What do you think?
Rate this book
This Christmas
From the author of Forever My Girl comes a sweet small town holiday romance.
This Christmas, Evangeline Holcomb faces a holiday season she’ll never forget—and a choice that could change everything.
As the holidays kick off in Deer Ridge, Evangeline Holcomb is doing what she loves most: helping her family’s Christmas tree farm and embracing all the small-town festivities she adores.
But everything changes when Zane Whittaker, her high school sweetheart, returns to town with his socialite fiancée on his arm.
While Evangeline does her best to keep her heart guarded, she and Zane are drawn back into each other’s lives in unexpected ways. As they share old memories, winter strolls, and stolen glances, Zane wonders if his heart belongs in Deer Ridge.
This Christmas, Evangeline Holcomb faces a holiday season she’ll never forget—and a choice that could change everything.
As the holidays kick off in Deer Ridge, Evangeline Holcomb is doing what she loves most: helping her family’s Christmas tree farm and embracing all the small-town festivities she adores.
But everything changes when Zane Whittaker, her high school sweetheart, returns to town with his socialite fiancée on his arm.
While Evangeline does her best to keep her heart guarded, she and Zane are drawn back into each other’s lives in unexpected ways. As they share old memories, winter strolls, and stolen glances, Zane wonders if his heart belongs in Deer Ridge.
- GenresChristmas
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
16 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Heidi McLaughlin
128 books7,438 followersHeidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 22, 2024
sweet and satisfying
Small town romance, second chance love stories…my heart is happy from this sweet story! Heidi McLaughlin is the best at romances
Small town romance, second chance love stories…my heart is happy from this sweet story! Heidi McLaughlin is the best at romances
December 24, 2024
If you love a small town, second chance romance especially a Christmas story then this book is definitely for you. My heart was a mess reading Zane & Evangeline’s story. When they meet again after years apart it’s like they were never apart. Zane has a lot to prove and will do anything to win Evangeline’s heart again. Another amazing read by Heidi that has me hooked.
December 4, 2025
Omg, I have finals papers to write, but I’d rather write an essay on my experience reading this. I feel like good holiday reads are fairly challenging to find, but I was desperately in the mood for one. Although I was worried it would end in disappointment, my expectation was that it would be because it was too cringey or too Hallmark. Not because the MMC became increasingly insufferable.
I have to say that I was entertained by this book, and I was eager to continue picking it up. I was almost willing to look over my dislike for the MMC, but it just became too much for me in the end.
He is so ridiculously cocky and arrogant for absolutely no reason. No one in this town even likes him, yet he is so entitled to be there and feels so entitled to Eve, while he is literally engaged. There is borderline cheating going on due to his insistence that he is meant to be with Eve. Meanwhile, he made no effort prior to this to even acknowledge his “inevitable love.” It seems more like he knew Eve would be there at the end of the day and waited until he got his financial benefits from Caryn before pursuing Eve again, after absolutely shattering her heart and their relationship with no closure. I enjoyed and respected Eve far more, but the faster she fell for his bullshit, the faster that was lost. He does not respect her boundaries WHATSOEVER!!!!!! He is so impatient and inconsiderate, and she somehow can’t get enough of him. His “gift” was the biggest love bomb ever. Do I believe that he could have been manipulated by Caryn and her father? Yes. Do I think that justifies or excuses his behavior? No. Somehow Zane is excused for literally disappearing on Eve (AND HIS FATHER!!!) for five years without comment due to the financial offer that was presented to him, which he did not communicate with anyone in his personal life as it occurred. So unbelievable to me. There was no narrative implying that he needed those funds so desperately, and even if that were true, he didn’t even send his father money, who arguably really did need help financially. How are they high school sweethearts and soulmates who are bonded through grief, but Zane doesn’t have one single conversation with Eve the whole entire time he is debating where to go to school, after they literally curated a plan together. I don’t get it. Additionally, every single obstacle that prevented him from coming home was curated by Caryn & her father, yes. But does Zane have no fucking autonomy??? He really let his internship boss control his every waking move to the point of ending his relationship with his “soulmate” and essentially his father. HE DIDN’T RETURN HOME FOR FIVE YEARS DUE TO SOMETHING “coming up” EVERY TIME??? If someone if that important to you, you MAKE TIME. If someone is your soulmate, the love of your life, or your only surviving parent, YOU MAKE TIME!!!!! What on earth. Not even a phone call. So ridiculous. When I got to the end of the book and I saw “That Christmas” presented as the story of how Zane messes up, I actually thought it was a continuation of this plot and how he unsurprisingly messes up again because that’s actually what I would expect.
I have to say that I was entertained by this book, and I was eager to continue picking it up. I was almost willing to look over my dislike for the MMC, but it just became too much for me in the end.
He is so ridiculously cocky and arrogant for absolutely no reason. No one in this town even likes him, yet he is so entitled to be there and feels so entitled to Eve, while he is literally engaged. There is borderline cheating going on due to his insistence that he is meant to be with Eve. Meanwhile, he made no effort prior to this to even acknowledge his “inevitable love.” It seems more like he knew Eve would be there at the end of the day and waited until he got his financial benefits from Caryn before pursuing Eve again, after absolutely shattering her heart and their relationship with no closure. I enjoyed and respected Eve far more, but the faster she fell for his bullshit, the faster that was lost. He does not respect her boundaries WHATSOEVER!!!!!! He is so impatient and inconsiderate, and she somehow can’t get enough of him. His “gift” was the biggest love bomb ever. Do I believe that he could have been manipulated by Caryn and her father? Yes. Do I think that justifies or excuses his behavior? No. Somehow Zane is excused for literally disappearing on Eve (AND HIS FATHER!!!) for five years without comment due to the financial offer that was presented to him, which he did not communicate with anyone in his personal life as it occurred. So unbelievable to me. There was no narrative implying that he needed those funds so desperately, and even if that were true, he didn’t even send his father money, who arguably really did need help financially. How are they high school sweethearts and soulmates who are bonded through grief, but Zane doesn’t have one single conversation with Eve the whole entire time he is debating where to go to school, after they literally curated a plan together. I don’t get it. Additionally, every single obstacle that prevented him from coming home was curated by Caryn & her father, yes. But does Zane have no fucking autonomy??? He really let his internship boss control his every waking move to the point of ending his relationship with his “soulmate” and essentially his father. HE DIDN’T RETURN HOME FOR FIVE YEARS DUE TO SOMETHING “coming up” EVERY TIME??? If someone if that important to you, you MAKE TIME. If someone is your soulmate, the love of your life, or your only surviving parent, YOU MAKE TIME!!!!! What on earth. Not even a phone call. So ridiculous. When I got to the end of the book and I saw “That Christmas” presented as the story of how Zane messes up, I actually thought it was a continuation of this plot and how he unsurprisingly messes up again because that’s actually what I would expect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2024
If you love Christmas stories as much as I do around the holidays, "This Christmas" by Heidi McLaughlin is the perfect cozy escape. Evangeline Holcomb is everything you want in a leading lady—smart, strong, and deeply connected to her family and small-town roots. Helping out at her family’s Christmas tree farm while running her law firm, she’s a force to be reckoned with. But when Zane Whittaker, her high school sweetheart, shows up in town with his fiancée, things get complicated in all the best ways. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching them reconnect while sorting through the heartbreak of their pasts had me hooked.
Deer Ridge comes alive in the best holiday way, from the festive tree farm to the snowy streets filled with charm. The small-town holiday vibes made me want to dive into the pages and stay awhile. Evangeline’s journey of balancing old wounds with new possibilities and Zane's figuring out where his heart truly belongs made this a feel-good read. It’s the kind of story that makes you believe in love, second chances, and the magic of Christmas. This book has earned a spot on my holiday favorites list and is an excellent addition to your collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
Deer Ridge comes alive in the best holiday way, from the festive tree farm to the snowy streets filled with charm. The small-town holiday vibes made me want to dive into the pages and stay awhile. Evangeline’s journey of balancing old wounds with new possibilities and Zane's figuring out where his heart truly belongs made this a feel-good read. It’s the kind of story that makes you believe in love, second chances, and the magic of Christmas. This book has earned a spot on my holiday favorites list and is an excellent addition to your collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
January 1, 2025
Second chance romance with holiday charm!!
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 is a must-read second chance, small town romance full of holiday charm that proves that home really is where the heart is. Zane has avoided his hometown ever since he ghosted his high school sweetheart in favor of the fast-paced NYC life of corporate law. But now that he’s engaged to his boss’ upscale daughter, he wants to introduce her to his dad and his town. She doesn’t exactly fit in with the Christmas tree farm/ country store aesthetic, and Zane wasn’t prepared for the barrage of feelings that hit him when he saw Evangeline again. Will he start to see things more clearly now that he’s away from the city, and figure out where his heart belongs?
This was a fun holiday read! The small town world building was excellent, and it had a Hallmark movie feel. I loved Evangeline immediately, as she exuded strength and so much compassion, yet she had a vulnerable heart underneath her armor too. I wanted to dislike Zane, but there was more than meets the eye with his story, and I couldn’t help but like him, too. I loved them together, and just found the pace of everything, the angst, the chemistry, the drama, to be perfectly balanced. I couldn’t put it down!😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 is a must-read second chance, small town romance full of holiday charm that proves that home really is where the heart is. Zane has avoided his hometown ever since he ghosted his high school sweetheart in favor of the fast-paced NYC life of corporate law. But now that he’s engaged to his boss’ upscale daughter, he wants to introduce her to his dad and his town. She doesn’t exactly fit in with the Christmas tree farm/ country store aesthetic, and Zane wasn’t prepared for the barrage of feelings that hit him when he saw Evangeline again. Will he start to see things more clearly now that he’s away from the city, and figure out where his heart belongs?
This was a fun holiday read! The small town world building was excellent, and it had a Hallmark movie feel. I loved Evangeline immediately, as she exuded strength and so much compassion, yet she had a vulnerable heart underneath her armor too. I wanted to dislike Zane, but there was more than meets the eye with his story, and I couldn’t help but like him, too. I loved them together, and just found the pace of everything, the angst, the chemistry, the drama, to be perfectly balanced. I couldn’t put it down!😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
November 25, 2024
I love a small town romance, and this was so darn cute! Who doesn't want to work at or visit a Christmas tree farm? This is such a perfect, feel-good, second chance romance. We have our girl Evangeline, who has had her heart crushed but moved on to own a successful law firm in town. She helps her parents at their tree farm, and she is loved by the community.
Zane is back in town to show his fiance Caryn his home. She is a fish out of water and nothing like Eve, the one who Zane ditched years ago. Caryn is not cut for small town living, and she is immediately trying to get back to NYC.
Zane stays to help his father out with his general store and to make some amends. What he doesn't count on is Eve. She is exactly who he is supposed to be with. She's the light his life is missing.
It is a beautiful story about the magic of Christmas and how coming home can change you for the better.
Zane is back in town to show his fiance Caryn his home. She is a fish out of water and nothing like Eve, the one who Zane ditched years ago. Caryn is not cut for small town living, and she is immediately trying to get back to NYC.
Zane stays to help his father out with his general store and to make some amends. What he doesn't count on is Eve. She is exactly who he is supposed to be with. She's the light his life is missing.
It is a beautiful story about the magic of Christmas and how coming home can change you for the better.
January 3, 2025
This delightful tale of love, redemption, and holiday magic hits all the right notes for fans of second-chance romances. Set in a charming small town draped in Christmas lights, the story follows Eve who has built her life and law practice in her hometown, only to have her world turned upside down when her former soul mate, Zane, returns with his new fiancé after years away. Buried emotions resurfacing, the pair embark on an emotional journey of rediscovery and healing. The vivid, festive setting creates a cozy backdrop, making every scene feel like a Hallmark movie come to life.
This novel beautifully explores how life’s detours can lead us back to what truly matters. It’s an uplifting, heartwarming read that reminds us that sometimes, love deserves a second chance—and there’s no better time for miracles than Christmas. Perfect for readers who crave romance, nostalgia, and a generous helping of holiday cheer.
This novel beautifully explores how life’s detours can lead us back to what truly matters. It’s an uplifting, heartwarming read that reminds us that sometimes, love deserves a second chance—and there’s no better time for miracles than Christmas. Perfect for readers who crave romance, nostalgia, and a generous helping of holiday cheer.
January 5, 2025
Sweet second chance romance
Zane and Eve’s romance was a sweet second chance, set at the holidays. Once madly in love with each other, it has been years since they’ve seen each other and she has done her best to get over him. Unfortunately, one look at him and she knows she has to keep her distance, especially since he has a fiancé. Zane has moved on and has brought his fiancé home to meet his dad. Even so, he can’t seem to stay away from Eve.
Zane, in my opinion, is unhappy and knows what he needs to do in order to find happiness again. I even think going home to visit his dad, was in some way, a test for his fiancé. I was unsure who I should be upset with more, because they both seemed to be in the wrong for some of their problems. I adored his dad and how protective the town was of Eve. I was also grateful when he finally had his aha moment. I wish there would have been some repercussions for Caryn and her family, but overall, I loved this book.
I would love to have more about these characters or maybe her receptionist at some point. I highly recommended this book. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
Zane and Eve’s romance was a sweet second chance, set at the holidays. Once madly in love with each other, it has been years since they’ve seen each other and she has done her best to get over him. Unfortunately, one look at him and she knows she has to keep her distance, especially since he has a fiancé. Zane has moved on and has brought his fiancé home to meet his dad. Even so, he can’t seem to stay away from Eve.
Zane, in my opinion, is unhappy and knows what he needs to do in order to find happiness again. I even think going home to visit his dad, was in some way, a test for his fiancé. I was unsure who I should be upset with more, because they both seemed to be in the wrong for some of their problems. I adored his dad and how protective the town was of Eve. I was also grateful when he finally had his aha moment. I wish there would have been some repercussions for Caryn and her family, but overall, I loved this book.
I would love to have more about these characters or maybe her receptionist at some point. I highly recommended this book. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
January 6, 2025
A sweet second-chance romance. Evangaline is content as a small-town lawyer. She loves Christmas, helping her parents, and her neighbors. The only thing missing is romance. Ever since she had her heart broken by Zane Whitacker, her high school sweetheart who left her right before their last semester in law school, she has guarded herself. When Zane unexpectedly shows up in Deer Ridge for Christmas with his fancy Fiancee in tow, Evangaline does her best to ignore the feelings that stirs up. But as the holiday approaches, she and Zane find themselves drawn back together, and discover not everything about that fateful time right after Zane left is as it seemed. Heidi draws us in with believable, fallible, yet redeemable characters who are open to change.
Many thanks to Heidi and the Buoni Amici Press team for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Heidi and the Buoni Amici Press team for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2024
Christmas just came early with a cute small town second chance romance. I want to be Evangeline when I grow up. She is a small town attorney helping out at her family Christmas Tree Farm leading up to all things Santa and the holidays.
She is total class. Years earlier, her boyfriend, Zane, just seemed to walk away. He may have left her and their small town. He may have walked away from his father, but Evangeline never forgot the importance of family.
Zane is finally returning for Christmas, but he isn't coming alone. This Christmas is going to be very interesting. This holiday is going to one fun situation after another. The big question is who will be getting a happily ever after.
She is total class. Years earlier, her boyfriend, Zane, just seemed to walk away. He may have left her and their small town. He may have walked away from his father, but Evangeline never forgot the importance of family.
Zane is finally returning for Christmas, but he isn't coming alone. This Christmas is going to be very interesting. This holiday is going to one fun situation after another. The big question is who will be getting a happily ever after.
December 21, 2024
This Christmas is the perfect holiday small town, second chance romance. Evangeline and Zane knew each other their whole lives and were high school, college and law school sweethearts. Then Zane left for a 6 months internship in New York City and never came back, leaving Evangeline heartbroken. But she continued on with the plans they dreamed about. For five years she loved her job as the only attorney in the small town plus helping her family with their Christmas tree farm during the holiday season. Then Zane returned with his socialite fiancée.
I hope this is just the first book set in this small Vermont town of Deer Ridge.
I hope this is just the first book set in this small Vermont town of Deer Ridge.
December 27, 2025
I must admit that I really enjoyed reading it. Obviously, I hated Zane and his horrible behavior, although I didn't end up any happier with Eve. In any case, the author knew how to highlight the worst traits of the male character and the female character's lack of intelligence.
This whole combination of situations and relationships made our reactions to the two of them intense and profound.
Zane will undoubtedly be the worst character of 2025, although I admit that what I loved most was the description of the town. So united, so festive despite the cold that accompanies them during the holidays.
This whole combination of situations and relationships made our reactions to the two of them intense and profound.
Zane will undoubtedly be the worst character of 2025, although I admit that what I loved most was the description of the town. So united, so festive despite the cold that accompanies them during the holidays.
December 24, 2024
This Christmas
When you have your person, and then suddenly they are not there anymore. Unsure of what really happened to you both, just know your life has been changed. Years later, seeing that person again, those hurts resurface, but he moved on. Feelings are opened up, old wounds, memories are still there and present. Travel their history with them and see where it takes them, Christmas miracles.
When you have your person, and then suddenly they are not there anymore. Unsure of what really happened to you both, just know your life has been changed. Years later, seeing that person again, those hurts resurface, but he moved on. Feelings are opened up, old wounds, memories are still there and present. Travel their history with them and see where it takes them, Christmas miracles.
January 1, 2025
What an amazing second chance small town romance. It's crazy how someones adult life can be manipulated without them even knowing about it. Zane made many mistakes and Evangeline paid the price. With a broken heart, she moved on and created a life for herself, but never got over her first love. Zane went away and was tricked into never going back. Until he did. Then realized how much he missed his small town..... and Evangeline.
January 1, 2025
This Christmas by Heidi McLaughlin was a sweet second chance romance and being a Christmas story just made it the perfect book for this time of year. This was Zane and Evangeline’s story and has the perfect balance of angst, chemistry and drama that will have you hooked. I loved this book and highly recommend it!!
January 2, 2025
This Christmas has a Hallmark feel to it. Small town? ✅
First loves ✅
Moves to the big city but comes home ✅
Fiancé from the big city ✅
This Christmas is a perfect read to read during Christmas (or throughout the winter.)
Definitely has that happy Christmas feeling. May have just become my Christmas read tradition.
First loves ✅
Moves to the big city but comes home ✅
Fiancé from the big city ✅
This Christmas is a perfect read to read during Christmas (or throughout the winter.)
Definitely has that happy Christmas feeling. May have just become my Christmas read tradition.
December 23, 2024
A cute small-town Christmas themed novel for the holiday season! I loved Evangeline so much. Caryn was terrible and from the offset, I felt like something was seriously off there. I’m glad Zane came to his senses quickly.
December 29, 2024
**ARC** This story is great! Zane and Evangeline’s story is so sweet, all the way from the beginning to the end. The steamy scenes are on fire, and the story itself is riveting. I cannot wait to read more from this author!!
December 23, 2025
It was sweet. I didn’t like how quickly the characters got back together after a 5 year break up and a fiancé. There was no time to regrow the relationship, explore feelings,etc. They just instantly picked up where they left off like nothing had happened.
December 19, 2024
nice
Nice second chance Christmas story. I’m not sure I would have given in so fast but that’s what a fast paced book needs to do.
Nice second chance Christmas story. I’m not sure I would have given in so fast but that’s what a fast paced book needs to do.
December 20, 2024
I wish i could live in Deer Ridge!!! I’m so happy Zane and Eve found their way back. I think Caryn was a horrible match and it’s all her fault. I’m glad they get the life they were supposed to have!
December 21, 2024
I loved the setting of small town in Vermont. It's Zane that i don't care for. He's such a weak character and Eve is not.
December 24, 2024
Super cute! Good, cozy read for the holidays!!
December 31, 2024
Lectura ligera y entretenida.
January 2, 2025
3,5 stars
January 20, 2025
3⭐️ quick Christmas read all about second chances. Cozy and sweet.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews