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The Christmas Town
Traveling home for Christmas, two women get lost in a snowstorm, cross a covered bridge, and enter the past, a small Vermont town in 1943.They meet two handsome soldiers who are about to be shipped off to war and fall in love while struggling to find a way to return to their own time. On Christmas Eve, with the soldiers’ help, the two women get one chance, but they're caught between their love for the soldiers, and their desire to return to the present. At the last moment, they must make a difficult decision, and, because it's Christmas, a miracle happens.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2013
322 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Elyse Douglas
44 books335 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 90 reviews
May 12, 2021
When I first saw this novel, I was immediately drawn to it. I love reading Christmas romance novels during the Christmas season, and the synopsis of this one really called out to me. The cover looked so enchanting, too, with the combination of the church, the blue snow, and the very romantic couple locked in a passionate embrace.
At the beginning of the story, I didn't feel much sympathy for the two main characters, Megan Jennings and Jackie Young. They meet at a small airport in the state of Vermont, where their flight has been diverted, due to a snowstorm that has made it impossible for the plane to land at Portland International Airport, in Maine, as scheduled.
Megan is a twenty-something fledgling actress who lives in New York City and has performed in a few Broadway plays. She is traveling to Portland to meet her family. although she's dreading the occasion. Jackie Young, also in her twenties, is the Senior Graphics Manager for the Lotus Design Corporation, and she, too, is traveling to Portland from New York, to spend Christmas with her fiance's family, although she's not too happy about that, either.
Both women struck me as very self-centered, and not in tune with the spirit of the season. This was quite evident in their squabbling over who would get the only rental car left at the airport, which each of them would need in order to get to Portland. When the man who had reserved the car graciously lets them have it -- thanks to Megan's concocted story about a family emergency -- they are both upset about having to share the car. Having no other option, however, they reluctantly agree to do so, and set off on their perilous journey to Portland through the storm, and at night, to make matters worse.
I must say that their decision to drive through that storm, at nighttime, is not believable at all. The more rational choice would have been to wait until morning, at the very least. In fact, I don't think they would have been able to make it to Portland even then. It would have taken days for the roads to be cleared. The diverted flight took place five days before Christmas, too, so that would have made it even more unlikely that Megan and Jackie would have arrived at their destination in time for the holiday.
The whole point, of course, was to get these characters lost in the storm, so that they would come across an old covered bridge, which, unbeknownst to them, was really a time portal.
Once they cross this bridge, the two young women discover a town named Holly Grove, with a population of 5,400. As they seek shelter and food, they also come to discover that, somehow, they have traveled backward in time, to the year 1943....
Ironically, I found the fantastical section of this novel a bit more believable. The authors have gone all-out in creating their fictional town (no such place exists in Vermont), immersing the reader in the daily life of this World War II community, with such things as rationing tickets, incredibly low prices, and swing bands. One gets the unmistakable feeling that the authors are nostalgic for this time in American history. The people, the events of the story, everything makes the reader feel this way, as well. Perhaps the characters living in this time period are idealized to some extent, but they are still very appealing. I really enjoyed the touches of humor as things we take for granted in the 21st century were woefully missing in 1943. Megan and Jackie had to catch themselves when they inadvertently mentioned something anachronistic, and caught puzzled looks from the town residents.
The soldiers that Megan and Jackie fall in love with are just wonderful! Corporal Danny (known as "Danny Boy") Crawford and First Lieutenant Jeff Grant are charming young men, rather naive and harmless by today's standards, but also very handsome. They are perfect gentlemen, as well, and so sweet. Danny and Jackie find each other immediately attractive, while Megan and Jeff also feel a mutual attraction.
I have to admit that this all sounds a little too predictable, but I found myself enjoying it, just the same. The two couples are simply perfect for each other. So, in spite of the "insta-love" element, I went along with the story. Although I do think that a mere five days is too short a time to fall in love with someone, I was simply swept along in the romance!
The girls begin to change as they strive to solve the problem of how to get back to their own time, while dealing with their feelings for the two soldiers they must undoubtedly leave behind. Being forced to work together, as well as confide in each other, gradually eliminates their sarcastic verbal swipes at each other, as well as their antagonistic attitudes. They must become allies, and, in the process, end up as good friends, as well. They also become a lot more likable.
How they solve their problem, with the help of the two soldiers (who don't know the whole story, since the two girls are afraid of being thought crazy), makes for some very entertaining reading! The plot speeds up as the villain of the story seeks the help of the town sheriff, and the girls find an unexpected ally in one of the town residents.
I do wish the authors had given more background on the soldiers. There was a scarcity of details about their personal lives. The one thing we find out is that Jeff's father is a minister, although we never get to meet his family. The two young men simply showed up in the lives of the two young women, almost as if by magic.
In spite of the objections above, I totally became immersed in this story, and was completely enchanted by it!
In short, I do think this novel is definitely a heartwarming, cozy Christmas read. . After all, the Christmas season has always been associated with magic and miracles, not only because of the divine birth, but also because of such historical figures as Charles Dickens, O. Henry, and Frank Capra. Once the time-travel plot gets underway, the reader is totally lost in the story, and the minor flaws somehow get glossed over as one is swept up in the romance of it all.
Furthermore, the ending is appropriately magical, as well as mysterious....
This is one of those novels that would make a great movie! That's because the authors have made sure that the characters and setting are vivid in the reader's mind. I would love to see this book become another one of those beloved Christmas film traditions, to be treasured over the years!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
At the beginning of the story, I didn't feel much sympathy for the two main characters, Megan Jennings and Jackie Young. They meet at a small airport in the state of Vermont, where their flight has been diverted, due to a snowstorm that has made it impossible for the plane to land at Portland International Airport, in Maine, as scheduled.
Megan is a twenty-something fledgling actress who lives in New York City and has performed in a few Broadway plays. She is traveling to Portland to meet her family. although she's dreading the occasion. Jackie Young, also in her twenties, is the Senior Graphics Manager for the Lotus Design Corporation, and she, too, is traveling to Portland from New York, to spend Christmas with her fiance's family, although she's not too happy about that, either.
Both women struck me as very self-centered, and not in tune with the spirit of the season. This was quite evident in their squabbling over who would get the only rental car left at the airport, which each of them would need in order to get to Portland. When the man who had reserved the car graciously lets them have it -- thanks to Megan's concocted story about a family emergency -- they are both upset about having to share the car. Having no other option, however, they reluctantly agree to do so, and set off on their perilous journey to Portland through the storm, and at night, to make matters worse.
I must say that their decision to drive through that storm, at nighttime, is not believable at all. The more rational choice would have been to wait until morning, at the very least. In fact, I don't think they would have been able to make it to Portland even then. It would have taken days for the roads to be cleared. The diverted flight took place five days before Christmas, too, so that would have made it even more unlikely that Megan and Jackie would have arrived at their destination in time for the holiday.
The whole point, of course, was to get these characters lost in the storm, so that they would come across an old covered bridge, which, unbeknownst to them, was really a time portal.
Once they cross this bridge, the two young women discover a town named Holly Grove, with a population of 5,400. As they seek shelter and food, they also come to discover that, somehow, they have traveled backward in time, to the year 1943....
Ironically, I found the fantastical section of this novel a bit more believable. The authors have gone all-out in creating their fictional town (no such place exists in Vermont), immersing the reader in the daily life of this World War II community, with such things as rationing tickets, incredibly low prices, and swing bands. One gets the unmistakable feeling that the authors are nostalgic for this time in American history. The people, the events of the story, everything makes the reader feel this way, as well. Perhaps the characters living in this time period are idealized to some extent, but they are still very appealing. I really enjoyed the touches of humor as things we take for granted in the 21st century were woefully missing in 1943. Megan and Jackie had to catch themselves when they inadvertently mentioned something anachronistic, and caught puzzled looks from the town residents.
The soldiers that Megan and Jackie fall in love with are just wonderful! Corporal Danny (known as "Danny Boy") Crawford and First Lieutenant Jeff Grant are charming young men, rather naive and harmless by today's standards, but also very handsome. They are perfect gentlemen, as well, and so sweet. Danny and Jackie find each other immediately attractive, while Megan and Jeff also feel a mutual attraction.
I have to admit that this all sounds a little too predictable, but I found myself enjoying it, just the same. The two couples are simply perfect for each other. So, in spite of the "insta-love" element, I went along with the story. Although I do think that a mere five days is too short a time to fall in love with someone, I was simply swept along in the romance!
The girls begin to change as they strive to solve the problem of how to get back to their own time, while dealing with their feelings for the two soldiers they must undoubtedly leave behind. Being forced to work together, as well as confide in each other, gradually eliminates their sarcastic verbal swipes at each other, as well as their antagonistic attitudes. They must become allies, and, in the process, end up as good friends, as well. They also become a lot more likable.
How they solve their problem, with the help of the two soldiers (who don't know the whole story, since the two girls are afraid of being thought crazy), makes for some very entertaining reading! The plot speeds up as the villain of the story seeks the help of the town sheriff, and the girls find an unexpected ally in one of the town residents.
I do wish the authors had given more background on the soldiers. There was a scarcity of details about their personal lives. The one thing we find out is that Jeff's father is a minister, although we never get to meet his family. The two young men simply showed up in the lives of the two young women, almost as if by magic.
In spite of the objections above, I totally became immersed in this story, and was completely enchanted by it!
In short, I do think this novel is definitely a heartwarming, cozy Christmas read. . After all, the Christmas season has always been associated with magic and miracles, not only because of the divine birth, but also because of such historical figures as Charles Dickens, O. Henry, and Frank Capra. Once the time-travel plot gets underway, the reader is totally lost in the story, and the minor flaws somehow get glossed over as one is swept up in the romance of it all.
Furthermore, the ending is appropriately magical, as well as mysterious....
This is one of those novels that would make a great movie! That's because the authors have made sure that the characters and setting are vivid in the reader's mind. I would love to see this book become another one of those beloved Christmas film traditions, to be treasured over the years!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
November 27, 2023
What's not to love about traveling back in time. This story takes place in 1943 the year I was born. 1943 a war year and the setting is Vermont and covered bridge. Two girls driving in a blinding snow storm in modern time cross a covered bridge and end up in 1943. They meet 2 soldiers and fall in love.
A must read for those who like time travel and romance.
A must read for those who like time travel and romance.
December 30, 2020
It was a nice Christmas story, loved the time travel and romance.
January 1, 2025
4 stars for it being an entertaining story.
I will say, I do feel like it could’ve been executed a little better with the pacing of things. The ending was rushed, the love stories were rushed, and we never got to hear of how things ended with certain other characters. That’s my main bone to pick.
Otherwise, again, I gotta give 4 stars for entertainment because it truly was an engaging time travel Christmas story. 🎄
I will say, I do feel like it could’ve been executed a little better with the pacing of things. The ending was rushed, the love stories were rushed, and we never got to hear of how things ended with certain other characters. That’s my main bone to pick.
Otherwise, again, I gotta give 4 stars for entertainment because it truly was an engaging time travel Christmas story. 🎄
December 31, 2019
Perfectly Happy Holidays
Stupendous story of friendship and romances journeying in time and locations. Elyse Douglas is masterful in pulling you in, creating lovable characters, and a beautiful world. Highly recommend.
Stupendous story of friendship and romances journeying in time and locations. Elyse Douglas is masterful in pulling you in, creating lovable characters, and a beautiful world. Highly recommend.
November 15, 2020
Loved this book. Fast reading, entertaining and a twist for an ending.
December 16, 2013
(This review can be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl).
Romance books really aren't my favorite genre, but I have read some that are really good. After I read the blurb for this book, it sounded really interesting, so I thought I'd give it a try. While it wasn't the best book I've read, it was still an alright read.
I don't really think the title suits the book. Besides being stuck in a small town in 1943 around Christmas time, this book doesn't really have much to do with Christmas.
I'm not a big fan of the cover. In my opinion, there's just too much going on. I think with this book, a simplistic cover would work better.
For the most part, the world building was done rather well. The main thing that bothered me was the fact that the people from the 1940's spoke more like they were from modern time. Also, Jackie and Megan (the main characters) sometimes spoke using words that no one really uses anymore. Oh, and there's the whole insta-love thing going on in this book. The girls and the soldiers were madly in love after only two days of knowing each other! Plus, Jackie had a fiance back in her time yet she seemed to be at ease to lust after another man and act on it. Other then that, I thought the world building was done well and was believable.
The pacing was slow in a few parts throughout the book. I found The Christmas Town to be a bit wordy with too much info dumping. A lot of the time, I skipped and skimmed paragraphs that seemed like they didn't have much relevance to the story. However, the pacing isn't always slow throughout the book which I was happy about.
I did enjoy the plot. I know the whole time travel plot isn't a new thing, but I liked the way Elyse Douglas made it interesting to read about. I wanted to know whether or not Megan and Jackie would be able to get back to their own time or would they decide to stay.
I did find the characters to be enjoyable and mostly well written. I did like Jackie although she seemed older than someone who was in her twenties. She came across as being very practical and logical. I did like Megan even though as the story progressed, she came across as being more of a girl in her mid-teens then a girl in her twenties. Plus, she started coming off as an airhead throughout the story, at least I thought so. I did like Danny Boy and Jeff though. I found the two boys to be such gentlemen. I just wish they weren't so trusting!
While the dialogue doesn't really fit in with the time setting, it doesn't feel forced or awkward. The character interactions are very enjoyable as well. As for swearing, there's a few swear words throughout this book, but it's not over the top.
Overall, The Christmas Town is a fun, sweet holiday read. I think it would've been a bit more enjoyable if there had been less info dumping, but it was still a decent book.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 17+ who want a bit of magic in their life.
I'd give The Christmas Town by Elyse Douglas a 3.5 out of 5.
(I received this book for free in paperback format from the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review).
Romance books really aren't my favorite genre, but I have read some that are really good. After I read the blurb for this book, it sounded really interesting, so I thought I'd give it a try. While it wasn't the best book I've read, it was still an alright read.
I don't really think the title suits the book. Besides being stuck in a small town in 1943 around Christmas time, this book doesn't really have much to do with Christmas.
I'm not a big fan of the cover. In my opinion, there's just too much going on. I think with this book, a simplistic cover would work better.
For the most part, the world building was done rather well. The main thing that bothered me was the fact that the people from the 1940's spoke more like they were from modern time. Also, Jackie and Megan (the main characters) sometimes spoke using words that no one really uses anymore. Oh, and there's the whole insta-love thing going on in this book. The girls and the soldiers were madly in love after only two days of knowing each other! Plus, Jackie had a fiance back in her time yet she seemed to be at ease to lust after another man and act on it. Other then that, I thought the world building was done well and was believable.
The pacing was slow in a few parts throughout the book. I found The Christmas Town to be a bit wordy with too much info dumping. A lot of the time, I skipped and skimmed paragraphs that seemed like they didn't have much relevance to the story. However, the pacing isn't always slow throughout the book which I was happy about.
I did enjoy the plot. I know the whole time travel plot isn't a new thing, but I liked the way Elyse Douglas made it interesting to read about. I wanted to know whether or not Megan and Jackie would be able to get back to their own time or would they decide to stay.
I did find the characters to be enjoyable and mostly well written. I did like Jackie although she seemed older than someone who was in her twenties. She came across as being very practical and logical. I did like Megan even though as the story progressed, she came across as being more of a girl in her mid-teens then a girl in her twenties. Plus, she started coming off as an airhead throughout the story, at least I thought so. I did like Danny Boy and Jeff though. I found the two boys to be such gentlemen. I just wish they weren't so trusting!
While the dialogue doesn't really fit in with the time setting, it doesn't feel forced or awkward. The character interactions are very enjoyable as well. As for swearing, there's a few swear words throughout this book, but it's not over the top.
Overall, The Christmas Town is a fun, sweet holiday read. I think it would've been a bit more enjoyable if there had been less info dumping, but it was still a decent book.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 17+ who want a bit of magic in their life.
I'd give The Christmas Town by Elyse Douglas a 3.5 out of 5.
(I received this book for free in paperback format from the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review).
December 17, 2013
I was so excited when Elyse Douglas' publicist contacted me and asked me to review The Christmas Town, as I just love reading books about Christmastime during, well, Christmastime. Plus, I'm guessing you all know by now how much I adore a good time travel novel. I honestly can't say this one disappointed.
The novel opened on both Megan and Jackie on a plane to Portland that had to make an emergency landing because of weather. Now rushing to get to their destination, Jackie because of spending Christmas with her fiance's family and Megan to spend Christmas with her own family, they find themselves sharing a rental car. A twist of fate in the form of a wrong turn has them crossing a bridge into the 1940's in the middle of World War II. There, they find themselves making new friends and falling in love with two young men about to head off to war after Christmas. As they search for a way to get back to their own time, they begin to find themselves questioning whether or not they actually want to.
This was the perfect recipe for a good Christmas read in my opinion. The Christmas Town contained just the right amount of romance, adventure, and good old Christmas magic to keep me turning the pages long into the night. I highly recommend to read on that plane or car ride(if you're not driving!) in to visit family for the holidays, or curled up on Christmas Eve in your own home. If you're anything like me, you're sure to love it!
*I received this novel for review by the author through their publicist in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way affected my review or opinion.*
The novel opened on both Megan and Jackie on a plane to Portland that had to make an emergency landing because of weather. Now rushing to get to their destination, Jackie because of spending Christmas with her fiance's family and Megan to spend Christmas with her own family, they find themselves sharing a rental car. A twist of fate in the form of a wrong turn has them crossing a bridge into the 1940's in the middle of World War II. There, they find themselves making new friends and falling in love with two young men about to head off to war after Christmas. As they search for a way to get back to their own time, they begin to find themselves questioning whether or not they actually want to.
This was the perfect recipe for a good Christmas read in my opinion. The Christmas Town contained just the right amount of romance, adventure, and good old Christmas magic to keep me turning the pages long into the night. I highly recommend to read on that plane or car ride(if you're not driving!) in to visit family for the holidays, or curled up on Christmas Eve in your own home. If you're anything like me, you're sure to love it!
*I received this novel for review by the author through their publicist in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way affected my review or opinion.*
December 2, 2013
I really wanted to like Ms. Douglas' "The Christmas Town". I am usually a fan of time travel romance. So that, on top of having some previously listed great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, set me up for what I thought would be an enjoyable read.
Unfortunately I had to put it down before I finished it. I did not enjoy the banter between the two female characters in the beginning. From there I was turned off completely and found myself having a hard time getting into their story. They seemed childish and exasperating more often than not. I gave the book a good try, but The Christmas Town and I just did not click.
I try to give most books a solid effort, but at some point I have to turn away. If it's not providing enjoyable entertainment it's just not worth my time to trudge on.
If you can read the first several chapters and do not feel this same irritation with Megan and Jackie, I'm sure you, like many of the other reviewers may find that this book ends up somewhere pleasant. If so, tell me and maybe I will give it another go.
I'm giving it two stars because what I did read was well edited and I truly believe it was just an issue of personal taste.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately I had to put it down before I finished it. I did not enjoy the banter between the two female characters in the beginning. From there I was turned off completely and found myself having a hard time getting into their story. They seemed childish and exasperating more often than not. I gave the book a good try, but The Christmas Town and I just did not click.
I try to give most books a solid effort, but at some point I have to turn away. If it's not providing enjoyable entertainment it's just not worth my time to trudge on.
If you can read the first several chapters and do not feel this same irritation with Megan and Jackie, I'm sure you, like many of the other reviewers may find that this book ends up somewhere pleasant. If so, tell me and maybe I will give it another go.
I'm giving it two stars because what I did read was well edited and I truly believe it was just an issue of personal taste.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2013
I read everything, from mysteries and thrillers to fantasy and dystopian to romance to horror to the classics. And everything in between. I especially love stories set in the past, anything from post-Revolution Paris to World War II Russia to Renaissance Italy to Prohibition in the good ole US of A. So, after reading this blurb, I thought THE CHRISTMAS TOWN might be right up my reading alley.
Sadly, I was mistaken. This tale was not my favorite, not by a long shot.
I didn't like the characters. They weren't fleshed out enough for me to understand and accept their flaws. Instead, Megan's lying and scheming were just annoying, and Jackie's snootiness rubbed me wrong. The story was basically non-existent once the girls ended up in 1943 as the author (or in this case, authors as I read at the end that this is a husband and wife writing team) seemed more interested in showcasing the 1943-ness of the town than the actual plot.
And, the ending...well, the ending was just...I have no words to describe it without giving out spoilers.
Let's just say, this was not a read that I enjoyed. At all.
Sadly, I was mistaken. This tale was not my favorite, not by a long shot.
I didn't like the characters. They weren't fleshed out enough for me to understand and accept their flaws. Instead, Megan's lying and scheming were just annoying, and Jackie's snootiness rubbed me wrong. The story was basically non-existent once the girls ended up in 1943 as the author (or in this case, authors as I read at the end that this is a husband and wife writing team) seemed more interested in showcasing the 1943-ness of the town than the actual plot.
And, the ending...well, the ending was just...I have no words to describe it without giving out spoilers.
Let's just say, this was not a read that I enjoyed. At all.
July 25, 2016
This was a different story, was not sure how it was going to go and not sure if I was going to like it. However, the further I got into it the more I could not put it down I needed to know what was going to happen. The story was about 2 women who did not know each other were forced to rent a car together and their journey began.
couldnt-finish
January 17, 2018I just couldn’t finish this. I hate love at first sight books.
August 5, 2020
Good story line. Takes you back in time.
February 26, 2014
I LOVED this book! Don't wait until Christmas to read it! Enjoy it now or at anytime during the year, and I say this because I was surprised to find out this is an accidental time travel romance! Normally I don't review the Time Travel genre, but wow! I surely enjoyed this one! This now means I will be open to more in this genre, as long as it romance time travel!
It is the current day. Two women, complete strangers. Jackie and Megan, both in their mid to late twenties, not even sitting near each other on a plane headed to Portland, Maine. One has her tablet out, the other has her phone when the Captain announces they must land immediately at the current airport they are approaching because a snowstorm is occurring and there is not a way they can make it to Portland and land safely. He asks everyone to prepare for landing. They so safely.
Jackie and Megan meet each other at the car rental desk amongst a huge crowd where everyone from the plane is trying to get a rental car. Jackie is concocting a story that her mother needs medication she bought back in New York and needs to get it to her immediately. Megan hears Jackie's story, and what is going on and knows she can help her out, so she inches herself up there. In the meantime, a man is asking for his reserved car. He willingly offers it to the two girls, thinking they are together! Now they can share a car together. After these two strangers do a bit of quibbling with each other, off they go together in a red hybrid Fusion! Brilliant! Until . . . they miss the turnoff on the road. The snowstorm is so bad it's hard to see to drive. The GPS is not working correctly, and neither are their phones. Hmmm? Odd. They feel like they are driving forever when they see a snow covered sign saying Hollygrove, then a wooden covered bridge. Trepadacious about crossing it, quibbling again, they cross the bridge. Once on the other side, almost immediately the snowstorm is gone, the sky is clear and they can see stars. Hmmm? What is going on? Now they see a car approaching. The car stopped. The girls thought the car looked like it was out of the movie Bonnie and Clyde. The man inside the car looked like he had seen a ghost! He asked what kind of car they were driving, and when they told him, he couldn't get out of there fast enough! They drove into the town ahead and saw what looked like a town out of a movie during the early 1940's. Tired and hungry, they find a Boarding House. They stopped and got out of their car and approached the Boarding House where they had room for them overnight, and this is how they found out WWII is going on. What happened? This Aunt Betty who runs the place is talking about rationing stamps, rationing, how her daughter went to work as a welder? She went on further about having to get a map out to find the places on it as the radio talks about the war and the different places. These girls are stuck in 1943!
Later, both girls meet two soldiers with whom they fall in love with, but they still need to go home. They worry about changing history if they stay, so they must try to go home, but their scary car is missing. Thus starts the mystery of trying to find out what happened to their car, as that is the only way they can get home. Did someone steal it? Is it being hidden? Was it that first man who thought he saw a ghost in the girls?
I liked how the author used the sayings they used back in that era. Great use, spot-on! It helped the story feel real.
An interesting part in this story is when gossip is heard about a man who came there one time and he was from the future and he stayed! What is going on? There is a lot more to this story yet, but that gives you the gist of what this book is about.
The ending was what I thought it would be. I gave it a 4 star rating because of the ending, otherwise, I would have given this book 5 stars, however, there is a twist at the end. It was definitely different, but I think this part left myself and a lot of others who read this book confused. Maybe if the author done it a little more clear, although perhaps that IS what the author was after? I don't know. I think it did throw a lot of people off, and probably made it hard to understand what exactly happened.
One thing I did not like was the cover of this book. I don't understand why the church is on the cover? I don't remember anything about a church in the book? Is this for Christmas sake? It was not until I posted the cover of the book on my blog that I finally saw the figures of a man in uniform hugging a woman. What about the other couple? I think the cover needs work.
The way this book was written, I felt like I was right there in this town with these two girls because I could relate to the era so well.
What this book did for me was to bring back memories of some products that were still around in the late 60's, 70' and early 80's, too! Also, a lot of wonderful memories from my Grandmothers and my Grandfathers and their stories about WWII.
I thoroughly loved reading about the advertising signs this book talked about, the products the stores sold, references to products, the scenario, etc. because I know a LOT about the 1940's from them.
One set of grandparents had a newly rushed marriage in 1942, not because of an 'oops' but because my Grandfather had enlisted in the Navy, and was going off work on one of the large ships out at sea. She lived back on the base but in a tiny trailer. When I say trailer, I mean a very tiny fifth wheel travel trailer. That was their home! She had stories for me, but mostly about love as she was a newlywed, and about living inside that small trailer. She called my Grandfather 'Dolly'. She had no children yet until 1947 when my father was born and they did live in there with my father when he was an infant and until my grandfather's service was over.
My other Grandmother had been married for several years already, had two children, and went to work for the war. Makes me picture the sign of the woman with her sleeve rolled up showing the muscle in her arm! My grandfather was drafted into the Navy during WWII in 1945 and I have the leftover ration books preserved in a scrapbook, along with copies of pay stubs, postcards sent home to her, and she even saved the envelopes with the post marks. She, herself, made a scrapbook while my Grandfather was serving. I am very lucky to have what she saved, and what I preserved.
I received this book for FREE from the author in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
It is the current day. Two women, complete strangers. Jackie and Megan, both in their mid to late twenties, not even sitting near each other on a plane headed to Portland, Maine. One has her tablet out, the other has her phone when the Captain announces they must land immediately at the current airport they are approaching because a snowstorm is occurring and there is not a way they can make it to Portland and land safely. He asks everyone to prepare for landing. They so safely.
Jackie and Megan meet each other at the car rental desk amongst a huge crowd where everyone from the plane is trying to get a rental car. Jackie is concocting a story that her mother needs medication she bought back in New York and needs to get it to her immediately. Megan hears Jackie's story, and what is going on and knows she can help her out, so she inches herself up there. In the meantime, a man is asking for his reserved car. He willingly offers it to the two girls, thinking they are together! Now they can share a car together. After these two strangers do a bit of quibbling with each other, off they go together in a red hybrid Fusion! Brilliant! Until . . . they miss the turnoff on the road. The snowstorm is so bad it's hard to see to drive. The GPS is not working correctly, and neither are their phones. Hmmm? Odd. They feel like they are driving forever when they see a snow covered sign saying Hollygrove, then a wooden covered bridge. Trepadacious about crossing it, quibbling again, they cross the bridge. Once on the other side, almost immediately the snowstorm is gone, the sky is clear and they can see stars. Hmmm? What is going on? Now they see a car approaching. The car stopped. The girls thought the car looked like it was out of the movie Bonnie and Clyde. The man inside the car looked like he had seen a ghost! He asked what kind of car they were driving, and when they told him, he couldn't get out of there fast enough! They drove into the town ahead and saw what looked like a town out of a movie during the early 1940's. Tired and hungry, they find a Boarding House. They stopped and got out of their car and approached the Boarding House where they had room for them overnight, and this is how they found out WWII is going on. What happened? This Aunt Betty who runs the place is talking about rationing stamps, rationing, how her daughter went to work as a welder? She went on further about having to get a map out to find the places on it as the radio talks about the war and the different places. These girls are stuck in 1943!
Later, both girls meet two soldiers with whom they fall in love with, but they still need to go home. They worry about changing history if they stay, so they must try to go home, but their scary car is missing. Thus starts the mystery of trying to find out what happened to their car, as that is the only way they can get home. Did someone steal it? Is it being hidden? Was it that first man who thought he saw a ghost in the girls?
I liked how the author used the sayings they used back in that era. Great use, spot-on! It helped the story feel real.
An interesting part in this story is when gossip is heard about a man who came there one time and he was from the future and he stayed! What is going on? There is a lot more to this story yet, but that gives you the gist of what this book is about.
The ending was what I thought it would be. I gave it a 4 star rating because of the ending, otherwise, I would have given this book 5 stars, however, there is a twist at the end. It was definitely different, but I think this part left myself and a lot of others who read this book confused. Maybe if the author done it a little more clear, although perhaps that IS what the author was after? I don't know. I think it did throw a lot of people off, and probably made it hard to understand what exactly happened.
One thing I did not like was the cover of this book. I don't understand why the church is on the cover? I don't remember anything about a church in the book? Is this for Christmas sake? It was not until I posted the cover of the book on my blog that I finally saw the figures of a man in uniform hugging a woman. What about the other couple? I think the cover needs work.
The way this book was written, I felt like I was right there in this town with these two girls because I could relate to the era so well.
What this book did for me was to bring back memories of some products that were still around in the late 60's, 70' and early 80's, too! Also, a lot of wonderful memories from my Grandmothers and my Grandfathers and their stories about WWII.
I thoroughly loved reading about the advertising signs this book talked about, the products the stores sold, references to products, the scenario, etc. because I know a LOT about the 1940's from them.
One set of grandparents had a newly rushed marriage in 1942, not because of an 'oops' but because my Grandfather had enlisted in the Navy, and was going off work on one of the large ships out at sea. She lived back on the base but in a tiny trailer. When I say trailer, I mean a very tiny fifth wheel travel trailer. That was their home! She had stories for me, but mostly about love as she was a newlywed, and about living inside that small trailer. She called my Grandfather 'Dolly'. She had no children yet until 1947 when my father was born and they did live in there with my father when he was an infant and until my grandfather's service was over.
My other Grandmother had been married for several years already, had two children, and went to work for the war. Makes me picture the sign of the woman with her sleeve rolled up showing the muscle in her arm! My grandfather was drafted into the Navy during WWII in 1945 and I have the leftover ration books preserved in a scrapbook, along with copies of pay stubs, postcards sent home to her, and she even saved the envelopes with the post marks. She, herself, made a scrapbook while my Grandfather was serving. I am very lucky to have what she saved, and what I preserved.
I received this book for FREE from the author in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. "Free" means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
February 12, 2024
Hello, fellow bookworms! I'm so excited to share with you another fantastic book by Elyse Douglas.
The title is 'The Christmas Town' and it's a magical story of two girls who have a very unexpected adventure on their way home for Christmas. They are supposed to fly home, but their flight is diverted because of a snowstorm. They can't find any rental cars, but a nice man offers them his car so they can continue their journey. They drive on, but the storm gets worse. They spot a bridge, decide to cross it and find a place to stay in the small town on the other side. But as they cross the bridge, something strange happens. The weather clears up, but everything looks different. The cars they see are old-fashioned and have license plates from 1943. The girls are confused and scared. What is going on?
This book was so fun and delightful to read. I love stories that take place in the past, especially during World War II, so I was hooked from the start. The book is full of mystery, romance, and holiday spirit. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good time-travel story with a Christmas twist and a fantastic ending.
• ASIN: B00FTPG6S6
• Publisher: Broadback
• Publication Date: 10/2/2013
• File Size: 948 KB
• Print Length: 281 pages
• Genre: Time Travel Romance, Time Travel Romances, Holiday Fiction
The title is 'The Christmas Town' and it's a magical story of two girls who have a very unexpected adventure on their way home for Christmas. They are supposed to fly home, but their flight is diverted because of a snowstorm. They can't find any rental cars, but a nice man offers them his car so they can continue their journey. They drive on, but the storm gets worse. They spot a bridge, decide to cross it and find a place to stay in the small town on the other side. But as they cross the bridge, something strange happens. The weather clears up, but everything looks different. The cars they see are old-fashioned and have license plates from 1943. The girls are confused and scared. What is going on?
This book was so fun and delightful to read. I love stories that take place in the past, especially during World War II, so I was hooked from the start. The book is full of mystery, romance, and holiday spirit. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good time-travel story with a Christmas twist and a fantastic ending.
• ASIN: B00FTPG6S6
• Publisher: Broadback
• Publication Date: 10/2/2013
• File Size: 948 KB
• Print Length: 281 pages
• Genre: Time Travel Romance, Time Travel Romances, Holiday Fiction
December 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I have enjoyed the previous books by this author (or authors). There was a little too much romance and not enough time travel for my liking. But one thing that really annoyed me was the mention more than once that WWII started in 1941. I find that a little disrespectful, that the war didn't start until USA entered it, after it had been going for two years already. But enough of that.
I found it hard to believe that only days passed during the novel, it came across as more like several weeks. The girls fell hard and fast for the boys and it was a nice story, but just a tiny bit unbelievable if it was days. I did enjoy the ending, but I have to wonder about the logistics of that too - how difficult must it be in this day and age with so much ID about, for someone who would not have it?
I'll continue to happily read Elyse Douglas books, and I am so grateful they are on Kindle Unlimited, as they are fast and enjoyable ways to escape life for a little while.
I found it hard to believe that only days passed during the novel, it came across as more like several weeks. The girls fell hard and fast for the boys and it was a nice story, but just a tiny bit unbelievable if it was days. I did enjoy the ending, but I have to wonder about the logistics of that too - how difficult must it be in this day and age with so much ID about, for someone who would not have it?
I'll continue to happily read Elyse Douglas books, and I am so grateful they are on Kindle Unlimited, as they are fast and enjoyable ways to escape life for a little while.
December 13, 2023
The Christmas Town by Elyse Douglas is a perfectly charming timeslip novel that I loved.
Travel back in time to a snow-covered Vermont in December 1943. Here we lose ourselves in a quaint, old-fashioned town that is warm and welcoming as Christmas approaches.
Elyse Douglas captures the reader’s imagination with her comprehensive descriptions as we spend a few hours immersed in the novel. Modern day gadgets are far from our minds as we settle into a simpler time.
In times of war, people pull together – but there will always be the unscrupulous black marketers who are out to make a quick buck.
All the characters were delightfully drawn. They had a charm that endeared them to the reader.
The pace of life was slower in 1943. Separated from electronic devices, characters were able to discern what or who was really important.
Christmas is a time for miracles. The veil of time is thin as we glimpse a bygone era.
Travel back in time to a snow-covered Vermont in December 1943. Here we lose ourselves in a quaint, old-fashioned town that is warm and welcoming as Christmas approaches.
Elyse Douglas captures the reader’s imagination with her comprehensive descriptions as we spend a few hours immersed in the novel. Modern day gadgets are far from our minds as we settle into a simpler time.
In times of war, people pull together – but there will always be the unscrupulous black marketers who are out to make a quick buck.
All the characters were delightfully drawn. They had a charm that endeared them to the reader.
The pace of life was slower in 1943. Separated from electronic devices, characters were able to discern what or who was really important.
Christmas is a time for miracles. The veil of time is thin as we glimpse a bygone era.
April 17, 2022
History
While I initially started out enjoying the story, the point at which the whole story was lost to me was when the girls thought the Second World War started when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I do enjoy a good story but I also want historical accuracy. I did finish reading it but I found both the characters to be a bit flaky. I'm not too sure who I would recommend this book to actually. The story was not bad it was interesting and I think the most interesting character in the story was Hazel.
While I initially started out enjoying the story, the point at which the whole story was lost to me was when the girls thought the Second World War started when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I do enjoy a good story but I also want historical accuracy. I did finish reading it but I found both the characters to be a bit flaky. I'm not too sure who I would recommend this book to actually. The story was not bad it was interesting and I think the most interesting character in the story was Hazel.
November 5, 2020
I quite enjoyed this book .I like to reflect on time travel as a metaphor for changing my past and the past of my ancestors. And then I meditate. LOL And so in this book it was interesting as I was born in 1943 so I was able to reflect on the energy that I was born into which was very heavy dense energy and see how it influenced my life, and then with that awareness I can make my personal changes. Thank-you Elyse 🤗💗
November 18, 2021
A lovely read
I loved this book. My two favourite time travelling books are 22-11-63 by Stephen King and Always and Forever by LA Fiore. It is not a genre I follow, but I loved this love story and the main characters. Halfway through, when it was clear that the girls would have to leave the boys behind to fight their war, I was almost in tears at the impending heartache to come. And the ending just kept you guessing......I loved it!!
I loved this book. My two favourite time travelling books are 22-11-63 by Stephen King and Always and Forever by LA Fiore. It is not a genre I follow, but I loved this love story and the main characters. Halfway through, when it was clear that the girls would have to leave the boys behind to fight their war, I was almost in tears at the impending heartache to come. And the ending just kept you guessing......I loved it!!
October 2, 2023
Tell me more!
This book was so interesting, I’d love to read a sequel. I’ve read many time travel and this ending gave such a surprise, I want to see what happened to them in their future and the others you meet throughout the story. I’m not usually a fan of books with other stories connecting the original, but this is different. I’d love to see what happens, before and after this ending. Tell me more!
This book was so interesting, I’d love to read a sequel. I’ve read many time travel and this ending gave such a surprise, I want to see what happened to them in their future and the others you meet throughout the story. I’m not usually a fan of books with other stories connecting the original, but this is different. I’d love to see what happens, before and after this ending. Tell me more!
December 21, 2024
This was the second book of Douglas I have read this week - both dealing with time travel and I have been riveted. Two women are traveling home to Maine for the holidays when a snowstorm hits and alters their plans. When they drive across a covered bridge in Vermont they are transported back to 1943. They meet two soldiers and fall in love. Will they return to present day or stay there with their lives? Read it and find out!
January 13, 2020
Could have been 4 stars but....
Something a bit different in time travel romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
But.
3 stars given because of ‘plot holes’ surrounding ration cards, the car, and one of the characters, and the sadly far too brief ending.
However.
As I enjoyed the story on the whole, I will be looking at this author’s other books.
Something a bit different in time travel romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
But.
3 stars given because of ‘plot holes’ surrounding ration cards, the car, and one of the characters, and the sadly far too brief ending.
However.
As I enjoyed the story on the whole, I will be looking at this author’s other books.
December 18, 2020
I loved this book..I have read several of Elyse Douglas's books and I have really enjoyed most of them..
From page one I was hooked on this book..The characters were wonderful, the time travel excellent and it kept me guessing until the end..I felt like I was back in 1942 and couldn't put this book down..Highly recommend..
From page one I was hooked on this book..The characters were wonderful, the time travel excellent and it kept me guessing until the end..I felt like I was back in 1942 and couldn't put this book down..Highly recommend..
January 6, 2023
Beautiful Christmas gift book!!!!!
I really wish I did not have to cancel my Christmas gift to me, Kindle Unlimited subscription because I had unexpected medical bills to pay. I would have liked to be able to read more books from this author. I have a feeling I would have liked her books very much!!!!!!
I really wish I did not have to cancel my Christmas gift to me, Kindle Unlimited subscription because I had unexpected medical bills to pay. I would have liked to be able to read more books from this author. I have a feeling I would have liked her books very much!!!!!!
December 15, 2023
I’m usually not into time travel books, but I love the 40s time period. Parts of the book were more 4 star material but what pushed the book to a 5 for me was the research and attention to detail the author put into the book. Every little thing was genuine and true to that time period and I loved it.
December 17, 2024
Amazing and delightful!
Loved this book! I’m picky about my time travel books and most I’ve started lately, I’ve abandoned after a chapter or so. This one was good…very good! It kept my attention from the first page to the end. I started it and finished it in just a couple of hours, as it was so captivating! It was the best time travel book I’ve read in awhile!
Loved this book! I’m picky about my time travel books and most I’ve started lately, I’ve abandoned after a chapter or so. This one was good…very good! It kept my attention from the first page to the end. I started it and finished it in just a couple of hours, as it was so captivating! It was the best time travel book I’ve read in awhile!
January 9, 2021
Love conquers all
Love how girls find true love in the past but realize can't stay in that time. Go back to present to find out that love has conquered the barrier of time so they can be reunited.
Love how girls find true love in the past but realize can't stay in that time. Go back to present to find out that love has conquered the barrier of time so they can be reunited.
January 15, 2021
While I loved the series of THE CHRISTMAS EVE LETTER I found this book very simple and the writing very amateurish. I did not check the date it was written but I would assume it was before polishing up on her writing style with The Christmas Eve Letter series. I would not recommend this book.
September 13, 2022
Underdeveloped ending
Would have liked a better ending. Questions remained as to what transpired with the boys when the girls left. It seemed as if the author suddenly needed to finish the bok.
Would have liked a better ending. Questions remained as to what transpired with the boys when the girls left. It seemed as if the author suddenly needed to finish the bok.
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