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Home for Christmas
Quinn Riordan hasn't been home for Christmas in more than ten years -- ten long years since she's seen her family and Chagrin Falls, the town where she grew up. It's been that long since the sister she once adored had stolen the man Quinn loved. But when Quinn's beloved Aunt Fiona has a bad fall and breaks her leg, Quinn can't stay away any longer. In order to help her aunt, she has to go home and face her past. But along with her past, the trip home brings her an even more difficult challenge in the form of her aunt's boarder, Peter Kimball.
Peter has been curious about Fiona's niece ever since he first saw her framed photo in Fiona's living room. He hasn't been able to understand how someone Fiona speaks of so glowingly could so selfishly stay away for so long. He's prepared to dislike Quinn and is stunned to very quickly realize he doesn't. On the contrary, he's attracted to Quinn and wants nothing more than to get to know her better. But Quinn isn't the only one who has been running from her past. Peter has avoided confronting his demons by staying away from the place where he lost everything he held most dear.
Can these two troubled people overcome the problems that have haunted them for so long? Will they be brave enough to forget and forgive and move forward into a future that promises to be filled with more happiness and love than they ever imagined? In the capable hands of best-selling author Patricia Kay, this heartwarming story will be the perfect accompaniment to your own holiday season.
Peter has been curious about Fiona's niece ever since he first saw her framed photo in Fiona's living room. He hasn't been able to understand how someone Fiona speaks of so glowingly could so selfishly stay away for so long. He's prepared to dislike Quinn and is stunned to very quickly realize he doesn't. On the contrary, he's attracted to Quinn and wants nothing more than to get to know her better. But Quinn isn't the only one who has been running from her past. Peter has avoided confronting his demons by staying away from the place where he lost everything he held most dear.
Can these two troubled people overcome the problems that have haunted them for so long? Will they be brave enough to forget and forgive and move forward into a future that promises to be filled with more happiness and love than they ever imagined? In the capable hands of best-selling author Patricia Kay, this heartwarming story will be the perfect accompaniment to your own holiday season.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 1997
126 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Trisha Alexander
43 books5 followersPatricia Ann Kay (born March 7, 1937), also known as Trisha Alexander and Ann Patrick, is an American bestselling author of romance novels and women's fiction. She has authored more than 50 books, with four million copies published in 18 countries
Patricia Ann Kay was born on 7 March 1937 in a small town in northeastern Ohio, USA, where she raised along with three younger sisters. She considers herself a very lucky woman. The family didn’t have a lot of money, but she says that didn’t matter, because what they did have was worth more than money — a happy home. Her parents had a good marriage and they doted on their four daughters. That upbringing is reflected in the stories she writes. As readers all over the world have discovered, her books are filled with warmth and love of family.
Pat has lived in upstate New York, Northern Alabama, Southern California, and Stockholm (Sweden), and since 1969, in Houston, Texas with her husband. She says that no matter where she’s lived, she’s found that people everywhere are the same and want the same things: love and committed relationships. The marriage has three terrific grown children. They currently share their home with two longhaired cats, and a backyard filled with squirrels, birds, and other critters. Her hobbies and other interests include reading, walking for exercise, going to the movies and the theater, swimming, and traveling.
In 1990, Pat sold her first romance novel to Silhouette. Since then, more than four million copies of her novels have been published in eighteen different countries.
Patricia Ann Kay was born on 7 March 1937 in a small town in northeastern Ohio, USA, where she raised along with three younger sisters. She considers herself a very lucky woman. The family didn’t have a lot of money, but she says that didn’t matter, because what they did have was worth more than money — a happy home. Her parents had a good marriage and they doted on their four daughters. That upbringing is reflected in the stories she writes. As readers all over the world have discovered, her books are filled with warmth and love of family.
Pat has lived in upstate New York, Northern Alabama, Southern California, and Stockholm (Sweden), and since 1969, in Houston, Texas with her husband. She says that no matter where she’s lived, she’s found that people everywhere are the same and want the same things: love and committed relationships. The marriage has three terrific grown children. They currently share their home with two longhaired cats, and a backyard filled with squirrels, birds, and other critters. Her hobbies and other interests include reading, walking for exercise, going to the movies and the theater, swimming, and traveling.
In 1990, Pat sold her first romance novel to Silhouette. Since then, more than four million copies of her novels have been published in eighteen different countries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 29, 2012
NOT a clean romance. It started out kind of fun--a woman has spent years abroad, avoiding home--and her boyfriend-stealing sister. But when her elderly aunt breaks her leg and needs her, she takes a leave from work and goes back home. Her aunt's tenant picks her up and they immediately dislike one another. Sometimes hate is actually closer to love.
You'd think after ten years and after realizing you're not in love with the man who became your sister's husband, you'd be able to move on, grow up, and treat you sister civilly. This was not the case. I felt that there was too much fighting and too many negative feelings going on. That, combined with an uncomfortable intimate scene and another scene that caused me to skip a few pages, not to mention a lot of language, left me wishing I would have just skipped this one. I'm sure some people will love it, but it just wasn't for me.
You'd think after ten years and after realizing you're not in love with the man who became your sister's husband, you'd be able to move on, grow up, and treat you sister civilly. This was not the case. I felt that there was too much fighting and too many negative feelings going on. That, combined with an uncomfortable intimate scene and another scene that caused me to skip a few pages, not to mention a lot of language, left me wishing I would have just skipped this one. I'm sure some people will love it, but it just wasn't for me.
November 3, 2021
If you are a fan of predictable romance, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.
December 15, 2013
It started off alright, I probably would have given it 3 stars except I really disliked the ending. There didn't seem to be any real thought put into how the book would end, it was as though the author just wanted it done. Also, the sisters working through things - great! Maureen never really owning up to how completely crappy what she did was - not great! I don't care if her life isn't perfect now, she was still horrible ten years ago. A better conclusion would have been somebody finally telling her no - like Peter.
December 21, 2016
Predictable for a quick holiday break from baking and wrapping, etc. Some family drama, a little tension-filled beginning to a new relationship, and what I would call a bit disappointing with the abrupt ending. Didn't really jingle my bells nor deck the holly either!
December 17, 2017
Home For Christmas
In the beginning of this story was about betrayal. Her sister and her boyfriend eloped. Her sister once again took something from her. So when she graduated from university she never came back home. Now ten years later her aunt needs her home. But does going back home mean she forgives or is the betrayal still hurt? What if the man that rents from her aunt? Where does fit in?
In the beginning of this story was about betrayal. Her sister and her boyfriend eloped. Her sister once again took something from her. So when she graduated from university she never came back home. Now ten years later her aunt needs her home. But does going back home mean she forgives or is the betrayal still hurt? What if the man that rents from her aunt? Where does fit in?
December 21, 2017
This was a very quick read, a predictable romance with a HEA. Boy meets girl, they don't like each other, (but they really do) and they end up falling into bed together. Both have proverbial skeletons in the closet which risk keeping them apart, but love conquers all. Nothing especially new, but it's an entertaining read, nonetheless.
May 4, 2019
Good romance
This is a very pleasant and entertaining book. I really love reading the light hearted romances. There is a difficult situation of circumstances between the two sisters to overcome.
This is a very pleasant and entertaining book. I really love reading the light hearted romances. There is a difficult situation of circumstances between the two sisters to overcome.
December 18, 2017
Sweet Christmas story, shows how people can overcome tragedy and unhappiness. Thanks for the good read
December 18, 2017
OK Book
This was an O K book. The ending could have been better? Like what happen ib a year or two?
This was an O K book. The ending could have been better? Like what happen ib a year or two?
December 31, 2017
Would have been three stars , but that ending wasn’t doing it for me . Just wish there was a little more to it :):)
August 8, 2018
Ok. Very predictable.
December 10, 2019
Nice quick holiday romance.
December 19, 2013
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
Home For Christmas was a nice light Christmas read. Note there will be talk of the end so spoilers ahead. Quinn hasn't been home for 10 years because of some family drama. Peter, who lives in the apartment at her aunts house, comes to pick her up from the airport and instantly doesn't like her. He thinks she must be super selfish to not come back and visit with her aunt. Things move pretty quickly, her sister is pretty horrible to her and she to her sister, she gets overwhelmed with her sister and her husband, and Peter can be a bit judgmental. Of course Peter finds out the real story from the aunt, then he feels back and actually tries to be friends with Quinn. Things quickly get more interesting from there.
Peter isn't perfect himself. He has a lot of baggage to deal with. They both need to deal with their past so they can move on and be happy together. I liked that Quinn spent a night with Peter then asked him to come back to her on Christmas Eve so they could be together. Like deal with your stuff then come back to me. She waits and waits for him and just when she has given up hope that he is coming he pulls into the driveway. She runs out and jumps into his arms and they are all sweet and missed each other and love each other and then they go inside. Once inside Peter says kind of off hand like hey I want to marry you and she says okay. Then they give each other presents and he gives her a ring then they wake the aunt up to tell her. It was a bit...disappointing as if the proposal would have been handled a little better I would have loved it. Instead I felt it was missing something. Like ideally I think like get out of the car, hug and kiss then drop to your knee and have a sweet speech about how much he loves her and doesn't want to live without her and propose then! Or at least once you get inside get the ring out and ask her properly! None of this off handed proposing and giving the ring later.
Overall I was really enjoying the book, but was a little disappointed at the ending.
Home For Christmas was a nice light Christmas read. Note there will be talk of the end so spoilers ahead. Quinn hasn't been home for 10 years because of some family drama. Peter, who lives in the apartment at her aunts house, comes to pick her up from the airport and instantly doesn't like her. He thinks she must be super selfish to not come back and visit with her aunt. Things move pretty quickly, her sister is pretty horrible to her and she to her sister, she gets overwhelmed with her sister and her husband, and Peter can be a bit judgmental. Of course Peter finds out the real story from the aunt, then he feels back and actually tries to be friends with Quinn. Things quickly get more interesting from there.
Peter isn't perfect himself. He has a lot of baggage to deal with. They both need to deal with their past so they can move on and be happy together. I liked that Quinn spent a night with Peter then asked him to come back to her on Christmas Eve so they could be together. Like deal with your stuff then come back to me. She waits and waits for him and just when she has given up hope that he is coming he pulls into the driveway. She runs out and jumps into his arms and they are all sweet and missed each other and love each other and then they go inside. Once inside Peter says kind of off hand like hey I want to marry you and she says okay. Then they give each other presents and he gives her a ring then they wake the aunt up to tell her. It was a bit...disappointing as if the proposal would have been handled a little better I would have loved it. Instead I felt it was missing something. Like ideally I think like get out of the car, hug and kiss then drop to your knee and have a sweet speech about how much he loves her and doesn't want to live without her and propose then! Or at least once you get inside get the ring out and ask her properly! None of this off handed proposing and giving the ring later.
Overall I was really enjoying the book, but was a little disappointed at the ending.
December 11, 2013
A nice romance with Christmas spirit.
I liked both Quinn and Peter, the two main characters and also Aunt Fiona. I liked the interaction between the two of them, the way they started by disliking each other (although it was because of a misunderstanding) and they ended up trying to be nice for the sake of Quinn's aunt.
I liked how the chemistry was there from the start, although they both tried to deny it, and how things slowly changed.
It is very well written and it pulls you in right from the beginning. It kept me glued to the pages and I couldn't wait to read what would happen next.
However, the ending left me a little disappointed. The last few pages felt a little rushed and then it just ended like that and I was left open-mouthed. I guess I was simply hoping to read more about Peter and Quinn as a couple and I didn't like that the story ended there. I wonder if the author did this because there will be another book?
It is a pleasant read, perfect to get you in the right mood for the holidays, and with a nice romance. I recommend it to readers who love romance (not too hot and not too graphic - there is only one sex scene, which is a nice change from all the very graphic romance books. Even so, the chemistry can be felt throughout the book.) and to anyone who likes Christmas-themed stories.
I liked both Quinn and Peter, the two main characters and also Aunt Fiona. I liked the interaction between the two of them, the way they started by disliking each other (although it was because of a misunderstanding) and they ended up trying to be nice for the sake of Quinn's aunt.
I liked how the chemistry was there from the start, although they both tried to deny it, and how things slowly changed.
It is very well written and it pulls you in right from the beginning. It kept me glued to the pages and I couldn't wait to read what would happen next.
However, the ending left me a little disappointed. The last few pages felt a little rushed and then it just ended like that and I was left open-mouthed. I guess I was simply hoping to read more about Peter and Quinn as a couple and I didn't like that the story ended there. I wonder if the author did this because there will be another book?
It is a pleasant read, perfect to get you in the right mood for the holidays, and with a nice romance. I recommend it to readers who love romance (not too hot and not too graphic - there is only one sex scene, which is a nice change from all the very graphic romance books. Even so, the chemistry can be felt throughout the book.) and to anyone who likes Christmas-themed stories.
February 14, 2015
Quinn has felt betrayed and heart broken for 10 years. She has remained away from home for all those years. Now her beloved Aunt Fiona has fallen and broken her leg and needs Quinn to help care for her during the healing.
Peter feels responsible for a terrible event in his past and has isolated his heart in order to protect it from pain.
These two people meet, and are instantly not in like with one another. Slowly, through exposure to one another they learn that their immediate impressions may have been wrong.
The setting of the holidays and family help both Quinn and Peter work through some of the pain in their past. And eventually the underlying attraction simply cannot be ignored.
This is a quick and satisfying read. If one likes romance with a little tension thrown in, this is a book you will enjoy.
Peter feels responsible for a terrible event in his past and has isolated his heart in order to protect it from pain.
These two people meet, and are instantly not in like with one another. Slowly, through exposure to one another they learn that their immediate impressions may have been wrong.
The setting of the holidays and family help both Quinn and Peter work through some of the pain in their past. And eventually the underlying attraction simply cannot be ignored.
This is a quick and satisfying read. If one likes romance with a little tension thrown in, this is a book you will enjoy.
April 2, 2014
Posted at http://oh-my-books.blogspot.com/2013/...
Quinn is returning home after being more than ten years away. She isn't prepared to confront her sister, but her aunt broke her leg and she is going to take care of her. I'd say by the cover that it's a cute and a fun book, but it's actually very charged with family issues. Quinn can't forgive her sister, her sister isn't nice to be around, and Peter is always judging her. Peter also have a dark and sad past, so they had to forgive and move on before loving each other. There was a moment it turned too slow for me, and then I felt the ending was a bit rushed but at last they got their happily ever after. If you are looking for a serious holiday romance, Home for Christmas is for you.
Quinn is returning home after being more than ten years away. She isn't prepared to confront her sister, but her aunt broke her leg and she is going to take care of her. I'd say by the cover that it's a cute and a fun book, but it's actually very charged with family issues. Quinn can't forgive her sister, her sister isn't nice to be around, and Peter is always judging her. Peter also have a dark and sad past, so they had to forgive and move on before loving each other. There was a moment it turned too slow for me, and then I felt the ending was a bit rushed but at last they got their happily ever after. If you are looking for a serious holiday romance, Home for Christmas is for you.
January 27, 2016
I read this as a free Kindle book. It was a light, easy read. I was surprised that it was as well done as it was. It did have the rather predictable plot, as one would expect. Quinn hasn't been home in 10 years, but comes to care for the aunt she loves who has broken a leg. Peter is the tenant, who also has run away from some hard things in his past.
They meet, don't like each other, but really do, and eventually they come together.
There was some positive messages about facing your past and letting things go. But, it really was a light read, although an enjoyable one.
They meet, don't like each other, but really do, and eventually they come together.
There was some positive messages about facing your past and letting things go. But, it really was a light read, although an enjoyable one.
December 8, 2013
Just when you think nothing else could go wrong, you go and fall in love! Running away never really solved any problems. Both our lead characters realize this and then have to face the pain of both their situations while fighting the possibility that they are falling in love. So many emotions are flying around in this strong story with amazing well developed lead characters. Christmas love and spirit are falling off the pages. You'll be holding your breath for these two to face themselves. Very enjoyable reading.
February 6, 2014
This was one that once I started, I could not put it down. Yes, you figure that the boy will get the girl in the end; but what I loved was all that lead to that happening that was in the middle. The story was nicely put together, and I really felt for the dilemma that Quinn was trying to work through to forgive her Sister and why she stayed away from her Family for 10 years. Peter had his issues as well, and it was fun watching them both work through them. Nice Holiday story that would be a great read anytime of the year.
December 26, 2012
This started out as a great holiday read. I thought the beginning was quirky and fun , but too soon the book turned into a serious romance. The book was still a great book just too heavy on the romance for my taste.
November 30, 2013
The book is "cute" and "sweet" and utterly predictable. While this is fine if there is something else to be gained from reading, I didn't find that to be the case here. It wasn't an awful book just not one I particularly enjoyed.
December 16, 2013
I was initially attracted to this story because it is set in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and I lived there for awhile and I wanted to read a Christmas story. I was very happy I picked this book. The romance was interesting and the setting brought back good memories. HEA and quick to read.
December 24, 2013
Simple, cute romance to read dyeing the Christmas season. I liked both of the main characters. My only complaint is the ending. It just seemed abrupt and almost out of place from the rest of the story.
January 7, 2015
Cute and fun Christmas romance - with just the right amount of angst to keep you wondering if they're really going to get together, and the happily ever after I find so necessary to romance. I'm just sorry it took me so long to get around to reading this.
December 26, 2012
a bit boring
December 23, 2012
Great love story, had me in tears in places. Just what I needed at the moment, pure escapism.
December 24, 2012
Two-haiku review:
She spent years abroad
Couldn't face guy-stealing sis
She's home, meets teacher
Sweet Christmas romance
Both must overcome issues
Nice tension building
She spent years abroad
Couldn't face guy-stealing sis
She's home, meets teacher
Sweet Christmas romance
Both must overcome issues
Nice tension building
December 27, 2012
it was ok... I read it a few days ago and can hardly remember a thing so....
August 19, 2013
Totally an easy read in one afternoon book. Light reading but fun.
December 21, 2013
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews