penguin book of christmas stories

Arianna Smith. A very talented and easy-going twenty-three years old beautiful young lady. But despite her beauty, her life wasn't easy. Things were hard and life was tough. Two weeks before Christmas, Arianna went to sleep feeling very sad about her life. She had a beautiful dream. A fairy appeared in her dream and asked her what she wanted for Christmas and Arianna asked the Fairy for “An Unexpected And Extraordinary Gift.” On Christmas morning, Arianna got the most shocking news of her life. “She was pregnant! "She was supposed to be a virgin! How did she get pregnant? Whose baby was she carrying? Was this baby the answer to her prayers? What good will the baby bring her way? Find out In this beautiful romance novel. Join Arianna on her journey to Love and Happiness.

" How about we help each other?" He says and I look up at him, eyes still wet from the tears streaming down my cheeks, heart freshly broken from the public humiliation and betrayal that was Lucas's breakup. I can faintly make out the first droppings of snow floating magically under the light of the street lamps. It's that time of the year, a time for wool coats, a time for relaxing, none of which I'll be doing. "I'm an orphan with a wicked aunt and a boyfriend who left her because she has nothing to her name, how could I possibly help you?" I say another sob escaping my lips. "Marry me" he replies and my eyes widen in anger. Is he mocking me?. I look into the eyes of this stranger and see he's dead serious. "I need a wife, you need a home, marry me and you'll have all you want". I nod.

"I want a divorce!" Ryan demanded, despite the fact that he had cheated on her with his ex. *** Serena is no longer the quiet, romantic lady Ryan Winters married and divorced five years ago. Serena, now the CEO of Rocky's Designs, is bright, unwavering, and unapologetic about her independence- a far cry from the woman Ryan remembers. When fate brings them back into one another's lives, Ryan is forced to confront the truth about their past, their newfound hot chemistry, and a surprising revelation; Serena has a daughter who may be his. But Ryan's girlfriend, Kate, isn't prepared to lose him again. Kate is manipulative and calculative. She will do whatever it takes to keep Ryan in her grasp- even if it means destroying Serena's life and the corporate empire she has built.

Every year, the whole family went on a two-weeks vacation during Christmas, where they celebrated wedding anniversaries, a birthday, and the memory of the late Madam Li Sun. This year, they had chosen a special place for their vacation and the couples seemed especially happy. But what happens to the single people? Li Hoy— who prefers to work rather than go on dates— Your typical CEO who runs G–GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT. Luo Joreen— a successful actress and model under G–GLOBAL who is looking forward to turning eighteen and having a boyfriend. She also wants nothing more than to stop being the CEO's guardian. Li Heya— who is still hung up on her ex and has accepted the fact that she is going to die single especially when she heard he is getting married. ***** "Once I turn 18 in a few weeks, I'll start doing everything I want to do without anyone's permission—" She eyed him, "Including yours."  He folded his hands across his chest and nodded. "Normally, that should happen..." He answered, making her almost smile until he continued, "But it won't happen." He smirked at her and began to walk ahead, leaving her fuming with anger. DISCLAIMER: Cover photo isn't mine. I am willing to take it down if the owner wants me to. PS: This is a very light romance with only a 100+ chapters.

As in previous years, in the month of Christmas, more precisely on Christmas Day, a Christmas Ball event will always be held which has always been the hallmark of the city. The event was held in the magnificent Buckingham Palace, of a Prince named Theodoric. Usually, the event is just to commemorate the following years. But this time, it will be different. Prince held special conditions in this Christmas Ball event. He will look for a woman to be his wife among the women who dance and look elegant in his eyes. There was a woman named Ivy, the duke but was not considered by her father's family, namely King Idriz, because she was born to a woman who came from a lower class and she has a magic that only Idriz and Ivy's trusted people know. She also gave magic to Ivy so she can use it for her entire life and protect her from bad things. When Ivy heard that, she came with the hope that her Christmas gift was to change her life and live happily. She also hoped that the Prince would choose her to be his wife. Ivy's life then becomes fantastic and it is filled with magic that she uses for her needs, even she starts to like Prince Mason, Theodoric's cousin. [END]

>>Before you read further, this is a dark reverse harem R-18 novel.>Imagine dying. Not naturally or anything but because a male like you, and you just wanted to experience life. The first is so traumatic to you that it is vague, while the second.... ahh...that one you didn't have a body left. In the third life, you somehow became a mother, have four husbands from the beginning, and later realised the world you are in you are labeled as a beast, and the other species; humans, elves, and fairies can summon you or your young at any time. what would you do? ~ ~ >>Join Du-Gooder Xiala on her journey to experience life, raise her young, and bond with her mates. -- Side note: there should be 7-8 males at the end. >>Dark fantasy >>Blood gore and descriptive violence. >>Sexual content. PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION!!!

She was just going to be another night. He was meant to forget about her by morning. But when Christmas magic brings out her real smell, everything changes, and so does his love for her. Ember knew the rules. Alpha Cade never spent more than one night with any woman. But everything changes when her 18th birthday and the pack’s Christmas celebration unlock her true omega scent. Cade becomes obsessed, keeping her close night after night. Just when Ember starts to believe she means something to him, Cade announces his engagement to someone else. Heartbroken and pregnant, Ember runs into the snowy woods, only to be rescued by Ash, a mysterious hockey player who claims to be Cade’s cousin and her true mate. Now, Cade will break every pack tradition to win her back. But Ember must choose between the alpha who shattered her heart or the man who saved it?

When Ivy transfers to Northvale University, she expects late-night study sessions, caffeine overload, and maybe a little homesickness. What she does not expect are three ridiculously good-looking hockey players who seem determined to turn her life upside down. Elias, the brooding goalie with a secret soft side. Cole, the golden boy captain, who always plays to win. And Jaxon, the bad boy off the ice, the one who makes rules just to break them. They call themselves the Kings of Northvale. Everyone else calls them gods. But Ivy calls them trouble. When a freak snowstorm traps Ivy in their house after a game, she discovers that the real danger isn't the blizzard outside, it's how easy it feels to belong with them. Between cozy nights by the fire, late-night skating lessons, and stolen kisses that melt the winter chill, Ivy starts to realize she might be falling for all three of her hockey alphas. But Northvale has its own secrets… and the shadows following Ivy are getting bolder. Still, with Christmas lights twinkling and snowflakes falling, love might be the most magical, and dangerous, thing of all.

Theresa Oliver is an author of clean contemporary romance, clean historical romance, young adult, middle grades, and children's picture books. Theresa is the author of the Christmas Cove series, the Whiskey River Brides series with Hot Tree Publishing, and much more. She lives in Florida with her husband, children, a persnickety cat, and a very bossy dog. In the depths of winter, Christmas calls to weary travelers and leads lonely hearts home. Jocelyn Taylor is no stranger to a weary heart. Having fallen in love much too young with her sister’s old high school boyfriend has left her with mixed emotions about the possibility of true love. Now successful and the manager of a jewelry shop, Jocelyn spends her days dreaming of the perfect man and the perfect ring to match. Caden Scott is less than thrilled at the thought of spending the holidays back home where memories of his youth still haunt him. Not interested in the kitschy hometown feel of a town known for Christmas, Caden still dwells on the thought of seeing his old high school love again. His time abroad serving his country has changed him in many ways, but could it have altered his heart as well? As the winds of change bring more than just the magic of the holiday season, can two hearts let go of the past to find new romance? Or will true love pass them by? In the small town of Christmas Cove, the reason for the season may just be the spark they need to make this the best Christmas yet.

-NOTE- This novel is unedited; expect typographical, grammatical, format, and plot errors. -SYPNOSIS- Jousuke Daikuhara is a kind-hearted high schooler known for his quiet strength, musical talent, and calming presence. A top student and skilled musician, he prefers peaceful days and finds joy in the little things. Though he doesn’t see himself as special, his genuine care and subtle attentiveness draw others in, slowly turning his once-simple life into a web of emotions and silent confessions. Leah Boutsuki is shy, soft-spoken, and quietly artistic. She and Jousuke first met after accidentally bumping into each other outside their classroom. Despite her reserved nature, her gentle warmth leaves a quiet mark on Jousuke—though expressing her feelings remains her greatest challenge. Kaede Miyazaki, the tsundere student council vice president, is sharp-tongued and fiercely driven. Known as the most beautiful girl at Bungaku High, she frequently clashes with Jousuke through council duties, calling him an idiot to mask her flustered reactions to his smile. Underneath her tough front, she’s drawn to his sincerity—much to her own frustration. Rika Sakurai, soft-spoken and quietly strong, has harbored feelings for Jousuke since middle school. A small moment of kindness from him long ago stayed with her, even as she tried moving on with others. Her loyalty and quiet longing add to the emotional storm slowly surrounding Jousuke. As days pass, fleeting moments blur the line between friendship and love. In this gentle harem, the question of who will win Jousuke’s heart remains unanswered—because love, in its quietest form, is never so easily defined.