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Sisters in Paradise #1
Paradise for Christmas
Southern sass and spirit make every Christmas bright! The oldest of seven sisters, Ursula Simmons has followed in her mother's footsteps as a novelist. With a bad case of writer's block, she brings her notebooks and computer home to the old brothel called Paradise where they all grew up, in the hope that being home for the holidays will inspire her―and since it's Christmas, all her sisters will be there too. The sisters take the holidays very seriously, and as soon as they've celebrated Thanksgiving, it's on to decorating for Christmas. As all pitch in to make the spirits bright, younger sister Endora is dismayed to find some of the handsome men who've come to help doing more flirting than anything else. She's determined to show her sisters that no relationship is worth the heartbreak. But it might be Ursula who reminds the family that Christmas is a magical time, and finding new love is always a gift. Praise for Carolyn Brown: "Fans...will flip for this charming small-town tale."― Woman's World for The Sisters Café "Brown's characters easily inspire readers to care what happens to them."― Publishers Weekly for Bride for a Day "A sweet story about building family out of what life hands you."― Kirkus Reviews for Talk Cowboy to Me
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2023
445 people are currently reading
4334 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,125 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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January 27, 2025
EXCERPT: 'Holy . . .' Ursula was struck so speechless that she couldn't remember what to say next, but she was sure it had to be one of those four-letter words and had nothing to do with angels.
There was Great-Aunt Bernie sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee in one hand and the leash to her yappy little Chihuahua dog, Pepper, in the other.
'What,' Ursula muttered, 'the . . .'
There was no mistaking her elderly aunt with all that curly hair the color of a fire engine. Even just sitting there, she seemed to exude sass and opinions. Ursula was frozen in the driver's seat, and her hands seemed to be glued to the steering wheel. Bernie was supposed to be in Ratliffe City, Oklahoma, minding her own little dive bar. She only closed it on Christmas and Easter - never on Thanksgiving - so what was she doing in Spanish Fort, Texas, at the Paradise?
Aunt Bernie waved at her and Pepper started barking. Ursula raised her hand and waved back, then opened the vehicle door. The Thanksgiving holiday had just taken a hard left turn. The old gal did not have a filter on her mouth, and she was always, always ready to give advice - whether Ursula or any of her six sisters wanted it or not.
'It's about dang time you got here. I been sittin' out here on this porch all morning waitin' on you,' Bernie yelled as she pushed herself up from one of a half-dozen rocking chairs lined up across the front porch.
'Dang?' Ursula asked and managed a weak smile.
'Mary Jane says if I'm going to live here, I have to give up swearing, smoking cigars, and drinking bourbon before breakfast,' Bernie said with a sigh. 'But I figure it's a small price to pay. I eat chocolates instead of smokin' my Swisher sweets, and I have a little kick of Jameson in my coffee in the afternoon.'
She was barely five feet tall with bright red hair and blue eyes set in a bed of wrinkles. Ursula could still smell a faint whiff of Swisher Sweet cigars on her jacket, which meant she hadn't been in Spanish Fort for long. Bernie's Place, the name of her bar, was embroidered on her t-shirt, and her cowboy boots looked like they'd spent a good many years drawing up beer and pouring double shots of whiskey behind the bar.
'Live here?' Ursula muttered.
Bernie looped the end of Pepper's leash on the back of the rocking chair, and with her arms open, she met Ursula at the bottom of the steps leading up to the porch that wrapped around three sides of the house.
'Don't go getting your panties in a twist,' Bernie said as Ursula walked into her arms and bent down to hug her. 'I didn't take your room away from you, and I'm glad you have come home. It's time for you to get married and have some grandbabies for your mother.'
Thoughts were running through Ursula's mind like screaming kids on a merry-go-round. Did that mean Bernie had moved into one of the other sisters' rooms and Ursula would have to share her bedroom with one of them? Why did Bernie decide to move to Spanish Fort? And the biggest one was did Ursula's mother, Mary Jane, consent to such a crazy idea?
ABOUT 'PARADISE FOR CHRISTMAS': The oldest of seven sisters, Ursula Simmons has followed in her mother's footsteps as a novelist. With a bad case of writer's block, she brings her notebooks and computer home to the old brothel called Paradise where they all grew up, in the hope that being home for the holidays will inspire her—and since it's Christmas, all her sisters will be there too.
The sisters take the holidays very seriously, and as soon as they've celebrated Thanksgiving, it's on to decorating for Christmas. As all pitch in to make the spirits bright, younger sister Endora is dismayed to find some of the handsome men who've come to help doing more flirting than anything else. She's determined to show her sisters that no relationship is worth the heartbreak.
But it might be Ursula who reminds the family that Christmas is a magical time, and finding new love is always a gift.
MY THOUGHTS: If you like Christmas stories about large families, written with sass and humor, then Paradise for Christmas is for you.
There are a lot of characters with the seven sisters, their parents, Aunt Bernie and various boyfriends thrown into the mix, but it never really fazed me as each of the sisters has their own story and are easily differentiated.
I loved these sisters; they may squabble and posture, but when push comes to shove, they have each other's backs covered. Their squabbles are realistic and funny, and the Paradise must have been absolute Bedlam to live in when they were all small. I so want to read Trouble in Paradise which is the story of Mary Jane and Joe Clay Carter, who has taken on these seven girls as his own flesh and blood.
Paradise for Christmas is full of Christmas spirit with decorating, baking, entertaining, and making sure the folks in the old people's home don't miss out on the fun and festivities. Running alongside this is the story of two romances and one broken heart - a story filled with innumerable funny and heartwarming moments.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#Paradisefor Christmas #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks, Casablanca via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I combined reading and listening to Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown. Abigail Reno narrates the audiobook, and I'd be pushed to pick between the audio and the print.
Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown was published October 2023.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
There was Great-Aunt Bernie sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee in one hand and the leash to her yappy little Chihuahua dog, Pepper, in the other.
'What,' Ursula muttered, 'the . . .'
There was no mistaking her elderly aunt with all that curly hair the color of a fire engine. Even just sitting there, she seemed to exude sass and opinions. Ursula was frozen in the driver's seat, and her hands seemed to be glued to the steering wheel. Bernie was supposed to be in Ratliffe City, Oklahoma, minding her own little dive bar. She only closed it on Christmas and Easter - never on Thanksgiving - so what was she doing in Spanish Fort, Texas, at the Paradise?
Aunt Bernie waved at her and Pepper started barking. Ursula raised her hand and waved back, then opened the vehicle door. The Thanksgiving holiday had just taken a hard left turn. The old gal did not have a filter on her mouth, and she was always, always ready to give advice - whether Ursula or any of her six sisters wanted it or not.
'It's about dang time you got here. I been sittin' out here on this porch all morning waitin' on you,' Bernie yelled as she pushed herself up from one of a half-dozen rocking chairs lined up across the front porch.
'Dang?' Ursula asked and managed a weak smile.
'Mary Jane says if I'm going to live here, I have to give up swearing, smoking cigars, and drinking bourbon before breakfast,' Bernie said with a sigh. 'But I figure it's a small price to pay. I eat chocolates instead of smokin' my Swisher sweets, and I have a little kick of Jameson in my coffee in the afternoon.'
She was barely five feet tall with bright red hair and blue eyes set in a bed of wrinkles. Ursula could still smell a faint whiff of Swisher Sweet cigars on her jacket, which meant she hadn't been in Spanish Fort for long. Bernie's Place, the name of her bar, was embroidered on her t-shirt, and her cowboy boots looked like they'd spent a good many years drawing up beer and pouring double shots of whiskey behind the bar.
'Live here?' Ursula muttered.
Bernie looped the end of Pepper's leash on the back of the rocking chair, and with her arms open, she met Ursula at the bottom of the steps leading up to the porch that wrapped around three sides of the house.
'Don't go getting your panties in a twist,' Bernie said as Ursula walked into her arms and bent down to hug her. 'I didn't take your room away from you, and I'm glad you have come home. It's time for you to get married and have some grandbabies for your mother.'
Thoughts were running through Ursula's mind like screaming kids on a merry-go-round. Did that mean Bernie had moved into one of the other sisters' rooms and Ursula would have to share her bedroom with one of them? Why did Bernie decide to move to Spanish Fort? And the biggest one was did Ursula's mother, Mary Jane, consent to such a crazy idea?
ABOUT 'PARADISE FOR CHRISTMAS': The oldest of seven sisters, Ursula Simmons has followed in her mother's footsteps as a novelist. With a bad case of writer's block, she brings her notebooks and computer home to the old brothel called Paradise where they all grew up, in the hope that being home for the holidays will inspire her—and since it's Christmas, all her sisters will be there too.
The sisters take the holidays very seriously, and as soon as they've celebrated Thanksgiving, it's on to decorating for Christmas. As all pitch in to make the spirits bright, younger sister Endora is dismayed to find some of the handsome men who've come to help doing more flirting than anything else. She's determined to show her sisters that no relationship is worth the heartbreak.
But it might be Ursula who reminds the family that Christmas is a magical time, and finding new love is always a gift.
MY THOUGHTS: If you like Christmas stories about large families, written with sass and humor, then Paradise for Christmas is for you.
There are a lot of characters with the seven sisters, their parents, Aunt Bernie and various boyfriends thrown into the mix, but it never really fazed me as each of the sisters has their own story and are easily differentiated.
I loved these sisters; they may squabble and posture, but when push comes to shove, they have each other's backs covered. Their squabbles are realistic and funny, and the Paradise must have been absolute Bedlam to live in when they were all small. I so want to read Trouble in Paradise which is the story of Mary Jane and Joe Clay Carter, who has taken on these seven girls as his own flesh and blood.
Paradise for Christmas is full of Christmas spirit with decorating, baking, entertaining, and making sure the folks in the old people's home don't miss out on the fun and festivities. Running alongside this is the story of two romances and one broken heart - a story filled with innumerable funny and heartwarming moments.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#Paradisefor Christmas #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks, Casablanca via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I combined reading and listening to Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown. Abigail Reno narrates the audiobook, and I'd be pushed to pick between the audio and the print.
Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown was published October 2023.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 3, 2025
This is a Romance/Women's Fiction, and this is the first book in the Sisters in Paradise series. I really love the characters in this book, and I laughed so many times while reading this book. The beginning of this book pulled me into the story right away. There is so much Christmas work in this book. I just found myself losing interest in this story by around 50% into this book, and I had to make myself finish the book. There was nothing I did not like about the book it just did not have a lot going on. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
February 27, 2024
If it makes any difference- I listened to this book on the cusp of spring and I still liked it. I feel like that’s a lot to ask of a Christmas book because I typically only read them seasonally. I loved this great big family and thought the pair of romances were cute and even liked that they ended in a similar manner.
🌀Synopsis
Usula moved back home to pursue her dreams of writing. She’s having a hard time getting the story flow going and she’s sure she’s going to fail. Once she arrives in town the story really starts writing itself. Well, with the help of the new neighbor who happens to be very handsome. The two start spending time together under the guise of getting the story of his ancestors. It doesn’t take long before the two go beyond the story and realize there are true feelings there.
In the other corner is Endora, who is determined to show her many sisters that no man is worth it. It doesn’t work for her and she ends up falling head over heels for him.
🌀Synopsis
Usula moved back home to pursue her dreams of writing. She’s having a hard time getting the story flow going and she’s sure she’s going to fail. Once she arrives in town the story really starts writing itself. Well, with the help of the new neighbor who happens to be very handsome. The two start spending time together under the guise of getting the story of his ancestors. It doesn’t take long before the two go beyond the story and realize there are true feelings there.
In the other corner is Endora, who is determined to show her many sisters that no man is worth it. It doesn’t work for her and she ends up falling head over heels for him.
January 3, 2024
Coming home for the holidays, for her career, and a surprise chance at love with an old high school crush for the oldest Simmons sister paired with a new chance at love if the youngest Simmons sister can sort out the priority of love interest and family loyalty made for a warmhearted first in series from long-time favorite author, Carolyn Brown.
Paradise for Christmas is the first in a new series featuring seven sisters who scattered to the winds in their adulthood are trickling home to find their chance at love and happiness. However, some readers who read the older story, Trouble in Paradise, will be dancing up and down to see that this first in series is a follow up to see what came of those seven young girls who did some matchmaking to get themselves a daddy for Christmas long ago when the family first moved into the old brothel, Paradise.
Not one romance, but actually two take place since both Ursula and Luna share the narration and split the focus of the book. In truth, there is a third romance if one counts the historical couple that Ursula is writing about. So yes, Ursula is a chip off the block and a writer like her mama and she’s come back home to live where she hopes to get past her writer’s block and bust out a solid historical romance.
Ursula comes home for Thanksgiving which is a big family tradition that she and her sisters have never missed gathering for since that first Thanksgiving when their mom fell in love with Joe Clay. Coincidentally, she shares more than a pinchant for writing with her mom because she has come home to find her handsome highschool crush on hand. Remy was shy, awkward, and super smart and she thought he was too smart for the likes of her, but now he’s the boy next door grown up to be a handsome and worthy college history teacher and small spread rancher who has had a thing for Ursula for years and is doing something about it this time around.
Meanwhile, Ursula’s youngest twin sisters are in turmoil. Endora is hurting from her fiance and best friend cheating on her and then getting married. Endora is sulking and doesn’t want to see her sisters anywhere near men. Luna has always stuck close to her twin sister so she’s keeping her desire to leave teaching and a new romance with a handsome, local guy just back from the military who wants to open a country store and bait shop on his property along the Red River with Luna as his partner in the shop and love. Shane‘s getting tired of being her dirty secret from her sister and deserves to be openly part of her family because, like Remy, he’s an only child and alone for the holidays.
Paradise for Christmas is chock full of family holiday togetherness from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It catches up readers on what Mary Jane and Joe Clay and the seven sisters have been up to for the last twenty years, new character sassy Aunt Bernie, and is a good series starter for following each of the sisters now. It looks like there will be three books that will tackle two to three sisters‘ being spotlighted in each.
Not much in the way of conflict just people who need to figure out what they really want and to get past their vulnerabilities about lasting relationships. There are some jealousy-induced misunderstanding moments and a really funny Christmas party mishap, but for the most part, its gently-paced slice of life stuff for Ursula, Luna and their family and friends at the Paradise. Those who like it cozy, warm and full of family with their romance should slip this one onto their reading pile.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on Dec 28th.
Paradise for Christmas is the first in a new series featuring seven sisters who scattered to the winds in their adulthood are trickling home to find their chance at love and happiness. However, some readers who read the older story, Trouble in Paradise, will be dancing up and down to see that this first in series is a follow up to see what came of those seven young girls who did some matchmaking to get themselves a daddy for Christmas long ago when the family first moved into the old brothel, Paradise.
Not one romance, but actually two take place since both Ursula and Luna share the narration and split the focus of the book. In truth, there is a third romance if one counts the historical couple that Ursula is writing about. So yes, Ursula is a chip off the block and a writer like her mama and she’s come back home to live where she hopes to get past her writer’s block and bust out a solid historical romance.
Ursula comes home for Thanksgiving which is a big family tradition that she and her sisters have never missed gathering for since that first Thanksgiving when their mom fell in love with Joe Clay. Coincidentally, she shares more than a pinchant for writing with her mom because she has come home to find her handsome highschool crush on hand. Remy was shy, awkward, and super smart and she thought he was too smart for the likes of her, but now he’s the boy next door grown up to be a handsome and worthy college history teacher and small spread rancher who has had a thing for Ursula for years and is doing something about it this time around.
Meanwhile, Ursula’s youngest twin sisters are in turmoil. Endora is hurting from her fiance and best friend cheating on her and then getting married. Endora is sulking and doesn’t want to see her sisters anywhere near men. Luna has always stuck close to her twin sister so she’s keeping her desire to leave teaching and a new romance with a handsome, local guy just back from the military who wants to open a country store and bait shop on his property along the Red River with Luna as his partner in the shop and love. Shane‘s getting tired of being her dirty secret from her sister and deserves to be openly part of her family because, like Remy, he’s an only child and alone for the holidays.
Paradise for Christmas is chock full of family holiday togetherness from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It catches up readers on what Mary Jane and Joe Clay and the seven sisters have been up to for the last twenty years, new character sassy Aunt Bernie, and is a good series starter for following each of the sisters now. It looks like there will be three books that will tackle two to three sisters‘ being spotlighted in each.
Not much in the way of conflict just people who need to figure out what they really want and to get past their vulnerabilities about lasting relationships. There are some jealousy-induced misunderstanding moments and a really funny Christmas party mishap, but for the most part, its gently-paced slice of life stuff for Ursula, Luna and their family and friends at the Paradise. Those who like it cozy, warm and full of family with their romance should slip this one onto their reading pile.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on Dec 28th.
October 30, 2023
If you’ve never read a Carolyn Brown book here are reasons why you need to rectify that.
1. A lovely sentimental read.
2. Feisty Aunt Bernie who still kicks up her heels and nips the good stuff.
3. A sisterhood of seven sisters who even have a slumber party.
4. Ornery cows and cute critters.
5. Hussies and floozies
6. Hunky cowboys who don’t take themselves too seriously.
7. A warm hearted holiday read.
8. It’s a Carolyn Brown book!!!
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Edelweiss, NetGalley for the digital version.
1. A lovely sentimental read.
2. Feisty Aunt Bernie who still kicks up her heels and nips the good stuff.
3. A sisterhood of seven sisters who even have a slumber party.
4. Ornery cows and cute critters.
5. Hussies and floozies
6. Hunky cowboys who don’t take themselves too seriously.
7. A warm hearted holiday read.
8. It’s a Carolyn Brown book!!!
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Edelweiss, NetGalley for the digital version.
August 5, 2023
I received a free copy of, Paradise for Christmas, by Carolyn Brown, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one of the Sisters in Paradise series. Ursula Simmons is the oldest of seven sisters. Ursula decides to head home to Paradise, for the holiday season, and to see her sisters. What a great festive read, about family, love, holidays, sisters, misters, and of course jobs.
December 21, 2024
I am at a loss for words. This books was so poorly written I refuse to believe it wasn't written by AI. That or someone let a 13 year old girl write it. There was no story! Girls fall in love, no struggle to overcome. Then end up with puppies dropped on their doorstep for Pete's sake! Easily one of the worst books I've ever read. Carolyn Brown should be ashamed of herself.
July 28, 2023
"Paradise for Christmas" by Carolyn Brown is a heartwarming holiday novel that follows the story of Ursula Simmons, the oldest of seven sisters and a novelist facing writer's block. In search of inspiration, Ursula returns to her childhood home, an old brothel named Paradise, where she and her sisters grew up. It's Christmas time, and Ursula hopes that being home for the holidays will spark her creativity. Additionally, she looks forward to spending time with all her sisters, who are known for taking the holiday season very seriously.
The sisters are excitedly preparing for Christmas, and as they work together to decorate and celebrate, younger sister Endora becomes concerned about some of the handsome men who have come to help. She observes them flirting and is determined to show her sisters that getting into relationships might lead to heartbreak. However, amidst the holiday festivities, Ursula may be the one who reminds the family of the magic of Christmas and the possibility of finding new love, which can be a precious gift.
Set in the nostalgic and charming backdrop of the old brothel turned family home, "Paradise for Christmas" brings together themes of family, love, and the magic of the holiday season. The novel captures the spirit of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of love, support, and togetherness during this special time of the year.
Carolyn Brown's writing creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, making readers feel immersed in the joy and traditions of the holiday season. The story showcases the bonds between sisters and the unique dynamics of family relationships, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Overall, "Paradise for Christmas" is a delightful and heartwarming holiday read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about family, love, and the enchantment of Christmas. With its endearing characters and charming setting, the book spreads the joy and magic of the holiday season while reminding readers of the power of love and new beginnings.
The sisters are excitedly preparing for Christmas, and as they work together to decorate and celebrate, younger sister Endora becomes concerned about some of the handsome men who have come to help. She observes them flirting and is determined to show her sisters that getting into relationships might lead to heartbreak. However, amidst the holiday festivities, Ursula may be the one who reminds the family of the magic of Christmas and the possibility of finding new love, which can be a precious gift.
Set in the nostalgic and charming backdrop of the old brothel turned family home, "Paradise for Christmas" brings together themes of family, love, and the magic of the holiday season. The novel captures the spirit of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of love, support, and togetherness during this special time of the year.
Carolyn Brown's writing creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, making readers feel immersed in the joy and traditions of the holiday season. The story showcases the bonds between sisters and the unique dynamics of family relationships, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Overall, "Paradise for Christmas" is a delightful and heartwarming holiday read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about family, love, and the enchantment of Christmas. With its endearing characters and charming setting, the book spreads the joy and magic of the holiday season while reminding readers of the power of love and new beginnings.
July 22, 2024
Paradise for Christmas is the 1st book in the Sisters in Paradise series by Carolyn Brown. This book takes us to small town Nacona, Texas. The Simmons family has 7 girls and when their father left them, their mother raised them in the old brothel, known as The Paradise. Ursula Simmons, the oldest sister, is a novelist like her mother, and has writer's block. She has headed home for the holidays, hoping that will inspire her for her new book. Of course, all her sisters will be coming home as well. She is happy, yet surprised to meet up with Remy, her handsome highschool crush. Remy was shy, awkward, and super smart, and now he is back, with a small spread nearby and working as a college history teacher. The chemistry is there and it doesn't take long for them to become a couple, but, Ursula is just home for the holidays. Ursula's twin, Luna, has a secret she is keeping from her family, especially from Endora, who's fiance has left her for her best friend. Handsome veteran, Shane, wants Luna to let everyone know about their relationship, but can she let everyone know?
I really enjoyed this story. It is full of all the warmth, humor and sass that I love about Caroline Brown's books. Apparently, Trouble in Paradise, written back in 2005, is the story of Mary Jean Simmons and her present husband Joe Clay Carter, so I definitely want to read that before I continue with this series. I loved the characters in this book, as they are funny, caring, stick up for one another, loyal and loving. There is a lot of Christmas in this one with decorating, parties, charity work and presents. With two romances, a broken heart, swoon worthy love interests, a couple of tarts trying to get their men and a sassy aunt who shares some stories that make the girls turn red, I was all in. Another great read from Carolyn Brown. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration by Abigail Reno. There are a lot of characters, so it is important to pay close attention at the beginning to keep them all straight as the story progresses.
I really enjoyed this story. It is full of all the warmth, humor and sass that I love about Caroline Brown's books. Apparently, Trouble in Paradise, written back in 2005, is the story of Mary Jean Simmons and her present husband Joe Clay Carter, so I definitely want to read that before I continue with this series. I loved the characters in this book, as they are funny, caring, stick up for one another, loyal and loving. There is a lot of Christmas in this one with decorating, parties, charity work and presents. With two romances, a broken heart, swoon worthy love interests, a couple of tarts trying to get their men and a sassy aunt who shares some stories that make the girls turn red, I was all in. Another great read from Carolyn Brown. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration by Abigail Reno. There are a lot of characters, so it is important to pay close attention at the beginning to keep them all straight as the story progresses.
October 7, 2023
Set in a small town in Texas and including the most lovable characters one would ever hope to meet, this book is a Christmas treasure. The characters are the Simmons sisters and their parents, along with the humorous and gregarious Aunt Bernie. All of the sisters are coming home for Christmas and the drama is centered around Ursula who has quit teaching to pursue a career in writing, but she is suffering from writer’s block. The other featured character is Luna, a twin who is in love but who doesn’t want to upset Endora, her twin who just had a bad breakup. The story is really a story within a story as Ursula gets new inspiration from an old journal writes her book within the story of the family coming home for Christmas. There is some fascinating history here that reveals the heart and research that author Carolyn Brown poured into this novel. With laughter, a few tears and a lot of fun, the family has one of the best Christmases ever within the pages of this memorable and fast-paced book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and via Netgalley for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and via Netgalley for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
September 29, 2023
Ursula Simmons is the oldest of seven girls. We had her mother's story years ago. The girls are all grown and ready to marry? Endora was engaged and found out he was cheating on her. Her twin sister Luna is secretly dating, and Ursula starts seeing Remi the next-door neighbor. This is a wonderful story of the girls coming home for the holidays and finding love. There will be more stories on the sisters, and I can't wait. Of course, we have an older aunt that has moved to the Paradise with her dog which hates the household cat and trouble is sure to follow.
I just love these stories with humor and life stories of how to live your life.
I just love these stories with humor and life stories of how to live your life.
August 2, 2023
The seven Simmons sisters from Trouble In Paradise are grown up and finding their place in the world. This is Ursula and Luna's story. Everyone is home for Christmas. We also meet their Aunt Bernie. Settle in for a fun holiday at the Paradise.
I received this ARC from Net Galley for an honest review. You can't go wrong with a Carolyn Brown book.
I received this ARC from Net Galley for an honest review. You can't go wrong with a Carolyn Brown book.
November 22, 2023
I skimmed the last 40 pages or so and would have given up sooner if I weren’t such a book nerd lol. I think I would have loved this book maybe 10 years ago? But it just didn’t do it for me.
Read
November 5, 2023Dnf Just could not get into this book. It is just romance with no other plots. Usually love her books but this one bored me.
July 28, 2023
"Paradise for Christmas" by Carolyn Brown is a delightful holiday story about the return of the seven Simmons sisters to Paradise, a former brothel remodeled into the family home twenty years earlier. Novelist Ursula, the eldest Simmons sister, decides the cure for writers block is moving back home for a year for family time and much needed inspiration.
Ursula and youngest sister, Luna, meet charming young men who steal their hearts. However, Luna's twin Endora is dead set against any of her sisters facing the possibility of the heartbreak she is experiencing thanks to a cheating ex-fiance and ex-best friend. As the seven sisters prepare for and celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas they also help Endora heal her broken heart. Add in parents Mary Jean and Joe Clay, outspoken Aunt Bertie and her dog Pepper, and you have a loud, loving family!
As is common in Carolyn Brown's books, the themes of family, togetherness, traditions, relationships, overcoming life's roadblocks, and love are woven through every page. Paradise for Christmas is the sequel to Trouble in Paradise (2012) and book one of the Seven Sisters in Paradise series.
Ursula and youngest sister, Luna, meet charming young men who steal their hearts. However, Luna's twin Endora is dead set against any of her sisters facing the possibility of the heartbreak she is experiencing thanks to a cheating ex-fiance and ex-best friend. As the seven sisters prepare for and celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas they also help Endora heal her broken heart. Add in parents Mary Jean and Joe Clay, outspoken Aunt Bertie and her dog Pepper, and you have a loud, loving family!
As is common in Carolyn Brown's books, the themes of family, togetherness, traditions, relationships, overcoming life's roadblocks, and love are woven through every page. Paradise for Christmas is the sequel to Trouble in Paradise (2012) and book one of the Seven Sisters in Paradise series.
July 31, 2023
Paradise for Christmas returns Carolyn Brown’s fans to the small Texas town of Spanish Fort and the Paradise. Once a brothel, the Paradise is the large house that then single mother, Mary Jane bought to raise her seven daughter in. The girls that include two sets of twins now are grown, but it’s Thanksgiving and Christmas is coming. Great aunt Bernie, once a bar owner, now lives in a trailer right outside the back door. Bernie has two goals in life…to learn not to use those four letter words that are offensive to her niece/landlady and to find husbands for the seven girls. Christmas in Paradise is the first of a trilogy and focuses on the oldest, Ursula and the youngest Luna. This is a wonderful, often humorous story about family, traditions, and two budding romances that seem to be developing. Readers should love feisty Bernie who tells things like they are and takes no guff from anyone, and you never quite know exactly what is in her morning cup of coffee. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
July 31, 2023
My Thoughts
From the oldest to youngest meet the Simmons sisters, Ursula, Ophelia, Tertia, Rae, Bo, Endora and Luna.
Momma Mary Jane and Daddy Joe Clay along with Aunt Bernie, her Chihuahua Pepper and Sassy the undisputed cat queen of Paradise.
Be prepared for sibling drama, holiday traditions, good food I could almost taste and old friends as well as new that round out a very special time of year for everyone in and around Spanish Fort Texas.
Love is the theme for sure as new hopes and dreams are realized for both Ursula and Luna, personally and professionally.
A perfect read for a couple of hot summer days when the Christmas Holiday season is in your rearview.
[EArc from Netgalley]
October 10, 2023
Paradise for Christmas.
Carolyn Brown.
What's not to love Christmas and Carolyn Brown books. First the cover is absolutely Gorgeous.
I'm a Brown fan. I have read several books
My first book was the ladies room..
I've been hooked since.
Now Christmas for paradise
There's family and love.
A single mom raising her daughters.
So much love in paradise.
A delightfully story about holidays family.
I truly love how Mrs Brown wraps up a story.
A must read.. grab a Cuppa what ever you enjoy and sit back and enjoy.
From a true Carolyn Brown Fan.
Carolyn Brown.
What's not to love Christmas and Carolyn Brown books. First the cover is absolutely Gorgeous.
I'm a Brown fan. I have read several books
My first book was the ladies room..
I've been hooked since.
Now Christmas for paradise
There's family and love.
A single mom raising her daughters.
So much love in paradise.
A delightfully story about holidays family.
I truly love how Mrs Brown wraps up a story.
A must read.. grab a Cuppa what ever you enjoy and sit back and enjoy.
From a true Carolyn Brown Fan.
November 7, 2023
Ursula hopes that returning home may inspire her and help.her get rid of her writers block. The oldest of seven sisters she looks forward to catching up with her siblings. They all enjoy the holidays and take the time to do things up right. Younger sister Endora doesn't care foe all the flirting going on between the men who were invited to help decorate and her sisters. She doesn't think any relationship is with getting hurt. Ursula hates that her sister feels this way and is determined to show all of her sisters just how magical the holidays can be and that love is worth it.
August 30, 2023
I have come to learn that when you see a book written by Carolyn Brown you know it will be a good one. She starts you off with a great storyline and then shows you some funny characters who can also be serious when they need to be.
The book is about seven sisters and their Momma and will certainly entertain you as much as it did me. She definitely will not disappoint you. I could not put it down.
The book is about seven sisters and their Momma and will certainly entertain you as much as it did me. She definitely will not disappoint you. I could not put it down.
February 1, 2024
Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors, Paradise for Christmas takes us back to revisit with one of my favorite families. In this story line we watch as two of the sister, search for love and happiness. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone. I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am leaving my review voluntarily and the opinion expressed here are my own.
March 2, 2024
Overall: 4
Narration: 5
Spicy: 1
The spice in this book is off the page and more about the relationship between the characters. A great love story about admitting feeling from high school. In discovering this love the FMC finds her ability to write her next book like her famous mother. The FMC prepares their relationship with their older siblings.
Narration: 5
Spicy: 1
The spice in this book is off the page and more about the relationship between the characters. A great love story about admitting feeling from high school. In discovering this love the FMC finds her ability to write her next book like her famous mother. The FMC prepares their relationship with their older siblings.
March 10, 2024
An enjoyable start to a new series, Paradise for Christmas is Book 1 in Carolyn Brown's Sisters in Paradise. We meet all seven sisters, and it is fun to imagine them all getting their stories.
The audio version is performed by Abigail Reno and her performance is filled with Southern charm.
an audiobook copy of Paradise for Christmas was provided by Dreamscape Media for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The audio version is performed by Abigail Reno and her performance is filled with Southern charm.
an audiobook copy of Paradise for Christmas was provided by Dreamscape Media for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
October 17, 2024
A feel good story set at Christmas time and featuring seven sisters who are home. The book was an easy read.
October 11, 2023
Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown is the 1st book in her new Sisters in Paradise series. We meet Ursula Simmons, who is the oldest daughter of the seven sisters in this family. Ursula has decided to move back home to Paradise, which used to be an old brothel, with her mother still living there with her husband, Joe Clay (she was divorced at a young age, with the first husband leaving her to bring up seven young girls). The story revolves around the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and all seven children return home to be together to decorate and celebrate the holidays, (we meet the Simmons sisters, Ursula, Ophelia, Tertia, Rae, Bo, Endora and Luna)
The girl’s mother, Mary Jane is a famous novelist, and Ursula is also a writer, in the midst of a writer’s block that she hopes coming home will find her muse. She is trying to write a historical novel, based on Daisy, a mail order bride, who made friends with the madam during the old days. Ursula meets Remy, who lives next door, and someone she had a crush on in high school. In a short time, both Remy and Ursula will begin to have feelings for each other, as well as Remy helping her find old books about the brothel and Daisy, her muse. I really enjoyed Remy and Ursula, who were so great together.
Luna, the youngest sister (she is a twin, Endora), and she too finds someone she is falling in love with. Shane is her boyfriend, and their relationship escalates over time. They too were both great together. However, Luna and all the sisters try to help Endora get over her broken heart, when her boyfriend, was she caught having an affair with her best friend.
It was nice to see all the sisters return home to help celebrate the holidays, as well as all seven of them spending the day together buying presents for all. They all take the holidays very seriously, jumping from Thanksgiving and then Christmas. I loved how Mary Jane and Joe Clay (all the girls called him Daddy, since he was always part of the family) created such a wonderful family. I thought Aunt Bernie (a former bar owner) was a hoot, always pushing and using curses forcing Ursula and Luna into relationships. This was a great family with wonderful strong bonds.
Paradise For Christmas was an enchanting delightful family-oriented story that not only captured the holiday spirit, but emphasized a family filled with love, support, happiness and heartwarming. Paradise for Christmas was so very well written by Carolyn Brown. I look forward to seeing who will be the next two sisters.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
The girl’s mother, Mary Jane is a famous novelist, and Ursula is also a writer, in the midst of a writer’s block that she hopes coming home will find her muse. She is trying to write a historical novel, based on Daisy, a mail order bride, who made friends with the madam during the old days. Ursula meets Remy, who lives next door, and someone she had a crush on in high school. In a short time, both Remy and Ursula will begin to have feelings for each other, as well as Remy helping her find old books about the brothel and Daisy, her muse. I really enjoyed Remy and Ursula, who were so great together.
Luna, the youngest sister (she is a twin, Endora), and she too finds someone she is falling in love with. Shane is her boyfriend, and their relationship escalates over time. They too were both great together. However, Luna and all the sisters try to help Endora get over her broken heart, when her boyfriend, was she caught having an affair with her best friend.
It was nice to see all the sisters return home to help celebrate the holidays, as well as all seven of them spending the day together buying presents for all. They all take the holidays very seriously, jumping from Thanksgiving and then Christmas. I loved how Mary Jane and Joe Clay (all the girls called him Daddy, since he was always part of the family) created such a wonderful family. I thought Aunt Bernie (a former bar owner) was a hoot, always pushing and using curses forcing Ursula and Luna into relationships. This was a great family with wonderful strong bonds.
Paradise For Christmas was an enchanting delightful family-oriented story that not only captured the holiday spirit, but emphasized a family filled with love, support, happiness and heartwarming. Paradise for Christmas was so very well written by Carolyn Brown. I look forward to seeing who will be the next two sisters.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
October 9, 2023
Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown is a romance, but the romances take back seat to the family. Mary Jane had purchased the Paradise, a former brothel, to house her seven daughters. She had fallen in love with the man she hired to do renovations and all the girls considered Joe Clay their daddy. Recently great aunt Bernie had moved a small trailer onto the property in which to live with her chihuahua, Pepper. They didn’t really want her in the house, but she was not suited to a nursing home and she was family. Mary Jane was a novelist and her most successful books were based on a series of journals written by the residents of the Paradise. Joe Clay had found them during the renovation. Remy, Remington Baxter, lived next door where his parents had lived for years. He was Ursula’s crush in school and it looked like he still was. She had quit her job to come home for a year and work on her next novel, when Remy mentioned his gg-grandmother who had been a mail-order bride. He had her diary.
Eventually all seven sisters made it home to the Paradise for first, Thanksgiving, and then, Christmas. They spent a lot of time together and it felt good, to all of them. They were going to the city in Joe Clay’s van to shop when they nearly had a serious wreck, trying to avoid a deer in the road. It was a life changing moment for all of them, clarifying their paths forward. This was a thoroughly entertaining novel, full of diverse, well-written characters. It did not focus on romance, but it was there. Ursula found herself bound up in Daisy’s diary and in Remy, who taught at the college and was a small-time rancher. Watching him fend off women was beyond entertaining. There were so many amusing things in this book, I can’t begin to list them. But, most of all, it was full of love. This was far from the perfect family but don’t tell any of them that. Good read.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Paradise for Christmas by Sourcebooks Casablanca, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasablanca #CarolynBrown #ParadiseForChristmas
Eventually all seven sisters made it home to the Paradise for first, Thanksgiving, and then, Christmas. They spent a lot of time together and it felt good, to all of them. They were going to the city in Joe Clay’s van to shop when they nearly had a serious wreck, trying to avoid a deer in the road. It was a life changing moment for all of them, clarifying their paths forward. This was a thoroughly entertaining novel, full of diverse, well-written characters. It did not focus on romance, but it was there. Ursula found herself bound up in Daisy’s diary and in Remy, who taught at the college and was a small-time rancher. Watching him fend off women was beyond entertaining. There were so many amusing things in this book, I can’t begin to list them. But, most of all, it was full of love. This was far from the perfect family but don’t tell any of them that. Good read.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Paradise for Christmas by Sourcebooks Casablanca, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasablanca #CarolynBrown #ParadiseForChristmas
December 27, 2023
I found the story boring, slow, and I interesting.
Two sisters fall in love in just a few weeks and talk marriage and kids asap after being happily single in their 20s and early 30s? *Eye roll*
The book cover design should have been a sign on what I thought of the story, uninspiring. Couldn't the designer find one image from the story like a big snowman with a cowboy hall in front of a ranch house or have a boy and girl in silly elf outfits?
Two sisters fall in love in just a few weeks and talk marriage and kids asap after being happily single in their 20s and early 30s? *Eye roll*
The book cover design should have been a sign on what I thought of the story, uninspiring. Couldn't the designer find one image from the story like a big snowman with a cowboy hall in front of a ranch house or have a boy and girl in silly elf outfits?
March 27, 2024
Thank you so much to #NetGalley for an ARC of #ParadiseforChristmas by Carolyn Brown!
With Ursula Simmons struggling to overcome her writer’s block, she decides to return home for focus and inspiration. Her author-mother guides and encourages her, but it’s her budding romance with old friend and neighbor, Remy, that provides the inspiration emotionally and also in the form of an old family journal he shares with her. Younger sister, Luna, is also enjoying a new romance, which she desperately tries to hide from her twin sister Endora, who is recovering from recent heartbreak as a result of her fiancé and best friend cheating on her. Aunt Bernie has shown up to live on the family property, and she is full of “wisdom” and unsolicited advice which add the perfect amount of spice to the story. Carolyn Brown’s novel gives readers another taste of life with the seven Simmons sisters while adding all of the holiday chaos, drama, and feels from decorating the family home and trees, special holiday meals, community events, holiday parties, and many reminders of the importance of love and loyalty. A fun read!
With Ursula Simmons struggling to overcome her writer’s block, she decides to return home for focus and inspiration. Her author-mother guides and encourages her, but it’s her budding romance with old friend and neighbor, Remy, that provides the inspiration emotionally and also in the form of an old family journal he shares with her. Younger sister, Luna, is also enjoying a new romance, which she desperately tries to hide from her twin sister Endora, who is recovering from recent heartbreak as a result of her fiancé and best friend cheating on her. Aunt Bernie has shown up to live on the family property, and she is full of “wisdom” and unsolicited advice which add the perfect amount of spice to the story. Carolyn Brown’s novel gives readers another taste of life with the seven Simmons sisters while adding all of the holiday chaos, drama, and feels from decorating the family home and trees, special holiday meals, community events, holiday parties, and many reminders of the importance of love and loyalty. A fun read!
January 3, 2024
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
I'm a huge fan of Carolyn Brown's books and Christmas books, but this one just failed to hit the mark in my opinion. I think part of the reason I didn't get into this book as much as I wanted to was because Paradise for Christmas has a LOT of characters to keep track of and different plots/relationships going on simultaneously. This was overload on my brain. During the winter I like to snuggle up with a nice, cheesy Christmas romance that allows me to escape the drama of my life, not try to sort out the numerous characters'. This was an ok read. Give it a shot, you may like it better than I did.
I'm a huge fan of Carolyn Brown's books and Christmas books, but this one just failed to hit the mark in my opinion. I think part of the reason I didn't get into this book as much as I wanted to was because Paradise for Christmas has a LOT of characters to keep track of and different plots/relationships going on simultaneously. This was overload on my brain. During the winter I like to snuggle up with a nice, cheesy Christmas romance that allows me to escape the drama of my life, not try to sort out the numerous characters'. This was an ok read. Give it a shot, you may like it better than I did.
September 28, 2023
If there was ever a book that made me wish I wasn't an only child, Carolyn Brown's Paradise for Christmas is that book, and it's the first of several novels each featuring one or more of the 7 sisters who reunite for the holidays. In this novel, Paradise is a 100-year-old former brothel, refurbished and converted into a home for a divorced and remarried author and her 7 daughters, all of whom return to Paradise to celebrate Thanksgiving through Christmas. It also features a trope I love, a story within a story, and it earned 4.5 stars from this reader.
The oldest sister, 33-year-old Ursula, is the first to arrive home, and she takes after her mother--both are romance authors, but Ursula has writer's block and a deadline for her next novel. She's also soon reunited with her junior and senior high school crush, Remy Baxter, who lives just a fence and a short walk away from the former brothel. When Remy, a descendent of the brothel owner, Daisy, mentions to Ursula that he is in possession of Daisy's diary, he's also happy to let Ursula read it, and it's there that finds her inspiration, and it's also how these two adults who crushed on each other while schoolmates, admit to still being attracted to one another. It's a sweet love story, and the more time Remy spends with the family next door, he, who grew up without a father or siblings, is more and more convinced that he now wants a big family of his own.
Next to arrive is the youngest sister, Luna, and she too finds romance at Paradise, but her twin, Endora is still depressed and reeling from discovering that her fiance was cheating on her with her best friend, and Luna is doing her best to get Endora out of her case of the doldrums which have her believing that no man is trustworthy, and Luna feels that she has to hide her growing attraction and feelings for Shane.
As each sister arrives home, and yes, there's another set of twins in the mix, we learn little bit more about them, and they will eventually each be featured in upcoming novels, but for now, they are all there, and are preparing to make special memories for Christmas, revisiting old family traditions and making new family traditions. And, living her her small mobine home out back, is Aunt Bernie, and she's a hoot-and-a-half. She owned her own bar for 60 years, has plenty of stories to tell, is trying to stop swearing like a sailor on leave, and is trying to give her own brand of advice to her beloved nieces.
Having read and reviewed a number of Carolyn Brown's well-written, heartwarming novels, her Christmas-themed ones are special, and they always leave you with what I refer to as the "warm fuzzies." I'm so happy that I was able to get a chance to read this first novel in the this series. I love her well-developed characters, both past and present, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next novel in this series. My only issue with this novel, and the reason for the 4.5 star rating, was the rather abrupt HEA ending, which is my way of stating that I didn't want this sweet, nostalgic novel to end, and I think you'll feel the same way.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The oldest sister, 33-year-old Ursula, is the first to arrive home, and she takes after her mother--both are romance authors, but Ursula has writer's block and a deadline for her next novel. She's also soon reunited with her junior and senior high school crush, Remy Baxter, who lives just a fence and a short walk away from the former brothel. When Remy, a descendent of the brothel owner, Daisy, mentions to Ursula that he is in possession of Daisy's diary, he's also happy to let Ursula read it, and it's there that finds her inspiration, and it's also how these two adults who crushed on each other while schoolmates, admit to still being attracted to one another. It's a sweet love story, and the more time Remy spends with the family next door, he, who grew up without a father or siblings, is more and more convinced that he now wants a big family of his own.
Next to arrive is the youngest sister, Luna, and she too finds romance at Paradise, but her twin, Endora is still depressed and reeling from discovering that her fiance was cheating on her with her best friend, and Luna is doing her best to get Endora out of her case of the doldrums which have her believing that no man is trustworthy, and Luna feels that she has to hide her growing attraction and feelings for Shane.
As each sister arrives home, and yes, there's another set of twins in the mix, we learn little bit more about them, and they will eventually each be featured in upcoming novels, but for now, they are all there, and are preparing to make special memories for Christmas, revisiting old family traditions and making new family traditions. And, living her her small mobine home out back, is Aunt Bernie, and she's a hoot-and-a-half. She owned her own bar for 60 years, has plenty of stories to tell, is trying to stop swearing like a sailor on leave, and is trying to give her own brand of advice to her beloved nieces.
Having read and reviewed a number of Carolyn Brown's well-written, heartwarming novels, her Christmas-themed ones are special, and they always leave you with what I refer to as the "warm fuzzies." I'm so happy that I was able to get a chance to read this first novel in the this series. I love her well-developed characters, both past and present, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next novel in this series. My only issue with this novel, and the reason for the 4.5 star rating, was the rather abrupt HEA ending, which is my way of stating that I didn't want this sweet, nostalgic novel to end, and I think you'll feel the same way.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
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