Christmastown, where it’s Christmas 365 days a year…
To Darcy Carr the holiday is depressing enough without reliving it every day. Her thriving wreath business and faithful cat are no longer enough to distract her from the pain of her past memories or her current loneliness. Is her frosty neighbor, the only man in town with no Christmas decorations, just another Scrooge, or could he be the one she’s been looking for?
Coppersmith Dean Whitfield hasn’t celebrated Christmas—or anything else—since the death of his wife and unborn child. And he certainly has no desire to carry on the family tradition of crafting a star for the town’s Christmas tree, even if it will benefit a charity. Can Darcy and the joy of the season thaw his frozen heart and help him love again? ---------------------------------------------------- This title is part of the Christmas Holiday Extravaganza, specially priced through December 2013.
Candice Sue Patterson studied at The Institute of Children's Literature and is an elementary librarian. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she's not tending to her chickens, snuggling with her Great Pyrenees, or helping children discover books they love, she's working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance--where the past and present collide with faith. For more on Candice and her books, visit www.candicesuepatterson.com.
Darcy's business of making wreaths is a perfect fit for Christmastown, Vermont. Unfortunately, since the loss of her twin brother as a child, she hasn't found a great deal of pleasure in Christmas.
Her across the street neighbor, Dean, also doesn't hold much affection for Christmas. He lost his wife and unborn child to an impaired driver two years prior. He is angry at God and has mostly hidden away in his house and workshop.
Well-written novella from a promising newcomer. This one has all the elements you want (difficult to do in a shorter work), and I enjoyed it. Candice Sue Patterson is an author to watch.
Heartfelt contemporary romance set in a town where Christmas is year round. Darcy chose Christmastown, Vermont because she has a wreath business and loved the Victorian house she found as well as the quaint town. Coppersmith Dean lives across the street from the house he grew up in but it holds too many memories. He is a recluse since his wife died. Friendship grows as Darcy shows Christian compassion as hope and love bloom. I liked the details of the wreath business and the coppersmithing. There were a few side characters that gave color to the story. But the redemption thread and Dean having his sorrowful, meaningless existence brought back to life was the bright spot. And the author did this so well. I really connected with the characters and the plot. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via bookfunnel. All opinions are mine alone.*
There’s nothing like a sweet, cozy, quick Christmas read!
Dean and Darcy’s story is a story of redemption and healing. I loved the setting for the book, and though in my humanness I struggled with the same feelings Dean had towards the drunk driver who took his wife’s life, the redemption arc and the display of God’s goodness and the fact that no one is beyond God’s reach is such a powerful message.
I loved the chemistry and friendship that Dean and Darcy started with. Their little cooking dates and movie nights just added to the cozy Christmas feel!
Ms. Patterson wowed me with this one. I connected with the characters instantly, and loved how Darcy melted Dean's icy heart. The author's voice is so refreshing. Loved her humor, as well as her approach to sensitive subjects. Mostly I enjoyed the way she weaved the couple together, creating a fun, believable story line with unexpected turns. I'm extremely grateful for an original plot in a romance. The writing is classy. I recommend this story to teens and adults alike. http://www.amazon.com/Bright-Kettles-...
This story will grab you from the very first page and make you want to know the story behind the characters, but you'll just have to do a little reading of your own because I'm not about to spill the beans!
Needless to say, Darcy is a very well rounded character with secrets of her own, even as she opens herself to the public with her wreath making classes. And Dean is just a puzzle for Darcy to figure out as she stumbles her way through some treacherous waters in her yearning to get to know him even as she tries not to intrude on his privacy.
It seems God, and a couple little old ladies have a plan!
Sad and happy, sweet and bittersweet, this story has it all. Beautiful!
Bright Copper Kettle ( Christmas Holiday Extravaganza ) By: Candice Sue Patterson Patterson took me in on this one. The story and the characters were both well written. This is really a good book to read around Christmastime. I really liked the main characters Darcy and Dean. The story is set in Christmastown ,Vermont and it is Christmas all year round. Darcy has a wreath shop beside her neighbor Dean, who wants nothing to do with Christmas . Can Darcy get Dean turned around ? There is some mystery in Bright Copper Kettle that will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.
This is a quick read but it is a heartwarming romance following two people as they try to let go of the hurts of the past in order to find a future together. This author certainly knows how to write a story with wonderful characters and a story line that pulls you in from the first pages and keeps you reading to see what is going to happen next. This is one that I certainly recommend to the reader who enjoys a good Christmas themed Christian romance. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author.
Darcy's new business in Christmastown, Vermont, will help townspeople get into the Christmas spirit, but the 365 days of holiday cheer aren't cheering her gloomy life. And her neighbor, the only scrooge in a town of Christmas-happy revelers, seems to be one more dark spot. But at Christmastime in Christmastown, miracles are bound to happen.
Patterson's characters come to life in this little snowy town. I loved Bright Copper Kettles. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
What a great Christmas story. I connected with the author's humor from the start, a huge plus. Ms. Patterson's characters are instantly likable. I sympathized with both Dean and Darcy, and loved the tension between them. It's a safe read for your daughters, you moms out there. Entertains and challenges while honoring the Lord. It put me in the Christmas spirit when it was 79* outside. Definitely hoping to see more from this talented author!
Yes, I know Christmas is over but I like to read Christmas stories all year. So there!
Darcy Carr has moved to Christmastown, Vermont to get a new lease on life. Dean Whitfield grew up there and is not a friendly man because he lost his wife to a drunk driver. Both have been hurt due to losses in their lives and both are not sure they ever want to get that close to anyone again.
This the the second book of Patterson that I just finished. A book about two lonely people who having lost ones living next door to each other. These two people find true love, but must let go of the past before they can be together. A Christian book about forgiveness and redemption. A well written book for all readers..
Bright Copper Kettles was a delightful novella. Candice Sue Patterson manages to draw the reader right in, creating characters and a story line that is rich and full. Wonderful Christmas read! I recommend it.
Cute holiday story that keep me reading the whole time. I love the soft crises that come up and the analogy about the copper kettle and God's will with us was great. (trying not to spoil it, so not really explaining it well)
This was a fantastic Contemporary Christian Christmas fiction Novella. Some of the names in the book are my own family names; that just enriched the believable story for me! The characters, including Gomez the cat, were heartwarming. I would highly recommend this book! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
I gave this book a 4 because it wasn't a page turner, but it was a good cozy ready. I went into it knowing this book would be a cozy hallmark type story and I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed reading the story by my lit Christmas tree and a hot mug of hot chocolate.
Dean had my attention from the very beginning. My eyes teared up as I learned the reason he stayed to himself, but I loved his father's expression "You can give dead or you can die living." Such a powerful statement to hit you early in the story. And God bless Ruth and Ethel. They reminded me of two sweet, meddling aunts that just want to see a sweet couple get together. I chuckled in each of their scenes.
I love that these characters both dealt with loss in their lives but in different ways. I felt their relationship happened at just the right pace. Sometimes I feel authors try to force couples together and it just ruins the storyline. That is not at all what happened here. Ms. Patterson did a beautiful job of bringing these two together. It was so sweet and innocent and friendly - how I feel relationships should happen.
This story was full of loss, uncertainty, faith, and hope. It is a wonderful Christmas story that will leave you smiling and renewing your faith and trust in God. I received a complimentary copy of this story. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
A quick fun read à la Hallmark Christmas movies, for which I always have a soft spot.
* Read for the 2021 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge task: A book related to the lyrics for the song My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music
Fit for a Hallmark movie! Darcy and Dean overcome emotional obstacles in a way that will touch your heart and have you believing in the miracle of the Christmas season.