It’s not often that all three stories in a collection are equally fun, but I really think that’s the case with this month’s Unwrapped. Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman and Kate Angell have outdone themselves with these fun, sexy tales of a Grinch who finds herself stranded with a man who loves all things Christmas, a bridesmaid who finally catches her own holiday groom (and a Scottish one, no less) and secret lovers who are reunited in the midst of a Chicago snowstorm and a fantasy midnight shopping spree.

What could be better than curling up in front of the fire with a glass of wine and these three great escapes?
Once the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, Donna Kauffman is starting her brand new Cupcake Club series in January with Sugar Rush, followed the next month by Sweet Stuff. I defy you to read these books without a smile on your face or going out to buy a cupcake yourself. I even started researching islands off the Georgia coast, ready to move to a cottage by the shore on the quaint fictional Sugarberry Island, where life seems so much more relaxed than the real one of Manhattan.

Kate Angell creates an equally quirky, laid back paradise on the boardwalk of Barefoot William, where the town founder escaped a harsh midwestern winter, kicked off his shoes and swore he’d never put them back on again. Here’s a place to relive the simple pleasures of childhood – cotton candy, sand between your toes, playing ball – while experiencing the very grown up fun of falling in love. Plan your visit for next June!

What’s your favorite escape? Let me know with a comment and I’ll include you in a random drawing for an advance review copy of Sweet Stuff.


I find holiday-themed and food stories very heartwarming. It’s even sweeter when the story is about food and the holidays.
My favorite escape hasn’t happened yet but it would be a trip to Ireland and Scotland. The scenery looks breathtaking and I would love to visit the castles.
I’m dying to take a trip to Ireland too. It used to be a joke in the office that if a book had a Scottish or Irish setting, it was an auto buy for me!
books are my escape! i love unwinding with a book.. curled up in bed (or in the tub.. )..
i love food themed books! (my fav are the mysteries that have recipes in em like Joanne fluke…)
Then you’ll love SUGAR RUSH and SWEET STUFF. Both have original cupcake recipes in them.
Sometimes just getting out of the house and taking a short walk in the park is an escape. Other times I just want to relax on the couch and watch my favorite show and movies.
I’m the great houdini! I’m always escaping into books….it used to be my only salvation from a very stressful job. But now, I’m reading strictly for pleasure and I love feel good romances! Short stories at the holidays are the best!!!
Diana,
You’re our lucky winner. If you’ll email your address to me at acondon@kensingtonbooks.com, I’ll send you out your copy of SUGAR RUSH. I hope it will be a great escape for you!
Alicia
My escape is Video Games. I can honestly unwind by playing my Playstation 3 for a couple hours, there is no time to think about anything but the game, all my worries and issues are no where to be found! Reading is my all time favorite thing to do, but playing games is more of an escape! =)
I love themed books and there are several authors who use food as their theme. Great books with great recipes.
Oh Charleston, SC. I get there about once every two years, and just thinking about my next jaunt is a wonderful escape. The island, people, food, and attitude. It soothes my soul.
My usual escape is a good romance novel. My favorite escape is a week at Clearwater Beach – sitting in the sun with that romance novel and a drink with an umbrella.
My favorite escape has always been books!
I definitely agree with everyone who likes to escape into a good book — guess that’s why I’m an editor!
I think writing my own stories, dreaming up characters & trouble for them to get into… that’s my favorite escape.
Oh, and reading others’ stories too!
I have a weird favorite escape. Besides books. *g* Books are always top of that list, but my Sunday afternoon Zumba class is just the escape I need from a rough week and then trying to play catch-up with chores around the house. I get to shake it (if you told me years ago I’d do that I’d swear you were nuts) and salsa and have a blast.
Hi
Would love the Review Copy of SWEET STUFF.
I would love to do reviews too.
Reading is a wonderful way to get time all to yourself. No one knows what’s going on in your head when you are reading, unless you start to cry, laugh out loud or start singing or drooling or other give aways. Books with recipes are always a favorite.