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Forever Christmas #2
Christmas Kiss
Adelaide Duval has been told how to live her life from a very early age. First by her mother and then by her jerk boyfriend Jason. Both leave her expectantly and now she’s starting over with a new home and a new business. A new romance never crosses her mind.
Roman Bennett leaves his old life behind in the big city and settles into the small town of Glenville.
When he meets Adelaide, his wounded heart is healed with a Christmas Kiss.
Roman Bennett leaves his old life behind in the big city and settles into the small town of Glenville.
When he meets Adelaide, his wounded heart is healed with a Christmas Kiss.
101 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2014
3 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Kleve
73 books169 followersSharon Kleve was born and raised in Washington and currently lives on the Olympic Peninsula with her husband and cat.
Sharon is a best-selling Northwest author who has published twenty-nine stories and they are available in eBook, paperback and published in foreign languages, and on audiobooks. She has hit Amazon’s top fifty ranking and her books have been #1 in sales for contemporary romance, action adventure, and non-fiction animal books.
When not writing, she can usually be found either curled up in her recliner with her cat and a good book, or in the kitchen baking sourdough bread or bagels. Her latest adventure is writing about her love of animals.
Email: sharon.kleve@gmail.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Kleve/e/...
Sharon is a best-selling Northwest author who has published twenty-nine stories and they are available in eBook, paperback and published in foreign languages, and on audiobooks. She has hit Amazon’s top fifty ranking and her books have been #1 in sales for contemporary romance, action adventure, and non-fiction animal books.
When not writing, she can usually be found either curled up in her recliner with her cat and a good book, or in the kitchen baking sourdough bread or bagels. Her latest adventure is writing about her love of animals.
Email: sharon.kleve@gmail.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Kleve/e/...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 4, 2018
A nice sweet story that you really enjoy. You like the characters who are funny and really likeable.
It's kind of what you expect for the season, but you'll really like it. it. so pick up a copy and give it a chance.
It's kind of what you expect for the season, but you'll really like it. it. so pick up a copy and give it a chance.
February 6, 2020
I was very lucky to be selected to receive an Early Reviewers copy of this title from the “Early Reviewer” December 2014 listings. I enjoyed the title as much as my anticipation. First, I love the title, “The Christmas Kiss” as it exudes love and perfectly captures the story of main characters Adelaide Duval and Roman Bennett. As I read this story, I felt as though the chapters were flowing through my imagination in full-color production as exquisite as a Hallmark Channel Holiday movie. As I share that statement, I hope not to elicit any negativity as I share it with the highest compliments to the novella’s author and also to Hallmark.
One of my sheer delights as a reviewer is to share that this romance novella may truly be enjoyed by women and men. The characters of Adelaide and Roman are human and real. The reader gains a glimpse from each character’s perspective as they move forward from the past in a positive way. I hope that readers will not judge that Adelaide’s recovery of her self-confidence and venture into a new relationship or that Roman’s acceptance of Adelaide’s explanation of an incident Roman interpreted in a different way at first sight have each occurred too quickly. I would rather commend Sharon Kleve for using the format of a novella so intricately for an honest and frank portrayal of two adults in recovery. Adelaide is in recovery from a relationship of emotional abuse and Roman is in recovery from a physical injury which necessitated a career change and a relationship that was more surface then depth. It is also very enriching to see the characters surrounded by supportive and encouraging friends.
One of the glimpses that is so realistic and true to the core of understanding relationships and moving forward is to understand that perhaps a phrase, a sentence or a song will be a trigger to a negative memory or a sad memory in someone’s past. A trigger to Adelaide is hearing Roman say something as simple as “We make a good team.” Thankfully Roman is instantly alert to Adelaide’s response and immediately asks the right questions of “Is everything okay? Did I say something wrong?” Adelaide is still frozen in place but Roman persists for Adelaide to open the door to the past by telling him what’s wrong and more importantly listening to her answer. Then he admits an important acknowledgement by saying “I’ve got my share of relationship baggage I carry around too.” I hope that Adelaide and Roman will encourage others that are seeking their self-worth and self-confidence to be open to new possibilities, new beginnings and maybe even the addition of a rescue puppy for the delights of a full life, a life bubbling with love and laughter.
I loved this selection not only for the outstanding story itself but also for the wonderful and beautiful presentation. The presentation begins with a poem entitled, “Heigh Ho, The Holly” by William Shakespeare that I had never been aware. As I love both quotations and poetry, I find it very meaningful when authors have taken the time to include this element in their writing presentation as the poem or quotation helps to set the atmosphere and mood and further engrosses me into the story setting. The discovery of the quotations and poetry also enrich my horizons and stimulate my personal growth in thoughtful reflections during my reading and as the story concludes.
