[basschick]

i guess i'm in the grip of the season - i read Christmas at Harrington's, and now i'm in the mood for more heartwarming christmas tales without needless tension but with some smiles and a happy ending. i tried a few recent freebies, including Silver Bells (didn't like the relationships - i felt they were disconnected and i felt disconnected from the characters), and Santa's Christmas Eve Blues, which was cute and funny, had a little of what i'm looking for.

i don't want dying relatives, alzheimers, no drug addiction, battles of the sexes or anything where characters butt heads to create needless tension. no very insurmountable odds - i want a story like comfort food, where there are problems to surmount, but nothing drastic. not looking for a focus on romance or erotica, although a gentle romance that isn't the only focus could work.

subtle magic or christmas magic is good. people coming together is good, rediscovering christmas or redemption. character development is good.

i want to feel happy or uplifted when i finish reading these, to feel the magic of the season. sentimental can be okay, but sweet and syrupy not so much.

anyone got some suggestions for me?