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Vicarage Bench #5
Together for Christmas
Abbie Taylor has a thousand things to do before the big day, help the vicar with his needy families, organize the Christmas nativity, and spare time for a distraught baby at the orphanage who only settles when she’s near. Falling into a coma while her spirit resides inside a prickly, big shot businessman doesn’t work for her at all …until she falls in love.
How could Marcus Chapman be so unlucky? First he’s saddled with his newly widowed mum, and the next thing he knows, he has an annoying spirit invader who’s instantly aware that he isn’t nearly as tough as he makes out. Between these two manipulating women, and the orphans Abbie forces him to visit, the poor man doesn’t stand a chance. The season is Christmas, and love is all around.
How could Marcus Chapman be so unlucky? First he’s saddled with his newly widowed mum, and the next thing he knows, he has an annoying spirit invader who’s instantly aware that he isn’t nearly as tough as he makes out. Between these two manipulating women, and the orphans Abbie forces him to visit, the poor man doesn’t stand a chance. The season is Christmas, and love is all around.
217 pages, ebook
First published October 26, 2011
65 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Mimi Barbour
219 books696 followersMimi is an incredibly busy NYT and USA Today award-winning, best-selling author who has nine series to her credit, as well as over 45 books and numerous multi-author box collections.
Mimi lives on the East coast of Vancouver Island with her pup, Charli, and writes her various romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye.
She’s been known to say: “If I can steal a booklover’s attention away from their every-day grind, absorb them into a fantasy love story, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”
**1st place prize of the 2015 - Chanticleer Reviews - Clue Awards. Special Agent Francesca
**A TOUCH OF PASSION, has just become the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards.
Mimi lives on the East coast of Vancouver Island with her pup, Charli, and writes her various romances with tongue in cheek and a mad glint in her eye.
She’s been known to say: “If I can steal a booklover’s attention away from their every-day grind, absorb them into a fantasy love story, and make them care about the ending, then I’ve done my job.”
**1st place prize of the 2015 - Chanticleer Reviews - Clue Awards. Special Agent Francesca
**A TOUCH OF PASSION, has just become the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers' Choice Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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December 6, 2011
When I first read the blurb for this book, I was put in mind of a Lifetime Movie and I’ll admit there is a similarity. Despite the sickly sweetness of it all with it’s magical backdrop of a small town outside of London and it’s charismatic townsfolk, it completely captivated me. As if all that wasn’t enough the main characters are some of the best I’ve ever read.
Marcus isn’t the usual hero. He has a rough and gruff exterior used to hide his mushy heart but all the women who he holds dear are aware of this and use it to wrap him around their little finger’s. Abbie is this sweet soul who does everything she can for others to the point of exhaustion, her motto really is “do unto others”. She isn’t goody-goody though because she has a witty almost wicked sense of humor that drives Marcus crazy and kept me laughing. Just as I was sinking into the sappiness the author brought on the angst and it took me by complete surprise!
This plot was simply amazing and I felt an array of emotions of happiness, sadness, surprise, and many more. I highly recommend Together For Christmas, especially for those that enjoy a good holiday book.
For more of the review please visit: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
Marcus isn’t the usual hero. He has a rough and gruff exterior used to hide his mushy heart but all the women who he holds dear are aware of this and use it to wrap him around their little finger’s. Abbie is this sweet soul who does everything she can for others to the point of exhaustion, her motto really is “do unto others”. She isn’t goody-goody though because she has a witty almost wicked sense of humor that drives Marcus crazy and kept me laughing. Just as I was sinking into the sappiness the author brought on the angst and it took me by complete surprise!
This plot was simply amazing and I felt an array of emotions of happiness, sadness, surprise, and many more. I highly recommend Together For Christmas, especially for those that enjoy a good holiday book.
For more of the review please visit: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
December 26, 2013
4.5/5.0
Ms. Barbour has created a delightfully unique and creative way to bring two strangers very close together!
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Ms. Barbour has created a delightfully unique and creative way to bring two strangers very close together!
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 2, 2018
This the 8th book I read by Mimi Barbour. I thought some of the dialogue was funny but couldn't get into the story line.
December 26, 2020
This book really surprised me. After reading the first chapter, I almost set it aside when I discovered that it involved mysterious spirits. I didn't really pay attention to the cover. I had fallen for the title and wanted to read it at Christmastime. But then I decided to give it a little more time and see if I liked it. Lo and behold, the more I read the more I liked the story. And before long, I was totally engrossed in the adventure.
The time that Abbie's spirit spends in Marcus following their mishap behind the bench in front of the vicarage was most enjoyable. Being able to see and feel each other's thoughts created some funny episodes. And to think that this is the way they came to know each other and fall in love. When Abbie is miraculously brought out of the coma, the true romance begins.
And the love story has so many dimensions. Marcus and his somewhat estranged mother. Abbie and then Marcus' relationship with the orphanage where she grew up. And their relationship with the children living there. There are so many tender and loving moments in this book I cannot begin to count the number of times I found my eyes watering as I read and became emotionally involved. What a great and uplifting story for Christmas!
The time that Abbie's spirit spends in Marcus following their mishap behind the bench in front of the vicarage was most enjoyable. Being able to see and feel each other's thoughts created some funny episodes. And to think that this is the way they came to know each other and fall in love. When Abbie is miraculously brought out of the coma, the true romance begins.
And the love story has so many dimensions. Marcus and his somewhat estranged mother. Abbie and then Marcus' relationship with the orphanage where she grew up. And their relationship with the children living there. There are so many tender and loving moments in this book I cannot begin to count the number of times I found my eyes watering as I read and became emotionally involved. What a great and uplifting story for Christmas!
January 8, 2020
Together for Christmas (The Vicarage Bench #5) by Mimi Barbour
Abbie finds herself in an unusual situation, when she falls into a coma her spirit is residing inside of Marcus body. He can hear her, she hears him and can see things through his eyes. He is a bit of a Scrooge who works way too much. Can Abbie soften Marcus and turn him into a happier man? What will happen if she comes out of her coma ?
A fast paced original story set around Christmas time. Abbie is very likable, she is put in a situation that is unthinkable. Abbie tries to make the best out of this situation, while driving Marcus crazy. But could that really be bad for Marcus? Overall I found Together for Christmas sweet and enjoyable. I recommend to those who love a (Christmas themed) romance.
Abbie finds herself in an unusual situation, when she falls into a coma her spirit is residing inside of Marcus body. He can hear her, she hears him and can see things through his eyes. He is a bit of a Scrooge who works way too much. Can Abbie soften Marcus and turn him into a happier man? What will happen if she comes out of her coma ?
A fast paced original story set around Christmas time. Abbie is very likable, she is put in a situation that is unthinkable. Abbie tries to make the best out of this situation, while driving Marcus crazy. But could that really be bad for Marcus? Overall I found Together for Christmas sweet and enjoyable. I recommend to those who love a (Christmas themed) romance.
June 26, 2017
Barbour has written a series of books about a bench in a rose garden in front of a vicarage. If a man and a woman are near the bench and get stuck with a thorn, interesting things happen and I am not going to tell you because "Spoilers, sweetie."
All of them are quite enjoyable and this particular one has Christmas and orphans. I mean to say, Christmas plus orphans? Adorable.
Abbie and Marcus are thrust together in highly unusual circumstances that require a great deal of cooperation before it all can be resolved. Both characters grow and develop and I like that in a novel.
All of them are quite enjoyable and this particular one has Christmas and orphans. I mean to say, Christmas plus orphans? Adorable.
Abbie and Marcus are thrust together in highly unusual circumstances that require a great deal of cooperation before it all can be resolved. Both characters grow and develop and I like that in a novel.
February 20, 2020
I really tried to like this book
It was about Christmas and family and love but somehow it fell flat for me. The story just felt forced, the players were a bit one dimensional and the snow storm was mentioned so much I thought it had some bearing on the story ... But sadly no. What is with the rose bush, the storm and the dog? No explanations, no clue . I almost DNF but I pushed through only to be more disappointed with the end.
It was about Christmas and family and love but somehow it fell flat for me. The story just felt forced, the players were a bit one dimensional and the snow storm was mentioned so much I thought it had some bearing on the story ... But sadly no. What is with the rose bush, the storm and the dog? No explanations, no clue . I almost DNF but I pushed through only to be more disappointed with the end.
December 24, 2024
Love certainly makes everything better.
Mimi Barbour is a favourite author of mine but this book was way different than any others of hers that I have read.
Mystical and mysterious it's a wondrous read and impossible to put down.
Mimi Barbour is a favourite author of mine but this book was way different than any others of hers that I have read.
Mystical and mysterious it's a wondrous read and impossible to put down.
January 16, 2020
Fun
Loved the characters. The story made me smile, laugh and cry. Loved the way the characters interacted. And adding the dog was like icing on a cake.
Loved the characters. The story made me smile, laugh and cry. Loved the way the characters interacted. And adding the dog was like icing on a cake.
April 13, 2021
It was the only book I’ve read in this series still well written and sweet like the supernatural twist
March 9, 2017
Lovely
This is a sweet story, with a touch of magic in it. A magic rose bush, body hopping, love, orphans, crying babies, lost puppy and a man, what more could you want?
