I'll Be Home for Christmas

Twilight, Texas #6

by Lori Wilde

Christmas in Twilight, Texas, is all merriment and mistletoe. The Cookie Club is whipping up their most festive sweets, the townspeople are scrambling to get their holiday shopping done, and Joe—a hometown guy with a restless heart—is dreaming about the woman he wants to kiss most . . .

. . . And who happens to be staying at his sister's place over the holidays, while Joe's sister is away. But Joe isn't quite sure he wants to be a living Christmas present to runaway law student Gabi Preston.

Joe thinks the sassy sweetheart he nicknames "Trouble" won't inconvenience anything but his healthy sex drive. But when he discovers the reasons Gabi escaped from her life, he aches to give her everything she's never had. As the magic of the season draws them together, the gift of love is the only one worth giving…

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Family

401 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 27, 2015

About the author

Lori Wilde can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to write. She even went to nursing school so she could have a schedule flexible enough to allow her to write on the side. She nursed for 20 years, working in a variety of settings from the newborn nursery to the recovery room, to dialysis. But she never lost her desire to write.

She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.

Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.

She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.

Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

This is one of those books that seemed to get better the more that I read. I have to admit that I was not immediately hooked but the more I read the more invested in the story I became. This is the seventh book in the Twilight, Texas series but it works well as a stand alone novel. I haven't read any of the preceding books in this series and didn't have any difficulties following the story.

This book takes the overall premise of the plot from the movie, The Holiday. Gabi is at a crossroads in her life and decides to switch houses with her online friend, Katie. She is ready for a change and is hoping that the town of Twilight, Texas will help her celebrate Christmas like she has always wanted. She does run into a few surprises with the switch. For one thing, she finds herself living in a yurt instead of the cottage she had hoped for. Her biggest surprise is the man living next door at his Christmas Tree farm, Joe.

I did like both Gabi and Joe a lot. How could you not? They are both about as close to perfect as can be. To be honest, I was really hoping that they would do something a little selfish because they just seemed too good to be true. As a couple, I did think that Gabi and Joe worked well. There was a lot of chemistry between the pair and their backstories also added a lot of depth to their characters. I also really enjoyed Casey's character in this story. She is a smart and spunky kid who says what is on her mind.

I liked the way that Christmas was worked into the story but it didn't take over. It really worked as a nice backdrop and I thought some of the things that this family did to celebrate Christmas were very original. The Christmas theme wasn't overwhelming so I wouldn't hesitate to read this book at any point in the year.

This romance was more sweet than sexy and I would recommend it to fans of contemporary romance. I plan to read more of Lori Wilde's work very soon.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from HarperCollins - Avon Romance via Edelweiss for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thougts
I ended up liking this one well enough. The first part was a little too much for me but it eventually settled into a nice little romance. I loved Joe but thought he was a little too good to be true. Gabi was way too perfect in my opinion. I found myself rooting for them anyway.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This was such a charming Holiday themed story. What we have here is a bit of "exchanged student" theme...kinda. Two friends that meet through pinterest of all places, keep contact with each other through email. Our heroine wants a taste of Christmas which she has never had Her younger brother died when she was young on Christmas and ever since her parents have avoided celebrating it. But Gabi Preston wants everything that comes with the celebrating of Christmas. The caroling, finding the perfect Christmas tree, the music, and the happy celebrations, the snow and sledding and much more. Her friend wants to get away from Twilight and its small town charm and the stress of the holidays. She wants to relax in the big city. So they decide to switch places. But upon arriving, Gabi is surrounded by Joe, her friends over protective brother who wants to know where his sister is and why she isn't in Twilight and exactly where he can find her. OH boy, these two. Things start off to a rocky start for them. They have great chemistry with each other, but they have only two weeks. So nothing can be permanenet. As they end up spending the time celebrating and connecting. I was completely won over by reading this Christmas setting with a small town charm. I love reconnecting with previous characters from the series. All the fun cute clubs of various women in town. There was quite a bit of emotion, and brought me to tears when it came to Gabi and her brother. He is the reason she craves a Christmas experience, she wants to honor him and I really liked that about this story. Having a strong family connections that come into play in the story. Joe is such a swoon worthy hero. He is protective, strong and caring. The romance was steady but didn't take too long for some action to happen. They only have two weeks together, so when it feels right they embrace what they have together....trying to make every moment count. Emotionally provacative and a lightly sensual romance that builds into a stunning love story!! BEAUTIFULLY SPUN ROMANCE!!!

