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The Christmas Cottage #1-2
The Christmas Cottage / Ever After
An exciting reissue of both books in the beloved Christmas Cottage series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase, just in time for the holidays .
Legend has it that any couple who spends the night in the Christmas Cottage shall have love everlasting...
THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE
Lacey Quinn does not believe in happily-ever-after or the legend of the Christmas Cottage. But her best friend does, and she’s the one getting married. It’s Lacey’s job to make sure everything at the cottage is perfect for the newlyweds. Instead, she finds herself snowed in with the best man, and she begins to wonder if fairy tales really can come true.
EVER AFTER
Ava Callahan wants desperately to believe in love everlasting. But when Brian McCabe walks back into her life and upsets her carefully organized world, her commitment to perfection makes it hard to accept the love that’s right in front of her. Will it take a night in the Christmas Cottage for Ava and Brian to find their happy ending?
What readers are saying:
“Delightful Christmas romance with a twist ending.”
“Loved the layered plot.”
“Sweet holiday romance…love, love love!”
“An enchanting tale.”
“A five star story!”
“Instant connection with the characters.”
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
87 people are currently reading
1195 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
141 books2,355 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 13, 2015
3 - "I'm not ready to let you go." Stars.
This is definitely a book of two halves for me, and if I am honest I sort of knew it would be from pretty much the beginning of The Christmas Cottage.
We are essentially looking at two stories; the first between Lacey and Ean takes place pre-Ava's wedding, and the second; Ever After post the wedding.
Of all the people to be trapped in a snowstorm with.
I wasn't a fan of Ava in the first novella, as the blushing bride she came across as desperate and a little shallow, and she lived up to those expectations in Ever After.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were trying to get rid of me."
However, the writing and storytelling is sound. My issues are purely with characterization and although this is the first work I have read from Samantha Chase, I would happily read more in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
This is definitely a book of two halves for me, and if I am honest I sort of knew it would be from pretty much the beginning of The Christmas Cottage.
We are essentially looking at two stories; the first between Lacey and Ean takes place pre-Ava's wedding, and the second; Ever After post the wedding.
Of all the people to be trapped in a snowstorm with.
I wasn't a fan of Ava in the first novella, as the blushing bride she came across as desperate and a little shallow, and she lived up to those expectations in Ever After.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were trying to get rid of me."
However, the writing and storytelling is sound. My issues are purely with characterization and although this is the first work I have read from Samantha Chase, I would happily read more in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
November 24, 2016
This was one exceptionally cute book that combined unrequited love and Christmas. That being said, it was one sweet easy read that made my heart happy and my mind rested. I liked that there was no arguing and mistrust in the story. What there was, was a nice sweet couple that had known each other since they were kids and when Lacey embarrassed herself at fourteen, she tried to move on and not think about what could have been.
When she comes into contact with Ean Callahan she wasn't prepared for the sparks that flew. He had to win her over while helping his sister prepare for her dream wedding and honeymoon. It was such a happy book. I am glad that Sourcebooks-Casablanca brought it to me through the month of November.
When she comes into contact with Ean Callahan she wasn't prepared for the sparks that flew. He had to win her over while helping his sister prepare for her dream wedding and honeymoon. It was such a happy book. I am glad that Sourcebooks-Casablanca brought it to me through the month of November.
June 19, 2020
What the whole hell..this is my first Samantha Chase. She was recommended to me on kindle and I’ve been obsessively waiting for a free moment to start reading her books. Started with this one-it’s on hoopla-and is a four hour audio book.
Best friend’s brother trope. Heroine confesses her love to him when she’s 14 and he’s on the cuff of going to college and feels an ENTIRE TYPE OF WAY when he curves her..like Nope! I get it. At 14, that’s the worst thing ever to be rejected but homegirl really struggles with this for years and even as an adult he has to break it down to her: like if you were Older..I would’ve stayed the summer but I was a high school graduate and you were 14.....
Aside from all that, the best friend. Smh. She’s really what did it for me. I know I live with my head in the clouds and love a good fairy tale and yearn for a happy Ever After but THIS CHICK AVA..she’s literally ticked off because her bestie and brother stayed the night at HER cabin which she in her heart of hearts believe is magical and since they stayed there, they’ve taken the magic away and there’s no hope. BYE GIRL, I CANT! How old are we? Fingers crossed my next Samantha Chase is better.
Best friend’s brother trope. Heroine confesses her love to him when she’s 14 and he’s on the cuff of going to college and feels an ENTIRE TYPE OF WAY when he curves her..like Nope! I get it. At 14, that’s the worst thing ever to be rejected but homegirl really struggles with this for years and even as an adult he has to break it down to her: like if you were Older..I would’ve stayed the summer but I was a high school graduate and you were 14.....
Aside from all that, the best friend. Smh. She’s really what did it for me. I know I live with my head in the clouds and love a good fairy tale and yearn for a happy Ever After but THIS CHICK AVA..she’s literally ticked off because her bestie and brother stayed the night at HER cabin which she in her heart of hearts believe is magical and since they stayed there, they’ve taken the magic away and there’s no hope. BYE GIRL, I CANT! How old are we? Fingers crossed my next Samantha Chase is better.
October 12, 2015
The Christmas Cottage/ Ever After by Samantha Chase is a 2015 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a two book collection of Christmas/ Holiday themed contemporary romances by Samantha Chase.
First up is “The Christmas Cottage.” Ava and Mason are getting married and Lacey is the maid of honor. One of her many duties is to decorate the family cottage where Ava will spend her wedding night. It's a tradition in her family with the legend being that whoever spends the night in the cottage will enjoy everlasting love. Ava is nearly obsessed with this cottage because she is having some doubts about her upcoming marriage.
Despite her reservations, Lacey agrees to prepare the cottage for Ava and Mason.
Ava knows she will have to face Ean, Ava's brother, eventually, because of the wedding, which is going to be a little awkward for Lacey. She hasn't seen Ean since she was fourteen years old and made an embarrassing pass at him, which he handled badly. To her utter dismay, Ean shows up at the cottage unexpectedly, during a snowstorm and naturally, they wind up stranded there for the night. Will the cottage prove to be magical after all?
I really like Samantha Chase, and read many of her novels, but this one was not very good. There is just no nice way to say it. First of all, I was very disappointed by the ending because of a pet peeve of mine, which I can't mention here without giving away a major plot twist. I don't find it romantic at all, don't think it's fair to the couple in question, and it's merely symbolic, since the I's weren't dotted and the T's weren't crossed. Ava was the most irritating, immature, and annoying character I have come across in a long time, but she does at least have one moment of sanity and I applauded her maturity in that one moment, but her timing was terrible, showing she is incredibly self absorbed. However, Ava's story continues in...
Ever After
So, by now you have guessed Ava didn't marry Mason after all. But, she isn't left out in the cold, because she really does need a happy ending after all she went through. ( And put us through in the first book) Ava's personality didn't improve much in this story , and if it's possible, she was a little more annoying. She is STILL fixated on that bleeping cottage, and nearly ruins a good relationship because of it. Brian was okay sometimes, but at other times, I got just as frustrated with him as I did with Ava. Thankfully, they had a little intervention and Ava finally got what she was dreaming of all along. Thank goodness!
Again, I really DO like this author, and I know what she is capable of, which makes this one more disappointing, as a result, because this could have been a really awesome collection. Naturally, I will continue to read her books, however, I can't really recommend this one as there are just way too many holiday stories out there with more humor, more chemistry, and more depth.
2 stars
This is a two book collection of Christmas/ Holiday themed contemporary romances by Samantha Chase.
First up is “The Christmas Cottage.” Ava and Mason are getting married and Lacey is the maid of honor. One of her many duties is to decorate the family cottage where Ava will spend her wedding night. It's a tradition in her family with the legend being that whoever spends the night in the cottage will enjoy everlasting love. Ava is nearly obsessed with this cottage because she is having some doubts about her upcoming marriage.
Despite her reservations, Lacey agrees to prepare the cottage for Ava and Mason.
Ava knows she will have to face Ean, Ava's brother, eventually, because of the wedding, which is going to be a little awkward for Lacey. She hasn't seen Ean since she was fourteen years old and made an embarrassing pass at him, which he handled badly. To her utter dismay, Ean shows up at the cottage unexpectedly, during a snowstorm and naturally, they wind up stranded there for the night. Will the cottage prove to be magical after all?
I really like Samantha Chase, and read many of her novels, but this one was not very good. There is just no nice way to say it. First of all, I was very disappointed by the ending because of a pet peeve of mine, which I can't mention here without giving away a major plot twist. I don't find it romantic at all, don't think it's fair to the couple in question, and it's merely symbolic, since the I's weren't dotted and the T's weren't crossed. Ava was the most irritating, immature, and annoying character I have come across in a long time, but she does at least have one moment of sanity and I applauded her maturity in that one moment, but her timing was terrible, showing she is incredibly self absorbed. However, Ava's story continues in...
Ever After
So, by now you have guessed Ava didn't marry Mason after all. But, she isn't left out in the cold, because she really does need a happy ending after all she went through. ( And put us through in the first book) Ava's personality didn't improve much in this story , and if it's possible, she was a little more annoying. She is STILL fixated on that bleeping cottage, and nearly ruins a good relationship because of it. Brian was okay sometimes, but at other times, I got just as frustrated with him as I did with Ava. Thankfully, they had a little intervention and Ava finally got what she was dreaming of all along. Thank goodness!
Again, I really DO like this author, and I know what she is capable of, which makes this one more disappointing, as a result, because this could have been a really awesome collection. Naturally, I will continue to read her books, however, I can't really recommend this one as there are just way too many holiday stories out there with more humor, more chemistry, and more depth.
2 stars
November 14, 2015
ARC REVIEW
It's a Twofer! Samantha Chase brings together her two Christmas Cottage books The Christmas Cottage and Ever After. I loved both of these. I must find more Samantha Chase. The writing style and the storyline and characters are all great.
The Callahan family has had the Christmas Cottage in it's family for generations, and it is said that if you have your wedding night there on Christmas Eve you are destined to have a happy and healthy marriage. Ava grew up with these stories and now that she is engaged she is determined to have her wedding night there and it must be perfect. Ava charges her best friend and maid of honor, Lacey, and the best man with the job of making sure the place is perfect. Ava's fiancee suddenly had a falling out with his best man and the replacement is Ava's older brother Ean. Lacey has been in love with Ean since she was a kid but on the night of her graduation she kisses Ean and messed everything up.
Ean Callahan had a lot to prove to himself he was the nerdy guy not the popular guy. He reacted badly when Lacey kissed him and as a result avoided her at all costs, unfortunately, Lacey is very close to his family and he ended up avoiding them also. Now years later he's all grown up and very successful he is need of a vacation. He goes up to the family cabin for some R&R before the holidays and his sister's wedding. To his surprise Lacey is up at the Christmas Cottage and a sudden blizzard traps Lacey and Ean in the Christmas Cottage over the weekend. Trapped together they finally reveal everything they left in the past and became romantically involved.
But when they get back to real life emotions are complicated and with the promise to keep everything quiet because Ava is extremely superstitious about the cottage.
Ever After takes place almost a year later, Lacey and Ean are happily married and Ava is alone. She is carrying on with her life ready like normal until one day Brian McCabe shows up in her life. Brian is the best friend of Ava's former fiancee, Mason, and the whole reason for the falling out is that he fell in love with Ava. Ava is hesitant especially since he is best friends with Mason. But with Ava and Mason talk and they have a double date, Mason with his new fiance and Ava with Brian. Brian courts Ava so sweetly, I almost think he is too good for for her. Ava still has one major character flaw and that she is obsessed with the damn cottage, not even the events of the last book change her mind. She gets so bad with her obsession in this story that she ruins probably the best thing that has ever happened to her, Brian.
Overall, The Christmas Cottage if you can get past Ava the bridezilla, it's a nice Christmas romance for Lacey and Ean. Ever After if you can get past Ava acting like a spoiled brat with her head stuck in the clouds is a really sweet romance.
It's a Twofer! Samantha Chase brings together her two Christmas Cottage books The Christmas Cottage and Ever After. I loved both of these. I must find more Samantha Chase. The writing style and the storyline and characters are all great.
The Callahan family has had the Christmas Cottage in it's family for generations, and it is said that if you have your wedding night there on Christmas Eve you are destined to have a happy and healthy marriage. Ava grew up with these stories and now that she is engaged she is determined to have her wedding night there and it must be perfect. Ava charges her best friend and maid of honor, Lacey, and the best man with the job of making sure the place is perfect. Ava's fiancee suddenly had a falling out with his best man and the replacement is Ava's older brother Ean. Lacey has been in love with Ean since she was a kid but on the night of her graduation she kisses Ean and messed everything up.
Ean Callahan had a lot to prove to himself he was the nerdy guy not the popular guy. He reacted badly when Lacey kissed him and as a result avoided her at all costs, unfortunately, Lacey is very close to his family and he ended up avoiding them also. Now years later he's all grown up and very successful he is need of a vacation. He goes up to the family cabin for some R&R before the holidays and his sister's wedding. To his surprise Lacey is up at the Christmas Cottage and a sudden blizzard traps Lacey and Ean in the Christmas Cottage over the weekend. Trapped together they finally reveal everything they left in the past and became romantically involved.
But when they get back to real life emotions are complicated and with the promise to keep everything quiet because Ava is extremely superstitious about the cottage.
Ever After takes place almost a year later, Lacey and Ean are happily married and Ava is alone. She is carrying on with her life ready like normal until one day Brian McCabe shows up in her life. Brian is the best friend of Ava's former fiancee, Mason, and the whole reason for the falling out is that he fell in love with Ava. Ava is hesitant especially since he is best friends with Mason. But with Ava and Mason talk and they have a double date, Mason with his new fiance and Ava with Brian. Brian courts Ava so sweetly, I almost think he is too good for for her. Ava still has one major character flaw and that she is obsessed with the damn cottage, not even the events of the last book change her mind. She gets so bad with her obsession in this story that she ruins probably the best thing that has ever happened to her, Brian.
Overall, The Christmas Cottage if you can get past Ava the bridezilla, it's a nice Christmas romance for Lacey and Ean. Ever After if you can get past Ava acting like a spoiled brat with her head stuck in the clouds is a really sweet romance.
August 8, 2015
I enjoy reading books that connect a series, like it even better when the stories can be purchased as a set. That is what drew me to this anthology. The Christmas Cottage/Ever After set has a great deal to entice a reader. First off it has well written characters. Second both stories are delightful holiday reads that leave you feeling good. Third, an air of mystical intervention for each pair of our young lovers. Lastly but certain not least Samantha Chase. Her stories have a way of wrapping around the heart that in my case leaves me anticipating the next story. Family, friendship and life lessons always play abundant roles in her stories.
I usually fall for one character in each and ever story that I have read by her more than any other. To me these two stories warm the heart, touch the soul and will entertain any true romantic.
Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
I usually fall for one character in each and ever story that I have read by her more than any other. To me these two stories warm the heart, touch the soul and will entertain any true romantic.
Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
October 10, 2015
3.5 stars
The Christmas Cottage / Ever After was a good afternoon's read.
I enjoyed watching both couples find their happily ever after.
While the stories didn't necessarily blow me away, it certainly held my interest and warmed my heart.
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for the advance copy.
The Christmas Cottage / Ever After was a good afternoon's read.
I enjoyed watching both couples find their happily ever after.
While the stories didn't necessarily blow me away, it certainly held my interest and warmed my heart.
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for the advance copy.
September 13, 2018
Obviously this isn’t literary fiction and it isn’t particularly well written, but as a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies this was still a fun read.
January 10, 2020
Nice little Christmas romance based on a hallmark movie. No similarities except characters but enjoyed the story line!
December 2, 2020
Lacey’s Story - 4 Stars | Ava’s Story - 2 Stars
December 14, 2015
My Review:
This book was two stories in one, The Christmas Cottage is a magical place and legends has it that if you stay over night with someone you will have everlasting love. So most of the people in the Callahan family have been married on Christmas Eve and stayed in the cottage over night on their honeymoon hoping that they will find everlasting love. Lacey Quinn is the maid of honor to Ava Callahan and she has turned into a bridezilla. She is obsessed with the Legends and wants Lacey to make the cottage the most magical place on her wedding night but Lacey isn’t expected to do it alone. Ava’s brother Ean is asked to help but Lacey doesn’t want that since she has had a crush on him since, like, forever.
This was a really cute story and sort of a second chance romance. I love the relationship between Lacey and Ava, they have been BFF forever and are like sisters. You really get that friend feel with them and it’s really cute. I actually adored Ean he was just so cute and just thought the two of them together was just great. This book has no sex but it does imply that they did something. I must say I actually thought that this book was done really well and you still get that romance that you want even without all the sex. I loved the Characters and thought they were developed very well and reading the next story in the book just made the characters even more lovable.
Ava’s story I liked but not as much as Lacey’s story, only because Ava was beyond frustrating with her obsession with the stupid COTTAGE!!! By the time I got to this story I was just so annoyed by how much she thought her life needed to be perfect and have everything happen at a certain time in the perfect spot. I did like Brain and thought he was a perfect guy for Ava. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy reading this story and I thought both stories were done very well giving you all those warm, fuzzy Christmas feeling with a great romantic story. I can see this being a Christmas Movie on Hallmark. I love the chemistry between all the characters and highly recommend if you are looking to get into the Christmas Spirit with a little Romance and a fantastic story.
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
This book was two stories in one, The Christmas Cottage is a magical place and legends has it that if you stay over night with someone you will have everlasting love. So most of the people in the Callahan family have been married on Christmas Eve and stayed in the cottage over night on their honeymoon hoping that they will find everlasting love. Lacey Quinn is the maid of honor to Ava Callahan and she has turned into a bridezilla. She is obsessed with the Legends and wants Lacey to make the cottage the most magical place on her wedding night but Lacey isn’t expected to do it alone. Ava’s brother Ean is asked to help but Lacey doesn’t want that since she has had a crush on him since, like, forever.
This was a really cute story and sort of a second chance romance. I love the relationship between Lacey and Ava, they have been BFF forever and are like sisters. You really get that friend feel with them and it’s really cute. I actually adored Ean he was just so cute and just thought the two of them together was just great. This book has no sex but it does imply that they did something. I must say I actually thought that this book was done really well and you still get that romance that you want even without all the sex. I loved the Characters and thought they were developed very well and reading the next story in the book just made the characters even more lovable.
Ava’s story I liked but not as much as Lacey’s story, only because Ava was beyond frustrating with her obsession with the stupid COTTAGE!!! By the time I got to this story I was just so annoyed by how much she thought her life needed to be perfect and have everything happen at a certain time in the perfect spot. I did like Brain and thought he was a perfect guy for Ava. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy reading this story and I thought both stories were done very well giving you all those warm, fuzzy Christmas feeling with a great romantic story. I can see this being a Christmas Movie on Hallmark. I love the chemistry between all the characters and highly recommend if you are looking to get into the Christmas Spirit with a little Romance and a fantastic story.
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my review
Hope you have a great day and Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
October 6, 2015
Sweet, sexy and surreal. These are about the best descriptions I could give The Christmas Cottage Ever After and it felt really good to read these stories that have a Christmas setting.
The Christmas Cottage
First story was about Lacey who was tasked to decorate The Christmas Cottage, the place where her best friend Ava was supposed to spend her honeymoon. It had been said that this cottage promised a happily-ever-after kind of relationship or basically a long-lasting love to any couple who spent their holidays/honeymoon there. And Ava was determined to push through with her wedding so she had set everything that needed to be settled in order for her and Mason to get the best Christmas wedding/honeymoon in the cottage.
