The Next Generation

Holly Well Springs #4

by Vivian Porter

What can a town that celebrates Christmas all year round do to make Christmas in July special?
You release more magic.
James Kringle had just finished his medical internship, so he headed back home to Holly Well Springs to enjoy Christmas in July and figure out his next move. After all, it had been twelve years since he followed his “Pops” around the reindeer farm. But it wasn’t long before he had even more decisions to make.
Sophie was the next up-and-coming surgeon at New York General Hospital. After losing a patient on the operating table, she decided to take a little time off. It seemed a town in Montana that celebrated Christmas all year needed extra medical help for the month of July. It sounded like the perfect place for her heart to heal.
But Sophie hadn’t even unpacked at the charming Santa’s Workshop ranch when she came face to face with James, the most handsome man she’d ever seen. Two doctors from different parts of the country had suddenly found themselves in the same place at the same time.
It wasn’t long before James was faced with a family medical crisis, and Sophie had to relive her own past family crisis as she tried to help James deal with his.
Was the love they felt from the Magic Wishing Well? Was it Fate? Was it magic?
Or was it just a love story as old as time?

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2023

About the author

Vivian is a Contemporary Romance writer that travels the US with her family in hopes of visiting with readers and experiencing all the US has to offer.
She loves the idea of sexy "Hallmark-like Inspirational Romance" stories, so that's what she writes. That combined with some great resources on the location of the books (thanks to her visiting these places) will hopefully give you a quick getaway from the comfort of your couch.
She loves coffee, Game of Thrones, and making a difference whenever possible. A theme in her books is love is around every bend in the road. Hopefully, you'll enjoy this journey through the US in her debut series, "All Roads Lead to Love."

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next book in the Holly Well Springs series about a little town that celebrates Christmas all year round, it’s July and there’s a special festival and Sophie, on a break from her job as a surgeon in New York, is volunteering as a EMT while she tries to decide the next step on her career. Meanwhile James, the grandson of Kris and Christine Kringle, has returned for the first time since his father took him and his brothers to Denver. James, a doctor, is also at a career crossroads. Their time in the town throws them together and the meet up with the other young couples in the town, or in James’ case he is reunited with old friends. They become aware of developments in the town as we learn more about some of the older local residents, does the future of the town rest in the hands of the next generation? I received this book as an ARC from the author via BookFunnel, in return for my honest review, which Is that this is another charming, magical story about this good spirited town and I look forward to reading more of the same

[KY Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Next Generation is book 4 in the Holly Well Springs Series and the first one I have read.
It takes place in a magical town that celebrates Christmas in July, complete with cool temperatures and inexplicable snowfall.
The FMC, Sophie, leaves New York after losing a patient and co-worker during surgery. She escapes to Holly Well Springs to work as an EMT, temporarily thinking it will help her past her crises.
James is the grandson of Kris Kringle and a reluctant doctor as well. He is also the heir apparent to several duties in this Christmas town.
When James and Sophie meet the connection, it is immediate. As the two work together and rely on one another, their bond only grows. When a casino threatens to build in this quaint town and destroy their lifestyles, the town must work together to stop them.

What I liked: This is a sweet Christmas book with sweet couples, great friends (from previous books), and an idyllic setting. I didn't feel like I was missing anything by having not read the previous books. I enjoyed the POV from multiple characters.

What I didn't: I do not like a cliffhanger, and there was absolutely nothing resolved by the end of this book. A sweet Christmas book should not end with so many unknowns. There is no certain ending to the couple (they barely share 1 kiss), no finality to Christine's condition, and the obvious one with the Dad and the casino. The entire book and nothing resolved.

This ARC was provided by the author, and this is my honest review.

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth installment of this series, told in multiple first person POVs and will leave you wanting more. This book can be read as standalone (well before the first three) but is more enjoyable if read in order as the storyline hints to an ongoing conflict or evolution. This story does leave you on a cliffhanger, which is different from the previous books.

I really liked Sophie and James. I was excited to see Kris’ grandson return and see what waits for him in Holly Well Springs. I was excited to see that he also had things in common with Sophie when it concerned their career. They are definitely on a slow burn path to love. I loved seeing all of the other characters from the previous books and see how their lives are changing as well.

This story broke my heart in more ways than one and I can’t wait to see how the problems the next generation will face play out. I’m also nervous to see how Kris and Christine will face their struggles and how that will turn out.

These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean Montana set novel The Next Generation: A Christmas in July Novel: A Holly Well Springs Novel by Vivian Porter and this review was given freely.
This is not a light, fast-paced, holiday romance novel.
Two doctors questioning their career paths meet in the small hometown of Holy Well Springs, where their founding residents are aging, and the town is faced with change and possible extinction. This is a poignant novel of change and crisis set in a 365-day Christmas town in July. Best if read in the series order as it contains an update on the series’ couples.
Grieving after a failed surgery, New York surgeon and ER doctor Sophie takes a 1-month leave to work as an EMT in her best friend Tracy’s hometown where she meets Kris Kringle’s grandson, new doctor James Kringle, who has returned to the only place he feels loved a life he feels destined to live.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in A Holly Well Springs Novel and it is James and Sophie’s story. Sophie is a doctor and surgeon but after one of her patients died she decided that she needs a break and now she is going to Holly Well Springs for a month to help out on the ambulance service which will give her time to think about her future and decide what to do next. James is a doctor and is in Holly Well Springs to spend time with his grandparents and also to think about the offers that he has had and which hospital would suit him best but one thing that he always loved and missed was spending time with his grandparents as they and Holly Well Springs always felt like he was home. When James and Sophie meet the attraction is instant and the more time that they spend together the harder they fall for each other so will the magic of Holly Well Springs work again and bring happiness and a future to James and Sophie which is what they both deserve. Holly Well Springs have some major problems and issues that need to be addressed and solved as the town comes together to fight the biggest battle ever and they will all have to keep their faith to succeed. Wow this series just gets better and better with every book written and I was totally addicted to this book and I love this series so much and can’t wait to read more.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant magical read.
Both James and Sophie are in Hope Well Springs for the busy month of July.
James is visiting his grandparents but also needs to make a decision of where to go with his medical degree.
Sophie needed to get away from her busy life as a surgeon in New York and also to make a decision on whether she wants to return to her job.
There is an instant attraction between them and they had so much in common.
There is plenty of emotion and plenty of drama but also a town that needs to find a way to survive when a big company puts it's future in jeopardy.
Ends on a cliffhanger so I can't wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Susanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says it all

James has finally come home after his father moved him and his brothers out of Holly Well Springs when he was twelve. He’s now a doctor and needs to decide what he wants to do with his life next. He’s never felt at home as he is in Holly Well Springs following his grandfather around. He’s even called little Kris. Then he meets Sophie and things just seem to come together.

Sophie has given up her position of a promising surgeon at a premier New York hospital after a patient dies on her operating table. She also needs to decide what she wants to do with her life. She’s never felt as at peace as she does in Holly Well Springs and with James. What will their decisions be?

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times I found this to be an emotional read that
pulls at the heart strings with just the right amount
of fun to make it a very believable read.
There’s drama mysteries a few twists friendships
and just the touch of romance.
I will say even though it’s a standalone I would really
read the books before this because the characters from the
previous books they also make appearances in this one.
It does end on a happy note but you can see there’s going
to be a real battle coming to Holly Well Springs for the survival
of there town.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with full on Hallmark movie level big emotions. And saying that, I also suggest this is a book best read with tissues close to hand and out of the view of the public. Sophie made my heart bleed over the guilt she was carrying that wasn’t hers to keep. I loved the sweet way James was able to help her discover the truth and allow the healing of Holly Well Springs to seep into both their souls. I thought these two made an adorable couple and with the dramatic twist at the end, I’m already desperate to see what’s going to happen next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book and I loved it. Normally I would have given it a 5 star rating, but I felt like I had to drop it to 4 stars because it ends on a cliffhanger and I hate cliffhangers! The story is a sweet ‘Christmas in July’ romance. It was very interesting and really held my attention well. I was really caught up in the storyline and the abrupt ending caught me by surprise, leaving too much unresolved. The other books in the series were standalone so I wasn’t expecting a cliffhanger. This is the 4th book in the Holly Well Springs series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janet Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town of Holly Well Springs celebrates Christmas all year round except Jely and December they do more. People come from all over the world those two months to be in the town. If you love Christmas stories with a bit of magic thrown in then this is the book for you. This is #4 of a 5 book series but ea h can be read as a standalone. The first one does explain all about how the Christmas town came about but they tell you a little bit in each book. This book is about two Doctors, one an intern coming home to figure what to do next, and the other had something bad happen and now doesn't know if she wants to go on as a surgeon.
I ❤️ loved this book it was a fun read.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in July is a magical time at Holly Well Springs. This year, things are a little different. The joy and magic of the festival are tinged with sadness when the Kringles receive some devastating news. The town itself comes under attack as a proposed casino threatens to shatter the town’s existence. I can’t wait for the next book, and the epic legal battle that will inevitably come.

I love this series - and hope that the spirit of Christmas finally seeps into the heart of the biggest grinch of all…

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another emotional rollercoaster. I was expecting to read about James and Sophie’s love story but added to that Christine’s illness which was written with so much tact and understanding. I just love this series, so well written you feel as if you are part of the family.
The title set the idea of what the story would be about but it didn’t warn me about the emotions along the journey.
The ending had a twist to it, and I’m again looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Nuhaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

This is a story about a little town that celebrates Christmas all the times. Sophie is on a break from her work and is volunteering in that small town as EMT. James has returned back to the town after a very long time. The coincidence is that both characters are doctors. It is such a sweet book but this one is different compare to the previous books as it leaves you on a cliffhanger. You can read it as a stand alone but i recommend reading it in orders.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard times are coming for Holly Well Springs

James has returned to Holly Well to decide what he wants for his future. Sophie has come to work as an EMT while deciding if she would return to New York as a surgeon. As they settle into life in Holly Wellls, other things start happening. James Grandmother is diagnosed with cancer and a constriction company is wanting to build a casino next to Holly Wells. Even more surprises are in store for Holly Well Springs as the next generation becomes involved

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Holly Well Springs Series. Although this is a stand-alone I would recommend reading in order if you can as you’ll get the maximum enjoyment. The story follows Sophie and James. I from a previous story we got a visit from Kris’ grandson and we get to see what waits for him in Holly Well Springs. A delicious and delightful story with lots of feels you will read again.

[Angela Mcmanus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Holly Well Springs series will leave you with all the feels. The town is all about Christmas and The Well. In this book we get James (aka little Kris) and Sophies story. There is a devastating medical diagnosis an a land developer intends to build a casino complex next to Holly Well Springs. That threatens there little Christmas town. It does end in a cliffhanger. Vivian I am eagerly waiting for the net book. This book was so worth the read you wont regret picking it up.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story! It is well written with wonderful characters. It book 4 in the series. This story is about James, who finished his medical internship and went home for a bit, and Sophie, a surgeon who needed a break after losing a patient, so they are in Holly Well Springs. This book gave me all the feels, including a few tears, but I loved every word. It does have a cliffhanger but it was a wonderful story nonetheless. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg loved this book. James comes home to holly well Springs to spend time with his grandparents and figure out what he wants to do, Sophie is a surgeon and escapes from New York after a tragedy coming to holly well to find peace and understanding. Will these two be able to join forces along with the town to stop a company coming in to destroy the town and find love with each other at the same time?

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are well written with a wonderful story. James is done with his medical internship and heads home to decide what to do next. Sophie is working her way up at to top surgeon when she loses a patient. She needs a break and decides that Holly Well Springs is the place to get away. They meet and sparks fly between them. It is a wonderfully, sweet romance story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga in Holly Well Springs continues with James (grandson to Kris & Christine) and Sophie (doctor from NYC visiting for a month). Events in town start to heat up which threaten the livelihood of Holly Well Springs. Will they be able to overcome this danger? Unlikely suspects fight for good and evil. Loved the book however the ending was not what i was expecting!

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Sophie and James. Meeting in this magical town where everything is Christmas is just what they needed. I enjoyed this slow burn romance and seeing all the wonderful characters in this town. There are a few twists and there is a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to see what happens. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed James and Sophie's story, however, as the plot hints at an ongoing Kringle conflict, some things may be clearer if I had read the previous books in the series. Putting these minor questions aside the storyline captured my attention, it does end on a cliffhanger, and I'm excited to read the next instalment. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Holly Well Springs Series, a Small Town Romance. I haven't read the previous book in the series. Sophie and James's emotional story is filled with drama, mystery, and twists and turns. The characters are well developed, and interesting. The supporting characters are great. The story ends with a cliffhanger. Looking forward to more in the series.

[Judy25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I detest and abhor cliffhangers! With that said, I loved the storyline in this book. The characters were relatable and quite lovable. I don't like waiting for the next book in the sequence to be published, but I will eagerly read it. I'm hooked! Great book!

[Jessica Tejeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is wonderful and well written. I love all the characters in it. Definitely feel like there will be more to the story. I really love how Sophie heals from what has happened in her career and help James by realizing what his grandmother is going through.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total Hallmark movie…

Two doctors in Holly Well Springs….
Yep, it’s official. Total Hallmark.
Sophie is a city doctor in the small town for July.
James Kringle (get it? Reindeer farm and all) is back in town.
It’s Christmas in July with medical drama.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story in an amazing series. Full of magic, love, pain and sadness. James and Sophie were so sweet and engaging. A devastating medical diagnosis causes turmoil for the characters as well as some surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a town where is is Christmas all year round and he decides to go home but life is going to throw a curveball when she arrives. She has lost a patient and she needs a break from it all. How will their lives clash? Can it be good for them both? See if it will be

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Holly Wells Spring series.