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

16/12 - SO FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A near-perfect romance, a perfect Christmas-themed book, set in a perfect little town that celebrates Christmas to the max. This is easily the best book I've read since October, possibly all year (I can't actually remember a book I loved as much as this, this year, but it couldn't have been read any more recently than October because nothing got above a four in November). 90% of my love for this book is attached to the town of Twilight (LOVE that name), it's hard not to get cravings for a cute, snow-covered little town when Christmas occurs in the middle of some unnecessarily hot summers that set half the bush on fire and break the train tracks.

I did have two complaints:

First, Joe CHEEK?! What kind of dreadful name is that (no offense to any Cheeks out there, but it might as well be Joe Leg or Joe Elbow)?! What's wrong with a nice, simple Anderson or Watson or Peters? If I was Gabi, I'd stick with Preston, otherwise she'll be Gabi Cheek, which sounds like 'gappy teeth', something my grandad used to call me whenever I lost a tooth as a child.

Second, the sex scenes were a bit weird. They started out good, lots of sexual tension, but then Gabi'd start thinking way too much for the situation. And not necessarily about the situation. Then the scene would end with a lot of one word sentences - 'Shoving', 'Thrusting', 'Building', 'Crashing', 'Falling', that kind of thing - and existential, woo-woo crap that just doesn't go with the fantastic sexual tension that had been building through all the earlier pages.

Fortunately my overarching love for Twilight reduced the impact of those two niggles. I love it so much, if I could, I would move there (are there really places in America like this?) I reckon I'd fit right in - I'm a good cook, I can knit, crochet, cross stitch and I enjoy a good book by a roaring fire (at moment I'm not enjoying the roaring air conditioning or the heat radiating onto my lap from my laptop). Will definitely be looking out for more books from this series!

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ny854r

Lori Wilde has been on my Author TBR pile for ages and, oh, I've been missing out! I'll Be Home for Christmas was lovely. Simply lovely. A beautiful romance, characters you can't help but love and root for, a spirited town full of heart and warmth. I laughed, I smiled, I finished the book reading blurry words from all the feels and tears. Everything a Christmas romance should be.


Alright, so the quick of it is that Gabi needs to think some things through--law school it turns out isn't for her-- and on a whim she switches lives with an internet friend who's also found herself in need of a holiday escape. They'll switch homes, lives, everything...for three weeks. Just until Christmas. She's always dreamed of spending Christmas in a small town that celebrates in style and Twilight has it in spades. Including a hunky Christmas tree farmer who's ready to help spice up her holiday adventure even more.

Joe and Gabi. I loved both of them. They've had such different lives--his family is warm, gregarious and loves to celebrate everything and her family...doesn't even realize she's left town--but they complimented each other well. I loved that Gabi was a natural listener and cared for others. And that Joe dropped everything to run his grandfather's tree farm when he fell ill. That he loved his family fiercely and was a was a wonderful dad.

They just fell right in with each other after a rather funny first meet and it was heartwarming and a little magical too as they got to know each other. There was a lot of chemistry and tension but just a little bit of actual sheet time (nothing too detailed).

I loved them getting to know each other as she settled into town. The spark and feelings of more that quickly followed. It didn't feel rushed or cheesy even though it was all happening at warp speed. It just felt perfect.

And then there was Twilight. I love Twilight! This is my dream town. No doubt. They embrace everything to do with the holidays and celebrating life and each other. They're warm, friendly, caring. They have good hearts and make you feel like your home. I loved getting to spend time with them and seeing Gabi come alive as she explored the town and their holiday traditions.

I'll Be Home for Christmas was like getting a warm hug from your grandmom who smells like fresh baked Christmas cookies. Utterly comforting and perfect. Wilde stole my heart. No question. I can't wait to get back to the earlier books in the series.

[MelissaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 3.5 stars **

A little too sweet at times but still a decent Christmas romance

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with a sweet romance and characters with real world problems. Gabi is running away from her old life by switching homes with an online friend. After years of living up to her parents' expectations, she has realized that she isn't happy, so she quits law school and comes to Twilight to find out who she really is. There she meets Joe, her friend's brother, a good looking guy who she is immediately attracted to.

Joe is the family rolling stone. Diagnosed with ADHD as a kid, even now he finds himself unable to settle down for long. When his beloved grandfather has a stroke, Joe comes home to run the Christmas tree farm while his grandfather recovers. The work is physical, which helps him stay focused, and the bonus is being with family for the holidays. He's surprised to find Gabi staying in his sister's place, and can't stop thinking about her.

I liked Gabi a lot. She starts out as something of a lost soul and ends up a determined woman who knows exactly what she wants. When Gabi was six years old she lost her beloved older brother to cancer on Christmas Day. She and Derrick had often talked of all the things they would do at Christmas time when he was better. She blamed herself for his death (the reason why was heartbreaking) and set about trying to fill his place in her parents' lives. When she finally realized how unhappy she was, she came to Twilight to experience a real Christmas and decide what she wants to do. I loved seeing her throw herself into all the Christmas activities and how happy they made her. Because she had spent so much of her time growing up concentrating on her studies, she hasn't done much socially. The effect Joe has on her is instant and intense, but she's not sure if she should do anything about it. She's only there for three weeks and doesn't want to distract herself from her goals. But what a distraction!

Joe was a real sweetheart of a guy. He's well aware of his personal challenges, and believes that because of them he will never settle down. He tried once and it didn't end well. But as evidence of what a good guy he is, he is still on good (though frustrated) terms with his ex-wife and contributes to the care of her daughter. I loved how he was the one who stepped up to take care of the Christmas tree farm because of how much it means to him. He's also a real charmer and has no trouble using it. He's attracted to Gabi, but sees her as the settling down type, which makes getting involved with her a bad idea. However, there is something about her that he can't stay away from.

I loved the development of their relationship. Joe helps her get settled in Katie's place (a yurt!) and unsuccessfully tries to stay away from her. I loved seeing him dive into helping her experience everything that Christmas in Twilight has to offer. What he doesn't expect is the way that Gabi helps to calm the restlessness that he always feels. As she helps him deal with issues involving his ex and her daughter, he starts to wonder what it would be like to settle with Gabi at his side. I also liked the way that he made Gabi see her own worth as a person instead of just the one who keeps everyone else going. I loved seeing Gabi learn so much about herself with Joe's help. She also helps him with his own issues dealing with his ex-wife, and shows him that he's not the screw-up that he thinks he is. She worries that the feelings she has for Joe aren't real. I really liked the way that Joe gives her the space she needs at the end to figure things out. The ending was really sweet and romantic.

As always, one of the best things about the Twilight series is the emphasis on love and family. Joe's family is well aware of his issues, but is always there for him. I loved his grandfather's story of his own restless past and the parallels to Joe's life. I loved what Joe did when he learned the story of Gabi's life, and the effect it had on her relationship with her parents.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet holiday romance.

Gabi has just dropped out of law school after a disastrous mock trial, and decided to escape her life for Christmas and swap lives with a woman she met on Pinterest. Twilight looks just like the little town in the snow globe her brother gave her before he died.

Joe is a wanderer at heart, believing himself unable to settle down, but he loves his family and his grandfather’s Christmas tree farm, and he’s helping out at the farm after his grandfather had a stroke.

I really liked Joe and Gabi. Both haven’t had easy lives, but together they just made sense. Their romance was sweet and wonderful.

There’s something so very lovely and comforting about reading a small town romance. Especially during Christmas times. And I really liked Twilight. All the family dynamics, and the cheerfulness, and the way everyone was intertwined into each other’s lives.

