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Twins for the Holidays: A Clean and Uplifting Romance
Could an accidental marriage…
Become happily-ever-after?
Rayne Rothchild returns to Polk Island after years away. She left her husband after their impulsive marriage. She can’t believe she wed her boss, Taylor Carrington…and now she’s the mother of their twins! The holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect with her estranged family…until Taylor shows up, hurt, shocked and needing answers. Can the magic of the season open their hearts to love and forgiveness this Christmas?
From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
Polk Island
Book 1: A Family for the Firefighter
Book 2: Her Hometown Hero
Book 3: Her Marine Hero
Book 4: His Partnership Proposal
Book 5: Twins for the Holidays
Become happily-ever-after?
Rayne Rothchild returns to Polk Island after years away. She left her husband after their impulsive marriage. She can’t believe she wed her boss, Taylor Carrington…and now she’s the mother of their twins! The holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect with her estranged family…until Taylor shows up, hurt, shocked and needing answers. Can the magic of the season open their hearts to love and forgiveness this Christmas?
From Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
Polk Island
Book 1: A Family for the Firefighter
Book 2: Her Hometown Hero
Book 3: Her Marine Hero
Book 4: His Partnership Proposal
Book 5: Twins for the Holidays
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 28, 2023
About the author
Jacquelin Thomas
125 books413 followersJacquelin Thomas is an award-winning, best selling author with 94 titles published. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. Jacquelin was a 2005 honoree at the Houston Black Film Festival for the movie adaptation of her novel, Hidden Blessings. She was the first recipient to receive the Writers Achievement Award at the North Carolina Book Festival in Winston-Salem. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times Magazine.
Jacquelin has published in the romance, women's fiction, inspirational and young adult genres. Her second book in the YA series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award.
Jacquelin is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.
Jacquelin has published in the romance, women's fiction, inspirational and young adult genres. Her second book in the YA series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award.
Jacquelin is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 20, 2023
Rayne Rothchild is resolute about shielding her twins from the judgments tied to her mother's past affair with a married man. Leaving Los Angeles without informing the father of her babies, she believes it's a protective measure, assuming he never expressed a desire for marriage or fatherhood. However, when Taylor discovers the truth, he unexpectedly steps up, challenging Rayne's expectations. Now faced with the decision of whether to proceed with a divorce or explore the potential for their friendship and growing attraction to evolve into something more, including love.
Taylor and Rayne's narrative was delightful – he served as her boss, but their connection extended to friendship. Opting for a divorce initially, their situation takes a turn when Rayne discovers she's pregnant. She flees, prompting Taylor to exhaust all efforts to locate her. The book thoroughly enjoyable, as both characters grappled with substantial baggage.
Taylor and Rayne's narrative was delightful – he served as her boss, but their connection extended to friendship. Opting for a divorce initially, their situation takes a turn when Rayne discovers she's pregnant. She flees, prompting Taylor to exhaust all efforts to locate her. The book thoroughly enjoyable, as both characters grappled with substantial baggage.
December 3, 2023
Another in the Polk Island series, in which Rayne Rothchild is determined to protect her twins from the accusations she received as the daughter of a woman who'd had an affair with a married man years earlier. When she leaves LA without telling the father of her babies that she was pregnant by him and that he was a father, she thinks she's protecting herself as well. After all, he'd never said he wanted to be married or be a father.
But Taylor finds out, and steps up in ways Rayne never expects and now she has to decide if she really wants a divorce from him or if they can somehow make their friendship and increasing attraction into something even more, including love.
Will they succeed or will the many secrets held by both of them prevent their movement forward into spouses and parents?
But Taylor finds out, and steps up in ways Rayne never expects and now she has to decide if she really wants a divorce from him or if they can somehow make their friendship and increasing attraction into something even more, including love.
Will they succeed or will the many secrets held by both of them prevent their movement forward into spouses and parents?
November 22, 2023
Twins for the holiday by Jacquelin Thomas
A Clean and Uplifting Romance
(Polk Island Book 5)
Could an accidental marriage…
Become happily-ever-after?
Rayne Rothchild returns to Polk Island after years away. She left her husband after their impulsive marriage. She can’t believe she wed her boss, Taylor Carrington…and now she’s the mother of their twins! The holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect with her estranged family…until Taylor shows up, hurt, shocked and needing answers. Can the magic of the season open their hearts to love and forgiveness this Christmas?
This is Rayne Rothchild and Taylor Carrington and children's story.
When the fog cleared from her vision, Rayne’s first clue that something was amiss was her surroundings. She wasn’t in her own room; she could tell that much as her eyes traveled to the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the Vegas Strip and the opulent furnishings...she was in the penthouse suite.
As if on cue, Taylor opened his eyes, and she found herself staring into his intense gray gaze. He seemed just as surprised to see her.
He shot upward to a sitting position. “W-what...”
Blood pounding in her temples, Rayne held up her left hand, displaying a plain gold wedding band.
Taylor swallowed hard. “Where’d you get t-that?”
“You’re wearing a matching one.”
He glanced down at his left hand, then looked at her. “We’re married?”
Rayne retrieved a piece of paper off the nightstand. “According to this document...you’re my husband.”
I recommend this book.
Twins for the holiday by Jacquelin Thomas is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jacquelin Thomas.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review
Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
Polk Island
Book 1: A Family for the Firefighter
Book 2: Her Hometown Hero
Book 3: Her Marine Hero
Book 4: His Partnership Proposal
Book 5: Twins for the Holidays
A Clean and Uplifting Romance
(Polk Island Book 5)
Could an accidental marriage…
Become happily-ever-after?
Rayne Rothchild returns to Polk Island after years away. She left her husband after their impulsive marriage. She can’t believe she wed her boss, Taylor Carrington…and now she’s the mother of their twins! The holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect with her estranged family…until Taylor shows up, hurt, shocked and needing answers. Can the magic of the season open their hearts to love and forgiveness this Christmas?
This is Rayne Rothchild and Taylor Carrington and children's story.
When the fog cleared from her vision, Rayne’s first clue that something was amiss was her surroundings. She wasn’t in her own room; she could tell that much as her eyes traveled to the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the Vegas Strip and the opulent furnishings...she was in the penthouse suite.
As if on cue, Taylor opened his eyes, and she found herself staring into his intense gray gaze. He seemed just as surprised to see her.
He shot upward to a sitting position. “W-what...”
Blood pounding in her temples, Rayne held up her left hand, displaying a plain gold wedding band.
Taylor swallowed hard. “Where’d you get t-that?”
“You’re wearing a matching one.”
He glanced down at his left hand, then looked at her. “We’re married?”
Rayne retrieved a piece of paper off the nightstand. “According to this document...you’re my husband.”
I recommend this book.
Twins for the holiday by Jacquelin Thomas is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jacquelin Thomas.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review
Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
Polk Island
Book 1: A Family for the Firefighter
Book 2: Her Hometown Hero
Book 3: Her Marine Hero
Book 4: His Partnership Proposal
Book 5: Twins for the Holidays
December 11, 2024
What happened in Vegas didn't stay in Vegas when Rayne and Taylor decide to get married at a moment and when the morning came Rayne up and split. Quitting her job and finding herself pregnant she runs to Polk Island where her lives her estranged mother's family live to raise her child there. Taylor is still married to Rayne and is looking to find her and finally get that divorce when he finds more than he bargained for finding out he fathered a set of twins. During this holiday season and they are going to learn a bit more about each other and see what has to become of this small family.
I mean you already know how it's going to end so I was hoping this book would give me something new and interesting to want to stick around in I really did find myself enjoying this book. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing why a lot of the choices were made the way they were. Taylor didn't have the best upbringing and he wasn't interested in having children so in a way you can understand why Rayne didn't say anything although it was wrong. I love seeing the chemistry between the two and seeing how he was warming up to the children and it was over on his heartwarming book.
I mean you already know how it's going to end so I was hoping this book would give me something new and interesting to want to stick around in I really did find myself enjoying this book. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing why a lot of the choices were made the way they were. Taylor didn't have the best upbringing and he wasn't interested in having children so in a way you can understand why Rayne didn't say anything although it was wrong. I love seeing the chemistry between the two and seeing how he was warming up to the children and it was over on his heartwarming book.
November 6, 2023
This was a quick and easy read, a feel good story for those who love romance, Christmas, babies and found family. I read this in a day and it only took a few hours.
The story line of this book is great, and I love some of the character growth you can see in many of the characters. There are so many sub characters that for the most part were easy to keep track of but occasionally it got confusing for me. You get almost many different little plots in the main plot with the side characters.
That being said, there was a few things I did not love. Rayne, an amazing mother, was extremely selfish through most of the story. There were times I became so frustrated with her for being selfish and not communicating. She ran from Taylor then kept getting upset when he found out about the babies and not immediately jumping in to help. She kept doing things she thought was best, never considering anyone else and then ignoring those who would be upset about them. There was a little growth at the end but I wished for a little more throughout the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jacquelin Thomas, and Harlequin Heartwarming for early access to the ARC for an honest review.
The story line of this book is great, and I love some of the character growth you can see in many of the characters. There are so many sub characters that for the most part were easy to keep track of but occasionally it got confusing for me. You get almost many different little plots in the main plot with the side characters.
That being said, there was a few things I did not love. Rayne, an amazing mother, was extremely selfish through most of the story. There were times I became so frustrated with her for being selfish and not communicating. She ran from Taylor then kept getting upset when he found out about the babies and not immediately jumping in to help. She kept doing things she thought was best, never considering anyone else and then ignoring those who would be upset about them. There was a little growth at the end but I wished for a little more throughout the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jacquelin Thomas, and Harlequin Heartwarming for early access to the ARC for an honest review.
February 25, 2024
Rayne Rothschild returns to Polk Island after being away for 17 years. She also brought her twins with her. She never told Taylor Carrington he was a father. They had gotten married in Las Vegas after a wild night. Both Rayne and Taylor were dealing with trauma from their childhoods. A lot of family drama on Rayne's side. Taylor came to talk to her and was surprised and not happy that she had not told him he was a father. He had planned to just get a divorce and move on. A snowstorm kept him in Polk Island. Family secrets were exposed. People were decided to talk it out and clear the air. It was great catching up on the other people on Polk Island. The story proves open and honest discussion is the best way to live life.
September 22, 2024
Loved this novel!! The twins were just precious and brought in so much hope to the whole family. The novel dealt with many family dynamics and dysfunctions. But the spirit of the holidays coupled with these adorable twins, Ian & Ivy were a source of great joy. Their parents, Raine, and Mr. Carrington were in a mess. They’d been friends for almost a decade, but can a relationship work between friends. Raine’s own parents were a wreck. In her mom’s effort to protect her only daughter, Raine, Raine grew up in a dysfunctional manner. I wanted by her dad, and doted on by her outcast mother, created a host of issues. But these precious twins, were a source of renewed hope, and a return visit to Polk Island by Raine has her missing all that she has lost over the past 17 years.
December 17, 2023
I have loved every book that returns me to Polk Island. It is such an heartwarming story that kept pulling at my heartstrings at every turn. There were even some suprises that I was not expecting in the story. The author does such a great job at weaving a great romance that makes you want to fall in love over and over again. I absolutely loved this story. This is one of the few series that makes me want to read it more than once. Can't wait for the next book from the author
I received a copy of the book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
I received a copy of the book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
November 27, 2023
This book had me from the prologue. Drunk wedding in Vegas? Yes please!
Taylor and Rayne’s story was so nice. He was her boss but they were also friends. They decide a divorce is best busy then she finds out she is pregnant. She runs and he does everything he can to find her.
I really enjoyed this book. Both of them had a lot of baggage to overcome. Eventually they got to happily ever after.
Got this book from Net Galley and am really glad that I gave it a chance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 star read
Taylor and Rayne’s story was so nice. He was her boss but they were also friends. They decide a divorce is best busy then she finds out she is pregnant. She runs and he does everything he can to find her.
I really enjoyed this book. Both of them had a lot of baggage to overcome. Eventually they got to happily ever after.
Got this book from Net Galley and am really glad that I gave it a chance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 star read
December 1, 2023
Christmas Miracles are real
Another great story of this wonderful family on Polk Island. The journey of both the hero and heroine was done in such a way that the reader could feel and understand. It even had an additional story of healing tied into it. I have read all 5 books in this series and this one had me crying with tears of joy. Christmas time is truly filled with joy, love and miracles. Great read.
Another great story of this wonderful family on Polk Island. The journey of both the hero and heroine was done in such a way that the reader could feel and understand. It even had an additional story of healing tied into it. I have read all 5 books in this series and this one had me crying with tears of joy. Christmas time is truly filled with joy, love and miracles. Great read.
December 28, 2023
Nothing Like Home, Family, Love and A Few Christmas Miracles!! 🥰
What a wonderful and heartwarming story about family, home, love, forgiveness and healing!! That’s what this story epitomized to me!
I believe this is a great Christmas story that everyone should read and enjoy!! It has all of the emotions that pull you in making you feel like you’re right there!! I truly enjoyed reading this and I highly recommend it!! Excellent Enjoyment!! Kudos, Jacquelin!! 💜
What a wonderful and heartwarming story about family, home, love, forgiveness and healing!! That’s what this story epitomized to me!
I believe this is a great Christmas story that everyone should read and enjoy!! It has all of the emotions that pull you in making you feel like you’re right there!! I truly enjoyed reading this and I highly recommend it!! Excellent Enjoyment!! Kudos, Jacquelin!! 💜
December 1, 2023
A Double Dose of Sweetness
Rayne and Taylor's story was so sweet. It was a joy to read a story of family challenges that were met with apologies and forgiveness. Also, since I am a new resident to the low country. I look forward to trying Charleston's High Cotton Restaurant. Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!
Rayne and Taylor's story was so sweet. It was a joy to read a story of family challenges that were met with apologies and forgiveness. Also, since I am a new resident to the low country. I look forward to trying Charleston's High Cotton Restaurant. Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!
April 25, 2024
Excellent read
Excellent read, I loved the characters and storyline. Rayne and Taylor intoxicated evening produced a Vegas wedding and so much more. A planned divorce never happened. This is their journey to healing, family and forever love. It was great catching up with the Rothschild family.
Excellent read, I loved the characters and storyline. Rayne and Taylor intoxicated evening produced a Vegas wedding and so much more. A planned divorce never happened. This is their journey to healing, family and forever love. It was great catching up with the Rothschild family.
December 2, 2023
Twins for the Holidays
I have read all five of the Polk Island books they always take me to that I love but Taylor and Rayne had me worried for a while I didn't think of they'd ever have that needed conversation.
I have read all five of the Polk Island books they always take me to that I love but Taylor and Rayne had me worried for a while I didn't think of they'd ever have that needed conversation.
February 25, 2024
Forgiveness and Family
I Love the family aspect of the book. I'm glad all things worked out for Rothschild family, Taylor and Rayne with all the back and forth between I'm glad they worked it out. Forgiveness between is the key here, love it. Great Book!!!!
I Love the family aspect of the book. I'm glad all things worked out for Rothschild family, Taylor and Rayne with all the back and forth between I'm glad they worked it out. Forgiveness between is the key here, love it. Great Book!!!!
December 11, 2024
This is the 1st book I read by Jacquelin Thomas. I thought the cover was cute. This book's storyline was okay. Rayne's character was okay. Taylor's character was okay. I didn't like the secrets 🤫 in this story. I felt this needed more chemistry & romance. I liked the ending.
December 17, 2024
Exceptional series!
The "Polk Island" series is powerful and passionate but, this book of the series is phenomenal and passionate. Skillfully and appropriately written for the Christmas season or anytime. The love that flowed was pleasantly expressed in the author's narrative.
The "Polk Island" series is powerful and passionate but, this book of the series is phenomenal and passionate. Skillfully and appropriately written for the Christmas season or anytime. The love that flowed was pleasantly expressed in the author's narrative.
October 25, 2023
Quick sweet and clean, friends to lovers Christmas themed romance about healing old wounds and family first. This new to me author had me aww-ing the whole time. I read this in a day.
Read
November 1, 2023Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Polk Island (Book #5)
Miniseries
Polk Island (Book #5)
January 11, 2024
I enjoyed this story with those sweet babies!
March 22, 2024
A beautifully sweet love story about reconnecting and second chances. Perfect company for a cold winter day and a cup of your favorite warm drink.
December 27, 2023
I have been a fan of Jacquelin Thomas since her Kimani Romance series. I missed books 1 and 2 in this series and I was still able to keep up with books 3,4, and 5. Taylor is Rayne’s boss and the two are in Las Vegas celebrating Taylor opening up a new dealership. When the two wake up after having bit to much to drink and find themselves married. Rayne and Taylor are both in love with each other but know that they should keep their distance because of being employer and employee. The two quickly come to the decision that they should have the marriage annulled with Rayne staying behind in Las Vegas for a while. Rayne finds herself by home with mom when she finds out that she is pregnant with twins. Rayne never informed Taylor that he was going to be a father. After the twins are born Rayne comes to the conclusion that she wants to raise her twins on Polk Island where she grew up. Rayne’s mom is not to happy about the situation but she understands. A series of events happen that eventually brings Taylor to Polk Island wanting Rayne to sign the divorce papers. Rayne convinces Taylor that she will sign the papers after the first of the year. Taylor discovers that he is the father to twins and he wants to be a part of their lives. After some convincing Rayne’s mom returns to Polk Island with her family wanting to make amends. While Rayne’s mom is out she meets an old friend that caused her to give up on love. When the two finally talk she learns that there a misunderstanding that could’ve been resolved if she had only asked questions. I enjoyed reading about the Polk Island family where family members make mistakes, make amends, forgiveness, secrets, misunderstandings and come together in a loving family. Can’t wait to see what Jacquelin Thomas has next in store for readers.
Will Rayne sign the divorce papers, will Rayne and Taylor admit their feelings to each other, will Rayne stay in Polk Island, will Rayne’s mom find love?
I received an ARC via NetGalley and Harlequin Romance.
Will Rayne sign the divorce papers, will Rayne and Taylor admit their feelings to each other, will Rayne stay in Polk Island, will Rayne’s mom find love?
I received an ARC via NetGalley and Harlequin Romance.
November 28, 2023
Imagine waking up in Las Vegas married to your boss and don't remember how that happened.
This is Rayne Rothschilds story in the Polk Island series. She doesn't know how her and her boss Taylor Carrington winded up married after a night of celebrating Taylor's Grand opening of his Las Vegas car dealership.
They realize it was a mistake and decided to end the marriage but Rayne disappears without letting Taylor know.
Now Rayne shows up in Polk Island with her twin babies Ian and Ivy so that she can raise them with the family she missed out growing up with when Rayne's mother ups and leave Polk Island and cuts off contact with her family members.
Taylor Carrington grew up in a group home because of the abuse and neglect he suffered as a child from his biological parents. So he decides he doesn't want children or marriage. When he comes to Polk Island to see Rayne about why she left and he still wants to get a divorce. He finds out Rayne has twin babies. Are they his children and if so he doesn't want to abandon them and not be a part of their life.
I really enjoyed this storyline. It was an emotional rollercoaster to see how Rayne and Taylor loved each other but didn't know how to express their feelings towards each other. There are lessons of how past hurts can cause dysfunction in a family along with unforgiving others. How much precious time is wasted that you cannot get back.
I highly recommend this book to read especially the other books in this series. I'm looking forward to reading more books about the families of Polk Island.
This is Rayne Rothschilds story in the Polk Island series. She doesn't know how her and her boss Taylor Carrington winded up married after a night of celebrating Taylor's Grand opening of his Las Vegas car dealership.
They realize it was a mistake and decided to end the marriage but Rayne disappears without letting Taylor know.
Now Rayne shows up in Polk Island with her twin babies Ian and Ivy so that she can raise them with the family she missed out growing up with when Rayne's mother ups and leave Polk Island and cuts off contact with her family members.
Taylor Carrington grew up in a group home because of the abuse and neglect he suffered as a child from his biological parents. So he decides he doesn't want children or marriage. When he comes to Polk Island to see Rayne about why she left and he still wants to get a divorce. He finds out Rayne has twin babies. Are they his children and if so he doesn't want to abandon them and not be a part of their life.
I really enjoyed this storyline. It was an emotional rollercoaster to see how Rayne and Taylor loved each other but didn't know how to express their feelings towards each other. There are lessons of how past hurts can cause dysfunction in a family along with unforgiving others. How much precious time is wasted that you cannot get back.
I highly recommend this book to read especially the other books in this series. I'm looking forward to reading more books about the families of Polk Island.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews