This Christmas

This Summer #1.5

by Katlyn Duncan

This year, if Hadley wrote her dream Christmas list, it would go something like this:

1. Spend every waking – and sleeping – moment with her incredibly gorgeous boyfriend, Will.

2. Figure out what’s been bugging him lately. Yes, going away to college has been tough…but it’s time they reconnected.

3. Enjoy a sparkling Christmas in New York City, gazing at the Rockefeller tree, going ice skating, and drinking steaming mugs of cocoa in Central Park.

So, driving off to spend Christmas in a rustic cabin in the woods wasn’t exactly the plan. But when it comes to her irresistible, and at times, impossible boyfriend, nothing’s ever that simple. And as fantasies of an icy Times Square are replaced by a clumsily decorated tree, making snowmen and the warmth of a log fire, Hadley feels herself falling in love all over again.

Except does Will have something to tell her that could change Hadley’s happily-ever-after Christmas dreams into a not-so-winter wonderland after all?

Don't miss this festive sequel novella to This Summer

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2014

About the author

Katlyn Duncan is a multi-published author of adult and young adult fiction, and has ghostwritten over 40 novels for children and adults.

When she’s not writing, she’s obsessing over many (many) television series’, and hanging out on YouTube where she shares her writing process and all the bookish things.

Keep up with Katlyn by subscribing to her newsletter: www.katlynduncan.com/newsletter.

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Christmas is a novella that follows characters from Katlyn Duncan's novel called This Summer.
It takes us on a Christmas vacation with Hadley and Will.

I haven't read the full lenght novel, but I thought this could be a quick read that would satisfy my craving for Christmas stories.
I honestly believe that, if I read This Summer, I would enjoy this novella so much more.

The story was solid, nothing special, but it was a good entertaiment.

I thin kthat the characters argued too many times, considering the amount of pages of this read.

The writing style is okay, it reads easily, and the story is written in first person, following Hadley's POV.

If you want give This Christmas a try, I would suggest you to read first, because I truly believe that, in that case, you will enjoy This Christmas more.

[Christina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This novella was sent to me in exchange for my honest review**

I really enjoyed this story, and I haven't read this first book THIS SUMMER. This book is a novella that comes after the first book in the series, but I found that out after the fact. But in spite of that knowledge, I still found myself enjoying the cute story that this was.

The lead characters, Hadley and Will, go away for the holidays to a little cabin in the woods to rekindle their relationship. I think because this is a holiday story, I tend to enjoy a lot of cheesy love fests, and while this story didn't really overdo the romance, I think I would have excused it even if that was the case.

Hadley is trying to figure out whatever is wrong with Will and I think that having no context to their relationship DID hurt a little bit, so I do recommend reading THIS SUMMER before this novella, but I was still about to infer a lot of what was going on. I'm glad that Duncan gave a bit of back story to these two.

I don't have much to say in terms of the structure of the story, mainly because it just made me feel good. That's what I think this story was meant to do. There's nothing really too deep about it, which isn't a bad thing at all. In fact, I've come to really love and appreciate stories that can become something without having too much. Granted, Will does have a bit of issue to deal with, but it's nothing that's unpredictable or too dramatic.

Neither of the characters annoyed me or felt unbelievable. Will did make me cringe every now and then, mainly because I thought he was unnecessarily acting like a jerk, but it didn't last long. I thought the relationship between Hadley and Will was adorable. And I definitely enjoyed how flawed Hadley appeared to be. She gets herself into a few situations in this story that make you chuckle.

Overall, I thought this story was a fun read. It's a nice extension to what I assume is an equally adorable first book.

[***Cheryl*** · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great little novella follow up to This Summer which I read earlier in the year. Will and Hadley are now living in New York but they having a rough time with their relationship. Will seems distracted and Hadley is worried for their relationship. When Hadley and Will are offered the opportunity to spend Christmas at a log cabin away from New York. The pair pack there things and go away will the hope of saving their relationship.



This was a great short sweet Christmas read. I love Christmas themed books and this one didn’t disappoint. It was good to catch up with Will and Hadley and I hope that we get to see more of them in the future.



Overall a great a sweet, fun holiday read.


*I received a review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley and Will head out to a romantic log cabin over the festive season. A real christmassy feeling fills this short story. Decorating the tree, hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire, christmas music playing. Can she help Will find joy in the magic of Christmas again? They get away from the busy life in New York and rediscover the simple relaxing life. A lovely book. This is a sequel to This Summer- and I'm keen to read that one now.

Many thanks to Carina Uk and NetGalley for the chance to read this one.

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley and Will are having rough time in their relationship. They thought it was a good idea to head out for a secluded cabin to spend holiday. Things didn't go as expected at first but then everything fell into place...
A beautifully written novella. Best for holiday reading. It was a sweet and adorable story. I loved both Hadley and Will. I think it is must read on "This Christmas"...
P.S. I recieved a copy for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun lighthearted read.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

This Christmas is the festive novella sequel to This Summer, continuing the romance story of Hadley and Will. Although you don’t necessarily need to have read This Summer first, I think you’d get a better reading experience if you did because there are a few references back that I understood, because I’ve read the first book, but not everyone will pick up on. In This Christmas, Hadley’s finals are over and she’s looking forward to spending her first Christmas in a relationship with Will – although his Scrooge-like mentality seems to be stopping any sense of fun she had. Concerned that Will was only interested in her for a summer romance, Hadley is determined to get their relationship back on track by putting a smile back on his face and helping him enjoy Christmas.

I liked This Christmas a lot more than the first book in the series. It didn’t have many twists or surprises but it didn’t need them either – it was cute and light-hearted and an easy read to put you in the Christmas spirit. Hadley’s character has won me over a lot more now and where in book one I was all about Will, I think I actually preferred her here. She was more feisty and willing to stand up to Will when he was being inexplicably moody and she felt a lot more fun here too, without taking herself too seriously. This Christmas was all about the story of Hadley and Will, so I was a little worried I wouldn’t connect with the Christmas theme as much as I’d like to because for me, Christmas is about being surrounded by your family. But I was wrong because I loved how Katlyn wrote in Hadley’s text messages and communication with her parents and Ethan. I really enjoy reading about Hadley’s family because they actually get along unlike quite a lot of New Adult books which seem to think all teenagers hate their family. Hadley’s family’s involvement was written in perfectly to allow the focus to still be on Will and Hadley yet contribute more to the festive feel of the novel because not many people of Hadley’s age would be away from their family at this time of year.

I loved the format to this book and how the chapters are all a countdown to Christmas Day. As the countdown gets shorter, the festivities increase and though at first I thought Will’s bad mood meant I wasn’t going to get much of a festive feel from the novella, I was proved wrong again. From putting up the Christmas tree and exchanging presents to Christmas carols and turkey, This Christmas had a lovely build-up of components to make it a happy time of a year for a young and in-love couple. There was even a snowball fight which I thought kept in fitting with the ages of both characters. My only issue with this book was how abruptly it ended, and it was way too quick. The ending was cute and actually fitting but the whole book was leading up to Christmas day, surely, with the chapter names and how hard Hadley was working at getting Will to have a good time on the day. So I thought it could have been worked differently because without offering spoilers, the Christmas Day chapter wasn’t even needed it was over that quickly. It was a shame that this book felt cut short because really, it was charming and endearing throughout and a delightful Christmas read. Through their ups and downs, Hadley and Will have me constantly smiling – they’re such a sweet couple and I’m hoping I get to read more from them both soon. If you like your Christmas stories short and sweet, This Christmas definitely needs adding to your list!


*Book received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net** 
3.5/5

This Christmas is a follow up novella to the first book in the This Summer series, This Summer. I really enjoyed this summer, and I love holiday themed novellas, so I was super excited to get to check in with Hadley and Will for some holiday fun. This Christmas is a super quick read, and it surprised me because it didn't start out the way I expected. At all. I am not going to spoil anything, but I will say that I expected it to be some cute Christmas fluff, but it was a little heavier than that. I ended up loving this more realistic feeling tone. This Christmas wavers between Young Adult and New Adult. I think it ended up on more of the New Adult side.

Hadley and Will have been a couple for a couple of months now and something is up with them. I really liked what Katlyn Duncan did because it is something that I have seen couples do a million times. Girl notices something is up with boy. Girl thinks it has to do with thing "A" (which most of the time is something about Girl). When in actuality boy is upset about thing "B". Or "C", or "D". But you would have no idea at all, because he doesn't say anything. So when This Christmas started, I just kept thinking "What the heck is up with Will??" And that is all you are getting. Read the book and find out for yourself.

I loved how into all things Christmas Hadley was. And I don't blame her at all. If I was in New York City around the holidays, I would be at the Rockefeller center tree all the time too! She was beyond adorable in this book. Her excitement about Christmas was totally infectious and got me in the mood for the holidays.

This Christmas is a perfect follow up to This Summer . I love that it lets you peek back in on Will and Hadley, and I am super excited to see that the This Summer series will continue. I think I can see what the next book will center around. We got a little peak into some of the things coming up for Will and Hadley, and we met a new character so maybe she will make an appearance in the next book as well. If you like holiday novellas and you have read This Summer , This Christmas is a fun follow up read. You should read this one after reading This Summer though for context on the characters.

 This review was originally posted on Book Briefs

[K.L. Berger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I første omgang overraskede det mig faktisk hvor kort denne historie var. Jeg læste jo This summer tidligere i år, og jeg havde ligesom godt fanget at dette var en fortsættelse. Det var bare ikke før efter at jeg læste den, at jeg tjekkede op på seneste nyt omkring titlen og så tilføjelsen 1.5. Jeg havde antaget at den ville have samme længde som sin forgænger, men nej.

Men når man lige tager højde for at det er en julenovelle, fremfor en decideret bog, så var det en ganske sød historie. Hist og her var der hints til hvad der skete i This summer, men det var nu ikke fordi man behøvede have bogen i hel frisk erindring eller noget. Jeg kunne – hånden på hjertet – huske måske 1 % af forgængeren, og jeg gik altså ikke glip af noget undervejs i denne omgang.

Hadley og Will er stadig sammen, livet er gået videre og der er måske begyndt at gå lidt hverdag i deres forhold, hvor Hadley har travlt med college og Will med sit job. Da de får chancen for at holde jul i Wills stedsøsters fars hytte i bjergene, takker de ja og tager af sted. Hadley er stærkt opsat på at skabe den perfekte jul for Will og Will … Ja, det vides ikke helt hvad han er med på, sådan lige med det samme.

Jeg må indrømme at jeg savnede Wills synspunkt denne gang. Hele bogen er fortalt med Hadleys fortællerstemme, hvilket gjorde den lidt enerverende, da jeg egentlig mest opfattede hende som lidt for nævenyttig og egocentreret i denne omgang. Der var lidt for meget overflod af mig-mig-mig mentaliteten og Will, synes jeg, trådte for meget i baggrunden. Derfor havde det været klædeligt lige at lade ham fortælle lidt også, så der var kommet mere balance i tingene. Det tror jeg egentlig også kunne have skabt større spænding i hvad han gik og tumlede med. Samtidig synes jeg at det havde klædt bogen lidt bedre, hvis ikke både stedsøster, bjerghytte med mere havde været totalt nyt som læseren. I virkeligheden kunne denne bog lige så godt have været totalt selvstændig og om helt andre personer. Der var ikke den store genkendelse over noget af det.

This Christmas er en sød kort julefortælling uden de store svinkeærinder eller armbevægelser. Den er let tilgængelig, hurtig at læse og giver en nuttet lille historie, men man blæses ikke omkuld af hverken kærlighed eller julesne.

Læs alle anmeldelser her

[Mehsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, yes, I should have read the first book first. I was planning on that, but I just wanted to have a book fitting for a winter afternoon, and this book seemed just perfect for that purpose.

I can honestly say that I am not looking forward to reading the first book. The relationship in this book felt awkward and fake, I didn't once feel a spark between these characters and I had the feeling that they were friends. How they act towards each other, the huge differences between them, the conflicts (just in a few days they had various conflicts about stuff) and a few other things. I just didn't believe in the romance. And when the romance happened I didn't care for it any more.

Our main character was interesting, but I didn't like her that much. I felt she was spoiled. Too spoiled. I mean seriously, 3/4 boxes of presents? Hold on, what? How rich is your family. Why didn't you even think of your boyfriend? Why did you even think he would also have a bunch of presents. Why (if you are so rich) did you only give him some dvd. Come on girl, give him some more presents, maybe something better than some dvd. Yes, I know he wanted that dvd and he was happy, but it just felt disproportional.

I didn't like the guy at all. I am not sure what he did in his life, or what happened in his life. But I found him a dick. He was grouchy a lot of time, angry at his girlfriend and a lot more other things. I just kept waiting for him to go away or break it up.

All in all, I am very disappointed with this book. It had some good parts, but mainly bad and bleh parts. Maybe I should have read the first book first, but really, if the relationship in this book is an indicator of how it will be in in the first book, then I am not willing to invest my time in it. I would rather read about relationships about people that MATCH and that have a spark.

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This is a festive sequel to This Summer; it definitely can be read as a standalone.

We catch up with Will and Hadley who are trying to reconnect after spending time apart with Hadley’s busy college schedule. They had plans of an NYC festive filled Christmas taking in all the sights but plans change and they decide on a cabin that belongs to Will’s stepdad. While Hadley loves the cozy small town fill of it, Will has been less than in the Christmas spirit. Nothing it seems that Hadley does can make him happy, making her Christmas less than bright she wanted this time with Will to be magical even choosing him over her family to spend the holidays with. She knows that Will never had many Christmas memories growing up so she takes it upon herself to make this one special.


I loved these characters from This Summer so I was so happy when I saw there was a Christmas novella. However I must admit I was a little mad at Will in the beginning. I was like where's my Will that I fell in love with? This guy was all sour and gloomy I didn’t like him one bit! But as the story went on I totally understood why he was the way he was. Can’t expect someone who never had a very merry Christmas in his life to be full of jolly now can you? This is why I’ve loved this couple from the start. They balance each other out so well you can’t help but fall them, they bring out the best of each other. They are always trying to help the other before themselves. This is one read that is bound to break the shells of the meanest Scrooges out there.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This Christmas is an incredibly short, but very easy to read short story, about Hadley and Will's Christmas. It may not have been the Christmas that Hadley was originally dreaming of spending with Will, but when they are offered the use of a rustic cabin, out of town, they can't resist it.

After a busy few months they are in need of spending some quality time together. So why is Will acting weird and should Hadley be worried about their future.

This Christmas is a sequel to This Summer, which I haven't read. I think this can be read as a standalone, and its a quick snapshot into their life. I do feel though that I would have enjoyed it a lot more had I read the first book.

There is no real depth to the characters, which I know is hard to achieve in such a small page count, and I was very surprised to see the book finish on 73%. I have a feeling this was meant as a sequel and that I should have taken the time to read This Summer first.

It does though give me an insight into the author's writing which I did enjoy, but I just got the feeling that it could have been better. This Christmas will definitely though leave you feeling more Christmassy than when you start reading it.

A very likeable Christmas short story, and I would be happy to have the opportunity to read more of Katyln Duncan in the future to see what she can do properly.

Thank you to Katlyn Duncan for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

[Nicci · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I requested this book for review I was unaware of two things: it is a short story and it is a follow-on to a previous book.
The fact that it was a short story wasn't a problem, I enjoy nice quick reads that I can inhale in an hour or so, and with this book the fact that it was so short was a boon!
What was a problem was the fact that it was a follow on to another book featuring these characters. Having not read the previous book I was unaware of the back-story of the characters and I was not already emotionally invested in them which I believe you'd need to be to give a crap about the events in this book as I don't think that any real effort was made in this for an uninformed reader to get to know the characters or time to give a toot about them.
It felt like it was aimed at existing readers, not at new readers. There was no depth or great detail. It was just "here is a girl, here is her boyfriend, off they go to a cabin, drama queen moment, drama king moment, random friend mention, smooches, all's well, the end" with snow and a Christmas tree thrown in because it's set at Christmas and there kind of has to be.
As you've no doubt picked up on, I wasn't a fan and I don't recommend this unless you have read the previous book, in which case you'll probably enjoy the update.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Summer was one of my favorite books I read this summer (haha, no pun intended!) so I was thrilled to see This Christmas up on NetGalley – I had no idea there was a novella, let alone a CHRISTMAS novella!

I was really excited to see how Hadley and Will were making out in New York. While I loved, LOVED the ending of This Summer I really wanted to know what happened with their romance and future.

Well… it wasn’t the delightful romance I was expecting. Hadley and Will haven’t been spending a lot of time together because of Hadley’s schoolwork and Will’s work so they decide to go away to a cabin in the woods for Christmas, just the two of them.

There is a lot of conflict that takes place between the two of them. I couldn’t stand it and just wanted to shake the two of them! I loved seeing more of Will and Hadley, but I wasn’t swept away by this continuation.

It did end nicely, but AHH… so not where I thought the story was going. I can’t say too much because it would defeat the purpose of reading the story, but I totally thought we were building up to a different ending. Ah well.

I hope I get to see more of these two in the future, but with the lovely, sweet romance I was expecting from This Summer!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Will and Hadley after they both go to New York. This semester has been so busy that Hadley and Will haven’t seen each other much. Or should I say they haven’t made time for each other with their busy schedules. Will has also been a little on the quiet side and something is bothering him.So when Hadley finds a girl in Will’s apartment, things need to change. The girl is Will’s stepsister and she recommends they go to the family’s cabin for Christmas.

The cabin sounds so cozy in the book; I wished I could be there too! There is snow, real Christmas, music, pine cones, baking and a funny turkey cooking story as well. It is just the right amount of cozy and alone time and time for them to talk, play and reminisce their childhood Christmases.

You really should read This Summer first to understand somethings about Will and his family dynamics. His growing up years made him a little Scrooge like. Hadley is determined to fix that!

This is a short and sweet story with some real talk about making things work and compromising in relationships and of course one on one time all couples need.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading This Christmas. This novella is the sequel to This Summer, and is full of Christmas themes! A cabin in the woods, snowball fights, picking out and decorating a Christmas tree…

With the holidays approaching, Hadley and Will are finally going to spent some much-needed time together. Hadley has a lot of insecurities about her relationship with Will, and she hopes spending Christmas Break together is just what they need to get back on track. But old insecurities, moodiness and misunderstandings put an edge on the festivities. Hadley wants more than anything to make Will's Christmas a special one.

I think I would have enjoyed This Christmas more had I read This Summer first. I wasn’t totally lost, but I think I would have understood Will's moodiness more. Being a novella, it was a quick read and festive for the holidays! Now, I would like to get to know Hadley and Will more by reading This Summer!


FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC e-copy of the story from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Copy provided by NetGalley*

If you are a fan of short romantic getaways and if you love Christmas (who doesn't?) then you will easy fall in love in this short festive novella. I haven't read the first part, This Summer, but that didn't stop me from enjoying Will and Hadley's love story. The action starts in Will's apartment where Hadley finds another woman. It's not what anyone would think, but adds some spice to the classic romance. As the story goes, Hadley and Will are spending Christmas in a cottage. It is very easy to get into the festive mood with the two of them. Even the snow falls, and the snow fights are very contagious. The novella is well written, there is a different part of the story for every single day, which reminds me of a diary. What to say more and not spoil the whole thing? However, it is lovely short story for a perfect Christmassy getaway.

My opinion : 3.5 / 5

[Gabbie (Rampant Readers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christmas was a novella that takes place after This Summer. I enjoyed This Summer so I was curious to read This Christmas. This novel picks up the Christmas after This Summer, so Hadley and Will have been dating for a little while. They’re off to spend Christmas in a rustic cabin. I thought that This Christmas was an incredibly cute winter read. It wasn’t, however, what I would consider fluffy. There was a bit of drama and Will was acting weird for a while, which of course, was concerning for their still-new relationship. I enjoyed how festive Hadley was. It was absolutely adorable. Will was a bit broody for the holidays, but all turned out well. It was a nice little peak back at the couple of This Summer that got me in the holiday spirit got me excited for whatever Katlyn Duncan writes next.

[Sharrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of This Christmas for an honest review.

Will and Hadley have moved to New York and have started building their relationship as more than the friends they once were. Hadley’s finally done with finals and she’s more than ready to spend time with Will.

However, something seems to be bothering Will and Hadley isn’t sure what to do until his sister suggests going to the family cabin. Now they’re heading out for a week together.

Hadley’s hoping getting away will help Will find the Christmas spirit.

This Christmas is a cute novella that is perfect for the upcoming holidays. Hadley’s character is still growing as well as Will. They learn to confide in each other more which makes their Christmas even better.

Full blog post with giveaway Here!

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I received this book via Netgalley last year but I have only just had a chance to read it.

I didn't know this book was a sequel when I decided to read it. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book.

This book follows Hadley and Will as they take a trip to a snowy rustic cabin for Christmas.  It's a lovely festive read with a real feel good factor. Definitely perfect for this time of year.

[Sienna Logan (Lost to Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews at http://losttobooks.blogspot.com

This Christmas was a sweet, adorable read. It was a short festive book that gets you in the mood for Christmas and puts a smile on your face most of the way through. I will admit that I didn't understand everything as I only just found out this is 1.5 in the series, so certain references were lost on me. However I liked the characters and the relationship. Overall it was an easy, feel-good read.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This review was based on an electronic ARC provided by netgalley**

[Stacy Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

See full review @ http://geeksinhighschool.com/?p=2541

[Jordin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating 3.5/5