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Bayview Heights #2
Because It's Christmas
To most people in the small town of Bayview Heights, high school principal Seth Taylor is a hero. But Seth has never forgotten the mistakes he made years ago with his students. And neither has reporter Lacey Cartwright, because one involved her brother, who’s now in jail. With her grandfather pressuring her to destroy Seth in the town newspaper, Seth invites Lacey to come to the school and see what the teachers really do with kids. Attraction then love flares between these two star-crossed people. If Lacey starts to show her support - and her true feelings - for Seth, she will she lose what’s left of her family?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1998
923 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Shay
174 books501 followersKathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first 'romance,' a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists - and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 13, 2017
This Christmas story captured the spirit of the season by allowing families face the harsh realities of personal choice.
Seth was an amazing principal that attempts to help children as they struggle with the difficult situations of Being a teen.
I enjoyed the concepts they came up with. It was an emotional read.
Seth was an amazing principal that attempts to help children as they struggle with the difficult situations of Being a teen.
I enjoyed the concepts they came up with. It was an emotional read.
Want to read
November 21, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/21/2021)! 🎁
December 20, 2017
A quick easy read that seemed familiar. I might have read this one years ago.
December 11, 2017
This Christmas romance was actually first published in 1998, so some of the dialog and actions seem anachronistic today. While I did get caught up in the story and found myself pulling for the characters, I was fairly annoyed and disappointed in several elements. Perhaps some of these items are due to the book having been written 20 years ago. Minor spoilers: I found it very difficult to believe that Lacey ever blamed Seth for her brother's mistakes. I was gratified when she finally admitted the truth, but could not stomach that she continued to favor her grandfather's viewpoint to the point where should could not be with Seth. It did not seem realistic to me. I also was disappointed in the choices of Seth and Lacey to be intimate with no expectation of a future together. And I don't think even 20 years ago that someone could be approved as a foster parent without having prepared their home for the child and having it be inspected, along with interviews and background checks on the prospective foster parent. I like the details to make sense in the books that I read, so these things were big detractors.
December 4, 2018
3.5, bumped to 4 Superhero Stars. This is cute, quick, and sometimes tough. Because It’s Christmas is the second in the Bayview Heights series by Ms Shay. You don’t absolutely have to read Cop of the Year first, but Because It’s Christmas will be more enjoyable if you do.
Seth Taylor is the principal of Bayview Heights High School and is questioning his effectiveness there. He’s in his 25th year in education and is in a funk. He’s contemplating a new position that has just opened up at the state level. Lacey recently left a position at an LA paper, where she was a hotshot reporter and following her dreams, to come back to Bayview and take over the day-to-day running of the newspaper her grandfather started. He is in poor health and has been ever since Lacey’s brother, Kevin, was put in prison. He also blames Seth Taylor for all of their problems. So does Lacy. At least for a while.
This is not a new storyline, but the characters make it an engaging story all the same. Because It’s Christmas is set in the 90s so be prepared to go back in time. There is a reference to George Bailey and It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s not a retelling of that story but there are some similarities. All in all, this is a moving story about miracles at Christmastime.
Seth Taylor is the principal of Bayview Heights High School and is questioning his effectiveness there. He’s in his 25th year in education and is in a funk. He’s contemplating a new position that has just opened up at the state level. Lacey recently left a position at an LA paper, where she was a hotshot reporter and following her dreams, to come back to Bayview and take over the day-to-day running of the newspaper her grandfather started. He is in poor health and has been ever since Lacey’s brother, Kevin, was put in prison. He also blames Seth Taylor for all of their problems. So does Lacy. At least for a while.
This is not a new storyline, but the characters make it an engaging story all the same. Because It’s Christmas is set in the 90s so be prepared to go back in time. There is a reference to George Bailey and It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s not a retelling of that story but there are some similarities. All in all, this is a moving story about miracles at Christmastime.
December 20, 2017
Because It's Christmas by Kathryn Shay
Have read many of the authors books and have enjoyed them.
Starts out with Lacey and she's there to visit with her brother in prison as she tries to rehab him before he gets out.
He was the one who helped their grandfather when he had the heart attack...
Seth Taylor is the one who put him in prison. She's a writer for the paper and Seth is the school principal.
Story also follows Seth and how he wants to run the school. Lacey has her own ideas and has voiced them in the paper.
Story also follows Kevin and his stay in prison and what he goes through...
Lots of action and drama and sensual scenes. Secrets that come to light....controversy and compromises and negotiations.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end and an excerpt from the next in the series.
Free copy via Kindle.
Have read many of the authors books and have enjoyed them.
Starts out with Lacey and she's there to visit with her brother in prison as she tries to rehab him before he gets out.
He was the one who helped their grandfather when he had the heart attack...
Seth Taylor is the one who put him in prison. She's a writer for the paper and Seth is the school principal.
Story also follows Seth and how he wants to run the school. Lacey has her own ideas and has voiced them in the paper.
Story also follows Kevin and his stay in prison and what he goes through...
Lots of action and drama and sensual scenes. Secrets that come to light....controversy and compromises and negotiations.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end and an excerpt from the next in the series.
Free copy via Kindle.
December 13, 2017
I'm conflicted on this book. The story itself was good but not at all what I expected. The description said it was a retelling of It's a Wonderful Life but excepting the one night tribute/celebration for Seth I didn't see that at all. Also, the title made it sound far more Christmasy than the actual story was. I think only the last two chapters had anything at all to do with Christmas.
The book was high on angst and trauma so don't expect a light hearted read.
The most disappointing thing to me and the reason for the lower rating is that the book contained sex. I don't care to read that. I skimmed and skipped through those scenes so I can't say exactly how graphic but the part I read was getting pretty graphic in my opinion.
Also contained language including deity.
The book was high on angst and trauma so don't expect a light hearted read.
The most disappointing thing to me and the reason for the lower rating is that the book contained sex. I don't care to read that. I skimmed and skipped through those scenes so I can't say exactly how graphic but the part I read was getting pretty graphic in my opinion.
Also contained language including deity.
December 13, 2017
Good storyline...not a sweet read, though
When the local newspaper owner falls into ill health, his talented granddaughter moves back home to take over. He expects that she will also continue his barrage against the local high school's principal, whom he considers to be the source of his grandson's downfall. She tries to believe the worst, but is overwhelmed with the principal's character and his unfailing belief in the goodness of the kids in his school. Of course she falls for him, and though her grandfather forces her to choose between them, love shines through in the end. I would have given this book five stars based on the quality of the story, but the sex scenes, while not outrageous or raunchy, really did nothing to add to it, and were not necessary.
When the local newspaper owner falls into ill health, his talented granddaughter moves back home to take over. He expects that she will also continue his barrage against the local high school's principal, whom he considers to be the source of his grandson's downfall. She tries to believe the worst, but is overwhelmed with the principal's character and his unfailing belief in the goodness of the kids in his school. Of course she falls for him, and though her grandfather forces her to choose between them, love shines through in the end. I would have given this book five stars based on the quality of the story, but the sex scenes, while not outrageous or raunchy, really did nothing to add to it, and were not necessary.
December 22, 2017
Another great story from Kathryn Shay. This holiday themed book goes back to Bayview Heights for another story centered in the high school. Shay does a pretty good job conveying the workings of a high school and it’s staff though some elements are oversimplified and unrealistic. The main characters here, Lacey and Seth, fight their attraction to each other due to an incident from the past involving Lacey’s brother and Seth. That incident has Lacey’s grandfather hating Seth and Lacey is stuck between the two men. Some elements of the story are well conveyed but others are glossed over a bit too easily.
I had read the first book in this series, Cop of the Year, a while ago so it was nice to revisit the characters. I’m sure I will read book 3 as well.
I had read the first book in this series, Cop of the Year, a while ago so it was nice to revisit the characters. I’m sure I will read book 3 as well.
January 5, 2023
I loved it!
Kathryn Shay has written a marvelous enemies to lovers romance! The contentious connection between Lacey and Seth, slowly give way to respect and admiration!
While they finally grow to love each other, the heavy angst was overbearing and rediculous! As a plot element it worked, but it was unrealistic and disturbing! A great story otherwise, because the schools efforts to enable the students, intervene when necessary and encourage community service, were inspiring!
This story was a tribute to teachers, administrators and students! A remarkable testament to the impact schools can have on those they"educate"!
This storyline had all the "feels" so keep your kleenex handy! The book addressed many real life issues!
Kathryn Shay has written a marvelous enemies to lovers romance! The contentious connection between Lacey and Seth, slowly give way to respect and admiration!
While they finally grow to love each other, the heavy angst was overbearing and rediculous! As a plot element it worked, but it was unrealistic and disturbing! A great story otherwise, because the schools efforts to enable the students, intervene when necessary and encourage community service, were inspiring!
This story was a tribute to teachers, administrators and students! A remarkable testament to the impact schools can have on those they"educate"!
This storyline had all the "feels" so keep your kleenex handy! The book addressed many real life issues!
December 20, 2022
Emotional novel
At first I was wondering just what type of Christmas story starts with a prison visit but immediately I was drawn into the story of Lacey, her grandfather Philip, her inmate brother Kevin, and Seth, the high school principal. The author did a fantastic job of detailing each main characters' emotions. Describing the hard work of teachers and school administrators plus the issues they face daily, brought new appreciation to me of their work. This story was very emotional but told very well. I believe in Christmas miracles and especially enjoy reading about them! I would read more from this author.
At first I was wondering just what type of Christmas story starts with a prison visit but immediately I was drawn into the story of Lacey, her grandfather Philip, her inmate brother Kevin, and Seth, the high school principal. The author did a fantastic job of detailing each main characters' emotions. Describing the hard work of teachers and school administrators plus the issues they face daily, brought new appreciation to me of their work. This story was very emotional but told very well. I believe in Christmas miracles and especially enjoy reading about them! I would read more from this author.
December 29, 2017
To be honest, I was looking for a feel good read when I picked up Because It's Christmas. What I got was a much more! The idea that reporter like Lacey could fall for the one man in her life she hated just didn't seem possible. Principle Seth Taylor is the man responsible for the misery in her family. Kathryn Shay has been writing stories about educators in such a light that a person can almost understand how much it takes to be a teacher or counselor. There's a love story that you can not deny!
November 19, 2022
Christmas, love and drama, what could go wrong? To most people, Seth Taylor, the principal at Bayview High is revered and looked up to. However an incident with a student haunts Seth. Lacey Cartwright has moved home to Bayview Heights. Her grandfather blames the principal Seth Taylor for the fact that Lacey's younger brother is in jail. Despite the grudge her grandfather has against Seth, Lacey and Seth develop feelings for each other. Will Larry's grandfather allow the relationship to continue and a happily ever after or will Seth be run out of town?
December 5, 2017
Heart wrenching
Lacey Cartwright is carrying on her grandfather's vendetta against Seth Taylor. Seth Taylor is the principal of Bayview Heights high school. She continues to write editorials disparaging him and the work he does. Until he challenges her to join committees to get an idea. In the process they fall in love. But grandpa is not done. There will be no happy ever if he has any say. Christmas is a time for miracles and this is no different. You will love the ending.
Lacey Cartwright is carrying on her grandfather's vendetta against Seth Taylor. Seth Taylor is the principal of Bayview Heights high school. She continues to write editorials disparaging him and the work he does. Until he challenges her to join committees to get an idea. In the process they fall in love. But grandpa is not done. There will be no happy ever if he has any say. Christmas is a time for miracles and this is no different. You will love the ending.
December 11, 2017
Definite read!
Seth and Lacie have had tumultuous pasts and now everything imaginable has been thrown in their paths to move forward.Seth must overcome his feelings of guilt for a decision he made regarding a student with violent tendencies. Lacie must deal with her anger with the man she, and her grandfather, hold responsible for putting her brother in jail. The more she learns about this man the more she wonders if her views have been unjustly influenced by her grandfather
Seth and Lacie have had tumultuous pasts and now everything imaginable has been thrown in their paths to move forward.Seth must overcome his feelings of guilt for a decision he made regarding a student with violent tendencies. Lacie must deal with her anger with the man she, and her grandfather, hold responsible for putting her brother in jail. The more she learns about this man the more she wonders if her views have been unjustly influenced by her grandfather
December 16, 2017
Because It's Christmas (Bayview Heights Book 2)
Their live story of Lace and Seth. Lace' s brother is sent to prison after a fight in the high school and her grandfather blame Seth for it. How Philip, the grandfather, and Lace own a newspaper and are jawing it to dog Seth. Seth want Lace to work with the school to get better story but love grow. Story to slow and characters had no I've.
Their live story of Lace and Seth. Lace' s brother is sent to prison after a fight in the high school and her grandfather blame Seth for it. How Philip, the grandfather, and Lace own a newspaper and are jawing it to dog Seth. Seth want Lace to work with the school to get better story but love grow. Story to slow and characters had no I've.
December 18, 2017
Love is a Hard
In Because It's Christmas, Kathryn Shay writes a wonderful, heart felt, tear jerker of a story. The characters come off the page with all of their joy, pain, and angst. You will smile, laugh, and cry over their situations. You will end up loving all the characters and hoping for their happily ever after. Kathryn Shah is a wonderful author if you are in the mood to curl up with a book about our every day heroes and a hot cup of cocoa.
In Because It's Christmas, Kathryn Shay writes a wonderful, heart felt, tear jerker of a story. The characters come off the page with all of their joy, pain, and angst. You will smile, laugh, and cry over their situations. You will end up loving all the characters and hoping for their happily ever after. Kathryn Shah is a wonderful author if you are in the mood to curl up with a book about our every day heroes and a hot cup of cocoa.
January 1, 2018
Family obligations and guilt can wreak havoc on a relationship before it has a chance to bloom. Lacey, a newspaper editor, and Seth, a high school principal, butt heads over the high school environment. The majority of her animosity is based on what happened in the past, so Seth has his work cut out for him in convincing her that the school of today (as well as him) isn't the same as the school back then.
December 15, 2023
Love Conquers
Lacey has lived a life of emotional hardship. All she has is her grandfather, her job, and a longing for live and a family. Seth Taylor renters her life. She desperately want s to hate him because of what happened to her brother, but as she gets to know him finds more and more to like, and love. However her grandfather hates Seth and refuses to see any good in him. A really goid Christmas story of forgiveness and love.
Lacey has lived a life of emotional hardship. All she has is her grandfather, her job, and a longing for live and a family. Seth Taylor renters her life. She desperately want s to hate him because of what happened to her brother, but as she gets to know him finds more and more to like, and love. However her grandfather hates Seth and refuses to see any good in him. A really goid Christmas story of forgiveness and love.
November 18, 2024
Wow, this book takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster. There is so much tumultuousness, with heartache, love, forgiveness, second chances and hope. See how perceptions of a person can change once you take your blinders off. As they say, there are two sides to every story; will you have the grace to listen to both sides and not judge either? See how a small-town newspaper editor learns all about good and bad and how to meet in the middle.
December 29, 2017
I thought Lacey and her grandfather were unreasonable in their beliefs and actions towards Seth, blaming them for Lacey's brother being in prison without accepting any responsibility for themselves. I also didn't think a high school principal and a newspaper editor careful of their reputations in a small town would so immediately jump into bed, especially without any expectation of a future for them as a couple--and I didn't appreciate the sex and language. Otherwise I enjoyed the story enough to finish it.
December 3, 2018
not a fan
Not a fan of this one. Not only was it not clean but the characters were ridiculous. Lacey was extremely weak (seriously stand up for yourself and the man you supposedly love) and Phillip was a jerk. No wonder Kevin was such a mess when they blamed his choices on other people instead of getting him the help he needed.
Not a fan of this one. Not only was it not clean but the characters were ridiculous. Lacey was extremely weak (seriously stand up for yourself and the man you supposedly love) and Phillip was a jerk. No wonder Kevin was such a mess when they blamed his choices on other people instead of getting him the help he needed.
October 1, 2019
GREAT!!
Kathryn Shay does it again. Working with teens can be a heartbreak or often very rewarding. This principal and journalist work their way through maybe obstacles. Love, patience and understanding are major keys to success in many of life’s problems. Can this couple find their way together in spite of everything? Read this story to find out — you won’t be sorry.
Kathryn Shay does it again. Working with teens can be a heartbreak or often very rewarding. This principal and journalist work their way through maybe obstacles. Love, patience and understanding are major keys to success in many of life’s problems. Can this couple find their way together in spite of everything? Read this story to find out — you won’t be sorry.
November 21, 2021
Christmas Delight
Seth was a high school principal. Lacey came back to town after her grandfather 's heart attack to help run his paper. She was sorry to read the attacks on Seth because of her brother's actions. Her grandfather couldn't forgive Seth's failure to turn him around and prevent his prison sentence.
Seth was a high school principal. Lacey came back to town after her grandfather 's heart attack to help run his paper. She was sorry to read the attacks on Seth because of her brother's actions. Her grandfather couldn't forgive Seth's failure to turn him around and prevent his prison sentence.
November 2, 2022
A touching Christmas tale with a multitude of emotions. Family dynamics, small town politics, emotional issues and personal issues all come together in this touching story. Can two people overcome all the obstacles to their happily ever after? You will just have to read it like I did to find out.
ps: I loved it!
ps: I loved it!
November 29, 2022
What is sweet sweet warming story With just the right amount of friction
I enjoyed this story the characters were interesting and engaging. I liked them and didn't like others very strongly. The author really surprise me with the ending so I won't give away any of it but this is a story if you want a variety of emotions you need to read it too.
I enjoyed this story the characters were interesting and engaging. I liked them and didn't like others very strongly. The author really surprise me with the ending so I won't give away any of it but this is a story if you want a variety of emotions you need to read it too.
December 23, 2022
ebook
She’s home to care for her grandpop after his heart attack. He’s got a vendetta against the high school principal after his grandson was kicked out of school. His grandson then went to jail. Unfortunately his granddaughter falls for the principal after taking over the newspaper. It’s an awful situation but can she give him up as her grandpop wants?
She’s home to care for her grandpop after his heart attack. He’s got a vendetta against the high school principal after his grandson was kicked out of school. His grandson then went to jail. Unfortunately his granddaughter falls for the principal after taking over the newspaper. It’s an awful situation but can she give him up as her grandpop wants?
January 3, 2024
Lacey and Seth
The attraction is strong but there are reasons they shouldn't be together. As Lacey spends more time with Seth she finds out what kind of man he really is, not what she thought he was. They have many Obstacles to over come if they want the together. A good story line with romance and some drama that keeps you turning the pages.
The attraction is strong but there are reasons they shouldn't be together. As Lacey spends more time with Seth she finds out what kind of man he really is, not what she thought he was. They have many Obstacles to over come if they want the together. A good story line with romance and some drama that keeps you turning the pages.
December 13, 2017
Great story with wonderful characters. Emotions from grief to extreme happiness throughout the book. Ms. Shay doesn't disappoint! The well-written story with fantastic characters made the story hard to put down.
December 6, 2017
All in all, pretty good
This was a good story with characters that were believable. The usual editing/proofing errors found in ebooks were there but did not get in the way of enjoyment.
This was a good story with characters that were believable. The usual editing/proofing errors found in ebooks were there but did not get in the way of enjoyment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews