Melissa McClone's Top Christmas Six

Hi Melissa and welcome to my Ramblings Blog :)

I'm stoked to have Harlequin Romance author Melissa McClone with me today. The first of Melissa's books I read was Wedding Date With The Best Man and I've been a fan ever since. Firefighter Under The Mistletoe is on my tbr pile this month!

Thanks so much for having me on your blog today, Rachael. Congrats on the release of One Perfect Night! I love Christmas romances.

During the months of November and December, Christmas romance novels go from my shopping bag right to the top of my TBR stack. The ones with Christmassy covers, decorated trees or sleigh rides or scenic snow scenes, put big smiles on my face and make me want to reach for them even when I know I should be doing something else (like writing!)

Christmas books are my favorite type of romance novels. I'll read twice as many books during the holiday season than I usually do. I can't get enough of Christmas stories.

There's something about the joy of the season, the hope Christmas brings, and falling in love that work so well together. I love when an author doesn't just set a story at Christmastime by adding some lights, snow and a Christmas tree, but weaves the holiday into the plot so it plays an integral part in the book. That is, the book wouldn't be the same if it weren't happening at Christmastime.

One of the challenges for an author is keeping things fresh when certain elements are almost expected in a Christmas story. I know I have a few things I love to read (and write about!):

1) A kiss under the mistletoe. Yes, it's clichéd, but it's also very romantic.

2) Snow. I love the idealized, snowy winter wonderland setting. I've had white Christmases only a couple of times in my life, but they rank up at the top when it comes to my favorite holiday memories!

3) Baking. What is Christmas without making something sweet and special for the holiday? Having the characters bake together brings back fond memories of my childhood and a dear lady who was our surrogate grandmother.

4) Santa. I love when characters of all ages visit Santa, especially when what they really want for Christmas comes out!

5) Presents! What a character gives another person tells a lot about them as well as what they think of the recipient. If that gift can move or affect the plot, all the better!

6) Jesus. Whether it's a nativity set, a pageant or church service, I like to see some mention of the reason for the season, even if the book isn't an inspirational.

What about you? Is there anything you particularly like to see in a Christmas story?

Thanks again Melissa, I can't wait to hear what everyone else likes to see in a Christmas story :)

FIREFIGHTER UNDER THE MISTLETOE blurb:

Christmas magic in Hood Hamlet...

For Leanne, infuriatingly charming firefighter Christian Welton is out of bounds. Not only is he too young for her, but his trail of broken hearts is legendary. Leanne's fought hard to be one of the boys, and won't let anyone see that Christian's smile makes her want to melt into his arms!

Christian wanted to discover the softer side of the tough-talking paramedic, but hasn't counted on how much the real Leanne affects him. He's vowed never to settle down, but under the mistletoe it's certainly the season to be tempted.…

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