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Christmas at Solace Lake

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It’s Christmas time at Solace Lake Lodge, but a series of thefts threatens everyone’s holiday spirit.

An emergency brings Drew Barnes to Solace Lake Lodge, an inn deep in the Minnesota woods owned by his aunt and uncle. He’s sure desperation is the only reason they’d allow him to fill in as their bookkeeper. No one in his family has believed in him since his mistake got him fired from his previous job. Soon after he arrives, Drew is disheartened to discover a series of thefts and financial irregularities. The last thing he wants is to be put in the middle of another crime.

Sous chef Celeste Bishop has made a good life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she’s worked, and lived, at Solace Lake Lodge. After being unfairly fired, this was the only job she could get, and she’s grateful her gamble on the lodge paid off. The only sticking point is the isolation since she never learned to drive. How can she show her daughter independence when she’s always relying on others?

Drew sees Celeste’s frustration and offers to teach her to drive. A powerful attraction ignites between them, and soon deeper, stronger emotions blossom. Drew is all in, but Celeste resists her feelings. She’s nine years older than Drew. An interracial relationship didn’t work for her parents. And loving Drew feels like a betrayal of her deceased husband.

As Christmas approaches, the thefts escalate. Can Drew stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—and his own? And can he convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily ever after this Christmas?

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2023

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1079 people want to read

About the author

Jana Richards

33 books880 followers
Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there's nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.

When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies like golf (which she does very badly) and reading (which she does much better).

Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren.
Contact her at:
http://www.janarichards.com
http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsA...
https://www.janarichards.com/blog
https://www.instagram.com/janarichard...

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Colette.
176 reviews9 followers
December 31, 2023
2.6
I really really wanted to love this. Cozy, snowy lodge romance. And In my state? Count me in 100%! The writing itself was fine, and only spotted a couple minor times. It had the makings of being quietly addictive, a cherished Christmas comfort read. The mystery of the thief was well-done, so that's a plus. But overall, this book was too frustrating to be enjoyable. Not to mention, Page dragging, uncontented sigh boring. We don't need detailed paragraphs on how to parallel park. We need enticing glances, descriptions of his inner emotions, cute moments, romantic inner thoughts. Not repetitive brooding and sad, insecure MCs. 

The heroine, Celeste, is boring and negative. What exactly is Drew in love with? Not sure what makes her worth the while, especially as she keeps playing games. No I can't, but I must, but I can't! Absolutely annoying, to happen over and over. Four times, to be exact.

There's no chemistry between them either. The couple could have benefited from a meetcute. They just kinda exist and notice each other and there's a delay in even mentioning an attraction to each other (as in, it's only mentioned in the next scenes and kinda buried, like an after thought. "oh and I saw that woman Celeste again and she was pretty." Some enthusiasm or a bit more notice of the attractive chef would've set things off right.

Tells vs show. The book lacks emotional cues. It's all surface. You don't feel anything deeply from the characters. It's hard to get a real read off of them. Everything feels dry. He loves her? How? Why? When did that happen? 

Also "she was so optimistic, that's why I loved her!" dude, she gives you curt texts and is playing doomsday about your relationship before it even starts. You know nothing about her, clearly and she is not a positive person. On that note, one of her concerns is being in an interracial relationship. In the 21st century, really? I can see if they're in a super racist ass town but it didn't seem to be the case, especially with the folks at the lodge being so welcoming. And her moms against it even though apparently her dad is white? Also... a black/white mixed person dating a black person isn't interracial, only if that black/white person dates a white person. I'm just trying to understand the logic...

Minor annoying things:
Born and raised in MN. the MN law thing about having to drive your own car for the test is just wrong. It would be very classist and makes no sense.

Him having a past crush was unnecessary. It dilutes the validity of his feelings for Celeste. The shame of his mistake from the other work "incident" could have been enough to make him ashamed to come home.

Definitely wouldn't recommend this book, although again I really, really wanted to like it. 
328 reviews14 followers
November 6, 2023
It’s Christmas time at Solace Lake Lodge, but a series of thefts threatens everyone’s holiday spirit.

About the Book: An emergency compels Drew Barnes to return to his family business, the Solace Lake Lodge, an inn deep in the Minnesota woods. Certain desperation is the only reason the family would ever allow him to fill in as their bookkeeper. No one has believed in him since a mistake got him fired from his previous job. Soon after he arrives, Drew is disheartened to discover thefts and financial irregularities. The last thing he needs is to be thrust into another crime related crisis.
After an allegation of sexual harassment led to her being fired—then virtually unemployable in her chosen profession—the only job sous chef Celeste Bishop finds is with the Solace Lake Lodge. Grateful to the Barnes family for taking her on, she’s made a good life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she’s worked, and lived, at the lodge.
Soon after meeting, a powerful attraction ignites between Drew and Celeste. He’s all in, but she resists her feelings. She’s leery of their age difference; plus, an interracial relationship didn’t work for her parents. As Christmas approaches, the thefts escalate. Drew must stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—as well as his own. He must also convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily ever after this Christmas.

Our Review: Author Jana Richards demonstrates an in-depth appreciation for social issues by infusing them into the plot lines of her Solace Lake stories. In Christmas at Solace Lake, she has tackled the limitations faced by those with physical disabilities, the intricacies of interracial relationships and cyber crimes—how they are perpetrated as well as how their effects on businesses both large and small. Richards weaves each of these issues effortlessly into the romance between two people who have suffered due to things beyond their control. Emotions keep this story moving; the characters are multi-layered and very well drawn.
Based on a scale of 1-5, Christmas at Solace Lake, merits a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Profile Image for CLorraine.
1,769 reviews19 followers
October 6, 2023
Christmas at Solace Lake by Jana Richards has several themes/tropes wrapped up in a sweet holiday love story. We get to examine a redemptive arc, friends to lovers, age gap and romantic suspense. Under a cloud from past missteps, Drew Barnes returns to Solace Lake Lodge to assist his uncle with the lodge’s bookkeeping. Drew has made mistakes in both his professional and personal life and is sure that he is being weighted and judged by the people who know him best. One of the bright spots in his return to the inn is getting to connect with Sous chef Celeste Bishop. Celeste is a single parent and took a chance moving across country to escape the fall out from a previous job. When Drew offers to teach Celeste how to drive, the pair become close, and Celeste’s daughter comes to view Drew as a parental figure. Since Drew’s help at the inn has an expiration date will he walk away from a chance at love or will Celeste’s insecurities about their age gap cause her to miss out on a great partner? In addition to the gentle love story, Ms. Richards gives readers an interesting “who is doing it” as Drew and others lay a trap for a thief. This book contains characters from previous stories, but it is not necessary to have read the other stories to understand the dynamics and relationships depicted. A compelling side story involved Drew’s sister Carrie and her love for Ryan. In this instance for someone who was seeking to be understood, Drew was not very understanding! The story is told from the point of view of both main characters, and I really enjoyed this gentle love story about two really nice people.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vicky.
Author 26 books69 followers
September 29, 2023
Thoughts: First of all, this is an interracial romance. Not a problem for me, but might be for some people (unfortunately). The characters are really good. Drew has issues – a mistake he made in the past still haunts him and colors everything he does. Celeste is the sous chef at the restaurant, is a widow, and has a nine-year-old daughter. Though Drew befriends her and she feels something more than friendship for him, she decides that nothing can happen between them. She is nine years older than he is, and she is black. He is not. Celeste’s mother spent years telling her that an interracial marriage is a mistake. Then there’s Drew’s sister and her wheelchair-bound boyfriend. And thefts in the kitchen and the accounts. Things are going downhill fast for Drew. But, like in all romances, things do eventually work out. The characters are really well done. The story is full of conflicts, showcases prejudices—not just racial, but for the handicapped as well. I loved how Drew handled the little boy who was picking on Celeste’s daughter Hope. A sweet ending that satisfies.

Recommendation: Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”



Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,133 followers
October 27, 2023
Two lonely souls seeking second chances find unexpected love at Solace Lake. Christmas at Solace Lake is a heartwarming tale of second chances, romance, and catching a thief in time for Christmas. I simply adore holiday romances set in small towns. Jana Richards pens a romance with a dash of mystery just in time for Christmas. The narration is immersive. The characters are relatable and will tug at your heartstrings. This book is perfect for those who binge-read contemporary small town holiday romances, like me.

Let’s start with the setting and descriptive narration. The setting is absolutely beautiful with an inn nestled next to a lake in Minnesota. It’s secluded yet stunning. The author writes with such emotion and detail, I couldn’t help but dive in. Her words make the setting a tangible thing, almost like another character.

Then there’s the characters. I connected with both Drew and Celeste. These characters are vibrant and realistic. My heart went out to these people for all they’ve been through. They deserve happiness, love, and of course second chances. The rest of the cast of characters round out the story.

The romance is heartfelt and emotional. There’s a bit of push and pull before they get their happy ending. I found myself rooting for them to get together while reading. The romance moves at a nice even pace. With just enough angst, this romance is my pick for best holiday romance.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for Patty Duplechin.
772 reviews9 followers
January 23, 2024
When Drew Barnes was asked to help at Solace Lake Lodge he agrees. He wants his family to believe in him again, especially since he was fired from his job where he made a mistake. While his aunt and uncle are waiting for their twins to be born, she is put on bed rest. He will be their bookkeeper. He meets Celeste Bishop, a sous chef. He finds her delightful. He seems to be drawn to her and her nine year old daughter. Celeste is a widow who lost the love of her life six years ago. She moved to Solace Lake because of being fired for reporting sexual harassment. No one believes her and she makes a move there to be independent and have a fresh start for herself and child. Leaving the horrible past behind she is glad she made the right move. It feels like home. When she sees Drew, she thinks he’s handsome and kind. They have chemistry. She knows that being nine years older and being a black woman isn’t something that she could enter into a relationship. It would never work. Or would it? . What will happen with the two lonely souls? He helps Celeste and her daughter with teaching Celeste to drive, picking up her daughter sometimes, and whatever she needs. He’s falling for them. Can Celeste let the past go? Will he leave once his uncle and aunt come back? Will he get his family to believe in him again? There’s love and a little mystery. Someone is stealing from the lodge. Will they catch the thief? Is it possible that someone who works for them could actually get away with it? The characters are wonderful, loving and deserves a second chance in life and career. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
Profile Image for BreakingtheEpigraph.
1,285 reviews14 followers
October 27, 2023
Jana Richards's fourth book in the Love at Solace Lake series follows the story of Drew Barnes, a young man who feels like his family has lost faith in him due to a major mistake he made. However, when his uncle Ethan asks him to help take over his wife's duties at her family's lodge, Drew agrees even though he's hesitant.

At the lodge, Drew meets Celeste Bishop, a single parent and pastry chef. The two strike up a friendship after having a conversation, and Drew learns that Celeste doesn't know how to drive. He offers to teach her how to drive, and as they spend more time together, they grow closer. However, Celeste is hesitant to take a chance on love again due to several reasons.

I had a great time reading this Christmas-themed novel, which featured an older woman, a younger man, and the possibility of a second chance at love. The story also had a whodunit element, which added to its overall appeal. I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reader copy of this book from the author via Booksirens. This review reflects my personal opinion and all the views expressed here are entirely my own. I am not under any obligation to provide a review of the book.
Profile Image for Darlene Fredette.
Author 12 books74 followers
October 26, 2023
4.5 Stars. This is the fourth book in the Love at Solace Lake series, but you don’t have to read the previous books to read this one. This story stands well on its own with a budding romance between Drew and Celeste, who are strong leading characters. The rest of the cast is enjoyable, especially Celeste’s daughter, Hope who is so sweet, I would have liked to see her in more scenes. The author wrote a compelling story filled with heavy emotions of family drama, loss, and insecurities. Also written well was the discrimination of race and disability. Added to the romance is a little mystery of someone stealing and hacking into the lodge’s computer. The mystery was a fun bonus and propelled the read to a satisfying ending. The beautiful cover and story will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
1,127 reviews5 followers
May 13, 2025
‘Christmas at Solace Lake’ was delightful. The plot involved soon-to-be-parents taking a leave of absence, additional family pitching in to help, helping one of the chefs, past adversity, being bogged down with some invoices, helping a co-worker with driving lessons, suspicions of theft, confiding in a possible brother-in-law, a major blow-up with siblings, trying to catch the thief, suspense, tension, correcting a bully, an out-of-town family visit, falling in love, having an epiphany, and moving forward. Moreover, Drew and Celeste, the protagonists, were ideally suited for each other and gushed with chemistry. Additionally, I liked the author’s down-to-earth word choices, which created an upbeat tone. Overall, I liked the fast-paced narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Profile Image for Coco.
630 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2023
A romantic mystery

When Drew's uncle desperately needs help, Drew moves to Solace Lake Lodge to be a temporary manager of the Inn. Determined to prove to his family that he's dependable after his past mistakes, Drew is shocked when a series of thefts are uncovered, especially worrying as the culprit can only be a member of the trusted staff. As the stealing continues, suspicions damage Drew's budding romance with sous chef Celeste. The thief must be caught before the inn is ruined and Drew needs to convince Celeste he doesn't just see her as a holiday romance.

Armchair entertainment.

eARC generously supplied by BookSirens, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
1,722 reviews10 followers
October 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, you have Drew who made a mistake and is now living with the guilt, he thinks his family is ashamed of him. Then you have Celeste who is an amazing baker and chef but doesn’t want to lose anyone she loves so she guards her heart. Her daughter Hope is also in the mix. This wasn’t just a love story you also have a mystery happening, someone is stealing from the lodge and Drew needs to figure it out. There is a lot more going on and it was interesting to see how the author was going to bring it all together. A very enjoyable read. I received an arc for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for H.E. Scott.
Author 2 books1 follower
March 7, 2024
When duty called Drew Barnes back to the family lodge to help out it was the last place he wanted to be. Fired from a previous job over a mistake he made he was worried the family would not trust him. When he meets Celeste he begins to hope that maybe life would be different but then thefts, sibling animosity and distrust begin to weaken his resolve. Determined to find out who is stealing from the lodge Drew also discovers being home is so bad as he thought. Christmas at Solace Lake is a page turner and makes the reader consider relationships in a new way.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,436 reviews25 followers
December 9, 2023
Celeste is a cook at Solace Lake Lodge, Drew has come to help as his aunt needs bed rest with the twins she's carrying. He's running the finances, schedules etc.
He meets Celeste and is smitten, but she's older than him and a widow. He's not bothered about the age difference but she is, and although it's been six years, she's not sure if she's ready for another relationship.
Then items and money start disappearing, who's the thief, surely not one of the team?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Another great read from Jana
Profile Image for Andrea.
740 reviews3 followers
October 31, 2023
I received this advanced reader copy from Book Sirens. I leave my review voluntarily.

This charming Christmas novel has well fleshed out characters that jump off the page. Their fears, anxieties and love are relatable to the readers. Their is a push and pull amongst Celeste and Drew as they attempt to move forward together whilst swimming in a lake of baggage.

I loved watching characters learn to be sensitive about physical disabilities and racial discrimination.
Profile Image for T.P. Warren.
276 reviews106 followers
November 17, 2023
A magical and beautiful Christmas story of love and second chances set in the stunning and vivid setting of small town Minnesota. I was captivated from beginning to end. I adored Drew and felt he was the perfect match for Celeste, even though it took some time for them to realize it. The conflict, angst and passion leapt off the page. Christmas at Solace Lake has put me in the holiday mood and I bet it will you as well!
370 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2023
I received a advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

I enjoyed this book it had so many different storylines going on

Family relationships work relationships love relationships with an undercurrent of mysterious thefts bank fraud impersonating and Christmas with a ball what else could you possibly want in a book

Simply loved it ❤️
1 review
October 13, 2023
Got me hooked with the title. I’m a sucker for a holiday romance. A definite read, tucked up on the sofa with your favourite blanket.
Get you hot drink at the ready, and be prepared to make an afternoon of constant page turning until your last page. Couldn’t put it down, from the colourful characters to the vision in my head of the Mistletoe Ball. Great little read.
240 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2024
I enjoyed this holiday romance because it had depth to it and touched on larger real-life issues. From single parenthood to interracial relationships to past mistakes that your family won't let you move past, this story and the characters feel real. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Disgusted Reader.
337 reviews21 followers
May 24, 2024
I don’t like this book at all. The writing feels too clinical making it hard to connect to any of these characters. Celeste is the type of insecure heroine that I hate. The back and forth game she plays with Drew is just exhausting. The only thing that kept me reading till the end was finding out who has been robbing the joint!
76 reviews
December 10, 2023
This was a fantastic read for this time of year! There were a lot of parts that stuck out to me, and this is worth reading! Thank you to book sirens for allowing me to read this for free!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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