reached out to clasp a handful of Antoinette’s red silk robe. “Or, if you don’t care for Greek theater, there is sure to be something on philosophy or theology at Aunt Chat’s Philosophical Society.”

  “Or herbs!” cried Edward. “You always like to hear about herbs.”

  Baby Louisa, still scarcely able to toddle, glanced up from her building blocks and gurgled an agreement. “Oh, mes petites,” Antoinette said softly, putting an arm about Penelope and Edward and drawing them close to her. “You know I would love nothing better than to spend Christmas with my favorite children in all the world. But, as I have said, I must finish this new book on winter herbs very soon, or my publisher will be most unhappy with me. And in Bath there would be far too many ‘jolly’ things to distract me.”

  “We would not distract you, Aunt Antoinette!” Penelope declared, going up on tiptoe to loop her small, slender arms about Antoinette’s neck. “We would be so good and so quiet when you were working.”

  Antoinette laughed, for she knew all too well that the Leighton children’s idea of “quiet” consisted of tiptoeing while they shouted out about their newest discovery in Greek history (Penelope), horses (Ed­ward), and solid food (Louisa). She pressed a quick kiss to Penelope’s tousled dark curls. “I know you would, dearest, but the lectures and dances would not be resisted. We will have a grand party when you return home next month.”

  As Antoinette hugged them close, she caught a glimpse of their little group reflected in the gilt-framed mirror hung above the firepla
ce. Anyone looking at them would realize immediately that she was not the children’s true aunt. Not their blood aunt. Their milky­-white complexions, Edward’s silvery blond cap of hair, were in sharp contrast to Antoinette’s own coffee­-colored duskiness, her midnight eyes, and the thick, wavy fall of her matte-black hair. They were as far opposite as people could possibly be.

  Except in their hearts. In Antoinette’s deepest soul, they were her nieces and nephew, and she loved them beyond all else. They never watched her with doubt or curiosity or hostility, as so many others did. In their clear eyes there was only love and respect.

  Or beggary, as there was now. It hurt her heart to see them, to know that they would go away in only a very few moments and leave her alone at the one time of year when all families should be together. She almost jumped up, grabbed a valise, and shouted, “Of course I will go to Bath with you!”

  But she could not. Some urges were too strong, some hurts too deep for even Christmas to heal.

  “We will find you the most wondrous Christmas present, Aunt Antoinette” Penelope said. “I promise. And I will write you every day.”

  “So will I!” Edward said, stoutly.

  “You do not know your letters yet,” Penelope said, disdain heavy in her young voice. “And that is because you don’t apply yourself to your lessons. You only think about horses.”

  “I do not!” Edward shouted, and the two siblings were off on their oft-repeated quarrels.