What’s worse than taking a nasty spill out of the shower onto your bathroom floor?
Having your grumpy, silver-haired neighbor rescue you.
The very neighbor I’d gotten into a heated discussion with when I made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that I would not be decorating my home for the neighborhood’s annual holiday competition.
(Which apparently he’s won for the past three years!)
Aren’t grumpy ranchers like him supposed to be more of the grinch rather than one of Santa’s elves?
But ever since my accident, my neighbor shows up day after day to check on me. With each passing visit he drops off a little more holiday cheer than was here before.
His Christmas spirit starts to envelope me the way his strong arms did when he picked me up off my bathroom floor.
And he’s making me forget all of my reasons for wanting to avoid the holidays and love … but is the same true for the widower who swore he’d never fall in love again?
Christmas Spirit is a second-chance-at-love interracial holiday romance between a grumpy Texas rancher and a mid-fifties divorcée, both of whom swore they would never fall in love again. One-click today!
Honestly I was excited to read this book and I’m happy I did but I think this trope isn’t for me. It was rather boring and cliche. I’m happy Ellyn and Joel found each other after being single for however long and on a lighter note this was a light Christmas read.
I loved this story. Joel thickled me when he said he would never speak to his new neighbor Ellyn, after she declared that she would NOT be decorating for Christmas. But, when he had to rescue her, that was when something snapped, and he realized that he could love again after being a widower for two decades. Ellyn realized she loved him when she witnessed a foal's birth at Joel ranch. She also realized that he is a complicated man who had to overcome his youth. He understands the reasons why she refuses to decorate for Christmas after she tells him. Lo and behold, little by little, she decorated to comfort her grandchildren, especially after her oldest daughter came home. Shanice comes to a new understanding of her mother's actions. The Townsend men come in to protect the Chamberlain women because they are now family. Jake got what he deserved. Why the hell does he and Rick think that women are supposed to put up with their shenanigans and like it?
I just loved how Joel and Ellyn took their time in their relationship. The water gun fight was so funny, especially after they were caught.
I never miss a Townsend read and this one was awesome! I loved that it was an older couple and that even in your 50s, you can find love again. Joel was the classic gentleman and didn't play about Ellyn. Ellyn, even after her divorce, was not bitter and decided to give love another try. Great read!!! 4.75 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tropes: Later in Life, Holiday/Christmas, Enemies to Lovers, Caregiver Tiffany Patterson has a robust collection of stories centered around the Townsend family and their various branches and friends/connections. My first experience with this family began when I read Aaron’s Patience (news flash: he didn’t have any). Since then, we have encountered Aaron’s brothers/cousins/friends, father, and another branch of the family from Texas. That brings us to Christmas Spirit by Tiffany Patterson. After years of being unappreciated, unseen and unheard Ellyn walks away from her “fine on the outside” marriage and relocates to Texas and ends up next door to Joel Townsend, the abrupt but kindhearted and sentimental head of the Townsend branch of Texas. Their first real meeting did not endear them to each other; after years of cooking and decorating, Ellyn is finished with demonstrating holiday cheer. Joel, on the other hand, has won the prize for the best decorated house for the past three Christmases in a row and he can’t understand why his new neighbor is being so stubborn about making her home look festive! However, when Ellyn takes a fall in her home, Joel is quick to come to the rescue, easily slipping into the role of caregiver and nurturer. For all his gruffness, he has a giving and humble nature. Neither one of them were looking for love, but the universe conspired to place them in each other’s orbits….le sigh. Conclusion: This book is easily one of my favorite Tiffany Patterson books! I loved the trope of the older, yet vital couple finding love without confusion or misunderstandings. I also enjoyed the family camaraderie and support. Both of Ellyn’s daughters were appealing but Shanice was especially heartbreaking. I assumed that Ellyn’s ex would show up with some type of conflict, but Shanice’s abusive husband made the trip to Texas and all I can say is that I bet he wished he had stayed at home….such a satisfying comeuppance. I hope that Shanice gets her happy ever after story next. Favorite Lines: I might only be a former gangster and hitman for my father turned rancher, but I’m damn certain I hear a hint of reluctance in Ellyn’s voice when she says this. Because the woman standing in front of me has the heart of a lioness and the will of a winner. The meals I prepared fed them, gave them life in a way.” “It wasn’t until after you moved to Texas that I realized I wasn’t angry. I was jealous.”
This will be added to my read over again collection
I love reading about the Townsend family, and I have read them more than once. You know it’s good when you read it over and over. I tried to tell the girls in my family this is what true love is the way Joel loves Ellyn. Well before this story came out, I told them when a man loves you he protects you and look out for, he doesn’t encourage you to do things you don’t want to do. It sad when you kind of envy a story, because my marriage was more like Ellyn & Shanice marriage. I stop smoking because I was getting bronchitis, in the 1980’s I didn’t realize second hand smoke is just as dangerous. My husband continued to smoke, I would come home and the house would be full of smoke. I went from 1 inhaler to 4 different inhalers my asthma was that bad. When I finally realize about second hand smoke and stopped him from smoking in the house, he was so mad at me that one night when I was sleep he lite a cigarette and blew the smoke in my face. But that wasn’t the worst part, for some reason intimacy was all about him, if I want to be intimate he didn’t, he would wait until I was asleep then take it. Yes, I divorced him but it still took me a minute, women who go through abuse feel like they deserve it or too scared to escape, I was both. I felt shame for a long time, I did get into counseling it help a lot. I tried being in a relationship truthfully it was too soon because I felt broken in so many ways. It’s been 15 yrs since my divorce, and 10 yrs since I been with someone. This story makes me hope that I can find someone like this if it’s ment to be. This is a great story I know I will be reading it again.
Ellyn is reclaiming her life and learning to live again since she made the decision to divorce her husband. Goodbye to the days she’s doing everything for everyone with little to no help, hello to the days of doing what she wants, when she wants.
Joel swore off the thought of even having another relationship after his wife died. She was is whole life and had settled with loving for his family, never thinking he deserved to have another love.
These two were going to meet one way or another. It was written in the stars. All it took was for Ellyn to move next door and for Joel to ask if she was decorating her house for the festivities.
I adored that this was an older couple having a second chance are love and life. Their banter and bickering was very entertaining and I love the vulnerability both characters shared with each other. They were little moments but impactful and beautiful. The acceptance and support was also super touching.
This novella is an easy read. I will be honest i did struggle a little in the beginning as it didn’t captivate me straight away but I am glad I continued. The characters and side characters were worth it and I really enjoyed seeing the darker side of Joel, especially since it was for Ellyn and her girls.
I did very much love the blended family scenes too. How she was with his kids and grand babies and how he was with hers. Nothing is more beautiful than that for me.
We are tracking another trip down to Texas, in time to spend the holidays with another part of the Townsend clan. After hearing his respective sons’ stories, it is time to hear from Joel. Joel Townsend is a widower in his mid-50s, looking forward to spending the holiday season with his family. Unfortunately, as his plans continue to change, he encounters an unexpected one in the form of his next-door neighbor, Ellyn. Ellyn is a mid-50 divorcée who is reclaiming her life by moving from Atlanta to Texas. The last thing she wants is to have to do anything holiday-related. However, Joel Townsend is determined to change her mind, among other things. After taking a nasty fall in her bathroom, Joel comes to Ellyn’s rescue. From here, the story continues to develop. I won’t spoil the story, but I will say that readers are treated as our main couple navigates how, from a friendship between neighbors to much more. Of course, the story wouldn’t be complete without an appearance from the ever-growing Townsend clan. We were also introduced to Ellyn’s family, including her two daughters. There were memorable moments of humor, sweltering romance, etc. I appreciate how the author illustrated a mature couple in a fresh yet realistic way. Despite some setbacks, Joel and Ellyn achieve their second chance HEA. Overall, I really enjoyed this story.
Joel thought he was done romantic love, been there, done that and a widow for over two decades, just enjoying his family, and he adored his grandchildren. And a beautiful woman moved next door and changed all that !! And the same thing can be said for Ellyn, she moved to Tx , away from his ex , closed to her best friend who happened to be ironically a her ex sister in law…lol. Anyway, when she met Joel, they had an argument about Christmas decorations… he couldn’t comprehend why she refused to decorate or participate in the decorations competition… But fate interfered when she needed his help.
Joel and Ellyn were made for each other… these two are hilarious & there families fused together perfectly.
I love the children !🥰 I hope that Shanice finds true love and Jake lives a miserable life. lol
I LOVE this story especially since the couple is older. Joel and Ellyn are neighbors who have a difference of opinion about decorating for the holidays. Ellyn has an accident and Joel comes to her rescue. These two have a connection and a story from their past. Joel is so funny with his family and Ellyn is re-connecting with her family. Love blossoms and opens their hearts. I love how they blended their families for the holidays. The water gun part had me on the floor🤣 Jake got what he deserved and Rick was put in his place. This book even though it's fiction, gives older folks the hope of starting over and finding love. THANK YOU TIFFANY PATTERSON💙🤗🐎👢🤠
Ellyn has lived her life for her family for over 25 years. When she steps away from the role many thought she would play forever is when her life really opens up. Joel thought he had it all children, yet something was missing. Imagine to his surpise when an amazing woman moves into his neighborhood & his heart. These two people slowly find each other & realize second love counts too. The friendship they built & the intimacy shared was believable & tender. People over 50 deserve love too. As always Tiffany Patterson does not disappoint. This is another great read. Merry Christmas! 🥰🎉
Tiffany Patterson’s Christmas Spirit was absolutely adorable! I loved the spicy, feisty dynamic between this more mature but undeniably sexy couple. They have beautiful kids and grandkids, yet they still manage to bring love and the joy of celebrating family and Christmas to each other when they find love again. This story perfectly blends warmth, romance, and holiday cheer. It’s a heartfelt reminder that love can bloom at any stage of life, and Patterson captures that beautifully. I really enjoyed this book a lot and highly recommend it to fans of the Townsend family series and anyone who loves Christmas love stories!
The story was cute. I started this series with Aaron’s Patience. I generally don’t do interracial stories. But I have read everyone of the books following Aaron’s. That being said this will be my last. It may not matter to some, but I think Elllyn’s sister locs were mentioned once. Besides that I would have never known she was black. Her identity includes her race and it was totally ignored. The story was nice. I just know this is my last try at an interracial book from this author. I really should have stopped a few books back. I was just hopeful because the stories are usually interesting
First off, I didn’t remember Joel and his clan of Townsends…and that was great! I tried to get into the current Townsends/kids series, but it was weird reading about the kids. I was also just getting tired of the Townsends🤷🏾♀️. This was like a standalone for me. Loved both Joel and Ellyn’s very real story, their second chance at love and the maturity of the characters and how they handled life and moving forward at this point in life. They had honest and vulnerable conversations. They were so adorable🥰. Would love to see more mature characters and their love stories!
A great second chances amongst dealing at love for two older people Joel and Ellyn are over 50 and thought finding or falling in love was not for them Boy were they wrong and the journey to their HEA was not without some family drama but they overcame and came out on the other side beautifully Ms Tiffany always penns stories and characters that warm your heart She is a masterful writer that knows how to pull you in and never lets you go until the end I have read every Townsend book she had written and have never been disappointed I encourage you to look at her catalog and choose a book so you can be blessed
ARC Review- Well-written Christmas romance featuring a widowed Joel Townsend and his divorced nextdoor neighbor, Ellyn. Joel, a regular grump, does not play about Christmas decorating, and was very disturbed when Ellyn stated she had no intention of getting into that activity. An unexpected event occurred and Joel had to rush to Ellyn's rescue. And so the slow burn and courting began. Lots of witty banter and back and forth occurred between these two, and the families also jumped in for some Christmas fun. Beautiful seasonal romance and lots of chemistry mixed in. Highly recommended!
4.5/5⭐️ Both Ellyn and Joel’s characters were well fleshed out and I could easily relate to them. As they are neighbours, I loved the various opportunities for them to get to know each other better after an unfortunate (or fortunate?) event.
This was a truly delicious slow burn romance. A man who cooks well is tremendously sexy. I need to find a Joel too!
With the Christmas season coming soon, I loved the redemption arc for Joel too. He has transformed and matured into the wonderful father, grandfather and man that he is now. This was another amazing book from the author.
What can I say? Another Townsend Hit, Christmas spirit was an absolute joy to read the story, which captured my attention from the beginning, and the books pace was great. It kept me interested in the love story the whole way, I loved the way they fell in love, and their backgrounds were believable. She always does interracial romance with care and with characters you root for and a story that leaves you satisfied. I chuckled every time Joel brought up the Christmas house decorating competition. A must-read and not just for the holidays.
I must say, I love my Townsend Men. So much so, I think I will be revisiting Joel's sons in the near future. 😊 This is a great mature love story between Joel and Ellyn. I liked the back and forth between them. I love seeing the soft side of Joel, but also the BDE coming off of him as well. I also loved watching Ellyn putting herself first by ending her marriage with no second doubt and taking charge of her life. This book had me smiling throughout Joel and Ellyn's story. This is a beautiful love and Christmas story and you will enjoy it.
Christmas Spirit is Joel Townsend of the Texas Townsends' story. Joel is a Townsend through and through. Ellyn Chambers is his next-door neighbor who decides she's not in the decorating mood for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Ellyn doesn't have the holiday spirit this year. Joel has a problem with that. He is SERIOUS about the decorating competition because he has won the last few years. Ellyn slips in the shower and injures herself. Joel comes to her rescue after hearing her cries for help. I love how he cared for her. This is their beginning. I love the flow of this story. Read it, you'll love it. Joel is a Townsend to the bone! Ellyn and Joel are a perfect match. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
This is Ellyn and Joel‘s story. He is a widower and her neighbor. Ellyn is moving forward with her life after her divorce. When she needs help after a fall he steps up and helps her. She does not want to get into the Christmas spirit, and he is going to help her get into it. The more time they spend together the more they fall. Can they make something work when neither one of them were looking for another forever?
Joel and Ellyn, loved them separately and together. This was not only an excellent holiday story, but an excellent second chance story. So many lessons here. All good. I enjoyed getting to revisit with Joel's children again. I would love to say no one would do what Shanice's husband did, but I actually know a live version of that. Thanks for handling business, Joel. Great job Ms. Patterson
As with all the townsends Joel did not disappoint, and as for Ellyn it takes real strength to walk away from something you have,done for so many years.Many women are in the same very Situation and,don't have the courage or the support to do what their heart longs for .Thank you for writing this book even if it was never intended to be someone's answer to something they knew was no longer working for them .
TP did it again with the Townsend of Texas with the union of Joel and Ellyn getting a second chance of love. There was no real drama except for Shanice , husband Jake visit but Joel handle him perfectly. We need more Townsend of Texas story, like the marriage of Joel and Ellyn, plus will Shanice, get a new love or reconcile with Jake, which I doubt. Oh let's not forget Morgan
I LOVED it! I stan everything Townsends, so I was eager to read this spinoff. Joel was so hot, and I loved his rough yet tender when needed to be personality. I loved Ellyn and her girls, especially Megan. Her ex-husband was a piece of work. I was so ready to cuss him out myself. I always love a HEA, and this book gives that spades.
ARC review…. “They get it from their daddy” …. These Townsend men are unmatched and to see the Patriarch find love again….Amazing. Joel is loving and protective. He is a big softy when it comes to his family. Ms. Ellyn is exactly what Joel needs, she’s is strong enough to stand up to him but will also let him take care of her when needed.
I've been waiting for this story to come to life ever since I read about his family. I must say he didn't disappoint. It was riveting and a page turner from the start. I couldn't stop reading. I loved every bit of Joel's story. Thank you for always bringing the best stories to life for avid readers like me and so many others.
Truly enjoyed Ellyn and Joel's journey to their HEA. Enjoyed reading how their relationship grew until they could admit they were in love. Enjoyed their banter and interactions. Grumpy Joel found a woman to soften the edges, and Ellyn found a man who truly sees who she is.
I enjoyed reading Joel and Ellyn's book,and I loved it, I loved the characters as well as the storyline. This was a sweet story about getting a second chance at love again. I would absolutely recommend reading this book to anyone. I think you will enjoy this book. It's filled with fun and a small bit drama and a nice amount of heat.
I loved how Joel stucked with his resolve with Ellyn not letting her get her way especially when the doctor gave instructions to stay off her feet. It was sad to know her and her eldest was not close anymore since her divorce to their father. But when she cussed him out about their daughter that was great.
I've read every story in this series and wondered if Joel was going to find love. This was a wonderful telling of adult love: well adjusted grown ups, low angst, slow'ish burn and little to no conflict between the main characters.
This is an enjoyable story that I've read several times.