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Love in Lenox #1
A Cliché Christmas
American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Award FinalistWinner of the Swoony Award for Best Christmas Romance
Writing happy endings is easy. Living one is the hard part.
Georgia Cole—known in Hollywood as the “Holiday Goddess”—has made a name for herself writing heartwarming screenplays chock-full of Christmas clichés, but she has yet to experience the true magic of the season. So, when her eccentric grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Georgia’s hometown community theater, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, she’ll be working alongside Weston James, her childhood crush and the one man she has tried desperately to forget.
Now, facing memories of a lonely childhood and the humiliation of her last onstage performance, seven years earlier, Georgia is on the verge of a complete mistletoe meltdown. As Weston attempts to thaw the frozen walls around her heart, Georgia endeavors to let go of her fears and give love a second chance. If she does, will she finally believe that Christmas can be more than a cliché?
Writing happy endings is easy. Living one is the hard part.
Georgia Cole—known in Hollywood as the “Holiday Goddess”—has made a name for herself writing heartwarming screenplays chock-full of Christmas clichés, but she has yet to experience the true magic of the season. So, when her eccentric grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Georgia’s hometown community theater, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, she’ll be working alongside Weston James, her childhood crush and the one man she has tried desperately to forget.
Now, facing memories of a lonely childhood and the humiliation of her last onstage performance, seven years earlier, Georgia is on the verge of a complete mistletoe meltdown. As Weston attempts to thaw the frozen walls around her heart, Georgia endeavors to let go of her fears and give love a second chance. If she does, will she finally believe that Christmas can be more than a cliché?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
222 people are currently reading
2124 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Deese
19 books2,177 followersNicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning, bestselling author of hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. When she's not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
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November 7, 2016So....I am the author of this here little book :)
And I must say that I had SO MUCH FUN writing a holiday love story. I am such a sap for romance in the winter, but as Weston and Georgia came to life inside my mind, there seemed to be an extra dose of sweetness and sentiment added into every scene.
I grew up in Oregon, so getting to create Lenox, Oregon was like writing from my own stored-up (and romanticized) childhood memories. I adore mountains and snow and small-town settings.
A Cliche Christmas holds many pieces of my heart as it was the last book my baby sister was able to read before she died tragically last fall in a car accident. For this reason alone, this story will remain in my top favorites.
I hope your cheeks feel strained and your chest feels warm as you read through the pages of this romantic comedy. And maybe, just maybe, Christmas in Lenox, Oregon will continue next year...
Happy Holidays to all of you!
<3
Nicole
And I must say that I had SO MUCH FUN writing a holiday love story. I am such a sap for romance in the winter, but as Weston and Georgia came to life inside my mind, there seemed to be an extra dose of sweetness and sentiment added into every scene.
I grew up in Oregon, so getting to create Lenox, Oregon was like writing from my own stored-up (and romanticized) childhood memories. I adore mountains and snow and small-town settings.
A Cliche Christmas holds many pieces of my heart as it was the last book my baby sister was able to read before she died tragically last fall in a car accident. For this reason alone, this story will remain in my top favorites.
I hope your cheeks feel strained and your chest feels warm as you read through the pages of this romantic comedy. And maybe, just maybe, Christmas in Lenox, Oregon will continue next year...
Happy Holidays to all of you!
<3
Nicole
December 18, 2022
This book was written before the most recent onslaught of fiction with writers as protagonists I've been reading.
Georgia, who left for California right after high school, is a successful screen writer who spends most of her year writing Christmas pageants and screenplays. Her grandmother cancels their annual Christmas vacation (she avoids celebrating it after spending 11 months a year in it) to help put in a fundraiser for a local little girl with cancer. When Georgia goes back she has to face some bad childhood memories.
This is a romance, so you can guess that she and Weston James develop one (after all, his name is in the blurb) but of course there are other elements to the story that I won't describe here. I am fairly new to Deese's books and prefer her longer ones that don't read so much like Hallmark films, but this was still an enjoyable Christmas romance novel.
Georgia, who left for California right after high school, is a successful screen writer who spends most of her year writing Christmas pageants and screenplays. Her grandmother cancels their annual Christmas vacation (she avoids celebrating it after spending 11 months a year in it) to help put in a fundraiser for a local little girl with cancer. When Georgia goes back she has to face some bad childhood memories.
This is a romance, so you can guess that she and Weston James develop one (after all, his name is in the blurb) but of course there are other elements to the story that I won't describe here. I am fairly new to Deese's books and prefer her longer ones that don't read so much like Hallmark films, but this was still an enjoyable Christmas romance novel.
October 4, 2014
It's rare I laugh out loud on the first page, but A Cliche' Christmas is one of those books that makes you want to hide away and never stop reading. Set in beautiful Oregon, this story is so much more than just a Christmas romance. It's full of heart and family and healing.
I loved Georgia, her wit, her sarcasm. But I also loved how both those things were wrapped over a very big, loving heart. Weston was swoon-worthy from the first moment he entered the story, and I was right there with Georgia, in awe.
I'm a fan of Nicole Deese's and have read every one of her books. This one is her best to date! Any age will enjoy this heartwarming novel.
Highly recommend!!
***I received an ARC, but chose to review because I honestly loved the story.
I loved Georgia, her wit, her sarcasm. But I also loved how both those things were wrapped over a very big, loving heart. Weston was swoon-worthy from the first moment he entered the story, and I was right there with Georgia, in awe.
I'm a fan of Nicole Deese's and have read every one of her books. This one is her best to date! Any age will enjoy this heartwarming novel.
Highly recommend!!
***I received an ARC, but chose to review because I honestly loved the story.
March 2, 2017
3.40 stars (Writing style, hero & ending = 4.6 stars; Melodramatic heroine = 1.2 stars) - pg13
Wow. I'm really gonna be in the minority here. What am I saying? I AM the minority. I'm afraid to publicly post this review ...... I might lose all my friends and have my Goodreads romance card revoked. (Perhaps hormonal, menopausal women should not be allowed to write reviews??!!) (Perhaps if I make this review super duper long, no one will have the stamina to read the whole thing?!) (If you just looooved this story and if it will just hurt your heart to read criticism, do not, do not read the long version below!)
Short Version : Loved the fun, witty writing style, basic storyline, setting, characters and wonderful ending. Loved, loved, LOVED the super yummy Hero!! Liked the heroine well enough, but could! not! stand! her MELODRAMA!!!! Because I truly liked the author's style (and because there's always the very good chance I was just in a "mood" when I read this story), I went ahead and purchased the next book in the series, but at the first hint of melodrama -- I quit. (If melodrama doesn't bother you, I highly recommend this book. However, if you absolutely abhor melodrama, well... it still might be worth a read simply due to overall sweet story and author's nice writing style; or maybe just try book #2, hopefully it's equally well written without all the histrionics?) ~~~ As a last note, this book is "clean" and could maybe be classified as "Christian-lite" or "inspirational". Christ Jesus is only mentioned once -- in the author's acknowledgments after the story is over.
Long (very long)Rant Version (probably longer than the actual book!!):
I usually don't write many notes while reading, unless the story is driving me nuts. I wrote more than TEN FULL SIZE sheets of notes while reading this story. That's not a good sign! So here are some of the notes I made while reading:
20% through - I really like this story; it's fun and witty. I'm loving Weston, the Hero, and liking Georgia, the heroine. Also really like Georgia's grandmother, Nan. But....I'm starting to get frustrated....something happened between the H & h years earlier to cause her to distance herself from him. She wants him... but she doesn't. I'm really starting to worry that it'll be some huge, ridiculous, overblown misunderstanding created in the heroine's head when the author finally reveals. I so hope not!
Oh no!
Fantastic ending!! Love the characters, the writing style and overall storyline (and did I mention I loved the Hero?), so I will probably try this author again. But at the first hint of melodrama I'm getting a refund from Amazon!
Wow. I'm really gonna be in the minority here. What am I saying? I AM the minority. I'm afraid to publicly post this review ...... I might lose all my friends and have my Goodreads romance card revoked. (Perhaps hormonal, menopausal women should not be allowed to write reviews??!!) (Perhaps if I make this review super duper long, no one will have the stamina to read the whole thing?!) (If you just looooved this story and if it will just hurt your heart to read criticism, do not, do not read the long version below!)
Short Version : Loved the fun, witty writing style, basic storyline, setting, characters and wonderful ending. Loved, loved, LOVED the super yummy Hero!! Liked the heroine well enough, but could! not! stand! her MELODRAMA!!!! Because I truly liked the author's style (and because there's always the very good chance I was just in a "mood" when I read this story), I went ahead and purchased the next book in the series, but at the first hint of melodrama -- I quit. (If melodrama doesn't bother you, I highly recommend this book. However, if you absolutely abhor melodrama, well... it still might be worth a read simply due to overall sweet story and author's nice writing style; or maybe just try book #2, hopefully it's equally well written without all the histrionics?) ~~~ As a last note, this book is "clean" and could maybe be classified as "Christian-lite" or "inspirational". Christ Jesus is only mentioned once -- in the author's acknowledgments after the story is over.
Long (very long)
20% through - I really like this story; it's fun and witty. I'm loving Weston, the Hero, and liking Georgia, the heroine. Also really like Georgia's grandmother, Nan. But....I'm starting to get frustrated....something happened between the H & h years earlier to cause her to distance herself from him. She wants him... but she doesn't. I'm really starting to worry that it'll be some huge, ridiculous, overblown misunderstanding created in the heroine's head when the author finally reveals. I so hope not!
Oh no!
Fantastic ending!! Love the characters, the writing style and overall storyline (and did I mention I loved the Hero?), so I will probably try this author again. But at the first hint of melodrama I'm getting a refund from Amazon!
December 13, 2021
4.5 Stars
I don't go seeking holiday romances, but I've read a few holiday-themed stories this season and this one ranks with those at the top. Sad to say, there haven't been many.
A Cliché Christmas was a sweet romance, but not without its overall snark, a frustrated heroine with repressed romantic longings, a hero that pushed her buttons, and a grandmother with underhanded if not well-intentioned romantic machinations. As opposed to its title, it did not have that too-nice Hallmark movie feel where I'd roll my eyes at the cliches. Thank goodness for that. Weston and Georgia had a second chance romance that had to first heal some past wounds. All accomplished with some fun playfulness and a swoon-worthy hero. As a book in the Christian market, it had a nice amount of faith elements. It had felt like it was thrown in at the end, but I still liked its presentation.
May 25, 2018
A Cliche Christmas kicks off the Love in Lenox series. It is clear already there is a lot to love about Lenox, Oregon.
Georgia is a playwright for Christmas stories, some of which were made into Hallmark movies. She lives in Los Angeles and returns home to Lenox after a seven year absence.
It's a sweet story and perfect for a Christmas read.
Georgia is a playwright for Christmas stories, some of which were made into Hallmark movies. She lives in Los Angeles and returns home to Lenox after a seven year absence.
It's a sweet story and perfect for a Christmas read.
December 29, 2023
This made me laugh, cry and squeal. Perfect christmas book. This is just what I needed after reading some books I didn't love....
I will not forget Weston and Georgias story anytime soon. Weston is hilarious, romantic and so mature. Perfect book bf.
I loved all his nicknames for her and all there memories together growing up.🤣
Georgia had great character development 🥹🥰 I want to hug them both!!!!
I will not forget Weston and Georgias story anytime soon. Weston is hilarious, romantic and so mature. Perfect book bf.
I loved all his nicknames for her and all there memories together growing up.🤣
Georgia had great character development 🥹🥰 I want to hug them both!!!!
October 30, 2022
Cute Christmas romance!!!
August 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this fun romance set during the Christmas period.
I LOVED the banter! This couple made me chuckle many times :)
I liked the creative arts angle as it made it feel like Christmas.
Weston was my favourite character he needs to win the best uncle ever award! Georgia irritated me a little at times but together Weston and Georgia were adorable :)
Overall it was a little short but it didn’t feel like anything was missing. I managed to read it in one sitting :).
This was my first By Nicole Deese and I look forward to reading the second book in the series immediately.
I also listened to the accompanied audiobook performed by Amy Rubinate. I give 4 stars for her performance as she was easy and enjoyable to listen to.
Recommended for all fun light hearted romance fans!
I LOVED the banter! This couple made me chuckle many times :)
I liked the creative arts angle as it made it feel like Christmas.
Weston was my favourite character he needs to win the best uncle ever award! Georgia irritated me a little at times but together Weston and Georgia were adorable :)
Overall it was a little short but it didn’t feel like anything was missing. I managed to read it in one sitting :).
This was my first By Nicole Deese and I look forward to reading the second book in the series immediately.
I also listened to the accompanied audiobook performed by Amy Rubinate. I give 4 stars for her performance as she was easy and enjoyable to listen to.
Recommended for all fun light hearted romance fans!
December 16, 2023
This was a literal hallmark movie in book form:)
February 18, 2015
This was so, so good! I loved it!
Finding a good Christmas story can be hard to do, but this book was perfect. It balanced all the Christmassy stuff, romance and was well written.
Georgia is a successful screenwriter, her specialty Christmas movies. She spends her whole year working and writing Christmas movies and usually takes the month of December off to go on some exotic vacation. This year, her grandmother ropes her into returning home to work on the towns Christmas pageant. When she returns she comes face to face with Weston James, the very person who made her flee home seven years before.
I loved the relationship between Georgia and her Nan, very sweet. I also liked Georgia, she was easy to root for. It was nice to see her find peace and love. Speaking of love, wow I really liked Weston! I thought they had a nice relationship, it progressed nicely. It wasn't insta-love or insta-forgiveness. They had great chemistry and banter, but I liked the underlying of respect they had for each other. I liked that it wasn't completely conflict-free, they had to work through some issues, but it made their relationship that much stronger.
I loved the setting of Oregon and the Christmas feel. I half expected to find snow when I walked outside! I'm so glad I found this gem and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Deese's books! Go grab a copy!
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: Mild (not preachy at all)
Source: Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Nominated for a 2014 Swoony Award (read it and then come vote for it!).
Finding a good Christmas story can be hard to do, but this book was perfect. It balanced all the Christmassy stuff, romance and was well written.
Georgia is a successful screenwriter, her specialty Christmas movies. She spends her whole year working and writing Christmas movies and usually takes the month of December off to go on some exotic vacation. This year, her grandmother ropes her into returning home to work on the towns Christmas pageant. When she returns she comes face to face with Weston James, the very person who made her flee home seven years before.
I loved the relationship between Georgia and her Nan, very sweet. I also liked Georgia, she was easy to root for. It was nice to see her find peace and love. Speaking of love, wow I really liked Weston! I thought they had a nice relationship, it progressed nicely. It wasn't insta-love or insta-forgiveness. They had great chemistry and banter, but I liked the underlying of respect they had for each other. I liked that it wasn't completely conflict-free, they had to work through some issues, but it made their relationship that much stronger.
I loved the setting of Oregon and the Christmas feel. I half expected to find snow when I walked outside! I'm so glad I found this gem and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Deese's books! Go grab a copy!
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: Mild (not preachy at all)
Source: Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Nominated for a 2014 Swoony Award (read it and then come vote for it!).
September 19, 2014
I received a free ARC of A Cliche Christmas for review purposes:
As I read this book, I couldn't help but curl up in a chair with a warm cup of coffee on an 80 degree September day, as I was transformed into the beautiful Oregon mountains during the magical Christmas season... And stay that way for a good couple of hours until I finally reached the resolution of Georgia Cole's story. With vibrant and realistic personas, Nicole creates characters that quickly become friends as the reader laughs, cries, hopes, and fears through the ups and downs of each of their lives. The dialogue, especially the banter between Georgia and Weston, is fabulously done and easily draws the reader into each scene as if they were chatting and laughing right along with them. The subtle, yet powerful, inclusion of the true meaning of Christmas and the healing power of Jesus add depth and honesty that make the book resonate a little bit deeper and its message hold on a little bit tighter. A Cliche Christmas is an overall wonderful read that reminds the reader that amidst our broken stories, there is still joy and hope in the adventure of life, and that maybe some of the hopeful "cliches" of life are not quite as impractical as we sometimes believe.
As I read this book, I couldn't help but curl up in a chair with a warm cup of coffee on an 80 degree September day, as I was transformed into the beautiful Oregon mountains during the magical Christmas season... And stay that way for a good couple of hours until I finally reached the resolution of Georgia Cole's story. With vibrant and realistic personas, Nicole creates characters that quickly become friends as the reader laughs, cries, hopes, and fears through the ups and downs of each of their lives. The dialogue, especially the banter between Georgia and Weston, is fabulously done and easily draws the reader into each scene as if they were chatting and laughing right along with them. The subtle, yet powerful, inclusion of the true meaning of Christmas and the healing power of Jesus add depth and honesty that make the book resonate a little bit deeper and its message hold on a little bit tighter. A Cliche Christmas is an overall wonderful read that reminds the reader that amidst our broken stories, there is still joy and hope in the adventure of life, and that maybe some of the hopeful "cliches" of life are not quite as impractical as we sometimes believe.
December 3, 2018
Let me be completely honest: The title of this book scared me.
I have a huge distaste for clichéd stories, so the title gave me a sense of doom. I’m glad I set that feeling aside and read this one. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, which greatly means it wasn’t clichéd. While I didn’t enjoy the twisted take on a Christmas stage play (I found it disrespectful to the holy event it represented), I found delight in the traffic jam, personalities, goals, and heart in this story.
The narrator was a bit too breathy for my taste, but I quickly got used to her style. Overall, she did a great job and pulled me in quickly.
This is the second book by Nicole Deese that I’ve read (the first was book two in this series, actually). I enjoyed it enough to read more. I think fans of Beth Vogt and Denise Hunter will like this one.
I have a huge distaste for clichéd stories, so the title gave me a sense of doom. I’m glad I set that feeling aside and read this one. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, which greatly means it wasn’t clichéd. While I didn’t enjoy the twisted take on a Christmas stage play (I found it disrespectful to the holy event it represented), I found delight in the traffic jam, personalities, goals, and heart in this story.
The narrator was a bit too breathy for my taste, but I quickly got used to her style. Overall, she did a great job and pulled me in quickly.
This is the second book by Nicole Deese that I’ve read (the first was book two in this series, actually). I enjoyed it enough to read more. I think fans of Beth Vogt and Denise Hunter will like this one.
December 31, 2016
Contemporary Christmas Read
What a fun Christmas escape. I thoroughly enjoyed Cliche Christmas and fell in love with so many of its characters. The authors description brings the cute little Oregon town to life. I was ecstatic to hear there is a book 2 and can't wait to dive in.
Fun, clean, contemporary, Christmas romance.
What a fun Christmas escape. I thoroughly enjoyed Cliche Christmas and fell in love with so many of its characters. The authors description brings the cute little Oregon town to life. I was ecstatic to hear there is a book 2 and can't wait to dive in.
Fun, clean, contemporary, Christmas romance.
November 28, 2022
Of course I loved the writing! That was the stand out. The plot line was also interesting to read!
However,
I wasn't a fan of the characters. I liked Nan, but otherwise everyone else was immature and unrealistic and I couldn't get on board with them.
I hear the second one is better, so I want to read it!
However,
I wasn't a fan of the characters. I liked Nan, but otherwise everyone else was immature and unrealistic and I couldn't get on board with them.
I hear the second one is better, so I want to read it!
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January 19, 2015What a fun Christmas read!
In a Cliche Christmas, a Hallmark Christmas movie screen writer named Georgia returns to her hometown for Christmas. When she volunteers to help organize a local Christmas play, she's brought back into contact with her childhood friend/high school crush, Weston.
Nicole is a friend of mine. I thoroughly enjoy her funny, sentimental, relatable author's voice. She's a natural with romantic comedy. This story is cozy and sweet and fun and heartwarming -- just the kind of thing that goes well with a holiday peppermint mocha. Congratulations, Nicole!
In a Cliche Christmas, a Hallmark Christmas movie screen writer named Georgia returns to her hometown for Christmas. When she volunteers to help organize a local Christmas play, she's brought back into contact with her childhood friend/high school crush, Weston.
Nicole is a friend of mine. I thoroughly enjoy her funny, sentimental, relatable author's voice. She's a natural with romantic comedy. This story is cozy and sweet and fun and heartwarming -- just the kind of thing that goes well with a holiday peppermint mocha. Congratulations, Nicole!
December 26, 2017
Don’t let the title fool you. Yes, this book includes a few clichés, but it is unexpectedly deeper. It is a beautiful story of belonging with characters that have great dimension. And oh, the chemistry!!!! It reminds me of the spark-filled romance dynamic Kristen Heitzmann accomplishes, which is a top-notch compliment.
Weston and Georgia’s shared childhood memories and history work to strengthen their characters and solidify the constant pull between them. Add to that a building anticipation of something that the reader knows will test their newfound banter and friendship, and we have the makings of a sturdy story with a few surprises.
From laugh out loud moments, swoony interludes in the snow, to emotionally touching (especially when little Savannah is involved) and meaningful conversations, A Cliché Christmas is anything but commonplace and predictable. It is a story of forgiveness as much as it is of trusting the unconditional things in life; like the support of family, professed love, and the best unconditional gift given at Christmas: the love of a newborn Savior.
Weston and Georgia’s shared childhood memories and history work to strengthen their characters and solidify the constant pull between them. Add to that a building anticipation of something that the reader knows will test their newfound banter and friendship, and we have the makings of a sturdy story with a few surprises.
From laugh out loud moments, swoony interludes in the snow, to emotionally touching (especially when little Savannah is involved) and meaningful conversations, A Cliché Christmas is anything but commonplace and predictable. It is a story of forgiveness as much as it is of trusting the unconditional things in life; like the support of family, professed love, and the best unconditional gift given at Christmas: the love of a newborn Savior.
December 18, 2014
Georgia Cole left her town seven years ago without regrets. She wanted to have nothing to do with the people who made her suffer, especially a guy she was in love with. But when her grandmother basically begs her to come back and help her realize a special project for a sick little girl, she cannot refuse. The only problem is that one of the persons who will have to help her is Weston James, the guy whom she thinks she has forgotten.
I love Christmas stories, and this one had exactly what I was looking for. A sweet romance, a lovely grandmother and a touching plot. Books like this one should be read at any moment, not only during Christmastime, because they make you feel happy and warm your heart. What happens in this book really made me smile and feel all the beauty of Christmas. The lights, the snow, the warm houses are nothing compared to the love that everyone shows towards a little girl and her family. Only to think about the fact that Georgia reluctantly comes back to her small town just because of that child, makes me think that anything is possible at Christmas.
I loved Georgia and her job! She writes Christmas screenplays and she is the example that no matter how you suffered in your childhood, you can succeed in your life. She is angry with her mother and Weston, but she will be able to open up her heart to the right person.
Of course I loved Weston as well! He is such a great guy. Also, I really cannot read a story with a man and a little girl without falling in love with them, because the relationship that men have with children, especially little girls, is always so sweet and cute I cannot help myself. They are adorable! And Weston James is one of those wonderful uncles everybody would want to have.
Romantic, engaging and with some very cute moments, “A Cliché Christmas” is the perfect read for a cold winter night with a hot cup of tea. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I love Christmas stories, and this one had exactly what I was looking for. A sweet romance, a lovely grandmother and a touching plot. Books like this one should be read at any moment, not only during Christmastime, because they make you feel happy and warm your heart. What happens in this book really made me smile and feel all the beauty of Christmas. The lights, the snow, the warm houses are nothing compared to the love that everyone shows towards a little girl and her family. Only to think about the fact that Georgia reluctantly comes back to her small town just because of that child, makes me think that anything is possible at Christmas.
I loved Georgia and her job! She writes Christmas screenplays and she is the example that no matter how you suffered in your childhood, you can succeed in your life. She is angry with her mother and Weston, but she will be able to open up her heart to the right person.
Of course I loved Weston as well! He is such a great guy. Also, I really cannot read a story with a man and a little girl without falling in love with them, because the relationship that men have with children, especially little girls, is always so sweet and cute I cannot help myself. They are adorable! And Weston James is one of those wonderful uncles everybody would want to have.
Romantic, engaging and with some very cute moments, “A Cliché Christmas” is the perfect read for a cold winter night with a hot cup of tea. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
October 7, 2014
A Cliché Christmas is a heartwarming story that touches on several themes--forgiveness, false appearances, accepting that others' faults are not your own, and putting the past behind you to name a few. I loved Georgia's story. Her grandma stole the show at times, which all good grandmas should. Little Savannah made you cheer and push with Georgia to ensure the best turn out. As the grandmother of a little guy who needed extensive medical care and for whom our town pulled together and gave the most amazing benefit concert ever, I can tell you it's real. I resonated with how even teenagers that people so often write off as self-absorbed and hopeless will fight for and do almost anything for a little kid if given half a chance.
But the thing that amazed me most is that this is a novella. It didn't FEEL like a novella. I didn't feel like I was pushed through a story so fast that I didn't get to know the characters. It felt like a novel should--complete and you didn't notice that there were half the words of some books. Nicole Deese kept the pacing so perfectly situated that it just flowed beautifully. Usually, novellas annoy me. They're either rushed at the end to keep them short, are short stories that have been dragged out for word count, or worse, just aren't good enough to BE a full length novel. This book is none of those.
Look, I've read good novellas by people like Karen Kingsbury and T. Davis Bunn. I liked them! But this book was better simply because it told the story without adherence to the limitations of length. Add to that a great story, well told, and with engaging and delightful characters (even the ones you delight to hate)... and it's a winner. I loved it.
I received this book free with no expectations upon me whatsoever, but I chose to review it of my own accord.
But the thing that amazed me most is that this is a novella. It didn't FEEL like a novella. I didn't feel like I was pushed through a story so fast that I didn't get to know the characters. It felt like a novel should--complete and you didn't notice that there were half the words of some books. Nicole Deese kept the pacing so perfectly situated that it just flowed beautifully. Usually, novellas annoy me. They're either rushed at the end to keep them short, are short stories that have been dragged out for word count, or worse, just aren't good enough to BE a full length novel. This book is none of those.
Look, I've read good novellas by people like Karen Kingsbury and T. Davis Bunn. I liked them! But this book was better simply because it told the story without adherence to the limitations of length. Add to that a great story, well told, and with engaging and delightful characters (even the ones you delight to hate)... and it's a winner. I loved it.
I received this book free with no expectations upon me whatsoever, but I chose to review it of my own accord.
July 24, 2022
Ha -- I first read this book during a summer heatwave six years ago and my second read through is...tada...during a summer heatwave! What are the odds? Super excited to find this one in audible too.
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Christmas in July! I thought to lower the intolerable summer temps outside by reading a cool, refreshing winter story but I didn't factor in the delectable romance. Temperatures spiked. So did my heart rate. Snowflake kisses are the best! A delectable holiday romance with heart.
Deese measures humour and angst in even doses and delivers a breathtaking love story worthy of a Hallmark movie. Just like the ones Georgia makes a living writing. Unfortunately, her real love life is the exact opposite...until her grandmother talks her into coming home for the Christmas holidays and she comes face to face with her high school sweetheart.
There is something so delicious about Weston's steady, deliberate pursuit. They aren't teenagers anymore. Older, but maybe not wiser as far as their feelings for each other are concerned. Such an exquisite love story full of feisty fighting scenes and snow melting kisses. It isn't long before Georgia and Weston discover that Jesus can work something good out their broken lives.
No need to wait until 'tis the season to enjoy Weston and Georgia's story -- it's perfect for any time of year -- whenever you're in the mood for a toe-curling literary retreat.
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Christmas in July! I thought to lower the intolerable summer temps outside by reading a cool, refreshing winter story but I didn't factor in the delectable romance. Temperatures spiked. So did my heart rate. Snowflake kisses are the best! A delectable holiday romance with heart.
Deese measures humour and angst in even doses and delivers a breathtaking love story worthy of a Hallmark movie. Just like the ones Georgia makes a living writing. Unfortunately, her real love life is the exact opposite...until her grandmother talks her into coming home for the Christmas holidays and she comes face to face with her high school sweetheart.
There is something so delicious about Weston's steady, deliberate pursuit. They aren't teenagers anymore. Older, but maybe not wiser as far as their feelings for each other are concerned. Such an exquisite love story full of feisty fighting scenes and snow melting kisses. It isn't long before Georgia and Weston discover that Jesus can work something good out their broken lives.
No need to wait until 'tis the season to enjoy Weston and Georgia's story -- it's perfect for any time of year -- whenever you're in the mood for a toe-curling literary retreat.
December 29, 2016
I'm a sucker for a great Hallmark movie. Yes, they are cheesy. Yes, they are slightly (or a lotly) unrealistic. Yes, they always end happy. I see all of these things as the reason they are so good and the reason I love them—especially during the holiday season.
With that said, I found A Cliché Christmas to be an awesome combination of a Hallmark movie in book form with quite a bit more snark making it even that much more enjoyable.
Enter Georgia Cole who makes a living off of Christmas and Weston James, the one who let her get away. Just like in any good Hallmark movie we’ve got a cute small town in snowy Oregon, a beyond handsome male lead (whom I may have a crush on), and a stubborn woman who is strong and yet admits to her weaknesses too.
I really loved Weston as the hero and, though at times Georgia got to be a bit frustrating, I loved how Nicole brought them together in the end. This really isn’t a spoiler alert in the sense that, like any good Hallmark movie, you expect a happy ending, right?
I laughed until it hurt, giggled at the sweet romantic parts, and felt extremely satisfied at the end. A perfect Christmas read—or one to keep the magic of Christmas going!
_____________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
With that said, I found A Cliché Christmas to be an awesome combination of a Hallmark movie in book form with quite a bit more snark making it even that much more enjoyable.
Enter Georgia Cole who makes a living off of Christmas and Weston James, the one who let her get away. Just like in any good Hallmark movie we’ve got a cute small town in snowy Oregon, a beyond handsome male lead (whom I may have a crush on), and a stubborn woman who is strong and yet admits to her weaknesses too.
I really loved Weston as the hero and, though at times Georgia got to be a bit frustrating, I loved how Nicole brought them together in the end. This really isn’t a spoiler alert in the sense that, like any good Hallmark movie, you expect a happy ending, right?
I laughed until it hurt, giggled at the sweet romantic parts, and felt extremely satisfied at the end. A perfect Christmas read—or one to keep the magic of Christmas going!
_____________
I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
February 24, 2017
I was looking for a contemporary romance audio book to enjoy and decided to try this title. I am so glad I did! It was exactly what I was looking for. The narration was very good and the story was definitely swoon-worthy!
I really enjoyed being introduced to the small town of Lennox, OR, which had a host of interesting people in it. The main characters were great and had a complicated history that they had to overcome in this novel. There was fantastic romantic tenstion between Georgia and Weston and I loved the way the novel progressed.
This story was delightful from start to finish and it is one that I plan to listen to many times in the future. I am also excited to read or listen to the future books in the series, as well.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I really enjoyed being introduced to the small town of Lennox, OR, which had a host of interesting people in it. The main characters were great and had a complicated history that they had to overcome in this novel. There was fantastic romantic tenstion between Georgia and Weston and I loved the way the novel progressed.
This story was delightful from start to finish and it is one that I plan to listen to many times in the future. I am also excited to read or listen to the future books in the series, as well.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
October 7, 2014
Look out Hallmark! This little book has Hallmark Christmas movie written all over it. This story is technically a Novella, but I'd call it more a short novel and for the length it packs a huge punch. I loved just about every character in this story. Both Georgia and Weston are irresistible. It's a beautiful second chance story. And not just a second chance at love but also in finding your way home. If you love Christmas themed novels, do not pass this one up!
February 27, 2016
Cute clean romance set at Christmas time. Mild religious elements but not preachy.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited.
November 14, 2023
Wow! Just wow!
A successful but burnout Hollywood Christmas screenplay writer returns to her small hometown and runs into her childhood rival-turned-friend-turned-enemy (of sorts). Together, they put on a Christmas production fundraiser to raise money for a little girl’s cancer treatment.
I was expecting a story full of holiday charm & the sweetness of a Hallmark story, and it delivered in every way. BUT IT WAS SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT! The messages & themes packed a deep punch—enough to make me cry. Second chances, forgiveness, loneliness, faith over fear, and the truest meaning of unconditional love.
The banter and chemistry is electric, and you can’t help loving the characters! Plus, Weston’s use of Christmas nicknames for Georgia is hilarious!
It’s a heartwarming & moving holiday story I know I’ll be rereading again & again! 💛
A successful but burnout Hollywood Christmas screenplay writer returns to her small hometown and runs into her childhood rival-turned-friend-turned-enemy (of sorts). Together, they put on a Christmas production fundraiser to raise money for a little girl’s cancer treatment.
I was expecting a story full of holiday charm & the sweetness of a Hallmark story, and it delivered in every way. BUT IT WAS SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT! The messages & themes packed a deep punch—enough to make me cry. Second chances, forgiveness, loneliness, faith over fear, and the truest meaning of unconditional love.
The banter and chemistry is electric, and you can’t help loving the characters! Plus, Weston’s use of Christmas nicknames for Georgia is hilarious!
It’s a heartwarming & moving holiday story I know I’ll be rereading again & again! 💛
December 30, 2023
Nicole is definitely becoming a favorite author. Her real life trials added to her romances just brings it full circle for me. There's humor with the romantic banter, there's swoon worthy respectful and mature men, and there's depth of character that we all can relate to. The growth through difficult situations and the faith that is accompanied by that growth is an example of how powerful our God is when we give everything to Him and how it testifies of His love and grace. I highly recommend this Christmas Christian romance!
October 7, 2014
**See the original review over on 21st Century Once Upon A Times**
Georgia has her December holidays all planned out.
A remote getaway in the Hawaiian Islands is calling her name and she can hardly wait to take a break from writing clichéd Christmas screenplays. No snow for this girl - bring on the palm trees, sandy beaches and fruity drinks!
The very last place she expects to be for Christmas is Lenox, Oregon.
But when Georgia's grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Lenox's community theater, Georgia finds herself heading back to her hometown for the first time in seven years.
He's known as the Lenox Heartbreaker. To Georgia, he's the man she left behind.
Weston James. Once her childhood friend and crush, he's now the one man Georgia can't forgive...or forget.
But he's also the man she has to work with in order to make the pageant a success.
As the two work side by side, will they be able to overcome the past that divides them? Or will Georgia's fears cause her to miss out on a second chance at love?
Thaw your heart this Christmas with a heartwarming tale that puts true love to the test.
Refreshingly honest and beautifully written, A Cliché Christmas is anything but cliché! Emphasizing the importance of family, love and making memories, it's a book you're going to want to have on your bookshelf these December holidays.
Be prepared to add A Cliche Christmas (and Weston!) to your Christmas list!
My thoughts on the book:
Firstly, I'd like to thank Nicole Deese for the opportunity to read and review her book. Her books are original and touch readers' hearts, and I am honored to have had the chance to read A Cliche Christmas and experience the magic first hand.
Contemporary romance is a tricky genre to write - and to read! Quite honestly, it's a minefield of clichés waiting to happen. Readers, consciously or unconsciously, will pick up a contemporary novel with preconceived ideas as to what is going to happen.
I recently got an email from a bookworm friend of mine. She was inquiring about a contemporary romance I'd read and that she was thinking of reading too. She included a list of elements she wanted to know if the book had in it. These included 'the guy and girl break up' and 'an ex-girlfriend gets between them', among others.
We both agreed that clichés like this are so common in contemporary novels nowadays. It starts to become almost comical how predictable the books' plots are, just by scanning the blurb!
But A Cliché Christmas stands apart.
If you've had the pleasure of reading Nicole Deese's Letting Go series, you'll know that her book plots and characters manage to entertain as well as inform.
A Cliché Christmas is no different.
Although the story carries holiday themes, pageants, hot guys, and drama along the way, you don't find any of it overly familiar. You don't sigh, thinking 'Gees, I wonder where I've read that before?' Because Nicole adds reality into the mix.
Her characters have real problems. They deal with them in real ways.
True, there are happy endings - but life has those, too! Happy endings and magical kisses aren't inherently cliché. Nicole takes these and makes them her own. Her characters come to life on the page and make you laugh, cry...and then laugh and cry some more :)
A few of my fave things about this book:
#1. Weston James
#2. Georgia's matchmaking grandma!
#3. (See #1)
#4. Every single Georgia-meets-Weston moment
#5. (See #1)
#6. Savannah, who is adorable and a total sweetheart <3
#7. The beginning of the book...
#8. The end of the book...
#9. ...and everything in between!
A quick note: A Cliche Christmas is available at Warlmart starting the first week of October!
For those of you who do spot it, if you get the chance to take a 'selfie with a Cliche Christmas' it'd be a great help in spreading the word about this beautiful book.
You can also Tweet your selfies to Nicole Deese's Twitter account. I'm sure she'd love to see them! <3
'Eleven months of the year, I lived in a perpetual state of holly-jolly fanfare. But by the time the first of November rolled around, I was completely Christmased out.Hollywood knows her as the 'Holiday Goddess'. Lenox knows her as Georgia Cole.
I know I sound like a Scrooge to admit such a travesty, but believe me, when you build a career on Christmas cheer and holiday hype, the warm fuzzies of nostalgia fade faster than Hollywood's latest scandal.
(...) Ironically, December was my only month off.'
Georgia has her December holidays all planned out.
A remote getaway in the Hawaiian Islands is calling her name and she can hardly wait to take a break from writing clichéd Christmas screenplays. No snow for this girl - bring on the palm trees, sandy beaches and fruity drinks!
The very last place she expects to be for Christmas is Lenox, Oregon.
But when Georgia's grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Lenox's community theater, Georgia finds herself heading back to her hometown for the first time in seven years.
He's known as the Lenox Heartbreaker. To Georgia, he's the man she left behind.
Weston James. Once her childhood friend and crush, he's now the one man Georgia can't forgive...or forget.
But he's also the man she has to work with in order to make the pageant a success.
As the two work side by side, will they be able to overcome the past that divides them? Or will Georgia's fears cause her to miss out on a second chance at love?
Thaw your heart this Christmas with a heartwarming tale that puts true love to the test.
Refreshingly honest and beautifully written, A Cliché Christmas is anything but cliché! Emphasizing the importance of family, love and making memories, it's a book you're going to want to have on your bookshelf these December holidays.
Be prepared to add A Cliche Christmas (and Weston!) to your Christmas list!
My thoughts on the book:
Firstly, I'd like to thank Nicole Deese for the opportunity to read and review her book. Her books are original and touch readers' hearts, and I am honored to have had the chance to read A Cliche Christmas and experience the magic first hand.
Contemporary romance is a tricky genre to write - and to read! Quite honestly, it's a minefield of clichés waiting to happen. Readers, consciously or unconsciously, will pick up a contemporary novel with preconceived ideas as to what is going to happen.
I recently got an email from a bookworm friend of mine. She was inquiring about a contemporary romance I'd read and that she was thinking of reading too. She included a list of elements she wanted to know if the book had in it. These included 'the guy and girl break up' and 'an ex-girlfriend gets between them', among others.
We both agreed that clichés like this are so common in contemporary novels nowadays. It starts to become almost comical how predictable the books' plots are, just by scanning the blurb!
But A Cliché Christmas stands apart.
If you've had the pleasure of reading Nicole Deese's Letting Go series, you'll know that her book plots and characters manage to entertain as well as inform.
A Cliché Christmas is no different.
Although the story carries holiday themes, pageants, hot guys, and drama along the way, you don't find any of it overly familiar. You don't sigh, thinking 'Gees, I wonder where I've read that before?' Because Nicole adds reality into the mix.
Her characters have real problems. They deal with them in real ways.
True, there are happy endings - but life has those, too! Happy endings and magical kisses aren't inherently cliché. Nicole takes these and makes them her own. Her characters come to life on the page and make you laugh, cry...and then laugh and cry some more :)
A few of my fave things about this book:
#1. Weston James
#2. Georgia's matchmaking grandma!
#3. (See #1)
#4. Every single Georgia-meets-Weston moment
#5. (See #1)
#6. Savannah, who is adorable and a total sweetheart <3
#7. The beginning of the book...
#8. The end of the book...
#9. ...and everything in between!
A quick note: A Cliche Christmas is available at Warlmart starting the first week of October!
For those of you who do spot it, if you get the chance to take a 'selfie with a Cliche Christmas' it'd be a great help in spreading the word about this beautiful book.
You can also Tweet your selfies to Nicole Deese's Twitter account. I'm sure she'd love to see them! <3
January 28, 2022
Normally I’m not a fan of contemporary romance novels. But if I read one, I love when it starts with conflict between the two main characters, and then little by little trust and friendship happens, or returns. In this case it returned…too soon in the book for my liking. There wasn’t enough conflict to make it a good story…until there was. Then…whew!
Georgia Cole was not as likable a character as was Weston James, but she loved her grandmother fiercely, and had compassion for a little girl suffering with cancer, so that softened me toward her… a lot. I appreciated Weston's persistence in his pursuit of Georgia (perhaps a bit pushy, but in an appealing sort of way).
Good, cute "beach read" even with Christmas as the backdrop.
BTW, if you read this book, forget the audio version. I often roll my eyes at narration with too much inflection, sing-songy, or melodramatic tones. This one was just the opposite. Not enough inflection, so the flat voice often didn’t fit conversations. Sadly that may have affected my appreciation of this book. 😑
Georgia Cole was not as likable a character as was Weston James, but she loved her grandmother fiercely, and had compassion for a little girl suffering with cancer, so that softened me toward her… a lot. I appreciated Weston's persistence in his pursuit of Georgia (perhaps a bit pushy, but in an appealing sort of way).
Good, cute "beach read" even with Christmas as the backdrop.
BTW, if you read this book, forget the audio version. I often roll my eyes at narration with too much inflection, sing-songy, or melodramatic tones. This one was just the opposite. Not enough inflection, so the flat voice often didn’t fit conversations. Sadly that may have affected my appreciation of this book. 😑
April 3, 2016
As a huge fan of Hallmark Channel's Christmas movies, to say I was absolutely delighted to know the heroine of this story was a screenwriter of theirs would be putting it mildly! All the little callbacks to those movies just made me grin every time. And the characters? Georgia is awesome! She's been hurt by Weston though, so their relationship moves slowly. But he's determined not to be ignored and I loved how he pursued a friendship first before a romantic relationship. He's got as much on his plate as Georgia, and they both have to work at communicating and opening up their hearts. Watching them find their way is oh so wonderful though, and while the story is based during Christmas, it's one to be enjoyed any time of the year!
July 21, 2019
Overall, a sweet contemporary, but it kept getting distracted from the overall story by lots of kissy feely stuff, so it felt like that was the main focus of the relationship and the inner relationship felt second-place. Also the heroine was often in a poor-me mood and I didn’t like to be around her then, so it took me a couple weeks to read. Overall, I really enjoyed the author’s voice and some of the situations were just too much fun. I’ll definitely be reading more of her books.
Personal gripe: a supposed first-edition copy of Little Women features in the story. Sorry, but the first edition of LW was NOT from 1911. 🤪
Personal gripe: a supposed first-edition copy of Little Women features in the story. Sorry, but the first edition of LW was NOT from 1911. 🤪
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