Chefs in the reader audience (and their families and friends invited to taste test) will be thrilled with the inclusion of the Blueberry Stuffed French Toast Recipe. Sharon Kleve shares her personal love of animals and highlights an awesome animal rescue organization that she has had a personal connection in the section entitled, “For the Love of Animals” as she answered the FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) of “why there is some sort of animal in every one of her books”. Additional features include a preview of other stories in the Forever Christmas Series and “About the Author Sharon Kleve”. The last component which I found very welcoming was a brief message from “Books to Go Now” publishing not only to share their vision in representing authors but in welcoming readers to engage in communication. I have read many novels and do not remember a publishing house providing such an engaging welcome directly to the reader. I found it to be the culminating factor in a breath of fresh air in the entire presentation of the novella. I believe this is my first experience with this publishing company and as the example of an overall experience I found it to be very heartwarming in a variety of ways. I highly recommend this novella and look forward to reading other selections by Sharon Kleve. I will also be interested to learn of other authors who have been published by this company which is a direct result of their welcome to readers and not a discovery step to the publishing house of an author that I’ve ever considered prior to this positive experience.
One of my sheer delights as a reviewer is to share that this romance novella may truly be enjoyed by women and men. The characters of Adelaide and Roman are human and real. The reader gains a glimpse from each character’s perspective as they move forward from the past in a positive way. I hope that readers will not judge that Adelaide’s recovery of her self-confidence and venture into a new relationship or that Roman’s acceptance of Adelaide’s explanation of an incident Roman interpreted in a different way at first sight have each occurred too quickly. I would rather commend Sharon Kleve for using the format of a novella so intricately for an honest and frank portrayal of two adults in recovery. Adelaide is in recovery from a relationship of emotional abuse and Roman is in recovery from a physical injury which necessitated a career change and a relationship that was more surface then depth. It is also very enriching to see the characters surrounded by supportive and encouraging friends.
One of the glimpses that is so realistic and true to the core of understanding relationships and moving forward is to understand that perhaps a phrase, a sentence or a song will be a trigger to a negative memory or a sad memory in someone’s past. A trigger to Adelaide is hearing Roman say something as simple as “We make a good team.” Thankfully Roman is instantly alert to Adelaide’s response and immediately asks the right questions of “Is everything okay? Did I say something wrong?” Adelaide is still frozen in place but Roman persists for Adelaide to open the door to the past by telling him what’s wrong and more importantly listening to her answer. Then he admits an important acknowledgement by saying “I’ve got my share of relationship baggage I carry around too.” I hope that Adelaide and Roman will encourage others that are seeking their self-worth and self-confidence to be open to new possibilities, new beginnings and maybe even the addition of a rescue puppy for the delights of a full life, a life bubbling with love and laughter.
I loved this selection not only for the outstanding story itself but also for the wonderful and beautiful presentation. The presentation begins with a poem entitled, “Heigh Ho, The Holly” by William Shakespeare that I had never been aware. As I love both quotations and poetry, I find it very meaningful when authors have taken the time to include this element in their writing presentation as the poem or quotation helps to set the atmosphere and mood and further engrosses me into the story setting. The discovery of the quotations and poetry also enrich my horizons and stimulate my personal growth in thoughtful reflections during my reading and as the story concludes.
Chefs in the reader audience (and their families and friends invited to taste test) will be thrilled with the inclusion of the Blueberry Stuffed French Toast Recipe. Sharon Kleve shares her personal love of animals and highlights an awesome animal rescue organization that she has had a personal connection in the section entitled, “For the Love of Animals” as she answered the FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) of “why there is some sort of animal in every one of her books”. Additional features include a preview of other stories in the Forever Christmas Series and “About the Author Sharon Kleve”. The last component which I found very welcoming was a brief message from “Books to Go Now” publishing not only to share their vision in representing authors but in welcoming readers to engage in communication. I have read many novels and do not remember a publishing house providing such an engaging welcome directly to the reader. I found it to be the culminating factor in a breath of fresh air in the entire presentation of the novella. I believe this is my first experience with this publishing company and as the example of an overall experience I found it to be very heartwarming in a variety of ways. I highly recommend this novella and look forward to reading other selections by Sharon Kleve. I will also be interested to learn of other authors who have been published by this company which is a direct result of their welcome to readers and not a discovery step to the publishing house of an author that I’ve ever considered prior to this positive experience.
November 11, 2014
This is the second book in the Forever Christmas series. Each book will read as a standalone, but are better enjoyed if you read each of them. Welcome to Glenville, WA.
Adelaide Duval has no self confidence after being a victim of verbal abuse from first her mother and then her ex-boyfriend. She agrees along with her three girlfriends to sell their homes and jointly purchase the Schwartz Christmas Tree Farm along with the five houses on the property. Each girl will have a home that will also be set up as a business and the one major building too. Adelaide loves animals and has chickens and wants to add more animals to her mix. Roman Bennett left his job with the forestry service after a fall from a tree that broke his leg in two places. He has come to work at the newly named Forever Christmas tree farm to help with the property, trails and trees. He meets Adelaide when he finds her crying. They become fast friends and start having breakfast and dinner together often and slowly develop a relationship. She even helps him find a puppy now that he isn't in the city. Can Adelaide put the hurt feelings and insecurities behind her and learn to love again. This is a sweet story of two broken souls finding a new beginning.
Adelaide Duval has no self confidence after being a victim of verbal abuse from first her mother and then her ex-boyfriend. She agrees along with her three girlfriends to sell their homes and jointly purchase the Schwartz Christmas Tree Farm along with the five houses on the property. Each girl will have a home that will also be set up as a business and the one major building too. Adelaide loves animals and has chickens and wants to add more animals to her mix. Roman Bennett left his job with the forestry service after a fall from a tree that broke his leg in two places. He has come to work at the newly named Forever Christmas tree farm to help with the property, trails and trees. He meets Adelaide when he finds her crying. They become fast friends and start having breakfast and dinner together often and slowly develop a relationship. She even helps him find a puppy now that he isn't in the city. Can Adelaide put the hurt feelings and insecurities behind her and learn to love again. This is a sweet story of two broken souls finding a new beginning.
December 3, 2014
After buying the Christmas tree farm with her best friends, Adelaide is the owner of "Unexpected Gifts" a shop on the farm that sells ornaments from around the world. She is still trying to recover from a horrible relationship with her ex Jason. He was verbally abusive and constantly telling her she isn't good enough. He manipulated her and took advantage of her kindness. She has very low self esteem and has a hard time thinking anyone could ever find her attractive.
Roman is an arborist that has been hired by the girls at the tree farm to check and make sure that their trees are all healthy and well taken care of. He didn't expect to find such a lovely woman crying in the back of the building. He asks if she is ok and things go from there.
I love the interaction that these 2 characters have together. I love how they help each other heal from their different types of "baggage". The story was sweet, and made me smile. I definitely recommend it as well as the other 3 books in this series.
Roman is an arborist that has been hired by the girls at the tree farm to check and make sure that their trees are all healthy and well taken care of. He didn't expect to find such a lovely woman crying in the back of the building. He asks if she is ok and things go from there.
I love the interaction that these 2 characters have together. I love how they help each other heal from their different types of "baggage". The story was sweet, and made me smile. I definitely recommend it as well as the other 3 books in this series.
November 17, 2014
Adelaide after the breakup with her boyfriend since high school is slowly picking up the pieces of her life. Being verbally abused by her mother and ex boyfriend has left Adelaide struggling putting it all behind her. Roman Bennett is new in town and runs Bennett Tree Service. After inspecting the tress at Forever Christmas he hears someone crying and discovers Adelaide on her back steps. The attraction is instant and slowly Adelaide and Roman start spending time together and falling in love. Until the past rears its ugly head. Adelaide finds herself having to stand up for herself and find happiness with Roman or going back to the way she was treated before.
This is the second book in the Forever Christmas series. It is a short read but lots of attraction. All four women are mentioned and it keeps you up to date on what is going on at Forever Christmas. You just have to love Roman. He is such a sweetheart.
This is the second book in the Forever Christmas series. It is a short read but lots of attraction. All four women are mentioned and it keeps you up to date on what is going on at Forever Christmas. You just have to love Roman. He is such a sweetheart.
December 12, 2015
If looking for to read one that adds to the spirit of Christmas this would be a good one. It is also part of a delightful series that is to me a must read. In this one also the character Adelaide will bring out the protector side of your nature as you read this one. She is one of the friends that have gone and put their all in the farm that will represent or should say having living the spirit of Christmas with mix of other holidays, all year round. Enter in the tree inspector Roman whom also that had a injury that ached at times with this being one of those times when he first meets them. When these two have their meet up i would say it starts out timid at first but as time and confidence grows something special begins to take place. With the other characters and a puppy names Rufus this is another delightful romance to fill your self with warmth. When after a couple of things ocur and they have their first date they will also be given a gift right with it.
November 15, 2014
Loved getting to learn more about Adelaide. Her last relationship was a horrible one which left her with a sense of unworthiness. In preparation for the Christmas Season at the farm, Juliet hires Roman an Arborist to make sure the Trees look good and are healthy, before time to be ready. In A chance meeting while he is there Adelaide and Roman meet and are smitten with each other from the beginning. BUT when the past comes in to the present will she be able to move forward and get her chance to be happy, or will she miss out on her Christmas Kiss? This was a delightful shorter read and I finished it no time as I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolded. I love getting to know the characters in the stories, it brings them to life. If you are looking for great holiday read this series is for you.
November 15, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I can relate to Adelaide wanting to cut her hair. I just had 17 inches cut off my hair (not for the same reason though) because I thought it was time for a change. I could easily relate to Roman with his knee pain since I had knee surgery last year. I loved the fact that the characters were so easy to relate to. I also liked the fact that they didn't have sex after the first two or three meetings as it is in many romance novels.
The one criticism I have is about Adelaide's name. In Chapter 1, she asks Roman for his name but I didn't really see anywhere where she gave him her name. He just seemed to automatically know it which kind of confused me a bit.
Other than that, I loved it and I can't wait to read more of Mrs. Kleve's work!
The one criticism I have is about Adelaide's name. In Chapter 1, she asks Roman for his name but I didn't really see anywhere where she gave him her name. He just seemed to automatically know it which kind of confused me a bit.
Other than that, I loved it and I can't wait to read more of Mrs. Kleve's work!
November 17, 2014
This story focuses on Adelaide who owns Unexpected Gifts a store that sells homemade ornaments from around the world.
The first thing you learn about Adelaide is that she has little self confidence after being in a difficult relationship with her high school boyfriend Jason who constantly criticized her and told her she was boring.
After moving out to the Tree Farm, Adelaide meets Roman Bennett and is attracted to him instantly but still doubts herself. Roman too has been hurt by love but both begin a relationship.
Then something comes up that puts the trust in their relationship to test. Will their new love survive??
This is a very short and enjoyable read that gets us knowing the characters even more! I'm loving this series!
The first thing you learn about Adelaide is that she has little self confidence after being in a difficult relationship with her high school boyfriend Jason who constantly criticized her and told her she was boring.
After moving out to the Tree Farm, Adelaide meets Roman Bennett and is attracted to him instantly but still doubts herself. Roman too has been hurt by love but both begin a relationship.
Then something comes up that puts the trust in their relationship to test. Will their new love survive??
This is a very short and enjoyable read that gets us knowing the characters even more! I'm loving this series!
November 11, 2014
Sweet, Heartwarming, Feel Good Romance!
This second book is another wonderful story in the Forever Christmas series. The heroine is absolutely loveable! After years in a verbally abusive relationship she deserves the kind of man that will treat her with the love and respect she deserves. Roman Bennett may just be that man. He has also had his heart broken and needs someone like Adelaide to help him heal. This is such a sweet, heartwarming, feel good story. One I can highly recommend! And Rufus is the icing on the cake!
This second book is another wonderful story in the Forever Christmas series. The heroine is absolutely loveable! After years in a verbally abusive relationship she deserves the kind of man that will treat her with the love and respect she deserves. Roman Bennett may just be that man. He has also had his heart broken and needs someone like Adelaide to help him heal. This is such a sweet, heartwarming, feel good story. One I can highly recommend! And Rufus is the icing on the cake!
November 17, 2014
I love Kleve's writing style and this time she offers up a great Christmas romance. Roman is a fantastic hero, slightly wounded but looking for love. Her heroine Adelaide isn't looking after getting out of a bad relationship but Roman's kindness brings her around. A sweet story to get you in the mood for the holidays. Oh! and
December 8, 2014
A fabulous contemporary romantic novella to read alone or as part of a box set of 4 must read books by 4 amazing authors!! ... This #2 story is short & sweet, but keeps the reader engaged & the pages turning!! ... Go grab this awesome book right now at a perfect time of year & get started reading- and/or give as a beloved gift to a fellow reader :)
November 21, 2014
Great couple
I love this story and they make the cutest couple and I just love the puppy :) I'm so excited to read more! :)
I love this story and they make the cutest couple and I just love the puppy :) I'm so excited to read more! :)
December 31, 2017
Book 2 in the series. Another great quick HEA Holiday Read... The characters are warm and real... the writing is great. Definitely worth your time...
October 30, 2023
This book could've been longer and was a fun read. There was a mistake in the first chapter where Roman never even asked Adelaide her name but just knew it already, haha.
Also, this book wasn't very Christmasy.
Also, this book wasn't very Christmasy.
February 20, 2016
This is the second book about the four friends who buy a tree farm to help save a small town and follow their dreams. Adelaide had been in an abusive relationship for a decade. She is finally free from the guy who never treated her well and from her mother's demeaning influence.
Adelaide has dreams but never felt she deserved to go after them. It is wonderful she has such supportive friends.
Roman didn't follow his gut instinct before which led to a painful injury and the break up of his romantic relationship. He is learning to trust himself again and pay attention to what he wants in life. When he takes the job at the tree farm he doesn't expect more from the beautiful owners.
There must be something magical about this town.
Clean romance that gives the reader a peaceful feeling of hope.
It can be read as a stand alone.
Adelaide has dreams but never felt she deserved to go after them. It is wonderful she has such supportive friends.
Roman didn't follow his gut instinct before which led to a painful injury and the break up of his romantic relationship. He is learning to trust himself again and pay attention to what he wants in life. When he takes the job at the tree farm he doesn't expect more from the beautiful owners.
There must be something magical about this town.
Clean romance that gives the reader a peaceful feeling of hope.
It can be read as a stand alone.
December 12, 2014
This was a short story (it took me under 30 minutes to read) that I just didn't connect with. Everything happens really quickly. Adelaide spends most of the story crying about how awful her ex-boyfriend Jason (who she dated for YEARS) was to her, yet she falls in love with Roman in two weeks time.
Even in a story this short it seemed like there was a lot of filler, about what they are making for dinner, clothes shopping, picking a new pet...
There just wasn't enough focus on the growing relationship between Adelaide and Roman, and I didn't feel like I got to know them very well.
Lastly, though it was supposed to be a Christmas story, it had very little to do with Christmas, other than Adelaide owning an ornament shop.
Even in a story this short it seemed like there was a lot of filler, about what they are making for dinner, clothes shopping, picking a new pet...
There just wasn't enough focus on the growing relationship between Adelaide and Roman, and I didn't feel like I got to know them very well.
Lastly, though it was supposed to be a Christmas story, it had very little to do with Christmas, other than Adelaide owning an ornament shop.
February 22, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a swoon-worthy book! The story starts off with sweet girl Adelaide, who has been in a very hazardous relationship with a jerk called Jason, who destroyed her self confidence. Then comes in handsome but hurt hero, Roman Bennet, with his equal share of painful past. When these two meet, sparks fly in a festive season!
I love the bringing in a puppy part of the story so much! It's really amazing how the author tries to bring in an animal in all of her writing.
But altogether, this is very sweet and beautiful, love story!
This is a swoon-worthy book! The story starts off with sweet girl Adelaide, who has been in a very hazardous relationship with a jerk called Jason, who destroyed her self confidence. Then comes in handsome but hurt hero, Roman Bennet, with his equal share of painful past. When these two meet, sparks fly in a festive season!
I love the bringing in a puppy part of the story so much! It's really amazing how the author tries to bring in an animal in all of her writing.
But altogether, this is very sweet and beautiful, love story!
January 22, 2015
Christmas Kiss was a short but sweet Christmas story. The story jumped in and was a little rushed for a romance to unfold, though the story line was warm and enjoyable. I found myself in one part getting caught up in one part that almost made me upset with the character jumping to conclusions. This part was only dwell upon for a moment and all was well. For me to get caught up emotionally in the book it had some well written parts.
I would have rated it higher if it had a little more depth and not quite so rushed. She is a good author.
I would have rated it higher if it had a little more depth and not quite so rushed. She is a good author.
November 24, 2014
This is a very short sweet story. I really enjoyed reading it.
Small town Adelaide is heart broken and damaged from a past relationship and Roman comes in and sweeps her off her feet. Like I said a very sweet and short story.
Small town Adelaide is heart broken and damaged from a past relationship and Roman comes in and sweeps her off her feet. Like I said a very sweet and short story.
November 10, 2014
Sweet
Another sweet book in the series. The storyline was great and clean. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Another sweet book in the series. The storyline was great and clean. I look forward to reading more in this series.
November 16, 2014
This was a sweet and romantic read. It had me laughing at times. I liked all the characters and enjoyed the story.
January 14, 2016
Once again an awesome read. Book 2 of 4. This one was about Adelaid/Roman. All 4 friends are finding love as well their own self. Love these books.
December 28, 2016
Christmas Kiss review
Christmas Kiss is the second short romance in the Forever Christmas series written by four different authors. This one is written by Sharon Kleve.
Christmas Kiss is the second short romance in the Forever Christmas series written by four different authors. This one is written by Sharon Kleve.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews