I will, as normal, review each story separately then the collection as a whole.

"Mistletoe Magic" by Sophie Barnes

What better way for Connor Talbot, Earl of Redfirn to spend the holidays than convincing Leonora Compton that the only match she needs to make is with him!

This a cute story--Lenora and Redfirn are at cross purposes in regards to the charges they are trying to marry off, so it makes for some funny moments. I'm not wholly convinced by the romance though, Lenora is more understandable then Redfirn who seems to just suddenly decide 'This chit ain't half bad!'.

"His Perfect Gift" by Karen Erickson

The Duke of Ashton has had three years to plan for his perfect Christmas present-the Lady Eleanor Fitzsimmons as his wife. Now, all he has to do is convince the reluctant lady…

I liked this story far more. I feel bad for Ashton since he's getting one hell of a mother-in-law, but he seems happy enough. I thought when everything was finally laid out between Eleanor and Ashton, it was done well, but Erickson's inclusion of the younger brother's romantic foibles went nowhere really, so I'm not entirely sure why they were included.

"War of the Magi" by Rena Gregory

Phin Baldwin does not believe in Christmas magic….until the clever and beautiful Ginny Overton gets it into her head to show him how wonderful it can be when wishes come true.

This was an amusing story that had a couple surprises. This another story with the hero has a sudden epiphany that is largely told to us, not shown. I liked Ginny, her loyalty to her neighbors and father did her credit and her clever ruse certainly made for a great way to bring holiday cheer!

"Her Christmas Knight" by Sandra Jones

Just returned from the Crusades, marriage is the last thing on Sir Caerwyn’s mind. But will he be able to resist Lady Nia, the thief of his boyhood heart, when she tempts him yet again?

Unfortunately this one wasn't for me. I'm not fond of medieval set romances and had a hard time really getting into the story as a result (which isn't to say Jones can't write, just...wrong genre for me.)

"Tempting Mr. Weatherstone" by Vivienne Lorret

Responsible Ethan Weatherstone is determined to save Penelope Rutledge-and her reputation-from her silly scheme, but can he save himself from the temptation of her lips?

This was by far my favorite story. It was so well-rounded and well-thought out. Even knowing how it would end out (its a romance after all), I found myself feeling utterly heart broken for first Penelope because Ethan is such a dunderhead and then Ethan because he obviously cared far too much. Lorret did a wonderful job and I think was the perfect compliment to the season.

These stories may have been better served by not having the couples anticipate their wedding night so often. In a few cases it just didn't make sense because the couple didn't know each other that long (looking at you Lenora and Redfirn). of the five only two felt like they had a beginning, middle and end (Lorret and Gregory's). Its my understanding that only Barnes is a previously published author--this certainly makes me hope to see more from the others! ( )

This collection of short stories was an excellent way for me to get acquainted with some of the authors I’ve never read before, such as Rena Gregory, Vivienne Lorret and Sandra Jones. Sophie Barnes and Karen Erickson are somewhat familiar to me as I read only a handful of their novels, but I’ve been very impressed with both so far.

In “Mistletoe Magic” by Sophie Barnes you’ll find a pair of matchmakers in hero and heroine who’ll make you laugh out loud with the antics they come up with to match the ‘unsuspecting’ duo. Loved it!

Karen Erickson’s “His Perfect Gift” made me root for this Duke and his heroine. I loved the story and the second characters of this story were also fun to read about. Loved it!

“War of the Magi” by Rena Gregory gave us a hero that needed someone like the heroine to point him in a right direction and show him the joy of the season. Cute and sweet, with some interesting characters on the side. Liked it!

In “Her Christmas Knight” by Sandra Jones I was wishing for a Knight of my own! If you love stories with a second chances, this one’s a must then. It will make your eyes mist and the end will leave you satisfied and warm all over. Loved it!

Vivienne Lorret’s story “Tempting Mr. Weatherstone” brings us two childhood friends who finally find courage to admit love for each other, but the road to it is fun-filled with adventure our heroine is craving for. Liked it!

‘Five Golden Rings’ was a wonderful collection of fun, entertaining and character driven short holiday stories. Overall I found the writing very good and each story unique and fun. A great holiday read!
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Courtesy of HarperCollins(Avon) through Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review.

Christmas tales mixed with love? What a wonderful way to bring this season and one of my favorite genre's together! Five Golden Rings was an outstanding collection of five holiday stories. Each one holding their own treasure in what makes them great. Overall I found the writing beautiful and delightful, from authors that were new to me but I was very eager to read their little stories. I devoured this book as fast as I could.

My favorite of them all had to be the story of Caerwyn and Lady Nia, it was beautiful as well as emotional with a wonderful storyline that had me rooting for them. After Nia steals Caerwyn's heart she also manages to hurt him. Years later when her father sets up a Christmas tournament in hopes of marrying off his daughters, he finds himself letting Nia into his heart again. As long as he could put away his past. I found the story emotional and absolutely loved it! Yes there was even a part that left my heart aching for them.

The other story that I found wonderful was of Ethan and Penelope. Two childhood friends, both in love with each other, both are too scared to submit to their feelings in fear of losing the other. Of course Lady Penelope is bored of the same daily routine and wants some excitement and adventure in her life, will Ethan finally be the one to let her? There where parts that made me want to scream simply in hopes it would push the two together faster, it was very endearing.

And of course the story of Phin and Ginny and Christmas wishes with miracles. I loved this one because Ginny was just the right kind of trouble Phin needed in his life. After inheriting a three small figurines that are suppose to bring wishes to the person who won them for Christmas, Phin acknowledges to Ginny that he does not believe in wishes. Ginny is just the type of person that might make him believe in them. She is very stubborn, and takes actions into her own hands. It was very heartwarming.

This book was definitely a pleasant surprise. I had enjoyed each and every story in it's own way. I loved the characters, the relationships. Everyone had their own adventure. It was also a great way to be introduced to authors that are particularly new to me. A great holiday read! ( )