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The Christmas Diary #1
The Christmas Diary
A Lost Diary Leads to a New Beginning.Alice is an entrepreneur who owns a gift shop. Her business is failing, and she’s struggling with doubts about her upcoming marriage on Christmas Day in Pennsylvania.Despite her misgivings, she follows the plan to meet her fiancé six days before the wedding. Alice leaves New York and, as night descends, she gets lost in a violent snowstorm. A man darts out in front of her and she barely misses him.The mysterious stranger directs her to a nearby B&B. In a bookshelf in her room, Alice discovers an old diary wedged behind a row of books, and she discovers it was written by a man over a decade ago. She is captivated by its haunting story, inspiring her to set off on a journey to uncover the author’s fate.During her journey, Alice must confront her past, present, and future, and make a decision that will change her life forever.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
359 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Elyse Douglas
45 books340 followersElyse Douglas is the pen name for the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse began writing poems and short stories at an early age and graduated with a Master's Degree in English Literature. Douglas grew up in a family of musicians, astrologers, and avid readers. Some of Elyse Douglas' novels include: "Time Change," The Summer Letters," "Daring Summer," The Christmas Eve Series" and "Time Stranger." They reside in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 15, 2016
3.5 Stars
“The Christmas Diary” was close to what I expected, a semi non-traditional love story in some ways, a nice light read, a decent Christmas story.
Alice owns a shop in NYC, which isn’t doing as well as she’d hoped when she opened it. Her fiancé is an attorney. Scheduled to be married on Christmas Day in Pennsylvania, she leaves work and drives, hoping to arrive before the predicted snowstorm makes driving impossible.
She ends up forced off the road and onto side roads into a small town that seems rather unoccupied. It’s late, she’s tired, and it’s unsafe to continue to try to drive. A stranger tells her where to find temporary lodging at a nearby B&B.
It’s a charming B&B, and she ends up in a room with a late cancellation due to the snow where the bookcase is filled with a variety of books, old, new. Searching through the books she comes across a diary, and pulls it out to read the words of a man written a decade or more before. Her curiosity is piqued, and sets off to find the owner of the diary.
A quick read, a sweet story set in a neighborly small town frosted with snow just before Christmas, add in a diary for some mystery and a bit of drama. Oh, yes, and a “ghost,” a well-meaning, friendly one. It’s a bit Hallmark-y, but not any more than I expected.
“The Christmas Diary” was close to what I expected, a semi non-traditional love story in some ways, a nice light read, a decent Christmas story.
Alice owns a shop in NYC, which isn’t doing as well as she’d hoped when she opened it. Her fiancé is an attorney. Scheduled to be married on Christmas Day in Pennsylvania, she leaves work and drives, hoping to arrive before the predicted snowstorm makes driving impossible.
She ends up forced off the road and onto side roads into a small town that seems rather unoccupied. It’s late, she’s tired, and it’s unsafe to continue to try to drive. A stranger tells her where to find temporary lodging at a nearby B&B.
It’s a charming B&B, and she ends up in a room with a late cancellation due to the snow where the bookcase is filled with a variety of books, old, new. Searching through the books she comes across a diary, and pulls it out to read the words of a man written a decade or more before. Her curiosity is piqued, and sets off to find the owner of the diary.
A quick read, a sweet story set in a neighborly small town frosted with snow just before Christmas, add in a diary for some mystery and a bit of drama. Oh, yes, and a “ghost,” a well-meaning, friendly one. It’s a bit Hallmark-y, but not any more than I expected.
November 11, 2012
The Christmas Diary is the story of a woman's journey of self-discovery and finding true love.
Thirty-one year old Alice Ferrell is a New York City candle/gift shop owner, who is six days away from her Christmas Day wedding to wealthy corporate attorney Philip Bollinger. Alice's business is failing and she is stressed out from working endless hours, while also struggling to finish the wedding plans. Alice and Philip will be married in the western Pennsylvania town of Holbrook. Rather than flying from NYC to Pittsburgh, Alice decides to drive and gets herself caught in the middle of a snowstorm near the town of Eden Grove. Barely able to see while driving, an old man darts in front of Alice's car, she barely misses him and the car goes out of control. When the car comes to a stop, the mysterious old man tells her that he could direct her to a local B&B to stay overnight. He says his name is "Dr." and cryptically tells her that she will be staying the Rose Room, and to look carefully through the bookshelves. Once she reaches the B&B, the old man mysteriously disappears into thin air. After getting settled in the Rose Room, she remembers what the old man has told her, so she searches the bookcase where she finds an old leather diary buried behind other books. The diary was a Christmas gift from a woman to her husband over fifteen years ago. Intrigued, Alice discovers that the diary entries were written by a man named Jack, and it has a profound impact on her. The tenderly private entries captivated and deeply moved her, it made her start thinking about her own life and pending marriage to Philip. Her curiosity was peaked by the diary entries and Jack's life story, she wanted to know more, and instead of resuming her drive to Holbrook, Alice finds herself embarking on a journey to find Jack with a little help from a supernatural being, and along the way confronts her own life issues that will change her life forever.
The Christmas Diary is a tenderhearted story of one woman's journey of self-discovery and finding true love that will pull at your emotional heartstrings. The authors weave an inspirational tale written in the third person narrative, that draws the reader into Alice and Jack's lives, and the issues that they've faced: love and loss, questioning one's life choices, and the decision of which road/path is best to take in one's life.
This is a wonderful story that has a meaningful message within the storyline that will touch your heart. The authors' descriptive writing style is phenomenal: the characters are realistic and down-to-earth people whose emotions, dialogue and interactions are palpable, you can feel the range of highs and lows that they endure. The reader is transported to the picturesque holiday setting of the Pennsylvania towns of Eden Grove and Meadow Green. These Victorian and Colonial decorated towns and snowy landscape is a Christmas haven that you can envision with its joyous sights and sounds. The intensity of the snowstorm will make you hold your breath in suspense. As a person who enjoys burning candles, I loved the authors' description of Alice's candle/gift shop, I could easily envision the aromatic candle scents and gift shop items, I love to browse in quaint little shops. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the magnetic pull of Jack's diary, just like Alice, I was captivated by his entries and emotionally drawn into his life story, plus the mystery of his life after the diary entries stopped kept me intrigued as Alice went on her journey to find him.
This captivating story has a mixture of mystery, tender romance, and a supernatural twist that makes The Christmas Diary a compelling and entertaining story that will warm your heart.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the authors in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Thirty-one year old Alice Ferrell is a New York City candle/gift shop owner, who is six days away from her Christmas Day wedding to wealthy corporate attorney Philip Bollinger. Alice's business is failing and she is stressed out from working endless hours, while also struggling to finish the wedding plans. Alice and Philip will be married in the western Pennsylvania town of Holbrook. Rather than flying from NYC to Pittsburgh, Alice decides to drive and gets herself caught in the middle of a snowstorm near the town of Eden Grove. Barely able to see while driving, an old man darts in front of Alice's car, she barely misses him and the car goes out of control. When the car comes to a stop, the mysterious old man tells her that he could direct her to a local B&B to stay overnight. He says his name is "Dr." and cryptically tells her that she will be staying the Rose Room, and to look carefully through the bookshelves. Once she reaches the B&B, the old man mysteriously disappears into thin air. After getting settled in the Rose Room, she remembers what the old man has told her, so she searches the bookcase where she finds an old leather diary buried behind other books. The diary was a Christmas gift from a woman to her husband over fifteen years ago. Intrigued, Alice discovers that the diary entries were written by a man named Jack, and it has a profound impact on her. The tenderly private entries captivated and deeply moved her, it made her start thinking about her own life and pending marriage to Philip. Her curiosity was peaked by the diary entries and Jack's life story, she wanted to know more, and instead of resuming her drive to Holbrook, Alice finds herself embarking on a journey to find Jack with a little help from a supernatural being, and along the way confronts her own life issues that will change her life forever.
The Christmas Diary is a tenderhearted story of one woman's journey of self-discovery and finding true love that will pull at your emotional heartstrings. The authors weave an inspirational tale written in the third person narrative, that draws the reader into Alice and Jack's lives, and the issues that they've faced: love and loss, questioning one's life choices, and the decision of which road/path is best to take in one's life.
This is a wonderful story that has a meaningful message within the storyline that will touch your heart. The authors' descriptive writing style is phenomenal: the characters are realistic and down-to-earth people whose emotions, dialogue and interactions are palpable, you can feel the range of highs and lows that they endure. The reader is transported to the picturesque holiday setting of the Pennsylvania towns of Eden Grove and Meadow Green. These Victorian and Colonial decorated towns and snowy landscape is a Christmas haven that you can envision with its joyous sights and sounds. The intensity of the snowstorm will make you hold your breath in suspense. As a person who enjoys burning candles, I loved the authors' description of Alice's candle/gift shop, I could easily envision the aromatic candle scents and gift shop items, I love to browse in quaint little shops. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the magnetic pull of Jack's diary, just like Alice, I was captivated by his entries and emotionally drawn into his life story, plus the mystery of his life after the diary entries stopped kept me intrigued as Alice went on her journey to find him.
This captivating story has a mixture of mystery, tender romance, and a supernatural twist that makes The Christmas Diary a compelling and entertaining story that will warm your heart.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the authors in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
November 18, 2012
If you are a fan of Richard Paul Evans novels then you definitely want to grab The Christmas Diary. This is a super quick read that you pick up on a Saturday afternoon and devour in one sitting. One glorious afternoon sitting.
It is a story of love and changes with a paranormal twist.
The story involves Alice, Phillip (her fiancee) and Jack, the author of the journal she reads at the B & B. From that minute on the course of her life changes. She sets off to find out what happened to the man who wrote the journal and kind of puts her own engagement on hold, much to the anger of Phillip.
I adored this book. It was quick and simple and really perfect. I loved how everything was tied together through a ghost.
Jack is probably the best character in the story. He's a good guy, with a hard life, and it is the diary given to him by his wife that Alice finds and reads. That diary changes everyone's life.
Alice is what you'd expect from a romance novel heroine. Things aren't happening right for her and her relationship isn't quite right. You know that from the start. Her employee doesn't like him, her fiancee's mother doesn't like her. Her business is failing. You know something has to happen, and it does and it makes for a great read!
A quick holiday read that makes me think of Lifetime and Hallmark channel movies.
It is a story of love and changes with a paranormal twist.
The story involves Alice, Phillip (her fiancee) and Jack, the author of the journal she reads at the B & B. From that minute on the course of her life changes. She sets off to find out what happened to the man who wrote the journal and kind of puts her own engagement on hold, much to the anger of Phillip.
I adored this book. It was quick and simple and really perfect. I loved how everything was tied together through a ghost.
Jack is probably the best character in the story. He's a good guy, with a hard life, and it is the diary given to him by his wife that Alice finds and reads. That diary changes everyone's life.
Alice is what you'd expect from a romance novel heroine. Things aren't happening right for her and her relationship isn't quite right. You know that from the start. Her employee doesn't like him, her fiancee's mother doesn't like her. Her business is failing. You know something has to happen, and it does and it makes for a great read!
A quick holiday read that makes me think of Lifetime and Hallmark channel movies.
December 26, 2020
A story that reads like a Hallmark movie. Interesting & predictable but still kept my attention. Easy to read but it still peaked my interest enough for me to keep on reading!
December 23, 2025
Such a sweet little story, I loved all the characters and the twists and turns. Love happily ever after. I recommend this book.
October 29, 2012
I really enjoyed reading "The Christmas Diary" by Elyse Douglas. Alice Ferrell owns a shop called Candelight's Corner. The business is failing and she was nearly broke. Alice is engaged to Philip and planning to get married on Christmas Day. Alice wants to drive to Holbrook rather than fly with Philip to Pittsburgh. Alice leaves New York a little latter then she planned on and gets stuck in a bad winter storm. While she is driving she nearly runs over a man walking in the blizzard. The man directs her to a cozy little Bed & Breakfast. He tells her about the books on a bookshelf and she finds a hidden diary. The diary was written by a man named Jack 15 years ago. The diary was a gift from Jack's wife Darla. Alice was intrigued with the writing and ended up reading the whole diary. She decided she wanted to meet Jack to find out more about him. Philip is getting angry with Alice because she still hasn't arrived in Holbrook. Philip decides to go find Alice and talk her into leaving with him. Will Philip and Alice get married on Christmas Day? Will Alice and Jack fall in love? Did Alice make a mistake by reading a personal and private diary? Read to find out. This book really got me into the Christmas spirit. I will be reading it again in December. I will also recommend the book to my family and friends.
October 19, 2019
The Christmas Diary by Elyse Douglas is a charming contemporary novel that will warm your heart and leave you smiling.
The novel is about true love and real success. True love is deeper than romantic love. It goes straight into your heart and produces a strong urge to gather and protect. True love sacrifices. True love includes family. It is a love that lasts a lifetime and is not confined by time.
Success is measured in various ways. If your yardstick is fame and fortune, you will be indeed poor. True success is found in relationships with others. It is the love of others for us and us for others that reveals true success and riches.
The Christmas Diary has a wonderful atmosphere – love, warmth and snow all evoke feelings of nostalgia. The action is set in a small town that pulls together at all times. A warm welcome extends to strangers and reaches beyond the pages to the reader.
The characters are warm, well rounded and believable. The Christmas Diary is a perfect read to get you into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill is not just for Christmas but for all year round.
The novel is about true love and real success. True love is deeper than romantic love. It goes straight into your heart and produces a strong urge to gather and protect. True love sacrifices. True love includes family. It is a love that lasts a lifetime and is not confined by time.
Success is measured in various ways. If your yardstick is fame and fortune, you will be indeed poor. True success is found in relationships with others. It is the love of others for us and us for others that reveals true success and riches.
The Christmas Diary has a wonderful atmosphere – love, warmth and snow all evoke feelings of nostalgia. The action is set in a small town that pulls together at all times. A warm welcome extends to strangers and reaches beyond the pages to the reader.
The characters are warm, well rounded and believable. The Christmas Diary is a perfect read to get you into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill is not just for Christmas but for all year round.
December 13, 2012
I really fell in love with this book. This time of the year I really enjoy reading holiday books. Especially those that have a great story and a meaningful focus. Alice’s story that begins with a snowstorm will force her to face her life as it is by reading the diary of Jack and the love and loss he heartfeltly writes about. Her drive to meet Jack and find out what happened in the end. Alice begins to question her life’s choice and tries to imagine if she continues down the path she is currently on will she be happy in the end or if she decides to change her life entirely will that be her best choice. This beautiful story had me laughing and crying and feeling the depths of the pain the characters were feeling. Everything I look for in a good holiday/christmas book was found right here. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to feel the characters emotions and completely fall in love with a story.
January 22, 2015
This was a different take on "girl not happy in relationship, but doesn't realize it, finds another man she 'likes' better" type of story. It was just a fun read and the plot was good, and as I said, different than other stories like this. It's a quick read, but thoroughly enjoyable.
December 28, 2015
Wonderful Christmas read!! Elyse Douglas does a good job weaving some Christmas magic into a love story to warm your heart & soul for the holidays!!!
November 29, 2016
I enjoyed this fun little Christmas book. I thought the characters were believable and the story line engaging.
October 19, 2020
Elyse Douglas – Christmas Diary Bk 1 – Reviewed 10/18/20 – Read 10/15/20
A Christmas wedding, a snowstorm, a B&B with books, and a mysterious man!
Alice Ferrell owns a gift shop in NYC, but presently it is not doing so well. She has sunk all her energy and funds into it, but she does not want to give up on it yet. Her fiance has tried to convince her that it is a losing battle and when they are married, she should let him take care of her. Alice is a very independent woman and does not see it the same way, but she has let things ride and will make a final decision when she gets back from their honeymoon.
She also is not a big fan of flying, so she is driving to Pennsylvania to meet her fiance for the wedding. The weather though did not co-operate! On the way, in the snowstorm, she almost hits a man on the road, and it scared her. She jumps out of the car to make sure he is ok! After she assures herself that he is fine, she mentions that she was looking for somewhere to stop for the night, and the man tells her that he knows just the place for her to stop at. While on the way he makes several suggestions to her, one of them was for her to stay in the rose room and to look, really look at the books on the shelf.
They find the place and Alice goes in to see if they have a room available and tells the owner that the man in her car told her to come there. When they go out to the car the man is gone!
And now the story begins…
What did I like? I have read many of Elyse’s books and I have never been disappointed in them. Of course, this one is no exception, the time of the year, the location, the characters, and the storyline are all absolutely amazing! With no exceptions, Elyse and Doug have always had the most imaginative plots, with this one I can see it happening. Many times, when I have stayed in a B&B I have found unusual items, obviously not the same thing that Alice found, but that is not going to stop me from looking!! LOL
What will you like? Oh, my goodness, the book is filled with action, intriguing characters, a mystery that will capture you, and wonderful romance. The descriptions will lift you right into the snow, feel the wetness on your face and smell the smoke from the fireplaces. Join Alice as she searches for the answers to this most intriguing mystery that she has found. You can see the research that has been done on every page. The places, the things, and the feel of the Christmas season are brought to life. This is one amazing and intriguing story that I will remember for a long time. I am looking forward to the next chapter in this series, book two “The Christmas Diary – Lost and Found”
• File Size: 3580 KB
• Print Length: 291 pages
• Publication Date: September 12, 2012
• ASIN: B009AHT1UO
• Genre: Holiday Fiction, Holiday Romance
A Christmas wedding, a snowstorm, a B&B with books, and a mysterious man!
Alice Ferrell owns a gift shop in NYC, but presently it is not doing so well. She has sunk all her energy and funds into it, but she does not want to give up on it yet. Her fiance has tried to convince her that it is a losing battle and when they are married, she should let him take care of her. Alice is a very independent woman and does not see it the same way, but she has let things ride and will make a final decision when she gets back from their honeymoon.
She also is not a big fan of flying, so she is driving to Pennsylvania to meet her fiance for the wedding. The weather though did not co-operate! On the way, in the snowstorm, she almost hits a man on the road, and it scared her. She jumps out of the car to make sure he is ok! After she assures herself that he is fine, she mentions that she was looking for somewhere to stop for the night, and the man tells her that he knows just the place for her to stop at. While on the way he makes several suggestions to her, one of them was for her to stay in the rose room and to look, really look at the books on the shelf.
They find the place and Alice goes in to see if they have a room available and tells the owner that the man in her car told her to come there. When they go out to the car the man is gone!
And now the story begins…
What did I like? I have read many of Elyse’s books and I have never been disappointed in them. Of course, this one is no exception, the time of the year, the location, the characters, and the storyline are all absolutely amazing! With no exceptions, Elyse and Doug have always had the most imaginative plots, with this one I can see it happening. Many times, when I have stayed in a B&B I have found unusual items, obviously not the same thing that Alice found, but that is not going to stop me from looking!! LOL
What will you like? Oh, my goodness, the book is filled with action, intriguing characters, a mystery that will capture you, and wonderful romance. The descriptions will lift you right into the snow, feel the wetness on your face and smell the smoke from the fireplaces. Join Alice as she searches for the answers to this most intriguing mystery that she has found. You can see the research that has been done on every page. The places, the things, and the feel of the Christmas season are brought to life. This is one amazing and intriguing story that I will remember for a long time. I am looking forward to the next chapter in this series, book two “The Christmas Diary – Lost and Found”
• File Size: 3580 KB
• Print Length: 291 pages
• Publication Date: September 12, 2012
• ASIN: B009AHT1UO
• Genre: Holiday Fiction, Holiday Romance
December 5, 2023
When Alice Ferrell leaves her gift shop in New York City for Pennsylvania to meet her fiancé Philip, she hopes she can beat the snowstorm that’s on its way. However, the snow falls fast and furiously, and she’s forced to stop in a small town, where she’s directed by a strange man to a quaint B&B. As she’s looking for a book to read so she can unwind, she finds a diary – just as the stranger had said. This is the beginning of a mysterious, unusual wintery tale called The Christmas Diary: (Book 1) The Christmas Diary Series by Elyse Douglas.
Alice finds herself so caught up in the diary, which was written by a man named Jack, that she can’t put it down. When Philip calls, she’s reluctant to talk to him. Suddenly, she’s wondering about their relationship. She feels drawn to Jack and wants to know more.
Who is the mysterious stranger who showed himself to Alice? And will she ever meet Jack? What about Philip? The pair is to be married on Christmas Day, just a few days away. Will the wedding go on as planned, or will Alice get cold feet?
I found this book difficult to put down. It could have been set in any season, but the Christmas setting gives it an extra sense of romance, and there is one dramatic, dangerous event that could only happen in the cold and snow of winter.
The characters are well-developed, and easy to love – or dislike. Many have imperfections but some admirable qualities as well. The ending is predictable, but who doesn’t love a happy ending at Christmas time?
4 stars
Alice finds herself so caught up in the diary, which was written by a man named Jack, that she can’t put it down. When Philip calls, she’s reluctant to talk to him. Suddenly, she’s wondering about their relationship. She feels drawn to Jack and wants to know more.
Who is the mysterious stranger who showed himself to Alice? And will she ever meet Jack? What about Philip? The pair is to be married on Christmas Day, just a few days away. Will the wedding go on as planned, or will Alice get cold feet?
I found this book difficult to put down. It could have been set in any season, but the Christmas setting gives it an extra sense of romance, and there is one dramatic, dangerous event that could only happen in the cold and snow of winter.
The characters are well-developed, and easy to love – or dislike. Many have imperfections but some admirable qualities as well. The ending is predictable, but who doesn’t love a happy ending at Christmas time?
4 stars
December 22, 2025
Set in PA. 240 pp. I enjoyed this much more than I expected, but TBH, I hadn't really read the synopsis so my expectations were low. I don't normally care for romance novels, but this unfolded fairly realistically with not too many of the tropes that make romances difficult to swallow. We did have the FMC vaguely unhappy with her current relationship, about to be married, getting lost in a small town during a snow storm, and oh hey, she meets a strange character who puts her directly into the path of her new love. Honestly, it reads better than it sounds. I'll read book 2.
The Christmas Diary (The Christmas Diary, #1) by Elyse Douglas
The Christmas Diary (The Christmas Diary, #1) by Elyse Douglas
January 8, 2019
This is a really lovely romance with a hint of paranormal in the matchmaker. Alice and Philip are set to be married in a destination wedding on Christmas Day. Are the jitters Alice is having normal bride-to-be worries or do they mean something more. As Alice is driving to the town a few days before the wedding she gets caught in a horrific snow storm. Luckily for her, a man appears and gives her directions to a good place to stay. He also mentions she should look carefully in the bookshelves. Alice then finds a diary written by Jack, who used to own the B&B - and before she knows it she's read it all and sets out to find Jack. Once she's met Jack, she has a big decision to make about her future.
November 30, 2023
This story was a great read to start off the Christmas holidays. This story was a bit sad, sweet and very touching. It had a great mystery and a love story as well.
This story centers around a woman named Alice. She is set to get married on Christmas Day. While on the road she gets caught in a snowstorm. She gets help from a mysterious man. He directs her to a bed & breakfast. In her room perusing the bookshelf she discovers an old diary hidden away. The diary was written by a man fifteen years before. Alice decides to read it and is moved by his words.
Alice is intrigued and she sets off to find the man who kept the diary. During her journey she must confront her past and her future. She makes a decision that changes her life. I loved reading this story and I am glad to have read it.
This story centers around a woman named Alice. She is set to get married on Christmas Day. While on the road she gets caught in a snowstorm. She gets help from a mysterious man. He directs her to a bed & breakfast. In her room perusing the bookshelf she discovers an old diary hidden away. The diary was written by a man fifteen years before. Alice decides to read it and is moved by his words.
Alice is intrigued and she sets off to find the man who kept the diary. During her journey she must confront her past and her future. She makes a decision that changes her life. I loved reading this story and I am glad to have read it.
August 27, 2020
Alice went on quite a journey; heading from NYC and her candle shop that not doing well, to PA where she is getting married on Christmas Day. But there is a snow storm, a near accident, and she finds herself at a bed and breakfast. She finds a diary, searches to find the author of it, and has a lot of thinking to do about her life and where it’s heading. I liked this book, it was a fast read that kept me occupied and not watching while I donated blood today. Then had to finish it before I went to bed.
January 16, 2022
Super read!
Loved this story, and the characters were so wonderful. I can't wait for the second book to read. I fell so into like with the couple. Their story was great and full of twists and turns but worked out in the end. I will try other books by this author, I like her writing skills! Thank you for sharing your talent with me. I enjoyed the journey all the way through!
Loved this story, and the characters were so wonderful. I can't wait for the second book to read. I fell so into like with the couple. Their story was great and full of twists and turns but worked out in the end. I will try other books by this author, I like her writing skills! Thank you for sharing your talent with me. I enjoyed the journey all the way through!
November 24, 2023
All you could want in a Christmas novel: lots of snow, cozy B&Bs in small towns, warm and wonderful people, romance, etc.
The intriguing part of this for me was the questions surrounding the hidden diary. As the lead character learns more from reading it, she becomes more entwined in the lives of the people the writer loves.
It is an interesting and unique means of storytelling, and the author uses it effectively. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
The intriguing part of this for me was the questions surrounding the hidden diary. As the lead character learns more from reading it, she becomes more entwined in the lives of the people the writer loves.
It is an interesting and unique means of storytelling, and the author uses it effectively. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
December 27, 2023
A woman who is to be married on Christmas Day, leaves New York to meet her fiancé in Pittsburg to wrap up the wedding plans. On her way, she is caught in a snowstorm that forces her to stay in a small town B& B in Pennsylvania. Here, she finds a diary about a man that she decides to find. As she travels to another small town and meets the man, she begins to question her life. The story was cute and gave you small town vibes. There was romance, sadness and a cute ending.
July 21, 2018
Joyful
Wow! I just kept reading and reading when suddenly I was at the end. Christmas joy and love. I felt so many emotions while reading this story. The mystery of a diary and love. The excitement of finding the diary and then the man who wrote it. Taking chances on new love. This was an exciting book.
Wow! I just kept reading and reading when suddenly I was at the end. Christmas joy and love. I felt so many emotions while reading this story. The mystery of a diary and love. The excitement of finding the diary and then the man who wrote it. Taking chances on new love. This was an exciting book.
November 20, 2018
Excellent writing
I read this in one night. I never went to bed until I got to the end. The story grabbed me and would not let go. I was sucked into it with all the emotions that the characters felt. Hope ,fear, happiness,and tears all in one book. This was expertly told in very real visions
I read this in one night. I never went to bed until I got to the end. The story grabbed me and would not let go. I was sucked into it with all the emotions that the characters felt. Hope ,fear, happiness,and tears all in one book. This was expertly told in very real visions
July 16, 2020
The Christmas Diary
Do you believe in ghosts? Can one save a family? When Alice gave one a lift and found a diary, then Jack’s son sees it and it also helped Alice to find Kristie in the snow. Finally Jack sees it, his father. He was only there to help and to look over his family.
Do you believe in ghosts? Can one save a family? When Alice gave one a lift and found a diary, then Jack’s son sees it and it also helped Alice to find Kristie in the snow. Finally Jack sees it, his father. He was only there to help and to look over his family.
November 25, 2021
Fabulous
A mysterious and intriguing tale which will take you on an adventurous journey. Follow Alice as she discovers herself and finds love and kindness from a man and his children. This very well written story has strong creative characters. It was fascinating and I could not put it down.
A mysterious and intriguing tale which will take you on an adventurous journey. Follow Alice as she discovers herself and finds love and kindness from a man and his children. This very well written story has strong creative characters. It was fascinating and I could not put it down.
December 10, 2023
Christmas diary book one
I really love this book. It was exciting, heartwarming, and very suspenseful something I really love. I think the way the writer developed the characters was fantastic right away you kind of got in touch with them. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of her books.
I really love this book. It was exciting, heartwarming, and very suspenseful something I really love. I think the way the writer developed the characters was fantastic right away you kind of got in touch with them. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of her books.
February 14, 2024
A great Christmas story
Jack can’t seem to let go of his past, and Alice doesn’t know if the future she wanted - the future that is at hand - is where she wants to be anymore. As Alice reads an old diary written by Jack years previously, she begins to question what is really important to her. Will Alice and Jack embrace the opportunity before them?
Jack can’t seem to let go of his past, and Alice doesn’t know if the future she wanted - the future that is at hand - is where she wants to be anymore. As Alice reads an old diary written by Jack years previously, she begins to question what is really important to her. Will Alice and Jack embrace the opportunity before them?
March 21, 2024
another very good read
I like to read science fiction (especially time travel), mysteries, and fiction based on history. So, this book is very different from my usual reads and I ask so glad I read it. The whole story is beautiful and so we’ll put together. This was my third book written by Elyse and I sure will read all of the others I can get my eyes on.
I like to read science fiction (especially time travel), mysteries, and fiction based on history. So, this book is very different from my usual reads and I ask so glad I read it. The whole story is beautiful and so we’ll put together. This was my third book written by Elyse and I sure will read all of the others I can get my eyes on.
January 16, 2026
A cozy, time-slipping Christmas story that starts with a forgotten diary and ends with a heart restored. I loved the snowy inn setting, the gentle romance, and the way the past quietly opens a door for healing. It’s light, warm, and exactly the kind of book you read with a blanket and a mug of something hot. If you want a quick, feel-good holiday escape, this one delivers.
August 28, 2018
A good read
This waa a good story however, not as good as the previous ones I have read by this duo. It seemed hurried. Keep writing and I will continue to read. I love the feeling of by gone days, the ghosts, time travel. Great reading.
This waa a good story however, not as good as the previous ones I have read by this duo. It seemed hurried. Keep writing and I will continue to read. I love the feeling of by gone days, the ghosts, time travel. Great reading.
December 11, 2019
Perfect Christmas Read
A wonderful story about people healing each other with love and care, in spite of lasting issues in their lives. What an impact the diary had on those involved. Very hopeful, especially at Christmas.
A wonderful story about people healing each other with love and care, in spite of lasting issues in their lives. What an impact the diary had on those involved. Very hopeful, especially at Christmas.
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