This is my second book by this author, and even though at times it was too sugary sweet, that was exactly what I needed.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll Be Home for Christmas made me feel sentimental. Lori Wilde has a way of bringing her readers into the story. Although emotions play a large part in her stories, each read has it's own personal message. The message of this read is family is important but love is key to happiness and stability. I'll Be Home for Christmas is an ideal edition to Ms. Wilde's Twilight series. The perfect gift to the one's we love. I really loved this story. Joe's determination to prove Gabi that in him she has found her home was adorable. I always know that I have found a great author and read when I look forward to discovering every book in their series. That is exactly how I feel about Lori Wilde. Received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Copyright of Night Owl Reviews

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas story that you will not be able to put down. Shows how important family and friends are in the holiday season. I have always loved visiting Twilight and this is no exception.

Gabi, a lost soul has come to Twilight for three weeks to have the perfect holiday season. She did not except to find her true love, Joe. Joe is running his grandfather's Christmas tree lot, he welcomes Gabi into his world. Even that is not perfect when his exwife and daughter show up expectantly.

Loved all of the traditions of the town! A perfect town in a snow globe. Living out our dream!

I highly recommend this book to all Christmas lovers!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Twilight, TX. The quaint and friendly town that seems to heal the body and soul and gives people hope.
The main characters are Gabi, a young woman that has swapped homes for 3 weeks with Katie, from Twilight.
Joe, is back home in Twilight , taking care of the Christmas tree business owned by his Grandfather, who has had a stroke and needs help. When these two meet there is instant chemistry.
While other reviewers will write about the story, I will take a different route. The story is more about family dynamics. Sometimes parents, in their grief ,put pressure on their children . If that child is passive and kind, and only wants to please the parents, the soul and spirit of that child can be crushed or left unattended. That is the case of Gabi.
Joe , is kind and a good man , but due to ADHD, was a trouble maker as a kid and is still sometimes labeled as “different”. They will have to overcome personal and external obstacles but will be able to grown and shine at the end. This is another wonderful story by Ms Wilde. And if like me, you haven’t read all the books of the series, you’ll want to grab them and transport yourself to Twilight.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love going back to Twilight, Texas and this is book 7 in this loving family oriented series. Joe is home from Florida to run the Christmas Tree farm while his grandfather recovers from his stroke. Gabi is in town staying at his sister's house and the two are spontaneous combustion. She running away from her law school and her memories of her dead brother. As always the magic of Twilight brings them together and love prevails. A wonderful Christmas tale that brings a smile to your lips and a tear to your eye. Enjoy

[Pamela Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced wonderful Christmas story that I wanted to jump into and live next door. It is heart warming and in the traditional Christmas town. I want to move there, live there. Not to be missed if you love romance, tradition and community.

[Deborah Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh...back home again.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Christmas Read

A great feel good book. It is definitely a miracle type book. Going from a miserable life to a good one for all in the story.

[Lesley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love visiting Twilight, TX. The way Lori writes captures your heart. Gabi and Joe each had their own demons to fight before they reached their happy ending.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for www.buriedunderromance.com
I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, to be released on October 27, is the seventh book in the Twilight,Texas series by prolific romance writer Lori Wilde. It revolves around two broken people who are trying to find themselves in the small town of Twilight, a town that does Christmas to the max. There are quirky characters, baking contests, caroling, parades, decorations, and anything else that you would expect to find in an idealized Christmas setting.
Gabi Preston did not know how to tell her parents that she dropped out of Law School and needed to get away. She quietly arranged to trade her LA condo for the holidays for the home owned by her online friend Katie Cheek of Twilight, Texas, a town that reminded her of a Christmas snow globe. She is immediately attracted to Katie’s brother Joe who lives next door. He is fighting his own demons and has returned to Twilight to take care of his grandfather’s Christmas tree farm while he is ill. Everyone in Twilight thinks they are made for each other but neither is looking for a permanent relationship. Can the town work it’s Christmas magic?
I enjoyed the story of Gabi and Joe, even though I thought everything was too perfect. Gabi was too beautiful, Joe was too good looking and the town was too Christmassy. Since this is a Christmas story, however, I’ll give it a pass this time. The plot was plausible even though it is an obvious rip-off of the movie “The Holiday”, a fact that was openly acknowledged in the book. The characters are very lovable, the secondary characters very likable, and I found myself wishing I could live in a town like Twilight.
I would have liked to have learned more about Katie Cheek’s experiences as she spends the holidays in LA, but I figured that was going to be a topic for another book to come. One technical thing that I really didn’t like, however, was the author’s use of capital letters to show a characters thoughts, whether they were good, bad or angry. In social media the capital letters indicate shouting, so I felt that the thoughts were always being yelled at me. Maybe the use of italics might have been better.
In spite of all the clichés, including the title, I’m a sucker for a Christmas story. I found myself singing carols along with the good people of Twilight, and since it is the season for giving, I’ll give I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS four stars. I hope Katie Cheek comes back with her own Christmas story next year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

ON SALE 10/27: I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS BY LORI WILDE  
 
 
READ AND REVIEW
 
 
I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS BY LORI WILDE
 
Release Date:  October 27, 2015
 
SYNOPSIS
 
Christmas in Twilight, Texas, is all merriment and mistletoe. The Cookie Club is whipping up their most festive sweets, the townspeople are scrambling to get their holiday shopping done, and Joe—a hometown guy with a restless heart—is dreaming about the woman he wants to kiss most . . .
 
. . . And who happens to be staying at his sister's place over the holidays, while Joe's sister is away. But Joe isn't quite sure he wants to be a living Christmas present to runaway law student Gabi Preston.
 
Joe thinks the sassy sweetheart he nicknames "Trouble" won't inconvenience anything but his healthy sex drive. But when he discovers the reasons Gabi escaped from her life, he aches to give her everything she's never had. As the magic of the season draws them together, the gift of love is the only one worth giving…
 
BUY LINKS
 
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Ill-Be-Home-Chr...
 
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ill-b...
 
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
_I_ll_Be_Home_for_Christmas?id=MQF4BgAAQBAJ&hl=en
 
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REVIEW:  I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS BY LORI WILDE
 
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Lori WildeMy rating: 5 of 5 starsI'll Be Home for Christmas made me feel sentimental. Lori Wilde has a way of bringing her readers into the story. Although emotions play a large part in her stories, each read has it's own personal message. The message of this read is family is important but love is key to happiness and stability. I'll Be Home for Christmas is an ideal edition to Ms. Wilde's Twilight series. Copyright of Night Owl ReviewsView all my reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest review for a free copy.

Gabi Preston is a born people pleaser. Actually, she was born to save her brother's life, but in the end, his cancer was too far along to be saved. Derrick died on Christmas morning when Gabi was six. His last gift to her was a snow globe of a Dicken's type Christmas scene. For 17 years, Gabi held that ideal Christmas close to her heart. Her goal was to one day experience such a wonderful Christmas. So, after dropping out of law school she was attending to fulfill Derrick's life vocation and appeasing her high-profile lawyer parents, Gabi traded lives with her "Pinterest friend" Katie Cheek. Katie lived in Twilight, Texas where Christmas was just like Gabi's snow globe. And like the movie The Holiday, the women would basically live each other's life for three weeks.
Joe Cheek is the only Cheek family member who is basically able to drop everything and uproot his life to go home to Twilight to run his grandfather's Christmas tree farm as Grandpa heals and rehabs from a serious car accident. Joe finds that his heart begins to mend when he is on the tree farm and his ADHD is somewhat more manageable. He has struggled with ADHD his whole life and as an adult has found that he can control it more, but the tree farm brings him even more peace. Until one day, he walks into Perks, the coffee shop in Twilight and overhears this cute stranger stating that the chocolate cake she was eating WAS better than sex. Joe replied to her, "You must be doing it wrong." They both feel the electricity, but the moment is lost when Joe gets his coffee and walks out the door.
Gabi soon finds out her new home is a yurt and her new neighbor is the hot guy from the coffee shop and Katie's brother. Joe has a reputation. All of the women love him and apparently many of the women of Twilight have had Joe. But Joe and Gabi have something special.
Joe and his family share the Twilight Christmas spirit with Gabi and she soaks it up like a sponge, but she has to fight her feelings. She's trying to figure out her life, not complicate things, and Joe IS a flabulous complication.

[Amy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lori has this really special way of writing books that make a person feel. The way she writes Gabi I feel her happiness, her trials, her sadness, and that is really powerful.

This is another book where corrections could have made a huge difference. There was more than a few times a mistake, which was clearly an autocorrect situation, made me stop reading in my tracks. it really hurts the story to have to stop when you're all caught up because suddenly things are making absolutely no sense.

However, there are so many things to love about this book. we get to see how things are going for the younger generation of Twilightites who we've met in previous stories and I love that. I also love how genuine the emotions are in Lori's books. They make sense. Sometimes with contemporary romances you get kind of weird or artificial situations to make the happy ending seem plausible, but not in this case. Every relationship is organic and true. You get the happy ending because you feel if you knew these two people that's exactly how it would turn out. I was concerned when the book was loosely based off of the movie "The Holiday," but it is so transformed and, in my opinion, so much better as this story that I am so happy I got a chance to read this book.

This book is truly stand alone or as the series so if you like Jill Shalvis, Candis Terry or Rachel Gibson, definitely take your time to grab a copy even if you haven't read others!

[Renee Entress · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star

If you have not already read the below I recommend reading them first:
The Sweethearts' Knitting Club (Twilight, Texas, #1)
The True Love Quilting Club (Twilight, Texas, #2)
The First Love Cookie Club (Twilight, Texas, #3)
The Welcome Home Garden Club (Twilight, Texas, #4)
The Christmas Cookie Collection (Twilight, Texas, #4.1)
The Valentine's Day Disaster (Twilight, Texas, #4.2)
Christmas at Twilight (Twilight, Texas, #5)

This is Gabi and Joe’s story. Gabi and her online friend Katie decide to switch houses for the holidays. Gabi wants to experience everything about Christmas. Joe is the neighbor next door and Katie’s brother. He needs to find out what is going on and where Katie is. The chemistry between these two is hot. With this just being a Christmas switch they really can’t start anything or get to close right? What happens when in only two weeks you fall and fall hard? Will you be left with a broken heart or will you be able to work out how to keep the love and work on the future together? These two are sweet together. Can they find a way to work out there future in the two short weeks or will it have all been a fling?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabi Preston is at a cross roads in her life. She's dropped out of law school and has come to Twilight Texas for the holidays. She wants to fully experience the joys of Christmas. Can she find herself in this small Texas town? Joe Cheek is a Christmas tree farmer and next door neighbor. He is drawn to this beautiful city girl. Their attraction is mutual and sparks fly when they are together. Since he lives next door to her yurt (tent), they see each other often. I loved Gabi. She's such a giving person. She is so compassionate and tender hearted. She wants to make everyone happy, but inside she hurts. She lost her older brother to cancer and her parents to their pain. Joe is a charmer and a flirt, but he's a softie. He always honorable. He makes Gabi feel alive. I hurt for both Gabi and Joe. They have endured so much. They deserve to find love and happiness. The residents of Twilight add so much to Twilight. They are humorous and caring. I felt at home. This book is remarkable and is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Lori Wilde knows how to weave a story that has it all. There is love, laughter, joy and pain. I was hooked from the first page. I'll Be Home For Christmas is a keeper.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I love about Wildes books is her characters and the way they come to life. In this story Gabi and Joes sister switch houses for the holidays. Gabi is trying to create the life her and her deceased brother always dreamed about but she never thought she would fall so much in love with the town, the people and most of all Joe.

This book reminded me of the movie the holiday and this book actually had me thinking if i could ever switch houses and lives with someone I never met for 2 weeks.

Wilde did an excellent job in having Gabi fit right in and become part of the town for the amount of time she was there.

The romance between Gabi and Joe was the highlight of the book for me. Although there relationship started off a little on the slow side the author made it believable on how they got together and fell in love.

I have only read a few books in this series so there were some characters I didn't know or didn't remember but it made me realize how much I missed this town. I want to go back and read the whole series from the beginning. I hope Wilde keeps this series going for a long time.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you the true meaning of Christmas and the holiday season. There are no words to tell you how much I loved this book. I will tell you to have some tissues handy because I teared up a few times while reading this. Let me tell you right from the beginning this books just pulls at my heart strings. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. The way this is written you feel part of the community like Gabi who is searching for the Christmas in her snow globe I'd so love to visit Twilight. The magic of the season is so strong in that town. Gabi is such a strong yet has one the most caring hearts. Going to Twilight and meeting Joe is exactly what she needs even though she doesn't know it. This is a make you feel good, warm your heart book. The ending and the epilogue were so beautiful and one of my favorite parts.

[Katina Fragakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the Twilight, Texas series, but this one is the best! In one book Lori Wilde creates a Christmas snow globe town of residents full of love for all who need its healing. Gabi Preston is lacking her own identity, having formed her self-image from her duty to others. Joe Cheek,affected by ADHD, returns to his hometown searching for his place in life, his true home. Enter his ex-wife and daughter with their own problems. And the Cheek family is on hand to support all of them.Never have I seen so many emotional issues intermingle in one book, but love triumphs in impressive ways.

I loved this story. It was humorous (I had to stop and reread parts out loud), sexy, exasperating, and poignant. Most of all, it was hopeful. It will be on my list to read every Christmas season. This book was gifted to me by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Amary Chapman]

Welcome back to Twilight

Gabi leaves law school embarrassed by her difficulty on a courtroom simulated exam, and trades homes with Katie, who had trials of her own.
Coming to Twilight turns out to better than she dared to dream of with the town taking her to their hearts...and Joe.....more man than she had ever encountered.
Joe has his own difficulties, but with Gabi, they become stronger, better and become what each other has been looking for.
This is a sweet sexy contemporary romance that leaves you feeling good. Well written with great descriptions and believable motivation. I would love to see Katie's story next.

[Julia David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gabi and Joe. Gabi grew up thinking she had to please everyone to get love. Joe grew up in a large family and he knows they all love him. He has ADHD and when he was younger, it got him into trouble. He is still living with some of his mistakes. It is pretty much love at first sight when Gabi and Joe meet, but neither are quite ready to trust that. Gabi and Joe's sister trade lives for 3 weeks. Gabi has landed into the perfect town for Christmas. She is learning how to have the perfect Christmas and Joe wants to give that to her more than anything. Can Gabi really trust the love she knows that Joe wants to give her and what is in her own heart?

[Teresa Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I've read in a very long time. I really had to force myself to put it down. Twilight is getting ready for Christmas but is Gabi really ready for Twilight. This is the story of 2 lost souls searching for who they really are. Gabi trades apts with a stranger they both need to get away from their lives and Joe comes back to town to help his ailing grandfather. Little do they know las they find their true selves they will find their one true love. I love the journey Lori has taken them on and the holiday celebrations that the whole town shares in. Of course the holiday books are my favorite but no matter what the setting this is a book worth reading.

[Ruth McDonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Joe and Gabi's story. Christmas in Twilight is always a special time. Gabi "swaps" places with Katie, Joe's sister, for three weeks before Christmas. Gabi has dropped out of law school and is running from her life as a people pleaser. She wants to find a small town that celebrates Christmas for herself and her older brother who died when she was six. Twilight is just like her snowglobe. Who knew when she arrived in town, that she would be living in a yurt, a modified tent house? Definitely not Gabi! Can Joe and Gabi get their happily ever after? You must read to find out!

[Sharon Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good Christmas time romance. I started reading it expecting it to be a fun, lighthearted read, which, for the most part, it was. However, there were several very serious backstories in here, which made this book more than just a good holiday read. I won't spoil it for any of you, but the issues that were dealt with in this book make it a holiday book you should pick up and enjoy, I know I did, so much so, that I am going to explore some of Lori Wilde's other books!!

[Madm007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book can pull you in and make you feel all the emotions, see all the details in perfect clarity that's a great read to me. Gabi and Joe were so real and the chemistry, ooh la la. I was definitely rooting for them. I cried about Derrick, was ready to hate on Tatum. Casey's antics made me laugh. Thank you, Lori, for another fantastic read from Twilight, TX.