What do you think?
Rate this book
Christmas in Vermont: A Very White Christmas
As Hope Caldwell fought for her life beneath the rubble of a bombed-out building, it was the thought of Christmas in Vermont and the snow-covered mountains that kept her going.
For Jack Reynolds, the mountains of Vermont have always meant something special. Now he has returned home from the big city to spend Christmas in Vermont and help celebrate his uncle's retirement from the postal service.
When packing up his uncle's office, they discover a bag of lost Christmas cards. Jack volunteers to deliver them for his ailing uncle. He soon sees the joy that a card can bring to a lonely grandmother, a heartbroken father, a disabled veteran, and others as he delivers their belated Christmas mail.
Will the snows of enchanting Vermont work its magic again at this wonderful time of year and help Jack find...
For Jack Reynolds, the mountains of Vermont have always meant something special. Now he has returned home from the big city to spend Christmas in Vermont and help celebrate his uncle's retirement from the postal service.
When packing up his uncle's office, they discover a bag of lost Christmas cards. Jack volunteers to deliver them for his ailing uncle. He soon sees the joy that a card can bring to a lonely grandmother, a heartbroken father, a disabled veteran, and others as he delivers their belated Christmas mail.
Will the snows of enchanting Vermont work its magic again at this wonderful time of year and help Jack find...
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2014
405 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Mooney
24 books94 followersI write stories that I feel strongly about and hope that my readers will feel touched by as well. I write in different genres because the stories I feel cross all barriers.
***
Love Letters- If you found a love letter in an old book, would you read it? Love Letters is the story of what happens when a woman finds a series of love letters hidden in some books she bought at a flea market. She reads them and wishes she could find the doctor who wrote them to thank him. One day she does and her life is never the same.
A Second Chance - Ravenna Morgan, after losing the love of her life, does what everyone would love to do and gets away from the day to day hectic world.
She retreats to the small secluded Greek island of Petros. She has it all, a comfortable life, warm sunshine and beautiufl beaches. Until one day that changes and she realizes she may get...A Second Chance.
Look for it wherever fine ebooks are found.
***
Love Letters- If you found a love letter in an old book, would you read it? Love Letters is the story of what happens when a woman finds a series of love letters hidden in some books she bought at a flea market. She reads them and wishes she could find the doctor who wrote them to thank him. One day she does and her life is never the same.
A Second Chance - Ravenna Morgan, after losing the love of her life, does what everyone would love to do and gets away from the day to day hectic world.
She retreats to the small secluded Greek island of Petros. She has it all, a comfortable life, warm sunshine and beautiufl beaches. Until one day that changes and she realizes she may get...A Second Chance.
Look for it wherever fine ebooks are found.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
December 18, 2017
I just loved it. A wonderful feel good holiday story about the goodness in people. Would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.
December 4, 2023
G. rated. I don't normally read romance books, but when it comes to Christmas, I might read 1 or 2. And if the author's story is good enough, I might try his or her other books. While this story was a light read, I think I will try some of his other stories.
This story takes place in Woodstoc It is the time of cell phones. It is the time when they don't work out in the country, if they work at all. It is modern day. I want to go back and live In the times when all you had to do is pick up your phone and dial 0 for operator. Then pat, who is a friend of yours and who works at the local Ma belle company, Says hello Jessica. What are you up to? You tell her and then she connects U2 another friend. This town is like that. People no each other . They are there for each other. While it is a romance, I liked the side story. Someone finds a bag of old Christmas Cards that were to be delivered the year before. Jack, the main character, personally delivers them to each person. And they read the cards in front of him.
This story takes place in Woodstoc It is the time of cell phones. It is the time when they don't work out in the country, if they work at all. It is modern day. I want to go back and live In the times when all you had to do is pick up your phone and dial 0 for operator. Then pat, who is a friend of yours and who works at the local Ma belle company, Says hello Jessica. What are you up to? You tell her and then she connects U2 another friend. This town is like that. People no each other . They are there for each other. While it is a romance, I liked the side story. Someone finds a bag of old Christmas Cards that were to be delivered the year before. Jack, the main character, personally delivers them to each person. And they read the cards in front of him.
November 29, 2015
Let me start out by saying I never give bad reviews! But, this book irked me so badly, I had to get up in the middle of night and write this. If there was a 0 star, this book would have rated it! I would not recommend you get this book even if it is offered for free or given to you! I have never read a book so poorly edited as this one. If it were written as a fantasy novel or a "how not to write a book" book, it would be far more easy to understand.
It was far to ambitious of a book for this author's talents and abilities. He introduced way too many saccharine sweet characters, way too fast! You couldn't sink your teeth into any of them. Not even the two main characters. I had no idea who these people were nor did I care. The description of Vermont at Christmastime was indeed enchanting. I've been to Vermont, it's lovely. But this book felt as it were written by an 8th grader. If this author had an editor, and I doubt it, he/she was a lousy one at best.
I don't want to give anything away, in case there are those out there that want to attempt a read at this. But there are technical errors all over the place, that are just silly. Example: One moment Jack is arriving in his beloved Vermont all the way from New York and takes note that it has not snowed yet. With only two weeks until Xmas, he is puzzled by this fact. "There is always snow in Vermont this time of year". Then one day later, with no mention of it ever snowing, his soon to be girlfriend, Hope, arrives at a retirement party and is "trudging through the snow to get to the door". What? He is delivering Xmas Cards to people that had been lost since the previous Xmas. Details are so silly with this. One guy, a vet that works at the much dilapidated VA Hall, receives a check for $5000. But get this it was sent to him over a year ago. Do we not all know that checks not cashed within 90 days are null and void? Yet he is able to cash it and restore this place in week flat! But not before the very capable and handy main character, Hope, drafts up blueprints for the place in 45 minutes without taking a measurement!! It just goes on and on folks. Another man receives a card from his daughter, written a year prior, saying that she and the children are going to visiting him. So they show up the next year, but apparently never spoke to him at all during the entire year. He was shocked by this card, and it literally saved his life. The silliness of it all was not tolerable. There are so many errors like that I can't stomach even writing about them anymore.
I am so shocked at the almost 4 star rating this book has received that I am now afraid this whole thing is rigged. I doubt that anyone with a live, thinking brain would give this anything one star at best!
Horrible, just horrible. And darn it, I love beautiful Christmas reads!
It was far to ambitious of a book for this author's talents and abilities. He introduced way too many saccharine sweet characters, way too fast! You couldn't sink your teeth into any of them. Not even the two main characters. I had no idea who these people were nor did I care. The description of Vermont at Christmastime was indeed enchanting. I've been to Vermont, it's lovely. But this book felt as it were written by an 8th grader. If this author had an editor, and I doubt it, he/she was a lousy one at best.
I don't want to give anything away, in case there are those out there that want to attempt a read at this. But there are technical errors all over the place, that are just silly. Example: One moment Jack is arriving in his beloved Vermont all the way from New York and takes note that it has not snowed yet. With only two weeks until Xmas, he is puzzled by this fact. "There is always snow in Vermont this time of year". Then one day later, with no mention of it ever snowing, his soon to be girlfriend, Hope, arrives at a retirement party and is "trudging through the snow to get to the door". What? He is delivering Xmas Cards to people that had been lost since the previous Xmas. Details are so silly with this. One guy, a vet that works at the much dilapidated VA Hall, receives a check for $5000. But get this it was sent to him over a year ago. Do we not all know that checks not cashed within 90 days are null and void? Yet he is able to cash it and restore this place in week flat! But not before the very capable and handy main character, Hope, drafts up blueprints for the place in 45 minutes without taking a measurement!! It just goes on and on folks. Another man receives a card from his daughter, written a year prior, saying that she and the children are going to visiting him. So they show up the next year, but apparently never spoke to him at all during the entire year. He was shocked by this card, and it literally saved his life. The silliness of it all was not tolerable. There are so many errors like that I can't stomach even writing about them anymore.
I am so shocked at the almost 4 star rating this book has received that I am now afraid this whole thing is rigged. I doubt that anyone with a live, thinking brain would give this anything one star at best!
Horrible, just horrible. And darn it, I love beautiful Christmas reads!
December 17, 2017
Christmas in Vermont: A Very White Christmas: It sounds like something right out of a Hallmark Christmas card, doesn’t it? Indeed, this novella by Bryan Mooney reads like a script for a Hallmark Channel movie. That’s not a bad thing! In a world filled with greed, poverty, and terror, reading a feel-good story about kindness, love, and all things Christmas was like giving myself a hug.
Hope is in Woodstock, Vermont, to fill in as a substitute teacher. She has survived an attack in Iraq while teaching there and constantly thinks of the Marine who was buried in the rubble with her. Did he survive? Will she ever see him again?
Jack Reynolds lives in Miami but is visiting his aunt and uncle in Woodstock. A former Marine, he lost his brother Charlie in the war. Charlie is officially listed as missing, and Jack has never given up hope that he’s still alive. Jack is also dating – and nearly engaged. But when he sees Hope, something sparks in him, and he and Hope begin a whirlwind friendship that could become more. All of this is happening amidst preparations for a glorious Christmas festival, plus Jack’s determined and ambitious plans to renovate the veterans’ center. Talk about teamwork! It’s impressive to see how people can work together to help friends and strangers alike!
Warm, cozy, heartwarming...these words may all sound cliché, but they truly fit this story. Snuggle up and enjoy!
4 stars
Hope is in Woodstock, Vermont, to fill in as a substitute teacher. She has survived an attack in Iraq while teaching there and constantly thinks of the Marine who was buried in the rubble with her. Did he survive? Will she ever see him again?
Jack Reynolds lives in Miami but is visiting his aunt and uncle in Woodstock. A former Marine, he lost his brother Charlie in the war. Charlie is officially listed as missing, and Jack has never given up hope that he’s still alive. Jack is also dating – and nearly engaged. But when he sees Hope, something sparks in him, and he and Hope begin a whirlwind friendship that could become more. All of this is happening amidst preparations for a glorious Christmas festival, plus Jack’s determined and ambitious plans to renovate the veterans’ center. Talk about teamwork! It’s impressive to see how people can work together to help friends and strangers alike!
Warm, cozy, heartwarming...these words may all sound cliché, but they truly fit this story. Snuggle up and enjoy!
4 stars
October 20, 2015
I don't very often read romantic novels but I was drawn to this one. This is a book to curl up with on the long dark nights leading up to Christmas. It is a beautiful love story that begins on forgein soil. An American Marine and a school teacher are trapped after a bomb has exploded. To try and keep each other conscious they begin to talk. He tells her of his home town in Vermont at Christmas time. When they are rescued she doesn't know if he is alive or dead. She doesn't even know his name. She makes a promise that one year she will go to Vermont at Christmas time.
There are so many unbelievable things happening in this story but they give you such a lovely warm glowing feeling inside. When I read a love story that is what I want. Jack in the story has had a life of tragedy and you root for him to find happiness. Anything is possible in the beautiful town, it just takes a special kind of person to pull it all together with a special woman by his side. The story is very predictable but everybody wants a happy ending. I really enjoyed this lovely book that made me wish I could go to Vermont for Xmas.
I wish to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
There are so many unbelievable things happening in this story but they give you such a lovely warm glowing feeling inside. When I read a love story that is what I want. Jack in the story has had a life of tragedy and you root for him to find happiness. Anything is possible in the beautiful town, it just takes a special kind of person to pull it all together with a special woman by his side. The story is very predictable but everybody wants a happy ending. I really enjoyed this lovely book that made me wish I could go to Vermont for Xmas.
I wish to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 18, 2015
Very cheesy but you can get away with it at Christmas!! Lovely, cosy book.
December 6, 2016
I love ‘Christmassy’ books, and I had great hopes for this, but it failed miserably. The characters were 2 dimensional and the plot was virtually non-existent. There were numerous ‘wtf’ moments:
What really stopped me in my tracks though was this:
‘They don’t teach kids cursive in school anymore, so if you want to send them something they can read it has to be either typed or printed in large block letters.’
What a load of utter crap. Children unable to read anything other than type or CAPITAL LETTERS??
And what the hell is that with not teaching cursive? Really?? Please, please tell me that is not so.
Not recommended for anyone who cares about the real things in life, like the beauty of calligraphy, of teaching children to write with fountain pens and dip pens, and letters written with elegance.
What really stopped me in my tracks though was this:
‘They don’t teach kids cursive in school anymore, so if you want to send them something they can read it has to be either typed or printed in large block letters.’
What a load of utter crap. Children unable to read anything other than type or CAPITAL LETTERS??
And what the hell is that with not teaching cursive? Really?? Please, please tell me that is not so.
Not recommended for anyone who cares about the real things in life, like the beauty of calligraphy, of teaching children to write with fountain pens and dip pens, and letters written with elegance.
Read
July 9, 2014Just finished reading this and once again, Bryan Mooney comes through with a great story. What starts out as a pulse pounding thriller turns into a great love story with lots of interesting characters. The setting is pure Americana in Woodstock, Vermont. The town is warm, welcoming and quaint. The townspeople all genuinely care for one another and help out whenever the need arises; a place that we would all like to live in someday. "Christmas in Vermont" makes you want to grab a cup of something warm, sit in front of a roaring fire and snuggle up with this wonderful story, even if it is the middle of summer. Everyone comes alive at Christmas time, and Woodstock, Vermont is probably the very best place to be at that time of year. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next offering from this author.
November 29, 2015
“Now one left behind.” Was strongly ingrained into Jack Reynolds as he is a Marine after all. It wasn’t just that though you see his kid brother Charley enlisted with him, in the Marines, went to boot camp together, and assigned together. Jack though was assigned to recon unit in the field when Charley’s helicopter he was assigned elsewhere and went down. Jack was determined to find him or die trying. So he’s still out there he knows it. Alone!
Then one day in Iraq he sees this beautiful woman with long red hair who he finds out is a teacher. She had noticed him too. Hope Caldwell a former military brat was just lingering at the front of the school after saying goodbye to her class for the day. When she sees men full out running toward her yelling unkind words. She takes off running into the school for cover. When she hears shots fired. She keeps running all out like she did for track team back in the day. She even knew at 36 she was not in shape.
When all of a sudden an American soldier appears and pulls her in his direction. She follows him when they end up in the basement. All is quiet until they hear this thumping down the stairs and it sounds like a canvas bag. When Jack yells, “In coming!” He grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the direction of the bomb. All of a sudden the whole building is coming down on them.
Hope wakes first to severe pain and feels that she is pinned and can’t move and that she is laying in a pool of her own blood. She remembers the Marine and sees he is still holding her hand. When his eyes pop open. He too is pinned and also bleeding. She starts to panic but Jack’s training kicks in. He explains that she cannot go to sleep because she is in shock and due to head injury it could be fatal.
They took turns talking when her Marine started to slip away from her but never letting go of her hand. She tried everything to keep him awake. She even tried everything to keep him awake. She even yells, “Marine, Marine do you hear me? Wake up you need to stay awake that’s an order!” She says it several times, nothing. When she starts feeling herself falling asleep. She started to think she never got his name she only knew about his fairy tale winter wonderland that happens to be Woodstock, Vermont where everyone loves Christmas and snow all the time if they could. She promised herself if she made it she would go visit that little town but at this moment it would take a miracle.
This was a very sweet, feel good Christmas treat read. All the characters are friends you wished you had and hoped you could strive to be. One nice family saga which you know I love. What Jack calls his aunt Holly for the first time just tugs at your heart. I give this 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Then one day in Iraq he sees this beautiful woman with long red hair who he finds out is a teacher. She had noticed him too. Hope Caldwell a former military brat was just lingering at the front of the school after saying goodbye to her class for the day. When she sees men full out running toward her yelling unkind words. She takes off running into the school for cover. When she hears shots fired. She keeps running all out like she did for track team back in the day. She even knew at 36 she was not in shape.
When all of a sudden an American soldier appears and pulls her in his direction. She follows him when they end up in the basement. All is quiet until they hear this thumping down the stairs and it sounds like a canvas bag. When Jack yells, “In coming!” He grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the direction of the bomb. All of a sudden the whole building is coming down on them.
Hope wakes first to severe pain and feels that she is pinned and can’t move and that she is laying in a pool of her own blood. She remembers the Marine and sees he is still holding her hand. When his eyes pop open. He too is pinned and also bleeding. She starts to panic but Jack’s training kicks in. He explains that she cannot go to sleep because she is in shock and due to head injury it could be fatal.
They took turns talking when her Marine started to slip away from her but never letting go of her hand. She tried everything to keep him awake. She even tried everything to keep him awake. She even yells, “Marine, Marine do you hear me? Wake up you need to stay awake that’s an order!” She says it several times, nothing. When she starts feeling herself falling asleep. She started to think she never got his name she only knew about his fairy tale winter wonderland that happens to be Woodstock, Vermont where everyone loves Christmas and snow all the time if they could. She promised herself if she made it she would go visit that little town but at this moment it would take a miracle.
This was a very sweet, feel good Christmas treat read. All the characters are friends you wished you had and hoped you could strive to be. One nice family saga which you know I love. What Jack calls his aunt Holly for the first time just tugs at your heart. I give this 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 18, 2015
While working as a teacher in Iraq, the school Hope was teaching at was attacked by terrorists. A Marine dragged her through the halls and protected her while they were under attack and while waiting and praying to be rescued, he told her about Woodstock, Vermont, the picture perfect little town where he grew up and what a wonderful place it was. When she awoke in a hospital in Germany after being pulled from the rubble, no one knew anything about the young man who was with her in the school.
Hope decided to see Vermont for herself and ended up taking a teaching job in Woodstock after finding it as picturesque as she hoped, feeling a little more connected to the Marine who had saved her life. And when Ex-Marine Jack comes home for Christmas and eventually runs into Hope, they recognize each other almost immediately. Jack had always wondered what had happened to the beautiful teacher and is surprised and pleased that she ended up in his hometown. There's a definite connection between the two, but then Hope finds out that Jack is engaged to someone else, a woman he met while in New York who wants him to move to Florida. Hope says she is fine with them being friends and just hanging out together, but soon Jack is even more unhappy with his engagement and decides, as soon as the cell reception is better, he's going to call off their engagement and see where things lead with Hope.
Meanwhile, after a retirement party for Jack's uncle who is leaving the Postal Service, a bag of mail that had been accidentally put aside and never delivered is located. With Hope's help, Jack sets out to deliver the cards and mail to people in town and they begin to find that each piece of mail is making a huge impact on the recipients. There's also many references to the very real plight of veterans and the lack of jobs for men and women who served their country and have returned home.
I really wanted to love this book, because the premise is really great, but it started out being a little confusing to me and felt like it took me awhile to catch up with what was going on. I wasn't sure if I might have missed something along the way. But it's still a pretty great holiday story and seems like it would make a nice feel-good holiday movie someday!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. Find other reviews at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...
Hope decided to see Vermont for herself and ended up taking a teaching job in Woodstock after finding it as picturesque as she hoped, feeling a little more connected to the Marine who had saved her life. And when Ex-Marine Jack comes home for Christmas and eventually runs into Hope, they recognize each other almost immediately. Jack had always wondered what had happened to the beautiful teacher and is surprised and pleased that she ended up in his hometown. There's a definite connection between the two, but then Hope finds out that Jack is engaged to someone else, a woman he met while in New York who wants him to move to Florida. Hope says she is fine with them being friends and just hanging out together, but soon Jack is even more unhappy with his engagement and decides, as soon as the cell reception is better, he's going to call off their engagement and see where things lead with Hope.
Meanwhile, after a retirement party for Jack's uncle who is leaving the Postal Service, a bag of mail that had been accidentally put aside and never delivered is located. With Hope's help, Jack sets out to deliver the cards and mail to people in town and they begin to find that each piece of mail is making a huge impact on the recipients. There's also many references to the very real plight of veterans and the lack of jobs for men and women who served their country and have returned home.
I really wanted to love this book, because the premise is really great, but it started out being a little confusing to me and felt like it took me awhile to catch up with what was going on. I wasn't sure if I might have missed something along the way. But it's still a pretty great holiday story and seems like it would make a nice feel-good holiday movie someday!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. Find other reviews at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...
January 2, 2015
Sweet, contemporary Christmas romance set in Woodstock, Vermont, one of the state's prettiest towns. Mooney does evoke old Vermont, the sense of neighbors pitching in to help those in need: just getting right to work, getting it done, without a lot of fuss. Of course, it's a bit prosaic - a really idyllic scene is portrayed - new snowfall constantly during the Yuletide; not the only unrealistic aspect of the story (we've lacked a fresh snowfall for several of the past Christmases, including this year); the hero is handsome and kind, the heroine stunningly beautiful and winsome, the hero's simple acts of kindness transforms people and the town itself, and the resolution is a bit hard to believe....but if you can suspend a need for realism, this is an enjoyable read.
December 19, 2015
Having grown up in a small New England town, I can appreciate the magic that a snowy Christmas brings to the quintessential small town. Neighbors helping neighbors, pulling together for a cause, and close knit families.
I enjoyed Christmas in Vermont. The story showcased the magic and goodwill of the Christmas season in an idyllic town while also telling the story of two people who had been bonded together through a traumatic event and were reunited years later, and celebrating the Veterans who put their lives on the line for us every day. The story was just the sort of 'happy tears' kind of book I like to read in between decorated, wrapping, and baking.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Christmas in Vermont. The story showcased the magic and goodwill of the Christmas season in an idyllic town while also telling the story of two people who had been bonded together through a traumatic event and were reunited years later, and celebrating the Veterans who put their lives on the line for us every day. The story was just the sort of 'happy tears' kind of book I like to read in between decorated, wrapping, and baking.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2015
What a great, first Christmas book of this year to read! The riveting beginning takes you into a lovely scene of celebrating Christmas yet also bringing families together, redeeming lives, and new beginnings. I enjoyed the characters in this novel and would love to read more about them in the future. Just for my followers, there is a tiny bit of language in this one but I felt the book was definitely worth reading.
I highly recommend this book!
I was given a copy of Christmas in Vermont by Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
I highly recommend this book!
I was given a copy of Christmas in Vermont by Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2015
I really liked this book. There were a few places in the story where the story moved on but there wasn't any transition so I was confused until it became clear what the author intended. I liked the fact it was at Christmas and the basis was veterans. We need to help more! The story kept my attention and was good reading! It made me laugh and cry, couldn't stop reading. Nice love story and not complicated just easy reading. Received copy from NetGalley.
October 2, 2015
A feel good holiday story that deals with family love for one another. Jack is heading home to Vermont for his Grandfather's retirement party and Christmas. He's dealing with the loss of his brother who is missing in action in the Middle East. Hope is going to Vermont for Christmas because a soldier who saved her life made it sound like a perfect place. A wonderful Christian fiction that celebrates the reason for the holiday and a Christmas miracle.
November 4, 2015
Sweet Christmas story that drew me in and was a great start to my holiday reading for the season. Nice story with likable, developed characters. The author had such a way with describing the setting that I think a Christmas season spent in Woodstock, Vermont would be ideal! Would recommend for anyone that enjoys Christmas stories.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
March 9, 2015
I just finished reading this. I... I.... I... can't write this review right now. I... (this was awful.) I'll wait 'til tomorrow. Perhaps I can write a coherent review. Just a warning.. if you've read the first chapter and think this night be a good, fast-paced read... put it down and step away... quickly.
October 28, 2015
GREAT BOOK
Excellent book to read. It brought by back some very special Christmas memories. The characters were terrific. The writing was fantastic and keep me reading from beginning to the end. I love books that make you feel happy, and have a wonderful ending. This book got five stares because it made me think of Christmas with some very special memories.
Excellent book to read. It brought by back some very special Christmas memories. The characters were terrific. The writing was fantastic and keep me reading from beginning to the end. I love books that make you feel happy, and have a wonderful ending. This book got five stares because it made me think of Christmas with some very special memories.
December 8, 2014
The fresh pine.Great Christmas Story
One of the better Christmas Stories of late The descriptions of the Winter in Vermont puts you right there. You can almost smell the pine and cocoa.
One of the better Christmas Stories of late The descriptions of the Winter in Vermont puts you right there. You can almost smell the pine and cocoa.
December 27, 2014
The best Christmas 'must read' this year, lovely story from beginning to end.
January 2, 2015
Just a run of the mill quick read
Too ordinary and. Nothing exciting and this needs fifteen more words so words words words words x ten, satisfied????? Done
Too ordinary and. Nothing exciting and this needs fifteen more words so words words words words x ten, satisfied????? Done
January 7, 2016
Lovely, feel good book.
Ideal cosy christmas book one of my favourite christmas books
Loved it!
Ideal cosy christmas book one of my favourite christmas books
Loved it!
December 10, 2023
This books ticks all my boxes for an excellent read. Christmas story...tick; Vermont village for a setting...tick; interesting characters...tick; and then to throw in the USPS was the cherry on the top of this delightful story. We lived in one of Vermont's close knit villages for a number of years and this novel hit the nail on the head as a community of caring neighbors. I could see the various businesses and landmarks of Woodstock in my head as the story unfolded. My husband retired from the USPS after a 35+ year career and it was so refreshing to read a novel that shone a positive light on the U.S. mail service. I loved that the contents of the belated Christmas notes and letters were included in the story. Introducing the various people of the village through the cards and letters was brilliant and so, so interesting. Ending the story with loose ends still needing to be tied on Jack's and Hope's relationship leaves all sorts of possibilities for their 'happily ever after'. All in all, this is one of my favorite books I read this year. I'm wondering if there might be several more stories to be told about Jack, Hope and Woodstock, Vermont?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
3.5 stars-This was a nice, simple holiday book. I loved that it took place in Woodstock, VT. Close to where I once lived & a town we drove through on our way to NH/ME to visit our son when he lived there.
May 22, 2019
Perfect. Read. Awesomeness
October 23, 2015
This is a short, sweet holiday story set in Vermont. Hope and Jack have a history in the war-torn mid-east. Jack and Hope saved each other during an onslaught by angry jihadists. When it was over, each was medevacked to different places, not knowing where the other went or even if they survived, but always fondly remembering each other and the danger they endured and escaped. Then, they meet up in Woodstock, Vermont, Jack’s hometown, when Hope arrives as a substitute teacher in the local school during one of Jack’s visits home. Their story is a simple romance, where they both do the proverbial dance around each other, while their attraction and interest in each other grows quickly. This is a story of small town America, of boy meets girl, each wondering about the other when separated, and then reunited with each other. The story is a nice holiday read, but has very little plot, other than their attraction between the two and how they handle it. The town, as with most small towns, has several nifty holiday traditions that serve to put the reader into a holiday mood as well as to provide the perfect venue for a romance to grow.
One thing I could not understand, however, is what the author had in mind when he inserted hints that there was someone or something nefarious stalking Hope in this small town, but, in the end, never did anything about it or brought it to any conclusion. In Chapter 13, the author writes, “Nearby, watchful eyes studying her every moment saw him leave”, when Jack leaves Hope at her home. In Chapter 15, the author writes,” A set of headlights followed her and parked at the top of the hill leading to her driveway. The lights went dim” when she leaves Jack. There are two more hints of something strange going on in Chapters 16 and 17. I fully expected there to be a section at the ending where something came of these hints (why else insert them into the book??), but there was nothing. Frankly, I was both let down and confused about this.
As I said, this is a good holiday read. The writing is fairly well done, and the character development is also pretty good. The author did develop great chemistry between Hope and Jack, while inserting fiancés or ex-fiancés who were distant, which made the story more interesting. Of course, small towns always lend to good settings and atmosphere, as do holidays. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good, holiday feel-good story. The book is not all that long. The ending is predictable, and has one small twist that only helped make it more enjoyable, though that particular twist was not a big surprise to me. This is a book for the reader who wants to spend an enjoyable afternoon/day reading and who enjoys quick, simple romances, without a lot of the heavy plots, clues and such that so many books have today. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
One thing I could not understand, however, is what the author had in mind when he inserted hints that there was someone or something nefarious stalking Hope in this small town, but, in the end, never did anything about it or brought it to any conclusion. In Chapter 13, the author writes, “Nearby, watchful eyes studying her every moment saw him leave”, when Jack leaves Hope at her home. In Chapter 15, the author writes,” A set of headlights followed her and parked at the top of the hill leading to her driveway. The lights went dim” when she leaves Jack. There are two more hints of something strange going on in Chapters 16 and 17. I fully expected there to be a section at the ending where something came of these hints (why else insert them into the book??), but there was nothing. Frankly, I was both let down and confused about this.
As I said, this is a good holiday read. The writing is fairly well done, and the character development is also pretty good. The author did develop great chemistry between Hope and Jack, while inserting fiancés or ex-fiancés who were distant, which made the story more interesting. Of course, small towns always lend to good settings and atmosphere, as do holidays. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good, holiday feel-good story. The book is not all that long. The ending is predictable, and has one small twist that only helped make it more enjoyable, though that particular twist was not a big surprise to me. This is a book for the reader who wants to spend an enjoyable afternoon/day reading and who enjoys quick, simple romances, without a lot of the heavy plots, clues and such that so many books have today. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
October 2, 2015
I love the cover of this book, and I loved the idea of reading a Christmas story set in snow-bound VT. I've never been there, but who wouldn't want to take the chance to visit in a book? Just be prepared for a Hallmark-card story, and you'll be fine.
I always appreciate a specific, well described setting, and this book has that. Even without the Author's Note I would have suspected that he knew the area well. The almost too-perfect setting goes with the rest of the story, as there's nothing realistic about this book. The characters were likable but the dialogue didn't feel real - especially Jack, the ex-Marine who talks like a travel brochure. And I never really got a feeling for our heroine, Hope. The most interesting thing about her was that she taught overseas, and that was over when the book started, unfortunately.
The plot didn't have any surprises, which is fine. Mostly it just followed Hope and Jack around as they visited the town preparing for Christmas. There's a bit of mystery related to the cabin Hope is staying in and Jack's younger brother but that all pretty much gets lost in the Yuletide celebrations. I liked the delivery of the Christmas letters, though - it was a fun idea that was executed nicely. OTOH I got a bit tired of the "Isn't it great how small towns take care of everybody" line. (I've lived in rural areas and big cities and found that people are the same everywhere. Some care and some don't.)
There were parts of this book that suffered from too many adjectives. I don't need to be told that mountains are "rugged" or that Hope wears a "heavy cotton robe". Too many adjectives get between me and the story. So though there were some lovely descriptive paragraphs that I'd leave alone, if I were editing this book I'd eliminate unnecessary adjectives and let the story tell itself without being forced.
If you like contemporary romances that don't try to be realistic, or you're looking for a sweet Christmas-movie-of-the-week type book, (with heavy emphasis on Christmas), curl up with this while you sip your hot cocoa and wait for the snow to start falling.
I received this book free in return for an honest review.
I always appreciate a specific, well described setting, and this book has that. Even without the Author's Note I would have suspected that he knew the area well. The almost too-perfect setting goes with the rest of the story, as there's nothing realistic about this book. The characters were likable but the dialogue didn't feel real - especially Jack, the ex-Marine who talks like a travel brochure. And I never really got a feeling for our heroine, Hope. The most interesting thing about her was that she taught overseas, and that was over when the book started, unfortunately.
The plot didn't have any surprises, which is fine. Mostly it just followed Hope and Jack around as they visited the town preparing for Christmas. There's a bit of mystery related to the cabin Hope is staying in and Jack's younger brother but that all pretty much gets lost in the Yuletide celebrations. I liked the delivery of the Christmas letters, though - it was a fun idea that was executed nicely. OTOH I got a bit tired of the "Isn't it great how small towns take care of everybody" line. (I've lived in rural areas and big cities and found that people are the same everywhere. Some care and some don't.)
There were parts of this book that suffered from too many adjectives. I don't need to be told that mountains are "rugged" or that Hope wears a "heavy cotton robe". Too many adjectives get between me and the story. So though there were some lovely descriptive paragraphs that I'd leave alone, if I were editing this book I'd eliminate unnecessary adjectives and let the story tell itself without being forced.
If you like contemporary romances that don't try to be realistic, or you're looking for a sweet Christmas-movie-of-the-week type book, (with heavy emphasis on Christmas), curl up with this while you sip your hot cocoa and wait for the snow to start falling.
I received this book free in return for an honest review.
December 5, 2015
Marine Jack Reynolds and school teacher Hope Caldwell first meet in Iraq during a horrific experience trying to escape jihadists. When they are trapped and wounded they refuse to let the other die and with a bond forged between them, closer than even their clasped hands, their lives are changed as if fate stepped in.
Jack Reynolds never stopped thinking of the woman who saved his life. With Christmas approaching, Jack goes home while trying to decide what future he wants….Melissa his girlfriend who pushes for marriage and living in Florida or becoming a post master like his uncle and living in Vermont. When he gets home he is thrown into the holiday celebrations and is surprised to see Hope there.
Hope could never give up on her Marine. She never learned his name but their meeting came to hold such a meaning for her that she can’t form commitments or real attachments with anyone else. Taking a temporary teaching job in Vermont, she is more than surprised to find her Marine there. She is also surprised to hear he is engaged.
When a lost bag of last year’s Christmas cards are in need of delivery, Jack and Hope decide to do it together. While spending time with each other, their bond is deepening leaving each wondering what will happen to them. They are each other’s best friend and love is strong between them, but will outside influences drive them apart? Will fate step in again and save these two soul mates?
I truly was captivated by this story from the beginning. From Iraq to Vermont the characters are strong, interesting and hold depth of emotion. Not only are the main characters this way, but so are the various secondary ones such as Margaret Carroll and T.J. Dancer. This small community that the author created was hit hard by the loss of their family and friends to the military and you can truly feel the emotions from these characters as if their pain where real. Very impressive writing skills!
I received this book in exchange for my review.
Jack Reynolds never stopped thinking of the woman who saved his life. With Christmas approaching, Jack goes home while trying to decide what future he wants….Melissa his girlfriend who pushes for marriage and living in Florida or becoming a post master like his uncle and living in Vermont. When he gets home he is thrown into the holiday celebrations and is surprised to see Hope there.
Hope could never give up on her Marine. She never learned his name but their meeting came to hold such a meaning for her that she can’t form commitments or real attachments with anyone else. Taking a temporary teaching job in Vermont, she is more than surprised to find her Marine there. She is also surprised to hear he is engaged.
When a lost bag of last year’s Christmas cards are in need of delivery, Jack and Hope decide to do it together. While spending time with each other, their bond is deepening leaving each wondering what will happen to them. They are each other’s best friend and love is strong between them, but will outside influences drive them apart? Will fate step in again and save these two soul mates?
I truly was captivated by this story from the beginning. From Iraq to Vermont the characters are strong, interesting and hold depth of emotion. Not only are the main characters this way, but so are the various secondary ones such as Margaret Carroll and T.J. Dancer. This small community that the author created was hit hard by the loss of their family and friends to the military and you can truly feel the emotions from these characters as if their pain where real. Very impressive writing skills!
I received this book in exchange for my review.
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Sometimes a Christmas story is simply that – a charming, uplifting Christmas story. I enjoyed Christmas in Vermont very much. Jack and Hope had met under the worst possible circumstances originally. When the school Hope was teaching at in the Middle East came under attack, it was Jack who stayed with her, talked about his hometown to calm her as they awaited help. Jack had rescued her and probably saved her life, but Hope was unable to find him in the aftermath of their rescue. In reality they saved each other. Even if she couldn’t find Jack, she was determined to visit his hometown and see for herself the beauty of Vermont in all seasons, especially Christmas.
Hope did find Jack again and they picked up their friendship very easily. Jack was engaged, but it didn’t take him long to understand why he’d been looking at his upcoming marriage with uneasy feelings lately. She simply wasn’t Hope. He would have to end his engagement before he could pursue his feelings for Hope, but there was time as their friendship grew. And it was easy to keep company while delivering long lost letters and seeing the reactions of the townsfolk when they got news from long ago.
Christmas in Vermont is a charming, emotional Christmas read. And at this time of the year when I pull out old and new Christmas stories, that is exactly what I’m looking for… an uplifting, happy story with all the magic of Christmas and some romance to sweeten the story. I would not hesitate to recommend Christmas in Vermont to anyone who enjoys a good story, a charming romance and some Christmas feel good moment. Indulge and enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of Christmas in Vermont from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Sometimes a Christmas story is simply that – a charming, uplifting Christmas story. I enjoyed Christmas in Vermont very much. Jack and Hope had met under the worst possible circumstances originally. When the school Hope was teaching at in the Middle East came under attack, it was Jack who stayed with her, talked about his hometown to calm her as they awaited help. Jack had rescued her and probably saved her life, but Hope was unable to find him in the aftermath of their rescue. In reality they saved each other. Even if she couldn’t find Jack, she was determined to visit his hometown and see for herself the beauty of Vermont in all seasons, especially Christmas.
Hope did find Jack again and they picked up their friendship very easily. Jack was engaged, but it didn’t take him long to understand why he’d been looking at his upcoming marriage with uneasy feelings lately. She simply wasn’t Hope. He would have to end his engagement before he could pursue his feelings for Hope, but there was time as their friendship grew. And it was easy to keep company while delivering long lost letters and seeing the reactions of the townsfolk when they got news from long ago.
Christmas in Vermont is a charming, emotional Christmas read. And at this time of the year when I pull out old and new Christmas stories, that is exactly what I’m looking for… an uplifting, happy story with all the magic of Christmas and some romance to sweeten the story. I would not hesitate to recommend Christmas in Vermont to anyone who enjoys a good story, a charming romance and some Christmas feel good moment. Indulge and enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of Christmas in Vermont from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
October 20, 2015
Christmas in Vermont, by Bryan Mooney, is a lovely holiday offering with some very serious underlying themes. The story begins far away from Vermont in a desert kingdom three years earlier. Hope Caldwell was teaching at the German-American school when a terrorist mob comes after her. Marine Jack Reynolds appears to rescue her, but both are wounded and left by the mob in a pile of debris brought down upon them by some sort of IED. They talk as they lie trapped in the rubble trying to remain conscious and Hope learns of the Marine's hometown of Woodstock, Vermont. Hope does slip into unconsciousness and awakens sometime later in a German hospital. When she asks about the young Marine no one can tell her of his outcome.
Now, three years after that terrible event, Hope has accepted a short term teaching position in Woodstock and is settling in just before Christmas to be ready to start her position after the holidays. And it just so happens that Jack is heading home for the holidays and to be on hand as his Uncle Luke retires as post master. When their paths cross, sparks fly. But it just isn't that simple. Add in a bag full of lost Christmas cards, a dilapidated American Legion building, a deep seated need by Jack to help returning veterans, and a bit of a matchmaking Aunt Holly, and we have a multilayered tale that speaks to the heart.
This is a very enjoyable story set in a beautiful Christmas locale resplendent with holiday decor and traditions. Heart warming and thought provoking, this novel is a holiday read that will keep you thinking long after the last page is turned. I very much enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews