Midwinter Tales is a collection of short stories that take place during the holiday season. Family, friends, relationships, and work are all intertwined with excitement-or dread-of this period. For some, it's a time of romance and excitement, the discovery of someone new, and a kiss under the mistletoe. For others, stress rules with chaos and unforeseen visitors. In many cases, magic is in the air-and surprises lie beyond the presents under the tree.

The stories include:

• A mom's mall shopping takes a detour due to her son and his new toy.

• Romance sparks between two strangers after a dropped holiday card, a dog, and a beloved TV series.

• An out-of-control elf at the North Pole pushes the limit. Now, it's Santa's turn.

• A meet cute goes terribly wrong at a holiday market-again and again.

• A father and son make the long walk to town after running out of gas- and encounter more than a gas pump.

The centerpiece to this collection is a unique take on A Christmas Carol featuring Edgar Allan Poe, Hamlet, and a rubber chicken-not something Charles Dickens had in mind when he penned the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.