Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales


The Wayne Novelist Guild’s Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales is a cheerful mix of romance, fantasy, and history — because nothing says “holiday spirit” like a little chaos, a few tears, and maybe even a ghost. Whether you’re craving mistletoe moments, second chances, eight glowing nights, or once-in-a-lifetime holiday magic, these ten stories have it all. Read one or read them all — either way, you’re in for a festive treat… Ohio style!
• Rose gave up on love — but with the temptation of a few Mistletoe Kisses, can a stubborn cowboy like Kash prove it’s been right beside her all along?
• In a small town’s holiday celebration, a mystical creature’s appearance and Callie’s eccentric grandpa’s behavior might just prove that the holiday cheer isn’t the only thing that’s Stranger than Christmas in July.
• The Looney’s always thought they knew what Christmas was about — until a real Christmas Village showed them it takes more than just fancy decorations to get the spirit right.
• If you haven’t been Tinsel Touched, then you’ve not been to Snowberry, Ohio where peppermint hot cocoa and love finds a second chance to warm your heart.
• In the depths of darkness, a glint of light flickers. Through troubled times and the courage to remember, The Light of Cleveland grows bright with love.
• In Christmas Giving, a couple of strangers help give young soldier, Will Saunders, a most memorable train ride.
• Spilling the beans on the Hower House’s long-lost secret may reveal A Timeless Christmas for all.
• Naughty or Nice, Christmas Eve is sure to be a night Santa won’t forget… and neither will the elves on Sleigh Watch.
Crafted by Chrissy Hartmann, Cary Harter, Cyndi Brec, Ruth Reifsnyder, Linda Morgan, John Newton, Max Willi Fischer, Patricia Miller, Judy Cicero, and R.W. Schultz, these stories serve up a sleigh full of holiday fun. One book, ten authors, plenty of yuletide love, and just the right dash of holiday chaos — you won’t want to miss!
- By the Wayne Novelist Guild
- 368 Pages
- Anthology of Holiday Short Stories
- ISBN Paperback: 978–1 – 965780 – 04–6 
- ISBN Digital: 978-1-965780-05-3
- Library of Congress Control Number: 2025908922 

About the Wayne Novelist Guild

Welcome to our little corner of Northeast Ohio, where stories come to life and writers become published authors!
For over 13 years, The Wayne Novelist Guild, an eclectic group of storytellers has gathered—both in person and over Zoom—twice a month on Thursday nights, driven by one common goal: to get our work into the hands of readers.
More than half of our members are now published, but that doesn’t stop us from supporting each other every step of the way. We hold writing sprints, swap articles, share craft tips, cheer on our writers through book reviews, and show up at their speaking engagements. Whether it’s through a workshop, a book festival, or a conference, we find ways to celebrate and uplift our fellow authors.
While we welcome new members, we do have a vetting process to ensure a good fit. After all, no matter how different we are as individuals, we stand united in one mission—to see every one of us succeed in publishing.
And since we’re all just a stone’s throw from each other, you never know when a spontaneous gathering or festive get-together might happen. After all, writing can be a solitary journey, but with the right community, it’s a much merrier adventure!
If you would like to know more or even join the group, contact the Wayne Novelist Guild through their publisher by e-mailing prickleforrestllc@sssnet.com.
Thanks,
Chrissy Hartmann, Cary Harter, Cyndi Brec, Ruth Reifsnyder, Linda Morgan, John Newton, Max Willi Fischer, Patricia Morgan, Judy Cicero, R.W. Schultz
The Wayne Novelist Guild Members












ENDORSEMENTS
🎅 From the Desk of Santa Claus
North Pole HQ – Sleigh Bell Lane
December (yes, already)
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Dear Jolly Booklover,
I just finished Holidays in the Heartland: Ohio Christmas Tales with a mug of peppermint cocoa in hand and my boots propped up on a stack of gift-wrapped mysteries (don’t worry, I won’t peek). And let me tell you — it jingled all my bells!
This delightful anthology is packed tighter than my toy sack on Christmas Eve with stories full of romance, laughter, twinkling lights, and just the right dash of mischief (looking at you, sleigh-watching elves). Whether you’re craving mistletoe kisses, second-chance love, magical moments, or a Christmas ghost with unfinished business, these Ohio authors have truly delivered a festive sleigh full of fun.
Even Mrs. Claus — who usually prefers her knitting and gingerbread — couldn’t put it down. She read three stories in a row and told the reindeer not to disturb her unless the North Pole caught fire.
Now, I hear you asking:
“Santa, should I buy this book?”
To which I say:
Yes, yes, a thousand sugarplums YES!
Wrap it up for yourself, your neighbor, your book club, and that cousin who only visits at Christmas. You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and you’ll probably want to drink something warm and hug a dog.
As for reviews? They’ll be rolling in… eventually. Let’s be honest, my elves are still figuring out Goodreads. But rest assured — this book is already on the Nice List.
So grab a copy, pour some cocoa, and cozy up with Ohio’s most heartwarming holiday tales. I wholeheartedly endorse it — and not just because they gave me a cameo (okay, fine, they didn’t, but I’m not bitter).
Merrily yours,
🎅 Santa Claus
President, North Pole Book Club
P.S. Leave a review — even one word helps keep the sleigh flying straight!
REVIEWS
Loved our holiday tales?
Share the cheer and leave a review!
Whether you bought it, or borrowed it, or found it under the tree, your words warm our hearts
Drop a few festive lines on Good Reads or wherever you discovered our Christmas magic!
Thanks!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Good Reads:
