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A Frost Family Christmas #1-3
A Frost Family Christmas Anthology
Want a little mystery with your holiday romance stories? Then come meet the Frost Family in Carol Falls, Vermont, and follow their adventures and romances. This 3-book series contains three separate romances with a connecting mystery that is solved in the final book. (Plus a bonus short story.)
WHAT CHILD IS THIS by C.J. Carmichael: When PR manager Lily Parker finds an abandoned baby in the nativity scene at work, her relationship with her boss, Garret Frost, becomes a lot more complicated.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Roxy Boroughs: This holiday season April Rochester must decide if the man she's always loved, Jimmy Frost, is merely “Home For Christmas"—or home for good.
THE HOLLY & THE IVY by Brenda M. Collins: Police Officer Joey Frost has her hands full this Christmas trying to find the mother of the abandoned baby, but Joey can handle it…until a snow storm blows her high school sweetheart, Noel “Fletch” Fletcher, back to town.
PLUS BONUS STORY, THE GIFT by C.J. Carmichael: What would you do if a child in need showed up at your door on Christmas Eve? Kindergarten teacher Amy Frost, and her deputy boyfriend, Gray Cassidy, never counted on this.
WHAT CHILD IS THIS by C.J. Carmichael: When PR manager Lily Parker finds an abandoned baby in the nativity scene at work, her relationship with her boss, Garret Frost, becomes a lot more complicated.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Roxy Boroughs: This holiday season April Rochester must decide if the man she's always loved, Jimmy Frost, is merely “Home For Christmas"—or home for good.
THE HOLLY & THE IVY by Brenda M. Collins: Police Officer Joey Frost has her hands full this Christmas trying to find the mother of the abandoned baby, but Joey can handle it…until a snow storm blows her high school sweetheart, Noel “Fletch” Fletcher, back to town.
PLUS BONUS STORY, THE GIFT by C.J. Carmichael: What would you do if a child in need showed up at your door on Christmas Eve? Kindergarten teacher Amy Frost, and her deputy boyfriend, Gray Cassidy, never counted on this.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2013
108 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
106 books833 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 25, 2016
If you want to read one sweet contemporary holiday romance or have time for all three in this anthology, plus the added bonus short story, this is a wonderful collection. A FROST FAMILY CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGY (Frost Family & Friends, #1-3) contains the romance stories of all three Frost siblings, set in small town Vermont around Christmas with a connecting mystery that is solved in book #3. They can be read as standalone books, but I hope you take the time to enjoy them all as I did.
Book #1 – What Child Is This by C.J. Carmichael
Garrett Frost has taken over the full-time operation of the family maple syrup farm from his father. As a widower with a small son he relies on his mother and he hasn’t really moved on since his wife’s death two years ago. His new PR manger, Lily Parker has moved from New York City and is doing a great job, but she doesn’t let anyone get too close. When Lily finds an abandoned baby in the Nativity scene at the farm, it brings her emotional past to a head. Both Garrett and Lily have a lot of past emotions to deal with before they can find a way to move forward together.
Book #2 – Home for Christmas by Roxy Boroughs
Jimmy Frost left town to prove his worth and rarely returns, because he has a secret that has always made him feel different. When he comes home this Christmas, it is for his job. As he stops on the town square, he runs into his high school love. April Rochester is back in town on her grandfather’s farm. She wants to start a school for autistic children, like her son. When Jimmy suddenly appears in town again all of the old feelings do, too. But will he stay or will he be gone again after his visit?
Book #3 – The Holly & The Ivy by Brenda M. Collins
Jocelyn ‘Joey’ Frost has made her dream of being a police office a reality in her hometown. She is up for an upcoming promotion so she is always working to prove herself. There have been a series of petty vandalisms all aimed at the mayor and he wants it solved. As she works that case, her best friend works the case of baby Holly found in the manger. When an ice storm hits, Joey pulls her returning high school flame out of a ditch. Noel ‘Fletch’ Fletcher is an Army brat who became a military policeman and served in Afghanistan. He is visiting his aunt and has come back to claim the only girl he has ever loved.
BONUS STORY – The Gift by C.J. Carmichael
Kindergarten teacher, Amy Frost finds a battered and neglected little child at her door on Christmas Eve. Has her one Christmas wish come true? And how can she explain this to her deputy boyfriend, Gray Cassidy?
These are all fast, easy to read stories with a lot of heart and small town charm that will entertain you on a cold winter night.
Book #1 – What Child Is This by C.J. Carmichael
Garrett Frost has taken over the full-time operation of the family maple syrup farm from his father. As a widower with a small son he relies on his mother and he hasn’t really moved on since his wife’s death two years ago. His new PR manger, Lily Parker has moved from New York City and is doing a great job, but she doesn’t let anyone get too close. When Lily finds an abandoned baby in the Nativity scene at the farm, it brings her emotional past to a head. Both Garrett and Lily have a lot of past emotions to deal with before they can find a way to move forward together.
Book #2 – Home for Christmas by Roxy Boroughs
Jimmy Frost left town to prove his worth and rarely returns, because he has a secret that has always made him feel different. When he comes home this Christmas, it is for his job. As he stops on the town square, he runs into his high school love. April Rochester is back in town on her grandfather’s farm. She wants to start a school for autistic children, like her son. When Jimmy suddenly appears in town again all of the old feelings do, too. But will he stay or will he be gone again after his visit?
Book #3 – The Holly & The Ivy by Brenda M. Collins
Jocelyn ‘Joey’ Frost has made her dream of being a police office a reality in her hometown. She is up for an upcoming promotion so she is always working to prove herself. There have been a series of petty vandalisms all aimed at the mayor and he wants it solved. As she works that case, her best friend works the case of baby Holly found in the manger. When an ice storm hits, Joey pulls her returning high school flame out of a ditch. Noel ‘Fletch’ Fletcher is an Army brat who became a military policeman and served in Afghanistan. He is visiting his aunt and has come back to claim the only girl he has ever loved.
BONUS STORY – The Gift by C.J. Carmichael
Kindergarten teacher, Amy Frost finds a battered and neglected little child at her door on Christmas Eve. Has her one Christmas wish come true? And how can she explain this to her deputy boyfriend, Gray Cassidy?
These are all fast, easy to read stories with a lot of heart and small town charm that will entertain you on a cold winter night.
December 8, 2013
The Frost Family Christmas stories will inspire you and get you into the Christmas mood. Each story is well written and very entertaining.
What Child Is This by C.J. Carmichael
This was a sweet Christmas story that I really enjoyed.
Garret Frost has been running Frost Farms, his parents maple syrup business, since his father retired. He is still suffering the loss of his wife and puts all his effort into the family business while trying to raise his young son Duncan and living in his parent's home. He needs a bit of help in the office and hires Lily Parker as the public relations manager.
Lily is hiding a past about her divorce, what went wrong in her marriage and why she left New York City to live in a small town in Vermont.
When a newborn baby is left in the manger of the nativity scene during Frosty Frolics, the annual fundraiser to help needy families in town. A lot of questions are raised about who she belongs to and why she was dropped off there. Plus, questions are raised about why Lily became so emotional any time she is around the baby.
What Christmas miracle will bring Garret and Lily together?
Home For Christmas by Roxy Boroughs
James Frost is returning to his hometown of Carol Falls, Vermont. He had grown up here. Stolen his first kiss here and ran away as fast as he could, taking a lot of secrets with him. What his family and friends don't know is he's scouting for a location for a new Getalot store. Before heading to his family home, he decides to stop in town to watch the Holiday festivities in the middle of town. He watches the skaters on the ice rink and waits for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Then, he spots his former girlfriend April. He hasn't seen her in 10 years. She now has a young son. April has inherited her late grandfather's maple syrup farm. She has plans of fixing up the home and creating a school for autistic children, like her Liam. James wants to help her with her dream. But, will his job ruin everyone's dreams when the town finds out about his plans for the big box store. A store like that will hurt local businesses including his own family's. The mystery of baby Holly is still hanging around too. Local girl Heather tells James the baby is his. But, she she really? And, how does this effect the relationship that James and April are trying to get back?
The Holly & The Ivy by Brenda M. Collins
A wonderful story of rekindled love, mystery and family values.
Joey Frost didn't want to spend her life working at her family's maple syrup business. She decided to become a police officer in her small town of Carol Falls, Vermont. She enjoys what she does and is up for a promotion. She is out patrolling to streets one night during a snow storm when she comes across a stranded motorist who's car is stuck in a ditch. Little does she know it happens to be none other then her old crush Fletch. What is he doing back in town after leaving 10 years ago without even saying goodbye to her? He has been a military police officer in Afghanistan and his tour is finally up. He wants Joey back. He is back to try to convince Joey to move to Boston with him where he has accepted a position with the police department there. He has accepted a three month contract working for the police department and becomes Joey's partner. Joey still can't trust him after he broke her heart so bad back in school. Will Fletch be able to win her back? The mystery of baby Holly is solved in this book which give the series a great ending.
The Gift by C.J. Carmichael
This book isn't related to the first three, but is a great story on it's own.
A heartwarming and inspiring short story that proves there really is magic at Christmas time.
Amy Gold has always wanted children, but is unable to have any. She plans to leave her boyfriend, Gray Cassidy, because he deserves to have a loving family and lots of kids. On Christmas Eve a little girl shows up at Amy's house all dirty and obviously abused. She says her name is Dora. Amy will do anything to help this child. Following Dora's tiny footsteps, back to where Amy believes she came from While out, she sees the sheriff and his daughter Kirsten, who is psychic and just by seeing Dora, she is given the vision of what happened to her mother. The mystery is solved, but will Amy and Gray be able to work out their differences? And, what happens to little Dora?
What Child Is This by C.J. Carmichael
This was a sweet Christmas story that I really enjoyed.
Garret Frost has been running Frost Farms, his parents maple syrup business, since his father retired. He is still suffering the loss of his wife and puts all his effort into the family business while trying to raise his young son Duncan and living in his parent's home. He needs a bit of help in the office and hires Lily Parker as the public relations manager.
Lily is hiding a past about her divorce, what went wrong in her marriage and why she left New York City to live in a small town in Vermont.
When a newborn baby is left in the manger of the nativity scene during Frosty Frolics, the annual fundraiser to help needy families in town. A lot of questions are raised about who she belongs to and why she was dropped off there. Plus, questions are raised about why Lily became so emotional any time she is around the baby.
What Christmas miracle will bring Garret and Lily together?
Home For Christmas by Roxy Boroughs
James Frost is returning to his hometown of Carol Falls, Vermont. He had grown up here. Stolen his first kiss here and ran away as fast as he could, taking a lot of secrets with him. What his family and friends don't know is he's scouting for a location for a new Getalot store. Before heading to his family home, he decides to stop in town to watch the Holiday festivities in the middle of town. He watches the skaters on the ice rink and waits for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Then, he spots his former girlfriend April. He hasn't seen her in 10 years. She now has a young son. April has inherited her late grandfather's maple syrup farm. She has plans of fixing up the home and creating a school for autistic children, like her Liam. James wants to help her with her dream. But, will his job ruin everyone's dreams when the town finds out about his plans for the big box store. A store like that will hurt local businesses including his own family's. The mystery of baby Holly is still hanging around too. Local girl Heather tells James the baby is his. But, she she really? And, how does this effect the relationship that James and April are trying to get back?
The Holly & The Ivy by Brenda M. Collins
A wonderful story of rekindled love, mystery and family values.
Joey Frost didn't want to spend her life working at her family's maple syrup business. She decided to become a police officer in her small town of Carol Falls, Vermont. She enjoys what she does and is up for a promotion. She is out patrolling to streets one night during a snow storm when she comes across a stranded motorist who's car is stuck in a ditch. Little does she know it happens to be none other then her old crush Fletch. What is he doing back in town after leaving 10 years ago without even saying goodbye to her? He has been a military police officer in Afghanistan and his tour is finally up. He wants Joey back. He is back to try to convince Joey to move to Boston with him where he has accepted a position with the police department there. He has accepted a three month contract working for the police department and becomes Joey's partner. Joey still can't trust him after he broke her heart so bad back in school. Will Fletch be able to win her back? The mystery of baby Holly is solved in this book which give the series a great ending.
The Gift by C.J. Carmichael
This book isn't related to the first three, but is a great story on it's own.
A heartwarming and inspiring short story that proves there really is magic at Christmas time.
Amy Gold has always wanted children, but is unable to have any. She plans to leave her boyfriend, Gray Cassidy, because he deserves to have a loving family and lots of kids. On Christmas Eve a little girl shows up at Amy's house all dirty and obviously abused. She says her name is Dora. Amy will do anything to help this child. Following Dora's tiny footsteps, back to where Amy believes she came from While out, she sees the sheriff and his daughter Kirsten, who is psychic and just by seeing Dora, she is given the vision of what happened to her mother. The mystery is solved, but will Amy and Gray be able to work out their differences? And, what happens to little Dora?
September 17, 2014
What Child is This
This was a wonderfully emotional story. Garrett Frost, widower with a 5 year old son, runs his family's maple syrup farm. He and his PR assistant, Lily, are working to set up the Frosty Frolics festival for the town. At the end of the night, a real baby is found in the manger of the nativity scene. The discovery of the baby shocks the entire town. Lily and Garrett discover that they have a mutual attraction to one another, but aren't sure how to handle it. It's hard to write a review of this story without giving away too much. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. I just had to get to the end. Now I'm on to the next story, Home for Christmas, with the continuing mystery about the abandoned baby.
Home for Christmas
This story focuses more on James, Garrett's younger brother. He has come back to down for Christmas, and to look into some land areas for a business venture. He runs into April, his former girlfriend who now has a son with autism. Excitement and drama ensue when James discovers that the town, and more specifically his family, don't share his same positive thoughts about his new business venture. The mystery of baby Holly is still there, including the news that the baby may belong to James. Couldn't put it down. Just enough drama and romance and still has the baby Holly mystery tied in.
The Holly & the Ivy
This story is about Joey, the little sister of Garrett and James Frost. She is a police officer in Carol Falls and is hoping to get a promotion soon. Then in the middle of a snowstorm, she rescues a stranded motorist who just happens to be her teenage crush, Fletch, who just happens to be in town for a job - the job/promotion that Joey thought she was going to be getting. Very fun reading about how Joey works so hard to prove herself as a police officer while battling returning feelings for Fletch. All while solving both the town vandal case and the baby Holly case. This last novella does a wonderful job of tying up the trilogy into a nice neat bow.
The Gift
This story isn't tied in with the first three, but is still a wonderful read. Amy is determined to give her sort-of-boyfriend Gray a Christmas to remember. Then when a small girl shows up on her doorstep Amy's world gets turned upside down. This is an emotional story that really tugs at your heartstrings.
This was a wonderfully emotional story. Garrett Frost, widower with a 5 year old son, runs his family's maple syrup farm. He and his PR assistant, Lily, are working to set up the Frosty Frolics festival for the town. At the end of the night, a real baby is found in the manger of the nativity scene. The discovery of the baby shocks the entire town. Lily and Garrett discover that they have a mutual attraction to one another, but aren't sure how to handle it. It's hard to write a review of this story without giving away too much. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. I just had to get to the end. Now I'm on to the next story, Home for Christmas, with the continuing mystery about the abandoned baby.
Home for Christmas
This story focuses more on James, Garrett's younger brother. He has come back to down for Christmas, and to look into some land areas for a business venture. He runs into April, his former girlfriend who now has a son with autism. Excitement and drama ensue when James discovers that the town, and more specifically his family, don't share his same positive thoughts about his new business venture. The mystery of baby Holly is still there, including the news that the baby may belong to James. Couldn't put it down. Just enough drama and romance and still has the baby Holly mystery tied in.
The Holly & the Ivy
This story is about Joey, the little sister of Garrett and James Frost. She is a police officer in Carol Falls and is hoping to get a promotion soon. Then in the middle of a snowstorm, she rescues a stranded motorist who just happens to be her teenage crush, Fletch, who just happens to be in town for a job - the job/promotion that Joey thought she was going to be getting. Very fun reading about how Joey works so hard to prove herself as a police officer while battling returning feelings for Fletch. All while solving both the town vandal case and the baby Holly case. This last novella does a wonderful job of tying up the trilogy into a nice neat bow.
The Gift
This story isn't tied in with the first three, but is still a wonderful read. Amy is determined to give her sort-of-boyfriend Gray a Christmas to remember. Then when a small girl shows up on her doorstep Amy's world gets turned upside down. This is an emotional story that really tugs at your heartstrings.
December 19, 2013
I loved A Frost Family Christmas!! Such sweet stories about love, forgiveness and the season of Christmas! I adored each book on its own but put together in a set made this a wonderful anthology!!! Each sibling of the Frost family has a book but there are characters (and a little mystery!) that follows through in each book. The perfect bunch of books!! I loved them!!
*ARC provided by the author
*ARC provided by the author
December 5, 2018
I'd intended to review each romance individually, but it turns out I don't really have to. Despite being written by three different authors, the only way I could tell the books apart was by small consistency errors that should have been caught by an editor; for example, sometimes the town's school is "White Pine High School" and sometimes "White Pine Ridge High School," things of that nature.
All three stories are equally bland, shallow, and rushed. The first is insta-love, while the second and third are second-chance romances, but all the couples go from not-together to married or seriously committed in one hundred pages or less, as well as in roughly a week of story time. ALL THREE BOOKS TOGETHER only take the month of December, as near as I can tell.
Honestly, it's just ridiculous.
As for the "cozy mystery" that spans the three individual stories, it's so full of obvious red herrings that it's impossible to figure out until seconds before it's solved for real. Both the second and third books present solutions so clear that I knew they couldn't be correct, especially in the second book, because if it's solved then, what happens to the mystery plotline in the third?
I did not even read the bonus short story beyond its first few pages, when it became clear it had nothing to do with the characters and town I'd just spent three books following; I simply didn't care at that point.
All three stories are equally bland, shallow, and rushed. The first is insta-love, while the second and third are second-chance romances, but all the couples go from not-together to married or seriously committed in one hundred pages or less, as well as in roughly a week of story time. ALL THREE BOOKS TOGETHER only take the month of December, as near as I can tell.
Honestly, it's just ridiculous.
As for the "cozy mystery" that spans the three individual stories, it's so full of obvious red herrings that it's impossible to figure out until seconds before it's solved for real. Both the second and third books present solutions so clear that I knew they couldn't be correct, especially in the second book, because if it's solved then, what happens to the mystery plotline in the third?
I did not even read the bonus short story beyond its first few pages, when it became clear it had nothing to do with the characters and town I'd just spent three books following; I simply didn't care at that point.
December 17, 2017
Several books in one
This is a series of books about the Frost family. In the back are several chapters (teasers) of more books in the series. The Frost family has a maple farm, been in the family for years. A big part of the community. A sweet book to read.
This is a series of books about the Frost family. In the back are several chapters (teasers) of more books in the series. The Frost family has a maple farm, been in the family for years. A big part of the community. A sweet book to read.
November 24, 2017
Such a sweet a delightful read just in time for the Holidays .
December 10, 2018
These four books were really interesting.
January 8, 2019
Nice for the holiday season. I enjoyed the stories and how they fit together. Well done.
December 20, 2023
Sweet
Sweet Christmas stories about a small town and a family. Each story is about a different family member. Perfect for the holidays
Sweet Christmas stories about a small town and a family. Each story is about a different family member. Perfect for the holidays
January 1, 2017
This contains three novels centered around the Frost family and the abandoned baby Holly that take place over the three weeks leading up to Christmas. It also contains a short story that takes place on Christmas Eve and involves a different missing girl, and seems to happen in a neighboring town with a Frost cousin, but other than that has little to do with the other three books.
Week one is What Child Is This, featuring the finding of baby Holly at the annual Frosty Frolics, a charity fundraiser put on by the Frost family. It follows the oldest Frost sibling, Garrett as he finds himself falling more and more in love with his mysteriously haunted PR manager, Lily.
Week two sees James Frost, the black sheep of the family, return to town in Home for Christmas. He's falling back in love with the woman who, for a brief period back in high school, was his wife, but James has secrets, embarrassing secrets that nobody knows and some of those lead to baby Holly.
Week three, The Holly and the Ivy, has Joey Frost fuming as the promotion due her is given to Fletch, newly back in town after breaking her heart years ago. Forced to show him around--and finding herself still in love with him after all he's done, she sets about solving the baby Holly case to further prove that the promotion should have been hers.
Meanwhile, In The Gift, Frost cousin Amy opens her door to an emaciated and dirty little girl and not the boyfriend that she plans on breaking up with (after the holidays, of course, she's not a monster). Trying to piece together where this girl came from, Grey, said boyfriend and deputy, reluctantly helps her.
I enjoyed the series as the light holiday romance series that it was, nothing deep, but still fulfilling to see good people have a wonderful holiday. If I have to nitpick, and I do, my only complaints followed some accidental "Canadianisms" that followed the authors--far more hockey than you'd see on an American ice rink (we just skate aimlessly) and the mention is book three of Boxing Day, most teens in the US don't even know what that is. Both of these briefly took me out of the stories, but only briefly.
I'd say my favorite story was the short story, The Gift, and I wished it had been longer and given more of a mystery to it. it was a very captivating plot line and if it had come out over the course of days or weeks instead of easily wrapping up overnight, it would have been fabulous.
Week one is What Child Is This, featuring the finding of baby Holly at the annual Frosty Frolics, a charity fundraiser put on by the Frost family. It follows the oldest Frost sibling, Garrett as he finds himself falling more and more in love with his mysteriously haunted PR manager, Lily.
Week two sees James Frost, the black sheep of the family, return to town in Home for Christmas. He's falling back in love with the woman who, for a brief period back in high school, was his wife, but James has secrets, embarrassing secrets that nobody knows and some of those lead to baby Holly.
Week three, The Holly and the Ivy, has Joey Frost fuming as the promotion due her is given to Fletch, newly back in town after breaking her heart years ago. Forced to show him around--and finding herself still in love with him after all he's done, she sets about solving the baby Holly case to further prove that the promotion should have been hers.
Meanwhile, In The Gift, Frost cousin Amy opens her door to an emaciated and dirty little girl and not the boyfriend that she plans on breaking up with (after the holidays, of course, she's not a monster). Trying to piece together where this girl came from, Grey, said boyfriend and deputy, reluctantly helps her.
I enjoyed the series as the light holiday romance series that it was, nothing deep, but still fulfilling to see good people have a wonderful holiday. If I have to nitpick, and I do, my only complaints followed some accidental "Canadianisms" that followed the authors--far more hockey than you'd see on an American ice rink (we just skate aimlessly) and the mention is book three of Boxing Day, most teens in the US don't even know what that is. Both of these briefly took me out of the stories, but only briefly.
I'd say my favorite story was the short story, The Gift, and I wished it had been longer and given more of a mystery to it. it was a very captivating plot line and if it had come out over the course of days or weeks instead of easily wrapping up overnight, it would have been fabulous.
January 8, 2014
What Child is This, Book 1, from A Frost Family Christmas was a wonderful romantic story. It's perfect to read during the holidays, but a good, clean romance like this one can be enjoyed any time of the year.
As I was reading What Child is This, I kept thinking that it would make a great romantic holiday movie. The story is so heartwarming. C.J. Carmichael has created characters that I immediately felt a connection to. Single father, Garret Frost, reluctantly falls in love with the new public relations manager for his family's business. Lily, easily falls for Garret, although love is the last thing she's looking for. Lily took the job at the maple syrup business in Carol Falls, Vermont as an attempt to heal herself from the painful losses of a child and husband in New York.
Garret has emptiness in his life from the loss of his wife and unborn child. Although he's not looking forward to Christmas, Garret wants to ensure that his five year old son, Duncan, will have a good Christmas. This proves to be almost impossible when the only thing on Duncan's list for Santa is not a toy, but a trip to the North Pole.
Every Christmas, the Frost family business, "Old Sugar Shack," hosts a major event called "Frosty Frolics." This year, Lily is closely involved in the event's planning as the public relations manager. The whole community is invited and funds are raised to provide Christmas baskets for needy families in Carol Falls. During the holiday event, Lily discovers an abandoned baby in the manger scene. Old wounds are reopened for Lily, but the baby draws Lily closer to Garret and into the Frost family.
What Child is This is Book 1 of a trilogy: "A Frost Family Christmas." It can be a stand alone novella, however, I could never stop reading at the first book. Carmichael doesn't reveal the identity of the abandoned baby's birth mother in the first book. It's a mystery that is continued in the trilogy. I'm sure other readers will also continue on with this heartwarming tale.
RATING: 4 1/2
Heat Rating: Sweet
REVIEWED BY: Molly Waters
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
As I was reading What Child is This, I kept thinking that it would make a great romantic holiday movie. The story is so heartwarming. C.J. Carmichael has created characters that I immediately felt a connection to. Single father, Garret Frost, reluctantly falls in love with the new public relations manager for his family's business. Lily, easily falls for Garret, although love is the last thing she's looking for. Lily took the job at the maple syrup business in Carol Falls, Vermont as an attempt to heal herself from the painful losses of a child and husband in New York.
Garret has emptiness in his life from the loss of his wife and unborn child. Although he's not looking forward to Christmas, Garret wants to ensure that his five year old son, Duncan, will have a good Christmas. This proves to be almost impossible when the only thing on Duncan's list for Santa is not a toy, but a trip to the North Pole.
Every Christmas, the Frost family business, "Old Sugar Shack," hosts a major event called "Frosty Frolics." This year, Lily is closely involved in the event's planning as the public relations manager. The whole community is invited and funds are raised to provide Christmas baskets for needy families in Carol Falls. During the holiday event, Lily discovers an abandoned baby in the manger scene. Old wounds are reopened for Lily, but the baby draws Lily closer to Garret and into the Frost family.
What Child is This is Book 1 of a trilogy: "A Frost Family Christmas." It can be a stand alone novella, however, I could never stop reading at the first book. Carmichael doesn't reveal the identity of the abandoned baby's birth mother in the first book. It's a mystery that is continued in the trilogy. I'm sure other readers will also continue on with this heartwarming tale.
RATING: 4 1/2
Heat Rating: Sweet
REVIEWED BY: Molly Waters
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Read
November 18, 2016Books 1 and 2 were delightful - more than a little predictable but, hey, isn't that what Christmas stories are meant to provide?
Plus points: the overarching plot about Holly was delightful though the legal machinations at the end rather heavy-going! I liked the characters and the set up and this was heading for a strong four stars until .....
WTF??
The Holly and the Ivy. Chapter 8:
Fletch opened his mouth to respond, but the main door at the front of the station swung open and smashed into the wall. Both she and Fletch jumped and faced forward, each with a hand hovering over the butt of their weapon.
Joey seriously considered shooting Mayor Emerson Lincoln where he stood in the entrance, flushed with temper … and completely oblivious to the reaction he had caused in the patrol room.
(And there were three other people in the station ready to shoot as well.)
SERIOUSLY?? I mean SERIOUSLY??
FYI (and to put my reaction into context:)
In England and Wales in the 12 months to March 2016, British police discharged their firearms on just seven occasions. Just thought you might be interested. (Source: The Independent. Thursday July 28th 2016)
The idea that an author could write so calmly and casually about a group of five police officers considering ‘seriously shooting’ someone without any warning is utterly abhorrent and in my mind should never ever be included in a romance novel.
I have no idea how to rate this anthology. Every time I think of giving it 4 stars I think of that scene. So for now I am leaving it unrated.
Plus points: the overarching plot about Holly was delightful though the legal machinations at the end rather heavy-going! I liked the characters and the set up and this was heading for a strong four stars until .....
WTF??
The Holly and the Ivy. Chapter 8:
Fletch opened his mouth to respond, but the main door at the front of the station swung open and smashed into the wall. Both she and Fletch jumped and faced forward, each with a hand hovering over the butt of their weapon.
Joey seriously considered shooting Mayor Emerson Lincoln where he stood in the entrance, flushed with temper … and completely oblivious to the reaction he had caused in the patrol room.
(And there were three other people in the station ready to shoot as well.)
SERIOUSLY?? I mean SERIOUSLY??
FYI (and to put my reaction into context:)
In England and Wales in the 12 months to March 2016, British police discharged their firearms on just seven occasions. Just thought you might be interested. (Source: The Independent. Thursday July 28th 2016)
The idea that an author could write so calmly and casually about a group of five police officers considering ‘seriously shooting’ someone without any warning is utterly abhorrent and in my mind should never ever be included in a romance novel.
I have no idea how to rate this anthology. Every time I think of giving it 4 stars I think of that scene. So for now I am leaving it unrated.
December 1, 2016
What Child is this by C.J. Carmichael Book one
The Christmas basket program is one of the yearly things the Frost family does for people in the town in need. They also hold a very Christmas event with sitting on Santa's lap and all. A child's dream to go to the North Pole and why is touching. It's a love story and a mystery in one. The mystery doesn't get solved. The love story does have a happy ever after.
Home for Christmas by Roxy Boroughs Book two
The Frost story continues. Is the myster finally solved from the first story? This story has a second chance at love theme. There is also a new mystery that needs an answer to but it does get solved. A big twist at the end! I didn't see that coming. Will we ever know the answer to the first mystery? Can't wait to keep read onto the next story.
The Holly and the Ivy by B.C. Deeks Book three
The first and second story are about the two Frost brothers but this story is about Joey, their sister. The story shows off her solving mystery skills as a cop and is also another second chance at love story. This really made me want to visit Smalltown Vermont one day. The baby mystery is finally solved from the first book. It was as I expected but I'm glad it gave me the reason why.
The Gift by C.J. Carmichael A bonus story and not part of the Frost storyline
A short read about love, abuse, murder, lies, and much more compacked togeather. It does have a happy ending but has serious issues in the story some people may emotionally react strongely to. Written well.
The Christmas basket program is one of the yearly things the Frost family does for people in the town in need. They also hold a very Christmas event with sitting on Santa's lap and all. A child's dream to go to the North Pole and why is touching. It's a love story and a mystery in one. The mystery doesn't get solved. The love story does have a happy ever after.
Home for Christmas by Roxy Boroughs Book two
The Frost story continues. Is the myster finally solved from the first story? This story has a second chance at love theme. There is also a new mystery that needs an answer to but it does get solved. A big twist at the end! I didn't see that coming. Will we ever know the answer to the first mystery? Can't wait to keep read onto the next story.
The Holly and the Ivy by B.C. Deeks Book three
The first and second story are about the two Frost brothers but this story is about Joey, their sister. The story shows off her solving mystery skills as a cop and is also another second chance at love story. This really made me want to visit Smalltown Vermont one day. The baby mystery is finally solved from the first book. It was as I expected but I'm glad it gave me the reason why.
The Gift by C.J. Carmichael A bonus story and not part of the Frost storyline
A short read about love, abuse, murder, lies, and much more compacked togeather. It does have a happy ending but has serious issues in the story some people may emotionally react strongely to. Written well.
December 23, 2016
A Frost Family Christmas Anthology
A series of books of a Maple syrup farm and the family who owns it and works on it. Three books all together following two brothers and one sister. A really great read.
A series of books of a Maple syrup farm and the family who owns it and works on it. Three books all together following two brothers and one sister. A really great read.
December 23, 2013
C.J. Carmichael sent me the gift of this wonderful Christmas anthology. I can only imagine the fun she had with Roxy Boroughs and Brenda Collins in brainstorming and creating these stories set in Carol Falls, Vermont. Not only was the place the same, but each author had a brother or a sister from the same family in which to tell his or her own story about finding love. Intertwined in each story is a mystery infant found in the manger scene at the Frosts’ annual gathering on their maple syrup producing farm, held for the entire community, and also to benefit selected local families in need.
I laughed, cried, and cheered at this delightful, yet deeply emotional, well thought-out romance anthology. Old loves rekindled, new ones made, and a town where everyone cares about each other. Cheers to these authors who have separate stories to tell about jointly connected characters in this charming town.
The Gift was an added bonus novella that was compact, but with the powerful premise of a child looking for her angel.
I laughed, cried, and cheered at this delightful, yet deeply emotional, well thought-out romance anthology. Old loves rekindled, new ones made, and a town where everyone cares about each other. Cheers to these authors who have separate stories to tell about jointly connected characters in this charming town.
The Gift was an added bonus novella that was compact, but with the powerful premise of a child looking for her angel.
December 25, 2016
What Child Is This by CJ Carmichael
I loved the characters in this story. We got a pretty good idea of who the Frost family is and the business they own and operate.
Although I liked the story, a couple things csme up that were off putting. One, I felt as though I was being set up n or fed information. Not because of the story but that the information was needed to get to the conclusion. Almost like it was written off an outline where crrtain facts needed to be included whether it fit or not.
Two, the relationship between Garrett and Lily changed to fast at the end. When someone in the relationship is giving mixed signals my first reaction is to when the next chnchange will occur. Not take the change at face value and throw myself into it, especially when I have been reticent earlier.
I loved the characters in this story. We got a pretty good idea of who the Frost family is and the business they own and operate.
Although I liked the story, a couple things csme up that were off putting. One, I felt as though I was being set up n or fed information. Not because of the story but that the information was needed to get to the conclusion. Almost like it was written off an outline where crrtain facts needed to be included whether it fit or not.
Two, the relationship between Garrett and Lily changed to fast at the end. When someone in the relationship is giving mixed signals my first reaction is to when the next chnchange will occur. Not take the change at face value and throw myself into it, especially when I have been reticent earlier.
April 3, 2014
Such sweet, emotion packed books. The Frost family is a wonderful, loving family but they have their flaws and have faced heartache which makes reading about them seem genuine. Carol Falls is a town I would love to visit. You feel a sense of family in the community. Each person is more than willing to lend a helping hand when needed. These are truly inspiring books.
The fourth book included in this set was short but packed a lot into a few pages. It was a story of acceptance and survival.
If you are like me and will read Christmas stories all year, please pick up a copy of "A Frost Family Christmas". You will not be disappointed.
The fourth book included in this set was short but packed a lot into a few pages. It was a story of acceptance and survival.
If you are like me and will read Christmas stories all year, please pick up a copy of "A Frost Family Christmas". You will not be disappointed.
February 4, 2014
Christmas is always a busy time for everyone. In this series we see one Christmas through the eyes of three adult siblings. Each deals with the abandonment of an infant on their parent's property in a different way.
As the reader gets to know each sibling and the problems in their life and how they overcome them they will find that the road to happiness is not always in the direction we first head as there may be detours along the way.
My set of Kindle books did not include "The Gift" nor does my review. I would like to read it though.
As the reader gets to know each sibling and the problems in their life and how they overcome them they will find that the road to happiness is not always in the direction we first head as there may be detours along the way.
My set of Kindle books did not include "The Gift" nor does my review. I would like to read it though.
December 15, 2016
Fun Holiday Read
While this anthology will never win awards, I guess, it was a fun little series about the Frost family. The five stars I gave it were for the type of book.....no, it is not great literature, but for the type of literature, it is well- written with nicely developed characters. The reader feels as though you know these people.....I could see the town and the various locations within the community where the stories took place. I am a sucker for holiday stories......always wanting to believe in the possibility of romance!
While this anthology will never win awards, I guess, it was a fun little series about the Frost family. The five stars I gave it were for the type of book.....no, it is not great literature, but for the type of literature, it is well- written with nicely developed characters. The reader feels as though you know these people.....I could see the town and the various locations within the community where the stories took place. I am a sucker for holiday stories......always wanting to believe in the possibility of romance!
December 23, 2013
The Frost Family Christmas Anthology was the perfect Christmas book. Each book is about a different sibling in the Frost Family. Each story involves love, forgiveness and a mystery that is a thread through out all three books. Each book can be read as a stand alone but so much better if read in order. The fourth book The Gift, is an extra book not in the series but such a sweet Christmas story, that shows there really magic at Christmas. So happy for Dora and Amy.
November 24, 2016
Not bad, but a couple of glaring plot errors. Such as having Jimmy playing with his nephew Duncan and the author mentioning he did not have a tantrum like autistic kids do, Duncan was not the autistic character.
December 29, 2016
Heartwarming stories right when you need them!
Heartwarming tales, to brighten your holidays, & cheercyour soul. Well written and both contemporary, and yet reminicent of an earlier time and values. A special read.
Heartwarming tales, to brighten your holidays, & cheercyour soul. Well written and both contemporary, and yet reminicent of an earlier time and values. A special read.
December 17, 2014
Great
Such a good happy ending. So happy all is working out positive for all the characters in this story. Good job.
Such a good happy ending. So happy all is working out positive for all the characters in this story. Good job.
November 14, 2016
4 Beautiful Stories.
One family, 3 children, Christmas time in a small Vermont town. Makes for wonderful reading. And the 4th was a beautiful added bonus.
One family, 3 children, Christmas time in a small Vermont town. Makes for wonderful reading. And the 4th was a beautiful added bonus.
December 10, 2016
Good
the stories were each part of how the holiday bring so much joy and love to families.these are a great read
the stories were each part of how the holiday bring so much joy and love to families.these are a great read
February 2, 2017
Good cozy read....a bit predictable but some surprises.
April 7, 2017
Great bargain
All of these books are very heart warming romances. They are clean and interesting. There are moments of sadness, happiness, sweetness, romance and intrigue. The last story is very short but it has all of these things packed into it.
All of these books are very heart warming romances. They are clean and interesting. There are moments of sadness, happiness, sweetness, romance and intrigue. The last story is very short but it has all of these things packed into it.
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