Carol's Christmas Awakening

by Leya Layne

Carol came to Ardor Point to hide away from her painful past. Jackson came to reconnect with happy childhood memories. Nothing much happens in the sleepy town at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains until the holidays roll around. Though Carol is not a huge fan of the holidays, she loves the extra business the pop-up tree shop brings to her door every year. When Jackson’s grandfather sends him to manage this year’s crew of unseasoned workers, love is the last thing on his mind.

From the moment they meet, Carol and Jackson form a working alliance fraught with sexual tension. When a series of unexpected obstacles impede their budding relationship, they must decide whether their mutual attraction is worth the vulnerability of an uncertain future. Will the arrival of the ghosts of Christmas help quell their fears, or will their pasts continue to haunt them?

Genres: Christmas

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2023

Reviews

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallmark holiday movie but with some spice!! 🌶️ 🌶️ Loved Carol and Jackson, I have a huge crush on Jackson even though I have no idea what he is meant to look like!! I didn’t think I’d like it but actually love how the author put in small details about the character’s appearances but didn’t describe them from head to toe. In my mind, he’s the perfect version of Jackson for me.
And Carol!! The vibe you got from her- she wasn’t your typical main character - she had flaws, a troubled past, wasn’t a size 0,yet she represented me and so many other women who usually are just spectators in stories.
I hope to read more from Leya Layne in the future, she’s my kind of author ❤️

[Gracie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for Insta-Love/Lust. Especially when he falls first. Such a cute, cozy Christmas story with a little twist and just enough spice to get you ready for the holidays.

The main characters were great and the side characters were just as amazing. Loved every minute of it.

[Chrissyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and spicy! Loved seeing Carol get her happily ever after. Jackson was sweet & spicy too!!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! While I dont remember a lot about A Christmas Carol movie, I remembered the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, and this book has that, and done in a way that didn't make it seem like a knock-off (hopefully that makes sense, lol). It makes me want to go do a rewatch of that movie, lol. For tropes you have insta-lust, reconnected family, over 40 FMC, slight reverse age gap. This book has it all, it has the spice, it has the mystery, the jilted ex. If you want a spicy Christmas novella go check out this book!

[Tiffany Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short Christmas story was a very quick enjoyable read. The characters were fun to get to know, the twist on a classic was interesting to find, and the little area of the world this story took place in was great to mentally explore.

Here’s some quotes I liked!!

“Don’t tell me this beautiful flower has thorns,”

“Be a brat if you want to, and when you’re feeling better, I will show you how brats get handled,”

[J.R. Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, steamy read...

A spicy retelling of A Christmas Carol. The sexual tension built up between Carol and Jackson made for a good read because when they finally got to it, they did allll of the things! 😜 I also liked getting the backstory of the characters to understand why they were making the decisions they were. I would read more from this author.

[Daniel Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good solid story

This books draws you in from the moment you start reading
I was hooked.
Looking forward to what happens next

[Jeanette T. Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

cozy holiday fun

If your looking for a cozy holiday read with a bit of spice. This will get you in the holiday spirt.

[Debby Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am relatively new to reading true romance books. I mean, I like a little love in my books like any woman would...but I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to read, the characters were engaging and likable. They had just enough history to make them interesting without bogging them down. I love a story with some tension and this one sure qualifies! It's a bit of a slow burn, but worth the wait. This is a great up and coming author. I look forward to reading more of her work. I want to spend more time in the Georgia mountains! Nice going, Leya Layne!

[Gisselle Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Jackson and the way he loves Carol so deeply. This is a spicy love story that’s perfect for a cozy weather day. Put on your fuzzy socks, cuddle up on the couch, and go on a Christmas adventure with Carol and Jackson. You won’t regret it!

[Jamie Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, spicy novella about two people who come to town with very different pasts. Has A Christmas Carol vibes as the ghost of Christmas come to help them work through their past. Contains tension and smut. I didnt mind this one and may read some more by her.

[Emily Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this spicy read with characters who are a little older. Great Christmas ambiance.