This is a sweet story, with a touch of magic in it. A magic rose bush, body hopping, love, orphans, crying babies, lost puppy and a man, what more could you want?
March 22, 2012
My actual rating is 4.5 stars. Together for Christmas is the fifth book in The Vicarage Bench Series. It kept my attention throughout the whole story. I have not read the prior books in this series, but after reading this, I am going back to start at the beginning. Though I did not feel like I needed to read the previous books to understand what was happening in this one.
Marcus Chapman is so wrapped up in his business that he doesn't make time for anything else in his life. He feels that women are only after him because of his wealth so he pushes them away by acting rough and tough, but he really has a heart of gold. Deciding to take a minute to rest on a bench he has no idea that his life is going to make a huge change within a matter of minutes.
Abbie Taylor has grown up in an orphanage her whole life, but she does not let that change the way she wants to help people. Since she has been on her own for a few years and has so much love to give she has helped the vicar take care of anyone or anything that may need her help.
Abbie is trying to cover the rose bushes outside the old vicarage to protect them from the falling snow when she wakes Marcus from his nap. As she talks him into helping her cover the roses they reach for one of the bushes and both wind up on the ground. Neither one realizes that they where pricked by the thorns of the same rose bush As Marcus rises from the ground Abbie realizes she is seeing her unconscious body through Marcus' eyes.
Marcus is not happy that he has another female turning his life upside down by messing with his head, and he wants her out of his body as soon as possible. They need to get Abbie help as soon as possible without many questions being asked that they could not answer.
Can they figure out what happened to cause Abbie to be inside of Marcus without causing people to think Marcus is crazy? Will they be able to fix this before it's too late for her to get back into her own body.
What better way is there to learn everything you want to know about someone than sharing the same body? Is it possible to have any loving feelings for the person you are literally sharing your every thought with?
Marcus Chapman is so wrapped up in his business that he doesn't make time for anything else in his life. He feels that women are only after him because of his wealth so he pushes them away by acting rough and tough, but he really has a heart of gold. Deciding to take a minute to rest on a bench he has no idea that his life is going to make a huge change within a matter of minutes.
Abbie Taylor has grown up in an orphanage her whole life, but she does not let that change the way she wants to help people. Since she has been on her own for a few years and has so much love to give she has helped the vicar take care of anyone or anything that may need her help.
Abbie is trying to cover the rose bushes outside the old vicarage to protect them from the falling snow when she wakes Marcus from his nap. As she talks him into helping her cover the roses they reach for one of the bushes and both wind up on the ground. Neither one realizes that they where pricked by the thorns of the same rose bush As Marcus rises from the ground Abbie realizes she is seeing her unconscious body through Marcus' eyes.
Marcus is not happy that he has another female turning his life upside down by messing with his head, and he wants her out of his body as soon as possible. They need to get Abbie help as soon as possible without many questions being asked that they could not answer.
Can they figure out what happened to cause Abbie to be inside of Marcus without causing people to think Marcus is crazy? Will they be able to fix this before it's too late for her to get back into her own body.
What better way is there to learn everything you want to know about someone than sharing the same body? Is it possible to have any loving feelings for the person you are literally sharing your every thought with?
January 6, 2014
When I first started reading this, I ask myself " what did I get myself into" but I keep reading. I'm so glad I did. This is a odd but funny story..
This is a story about Orphan named Abigail Taylor, AKA Annie, Who when grown up stayed on at the orphanage that she was raised. One stormy night she went to stop a rose Bush from freezing. She sees a man named Marcus Chapman. When she gets poked by a thorn, Annie ask for his help. Marcus goes to help and get himself poked. All of a sudden he feels all weak. MARCUS FALLS AND ABBIE GOES WITH HIM. While trying to get his bearing to help Abbie he realizes some thing's not right. ABBIE can't move but she is talking to him. WTH Her soul is in his body.
To see what happens u must read. I was very iffy about this book at first yes but I happy I finished it. It was a excellent story. Well wrote. Even had me feeling all different feeling. I even stop reading after half way through to see what else Mrs Mimi wrote. I will be getting more of her stuff in the future.
This is a story about Orphan named Abigail Taylor, AKA Annie, Who when grown up stayed on at the orphanage that she was raised. One stormy night she went to stop a rose Bush from freezing. She sees a man named Marcus Chapman. When she gets poked by a thorn, Annie ask for his help. Marcus goes to help and get himself poked. All of a sudden he feels all weak. MARCUS FALLS AND ABBIE GOES WITH HIM. While trying to get his bearing to help Abbie he realizes some thing's not right. ABBIE can't move but she is talking to him. WTH Her soul is in his body.
To see what happens u must read. I was very iffy about this book at first yes but I happy I finished it. It was a excellent story. Well wrote. Even had me feeling all different feeling. I even stop reading after half way through to see what else Mrs Mimi wrote. I will be getting more of her stuff in the future.
December 19, 2013
This was the MOST AMAZING book I have read this Christmas. I was glued to my reader and could NOT put it down! I have never laughed so hard or cried so much in I don't know how long. You know I don't really know what to say that would explain the joy I had in reading this book. That's saying a lot cause I don't normally have any problems in that area. LOL. Very well written, with a very strong story line that most definitely draws you into the story and grips you right into the mix of everything. Even though there is magic in it, it SO believable that you can't help yourself. The characters are incredible, loveable, and wonderful. I truly wanted this to go on forever! Whenever there are kids involved there is always emotions that reach the heart and this book will be one that you will want to read many times. Keep the tissues handy and prepare yourself for an excellent read. Highly recommended!
March 1, 2012
Together for Christmas is multi-published author, Mimi Barbour's, fifth book in her Vicarage Bench Series. It is a delightful story of two people falling in love, inside one body. Yes, you heard me right - one body.
After a fall, Abbie Taylor's spirit leaves her body and takes up residence in Marcus Chapman, a handsome, independent man. Trapped in the closest and most intimate of spaces, they get to know each other and themselves. The dialogue is witty and the plot is fun. You find yourself cheering them on, as they fall hopelessly in love.
Barbour spins a difficult to tell story with ease. Her prose is smooth. Her characters rich and her plot fast paced. She delivers the well deserved happily ever after ending perfectly. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys sweet romance with imagination.
After a fall, Abbie Taylor's spirit leaves her body and takes up residence in Marcus Chapman, a handsome, independent man. Trapped in the closest and most intimate of spaces, they get to know each other and themselves. The dialogue is witty and the plot is fun. You find yourself cheering them on, as they fall hopelessly in love.
Barbour spins a difficult to tell story with ease. Her prose is smooth. Her characters rich and her plot fast paced. She delivers the well deserved happily ever after ending perfectly. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys sweet romance with imagination.
December 4, 2011
Enter Contest Here - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
When I first read the blurb for this book, I was put in mind of a Lifetime Movie and I’ll admit there is a similarity. Despite the sickly sweetness of it all with it’s magical backdrop of a small town outside of London and it’s charismatic townsfolk, it completely captivated me. As if all that wasn’t enough the main characters are some of the best I’ve ever read.
This plot was simply amazing and I felt an array of emotions of happiness, sadness, surprise, and many more. I highly recommend Together For Christmas, especially for those that enjoy a good holiday book.
When I first read the blurb for this book, I was put in mind of a Lifetime Movie and I’ll admit there is a similarity. Despite the sickly sweetness of it all with it’s magical backdrop of a small town outside of London and it’s charismatic townsfolk, it completely captivated me. As if all that wasn’t enough the main characters are some of the best I’ve ever read.
This plot was simply amazing and I felt an array of emotions of happiness, sadness, surprise, and many more. I highly recommend Together For Christmas, especially for those that enjoy a good holiday book.
December 14, 2011
A Witty, Entertaining, Holiday Must Read
Together for Christmas is the 5th book in the Vicarage Bench Series from Romance Author Mimi Barbour. A great holiday book with an incredible entertaining plot that draws you in and keeps you turning the pages. I encourage everyone to grab a copy. You won't be disappointed!
Together for Christmas is the 5th book in the Vicarage Bench Series from Romance Author Mimi Barbour. A great holiday book with an incredible entertaining plot that draws you in and keeps you turning the pages. I encourage everyone to grab a copy. You won't be disappointed!
December 22, 2014
Such a sweet and tender Christmas tale
This is the first of the Vicarage Bench books that I've read, but it certainly won't be the last. The characters were enchanting, their chemistry compelling, and the storyline delightful. I have a severe case of the warm and fuzzies after reading this book.
This is the first of the Vicarage Bench books that I've read, but it certainly won't be the last. The characters were enchanting, their chemistry compelling, and the storyline delightful. I have a severe case of the warm and fuzzies after reading this book.
December 30, 2015
A little bit of magic provides a fun and challenging if implausible story. The characters are warm and engaging. The story includes humour and romance with a touch of mystery. I enjoyed this story very much.
June 7, 2012
Mimi writes another exciting book in the series. Great talent.
August 24, 2013
Review to come at romancing the book shortly.
December 15, 2013
This is a wonderful Christmas story. Set in an English village around 1969, it has lots of romance and a little hint of the supernatural.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews