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The Christmas Cottage #2
Ever After
From the Back Cover
She walked away from her fairytale wedding in search of her true happily ever after.
She hadn't counted on it coming searching for her first.
Eight months after canceling her wedding, Ava Callahan finally has her life in order and sees nothing but blue skies ahead. A chance encounter with the man responsible for ruining her wedding has her newly organized world in chaos.
Brian McCabe had preserved for eight long months seeking the woman he loves and his patience was about to expire. Purposely putting himself in every path Ava was on might not always work to his advantage, but he wanted to make sure that she truly saw him for who he was.
Her happily ever after...
She walked away from her fairytale wedding in search of her true happily ever after.
She hadn't counted on it coming searching for her first.
Eight months after canceling her wedding, Ava Callahan finally has her life in order and sees nothing but blue skies ahead. A chance encounter with the man responsible for ruining her wedding has her newly organized world in chaos.
Brian McCabe had preserved for eight long months seeking the woman he loves and his patience was about to expire. Purposely putting himself in every path Ava was on might not always work to his advantage, but he wanted to make sure that she truly saw him for who he was.
Her happily ever after...
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2013
117 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
142 books2,359 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 23, 2020
An enjoyable romance that I couldn’t pass up after listening to The Christmas Cottage. BUT. I just didn’t and don’t love Ava as a character. She drove me crazy in both books and I struggled to relate to her actions. So, a balance between living the world the story took place in and liking the narration and disliking the MC drove this down to a 3 from a 4.
November 26, 2015
2.5 stars
After reading The Christmas Cottage, by Samantha Chase, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to read Ever After, Ava’s story, given my dislike of her. Book in hand, I went ahead. Ava’s set to graduate from college and begin looking for a job, still trying to figure out her life. Brian’s been patiently biding his time, waiting a reasonable amount of time to pursue Ava, I put that behind a spoiler tag even though it says it in the book summary because it is a spoiler for book 1. Sparks fly and once Ava gets out of her own way, she falls hard for Brian. If only she could let go of the Christmas cottage legend, and set aside her own stubbornness and pride, she might find exactly what she’s been dreaming of.
I liked Brian well enough. I wasn’t exactly on board with some of his ideas. What’s going on inside his head isn’t always what comes out of his mouth. In fact, I found it kind of laughable that he is afraid to tell Ava that he wants a future with her, At least we saw some growth from Ava. Not soon enough, mind you. She was still playing games and acting immaturely for a lot of the story. I didn’t love the reason for their breakup, but it certainly made sense for the characters. And I loved that it forced Ava to look at her own behaviour, and that reflection gave her a logical reason for staying away from Brian. The ending was fine. I wanted more of a bang. And no, I don’t mean sex, lol. The sex was slightly better done in this book, or should I say the inference of sex. It’s still mainly left up to the imagination.
At the end of the day, I’d sooner recommend The Shaughnessy Brothers book than this one as I just thought it was better written.
After reading The Christmas Cottage, by Samantha Chase, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to read Ever After, Ava’s story, given my dislike of her. Book in hand, I went ahead. Ava’s set to graduate from college and begin looking for a job, still trying to figure out her life. Brian’s been patiently biding his time, waiting a reasonable amount of time to pursue Ava, I put that behind a spoiler tag even though it says it in the book summary because it is a spoiler for book 1. Sparks fly and once Ava gets out of her own way, she falls hard for Brian. If only she could let go of the Christmas cottage legend, and set aside her own stubbornness and pride, she might find exactly what she’s been dreaming of.
I liked Brian well enough. I wasn’t exactly on board with some of his ideas. What’s going on inside his head isn’t always what comes out of his mouth. In fact, I found it kind of laughable that he is afraid to tell Ava that he wants a future with her, At least we saw some growth from Ava. Not soon enough, mind you. She was still playing games and acting immaturely for a lot of the story. I didn’t love the reason for their breakup, but it certainly made sense for the characters. And I loved that it forced Ava to look at her own behaviour, and that reflection gave her a logical reason for staying away from Brian. The ending was fine. I wanted more of a bang. And no, I don’t mean sex, lol. The sex was slightly better done in this book, or should I say the inference of sex. It’s still mainly left up to the imagination.
At the end of the day, I’d sooner recommend The Shaughnessy Brothers book than this one as I just thought it was better written.
December 2, 2019
Cute Christmas novella. I listened to the audio version. I enjoyed it, but I liked Brian more than Ava. That seems to happen to me a lot. Fade to black scenes if you have a preference.
January 6, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
I did not really enjoy Ever After. Ava frustrated me to no end. I didn't really like her in The Christmas Cottage, but her annoying traits were written off as bridezilla. I was curious to read Ever After to see what Ava was like when she wasn't so stressed out planning the perfect wedding. Well, unfortunately, she is not much different. So if you were not a fan of Ava in The Christmas Cottage you should probably skip this one. If you didn't mind her or liked her in that one than this might be the book for you.
*Note - some spoilers ahead*
Ever After starts 8 months after Ava calls off her wedding right before it is supposed to happen. Everyone knew she shouldn't get married as the guy was not right for her, but she was too stubborn and stupid to listen to anyone until the last second. Well you find out something that had happened that helped convince her Mason was not the right guy for her. Mason's best friend, Brian, is apparently in love with Ava. Why? I have no idea. They only hung out a few times, but he knew right away that she was the one for him. Unfortunately she was going to marry his friend so he couldn't do anything about it. Now Mason is engaged to be marries again so Brian feels like he can finally try and win Ava's heart.
At first Ava doesn't want to do anything with Brian because it would be odd since she was engaged to his best friend and such. Ava is also searching for a job and looking in other cities as she might need a fresh start. She keeps searching for the perfect everything, perfect job, perfect house, perfect life. She starts dating Brian and really likes him, but she is one of those people who plays stupid games to try and figure out what someone is thinking which just results in Brian and Ava fighting since he doesn't know what she is doing. I hated her. She tries to be all sneaky and figure stuff out, but only ends up making them argue. Ugh. I have no idea why Brian actually liked her. Brian was amazing, always supporting Ava and trying to not influence her decisions. He doesn't want her to move to another city, but he wants her to make a decision for herself. He wants her to figure out what she wants and they will figure out the rest after that. He was really amazing and way too good for Ava, but she is who he wants so...
Also I am not sure why Lacey is even friends with Ava. Every time they have a conversation it is Lacey lecturing Ava on how ridiculous she is being. And Ava? Well she is just incredibly stubborn so even if she agrees with what Lacey is saying she wants to be all nu uh and stomp her foot like a two year old. Frustrating.
Ava is also still obsessed with the Christmas Cottage. Man, once she started with that nonsense again I was actively hoping that she would end up sad and alone. Really, truly, I wanted Brian to break up with her, preferably after spending the night in the cottage. It was just...I don't understand her ridiculous obsession with the cottage or why she thinks it will fix everything and anything. Ava realizes she loves Brian, but she can't tell him until after the spend the night in the cottage. Why? Because then they will live happily ever after! She needs the night in the cottage to be able to tell Brian how she feels a bout him. Yeah, cause she can't do it anywhere else. Brian didn't want to go to the cottage since that was where she was supposed to spend her first night married and he didn't want to live in the past, he wants to make new memories with Ava. Well Ava is all obsessed and keeps pressuring him to stay there until he finally caves. Then the day they are supposed to leave Ava's brother tells Brian about he legend of the cottage in that oh, I thought you knew. You don't? Well here let me tell you kind of way. Ava wouldn't listen to anyone who told her how ridiculous her obsession with the cottage was, and when Brian flat out asks Ava how she feels about him what does Ava do? First she tries to convince Brian to just wait and they can talk about it at the cottage. When that doesn't work, because Brian tells her how geography won't change anything, Ava storms out and leaves Brian. It was just like really Ava? Seriously? What is wrong with you?!? I was happy that she was sad and alone, but I wanted Brian to not suffer. So Ava effectively broke up with the guy she loves because she needed to sleep in a cottage to be guaranteed a happily ever after. It was sooo frustrating! I hated Ava so much!!
So then she goes and spends some time alone up at her families place with the cottage and realizes that she was being stupid about the whole thing. She gives up her whole needing everything to be perfect thing and starts getting her life in order. I thought great! Now you can call up Brian or whatever and talk to him and get back together right? Wrong! She can't talk to Brian because he deserves better than her. She messed up once so that is it. She is no good for him. Doesn't matter what he wants, she is going to make decisions for him. I hate that! It doesn't matter that he is miserable without her, and she him, nope she is not good enough for him. She was always looking for perfect and she claims she is not anymore, but that is a big fat lie. She feels she needs to be perfect for Brian and she isn't so she is going to do nothing. Man Ava was frustrating. I hated Ava. I don't know why Brian still loved her. I don't know why Lacey was friends with her. She was frustrating me beyond belief and this book annoyed me so much. Unfortunate since I have enjoyed the authors other books. This one is just not for me.
I did not really enjoy Ever After. Ava frustrated me to no end. I didn't really like her in The Christmas Cottage, but her annoying traits were written off as bridezilla. I was curious to read Ever After to see what Ava was like when she wasn't so stressed out planning the perfect wedding. Well, unfortunately, she is not much different. So if you were not a fan of Ava in The Christmas Cottage you should probably skip this one. If you didn't mind her or liked her in that one than this might be the book for you.
*Note - some spoilers ahead*
Ever After starts 8 months after Ava calls off her wedding right before it is supposed to happen. Everyone knew she shouldn't get married as the guy was not right for her, but she was too stubborn and stupid to listen to anyone until the last second. Well you find out something that had happened that helped convince her Mason was not the right guy for her. Mason's best friend, Brian, is apparently in love with Ava. Why? I have no idea. They only hung out a few times, but he knew right away that she was the one for him. Unfortunately she was going to marry his friend so he couldn't do anything about it. Now Mason is engaged to be marries again so Brian feels like he can finally try and win Ava's heart.
At first Ava doesn't want to do anything with Brian because it would be odd since she was engaged to his best friend and such. Ava is also searching for a job and looking in other cities as she might need a fresh start. She keeps searching for the perfect everything, perfect job, perfect house, perfect life. She starts dating Brian and really likes him, but she is one of those people who plays stupid games to try and figure out what someone is thinking which just results in Brian and Ava fighting since he doesn't know what she is doing. I hated her. She tries to be all sneaky and figure stuff out, but only ends up making them argue. Ugh. I have no idea why Brian actually liked her. Brian was amazing, always supporting Ava and trying to not influence her decisions. He doesn't want her to move to another city, but he wants her to make a decision for herself. He wants her to figure out what she wants and they will figure out the rest after that. He was really amazing and way too good for Ava, but she is who he wants so...
Also I am not sure why Lacey is even friends with Ava. Every time they have a conversation it is Lacey lecturing Ava on how ridiculous she is being. And Ava? Well she is just incredibly stubborn so even if she agrees with what Lacey is saying she wants to be all nu uh and stomp her foot like a two year old. Frustrating.
Ava is also still obsessed with the Christmas Cottage. Man, once she started with that nonsense again I was actively hoping that she would end up sad and alone. Really, truly, I wanted Brian to break up with her, preferably after spending the night in the cottage. It was just...I don't understand her ridiculous obsession with the cottage or why she thinks it will fix everything and anything. Ava realizes she loves Brian, but she can't tell him until after the spend the night in the cottage. Why? Because then they will live happily ever after! She needs the night in the cottage to be able to tell Brian how she feels a bout him. Yeah, cause she can't do it anywhere else. Brian didn't want to go to the cottage since that was where she was supposed to spend her first night married and he didn't want to live in the past, he wants to make new memories with Ava. Well Ava is all obsessed and keeps pressuring him to stay there until he finally caves. Then the day they are supposed to leave Ava's brother tells Brian about he legend of the cottage in that oh, I thought you knew. You don't? Well here let me tell you kind of way. Ava wouldn't listen to anyone who told her how ridiculous her obsession with the cottage was, and when Brian flat out asks Ava how she feels about him what does Ava do? First she tries to convince Brian to just wait and they can talk about it at the cottage. When that doesn't work, because Brian tells her how geography won't change anything, Ava storms out and leaves Brian. It was just like really Ava? Seriously? What is wrong with you?!? I was happy that she was sad and alone, but I wanted Brian to not suffer. So Ava effectively broke up with the guy she loves because she needed to sleep in a cottage to be guaranteed a happily ever after. It was sooo frustrating! I hated Ava so much!!
So then she goes and spends some time alone up at her families place with the cottage and realizes that she was being stupid about the whole thing. She gives up her whole needing everything to be perfect thing and starts getting her life in order. I thought great! Now you can call up Brian or whatever and talk to him and get back together right? Wrong! She can't talk to Brian because he deserves better than her. She messed up once so that is it. She is no good for him. Doesn't matter what he wants, she is going to make decisions for him. I hate that! It doesn't matter that he is miserable without her, and she him, nope she is not good enough for him. She was always looking for perfect and she claims she is not anymore, but that is a big fat lie. She feels she needs to be perfect for Brian and she isn't so she is going to do nothing. Man Ava was frustrating. I hated Ava. I don't know why Brian still loved her. I don't know why Lacey was friends with her. She was frustrating me beyond belief and this book annoyed me so much. Unfortunate since I have enjoyed the authors other books. This one is just not for me.
December 20, 2019
Definitely not as magical as the first in the series. There were also many parts that were super awkward. But I still adored the first in the series.
January 8, 2018
I read this book as a continuation of The Christmas Cottage because it was a two for one, although I honestly never would have done so otherwise. I didn't like Ava in the Christmas Cottage and I disliked her just as much in Ever After. I hadn't a single clue what Brian saw in her and skimmed the entire story.
February 8, 2021
Love the narrator, Hate the character.
I love Brian so much but oh gosh, I hate Ava until the end. I thought reading her book will redeem her personality that had been portrayed in Lacey's book but I am so wrong, reading her book made me more aggravating.
I love Brian so much but oh gosh, I hate Ava until the end. I thought reading her book will redeem her personality that had been portrayed in Lacey's book but I am so wrong, reading her book made me more aggravating.
December 25, 2019
The h was on my last nerve the entire story.
September 2, 2020
This book has some “hallmark” holiday and family charm which is what I was anticipating. Sadly, the main character “Ava” is the most obnoxious and immature person ever. Also, the author jumps straight to sex to solve all problems.. If a mature conversation is needed, the author implies that some carnal love making will solve everything and fill in the gaps for words left unsaid.. I’m pretty certain that doesn’t work. It also isn’t romantic. The male “lead” is charming and much more modern than the majority of male leads in vanilla romance novels. I’m writing this review because this book really bugged me.
May 12, 2018
3.75 stars--
EVER AFTER is the second installment in Samantha Chase’s The Christmas Cottage contemporary, adult romance series. This is Ava Callahan and Brian McCabe’s storyline.
Originally released in February 2013, EVER AFTER follows Ava Callahan eight months after her wedding was called off when she and her then fiancé Mason realized they had fallen out of love and had nothing in common. Enter Brian McCabe, Mason’s one time best friend, and the man who had fallen in love with Ava months before. As Brian pursues Ava in the hopes of a romantic relationship, Ava begins to fantasize about the family Cottage and its’ ‘magical’ powers of love.
Like THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE, EVER AFTER is a story of romance without the use of graphic language, sexual imagery or sexual situations. All of the $ex scenes fade to black or are implied. The character of Ava continues to be a point of contention for this reader, as well as several of the storyline characters. Ava is a self-centred heroine who is blinded to suggestions; and in this her continued belief in the magic of the family cottage is an issue that has carried over between the first and second storyline.
All of the previous storyline characters and couples play secondary and supporting roles adding familiarity and cohesion to the story.
EVER AFTER is the second installment in Samantha Chase’s The Christmas Cottage contemporary, adult romance series. This is Ava Callahan and Brian McCabe’s storyline.
Originally released in February 2013, EVER AFTER follows Ava Callahan eight months after her wedding was called off when she and her then fiancé Mason realized they had fallen out of love and had nothing in common. Enter Brian McCabe, Mason’s one time best friend, and the man who had fallen in love with Ava months before. As Brian pursues Ava in the hopes of a romantic relationship, Ava begins to fantasize about the family Cottage and its’ ‘magical’ powers of love.
Like THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE, EVER AFTER is a story of romance without the use of graphic language, sexual imagery or sexual situations. All of the $ex scenes fade to black or are implied. The character of Ava continues to be a point of contention for this reader, as well as several of the storyline characters. Ava is a self-centred heroine who is blinded to suggestions; and in this her continued belief in the magic of the family cottage is an issue that has carried over between the first and second storyline.
All of the previous storyline characters and couples play secondary and supporting roles adding familiarity and cohesion to the story.
October 24, 2024
2020
Again, a cute little story revolved around the Christmas Cottage. What I liked most was that they never ended up going to the cottage. And that was perfect for them! Well, actually, "perfect" is now a kind of curse word in a way. Ava was way too invested in perfect. She was a bit obsessed with everything in her life being perfect. Perfect job. Perfect house. Perfect boyfriend. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Thankfully, Brian is just the perfect (whoops! Bad word!) man to balance her out. It was a little weird that she was dating the best friend of the guy she almost married. And she could be a little over the top and slightly annoying sometimes. But I still enjoyed the story. I do wish part of it had been omitted or reworked or something, though. I was really annoyed at the part of the story where she just wouldn't tell him that she loved him because she felt that it needed to be said in a special place and a special way. I mean, whenever you tell someone you love them you should realize that in itself makes it special. It doesn't have to be this big Hollywood production with candles and soft music and mountains in the background.
Again, a cute little story revolved around the Christmas Cottage. What I liked most was that they never ended up going to the cottage. And that was perfect for them! Well, actually, "perfect" is now a kind of curse word in a way. Ava was way too invested in perfect. She was a bit obsessed with everything in her life being perfect. Perfect job. Perfect house. Perfect boyfriend. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Thankfully, Brian is just the perfect (whoops! Bad word!) man to balance her out. It was a little weird that she was dating the best friend of the guy she almost married. And she could be a little over the top and slightly annoying sometimes. But I still enjoyed the story. I do wish part of it had been omitted or reworked or something, though. I was really annoyed at the part of the story where she just wouldn't tell him that she loved him because she felt that it needed to be said in a special place and a special way. I mean, whenever you tell someone you love them you should realize that in itself makes it special. It doesn't have to be this big Hollywood production with candles and soft music and mountains in the background.
January 7, 2021
Ever After is a spin off of Samantha Chase’s The Christmas Cottage. Had I been reviewing books then, The Christmas Cottage would’ve gotten a solid four stars from me. This one, however, was tough friends. If I wasn’t a crazy lady who MUST read every single book within a series I would’ve given this up.
Ava, the main character, had a failed engagement in The Christmas Cottage which apparently turned her into a whiny overdramatic 13 yr old. She embodies the term “self-destructive” wholeheartedly as she sabotages her happiness time and time again while being continually sought after by her ex’s would-have-been groomsman.
It feels like there could have been some opportunities for more depth in Ava’s character. I would have loved to see her grow in her self-awareness. Once she figured out that Mason (last book) wasn’t right for her and that she was only ever doing what was expected of her by others, there was so much room for healing. Unfortunately it fell short.
Ava, the main character, had a failed engagement in The Christmas Cottage which apparently turned her into a whiny overdramatic 13 yr old. She embodies the term “self-destructive” wholeheartedly as she sabotages her happiness time and time again while being continually sought after by her ex’s would-have-been groomsman.
It feels like there could have been some opportunities for more depth in Ava’s character. I would have loved to see her grow in her self-awareness. Once she figured out that Mason (last book) wasn’t right for her and that she was only ever doing what was expected of her by others, there was so much room for healing. Unfortunately it fell short.
October 22, 2016
Excellent
A wonderful story of love, believing, and hope. Brian was such a great guy. Ava was a bit wacky but she came around. Definitely a book I recommend.
A wonderful story of love, believing, and hope. Brian was such a great guy. Ava was a bit wacky but she came around. Definitely a book I recommend.
December 2, 2017
I read this book as a continuation of The Christmas Cottage. Going to say it right here....I didn't like Ava in the Christmas Cottage and I disliked her just as much in Ever After. Had these books not been combined into one paperback, I probably would never have gone on to this story. Ava is written as a petulant, whiny self-centered brat. All I can think of is poor Brian. Why would he be interested in someone like her? I'd also like to know how someone who works at a bookstore while finishing her college education can afford her own condominium in her mid-twenties?
I know Samantha Chase has quite a few books out there, but these are the first that I've read. Can't say I'm eager to seek out her others. Less than impressed. Sorry.
I know Samantha Chase has quite a few books out there, but these are the first that I've read. Can't say I'm eager to seek out her others. Less than impressed. Sorry.
December 10, 2017
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it. This is romantic, amusing and sweet. After she and her fiance break up on their wedding day, Ava avoids getting involved with another person. When her former fiances' best friend asks her out 8 months after her breakup, she refuses. But Brian refuses to give up. It turns out that on the night of her bachelorette party Brian had told her that he loved her. After waiting patiently they finally get together, nut Ava has a hard time admitting her feelings. Will a stay at her family's "magical" cottage give her the courage she needs?
June 30, 2020
One of the hardest things Ava has ever had to do was to walk away from her fairy-tale wedding. It has been months since the failed nuptials and with the groom already engaged to someone else, Ava feels she is at a crossroad. When her ex-fiance's best friend reconnects with her the sparks instantly fly. But will Ava still need the fairy-tale and night in the magic Christmas cottage? Or will she finally be able to fall in love with the right person for the right reason? No one does Christmas romance better than Samantha Chase. Not only does the reader fall in love with the characters but the holiday as well. Another great read!!
September 5, 2018
Eight months after Ava calls off her fairy tale wedding to Mason, she runs into his best friend Brian...the man who made her realize that marrying Mason would be a mistake! Even though she realizes she has feeling for him, Ava tells Brian to leave her alone, but he refuses too - after all he's practically been in love with her since the day he met her! Can she forgive him for his part in her decision to call off her wedding to Mason or will she let it ruin her chance of a happily ever after with him? Or will the magic of her family's "magical" cottage make things right? Cute, easy read!
February 12, 2017
It is always fun to go back and reread books that were published a few years ago. I took a break from some ARCs I should be reading and reacquainted myself with past books I have read before. "Ever After" just shows you that sweet romance is always a wonderful read no matter when it was written. No one writes it better than Samantha Chase regardless of the year it was written. For me, it was like a breath of fresh air. 4.5 Stars!
July 4, 2017
I found Ava to be immature, annoying, and delusional. She was annoying in The Christmas Cottage, and she didn't become someone I wanted to read about until 80% of the book was done. Still, the next 15% was also pretty painful since she finally grew up some but was still a whiny baby. The second star is only because she actually seemed rational in that last 5%. My impressions of Brian were overwhelmed by my dislike of Ava.
December 26, 2019
He is a stalker, a get a restraining order stalker, she is a brainless twit of a pathetic spineless woman only wanting to be loved and a group of family members who are so obnoxiously manipulative I can honestly say I hated this book. Why do authors continue to show women believing they are not enough without a man or becoming so blinded to wanting to be a couple they dont recognize when they are being duped and manipulated. We. Just ew.
January 19, 2021
I usually love Samatha Chase’s characters. I really didn’t like Ava, she really is a princess who took too long to grow up without any real reasons. As someone with a masters in Library Science, the job options presented are a fraction of what are available and being a librarian at a college is way more than just keeping the books in order.
When she went seasons without reaching out, I stopped reading. I knew where it was going and it feels unrealistic and forced.
When she went seasons without reaching out, I stopped reading. I knew where it was going and it feels unrealistic and forced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2021
Ever After tells the story of Ava Callahan eight months after she and her fiancé called off their engagement. The hero, Brian McCabe, is her ex-fiancé’s best friend who’s been in love with her forever. So there's a bit of a forbidden angle to their romance. I loved Brian and how unwavering he was about his feelings for Ava. Though it took Ava a little longer to admit to her feelings, it was necessary for her personal journey of self-discovery.
December 26, 2024
I can’t remember when I originally read this book but again I am so sorry that I didn’t even rate it, never mind review it! Probably back in 2014!
Anywho, not going to lie, Ava initially irritated the absolute bones of me when I first read The Christmas Cottage but I always hoped she would find her HEA.
But her need for perfection almost ruins everything! Or maybe it is her stubbornness to refuse to see what is right in front of her? How will it all turn out?
Frustrating but beautiful read.
Anywho, not going to lie, Ava initially irritated the absolute bones of me when I first read The Christmas Cottage but I always hoped she would find her HEA.
But her need for perfection almost ruins everything! Or maybe it is her stubbornness to refuse to see what is right in front of her? How will it all turn out?
Frustrating but beautiful read.
December 26, 2017
Ava was annoying in the first book, but I wrote it off as a result of the circumstances at the time. But in this book, she was even more annoying and it was hard to get through some sections of the book. I just really didn't like her and it's hard to get through a book when you don't like one of the main characters.
December 15, 2019
I loved the first book! My advice would be to stop there. I just couldn't get into Ava. She was very immature, and IMO had no redeeming qualities. This is one of those books where I wish they wouldn't end up together. Two stars, because I liked every other character, and we get to see Lacey and Ean.
August 12, 2020
This book was okay. The first book was a lot better than this one. Ava was kind of annoying in this book. I liked Brain but then also had an issue, of kind following her and inviting himself to a family event, I found that to be a little creepy. The author could have stopped with just the christmas cottage. I would read the first one again but not this one.
December 11, 2020
Another Christmas-ish novella in this series. Again, very guilty pleasure type of story. I will say, Ava, the female lead wasn’t very likable. Thank goodness the male lead, Brian was. Not as good as the first story, but still a nice tale to listen to while driving or doing something around the house.
November 9, 2018
Seriously the WHOLE book annoyed me. Ava is a spoiled rotten brat who never deserved Brain. She never grew up and needs to go back to kindergarten. I don't know how no one in her life has ever smacked her upside her head.
November 17, 2019
Great read
Loved the book and story. Characters are believable they have depth to them and I just love this book. This is the third time reading this book and I still love this book.
Loved the book and story. Characters are believable they have depth to them and I just love this book. This is the third time reading this book and I still love this book.
November 17, 2020
The Cottage
This has a cute storyline but Ava is one of my least favorite heroines in a long time. She is kind of a brat. She has a crazy way of thinking and can’t admit when she’s wrong. Brian is a sweet guy though and will even her out. The narrator does a good job.
This has a cute storyline but Ava is one of my least favorite heroines in a long time. She is kind of a brat. She has a crazy way of thinking and can’t admit when she’s wrong. Brian is a sweet guy though and will even her out. The narrator does a good job.
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