Welcome to the 12 days of Christmas in Texas Ready to greet you are 9 leapin' lizards, 8 grazin' longhorns, 7 bass a-swimmin', 6 flags a-flyin'... and much more from the Lone Star State.Jos is so excited about his cousin Ashley's visit with him in Texas that he gives her one of these VERY unusual gifts on each of the twelve days of Christmas, and Ashley writes lively letters home to tell her mom and dad all about her trip. Lucky readers are in for a wild Christmas countdown

Celebrate the joy and warmth of the holidays with two historical romance novellas from Karen Witemeyer, including a brand-new story that provides a glimpse into what the Archer clan has been up to. In this 2-in-1 novella collection, the Archer brothers return for An Archer Family Christmas. When the Archer clan gathers for the Christmas holiday, an unexpected request for help leaves Cassandra Archer directly in the path of a dangerous outlaw. Desperate to protect the woman he loves, Jim Archer races to the rescue, only to find that Cassie's life is not the only one in peril. It will take a Christmas miracle--and the entire Archer clan--to keep a second Archer Christmas from ending in disaster. In Gift of the Heart, a widow and her young daughter move to Hope Springs for a fresh start, but with no money to secure a home, Ruth must convince a wealthy resort owner to accept her heirloom brooch as collateral. Will the pin that brought love to three generations soften the heart of a wounded recluse and give Ruth a second chance at love as the holidays draw near? "The Gift of the Heart" A widow and her young daughter move to Hope Springs for a fresh start, but with no money to secure a home, Ruth must convince a wealthy resort owner to accept her heirloom brooch as collateral. Will the pin that brought love to three generations soften the heart of a wounded recluse and give Ruth a second chance at love as the holidays draw near?

"'Twas the night before Christmas . . ." and Texas is ready and waiting for old Santy to appear. You may know the story, but you've never heard it like this before. Based on Clement C. Moore's poem, Texas Night Before Christmas is filled with images of the Lone Star State, whimsical illustrations, and playful text. It's an icy Christmas Eve as this Texas family prepares for Santy's visit. A great ruckus arouses Pa, and he spies Santy himself in full Western garb: rawhide suit, Stetson, and cowboy boots. He fills the young'uns' waiting boots, then warms himself a while before leaving for his next stop. As Ma and Pa lose sight of him in the fog, Santy calls out, "Merry Christmas, y'heah? And y'all have a good night!"

Take a trip to beautiful Texas and the fabled St. Nicholas Hotel on Christmas Eve, 1859 where anything can happen—even love—in the story collection fans of Diana Palmer, Linda Lael Miller, and Lori Wilde will fall in love with this holiday season! ONE NIGHT AT THE ST. NICHOLAS New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas To escape her stepmother’s plot to marry her off, Texas heiress Jacqueline Hartman spends Christmas Eve sharing a hideout with an accused bank robber. After a night in Nathanial Ward’s arms, Jacqueline is certain she has met her match after all. But will his heartfelt promise of love lead to his demise at the hands of the law? BIRDIE’S FLIGHT * Celia Bonaduce Seamstress Birdie Flanagan gets the surprise of her life when she receives a beautiful gown—and a sudden invitation—for the ball of the season! With her flaming red hair, Birdie creates a stir from the moment she arrives, capturing the eye of the dashing Captain Douglas Newcastle. But will a villainous suitor from her past keep her from her long awaited happily-ever-after? TEXAS SPIRIT * Rachael Miles When lovely spinster Eugenie Charpentier makes a trip across the Texas frontier with former Texas Ranger Asher Graham, she gets an unexpected lesson in the ways of rough-and-tumble men. But once Asher is escorting her across the dance floor at the Christmas ball, it’s Jenny’s turn to tutor the rugged lawman in the art of love. . . .

New York Times best-selling author, Kate Summers, is facing a divorce in her 40's and up against a hard deadline for her next novel. She rents an Airstream on the Texas Wine Trail to find inspiration, but discovers much more... She meets Zach, a medical doctor from the Northeast scouting for a winery to invest in. They decide to spend a week enjoying tastings, but just as they are getting to know one another, he has to return suddenly back home. The holidays are hard for Kate, as she lost her mother two years ago. This Cactus Christmas is prickly and sweet as Kate must heal her heart, try to reconnect with her estranged sister, Lillie, and find her way on her own. Will she finish her book? Will she meet Zach again? Will timing ever be right? A delicious story of finding yourself (again), second chances at love, and taking huge risks that payoff.

A parody of The night before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore.

On the night before Christmas, Santa mounted his sleigh. The presents were packed; Time to be underway! The night air was chilly, the hour was late-- When a letter came in from a faraway state. Santa is all ready to leave on Christmas Eve, but last-minute letters are arriving from Texas! From a little girl who is wishing for snow, to a bluebonnet, guadalupe bass, and mockingbird all looking for a bit more attention, to the bears asking the reindeer for a play date, each letter contains a humorous request that gets even Santa chuckling. Even better, each letter comes tucked in its own pocket envelope with other delightful extras like cards, money for toll roads, and even a map of Texas! How will Santa respond? It's Texas Christmas magic you'll have to see!

Busted When Pepper Merriweather's superwealthy daddy is arrested for fraud--and the family fortune is kaput--just before the holidays, Pepper suddenly finds herself in need of a job. Despite her high-society connections, no one wants to give her a chance--no one except gorgeous billionaire recluse Robert Macintyre. When he proposes a position that comes with more strings attached than a symphony orchestra, Pepper knows it's an offer she should refuse. But beggars can't be choosers. Besides, Pepper knows she has what it takes to rise to the challenge--but does she have what it takes to keep her hands off her irresistible new boss?

Gabriella Torres loves returning home to San Antonio for the holidays–the decorations, the magic and her large family. As icing on the cake, she will serve as midwife for one of her cousins. Her Christmas visit also provides a temporary distraction from a looming obligation. Luke Davenport has traveled across the world to accept the role as town doctor in San Antonio. But when he arrives to domestic chaos, the sheriff offers his hospitality and Luke can't turn down the offer. While he’s embraced by all, Luke tries to keep his distance. His past remains a threat and the alluring Gabby Torres makes him dream of a brighter but impossible future. When Gabby learns that Luke has never truly experienced Christmas, she sets out on a mission…to make this Christmas the best that Luke could ever have. As they spend intimate moments together, Luke begins to lose his heart to the woman who is showing him what life as part of a family could be like. When the ghosts of their pasts rise up to haunt them, will Christmas magic and love be strong enough to guarantee the happiness they’ve always dreamed of?

Three Charming and Festive Holiday Novellas Spiced with Humor, Frontier Action, and Sweet Romance In this 3-in-1 novella collection, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer presents the new story "A Texas Christmas Carol," in which a town's wealthy, Scrooge-like bachelor finds his world invaded by a woman set on earning his donation for helping the local poor, and by the penetrating questions of three mysterious visitors. It also includes, for the first time in print, "An Archer Family Christmas." When the Archer clan gathers for the Christmas holiday, an unexpected request for help leaves Cassandra Archer directly in the path of a dangerous outlaw. Desperate to protect the woman he loves, Jim Archer races to the rescue, only to find that Cassie's life is not the only one in peril. It will take a Christmas miracle--and the entire Archer clan--to keep a second Archer Christmas from ending in disaster. In previously published "Gift of the Heart," a widow and her young daughter move to Hope Springs for a fresh start. But with no money to secure a home, Ruth must convince a wealthy resort owner to accept her heirloom brooch as collateral. Will the pin that brought love to three generations soften the heart of a wounded recluse and give Ruth a second chance at love as the holidays draw near? Sprinkled throughout the collection, you'll find a hope-filled Christmas devotion, Witemeyer holiday recipes, and fun facts about nineteenth-century Christmas celebrations!