From New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton comes a captivating tale of romantic suspense set in the heart of a rugged winter . . .
 
Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.

When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . .

CHRISTMAS PAST was originally published in the New York Times bestselling holiday novella collection, SILVER BELLS.

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Bestselling authors Jeffery Deaver and Anne Perry join rising stars like Dana Chamblee Carpenter and Paul Gail Benson in a collection that proves Music City is a deadly place to be when your song gets called.

Featuring stories by: Donald Bain, Robert Dugoni, Jefferson Bass, Mary Burton, Jonathan Stone, Steven James, Maggie Toussaint, Clay Stafford, Heywood Gould, Jaden Terrell, and more…

Every year, some of the biggest names in the thriller world converge in Tennessee for the Killer Nashville conference, an event where stars of the genre rub elbows with their most devoted fans, where the bestsellers of tomorrow pick up tricks of the trade, and where some of the best writers of today swap dark tales of good deals gone bad, rights made wrong, and murder in all shades…

This collection of new stories features some of the biggest names in suspense, from bestsellers to ferociously talented newcomers. Grouped around the classic theme of murder, KILLER NASHVILLE NOIR: COLD-BLOODED is a  first-class collection and a must-have for fans of the genre.

Enjoy Mary Burton’s story, The Summit. Inspired in part by the background she created for the character Alex in her Morgan Family novels, it shares insights into how a moment in the past can have a major impact, causing a man to step back and become detached from those around him.

“This wonderful collection of stories is sure to hit every emotional button. You’ll smile, laugh and – if you’re like me – probably shed a few tears.”
–Dee J. Adams, 2014 winner of the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Romantic Suspense Single Title Writing

“Short stories? Hard work I’ve learned how difficult it can be after thirty-five novels. I’d much rather write 200,000 words. But this collection showcases it all. Variety, originality and creativity! Bravo!”
–Linda Conrad, bestselling author for Harlequin-Silhouette Books and winner of the National Readers Choice Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and the Maggie Award of Excellence.

“FWA is proud to present the winning entries for the first-ever Youth Collection contest, which appear in a special section at the end of this book. If these sensitive, nuanced stories are any indication, the future of our craft never looked brighter.”
–Chris Coward, President, Florida Writers Association, Winner, 1st Place, Unpublished Science Fiction, FWA Royal Palm Literary Award competition for Stone Perfect.

Submitting for this year’s theme, “the first step,” writers reflected numerous beginnings, directions, and inspirations as well as mentors. The results may pull at your heartstrings, or make you laugh, but all will entertain you. Florida Writers Association, a preeminent organization for writers, presents over sixty exceptional stories in its sixth short story collection. FWA is also excited to include winning authors from its first Youth Writers Program Collection contest, themed “important firsts.”

“It is with heartfelt gratitude that FWA acknowledges Mary Burton’s contribution to this publication. She had perhaps the hardest job of all…picking only ten to be her favorites out of the truly wonderful sixty winning stories.”
–Sue Gerheim, Coordinator for The First Step

Contemporary suspense and the gift of romance for the holidays . . .

Lisa Jackson’s Under the Mistletoe

Megan Johnson’s marriage is over—or so she thinks. When her husband Chris lands in the hospital fighting for his life, she remembers the unexpected joy of their first Christmas together.

Mary Burton’s A Ranger for Christmas
The holidays bring painful memories for history professor Marissa Thompson. Agreeing to help Texas Ranger Lucas Cooper solve a case offers the perfect distraction. But as danger threatens, the joy of love has never been more tempting.

Mary Carter’s A Southern Christmas
Reporter Danielle Bright is heading home for the holidays to write up a feature story about Christmas down south—and possibly win back her ex. But Sawyer, the sexy photographer along for the ride, is determined to jingle her bells.

Cathy Lamb’s Christmas in Montana
Family is the ideal antidote to getting fired, but Laurel Kelly isn’t prepared for the changes at home in Montana—or the fact that her college boyfriend Josh Reed now owns the family land. But a blue Christmas could be the perfect surprise for a holiday to remember.

In the air, there’s a feeling of Christmas … so settle into your coziest armchair and enjoy four captivating tales that will make your holidays merry and bright.

Silver Bells by Fern Michaels

For years, movie star Amy Lee wondered what it would be like to leave her shallow Hollywood life and go back home to Apple Valley, Pennsylvania. This Christmas, she plans to find out. And Hank Anders, her high-school boyfriend, is now ready to give her a welcome she’ll never forget. . .

Dear Santa. . . by JoAnn Ross

Mystery author Holly Berry’s SUV has broken down in the little hamlet of Santa’s Village, Washington. Holly hates the holidays–that is until lodge owner Gabriel O’Halloran and his five-year-old daughter rekindle her belief in passion, magic, and Christmas wishes. . .

Christmas Past by Mary Burton

Photographer Nicole Piper just received a very unwelcome Christmas gift–a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. Uncovering the truth means enlisting homicide detective David Ayden’s help, and embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger and desire. . .

A Mulberry Park Christmas by Judy Duarte

Every Christmas, the folks living on Sugar Plum Lane pull out all the stops when decorating. After a bitter breakup, Alyssa Ridgeway’s heart just isn’t in it this year. But running into her first love, James “Mac” MacGregor, fills her with memories of the tender Christmas kiss they once shared. . .