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Christmas in Aspen
A heartwarming story of holiday magic and love scaling new heights
Editor Caroline Holt is on her way to her late mother’s upstate cabin in Hudson to spend the holidays. She was supposed to be in London, having a holiday romance. But this Christmas, she isn’t in the mood to get her heart broken again. Caroline loves being an editor, but in the last year burnout has taken over. She has been mourning her mother, and she is looking to get that spark back.
In the cabin, Caroline finds a letter addressed to her mother. It’s in a red envelope, and the return address is Santa’s Little Red mailbox, in Aspen, Colorado. The letter is from a man declaring his love for her mother. He’ll be waiting for her in front of the Little Red Mailbox at three pm on New Year’s Eve.
Unable to ignore her curiosity, Caroline takes the next flight to Aspen to meet her mother’s mysterious lover, but things start getting complicated when she meets another man in town. The more they run into each other, the more she is drawn to him. And when Caroline finds out the truth about the person her mother had loved, she unravels secrets of her own past.
By the end of Christmas week, Caroline gets a chance to rewrite her own destiny by confronting her fears of loving again and possibly leaving behind what she thought was a perfect life.
Editor Caroline Holt is on her way to her late mother’s upstate cabin in Hudson to spend the holidays. She was supposed to be in London, having a holiday romance. But this Christmas, she isn’t in the mood to get her heart broken again. Caroline loves being an editor, but in the last year burnout has taken over. She has been mourning her mother, and she is looking to get that spark back.
In the cabin, Caroline finds a letter addressed to her mother. It’s in a red envelope, and the return address is Santa’s Little Red mailbox, in Aspen, Colorado. The letter is from a man declaring his love for her mother. He’ll be waiting for her in front of the Little Red Mailbox at three pm on New Year’s Eve.
Unable to ignore her curiosity, Caroline takes the next flight to Aspen to meet her mother’s mysterious lover, but things start getting complicated when she meets another man in town. The more they run into each other, the more she is drawn to him. And when Caroline finds out the truth about the person her mother had loved, she unravels secrets of her own past.
By the end of Christmas week, Caroline gets a chance to rewrite her own destiny by confronting her fears of loving again and possibly leaving behind what she thought was a perfect life.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2024
12 people are currently reading
9136 people want to read
About the author
Anita Hughes
26 books1,027 followersAnita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing program. She is the author of MONARCH BEACH, MARKET STREET, LAKE COMO, FRENCH COAST, ROME IN LOVE, ISLAND IN THE SEA, SANTORINI SUNSETS, CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA, EMERALD COAST, CHRISTMAS IN LONDON and CALIFORNIA SUMMER, and CHRISTMAS IN VERMONT published by St. Martin's Press. ROME IN LOVE is coming to the HALLMARK channel in July, 2019!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
October 5, 2024
Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes
Contemporary chic lit with romance. HFN.
With the death of her mother, Caroline Holt is feeling a bit lost. She feels burned out at work and hasn’t found her usual joy in reading and working with authors. Her boss tells her she needs to step up or could lose the only job she’s ever wanted. Caroline heads up to the family cabin and finds an unsigned letter addressed to her mother from Santa’s Little Red Mailbox in Aspen, Colorado. The writer says they will meet her mother on New Year’s Eve at the mailbox. Caroline knew her mother was at a conference in Aspen but not that there had been anyone special. Not wanting the person to think her mother just didn’t show up at the designated time, Caroline decides to go to Aspen for the holiday and meet this person. But first she has to trace her mother’s steps to find out who and what may have had an impact on her mother in the last year of her life.
Caroline is feeling the loss of her mother deeply. Especially now that her younger sister is engaged. Caroline doesn’t do long term relationships. She’ll have short term flings but doesn’t ever give them too much personal information. She keeps her emotions to herself. She’s always thought that was the best way to keep from getting hurt or left to stay and take care of the home. But she’s feeling alone now and looking, questioning her decisions.
Caroline immerses herself in Aspen and tracing her mother’s footsteps. She’s also found and is reading a series of letters that her mother kept from a famous female author that disappeared after only two books. Caroline’s sister thinks it is time for that Caroline to have a “real” relationship.
Self assessment, and mourning. Caroline has been on autopilot until now and the death has rattled her. She’s loved her life but is it going to fulfill her through the end?
She makes a bet with her sister to take her currently flirting in Aspen with one man to the next level. To see if it can be real. I didn’t like the whole betting concept. It made it seem unimportant. But it does have Caroline changing some of her behaviors.
This book is categorized as romance and while that is included in this story, it’s a very small percentage of the whole. As cliche as it is, it’s a mid life crisis story brought on by loss. Caroline has lost her mother and her role model and she needs to decide if she’s content as is.
Contemplative and hopeful.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary chic lit with romance. HFN.
With the death of her mother, Caroline Holt is feeling a bit lost. She feels burned out at work and hasn’t found her usual joy in reading and working with authors. Her boss tells her she needs to step up or could lose the only job she’s ever wanted. Caroline heads up to the family cabin and finds an unsigned letter addressed to her mother from Santa’s Little Red Mailbox in Aspen, Colorado. The writer says they will meet her mother on New Year’s Eve at the mailbox. Caroline knew her mother was at a conference in Aspen but not that there had been anyone special. Not wanting the person to think her mother just didn’t show up at the designated time, Caroline decides to go to Aspen for the holiday and meet this person. But first she has to trace her mother’s steps to find out who and what may have had an impact on her mother in the last year of her life.
Caroline is feeling the loss of her mother deeply. Especially now that her younger sister is engaged. Caroline doesn’t do long term relationships. She’ll have short term flings but doesn’t ever give them too much personal information. She keeps her emotions to herself. She’s always thought that was the best way to keep from getting hurt or left to stay and take care of the home. But she’s feeling alone now and looking, questioning her decisions.
Caroline immerses herself in Aspen and tracing her mother’s footsteps. She’s also found and is reading a series of letters that her mother kept from a famous female author that disappeared after only two books. Caroline’s sister thinks it is time for that Caroline to have a “real” relationship.
Self assessment, and mourning. Caroline has been on autopilot until now and the death has rattled her. She’s loved her life but is it going to fulfill her through the end?
She makes a bet with her sister to take her currently flirting in Aspen with one man to the next level. To see if it can be real. I didn’t like the whole betting concept. It made it seem unimportant. But it does have Caroline changing some of her behaviors.
This book is categorized as romance and while that is included in this story, it’s a very small percentage of the whole. As cliche as it is, it’s a mid life crisis story brought on by loss. Caroline has lost her mother and her role model and she needs to decide if she’s content as is.
Contemplative and hopeful.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
January 13, 2025
What a nice story! This was a refreshing book.
August 4, 2024
I received a free copy of, Christmas in Aspen, by Anita Hughes, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Caroline Holt did not originally plan to have Christmas in Aspen, it was supposed to be London. In mourning after the death of her mother, she finds letters to her mother from Aspen. There are a lot of secrets in this book. This is an nice holiday read, not your typical feel good read though.
April 27, 2024
This was the second book I read by this author and while I loved the setting, I had some issues with the story. I also had trouble connecting to the characters. Caroline was hard to relate to, I didn’t like Daphne, and while I liked the story set in the past at first, I hated Teddy more and more as the flashback progressed. He was manipulative and came on way too strong. I couldn’t understand what the woman from the flashback saw in him.
This was an odd Christmas book in that Christmas Day was at around the 30 percent mark and the bulk of the story covered the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. As such, there weren’t a ton of Christmas feels, but I did like what there was, and I loved hearing about how the town decorated.
Overall this was okay, but not my favorite Christmas read. It would be a good book to read after Christmas since the majority of the story is set then anyway.
This was an odd Christmas book in that Christmas Day was at around the 30 percent mark and the bulk of the story covered the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. As such, there weren’t a ton of Christmas feels, but I did like what there was, and I loved hearing about how the town decorated.
Overall this was okay, but not my favorite Christmas read. It would be a good book to read after Christmas since the majority of the story is set then anyway.
December 23, 2024
Really not good. Too many subplots and I did not like the authors writing style. I will say, I picked this book up while I was in Aspen last month at a cute little book shop.. Both the book shop and the place we went to for dinner made a cameo in this book which made it the perfect souvenir. So two stars for that 😂
December 19, 2025
Real quick read, cutesy Christmas story. Loved the belly up mention, I could picture like exactly where she was the whole time which was fun
September 1, 2024
Caroline decided to visit Aspen after reading a letter addressed to her mother. Caroline is having a tough time since her mom got sick. I enjoyed this book.
October 6, 2024
i wanted to love this book.. like really love this book because christmas is my favorite and i love me a good romance novel but.. this one just didn’t hit the way i would have like it to. it seems a bit scattered, so many subplots going on, the characters didn’t seem to connect with me because i don’t feel like i got to know them on a deep enough level, for being a christmas book it wasn’t fully set on christmas which bothered me a little bit. i did end up dnf’ing towards the end because the writing style and how i connected with the book, just werent sitting right with me.
thank you netgalley for this opportunity
thank you netgalley for this opportunity
September 21, 2024
Caroline and Daphne are sisters and this is their first Christmas since their mom’s recent passing.
Caroline finds a letter addressed to her mom to meet new years at a red mailbox in Aspen. Caroline wants to meet this mystery man and explain about her mom.
Hmm last minute cancellation and Caroline books a room in the hotel her mother stayed. Then Daphne decides to join her with her very recent fiancé and yes another cancellation and they booked a room. (They get into an argument and he’s able to find a room too from cancellation) 🙄
Story setting is in Aspen, however majority is week between the holidays, not very Christmasy.
Characters were hard to connect with and dragged in chapters. There were not ohh 😱moments or 🥰 moments.
The story revolved around love, relationships, personal growth, and second chances. Max was ridiculously patient with Caroline and his niece Lily was wise beyond her years.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC read in exchange for my review.
Caroline finds a letter addressed to her mom to meet new years at a red mailbox in Aspen. Caroline wants to meet this mystery man and explain about her mom.
Hmm last minute cancellation and Caroline books a room in the hotel her mother stayed. Then Daphne decides to join her with her very recent fiancé and yes another cancellation and they booked a room. (They get into an argument and he’s able to find a room too from cancellation) 🙄
Story setting is in Aspen, however majority is week between the holidays, not very Christmasy.
Characters were hard to connect with and dragged in chapters. There were not ohh 😱moments or 🥰 moments.
The story revolved around love, relationships, personal growth, and second chances. Max was ridiculously patient with Caroline and his niece Lily was wise beyond her years.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC read in exchange for my review.
February 3, 2025
Anne Holt died from breast cancer in the fall, but her daughters, Caroline and Daphne want to spend Christmas at the cabin like they always did. Caroline is an editor in New York, following in her mother's footsteps, but is suffering from burn out and has been given an ultimatum about bringing a book to be published by the end of the winter, or possibly lose her job. She is dealing with her grief and hoping Christmas at the cabin will help her find closure. When she arrives at the cabin, Daphne is already there with a surprise. She is engaged and had her fiancé in tow. Caroline is blindsided and to get away from Daphne, begins sorting through her mother's things. First she finds a stack of letters, then she finds a letter addressed to her mother, in a red envelope. The return address is Santa’s Little Red mailbox, in Aspen, Colorado, and when she opens it finds out that a man declaring his love for her will be waiting there on New Year's Eve day at 3:00 p.m. This is just what Caroline needs, a mystery and time away from Daphne and her new fiancé. She gets the next flight to Aspen to meet her mother’s mysterious lover. As well, Daphne and Luke decide to fly to Aspen and elope and spend Christmas with Caroline. Caroline meets a man, who is handsome and charming, but she is not looking for a relationship. As she spends time with Max, they begin to have feelings for one another, but Caroline has her rules and she will only have flings, she is not looking for love. With all this going on, she finds an author to work with, there are letters to her mother that is reading about one of her clients and she is trying to convince Daphne that she and Luke don't know one another well enough to get married. Throw in Christmas activities and winter fun and there is a lot happening in this story.
I really enjoyed this book. Caroline was an interesting character. I felt for her, but she was frustrating at times. She tended to be judgmental and treated Daphne like her child, not her sister. I know her actions came from the right spot, but it didn't mean she was right. Max was a sweetheart. He was caring, lots of fun and was willing do follow Caroline's rules, even though he wanted more. His niece Lily was my favourite character. She was very precocious and I loved how she tried to get Max and Caroline together. The book angle was interesting. Nick, the author, told his own story to Caroline as he edited the book to understand what was missing. The letters from Nina, an author who was trying to make a comeback in her 70s added another story within the story. Although Daphne and Luke are in love, there are secrets he is keeping that almost derail their relationship, but is is Lily that gives advice. I really enjoyed this story and it held my interest from beginning to end. With romance, family issues, grief, love, booklovers, secrets and more, I am glad I finally picked this one up.
I really enjoyed this book. Caroline was an interesting character. I felt for her, but she was frustrating at times. She tended to be judgmental and treated Daphne like her child, not her sister. I know her actions came from the right spot, but it didn't mean she was right. Max was a sweetheart. He was caring, lots of fun and was willing do follow Caroline's rules, even though he wanted more. His niece Lily was my favourite character. She was very precocious and I loved how she tried to get Max and Caroline together. The book angle was interesting. Nick, the author, told his own story to Caroline as he edited the book to understand what was missing. The letters from Nina, an author who was trying to make a comeback in her 70s added another story within the story. Although Daphne and Luke are in love, there are secrets he is keeping that almost derail their relationship, but is is Lily that gives advice. I really enjoyed this story and it held my interest from beginning to end. With romance, family issues, grief, love, booklovers, secrets and more, I am glad I finally picked this one up.
December 29, 2024
Thank you to St Martin’s Griffin publishing for the ARC in exchange for a honest review!
Christmas in Aspen takes off with Caroline, an editor, who finds a letter addressed to her late mother Anne, from Santa’s little red mailbox promoting her to take off to Aspen, Colorado to meet this mystery lover on New Years Eve.
The story then revolves around Daphne, Caroline’s sister who insists on getting married to someone she’s only known for a few weeks. Leaving arguments and tension to brew between the sisters and continuous make-ups. I felt like Caroline was only trying to look out for Daphne and Daphne was going to get what she wanted when she wanted it regardless of needing to take a step back and do some logical thinking especially after already catching the soon to be groom, Luke, in a lie.
Caroline typically only goes for no strings attached so becoming serious with someone isn’t in her cards with her career path.. until Max.
As things continue with him, we come to learn that Max isn’t one to take rejection lightly. He wants to hook up and gives Caroline a sob story on how she needs to “live a little” upon making a move on her that she refused to act on. He then disappears on her for awhile after not getting his way into her pants. They make amends eventually and Max once again storms off because they couldn’t figure out how to be together without jeopardizing where Caroline wants to be in life.
Anne’s mystery lover being Caroline’s father at the end was a nice twist. Probably my favorite part of the entire book.
This book does give you that Christmas feel while reading but I found it difficult connecting to the characters or even liking them for that matter. I also found several typos throughout the book and sentences that were missing words.
Thanks again for a copy and the opportunity to read Christmas in Aspen!
Christmas in Aspen takes off with Caroline, an editor, who finds a letter addressed to her late mother Anne, from Santa’s little red mailbox promoting her to take off to Aspen, Colorado to meet this mystery lover on New Years Eve.
The story then revolves around Daphne, Caroline’s sister who insists on getting married to someone she’s only known for a few weeks. Leaving arguments and tension to brew between the sisters and continuous make-ups. I felt like Caroline was only trying to look out for Daphne and Daphne was going to get what she wanted when she wanted it regardless of needing to take a step back and do some logical thinking especially after already catching the soon to be groom, Luke, in a lie.
Caroline typically only goes for no strings attached so becoming serious with someone isn’t in her cards with her career path.. until Max.
As things continue with him, we come to learn that Max isn’t one to take rejection lightly. He wants to hook up and gives Caroline a sob story on how she needs to “live a little” upon making a move on her that she refused to act on. He then disappears on her for awhile after not getting his way into her pants. They make amends eventually and Max once again storms off because they couldn’t figure out how to be together without jeopardizing where Caroline wants to be in life.
Anne’s mystery lover being Caroline’s father at the end was a nice twist. Probably my favorite part of the entire book.
This book does give you that Christmas feel while reading but I found it difficult connecting to the characters or even liking them for that matter. I also found several typos throughout the book and sentences that were missing words.
Thanks again for a copy and the opportunity to read Christmas in Aspen!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
I wasn’t sure that reading a Christmas themed book in May was going to feel good or keep me engaged.
I had nothing to worry about!
Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes is a delightful and heartwarming story that beautifully captures the essence of family connections and the magic of taking a chance on love.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Aspen, this story, centered around the book and publishing industry, offers fascinating insights into the literary world, with accurate relatable comparisons between the hustle and bustle of big city life and the charm of a small town.
I have never been to Aspen, but now I feel like I have as the author’s descriptions bring Aspen to life!
Throughout the book you can feel the cozy warmth and festive spirit of the season.
Christmas in Aspen is a perfect holiday read, filled with the joy of family, the excitement of new beginnings, and the profound realization of what it means to find and hold onto love.
I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a heartwarming seasonal escape!
Thankyou to Author Anita Hughes, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin publishing for the opportunity to read this book ahead of published date.
Charlene 📚🤗🌸 @lastnownext
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I had nothing to worry about!
Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes is a delightful and heartwarming story that beautifully captures the essence of family connections and the magic of taking a chance on love.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Aspen, this story, centered around the book and publishing industry, offers fascinating insights into the literary world, with accurate relatable comparisons between the hustle and bustle of big city life and the charm of a small town.
I have never been to Aspen, but now I feel like I have as the author’s descriptions bring Aspen to life!
Throughout the book you can feel the cozy warmth and festive spirit of the season.
Christmas in Aspen is a perfect holiday read, filled with the joy of family, the excitement of new beginnings, and the profound realization of what it means to find and hold onto love.
I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a heartwarming seasonal escape!
Thankyou to Author Anita Hughes, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin publishing for the opportunity to read this book ahead of published date.
Charlene 📚🤗🌸 @lastnownext
.
September 24, 2024
3.5 stars
While this was a sweet romance I wanted more of the Hallmark Christmas movie feeling. The small intrigue on the side was a nice detail and the family connections were good attributes to the story. There isn't much to say about it, it was a just an ok sweet holiday book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin, Netgalley and Anita for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
While this was a sweet romance I wanted more of the Hallmark Christmas movie feeling. The small intrigue on the side was a nice detail and the family connections were good attributes to the story. There isn't much to say about it, it was a just an ok sweet holiday book.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin, Netgalley and Anita for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2024
I enjoyed Anita' Hughes' previous work, "A Magical New York Christmas," and so I was excited to get a copy of her latest Christmas story. The synopsis caught my attention as soon as I heard NYC publishing editor rushes to Aspen to meet her recently deceased mother's mystery man at the red mailbox. A bookish romantic mystery? Heck yes! The first half of the book met my expectations, but I found myself falling out of love with this story as the book wore on. I couldn't connect with the characters insta-love situations, and I found the main and side characters annoying in a moony whiny sort of way. Unfortunately, this one fizzled for me.
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
December 8, 2024
3.25 Stars!
This is a sweet holiday read that focuses on family as well as taking chances on love.
I loved the atmospheric setting- the author did a great job with all the descriptions. And I loved the addition of the letters from Nina and that additional storyline- I seemed to fly through those sections.
The character development could’ve been better and I do wish this one had dual POVs here that could’ve led to a bit more on the romance plot. And I felt it did have a lot of different storylines and some filler that wasn’t all needed.
It was a good story and I was satisfied with the ending, but also wasn’t your typical Hallmark-cheesy/cozy holiday read like I was thinking it would be going into it, so just depends what you are in the mood for.
Thank you @smpromance & @stmartinspress for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
This is a sweet holiday read that focuses on family as well as taking chances on love.
I loved the atmospheric setting- the author did a great job with all the descriptions. And I loved the addition of the letters from Nina and that additional storyline- I seemed to fly through those sections.
The character development could’ve been better and I do wish this one had dual POVs here that could’ve led to a bit more on the romance plot. And I felt it did have a lot of different storylines and some filler that wasn’t all needed.
It was a good story and I was satisfied with the ending, but also wasn’t your typical Hallmark-cheesy/cozy holiday read like I was thinking it would be going into it, so just depends what you are in the mood for.
Thank you @smpromance & @stmartinspress for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
October 24, 2024
This was a good Christmas contemporary romance. I liked the setting and the characters in this book. This book had a lot of subplots, which at times made the overall story feel disconnected. This was more of a slow burn sweet romance, and although there were things that intrigued me about this story it wasn’t a favorite read of mine.
Thank you to @smpromance for the gifted copy.
Thank you to @smpromance for the gifted copy.
July 10, 2024
Before I get into the review, a quick thanks to both NetGalley and the publishers over at St. Martin's Griffin for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Christmas in Aspen follows a book editor who meets up with her sister at her mother's cabin a few months after her mother dies. They go through her mail and discover that she had a romance a few months before her death and that they man wants to meet up with her in Aspen at Christmas time. The book editor decides to go to Aspen to meet with her mother's lover in order to give him the bad news. But once she's there the book editor finds a romance of her own. Christmas in Aspen comes out on October 8th and is available for preorder now.
This book had way too many plots and subplots for what the author was trying to accomplish. We follow Caroline while she heads to Aspen to meet up with her mother's "lover" was Caroline calls him. We watch her have her own romance. We see her reading letters from one of her mom's old clients. Her sister is deciding to elope with a man she met less than 6 weeks prior. And we watch her struggle with career issues. It made the story feel aimless. It doesn't help that the author keeps the reader at arm's length from the characters so the reader feels absolutely nothing for them. Most of the characters feel really flat and unrealistic.
The author did make Aspen seem like a winter wonderland full of Christmas magic which is something I DO really like in Christmas related books and movies. I wish there had been more of the Christmas stuff, but how would it all have fit with the massive amount of plot points that the author had to get through? For Christmassy rating, I'm going to give this one 3.5 poinsettias out of 5. It was really good on that front, just not great.
Overall, I think this book would work better with the General Fiction or Women's Fiction crowd than the Romance crowd. It hits on some heavier themes and it doesn't display the romance as prominently as I would have liked.
This book had way too many plots and subplots for what the author was trying to accomplish. We follow Caroline while she heads to Aspen to meet up with her mother's "lover" was Caroline calls him. We watch her have her own romance. We see her reading letters from one of her mom's old clients. Her sister is deciding to elope with a man she met less than 6 weeks prior. And we watch her struggle with career issues. It made the story feel aimless. It doesn't help that the author keeps the reader at arm's length from the characters so the reader feels absolutely nothing for them. Most of the characters feel really flat and unrealistic.
The author did make Aspen seem like a winter wonderland full of Christmas magic which is something I DO really like in Christmas related books and movies. I wish there had been more of the Christmas stuff, but how would it all have fit with the massive amount of plot points that the author had to get through? For Christmassy rating, I'm going to give this one 3.5 poinsettias out of 5. It was really good on that front, just not great.
Overall, I think this book would work better with the General Fiction or Women's Fiction crowd than the Romance crowd. It hits on some heavier themes and it doesn't display the romance as prominently as I would have liked.
November 3, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was a festive read just in time for the holiday season. At times, it was a bit slow-paced, and the characters were dull and seemed to lack depth.
December 10, 2024
Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes
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Editor Caroline Holt is struggling at her job. She needs to find a book to bring to the table to publish on a deadline. While spending time at her late mother’s cabin she comes across a letter asking her mother to meet in Aspen on New Year’s Day. Catoline and her sister decide to go to Aspen to take time for themselves and also meet their late mother’s admirer.
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I’ve never been to Aspen but this story made it sound like a lot of fun. I hope to go one day.
I really liked Caroline and was rooting for her. She loved her family and missed her mom so much. I really loved when Caroline met the admirer on New Year’s Eve, it just took a long time to get to that part of the story.
I also loved the letters from the author Nina. I was excited to read those each time they came up. I think the letters were my favorite part of the story.
.
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
Editor Caroline Holt is struggling at her job. She needs to find a book to bring to the table to publish on a deadline. While spending time at her late mother’s cabin she comes across a letter asking her mother to meet in Aspen on New Year’s Day. Catoline and her sister decide to go to Aspen to take time for themselves and also meet their late mother’s admirer.
.
I’ve never been to Aspen but this story made it sound like a lot of fun. I hope to go one day.
I really liked Caroline and was rooting for her. She loved her family and missed her mom so much. I really loved when Caroline met the admirer on New Year’s Eve, it just took a long time to get to that part of the story.
I also loved the letters from the author Nina. I was excited to read those each time they came up. I think the letters were my favorite part of the story.
.
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 24, 2024
The plot was good, the characters and writing were not.
December 12, 2024
If you’re looking for a holiday romance to cozy up with this season, Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes delivers all the festive vibes you could want. Think Hallmark Christmas movie meets a heartfelt exploration of family, love, and second chances.
The story follows Caroline Holt, a burnt-out book editor grieving the recent loss of her mother. Instead of her planned trip to London, she retreats to her mom’s cabin in upstate New York, hoping for some peace. But when Caroline stumbles upon a mysterious love letter addressed to her mother from someone in Aspen, curiosity takes hold. She finds herself flying to the snowy town to uncover the truth about her mom’s secret admirer. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Max, a charming local who’s not only trying to build a zero-waste rye whiskey distillery but also reigniting Caroline’s belief in love.
Aspen is beautifully described, practically leaping off the page as a Christmas wonderland filled with festive decorations, snow, and holiday cheer. It’s the perfect backdrop for the story’s romance and mystery, making you want to pack your bags and head there yourself. Caroline is a relatable protagonist, navigating grief and burnout with a sense of vulnerability that feels authentic. While her hesitancy about love could have been explored a bit more deeply, it’s easy to root for her as she begins to open her heart again.
Max is a classic Hallmark-style love interest, but with refreshing touches that set him apart—his passion for sustainability and his close bond with his family add depth to his character. The romance is sweet and clean, perfect for readers who enjoy wholesome love stories.
The story is also enriched by several engaging subplots, including Caroline’s sister Daphne planning an elopement, a missing feminist author from the 1970s resurfacing through letters, and Caroline’s professional struggles as she tries to save her job by helping an indie author get published. While there aren’t shocking twists, the steady unfolding of these threads keeps the story compelling.
Overall, Christmas in Aspen is a charming, heartwarming read that balances romance, family drama, and a touch of mystery. It’s perfect for readers who want more depth than your typical holiday rom-com but still crave that festive magic.
The story follows Caroline Holt, a burnt-out book editor grieving the recent loss of her mother. Instead of her planned trip to London, she retreats to her mom’s cabin in upstate New York, hoping for some peace. But when Caroline stumbles upon a mysterious love letter addressed to her mother from someone in Aspen, curiosity takes hold. She finds herself flying to the snowy town to uncover the truth about her mom’s secret admirer. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Max, a charming local who’s not only trying to build a zero-waste rye whiskey distillery but also reigniting Caroline’s belief in love.
Aspen is beautifully described, practically leaping off the page as a Christmas wonderland filled with festive decorations, snow, and holiday cheer. It’s the perfect backdrop for the story’s romance and mystery, making you want to pack your bags and head there yourself. Caroline is a relatable protagonist, navigating grief and burnout with a sense of vulnerability that feels authentic. While her hesitancy about love could have been explored a bit more deeply, it’s easy to root for her as she begins to open her heart again.
Max is a classic Hallmark-style love interest, but with refreshing touches that set him apart—his passion for sustainability and his close bond with his family add depth to his character. The romance is sweet and clean, perfect for readers who enjoy wholesome love stories.
The story is also enriched by several engaging subplots, including Caroline’s sister Daphne planning an elopement, a missing feminist author from the 1970s resurfacing through letters, and Caroline’s professional struggles as she tries to save her job by helping an indie author get published. While there aren’t shocking twists, the steady unfolding of these threads keeps the story compelling.
Overall, Christmas in Aspen is a charming, heartwarming read that balances romance, family drama, and a touch of mystery. It’s perfect for readers who want more depth than your typical holiday rom-com but still crave that festive magic.
March 6, 2024
Get ready and cozy up for a heartwarming holiday escape! “Christmas in Aspen” by Anita Hughes is a delightful escape into the snowy wonderland of Aspen, where love, mystery, and holiday magic intertwine. Set against the backdrop of majestic mountains and cozy cabins, this novel invites readers to experience the enchantment of the season.
Meet Caroline Holt. She’s an editor with a penchant for romance novels, finds herself unexpectedly spending Christmas in Aspen. Her original plans to be in London for a holiday romance take an unexpected turn when she heads to her late mother's upstate cabin in Hudson. The cabin holds memories of childhood Christmases, but this year, Caroline isn't in the mood for nostalgia. She's determined not to get her heart broken again.
However, fate has other plans. As Caroline explores the snowy landscape, she stumbles upon a mysterious letter addressed to her mother. The sender? A man who claims to have loved her mother for years. Unable to ignore her curiosity, Caroline takes the next flight to Aspen to meet this enigmatic lover. Little does she know that her journey will lead her to unexpected encounters and a chance at love.
The heart of the story lies in the Little Red Mailbox, which becomes a symbol of hope, secrets, and second chances. Caroline's quest to uncover the truth about her mother's past becomes intertwined with her own romantic journey. As she navigates the snow-covered streets, she meets two intriguing men.
Meet James. He’s the man who wrote the letter, and is a charming artist with a passion for capturing the beauty of Aspen on canvas. His vulnerability and devotion to Caroline's mother add depth to the narrative.
Meet Henry. He’s a rugged ski instructor who enters Caroline's life unexpectedly. Their chance meetings spark a connection that defies logic. The more they run into each other, the more she is drawn to him. But can she open her heart again?
Hughes weaves a tale of love, loss, and the magic of the season. Her vivid descriptions transport readers to the snow-kissed streets of Aspen, where twinkling lights adorn cozy cafes, and the scent of pine fills the air. The historical subplot, involving the Eloise author's residency at The Plaza, adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The pacing is perfect, it’s neither rushed nor stagnant. Hughes skillfully balances the romance with moments of introspection, allowing readers to connect with Caroline's emotional journey. The snowy landscapes come alive, and the reader can almost feel the crunch of snow underfoot.
This holiday story captures the essence of the holiday spirit, the warmth of hot cocoa, the joy of snowball fights, and the magic of unexpected love. It's a story that reminds us to embrace second chances, even when they arrive wrapped in mystery.
Why You'll Love It:
- Atmospheric Setting: Hughes's vivid prose transports you to the heart of Aspen, making you crave a snowy escape.
- Heartfelt Romance: The chemistry between Caroline and Henry is palpable, and their interactions are both tender and passionate.
- Intriguing Secrets: The mystery surrounding Caroline's mother's lover keeps you turning the pages.
- Holiday Magic: The Little Red Mailbox adds a touch of enchantment, making this a perfect read for the festive season.
A heartwarming tale, “Christmas in Aspen” will leave you with a smile and a longing for your own snowy adventure. Hughes's storytelling prowess shines, making this novel a five-star treat for us romance enthusiasts and holiday lovers alike.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Caroline Holt. She’s an editor with a penchant for romance novels, finds herself unexpectedly spending Christmas in Aspen. Her original plans to be in London for a holiday romance take an unexpected turn when she heads to her late mother's upstate cabin in Hudson. The cabin holds memories of childhood Christmases, but this year, Caroline isn't in the mood for nostalgia. She's determined not to get her heart broken again.
However, fate has other plans. As Caroline explores the snowy landscape, she stumbles upon a mysterious letter addressed to her mother. The sender? A man who claims to have loved her mother for years. Unable to ignore her curiosity, Caroline takes the next flight to Aspen to meet this enigmatic lover. Little does she know that her journey will lead her to unexpected encounters and a chance at love.
The heart of the story lies in the Little Red Mailbox, which becomes a symbol of hope, secrets, and second chances. Caroline's quest to uncover the truth about her mother's past becomes intertwined with her own romantic journey. As she navigates the snow-covered streets, she meets two intriguing men.
Meet James. He’s the man who wrote the letter, and is a charming artist with a passion for capturing the beauty of Aspen on canvas. His vulnerability and devotion to Caroline's mother add depth to the narrative.
Meet Henry. He’s a rugged ski instructor who enters Caroline's life unexpectedly. Their chance meetings spark a connection that defies logic. The more they run into each other, the more she is drawn to him. But can she open her heart again?
Hughes weaves a tale of love, loss, and the magic of the season. Her vivid descriptions transport readers to the snow-kissed streets of Aspen, where twinkling lights adorn cozy cafes, and the scent of pine fills the air. The historical subplot, involving the Eloise author's residency at The Plaza, adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The pacing is perfect, it’s neither rushed nor stagnant. Hughes skillfully balances the romance with moments of introspection, allowing readers to connect with Caroline's emotional journey. The snowy landscapes come alive, and the reader can almost feel the crunch of snow underfoot.
This holiday story captures the essence of the holiday spirit, the warmth of hot cocoa, the joy of snowball fights, and the magic of unexpected love. It's a story that reminds us to embrace second chances, even when they arrive wrapped in mystery.
Why You'll Love It:
- Atmospheric Setting: Hughes's vivid prose transports you to the heart of Aspen, making you crave a snowy escape.
- Heartfelt Romance: The chemistry between Caroline and Henry is palpable, and their interactions are both tender and passionate.
- Intriguing Secrets: The mystery surrounding Caroline's mother's lover keeps you turning the pages.
- Holiday Magic: The Little Red Mailbox adds a touch of enchantment, making this a perfect read for the festive season.
A heartwarming tale, “Christmas in Aspen” will leave you with a smile and a longing for your own snowy adventure. Hughes's storytelling prowess shines, making this novel a five-star treat for us romance enthusiasts and holiday lovers alike.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2024
There's a lot going on in this story. It starts with Caroline Holt finding a letter in a Santa Claus envelope to her late mother. A man, who didn't sign the letter, says he loves her mother, Anne, and will be waiting for her at Santa's Little Red Mailbox in Aspen on New Year's. Caroline decides she must be there to meet him. In the meantime, her sister announces she's getting married. Caroline's idea of romance is to date someone for a month, then dump them, and finds the concept of marriage difficult to understand. And, thus, begins a story of love lost, found, family, balancing life and work, and, well, so much more. What mostly pulled me to the book was the idea that Caroline words as a book editor for a prestigious firm in New York, hence we'd be getting to see some of what goes on behind the scenes that brings books like this to us.
To be honest, I was up and down with the book. I didn't particularly like Caroline in the beginning, finding her not only a downer but was put off by her overall attitude toward life in general, not just romance. She is still suffering from grief over her mother's death, yes, but Caroline seems to bring it up constantly, making it hard to root for her. She's also determined that since she doesn't believe in happily ever after, she needs to meddle in her younger sister's romance. And, even when she meets an interesting man, one she is definitely attracted to, she makes it clear to him that she has "rules" and they basically evolve around not allowing anyone to get close to her. I did like her determination to meet the mysterious man of the letter, however, so he wouldn't feel her mother had simply blown him off. In other words, there is a heart there, it's just well guarded. And, in the meantime, if she wants to keep her job, she needs to find a sensational new author to present to the publishing company's powers that be. That is complicated, of course, and there is also that series of letters her mother had kept dealing with a once beloved author's own love life. And, well, that's all I'm saying about the plot.
I envisioned the setting as sort of like being caught in the magic of a snow globe and living in Alaska, I do know a thing or two about "life in a snow globe". Aspen sounds lovely in the winter although the title is a bit misleading as much of the action occurs between Christmas and the New Year. There's a somewhat unexpected twist at the end and the overall plot was interesting, albeit I also found the way the stories merged confusing initially. Toss in the obvious impact grief was still having on Caroline and the bubbly, magical spirit of Christmas seemed a bit subdued, although Caroline's jaunt on a snow cat (snow machine in Alaska) sounded like fun. Overall, though, while not quite pulled in to the extent I'd hoped, it was an interesting read and I liked the peek at the pressure on editors to constantly produce the next best seller, so to speak, all the time. It was interesting to watch her work with the young author, for instance, ironically trying to lead him to ways to insert more feeling/emotion into her promising work, something largely missing from her own life. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sGriffin and #NetGalley for this early peek at a holiday celebration.
To be honest, I was up and down with the book. I didn't particularly like Caroline in the beginning, finding her not only a downer but was put off by her overall attitude toward life in general, not just romance. She is still suffering from grief over her mother's death, yes, but Caroline seems to bring it up constantly, making it hard to root for her. She's also determined that since she doesn't believe in happily ever after, she needs to meddle in her younger sister's romance. And, even when she meets an interesting man, one she is definitely attracted to, she makes it clear to him that she has "rules" and they basically evolve around not allowing anyone to get close to her. I did like her determination to meet the mysterious man of the letter, however, so he wouldn't feel her mother had simply blown him off. In other words, there is a heart there, it's just well guarded. And, in the meantime, if she wants to keep her job, she needs to find a sensational new author to present to the publishing company's powers that be. That is complicated, of course, and there is also that series of letters her mother had kept dealing with a once beloved author's own love life. And, well, that's all I'm saying about the plot.
I envisioned the setting as sort of like being caught in the magic of a snow globe and living in Alaska, I do know a thing or two about "life in a snow globe". Aspen sounds lovely in the winter although the title is a bit misleading as much of the action occurs between Christmas and the New Year. There's a somewhat unexpected twist at the end and the overall plot was interesting, albeit I also found the way the stories merged confusing initially. Toss in the obvious impact grief was still having on Caroline and the bubbly, magical spirit of Christmas seemed a bit subdued, although Caroline's jaunt on a snow cat (snow machine in Alaska) sounded like fun. Overall, though, while not quite pulled in to the extent I'd hoped, it was an interesting read and I liked the peek at the pressure on editors to constantly produce the next best seller, so to speak, all the time. It was interesting to watch her work with the young author, for instance, ironically trying to lead him to ways to insert more feeling/emotion into her promising work, something largely missing from her own life. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sGriffin and #NetGalley for this early peek at a holiday celebration.
May 25, 2025
3.5 Stars, which I will round down to 3 stars overall.
I have read all of Anita Hughes books so far. I always liked them, except for the last few. When I started this one, I was really into it. I started to think that maybe Anita was finally turning the stories back to her older books. Towards the end, I realized that I was wrong.
What I liked was many parts of the story. Unlike others I connected with Caroline, Daphne, and their mother Anne. I liked the bond that they shared. I liked that Caroline took such steps to look after her sister. I liked that whole getting married at Christmas in Aspen part of the story. As always, Anita is a pro at introducing imagery into her books so you can see Aspen while reading this. You can see the food describe. I think that is why I have stuck with Anita for so long. The use of imagery. Anita makes me want to visit the places in her books.
What I did not like; the many different stories in one. Caroline is on the brink of losing her editor job in New York, she goes to her mother's cabin for Christmas with her sister to have their first Christmas without their mother, finds out her sister is getting married, finds a letter addressed to her mother, and then goes to Aspen the next day. Who does that? Who could really just drop it all over a letter, and find a hotel room at Christmas in one of the most expensive places in the world? It is not realistic.
Then comes the falling in love with Max, which she fights. Her sister moving her fast wedding to Aspen, finding her mother's letter to another writer, and finding a young novelist in Aspen and tries to publish his book. Too much. Anita, please, choose one story and go with it. It gets confusing. It does not create intrigue, it can get frustrating. During this book I was pulling for Nick's noel to be published, then in the end the writers letters to her mother are published instead. I was reading this book saying there was no point to the letters. Then I realized that it was actually the whole Nick storyline that was useless here. It serves no purpose to the entire story.
When I got to the end and read my review for "Christmas at the Ranch", I also realized that the storyline here is very similar to the Ranch book, which I also find upsetting. We need a new story here.
Overall, I am giving it 3.5 stars because, unil almost the end, I was into this book. I wanted to know what happened with Caroline and Max. I was rooting for Daphne and Luke.
I have read all of Anita Hughes books so far. I always liked them, except for the last few. When I started this one, I was really into it. I started to think that maybe Anita was finally turning the stories back to her older books. Towards the end, I realized that I was wrong.
What I liked was many parts of the story. Unlike others I connected with Caroline, Daphne, and their mother Anne. I liked the bond that they shared. I liked that Caroline took such steps to look after her sister. I liked that whole getting married at Christmas in Aspen part of the story. As always, Anita is a pro at introducing imagery into her books so you can see Aspen while reading this. You can see the food describe. I think that is why I have stuck with Anita for so long. The use of imagery. Anita makes me want to visit the places in her books.
What I did not like; the many different stories in one. Caroline is on the brink of losing her editor job in New York, she goes to her mother's cabin for Christmas with her sister to have their first Christmas without their mother, finds out her sister is getting married, finds a letter addressed to her mother, and then goes to Aspen the next day. Who does that? Who could really just drop it all over a letter, and find a hotel room at Christmas in one of the most expensive places in the world? It is not realistic.
Then comes the falling in love with Max, which she fights. Her sister moving her fast wedding to Aspen, finding her mother's letter to another writer, and finding a young novelist in Aspen and tries to publish his book. Too much. Anita, please, choose one story and go with it. It gets confusing. It does not create intrigue, it can get frustrating. During this book I was pulling for Nick's noel to be published, then in the end the writers letters to her mother are published instead. I was reading this book saying there was no point to the letters. Then I realized that it was actually the whole Nick storyline that was useless here. It serves no purpose to the entire story.
When I got to the end and read my review for "Christmas at the Ranch", I also realized that the storyline here is very similar to the Ranch book, which I also find upsetting. We need a new story here.
Overall, I am giving it 3.5 stars because, unil almost the end, I was into this book. I wanted to know what happened with Caroline and Max. I was rooting for Daphne and Luke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
New contender for one of the worst reads of the year!
From the first chapter, I should’ve DNF this book. I knew it wasn’t gonna be good based on the ridiculous amount of exposition given in those first few pages. I remember sitting there while reading it on my book crawl and leaning over to my friend Hannah and saying how bad it was already. When in the first few pages, you already have to flip back because you have a lot of questions? I should’ve taken that as a hint at the quality of the story. I’m quite certain if I hadn’t been on a reading book crawl that day I would have immediately picked a new book. But oh well, I read this one! Hopefully you read my review and you don’t suffer too!
There’s really not much I can say that’s good about this book. The FMC was unbearably boring. The MMC was also boring and on top of that had zero chemistry with the FMC. All of the supporting characters were not only frustrating, but so reactive and unhuman like. Max’s niece was so annoying and was around all the time for no reason. The writer was so wishy washy and half developed. Her sister made me want to rip my hair out. Every choice she made made zero sense, and the book would’ve just been so much better to me if she stayed home! The fact that she followed Caroline to Aspen really annoyed me. And it made me annoyed by Caroline‘s constant criticism of her sister.
Plot wise, it was all over the place. The sister‘s wedding, the little red mailbox, the letter she was reading every night, the romance between the Sister and her husband to be, the romance between Caroline and Max, the weird history between her mother and everyone in the town, the relationship between Caroline and her editor and Caroline and her new writer, the relationship between the writer and his ex? There was just so much going on, and at the same time it felt like the most stagnant and boring book that had nothing going on. It was honestly kind of impressive how the author managed to do that.
I was baffled by the ending truly. Not only was the reveal of who was at the mailbox completely out of left field (and barely tied to the story at all) but the ending of the letters? The only slightly redeemable part of this book was the letters written to her mother. And then the way that that story ended? Was so incredibly bad. I should have been prepared to be so disappointed by it, but there was still a little part of me that was holding out hope. Every time we got a chapter where we got to read one of the letters, I was like oh yay this chapter might be interesting! And of course, in the end it wasn’t. BOO.
I could write more, because I could complain about almost every chapter in this book. But I think I’ve said my piece!
I’m just so mad I read this book. Just so so mad.
From the first chapter, I should’ve DNF this book. I knew it wasn’t gonna be good based on the ridiculous amount of exposition given in those first few pages. I remember sitting there while reading it on my book crawl and leaning over to my friend Hannah and saying how bad it was already. When in the first few pages, you already have to flip back because you have a lot of questions? I should’ve taken that as a hint at the quality of the story. I’m quite certain if I hadn’t been on a reading book crawl that day I would have immediately picked a new book. But oh well, I read this one! Hopefully you read my review and you don’t suffer too!
There’s really not much I can say that’s good about this book. The FMC was unbearably boring. The MMC was also boring and on top of that had zero chemistry with the FMC. All of the supporting characters were not only frustrating, but so reactive and unhuman like. Max’s niece was so annoying and was around all the time for no reason. The writer was so wishy washy and half developed. Her sister made me want to rip my hair out. Every choice she made made zero sense, and the book would’ve just been so much better to me if she stayed home! The fact that she followed Caroline to Aspen really annoyed me. And it made me annoyed by Caroline‘s constant criticism of her sister.
Plot wise, it was all over the place. The sister‘s wedding, the little red mailbox, the letter she was reading every night, the romance between the Sister and her husband to be, the romance between Caroline and Max, the weird history between her mother and everyone in the town, the relationship between Caroline and her editor and Caroline and her new writer, the relationship between the writer and his ex? There was just so much going on, and at the same time it felt like the most stagnant and boring book that had nothing going on. It was honestly kind of impressive how the author managed to do that.
I was baffled by the ending truly. Not only was the reveal of who was at the mailbox completely out of left field (and barely tied to the story at all) but the ending of the letters? The only slightly redeemable part of this book was the letters written to her mother. And then the way that that story ended? Was so incredibly bad. I should have been prepared to be so disappointed by it, but there was still a little part of me that was holding out hope. Every time we got a chapter where we got to read one of the letters, I was like oh yay this chapter might be interesting! And of course, in the end it wasn’t. BOO.
I could write more, because I could complain about almost every chapter in this book. But I think I’ve said my piece!
I’m just so mad I read this book. Just so so mad.
July 12, 2024
There were things I enjoyed and I didn’t enjoy about this book. I figured it’d be a Hallmark-style cozy Christmas romance read, but it was a bit different than expected. There were a plethora of plots and subplots that made the romance focus of this book more of a sub romance. The characters were boring, frustrating and lacked any true depth. The romance was kind of just lost between the pages and the chemistry also wasn’t well fleshed out. I find irony in this because the FMC, Caroline, is quite literally a book editor helping to edit a manuscript of a local writer to add more emotions to the characters, yet this book itself contained no emotion. Overall, it wasn’t a displeasing read, but I wanted more.
Caroline, an editor from NYC, is going through what seems to be a bit of a crisis in the book. Her publisher is demanding a manuscript for them to purchase, she’s struggling with her sister’s sudden and quick engagement, she’s walled off emotionally, and she’s having troubles moving on from her mother’s death. She finds a letter from Aspen, addressed to her mother, from an unknown lover asking her mother to meet him in Aspen. Caroline decides to go, hoping to gain some closure and learn more about her mom’s lover while also keeping him from being disappointed that she didn’t show up. She brings letters from a late author her mother was friends with to read, as well as manuscripts to review for her work.
While in Aspen, Caroline meets Max, who owns a new local distillery. Max pursues her pretty heavy but Caroline is reluctant and closed off most of the book. With her failing interrsts in relationships, she decides to meddle in her sister’s engagement instead as an insecurity. The whole thing is just annoying and over the top and continues throughout the story.
Overall, the amount of plots (though they all were resolved) and the lack of emotional and character depth made this read just average for me. I truly felt by the writing that we were reading about a bunch of 70 year old characters in their golden ages due to lack of personalities and meaningful connections.
Thank you to St. Martins Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Caroline, an editor from NYC, is going through what seems to be a bit of a crisis in the book. Her publisher is demanding a manuscript for them to purchase, she’s struggling with her sister’s sudden and quick engagement, she’s walled off emotionally, and she’s having troubles moving on from her mother’s death. She finds a letter from Aspen, addressed to her mother, from an unknown lover asking her mother to meet him in Aspen. Caroline decides to go, hoping to gain some closure and learn more about her mom’s lover while also keeping him from being disappointed that she didn’t show up. She brings letters from a late author her mother was friends with to read, as well as manuscripts to review for her work.
While in Aspen, Caroline meets Max, who owns a new local distillery. Max pursues her pretty heavy but Caroline is reluctant and closed off most of the book. With her failing interrsts in relationships, she decides to meddle in her sister’s engagement instead as an insecurity. The whole thing is just annoying and over the top and continues throughout the story.
Overall, the amount of plots (though they all were resolved) and the lack of emotional and character depth made this read just average for me. I truly felt by the writing that we were reading about a bunch of 70 year old characters in their golden ages due to lack of personalities and meaningful connections.
Thank you to St. Martins Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
December 16, 2024
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Christmas in Aspen read like a Hallmark movie and a fairytale; it gave off the perfect cozy Christmas vibes!
FMC Caroline is an editor for a NYC publishing house and is coping with the recent death of her mother. After finding a letter from a so-called lover of her late mother's, she ends up in Aspen to learn who it is. While she's there, she just might end up finding love of her own...
I liked Caroline as a character. I thought she was sweet and she really cared about her career and this side quest of finding her mother's secret lover.
I feel like the main point of this story got lost in between all the other stuff that happened:
1. Caroline is struggling with her job and is told she needs to find a manuscript to sell ASAP, so now that's all Caroline can think about.
2. Daphne - Caroline's sister - also ends up in Aspen to elope with her boyfriend of 2 months. So that's mentioned a lot and Caroline deals with that, too.
3. Caroline meets MMC Max and starts a sort of romantic fling with him. It's very volatile mainly because Caroline can't make up her mind about him.
4. Caroline also meets an aspiring author, Nick, and she wants to help him with his manuscript so she has something to give her publisher. This becomes a huge part of the story but never goes anywhere.
5. Caroline is going through these letters from a late author friend of her mother's, Nina, and these letters become a huge focus of the story.
So while the synopsis makes us think this huge mystery of Caroline finding her mother's secret lover is the main focus of the story, it's really not because - spoiler alert - she has to wait until NYE to solve this mystery and that doesn't happen until the end of the book. I personally did not mind this but other readers may find it disappointing.
The cast of characters in this book was great and I liked how all of the various plot lines played out. The ending was very much worth the journey to get there!
Overall, a cute cozy Christmas story. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this!
Christmas in Aspen read like a Hallmark movie and a fairytale; it gave off the perfect cozy Christmas vibes!
FMC Caroline is an editor for a NYC publishing house and is coping with the recent death of her mother. After finding a letter from a so-called lover of her late mother's, she ends up in Aspen to learn who it is. While she's there, she just might end up finding love of her own...
I liked Caroline as a character. I thought she was sweet and she really cared about her career and this side quest of finding her mother's secret lover.
I feel like the main point of this story got lost in between all the other stuff that happened:
1. Caroline is struggling with her job and is told she needs to find a manuscript to sell ASAP, so now that's all Caroline can think about.
2. Daphne - Caroline's sister - also ends up in Aspen to elope with her boyfriend of 2 months. So that's mentioned a lot and Caroline deals with that, too.
3. Caroline meets MMC Max and starts a sort of romantic fling with him. It's very volatile mainly because Caroline can't make up her mind about him.
4. Caroline also meets an aspiring author, Nick, and she wants to help him with his manuscript so she has something to give her publisher. This becomes a huge part of the story but never goes anywhere.
5. Caroline is going through these letters from a late author friend of her mother's, Nina, and these letters become a huge focus of the story.
So while the synopsis makes us think this huge mystery of Caroline finding her mother's secret lover is the main focus of the story, it's really not because - spoiler alert - she has to wait until NYE to solve this mystery and that doesn't happen until the end of the book. I personally did not mind this but other readers may find it disappointing.
The cast of characters in this book was great and I liked how all of the various plot lines played out. The ending was very much worth the journey to get there!
Overall, a cute cozy Christmas story. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2024
I went into Christmas in Aspen expecting a light, feel-good holiday romance with a Hallmark-esque charm. Unfortunately, the story fell short for me due to some deeply problematic elements.
First, a couple decides to get engaged after only two months of dating, and shortly after, they plan to elope. This rushed timeline is glorified throughout the story, which feels unrealistic and unhealthy. The couple’s constant, petty arguments could easily be resolved with simple conversations, yet they’re blown out of proportion for dramatic effect.
Then there’s the dynamic between the MMC and FMC. On multiple occasions, the MMC alludes to wanting to have sex with the FMC, and at one point, he makes physical advances despite her clear discomfort. Instead of respecting her boundaries, he lashes out and claims she isn’t ready for love. When she confides in her sister, her sister shockingly sides with him, suggesting she should have gone along with his advances. This sends such a harmful message—no woman should feel pressured to "give in" simply to appease a man. Consent and readiness are non-negotiable, and the fact that the FMC later goes to apologize to him makes the situation even worse. Meanwhile, the MMC sulks as though he’s the victim because he didn’t get what he wanted.
On top of this, the women in the story start out as strong and independent, but they’re pressured to step away from their careers for the sake of love. The narrative implies that love and ambition can’t coexist, which feels outdated and unfair. It’s frustrating to see these women sacrificing their dreams for relationships with men they barely know.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a predictable, feel-good romance. That’s what I hoped for when I picked up this book. But Christmas in Aspen crosses a line by romanticizing unhealthy behaviors: rushed relationships, lack of boundaries, and men who guilt women into intimacy. Instead of feeling warm and festive, this book left me frustrated and disappointed.
First, a couple decides to get engaged after only two months of dating, and shortly after, they plan to elope. This rushed timeline is glorified throughout the story, which feels unrealistic and unhealthy. The couple’s constant, petty arguments could easily be resolved with simple conversations, yet they’re blown out of proportion for dramatic effect.
Then there’s the dynamic between the MMC and FMC. On multiple occasions, the MMC alludes to wanting to have sex with the FMC, and at one point, he makes physical advances despite her clear discomfort. Instead of respecting her boundaries, he lashes out and claims she isn’t ready for love. When she confides in her sister, her sister shockingly sides with him, suggesting she should have gone along with his advances. This sends such a harmful message—no woman should feel pressured to "give in" simply to appease a man. Consent and readiness are non-negotiable, and the fact that the FMC later goes to apologize to him makes the situation even worse. Meanwhile, the MMC sulks as though he’s the victim because he didn’t get what he wanted.
On top of this, the women in the story start out as strong and independent, but they’re pressured to step away from their careers for the sake of love. The narrative implies that love and ambition can’t coexist, which feels outdated and unfair. It’s frustrating to see these women sacrificing their dreams for relationships with men they barely know.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a predictable, feel-good romance. That’s what I hoped for when I picked up this book. But Christmas in Aspen crosses a line by romanticizing unhealthy behaviors: rushed relationships, lack of boundaries, and men who guilt women into intimacy. Instead of feeling warm and festive, this book left me frustrated and disappointed.
December 18, 2024
Christmas in Aspen, by Anita Hughes, tells the story of sisters Caroline and Daphne Holt as they share their first Christmas since their mother’s passing. Caroline doesn’t do relationships and has strict 30 day rules for herself. On the other hand, her younger sister Daphne has just announced her engagement and imminent marriage to restauranteur Luke Harper who she has known only a short time.
When Caroline discovers a special red envelope postmarked from Aspen, where her mother had attended a literary conference in the summer before her cancer returned rapidly robbing Anna of her life, she feels compelled to follow the request for a special New Year’s Day meeting by the red mailbox where the letter was posted. Whoever her mother had met at the conference was unaware of Anna’s death and Caroline didn’t want to leave him standing. Luke, her sister’s newly introduced fiancé, with Daphne for Christmas, Caroline quickly makes her reservations and heads for Colorado only to soon be followed by Daphne and Luke.
On Caroline’s first night at her Aspen hotel she makes the acquaintance of rye whiskey distiller Max Carpenter. Although she appreciates both his appearance and personality, she plays it cool but does take the information when he invites her to a Christmas open house at his mother’s home in the historic part of town feeling she won’t attend. But after Daphne’s arrival, she changes her mind.
In fact, as Caroline awaits the New Year’s meeting, she spends quite a bit of time with Max without following her usual modus operandi. Whatever does that mean?
This is an interesting and heartfelt tale examining how grief and life experiences effect people and how each person, even those closely related, react differently. With well drawn characters, a winter wonderland setting, and a very surprising climax, this is a lovely holiday story with some well placed messages. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
When Caroline discovers a special red envelope postmarked from Aspen, where her mother had attended a literary conference in the summer before her cancer returned rapidly robbing Anna of her life, she feels compelled to follow the request for a special New Year’s Day meeting by the red mailbox where the letter was posted. Whoever her mother had met at the conference was unaware of Anna’s death and Caroline didn’t want to leave him standing. Luke, her sister’s newly introduced fiancé, with Daphne for Christmas, Caroline quickly makes her reservations and heads for Colorado only to soon be followed by Daphne and Luke.
On Caroline’s first night at her Aspen hotel she makes the acquaintance of rye whiskey distiller Max Carpenter. Although she appreciates both his appearance and personality, she plays it cool but does take the information when he invites her to a Christmas open house at his mother’s home in the historic part of town feeling she won’t attend. But after Daphne’s arrival, she changes her mind.
In fact, as Caroline awaits the New Year’s meeting, she spends quite a bit of time with Max without following her usual modus operandi. Whatever does that mean?
This is an interesting and heartfelt tale examining how grief and life experiences effect people and how each person, even those closely related, react differently. With well drawn characters, a winter wonderland setting, and a very surprising climax, this is a lovely holiday story with some well placed messages. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
September 23, 2024
Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes offers a festive and mysterious setting, full of potential for a heartwarming holiday story. The premise intrigued me right away: Caroline Holt, an editor burdened with burnout and grief over her mother’s death, finds a mysterious love letter from her mother’s past. The letter sets her off on a journey to Aspen to uncover the truth. But what she discovers leads her to not only untangle her mother’s secrets but also face her own fears of love and loss.
The setting of Aspen at Christmas was one of the elements I was most excited about. Hughes creates an interesting backdrop for the story, though I wished it had been explored in more detail. There were hints of the holiday charm Aspen has to offer, but I found myself wanting more—more descriptions of the decorations, festivities, and that quintessential Christmas magic the town could have brought to life.
I also appreciated Caroline’s emotional journey as she worked through the grief of losing her mother while trying to understand who this mysterious man at Santa’s Little Red Mailbox was. It was a compelling enough reason for Caroline to embark on the journey to Aspen, and it hooked me early on. However, while that aspect of the story carried weight, I felt the book struggled with cohesion.
Overall, Christmas in Aspen has its shining moments, especially when it dives into themes of love, loss, and healing. Still, I couldn’t help but wish for more cohesion in the storytelling and a deeper exploration of Aspen’s Christmas charm. For those looking for a light holiday read with a bit of mystery, it might hit the right notes, but I was left wanting a bit more from this festive tale.
3.5 stars (rounded down to 3).
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
The setting of Aspen at Christmas was one of the elements I was most excited about. Hughes creates an interesting backdrop for the story, though I wished it had been explored in more detail. There were hints of the holiday charm Aspen has to offer, but I found myself wanting more—more descriptions of the decorations, festivities, and that quintessential Christmas magic the town could have brought to life.
I also appreciated Caroline’s emotional journey as she worked through the grief of losing her mother while trying to understand who this mysterious man at Santa’s Little Red Mailbox was. It was a compelling enough reason for Caroline to embark on the journey to Aspen, and it hooked me early on. However, while that aspect of the story carried weight, I felt the book struggled with cohesion.
Overall, Christmas in Aspen has its shining moments, especially when it dives into themes of love, loss, and healing. Still, I couldn’t help but wish for more cohesion in the storytelling and a deeper exploration of Aspen’s Christmas charm. For those looking for a light holiday read with a bit of mystery, it might hit the right notes, but I was left wanting a bit more from this festive tale.
3.5 stars (rounded down to 3).
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
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