Christmas at Thompson Hall - 3.5 stars (very funny)
Christmas Day at Kirkby Cottage - 3 stars (young lovers drama, sweet but over the top)
The Mistletoe bough - 3.5 stars (another young love story, lovely but rushed)
Not if I Know it - 2.5 stars (family conflict, rushed and not really enjoyable)
The Two Generals - 2.5 stars (US civil war love story, but the couple are highly unsuitable) ( )

Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for Victorian models of behavior. The title story is at least slightly amusing in the beginning but, like the second story and beginning of the third (which is when I called it quits) becomes a ludicrous case of people being so overly concerned about how they might appear to others that they are incapable of being honest with themselves or anyone else, causing misery and misunderstandings until, of course, they finally own up to the truth. But none of this navel-gazing is terribly interesting. ( )

Christmas 2017 - NICE!

I recently discovered Anthony Trollope and read what many considered his master work, "The Way We Live Now." That novel awed me, and I was eager to read more. The Christmas stories in this collection were obviously much lighter in scope but also quite enjoyable. ( )

''Yes, I want you to love me, and to be my wife. I don't know how to tell you; but I love you better than anything and everything in the world- better than all the world put together. I have done so from the first moment that I saw you; I have.''

Excuse me but Maurice managed to convince even me...

From Charles Dickens to Anthony Trollope, one more pillar of British Literature. A master of social satire, his novels present an array of memorable characters, faithful portraits of the social classes and accurate studies of the mysterious ways in which love chooses to work. His stories and novels are rich in feelings and troubled couples that try to overcome themselves to find a balance. This lovely collection is comprised of five stories set during Christmas and centered around love troubles. And troubles, in general...

Christmas At Thompson Hall: One of the most well-known stories by Trollope. A delightful (and infuriating) tale of a married couple that tries to travel from France to England. The only problem apart from the heavy snow is the serious case of having a hypochondriac husband. And let's face it. I have yet to meet a man who doesn't believe that Death will come for him once he falls victim to the common cold. I mean, don't start me on that...Misunderstandings, mistrust, social decorum and an extremely resilient wife are the ingredients of this wonderful Christmas classic.

Christmas Day At Kirkby Cottage: Now, my friends certainly know that Romance and I are sworn enemies. BUT. I cannot say ''no'' to troubled, misunderstood and occasionally tormented affairs. This story, set in a very picturesque country estate, centers around a confused young lady and an even more confused young man. It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice and there is country folklore as well so go read it now!

The Mistletoe Bough: One more young couple that tries to decide what to do when faced with their imaginary perceptions of what ''marriage'' means. A tale that is charming and poignant in its simplicity, slightly echoing Austen's Persuasion.

The Two Generals: A story of brotherly confrontation, of politics and love, set during the Civil War in the USA.

Not If I Know It: Two intelligent young wives try to settle the ridiculous dispute between their husbands.

Five stories of love and trouble, of remarkable heroines, quintessentially Victorian young men and the aura of Christmas Past. Part of a special collection of beautiful hardbacks dedicated to six Christmas classics.

''But I do not think that a woman should be the ivy, to take the direction of every branch of the tree to which she clings, If she does so, what can be her own character?''

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ ( )

I guess these stories are technically Christmas stories, in that they are set during or near Christmastime. I thought the stories were tedious and not very Christmasy at all. Expected much better from Trollope. ( )