Lacey didn't believe in such magical legend but she had no choice except to adhere to her friend's wishes. She was prepared to do her task, until she learned that Ean Callahan was going to be her partner in decorating the college. Ean, her best friend's brother. Ean, her childhood crush. Ean, the man she attempted to kiss at the age 14 but got her heart broken.
Twelve years after their bitter separation, Lacey and Ean faced each other again. And everything else changed around them.
I fell for these two long-suffering love birds' love story. I felt the pain and awkwardness and bliss the two had to endure while at the Christmas cottage. Left me feeling really good and in love.
EVER AFTER
Now, this second story was about Ava Callaghan and her happily ever after. But not with the man she was supposed to marry. Mason and Ava had broken up - a big sigh of thank you there - and soon, eight months later, Brian, the original best man, came back and rocked her world. Brian was Mason's best friend, and he knew about the Bro Code, so as much as possible, he didn't want to fall for Ava. But how long could these two reluctant lovers suppress their feelings?
I must admit, I didn't really like Ava's character since the beginning. I was quickly put off by her annoying childish attitude. She was like this spoiled brat who wouldn't take no for an answer. Brian, however, changed my opinion of their forbidden love affair. He was quite a character, an exact opposite to Ava and a real gentleman. I'm glad with the realization in the end and somehow, made me look at Ava even better.
Samantha Chase writes colorful love stories that will surely win every hopeless romantics. I'm happy I was able to read this book. I had an upsetting evening two nights before and this book made it all good. Truly, this had been an early Christmas treat!
The Christmas Cottage
First story was about Lacey who was tasked to decorate The Christmas Cottage, the place where her best friend Ava was supposed to spend her honeymoon. It had been said that this cottage promised a happily-ever-after kind of relationship or basically a long-lasting love to any couple who spent their holidays/honeymoon there. And Ava was determined to push through with her wedding so she had set everything that needed to be settled in order for her and Mason to get the best Christmas wedding/honeymoon in the cottage.
Lacey didn't believe in such magical legend but she had no choice except to adhere to her friend's wishes. She was prepared to do her task, until she learned that Ean Callahan was going to be her partner in decorating the college. Ean, her best friend's brother. Ean, her childhood crush. Ean, the man she attempted to kiss at the age 14 but got her heart broken.
Twelve years after their bitter separation, Lacey and Ean faced each other again. And everything else changed around them.
I fell for these two long-suffering love birds' love story. I felt the pain and awkwardness and bliss the two had to endure while at the Christmas cottage. Left me feeling really good and in love.
EVER AFTER
Now, this second story was about Ava Callaghan and her happily ever after. But not with the man she was supposed to marry. Mason and Ava had broken up - a big sigh of thank you there - and soon, eight months later, Brian, the original best man, came back and rocked her world. Brian was Mason's best friend, and he knew about the Bro Code, so as much as possible, he didn't want to fall for Ava. But how long could these two reluctant lovers suppress their feelings?
I must admit, I didn't really like Ava's character since the beginning. I was quickly put off by her annoying childish attitude. She was like this spoiled brat who wouldn't take no for an answer. Brian, however, changed my opinion of their forbidden love affair. He was quite a character, an exact opposite to Ava and a real gentleman. I'm glad with the realization in the end and somehow, made me look at Ava even better.
Samantha Chase writes colorful love stories that will surely win every hopeless romantics. I'm happy I was able to read this book. I had an upsetting evening two nights before and this book made it all good. Truly, this had been an early Christmas treat!
July 29, 2015
This was my first experience with Ms. Chase's work and I have to say that I really enjoyed it, so much so, that I plan to read more of her books in the very near future. Both of these stories were very well written, highly engaging and held my interest the whole way through.
It is said that the Callahan's Family Cottage is magical, and that when couples spend a night in the cabin together they are destined to be married happily for life. While Ean Callahan is home for a extended stay at his family's cabin he discovers that someone has left the lights on in the families little cottage down the road, so he sets out on foot in a snow storm to check on the cottage, and get a better look. But when he gets there he discovers that someone staying in the cabin, knowing it isn't any of his family members he decides to peek in the windows to see he has taken residence in the tiny cabin. Lacey Quinn is the last person he expects to see in the cabin, for she is the girl that got away so long ago...
Ave Callahan ended her engagement and is now desperately seeking another chance at finding true love, but after failing to find it the first go around she is apprehensive about letting anyone back into her heart. When her ex - fiancés best friend strolls back into her life he brings up painful memories she's not wanting to think about, and it makes her question everything in her life. She begins to think true love isn't in the cards for her, question is can Brian McCabe convince her otherwise...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading both of these short, but oh so sweet love stories and highly recommend you add them to your reading list! They highly satisfying and will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm heart!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Sourcebooks Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
It is said that the Callahan's Family Cottage is magical, and that when couples spend a night in the cabin together they are destined to be married happily for life. While Ean Callahan is home for a extended stay at his family's cabin he discovers that someone has left the lights on in the families little cottage down the road, so he sets out on foot in a snow storm to check on the cottage, and get a better look. But when he gets there he discovers that someone staying in the cabin, knowing it isn't any of his family members he decides to peek in the windows to see he has taken residence in the tiny cabin. Lacey Quinn is the last person he expects to see in the cabin, for she is the girl that got away so long ago...
Ave Callahan ended her engagement and is now desperately seeking another chance at finding true love, but after failing to find it the first go around she is apprehensive about letting anyone back into her heart. When her ex - fiancés best friend strolls back into her life he brings up painful memories she's not wanting to think about, and it makes her question everything in her life. She begins to think true love isn't in the cards for her, question is can Brian McCabe convince her otherwise...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading both of these short, but oh so sweet love stories and highly recommend you add them to your reading list! They highly satisfying and will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm heart!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Sourcebooks Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
September 17, 2015
I'm glad these stories were back to back and I didn't have time in between them. I really liked the idea for the Christmas cottage. It sounded special.
The first story was about Ean and Lacey. Lacey has been in love with Ean she was 14 but when she made her move on 18 year old Ean things didn't go as planned. They didn't speak or see each other for 12 years until Ean believes someone is breaking into his families cottage. There he comes face to face with Lacey who he never stopped thinking of.
It was cute and I love the falling in love with her best friends brother type books. Although they have known each other forever I did feel like they rushed into things a little. Then they kind of took a break only to get married on the wedding day that was supposed to be Ava's. Overall this story had a cute ending and I liked it in the end.
The second story was about Ava and Brian. Ava was originally supposed to marry Mason in the first book but they called off the wedding the day of. Ever since Brian met Ava he had feelings for her but since she was marrying his best friend he didn't do anything about it. This story picks up 8 months after the first story.
I liked Brian but I found Ava to be a little annoying about everything always having to be perfect. From the first book into this book that's all I ever heard from her. I was actually surprised Brian wanted to be with someone like that since he was so down to earth but I guess it's true opposites attract. It was finally great to see the whole wedding cottage thing wasn't real and Ava finally got to understand that.
Although these were cute and quick reads I didn't feel connected to the characters like I have in other books Chase has written.
I am looking forward to reading more of this author just to see what she will come up with next for a HEA!
The first story was about Ean and Lacey. Lacey has been in love with Ean she was 14 but when she made her move on 18 year old Ean things didn't go as planned. They didn't speak or see each other for 12 years until Ean believes someone is breaking into his families cottage. There he comes face to face with Lacey who he never stopped thinking of.
It was cute and I love the falling in love with her best friends brother type books. Although they have known each other forever I did feel like they rushed into things a little. Then they kind of took a break only to get married on the wedding day that was supposed to be Ava's. Overall this story had a cute ending and I liked it in the end.
The second story was about Ava and Brian. Ava was originally supposed to marry Mason in the first book but they called off the wedding the day of. Ever since Brian met Ava he had feelings for her but since she was marrying his best friend he didn't do anything about it. This story picks up 8 months after the first story.
I liked Brian but I found Ava to be a little annoying about everything always having to be perfect. From the first book into this book that's all I ever heard from her. I was actually surprised Brian wanted to be with someone like that since he was so down to earth but I guess it's true opposites attract. It was finally great to see the whole wedding cottage thing wasn't real and Ava finally got to understand that.
Although these were cute and quick reads I didn't feel connected to the characters like I have in other books Chase has written.
I am looking forward to reading more of this author just to see what she will come up with next for a HEA!
October 15, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Wicked Reads.
This book was a light, sweet, quick read and just west I needed to relax and put a smile on my face. I really enjoy combination books, so I liked that I could easily follow The Christmas Cottage with Ever After without leaving the screen.
In The Christmas Cottage, I really liked the character interactions and dynamics. They were witty, funny, and kept the story flowing nicely. Lacey and Ean's romance is adorable and their joining forces to help Ava is my favorite part. My only negative would be that the 12 years if the being apart and then instantly reconnecting as if nothing has changed seemed very unrealistic to me. Twelve years is a very long time. That aside, I still easily enjoyed the story.
In Ever After, we are reintroduced to Ava after some drama from the first book. Her whole life has changed and she isn't sure what comes next. When Brian comes into the picture trying to give her a gentle, but not overly pushy shine in the right direction, it leaves Ava a little confused. I thought this book was even cuter and sweeter than the first. Ava and Brian's romance is adorable and very sweet. I was happy to hear more about Lacey and Ian in this book as well.
Overall, this complete book was just what I was looking for. It was a light, sweet, and positive read that I felt easy and enjoyable to finish. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a nice holiday themed, happy romance read.
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
This book was a light, sweet, quick read and just west I needed to relax and put a smile on my face. I really enjoy combination books, so I liked that I could easily follow The Christmas Cottage with Ever After without leaving the screen.
In The Christmas Cottage, I really liked the character interactions and dynamics. They were witty, funny, and kept the story flowing nicely. Lacey and Ean's romance is adorable and their joining forces to help Ava is my favorite part. My only negative would be that the 12 years if the being apart and then instantly reconnecting as if nothing has changed seemed very unrealistic to me. Twelve years is a very long time. That aside, I still easily enjoyed the story.
In Ever After, we are reintroduced to Ava after some drama from the first book. Her whole life has changed and she isn't sure what comes next. When Brian comes into the picture trying to give her a gentle, but not overly pushy shine in the right direction, it leaves Ava a little confused. I thought this book was even cuter and sweeter than the first. Ava and Brian's romance is adorable and very sweet. I was happy to hear more about Lacey and Ian in this book as well.
Overall, this complete book was just what I was looking for. It was a light, sweet, and positive read that I felt easy and enjoyable to finish. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a nice holiday themed, happy romance read.
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
September 14, 2015
ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My first Samantha Chase book was a split decision for me. I truly likes the first story about Lacey and Ean. A second chance romance of sorts with a slight Christmas feel to it. Focus on this was a sweet romance( no heat) between Lacey and her bff's older brother who are charged with the task of creating the perfect setting for Ava's wedding night at her family's cottage in the North Carolina mountains. Ava completely drove me insane! She was a super annoying character and she did not evolve in the whole of both stories. HEA was offered at the end of the first book.
Second book was based around annoying Ava and poor Brian who was out through the ringer waiting around for Ava to catch up. I found myself skimming to the parts where Ean and Lacey popped back up and to see if Brian was going to "get" the girl. I truly had a hard time connecting to the heroine.
Overall a generous 3 stars because I liked Lacey and Ean's story.
Happy Reading~ Sherry
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My first Samantha Chase book was a split decision for me. I truly likes the first story about Lacey and Ean. A second chance romance of sorts with a slight Christmas feel to it. Focus on this was a sweet romance( no heat) between Lacey and her bff's older brother who are charged with the task of creating the perfect setting for Ava's wedding night at her family's cottage in the North Carolina mountains. Ava completely drove me insane! She was a super annoying character and she did not evolve in the whole of both stories. HEA was offered at the end of the first book.
Second book was based around annoying Ava and poor Brian who was out through the ringer waiting around for Ava to catch up. I found myself skimming to the parts where Ean and Lacey popped back up and to see if Brian was going to "get" the girl. I truly had a hard time connecting to the heroine.
Overall a generous 3 stars because I liked Lacey and Ean's story.
Happy Reading~ Sherry
Email: jezabellgirlandfriends@gmail.com
Web: http://jezabellgirlandfriends.com
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December 27, 2015
I think the author has potential. The setting was good, and the main characters seemed quite real. Also, the book was edited, which is always a big plus.
However, the plot was not only ridiculously simple, but it was also just plain ridiculous.
Read this only if you can bring yourself to accept:
1) that a man in his early 30s still has a crush on a girl he hasn't seen since he was 18 and she was 14.
2) that said man has not seen even a photo of her in 12 years, even though she's his sister's best friend.
3) that said man and his now grown up crush have not used social media in their entire lives.
4) that another man, one who really wants a wife and a family to improve his image, would not bother to invite any relatives to his own wedding.
5) that one woman would be completely happy to step into another woman's wedding and have it as her own, even though she's been making fun of the other woman's taste for the entire book.
6) that the state of North Carolina does not require marriage licenses.
7) that unsafe sex is perfectly acceptable when you knew the other person 12 years ago.
8) that it's romantic to get pregnant on your wedding night after only knowing the father for 2 months.
9) that marrying someone you've been dating for 2 months is a good idea.
However, the plot was not only ridiculously simple, but it was also just plain ridiculous.
Read this only if you can bring yourself to accept:
1) that a man in his early 30s still has a crush on a girl he hasn't seen since he was 18 and she was 14.
2) that said man has not seen even a photo of her in 12 years, even though she's his sister's best friend.
3) that said man and his now grown up crush have not used social media in their entire lives.
4) that another man, one who really wants a wife and a family to improve his image, would not bother to invite any relatives to his own wedding.
5) that one woman would be completely happy to step into another woman's wedding and have it as her own, even though she's been making fun of the other woman's taste for the entire book.
6) that the state of North Carolina does not require marriage licenses.
7) that unsafe sex is perfectly acceptable when you knew the other person 12 years ago.
8) that it's romantic to get pregnant on your wedding night after only knowing the father for 2 months.
9) that marrying someone you've been dating for 2 months is a good idea.
October 31, 2015
3.5 Stars
The Christmas Cottage
This story was simple and sweet.
I love the whole "in love with my best friends older brother" plotline. Lacey and Ean were a great couple and I really enjoyed the part of the story where they were stuck in the cabin. I didn't enjoy Ava and her random outbursts, but in a strange way I understood them. Overall it was a cute story with little to no angst and a HEA and I don't regret reading it.
Ever After
I definitely feel like Ava redeemed herself this time around but ONLY after driving me crazy for 90% of this story (and the previous one). If you don't like insta-love stories then you will not like this one.
Overall, both of these stories were okay as long as you aren't looking for stories will deep/meaningful storylines. If you don't mind insta-love and closed-door sex then you might enjoy these stories.
I don't regret reading them but I probably wouldn't bother reading them again.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Christmas Cottage
This story was simple and sweet.
I love the whole "in love with my best friends older brother" plotline. Lacey and Ean were a great couple and I really enjoyed the part of the story where they were stuck in the cabin. I didn't enjoy Ava and her random outbursts, but in a strange way I understood them. Overall it was a cute story with little to no angst and a HEA and I don't regret reading it.
Ever After
I definitely feel like Ava redeemed herself this time around but ONLY after driving me crazy for 90% of this story (and the previous one). If you don't like insta-love stories then you will not like this one.
Overall, both of these stories were okay as long as you aren't looking for stories will deep/meaningful storylines. If you don't mind insta-love and closed-door sex then you might enjoy these stories.
I don't regret reading them but I probably wouldn't bother reading them again.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 23, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I am on a Christmas stories jag at the moment - and have really enjoyed the variety. These fall into the very sweet and romantic - with some delicious passion thrown in too. Really enjoyable escapism, well written and page turning stories that fill those well deserved holiday days.
I probably enjoyed the first more than the second, just because it was loaded for success from the beginning and in the most pleasing way! Ava is more difficult to fall for immediately, but hey she deserved happiness too - and Ms Chase crafts the tale very well to ensure we want the outcome too.
I am on a Christmas stories jag at the moment - and have really enjoyed the variety. These fall into the very sweet and romantic - with some delicious passion thrown in too. Really enjoyable escapism, well written and page turning stories that fill those well deserved holiday days.
I probably enjoyed the first more than the second, just because it was loaded for success from the beginning and in the most pleasing way! Ava is more difficult to fall for immediately, but hey she deserved happiness too - and Ms Chase crafts the tale very well to ensure we want the outcome too.
September 17, 2020
2020
Two cute, very easy to read romances. If you are looking for a relaxing book to just chill with for an hour this is a good pick!
Two cute, very easy to read romances. If you are looking for a relaxing book to just chill with for an hour this is a good pick!
December 10, 2017
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is a very sweet, romantic and touching story. The characters are interesting and likable. Ava is getting married and is counting on the family cottage to make her marriage perfect. The maid of honor, Lacey, and best man, Ean are responsible for decorating and getting everything ready for Ava and Masons wedding night. Lacey isn't looking forward to doing it because she has been in love with Ean since she was a kid, and he humiliated her the night of his HS graduation when she kissed him and he pushed her away and left without talking to her again. It's been 12 years, but she still feels the same about him. Ean is due back in town right before the Christmas Eve wedding, so Lacey decides to go up to the cottage to make plans for the wedding night before Thanksgiving. Ean decides that he needs some time to himself, no family and no work, so he goes the main house where the cottage is. He notices a light on at the cottage and goes to see who it is. He ends up falling off the chair he was standing on peeking in the window when he spots Lacey. Lacey goes to investigate the noise she heard and finds Ean on the ground. She has him come in to check his injury and plans to make him leave asap. But they end up getting snowed in and have to spend the night together. That sets off events that have them both facing tbe feelings that they have for each other. Will they end up a couple?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review of it. This is romantic, amusing and sweet. After she and her fiance break up on their wedding day, Ava avoids getting involved with another person. When her former fiances' best friend asks her out 8 months after her breakup, she refuses. But Brian refuses to give up. It turns out that on the night of her bachelorette party Brian had told her that he loved her. After waiting patiently they finally get together, nut Ava has a hard time admitting her feelings. Will a stay at her family's "magical" cottage give her the courage she needs?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review of it. This is romantic, amusing and sweet. After she and her fiance break up on their wedding day, Ava avoids getting involved with another person. When her former fiances' best friend asks her out 8 months after her breakup, she refuses. But Brian refuses to give up. It turns out that on the night of her bachelorette party Brian had told her that he loved her. After waiting patiently they finally get together, nut Ava has a hard time admitting her feelings. Will a stay at her family's "magical" cottage give her the courage she needs?
September 26, 2015
It is that time of year again–the days are getting shorter, the sun starts setting before Jeopardy is over, the new television season is starting, and Christmas books are coming out. For me, and other people who use Netgalley, Christmas books start coming out much earlier than they do for other people. I already reviewed one Christmas Book and now I’m on my second. According to the description, this is a re-issue of two complete books in one (normally when that happens, there is one title given to the new book and the stories inside keep their original titles, but for some reason this wasn’t the case with this book).
THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE
Welome to the Callahan family: Ava Callahan is getting married and in her family that means having a Christmas Eve wedding at the family’s cottage, dubbed the Christmas Cottage. As part of the tradition, the maid of honor and best man have to get the cottage together before the wedding. In Ava’s case, her maid of honor is her best friend, Lacey, and the best man is her brother, Ean. Lacey isn’t thrilled with this because of something that happened when she was just 14 and Ean was 18 and going off the college. She decides to head up to the cottage before Ean gets to town, so she could continue to avoid him the way she has for the past 12 years. Of course, she and Ean both end up at the cottage together.
This story was exactly what I needed to read today. It was cute and sweet, and I loved both of the main characters. I had two issues with it, though. First, I don’t get why Lacey was so embarrassed by something that she did when she was 14 years old and that she needed to hide from Ean because of it. It wasn’t even that big of a deal. The fact that she was confident enough to do what she did when she was so young makes her actions as an adult seem more than a little stupid. My second issue was that Ean seemed to magically fall in love with Lacey almost over night. I’m not into insta-love or love at first sight and in ways that’s what this felt like when it came to Ean’s feelings for Lacey.
What I really liked was that while this was a short story (probably less than 200 pages), it did not feel as if it needed to be longer. Both characters go through complete emotional arcs, realizing that they were the perfect person for each other. I also loved that neither Lacey nor Ean let the fact that they’d grown up together get in the way of their happily ever after. I’m a huge fan of friends to lovers, especially when one of the characters was a friend to the other’s sibling, and in many of these books, the main conflict is that relationship and all the questions that go along with that change. This wasn’t the case here and it was better because of it. 4.5 Stars
EVER AFTER
Eight months after canceling her Christmas Wedding, Ava Callahan is ready to get back onto the dating scene and the one person she wants is the only one she shouldn’t have anything to do with–Brian, her ex-fiance’s best friend. Brian was part of the reason she broke up with Mason and it should be awkward that she’s got feelings for him. Brian, on the other hand, knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go for it.
I really wanted to like Ever After, especially since I loved The Christmas Cottage, but I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t see any connection between Ava and Brian. At all. He was kind of sweet to her, but they didn’t sizzle the way I’m sure Ms. Chase wanted them to when she wrote their story. The biggest problem is that most of their relationship happens off of the page. We go from their first night together to it being 2 months later. We don’t get to see their first few weeks together or how their relationship grew. It was as if we were on a race to Happily Ever After, and in a way, Ava was. She believed that at 27 she should be closer to her fairy tale moment in her family’s cottage, which she seemed to think is magical (there is a family legend about it bringing about everlasting love).
One of the things that really bugged me is that Ava and Brian don’t talk about anything that really matters. She doesn’t know what she wants out of life other than a husband and a good job, and she is severely insecure about everything else. Part of that comes from her relationship with Mason and not having him listen to a thing she said throughout their entire engagement. For Brian’s part, he doesn’t want to push her away by telling her that he wants her in his life. He’s afraid that she’d see it as him trying to control her life the way that Mason did, so he doesn’t offer any opinions on anything, especially if it had to do with her job search.
When I started reading this, I tweeted that the plot was more or less what would have happened had Andrew Lincoln told Kierra Knightley how he felt about her before she married Chiwetel Ejiofor in Love Actually, and that couldn’t be more true. In that situation, Ejiofor’s Peter, would always have been the elephant in the room, just as Mason is here. She’s scarred by that relationship (even if she didn’t view it as abusive) and he’s basing how he treats her on how Mason did. It is all so ridiculous. I get where he’s coming from, but he doesn’t seem to understand that Mason’s actions were only a part of why his and Ava’s relationship imploded–they just didn’t communicate. If there was one thing either of them should have learned from that, it is that communication is the only way for a relationship to work, but it doesn’t seem that they have. DNF
The Verdict
I wish I could have read these novellas separately, so I could give a more accurate rating. I loved The Christmas Cottage, but couldn’t even get halfway through Ever After. Unfortunately, the only thing I can do is average out the two and come up with 2.25 Stars, and that just doesn’t seem fair to Lacey and Ean.
P.S. Despite the first novella being called The Christmas Cottage (and it ending with a Christmas wedding), this is not a Christmas book at all. There are various allusions to Christmas Trees, wreaths, and snow, but really there isn’t a holiday feeling to it at all.
THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE
Welome to the Callahan family: Ava Callahan is getting married and in her family that means having a Christmas Eve wedding at the family’s cottage, dubbed the Christmas Cottage. As part of the tradition, the maid of honor and best man have to get the cottage together before the wedding. In Ava’s case, her maid of honor is her best friend, Lacey, and the best man is her brother, Ean. Lacey isn’t thrilled with this because of something that happened when she was just 14 and Ean was 18 and going off the college. She decides to head up to the cottage before Ean gets to town, so she could continue to avoid him the way she has for the past 12 years. Of course, she and Ean both end up at the cottage together.
This story was exactly what I needed to read today. It was cute and sweet, and I loved both of the main characters. I had two issues with it, though. First, I don’t get why Lacey was so embarrassed by something that she did when she was 14 years old and that she needed to hide from Ean because of it. It wasn’t even that big of a deal. The fact that she was confident enough to do what she did when she was so young makes her actions as an adult seem more than a little stupid. My second issue was that Ean seemed to magically fall in love with Lacey almost over night. I’m not into insta-love or love at first sight and in ways that’s what this felt like when it came to Ean’s feelings for Lacey.
What I really liked was that while this was a short story (probably less than 200 pages), it did not feel as if it needed to be longer. Both characters go through complete emotional arcs, realizing that they were the perfect person for each other. I also loved that neither Lacey nor Ean let the fact that they’d grown up together get in the way of their happily ever after. I’m a huge fan of friends to lovers, especially when one of the characters was a friend to the other’s sibling, and in many of these books, the main conflict is that relationship and all the questions that go along with that change. This wasn’t the case here and it was better because of it. 4.5 Stars
EVER AFTER
Eight months after canceling her Christmas Wedding, Ava Callahan is ready to get back onto the dating scene and the one person she wants is the only one she shouldn’t have anything to do with–Brian, her ex-fiance’s best friend. Brian was part of the reason she broke up with Mason and it should be awkward that she’s got feelings for him. Brian, on the other hand, knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go for it.
I really wanted to like Ever After, especially since I loved The Christmas Cottage, but I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t see any connection between Ava and Brian. At all. He was kind of sweet to her, but they didn’t sizzle the way I’m sure Ms. Chase wanted them to when she wrote their story. The biggest problem is that most of their relationship happens off of the page. We go from their first night together to it being 2 months later. We don’t get to see their first few weeks together or how their relationship grew. It was as if we were on a race to Happily Ever After, and in a way, Ava was. She believed that at 27 she should be closer to her fairy tale moment in her family’s cottage, which she seemed to think is magical (there is a family legend about it bringing about everlasting love).
One of the things that really bugged me is that Ava and Brian don’t talk about anything that really matters. She doesn’t know what she wants out of life other than a husband and a good job, and she is severely insecure about everything else. Part of that comes from her relationship with Mason and not having him listen to a thing she said throughout their entire engagement. For Brian’s part, he doesn’t want to push her away by telling her that he wants her in his life. He’s afraid that she’d see it as him trying to control her life the way that Mason did, so he doesn’t offer any opinions on anything, especially if it had to do with her job search.
When I started reading this, I tweeted that the plot was more or less what would have happened had Andrew Lincoln told Kierra Knightley how he felt about her before she married Chiwetel Ejiofor in Love Actually, and that couldn’t be more true. In that situation, Ejiofor’s Peter, would always have been the elephant in the room, just as Mason is here. She’s scarred by that relationship (even if she didn’t view it as abusive) and he’s basing how he treats her on how Mason did. It is all so ridiculous. I get where he’s coming from, but he doesn’t seem to understand that Mason’s actions were only a part of why his and Ava’s relationship imploded–they just didn’t communicate. If there was one thing either of them should have learned from that, it is that communication is the only way for a relationship to work, but it doesn’t seem that they have. DNF
The Verdict
I wish I could have read these novellas separately, so I could give a more accurate rating. I loved The Christmas Cottage, but couldn’t even get halfway through Ever After. Unfortunately, the only thing I can do is average out the two and come up with 2.25 Stars, and that just doesn’t seem fair to Lacey and Ean.
P.S. Despite the first novella being called The Christmas Cottage (and it ending with a Christmas wedding), this is not a Christmas book at all. There are various allusions to Christmas Trees, wreaths, and snow, but really there isn’t a holiday feeling to it at all.
January 12, 2018
The Christmas Cottage by Samantha Chase
This one starts out with Lacey and her lifelong friend Ava is about to be married in 7 weeks and spend her honeymoon night in the family cottage.
Lacey is burnt out with the details, daily of how to wear her hair, etc but she's tactful about it.
Ava wants Lacey-the maid of honor and the best man to get the cottage ready for them-she's got this huge book all about it.
Ava isn't on the same page as to the future and children...and there are other obstacles, her job...
Cottage is supposed to be magical and those who've been married in it have stayed together for a very long time, maybe NOT always happy on the outside...
Lacey will be decorating the cottage with Ava's brother Ean-who Lacey has a crush on....
Twists and turns and love hearing about the cottage first hand. They have their differences and they are older as they get to know one another again.
They do think Ava needs more time with Mason.
Love the locale and wish they had more time around the area in the book.
Pretty predictable. Lots of drama. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
This one starts out with Lacey and her lifelong friend Ava is about to be married in 7 weeks and spend her honeymoon night in the family cottage.
Lacey is burnt out with the details, daily of how to wear her hair, etc but she's tactful about it.
Ava wants Lacey-the maid of honor and the best man to get the cottage ready for them-she's got this huge book all about it.
Ava isn't on the same page as to the future and children...and there are other obstacles, her job...
Cottage is supposed to be magical and those who've been married in it have stayed together for a very long time, maybe NOT always happy on the outside...
Lacey will be decorating the cottage with Ava's brother Ean-who Lacey has a crush on....
Twists and turns and love hearing about the cottage first hand. They have their differences and they are older as they get to know one another again.
They do think Ava needs more time with Mason.
Love the locale and wish they had more time around the area in the book.
Pretty predictable. Lots of drama. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
August 24, 2018
The Christmas Cottage ~ I enjoyed this, I haven't found a Samantha Chase book that I don't like yet. The Legend behind the Christmas Cottage is magical, can Ava get her happily ever after by using that "magic"? Sometimes family tales of happiness aren't all they are cut out to be. Most of the time there is more to the story, so don't hold it at face value. Lacey and Ean are supposed to decorate the cottage for Ava's big night, but lots of snow and not enough preparing has other plans for them. See what happens!
Ever After ~ Ava is such a dreamer! Sometimes that's not a bad thing, but sometimes it is. She has an idea in her head and no one can tell her different. Will she ever get her happily ever after? You're just going to have to read it to find out!
Ever After ~ Ava is such a dreamer! Sometimes that's not a bad thing, but sometimes it is. She has an idea in her head and no one can tell her different. Will she ever get her happily ever after? You're just going to have to read it to find out!
December 2, 2018
This was a wonderful, quick read that kept my heart happy. I didn't enjoy Ever After as much, though. Lacey developed an adorable, little crush on her best friends brother. She would never forget the day he turned her down when she professed her love for him. It had been 12 years since she last saw him, but the second she did, all her old feelings came rushing back.
Ean had loved her all those years ago, but he was legally an adult and moving away to pursue adulthood. Like Lacey, the sight of her brought those memories flooding back. He always regretted the way he let her down and wanted to show her he was sorry.
After much awkwardness between the two, they slowly develop those feelings again. Their love was sweet, patient, and kind. The one a woman dreams of. Lacey finally found herself in the arms of the man she never stopped loving.
Ean had loved her all those years ago, but he was legally an adult and moving away to pursue adulthood. Like Lacey, the sight of her brought those memories flooding back. He always regretted the way he let her down and wanted to show her he was sorry.
After much awkwardness between the two, they slowly develop those feelings again. Their love was sweet, patient, and kind. The one a woman dreams of. Lacey finally found herself in the arms of the man she never stopped loving.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
Lacey is maid of honor for her best friend, Ava. Part of her duties is to prepare a family cottage for the wedding night and true love will ensue for the couple. Problem is that she has to do this with the best man and Ava's brother, Ean, a man she's been in love with since the age of fourteen.
This is a sweet romantic story, perfect for the holidays. Ava is kind of a nightmare, but Lacey and Ean are a cute couple and make up for Ava's antics. Nice quick read.
This is a sweet romantic story, perfect for the holidays. Ava is kind of a nightmare, but Lacey and Ean are a cute couple and make up for Ava's antics. Nice quick read.
December 26, 2020
Not the Hallmark movie
I only give a 4-star rating for most books. It has to be really something for five stars. That means it was a good read. Other than the title and main character names, it bears no resemblance to the Hallmark movie that it inspired. If you enjoy romance with no explicit sex scenes, these are good books.
I only give a 4-star rating for most books. It has to be really something for five stars. That means it was a good read. Other than the title and main character names, it bears no resemblance to the Hallmark movie that it inspired. If you enjoy romance with no explicit sex scenes, these are good books.
October 11, 2018
Fairy Tales
Ava is ready for her magical fairy tale wedding. Lacey is just ready for it to be over and avoid Avas brother.
I love romance, fairy tales, magic and Christmas stories. These books have it all.
Ava is ready for her magical fairy tale wedding. Lacey is just ready for it to be over and avoid Avas brother.
I love romance, fairy tales, magic and Christmas stories. These books have it all.
December 31, 2020
Read both back to back. I liked the second one more than the first but the main character in the second annoys me. Both need the be read back to back if possible as the second one picks up right at the end of the first.
September 7, 2017
2 short christmas stories in one book means 2 HEA and feel goods all through both stories
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