The Present (Malory Novels (Paperback)) Mass Market Paperback – October 30, 2001

My expectations weren't high for this romance as I've been disappointed by several written for the Christmas season. But this was a good one, especially for fans of the Malory series.Set in 1825, years after Derek and Kelsey met in SAY YOU LOVE ME, the Malorys are gathering at Haverston for Christmas with their brood of children (and there are several new additions). Patriarch Jason Malory is still hoping to marry Molly, his housekeeper, but as yet hasn't convinced her to accept the scandal it would mean. Before the holiday celebrations can commence, a mysterious present appears in the parlor, a gold-wrapped, oddly shaped box no one seems to know about. As the Malory clan speculates about it, Amy (married to Warren, THE MAGIC OF YOU) says she has a feeling it's about their Gypsy ancestor, Anna Malory, who gave some of them their black hair and blue eyes.When the present is opened, it's a journal that tells a love story of the second Marquis, Christopher Malory and the Gypsy, Anastasia Stephanoff. And it is a good story, one to warm your heart at any season of the year.If you've been reading the Malory series up until this 6th book, you'll recognize the players and enjoy the reunion as well as the love story. If not, you'll likely be a little lost at the beginning as the names fly fast and furious.Here's the list of the books in the Malory-Anderson Family Saga Series:1. Love Only Once (Reggie and Nick)2. Tender Rebel (Roslyn and Anthony)3. Gentle Rogue (James and Georgina)4. The Magic Of You (Amy Malory and Warren Anderson)5. Say You Love Me (Kelsey and Derek)6. The Present: The Malory Holiday Novel7. A Loving Scoundrel (Danny and Jeremy, James' son)8. Captive Of My Desires (Gabrielle and Drew)9. No Choice But Seduction (Boyd and Katey)10. That Perfect Someone (Richard and Julia)

Nothing bad to say

If you like an easy read you will enjoy all of the Joanna Lindsey's Malory books. There are 12 books in the series! Loved them all. Will read again just for the fun of it.

Really good read but not the usual Malory love lust and mayhem. Not necessarily in that order. . I did enjoy the story of Anastasia and Christopher but a little more of the next generation might helped but goes directly to grandchildren starting with the oldest we know who is Jason. but not a clue why he took over at 16. I know story brings Molly and Jason out into the open but just seems something missing. Gave 4 stars as the ancestors story was sweet, we got look at up and coming children and the banter between brothers, wives and other in-laws was great as usual. Especially Anthony and James. Just "different"!!

THE PRESENT is the sixth book in the Malory Family Series. It is a romance for two sets of characters. In the past, readers get to know Christopher Malory, the ancestor of the current family and his alleged gypsy wife Anastasia. This is primarily their story although their story gives momentum to the story of Jason Malory and his longtime mistress/love Molly.I really enjoyed this book because of the glimpses we get into the Malory Family. It is more for fans of the series, however. There is much assumed about the readers' knowledge and I am not sure that the history of the beginnings of the Malory Family is compelling enough for those who haven't read the other books in the series.I loved the wrapping up of Jason and Molly's story and I liked seeing another side of the stern had of the family.

I have been reading Johanna Lindsey from the beginning and she just continues to amaze and delight me. I can never turn down one of her stories no matter what the cost.This one was a little different in that it takes you backward in time to the beginning of the Malory clan but it was not less spectacular for it's backward look. I always was curious about the hinted gypsy in the lineage and I was fascinated by this really intriguing story that she presented this story in the present that intertwined with the history of the family.\If you love Johanna you have to read this one, if you haven't read her you really must with this one and you can used it as your introduction to this wonderful, imaginative and very sexy romance writer. ENJOY

The Present is not a book to pick up and read on its own. It is a continuation of characters and stories from other Lindsey books. If you are interested in reading about the Christmas holiday season for some of your favorite characters, this book is for you. Otherwise I would not recommend this book on its own for a reader. The book is relatively small for a complete novel and the storyline is lightweight. It is simply a fun, fill in the gaps "final chapter" to her other Malory books.

For anyone familiar with the Malory series, this is a nice addition. It’s short, but it gives a look at more of the Malory family structure and their own background.

Love the Malory books read them loads of times, bit of romantic escapism

This brings all the family together and you get to read about how it started. As with all The Mallory books. Lots of Romance, laughs and tears. I hope she writes about the children in the future.

Just ok..