What do you think?
Rate this book
Home for Christmas
Alone and on the run, Ginny is desperate to stay one step ahead of danger while still trying to protect her sister and her sister's boys.
Forced from her home and holding the key to a horrible secret, Ginny is haunted by her memories and pursued by a man who will stop at nothing to regain his control over her.
The appearance of a mysterious man in her time of greatest need forces Ginny to decide whether she will take the chance to trust this handsome stranger.
Forced from her home and holding the key to a horrible secret, Ginny is haunted by her memories and pursued by a man who will stop at nothing to regain his control over her.
The appearance of a mysterious man in her time of greatest need forces Ginny to decide whether she will take the chance to trust this handsome stranger.
150 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2014
122 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read
About the author
Emme Rollins
18 books1,158 followersEmme Rollins is a NEW YORK TIMES Bestselling Author of New Adult/Mature Young Adult fiction. She’s been writing since she could hold a crayon and still chews her pen caps to a mangled plastic mess. She did not, however, eat paste as a kid.
She has two degrees, a bachelor’s and a master’s, one of which she’s still paying for, but neither of which she uses out in the “real world,” because when she isn’t writing, she spends her time growing an organic garden to feed her husband and children (and far too many rabbits and deer!) where they live on twenty gorgeous forested acres in rural Michigan.
She loves tending her beehives and keeping up with her daily yoga practice and going for long walks in the woods with her boxer dog, who loves chasing squirrels almost as much as Emme loves writing!
Emme loves hearing from fans, so feel free to use the contact page on her site to connect with her. (www.emmerollins.com)
She has two degrees, a bachelor’s and a master’s, one of which she’s still paying for, but neither of which she uses out in the “real world,” because when she isn’t writing, she spends her time growing an organic garden to feed her husband and children (and far too many rabbits and deer!) where they live on twenty gorgeous forested acres in rural Michigan.
She loves tending her beehives and keeping up with her daily yoga practice and going for long walks in the woods with her boxer dog, who loves chasing squirrels almost as much as Emme loves writing!
Emme loves hearing from fans, so feel free to use the contact page on her site to connect with her. (www.emmerollins.com)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 12, 2015
I give one star only to show I read this. So it goes a little like this, protective big sis is raped and beaten by step dad, leaves little sister to live alone with him. Little sister is gang raped by step dad and his buddies, one of which is her sisters husband. She runs away, is homeless and finds herself being watched over by an old acquaintance who happened to have a crush on her. More bad things happen, the crush rescues her, killing her rapist step dad, sisters husband and yes, his own father. He takes her home to his bed and after at least a week or two of being around her for the first time in 5 or so years, gives her his mothers diamond( ya know, the engagement ring from his father, who raped her). No regrets, no, um, it was your father who raped me and you shot in the head......Really!?!? I mean, I really!!!! Just too much to believe that could ever happen and no one goes a bit crazy., much less lives happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
There is absolutely nothing Christmas Holiday about this book. What happened to these two sisters at the hands of their disgusting stepfather AND HIS FRIENDS, had me so enraged I wanted to kill.
Those pigs should have been up under the jail, but guess what they are law abiding cops! Poor Ginny had to sleep on the street and the dangers that poor girl had to duck and dodge still breaks my heart. "SHE WAS TIRED OF BEING SO AFRAID ALL THE TIME."
And when Ginny's hero does show up, will she be able to trust him to finally help her? (I am sorry I read this book).
December 29, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Home for Christmas was a fun Christmas suspense. Ginny is homeless, living on the streets trying to stay warm at night and find food during the day. She has her places she can hang out and be warm during the day, but nighttime is still hard. She is on the run, trying to stay hidden from her step-father.
Ginny didn't run far, but hopefully far enough. She has been sticking around because her sister is at a women's shelter with her two sons. She can't leave them, at least not until after Christmas. They are the only family she has.
When Ginny realizes there is a guy following her she is a bit creeped out. This is one part of the story that was not as believable. If she were really so afraid of people finding her, of trusting anyone, it didn't seem like she wouldn't have just trusted Nick like she did, but it was a fun read so I just didn't focus on it.
Through the story you start getting glimpse of what happened to Ginny and how horrible Brody is. You also get more info on who else is involved and some pretty terrible things almost happen. Ginny has a lot to deal with, but Nick is there for her and whatever she needs. Even though she has a dark past Nick wants to give her a bright future for Christmas. A fun, suspenseful holiday read.
Home for Christmas was a fun Christmas suspense. Ginny is homeless, living on the streets trying to stay warm at night and find food during the day. She has her places she can hang out and be warm during the day, but nighttime is still hard. She is on the run, trying to stay hidden from her step-father.
Ginny didn't run far, but hopefully far enough. She has been sticking around because her sister is at a women's shelter with her two sons. She can't leave them, at least not until after Christmas. They are the only family she has.
When Ginny realizes there is a guy following her she is a bit creeped out. This is one part of the story that was not as believable. If she were really so afraid of people finding her, of trusting anyone, it didn't seem like she wouldn't have just trusted Nick like she did, but it was a fun read so I just didn't focus on it.
Through the story you start getting glimpse of what happened to Ginny and how horrible Brody is. You also get more info on who else is involved and some pretty terrible things almost happen. Ginny has a lot to deal with, but Nick is there for her and whatever she needs. Even though she has a dark past Nick wants to give her a bright future for Christmas. A fun, suspenseful holiday read.
December 10, 2014
Being that this is the first Emme Rollins book I've ever read, I can honestly say I was thoroughly surprised and delighted by this book. The story itself was very heartbreaking and talks about events that are all to real happening on a day to day basis. Ginny is a young lady essentially on the run and forced to live on the streets. Unfortunately she suffered abuse from her guardian which pushed her to run away, because no one would help her or probably believe her about what was going on. So this story talks a lot about what she has to do to survive and how hard it is. As the story progresses Ginny has to face these wicked men again, but this time she's not all alone. She has Nick to lean on, if she can trust him.
This is definitely an adult story, there are some more descriptive scenes talking about abuse and rape. So be warned if you have a hard time with these types of subjects.
I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.
This is definitely an adult story, there are some more descriptive scenes talking about abuse and rape. So be warned if you have a hard time with these types of subjects.
I received this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.
December 11, 2015
A Gruesome Christmas
The story was gruesome but had a happy ending I guess. I don't like to read about sexual abuse especially involving minors a and I don't like books about dirty cops. This book had it all. I guess it was we written.
The story was gruesome but had a happy ending I guess. I don't like to read about sexual abuse especially involving minors a and I don't like books about dirty cops. This book had it all. I guess it was we written.
December 14, 2015
Not a bad book, not bad at all. But I thought the sex scene was uncalled for. I think if a young woman would've gone through the stuff that the heroine did, it would put her off sex for a while...
December 27, 2015
I can't believe this book has almost a 4-star rating. It was completely unbelievable and frankly incredibly gross as a Christmas read.
January 28, 2016
Great
I could not put it down! What Ginny goes
Through and survives is amazing! Very well written. Need to read more
I could not put it down! What Ginny goes
Through and survives is amazing! Very well written. Need to read more
January 2, 2020
A Real Page Turner
Ginny is homeless, sleeping on the streets and eating out of garbage cans. But that's the least of her worries. Getting found is the worst thing that can happen to her. How much harm and abuse can one girl handle? Ginny's strength is because she worries about her sister and her two nephews. Alone, she fights a day to day battle. Then along comes Nick. Can she trust him? Does she have a choice? I couldn't put this book down!
Ginny is homeless, sleeping on the streets and eating out of garbage cans. But that's the least of her worries. Getting found is the worst thing that can happen to her. How much harm and abuse can one girl handle? Ginny's strength is because she worries about her sister and her two nephews. Alone, she fights a day to day battle. Then along comes Nick. Can she trust him? Does she have a choice? I couldn't put this book down!
January 8, 2023
It is a well written story, it was just a little too raw for my personal taste, so it is a 2 stars for me but not necessarily for everyone out there. The other downside of it was the ending did not convince me that much, everything fell into place in a rather easy way taking into account the big mess it all was, I don't want to give a lot of spoilers but trust came too easy between the two leads.. I believe love can save the day, but it needs time to grow...
December 16, 2016
This book is not your typical Christmas book. It will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and turning the pages as fast as you can read them. Nick is a life saver. Maggie and Ginny had a hard life growing up, but they loved each other regardless. I loved this book. It puts into perspective what Christmas and love should really be about.
January 7, 2017
You can't judge a person by their profession
Yes, it was a little "dark", but not overly so. I very much enjoyed this book.It shows that sometimes people aren't what we expect them to be, but you also can't lump all people of one group or profession into a stereotype. People can surprise us.
Yes, it was a little "dark", but not overly so. I very much enjoyed this book.It shows that sometimes people aren't what we expect them to be, but you also can't lump all people of one group or profession into a stereotype. People can surprise us.
August 19, 2017
Really enjoyed this book!
This was the first time I've read this author, but it won't be the last. She wasa so descriptive of Ginny's circumstances that I felt like I was there beside her and my heart went out to her. Would has been interesting to have Nick's POV and his thoughts throughout the book, but this was a great read! No cliffhanger :-)
This was the first time I've read this author, but it won't be the last. She wasa so descriptive of Ginny's circumstances that I felt like I was there beside her and my heart went out to her. Would has been interesting to have Nick's POV and his thoughts throughout the book, but this was a great read! No cliffhanger :-)
December 15, 2017
The inclusion of a sex scene in this book made it completely unbelievable.
February 28, 2018
Good Read
Not your typical romance book
There was mystery drama a d love. I enjoyed reading this book. The story line was new and different.
Not your typical romance book
There was mystery drama a d love. I enjoyed reading this book. The story line was new and different.
September 9, 2020
I loved this book even though the content was sometimes very harsh and scary. The author handled it all very well and managed to throw in a lititle romance and it all ended well.
December 20, 2014
Full of Emotion!
This story pulls you in right from the beginning, and takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions...and very few of them are good.
Ginny is eighteen, on the run, and hiding from her stepfather and a life of brutal abuse. Losing their mother to cancer at a young age, Ginny and her older sister, Maggie, had no choice but to stay with their stepfather and suffer in silence as he (and his friends) dealt horrific abuse first on Maggie, then on Ginny after her sister is thrown out of the house. The sisters had no one to turn to since their stepfather - and some of his friends, were police officers.
After her home life becomes unbearable, and after witnessing a crime, Ginny takes off, with a bit of insurance for the safety of her and her sister. She goes to her sister, but finds no help since her junkie brother-in-law has left and taken anything of value. Not wanting to burden Maggie any further, Ginny does not tell her of her recent troubles, and allows Maggie to believe she's returning to live with their stepfather. But Ginny knows she cannot go home, and instead becomes one of the many invisible people living on the street...homeless.
Emme Rollins' writing is superb and pulls at your heartstrings and yanks every ounce of emotion out of you, leaving you exhausted. As Ginny slept in doorways and vestibules, washed up in convenience store bathrooms, and searched through garbage for food, all the while looking over her shoulder, I felt her fear, hopelessness and desperation. As she went about her daily "routine" she took every precaution to remain invisible and not draw attention to herself. Even though she's two hours away from her stepfather, she knows as a respected member of law enforcement, his reach is long, and he's probably reported her as missing. She trusts no one, and only has small moments of joy when she visits her sister and nephews at the shelter they're staying in.
Circumstances bring a childhood friend back into Ginny's life, and she doesn't immediately remember him, but she knows she doesn't trust him - because he's a policeman. Nick Santos is a genuine nice guy who only wants to help Ginny. He slowly earns her trust, knowing when to push and when to back off. Things come to a head when Ginny is attacked. Nick not only rescues her, but takes her home with him.
I truly enjoyed this book, but the one issue it had for me was relationships.
Ginny/Maggie - For as close as Ginny claims they are, Maggie seems more childlike...and clueless. I found it hard to believe that she believed Ginny was again living with their stepfather, and life was good. She should have known better - and perhaps she did. Perhaps it was easier to pretend things were good. *Shrugs*
Ginny/Mr. Spencer - She knew her former teacher was a good person and trustworthy. And after what he'd done for Maggie, Ginny also knew he knew the ins and outs...and how to get around the system. In light of the situation, he should have been the one she ran too. If for no other reason, than to get quicker assistance in leaving and attending school.
Ginny/Nick - Even though Ginny wasn't aware of it, Nick has always been there for her. Even when as children, she wrongly believed he tagged along after her and Maggie because he was interested in Maggie. Her trust in him slowly builds first into a friendship. But, for me, it progressed much too quickly to love. She endured abuse after abuse, helpless to stop it, but then has hot sex with Nick, without any trauma backlash. No psychological counseling of any kind. Not even a quiet stay somewhere. Not believable for me. She is only 18 and lived most of her life in fear, she doesn't have the emotional capacity to just move on...most women wouldn't...at any age.
The ending was appropriate, but a bit rushed. We had walked with Ginny during entire days, seeing life through her eyes, feeling her desperation. For me, the ending glossed over major issues that I needed addressed. But, just like in the beginning, she was hiding details..waiting...for the right time.
While I had the above mentioned issues, they could be chalked up to the trauma Ginny and Maggie had been dealt, and to everyone's age. Even though he's a cop, Nick is only 22 - and while these people are "smart", they're still lacking in wisdom. And with the exception of Mr. Spencer, they didn't have much in the area of role models.
That being said, "Home for Christmas" will tug at your heart, while it places things most of us have never had to deal with - abuse, homelessness, hunger, poverty - front and center in the story. It makes you trade places with Ginny. What would you do? How would you react? It's definitely a good read for the Christmas season...or anytime.
(I was given an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.)
This story pulls you in right from the beginning, and takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions...and very few of them are good.
Ginny is eighteen, on the run, and hiding from her stepfather and a life of brutal abuse. Losing their mother to cancer at a young age, Ginny and her older sister, Maggie, had no choice but to stay with their stepfather and suffer in silence as he (and his friends) dealt horrific abuse first on Maggie, then on Ginny after her sister is thrown out of the house. The sisters had no one to turn to since their stepfather - and some of his friends, were police officers.
After her home life becomes unbearable, and after witnessing a crime, Ginny takes off, with a bit of insurance for the safety of her and her sister. She goes to her sister, but finds no help since her junkie brother-in-law has left and taken anything of value. Not wanting to burden Maggie any further, Ginny does not tell her of her recent troubles, and allows Maggie to believe she's returning to live with their stepfather. But Ginny knows she cannot go home, and instead becomes one of the many invisible people living on the street...homeless.
Emme Rollins' writing is superb and pulls at your heartstrings and yanks every ounce of emotion out of you, leaving you exhausted. As Ginny slept in doorways and vestibules, washed up in convenience store bathrooms, and searched through garbage for food, all the while looking over her shoulder, I felt her fear, hopelessness and desperation. As she went about her daily "routine" she took every precaution to remain invisible and not draw attention to herself. Even though she's two hours away from her stepfather, she knows as a respected member of law enforcement, his reach is long, and he's probably reported her as missing. She trusts no one, and only has small moments of joy when she visits her sister and nephews at the shelter they're staying in.
Circumstances bring a childhood friend back into Ginny's life, and she doesn't immediately remember him, but she knows she doesn't trust him - because he's a policeman. Nick Santos is a genuine nice guy who only wants to help Ginny. He slowly earns her trust, knowing when to push and when to back off. Things come to a head when Ginny is attacked. Nick not only rescues her, but takes her home with him.
I truly enjoyed this book, but the one issue it had for me was relationships.
Ginny/Maggie - For as close as Ginny claims they are, Maggie seems more childlike...and clueless. I found it hard to believe that she believed Ginny was again living with their stepfather, and life was good. She should have known better - and perhaps she did. Perhaps it was easier to pretend things were good. *Shrugs*
Ginny/Mr. Spencer - She knew her former teacher was a good person and trustworthy. And after what he'd done for Maggie, Ginny also knew he knew the ins and outs...and how to get around the system. In light of the situation, he should have been the one she ran too. If for no other reason, than to get quicker assistance in leaving and attending school.
Ginny/Nick - Even though Ginny wasn't aware of it, Nick has always been there for her. Even when as children, she wrongly believed he tagged along after her and Maggie because he was interested in Maggie. Her trust in him slowly builds first into a friendship. But, for me, it progressed much too quickly to love. She endured abuse after abuse, helpless to stop it, but then has hot sex with Nick, without any trauma backlash. No psychological counseling of any kind. Not even a quiet stay somewhere. Not believable for me. She is only 18 and lived most of her life in fear, she doesn't have the emotional capacity to just move on...most women wouldn't...at any age.
The ending was appropriate, but a bit rushed. We had walked with Ginny during entire days, seeing life through her eyes, feeling her desperation. For me, the ending glossed over major issues that I needed addressed. But, just like in the beginning, she was hiding details..waiting...for the right time.
While I had the above mentioned issues, they could be chalked up to the trauma Ginny and Maggie had been dealt, and to everyone's age. Even though he's a cop, Nick is only 22 - and while these people are "smart", they're still lacking in wisdom. And with the exception of Mr. Spencer, they didn't have much in the area of role models.
That being said, "Home for Christmas" will tug at your heart, while it places things most of us have never had to deal with - abuse, homelessness, hunger, poverty - front and center in the story. It makes you trade places with Ginny. What would you do? How would you react? It's definitely a good read for the Christmas season...or anytime.
(I was given an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.)
December 13, 2014
This is not your typical light hearted, happy holiday read. It was heart breaking, emotional and sometimes hard to read because you don't want to think that such evil people like Ginny's stepfather really exist in this world. Especially when they are in a position of power and use this power in the wrong way, to hurt people not help them. But in the end I think it was totally and completely worth it even though it was difficult at times. I was thankful that I read it because it shows you just how strong the human spirit is and what people can over come. To think that Ginny could survive what she went through, while having almost no one to turn to, shows you just what an amazing young woman she really is.
Both Ginny and her older sister Maggie have suffered abuse at the hands of their stepfather, but since he is a police officer Ginny feels that no one will believe her so she has no choice but to run away. She has no one to turn to because she doesn't want to put her sister or her nephews in danger of being discovered by the stepfather. So, basically Ginny is homeless and doing her best to survive on her own the best way she can.
Along her journey Ginny keeps seeing a man following her that she fears her stepfather is using to track her down. She does not know who to trust or if anybody is worth trusting at all. But, she soon discovers that this mystery man is Nick, a friend of her family, and that he just wants to help her. Through Nick Ginny discovers that not all men want to hurt you, and that not all cops are bad and abuse their power like her stepfather. Nick was so sweet, kind, patient, and compassionate about everything Ginny had been through. I LOVED how he called her Angel...SWOON!!
Does Ginny escape her stepfather's torturous abuse or does he finally catch up with her? If so can Nick save her in time? How will he react when he discovers that his own father had a role in Ginny's abuse? That is the only complaint I have about this book. It doesn't give you Nick's reaction to what happened at the end of the book. Even though it was absolutely necessary and deserved that had to be hard for him to deal with. Do Nick and Ginny finally get their well deserved happily ever after?
If you are in the mood for something a little deeper, and more dramatic, this holiday season you should give Home for Christmas a try. You will not be disappointed. Although there are dark and emotional moments in this book it is not without its heated, passionate, sweet, and tender moments as well. I received a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Emme Rollins!! I look forward to reading more of your books in the future.
Both Ginny and her older sister Maggie have suffered abuse at the hands of their stepfather, but since he is a police officer Ginny feels that no one will believe her so she has no choice but to run away. She has no one to turn to because she doesn't want to put her sister or her nephews in danger of being discovered by the stepfather. So, basically Ginny is homeless and doing her best to survive on her own the best way she can.
Along her journey Ginny keeps seeing a man following her that she fears her stepfather is using to track her down. She does not know who to trust or if anybody is worth trusting at all. But, she soon discovers that this mystery man is Nick, a friend of her family, and that he just wants to help her. Through Nick Ginny discovers that not all men want to hurt you, and that not all cops are bad and abuse their power like her stepfather. Nick was so sweet, kind, patient, and compassionate about everything Ginny had been through. I LOVED how he called her Angel...SWOON!!
Does Ginny escape her stepfather's torturous abuse or does he finally catch up with her? If so can Nick save her in time? How will he react when he discovers that his own father had a role in Ginny's abuse? That is the only complaint I have about this book. It doesn't give you Nick's reaction to what happened at the end of the book. Even though it was absolutely necessary and deserved that had to be hard for him to deal with. Do Nick and Ginny finally get their well deserved happily ever after?
If you are in the mood for something a little deeper, and more dramatic, this holiday season you should give Home for Christmas a try. You will not be disappointed. Although there are dark and emotional moments in this book it is not without its heated, passionate, sweet, and tender moments as well. I received a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Emme Rollins!! I look forward to reading more of your books in the future.
December 12, 2014
Sometimes a book comes along that is profoundly affecting during every scene, and HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is definitely such a story. From the very first dramatic situation to the final moment, I was totally drawn into this extremely emotional story about one woman’s fight for freedom. Emme Rollins has created an unforgettable book about courage and never losing hope.
Though her life is anything but easy, Ginny still feels grateful to have escaped from a nightmarish situation at home. Now living on the streets, she stays hidden and is barely getting by. The thought of staying at the shelter with her sister and nephews would be wonderful, but fear of being discovered keeps her moving about town and keeping to herself. Ginny dreams of being free from the man who caused her to be on the run, yet she cannot see a way to make this happen.
Then a man keeps reappearing at the same places Ginny goes to regularly. She has not really trusted anyone lately except her sister, however this particular individual seems nonthreatening and even shows compassion. But first, Ginny needs to learn exactly what Nick’s intentions are concerning her.
Emme Rollins makes you feel each emotion of the characters, regardless of the role they are playing. Ginny has been through a lot in the past few months, and the troubling events she has experienced are not sugarcoated in this dramatically gritty story. I felt her emotional despair plus the physical suffering of being homeless, and each scene depicting her responses are very convincing. Ms. Rollins made me care about Ginny’s future, yet every new development seemed to bring another challenge for her to prevail over. When Nick comes into her life, there are many unknowns about him and I did not know if he would actually help or hinder her. The story does take place during the holidays, and I felt it was going to take a Christmas miracle for Ginny to ever find peace. Emme Rollins makes HOME FOR CHRISTMAS breathtaking with surprising revelations, believable scenarios and spirited characters.
Copy received from author for a review
Though her life is anything but easy, Ginny still feels grateful to have escaped from a nightmarish situation at home. Now living on the streets, she stays hidden and is barely getting by. The thought of staying at the shelter with her sister and nephews would be wonderful, but fear of being discovered keeps her moving about town and keeping to herself. Ginny dreams of being free from the man who caused her to be on the run, yet she cannot see a way to make this happen.
Then a man keeps reappearing at the same places Ginny goes to regularly. She has not really trusted anyone lately except her sister, however this particular individual seems nonthreatening and even shows compassion. But first, Ginny needs to learn exactly what Nick’s intentions are concerning her.
Emme Rollins makes you feel each emotion of the characters, regardless of the role they are playing. Ginny has been through a lot in the past few months, and the troubling events she has experienced are not sugarcoated in this dramatically gritty story. I felt her emotional despair plus the physical suffering of being homeless, and each scene depicting her responses are very convincing. Ms. Rollins made me care about Ginny’s future, yet every new development seemed to bring another challenge for her to prevail over. When Nick comes into her life, there are many unknowns about him and I did not know if he would actually help or hinder her. The story does take place during the holidays, and I felt it was going to take a Christmas miracle for Ginny to ever find peace. Emme Rollins makes HOME FOR CHRISTMAS breathtaking with surprising revelations, believable scenarios and spirited characters.
Copy received from author for a review
December 1, 2016
My main reason for giving this 4/5 stars is there were some little details that didn't add up, like how 2 people 3 or 4 years apart are in the same math class in 7th grade (the author may have been referring to Ginny's sister being in Nick's class but it wasn't made clear) and the details surrounding the ages of the main characters didn't add up. Also, don't expect this to be just a sweet Christmas story. Although it takes place during December this book involves very sensitive material and anyone sensitive to the issues of rape that involves young teens by a family member and by dirty cops may want to pass on this book. It is suspense filled, sad and scary at times but does have it's HEA.
Ginny is hiding out in a small town 2 hours from where she'd been living. She secretly lives on the streets while trying to make sure her sister and nephews are safe. She's scared, hungry and cold and she has secrets that could get her killed. When she realizes a certain guy keeps showing up at different places she frequents during the day in an attempt to stay dry and warm she panics at first but fairly quickly Nick is able to prove he can be trusted.
Nick Santos is a young new police officer who is taken by a young woman he keeps seeing in unusual circumstances. It doesn't take him long to piece together enough to know she's in trouble and now he's determined to help her if he can. The only problem is Nick has no idea just what he's getting in to.
Information about Ginny and her sister are doled out slowly as Ginny is fleeing from a nightmare in the form of her step-father. She has no choice but to trust someone. But is Nick actually the right person for the job or part of the problem?
Ginny is hiding out in a small town 2 hours from where she'd been living. She secretly lives on the streets while trying to make sure her sister and nephews are safe. She's scared, hungry and cold and she has secrets that could get her killed. When she realizes a certain guy keeps showing up at different places she frequents during the day in an attempt to stay dry and warm she panics at first but fairly quickly Nick is able to prove he can be trusted.
Nick Santos is a young new police officer who is taken by a young woman he keeps seeing in unusual circumstances. It doesn't take him long to piece together enough to know she's in trouble and now he's determined to help her if he can. The only problem is Nick has no idea just what he's getting in to.
Information about Ginny and her sister are doled out slowly as Ginny is fleeing from a nightmare in the form of her step-father. She has no choice but to trust someone. But is Nick actually the right person for the job or part of the problem?
December 9, 2014
This is book was great it's a tragic story of a young woman who is abused by her guardian and had to runaway to stop the abuse but she didn't have anywhere to go so she was living on the street in another town trying to find her way unbeknowst to her someone knows she is on her own and helps the best they can to make sure she isn't starving while out there he is a policeman who she knows from grade school but doesn't remember him she has been seeing him around at places she goes thinking that he is a detective for her guardian but when she finally sits down and talks to him she finds he is a cop but one who goes strictly by the book unlike his father something about him attracts her and she feels she can somewhat trust him until one day she sees him talking to another policeman and she knows him from her stepfather who is also Nick's father someone who also abused her who is the Chief of Police for the town she is now living in and she is absolutely terrified that he is going to drag her back home several things happen after and she finds herself in a situation and then Nick steps in to help her and she realizes she really does care about him and he cares about her not just her body but her whole self Nick isn't exactly strictly by the book when he has seen everything at the video store where she has been sleeping most of nights this is a very dark but tragic and beautiful Christmas love story sometimes there is someone out there who cares enough to go the extra mile for you.
Emme Rollins hit a home run on this one. Great Job.
Emme Rollins hit a home run on this one. Great Job.
December 13, 2014
3.5 stars
ARC provided by author for honest review
I enjoyed most of this read. The homeless girl run on away from an evil stepfather. The sister living in a shelter trying her best. The do-good cop who wants to help. The evil cops who abuse powers. It's all there and all things that intrigued me.
The first half is great. I enjoyed the development of characters and couldn't wait to see how things played out. I was drawn in and fully invested, I didn't want to put the book down to go to work! Where it fell for me, was in the execution of what should have been the biggest suspenseful scene. Instead it was decidedly lacking and more of a "wham bam, thank you ma'am" sort of quick resolution. I felt gipped after all the buildup and anticipation.
The only other thing that bugged the crap out of me, was how Ginny and Nick have sex the first time. Yeah, it's a hot scene, but I was sort of shocked, I mean really?? I honestly did not see EITHER of them falling into bed and having sex so fast after what had just happened. It made no sense to me, seemed out of character for both of them.
Overall it's a quick and decent read. Give it a chance if you're looking for something you can finish in one or two sittings.
ARC provided by author for honest review
I enjoyed most of this read. The homeless girl run on away from an evil stepfather. The sister living in a shelter trying her best. The do-good cop who wants to help. The evil cops who abuse powers. It's all there and all things that intrigued me.
The first half is great. I enjoyed the development of characters and couldn't wait to see how things played out. I was drawn in and fully invested, I didn't want to put the book down to go to work! Where it fell for me, was in the execution of what should have been the biggest suspenseful scene. Instead it was decidedly lacking and more of a "wham bam, thank you ma'am" sort of quick resolution. I felt gipped after all the buildup and anticipation.
The only other thing that bugged the crap out of me, was how Ginny and Nick have sex the first time. Yeah, it's a hot scene, but I was sort of shocked, I mean really?? I honestly did not see EITHER of them falling into bed and having sex so fast after what had just happened. It made no sense to me, seemed out of character for both of them.
Overall it's a quick and decent read. Give it a chance if you're looking for something you can finish in one or two sittings.
January 4, 2015
Just from the title and the cover picture you would be thinking this is just another Christmas love story. You would however, be sadly mistaken as this is so much more than that. Our main character Ginny is living on the streets, sleeping in doorways and always looking over her shoulder. She trust no one especially the police and will do anything to keep her loved ones safe. Nick has been watching Ginny and secretly been leaving her food and other items. Nick remembers her from when they were younger, but Ginny has not made the connection. He wants her to let him help but she is distrustful of his motives when she finds out he is a cop. This was a well written, smooth flowing story that engages you right from the start. The main characters were easy to like and some of the supporting characters were easy to hate. Even though the relationship between Nick and Ginny was a prominent storyline, the underlying tale of sexual abuse and the abuse of power was seamlessly interwoven creating a truly remarkable reading experience. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
December 9, 2014
Gritty, raw, heart breaking yet full of hope. If you are looking for a sweet and light holiday story, this isn't the book for you. If you want to experience the true meaning of faith and determination, this is the perfect story to read. Ginny is on the run, living on the streets, foraging for food out of dumpsters, all hoping that her stepfather Brody doesn't find her. See, he is a monster and after so much pain and suffering, Ginny finally left but has something Brody wants, proof of his heinous acts. I felt every inch of Ginny's struggle and marveled at her ability to find ways to survive – finding places to stay warm and hang out during the day, figuring out how to bath in a sink, learning where she might pick up left over food – it all made my heart bleed and hope that she would find a way out. Then she notices a man in many of the places she frequents, Nick, he seems to be that angel that she needs but can she trust someone with her secrets? Will she be able to stay out of Brody's clutches? A short holiday read that will keep you engaged as you wait to find out what happens to Ginny.
December 9, 2014
Home for Christmas starts off with Ginny being on the run from her step-father who is a cop in a town located 2 hours away from where she is hiding. Ginny has incriminating evidence against her step-father and is trying to stay hidden long enough to get her sister Maggie and her nephews situated in an apartment and out of the shelter. Ginny starts to notice Nick showing up at all of the places she frequents and starts finding food and other necessities being left for her. Ginny is does not trust cops and, unfortunately, learns that Nick is a cop and his father was one of the bad policemen she ran from. The story was well told and had you wishing for Ginny's life to get better and for it all to work out. Nick's character was very strong and ethical and just tried to do the right thing. When it all came to a head, Ginny found out just how strong Nick was and was able to fully trust him. The ending was sweet and it packed a lot of punch for a short story. Overall a good read, but will warn you that it has some dark content and should be read with caution if you have a reaction to rape and abuse being depicted in the books that you read.
December 13, 2014
wow what an intense story and i feel for Ginny who has been through hell.. she and her sister and what they had endured as children by their step father . and what their Step father Brody did to Ginny and his buddies did to her .. later she finds a old school mate of hers and she learns to trust him but can she is he like his father or is he as different than she thinks he is .. Nick someone who watches over someone from his past someone he crushed on someone whom he loved .. and still does .. one night things change that concerns Ginny and he rescues her and their relationships grows but how far does it grow and can she give him her trust fully .. all this changes when someone else comes back into her life that takes her from Nick can Nick save her in time or will they never see each oter again .,... also their are scenes in this that may not be suitable if you have a hard time with Rape , Violence , Abuse and being Homeless .. but over all i love this story in a way this story is close to home to a certain degree .. but buy , read and review this story
December 10, 2015
A Dark Christmas
This is the first book I've read by Emme Rollins, so I wasn't sure what to expect. As advertised, it is a dark tale of domestic abuse and homelessness. Set in a small town in Michigan during the weeks leading up to Christmas, Rollins builds a scene of two worlds existing side by side. One as people go about their everyday lives, oblivious to the homeless girl standing next to them. The other, the nightmare of living off other people's cast offs and garbage, sleeping in vestibules for shelter from the frigid temperatures. But she also leaves the h with dignity and hope, and an unlikely set of friends from her past who help her navigate the path to safety. I liked this story and recommend it with the warning that there is a potential trigger in scenes of sexual assault and rape. The storyline also ignores what the H would normally be dealing with emotionally toward the end of the book when he discovers that someone he loves and trusts has betrayed that trust. I love HEA's, but this one came with some serious rose colored glasses, as if the author was ready to wrap it up now. For that it loses a star. But overall this is a very good read.
This is the first book I've read by Emme Rollins, so I wasn't sure what to expect. As advertised, it is a dark tale of domestic abuse and homelessness. Set in a small town in Michigan during the weeks leading up to Christmas, Rollins builds a scene of two worlds existing side by side. One as people go about their everyday lives, oblivious to the homeless girl standing next to them. The other, the nightmare of living off other people's cast offs and garbage, sleeping in vestibules for shelter from the frigid temperatures. But she also leaves the h with dignity and hope, and an unlikely set of friends from her past who help her navigate the path to safety. I liked this story and recommend it with the warning that there is a potential trigger in scenes of sexual assault and rape. The storyline also ignores what the H would normally be dealing with emotionally toward the end of the book when he discovers that someone he loves and trusts has betrayed that trust. I love HEA's, but this one came with some serious rose colored glasses, as if the author was ready to wrap it up now. For that it loses a star. But overall this is a very good read.
February 4, 2016
I have to say that Emme Rollins really knows how to make you feel stressed out as well as empathy for Ginny. You pictured this skinny girl living in the streets, looking for food in the garbage and wonder why is she not in a shelter.
But as to story continues to get intrigued as to what had happened to her and why was she running away. You feel her distrust and at some point you even want to punch her sister Maggie in the face for talking to her the way she does just because she is stressed out because of her situation.
I was kind of annoyed that Ginny did not confessed to her sister right there specially once you know she lived the same kind of abuse from their stepfather as well.
You get to know why she is running, from who and feel kind of skeptical when she ends up with Nick, someone from her childhood. You understand Ginny´s concerns but at the same time hope for her to be with him. I was glad that Nick found out the truth and was a bit shocked of what he did to his own father, the chief of police, to save Ginny.
I also liked that Ginny finally told Maggie ALL the truth at last instead of bottling it up as she always did to protect her big sister and her sons.
But as to story continues to get intrigued as to what had happened to her and why was she running away. You feel her distrust and at some point you even want to punch her sister Maggie in the face for talking to her the way she does just because she is stressed out because of her situation.
I was kind of annoyed that Ginny did not confessed to her sister right there specially once you know she lived the same kind of abuse from their stepfather as well.
You get to know why she is running, from who and feel kind of skeptical when she ends up with Nick, someone from her childhood. You understand Ginny´s concerns but at the same time hope for her to be with him. I was glad that Nick found out the truth and was a bit shocked of what he did to his own father, the chief of police, to save Ginny.
I also liked that Ginny finally told Maggie ALL the truth at last instead of bottling it up as she always did to protect her big sister and her sons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2014
This is a dark suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. Ginny is running for her life, her stepfather Brody is after her. But who do you turn to when you are in trouble? Not the cops because Brody is a cop and he will use the system to help find her. She has something that will be very bad for Brody and his friends if it falls into the right hands. Ginny is helping her sister Maggie and her two boys hide from an abusive husband and Brody. Ginny and Maggie were mistreated and abused by Brody and finally Ginny got the nerve to leave. With Brody and his friends looking for her, she doesn't trust anyone. Brody could payoff anyone to find her. When Nick, a childhood friend, shows up in her life, she thinks she might be able to trust him. When things go wrong, it goes wrong fast. Will Nick find her in time? Will the truth be told? I love Emme Rollins writing style and could not wait to read this one. And I was not disappointed, I loved it. I hope Emme is writing more of Nick & Ginny's story.
**E-copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
**E-copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
December 15, 2014
It has been way too long since I have read a book by Emme Rollins. I adore her writing, and this was a good reminder of how much I love her books.
Ginny absolutely broke my heart. I’ve never been homeless, but to me, Emme described it perfectly through Ginny and what she was going through. She has got so much on her plate between staying warm and safe, keeping her own secrets while trying to protect her sister and her boys.
This is one of those books where you are filled with hope for the character, where so much has happened to them that you want good to happen, someone to have their back and ease some of the pain they’ve gone through.
I’m not going to say who the mysterious man is because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, but he was who I laid my hopes on for her.
Absolutely beautiful story that broke my heart and filled me with hope at the same time. I loved it.
Thank you so much for my copy of Home For Christmas. 5 stars!
Ginny absolutely broke my heart. I’ve never been homeless, but to me, Emme described it perfectly through Ginny and what she was going through. She has got so much on her plate between staying warm and safe, keeping her own secrets while trying to protect her sister and her boys.
This is one of those books where you are filled with hope for the character, where so much has happened to them that you want good to happen, someone to have their back and ease some of the pain they’ve gone through.
I’m not going to say who the mysterious man is because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, but he was who I laid my hopes on for her.
Absolutely beautiful story that broke my heart and filled me with hope at the same time. I loved it.
Thank you so much for my copy of Home For Christmas. 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews