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A Romance(ish) Novella #1
A (kinda) Country Christmas
Sadie Jenkins lives and breathes Christmas every, single day of the year. Owner of Bethlehem's Boutique in the tourist mountain town of Gatlinburg, TN, she has no room for the bad boys of her past and devotes her whole life to the struggling boutique and her teenage daughter, Maribelle. She's perfectly happy with her country-living life until he walks into her store.
Nate Myers travels the globe for his job and has the bank account to prove his success. The former "bad" boy is in town for a short visit with his sister and is determined to not get caught up in all the Christmas hype. But then he falls for the beautiful shopkeeper—quite literally.
Will these two (sorta) opposites be able to find a happily-ever-after together?
Nate Myers travels the globe for his job and has the bank account to prove his success. The former "bad" boy is in town for a short visit with his sister and is determined to not get caught up in all the Christmas hype. But then he falls for the beautiful shopkeeper—quite literally.
Will these two (sorta) opposites be able to find a happily-ever-after together?
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2015
149 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Krista Phillips
21 books116 followersKrista Phillips enjoys life with her husband and their four beautiful daughters in Middle Tennessee. She is an advocate for congenital heart defect and organ donation awareness and blogs at
www.kristaphillips.com.
www.kristaphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 10, 2022
Sadie Jenkins lives Christmas every, single day of the year. She owns Bethlehem’s Boutique in the beautiful tourist mountain town of Gatlinburg, TN. She devotes her whole life to the struggling boutique and her teenage daughter, Maribelle. She is living a happy life until trouble walks through the door. Nate Myers travels the globe for his job and has the bank account to prove his success. The former “bad” boy is in town for a short visit with his sister and is determined to not get caught up in all the Christmas hype. But then he falls for the beautiful shopkeeper—quite literally. Such a funny scene in A (KINDA) COUNTRY CHRISTMAS. Will these two opposites be able to find a happily-ever-after together? Krista Phillips has filled this novella with characters who have heart. They may not always make the most logical decisions, but they definitely make emotional ones.
I thought the budding friendship/relationship was so cute in A (KINDA) COUNTRY CHRISTMAS. I liked the realness of showing both their insecurities but also their strengths came through strongly as well. Sadie is very hesitant with where this relationship can go because she has every intention of focussing on Mari only. Nate already knows what it is that he wants or so he thinks. I was all in with Nate and Mari. I haven’t really liked a fictional couple like them in a really long time. While the characters have their issues, they do work through them both together and on their own. When mistakes are made, they’re owned up to. The character development should be both noted and appreciated.
Filled with humor, wonderfully developed characters, a strong faith thread, and a touch of whimsical romance, A (KINDA) COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is a great curl up, read, and drink a hot beverage kind of story. As usual with a novella, a lot happened in a short space of time but Krista Phillips manages to develop her characters and create a good story line within a short number of pages. A (KINDA) COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is a very light clean romance that was just all around feel good with little to no real angst. There was some family drama, and I like how it shows the reader more than just Sadie and Nate’s side of the story, we got Mari sprinkled in there too. I would definitely recommend it for someone who just wants a short read for an evening’s relaxation in the middle of all the Christmas hustle and bustle or any other time of the year.
I thought the budding friendship/relationship was so cute in A (KINDA) COUNTRY CHRISTMAS. I liked the realness of showing both their insecurities but also their strengths came through strongly as well. Sadie is very hesitant with where this relationship can go because she has every intention of focussing on Mari only. Nate already knows what it is that he wants or so he thinks. I was all in with Nate and Mari. I haven’t really liked a fictional couple like them in a really long time. While the characters have their issues, they do work through them both together and on their own. When mistakes are made, they’re owned up to. The character development should be both noted and appreciated.
Filled with humor, wonderfully developed characters, a strong faith thread, and a touch of whimsical romance, A (KINDA) COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is a great curl up, read, and drink a hot beverage kind of story. As usual with a novella, a lot happened in a short space of time but Krista Phillips manages to develop her characters and create a good story line within a short number of pages. A (KINDA) COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is a very light clean romance that was just all around feel good with little to no real angst. There was some family drama, and I like how it shows the reader more than just Sadie and Nate’s side of the story, we got Mari sprinkled in there too. I would definitely recommend it for someone who just wants a short read for an evening’s relaxation in the middle of all the Christmas hustle and bustle or any other time of the year.
November 30, 2024
This was my first experience reading Krista Phillips, and I can kinda now say that I'm a fan! So much so that I've already downloaded and started reading the next book in this series. :) Even though this book was short, it was packed with lots of life lessons and Christian values that were relevant to the overall story. It's just the kind of book that you'd expect to be made into a Hallmark Christmas movie, and I absolutely loved that it was set in my home state of Tennessee.
December 21, 2018
DNF after a couple of chapters. I wasn't a fan of the blunt talk about Nate's previous relationships, or a bit of (what I consider) crude language.
January 13, 2016
I'm a fan of Krista Phillips so of course I had to read her Christmas novella. I enjoyed Sadie Jenkins and Nate Meyers story. I hope Ms. Phillips plans on bringing them back so I can see how they're doing.
December 7, 2019
I always gravitate toward stories set in my home state of Tennessee and this one was no different. I liked the end of this book a lot better than the first. I took an instant dislike to Sadie in the first couple of chapters. Her response to Nate when he fell in her store and cut himself was totally over the top and without any concern that he may have been hurt. I almost stopped reading at that point. I also thought her 18 year old daughter acted more like a spoiled 15 year old, but I pushed on and liked the sweet ending of the story.
January 10, 2020
Such a cute story!
I really enjoyed this book by new to me author Krista Phillips. It was a sweet, fun and also sweet story about forgiveness, love, and Christmas! If you want a quick read that's enjoyable, I recommend this book!
I really enjoyed this book by new to me author Krista Phillips. It was a sweet, fun and also sweet story about forgiveness, love, and Christmas! If you want a quick read that's enjoyable, I recommend this book!
December 17, 2017
Recommend this sweet romance
I absolutely enjoyed reading this novella. I fell in love with the characters immediately. I would recommend this sweet novella.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this novella. I fell in love with the characters immediately. I would recommend this sweet novella.
December 17, 2017
Another great Christmas story.
January 30, 2018
This is a super cute little Christmas novella that was perfect for a quick read to make me grin. Ms. Phillips definitely has a great sense of humor because her stories never fail to make me giggle! :) Watching Sadie and Nate navigate this "frustrating" attraction was sweet because neither is in any way prepared for it. So they stumble their way around, trying so hard to deny they like each other, while everyone around them just never believes them. :D This is simply a delightful story to read all year round, not just at Christmas!
December 28, 2015
Sweet and fun just in time for Christmas
A cute and endearing romance that (kinda) made me laugh and even (kinda) made me cry, especially since I'm about to let one of my kids fly away from home and out into the world. The perfect mixture of sweet romance and a feisty heroine and meddling small town country life.
A cute and endearing romance that (kinda) made me laugh and even (kinda) made me cry, especially since I'm about to let one of my kids fly away from home and out into the world. The perfect mixture of sweet romance and a feisty heroine and meddling small town country life.
September 3, 2018
I picked up A (kinda) Country Christmas last year in December and because of an influx in Hallmark Christmas movies, I kinda let it slip through the cracks for reading. So I was actually delighted when my Christmas reading desire hit (it happens every year about this time) and I had this novella on hand to enjoy on the short term.
A (kinda) Country Christmas introduces us to Sadie, Mari, Nate and Kendra. Sadie is the owner of a sweet little Christmas boutique in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (can I just say I love a book that gives me a little getaway). She basically lives, eats and breathes Christmas. She is a single mom who has devoted her time to her child (Mari) and that boutique. She has been so busy with those responsibilities that not much else has gotten through. It is time to shake up her little world and shaking happens in the when Nate enters Gatlinburg in order to visit his little sister Kendra.
A (kinda) Country Christmas starts off a little awkward (just a little bit) but then it flows into something absolutely beautiful. It is a sweet story that fully makes you care about not just Sadie and Nate but her daughter Mari and Kendra too. I am delighted that there will definitely be more novellas to read that will involve these characters.
It is a sweet Christian romance with more than just having a character show up at church. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sadie and company.
A (kinda) Country Christmas introduces us to Sadie, Mari, Nate and Kendra. Sadie is the owner of a sweet little Christmas boutique in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (can I just say I love a book that gives me a little getaway). She basically lives, eats and breathes Christmas. She is a single mom who has devoted her time to her child (Mari) and that boutique. She has been so busy with those responsibilities that not much else has gotten through. It is time to shake up her little world and shaking happens in the when Nate enters Gatlinburg in order to visit his little sister Kendra.
A (kinda) Country Christmas starts off a little awkward (just a little bit) but then it flows into something absolutely beautiful. It is a sweet story that fully makes you care about not just Sadie and Nate but her daughter Mari and Kendra too. I am delighted that there will definitely be more novellas to read that will involve these characters.
It is a sweet Christian romance with more than just having a character show up at church. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sadie and company.
January 3, 2021
What a warm and wonderful faith based country Christmas romance that was a truly enjoyable read.
The characters were fun, truly believable and had very emotional conversations.
Sadie Meyers struggles as a single mom in Gatlingburg, Tennessee running the Bethlehems Boutique store which exudes Christmas everywhere. Her eighteen year old daughter Maribelle tests Sadie's patience constantly. Mari dreams of attending college when she financially can.
When a chance meeting occurs with Sadie's best friend Kendra's brother Nate takes place, the sparks start flying. Will Christmas dreams come true?
This story is full of hope, forgiveness, love and wishes of a happily ever after.
Don't miss it! I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
The characters were fun, truly believable and had very emotional conversations.
Sadie Meyers struggles as a single mom in Gatlingburg, Tennessee running the Bethlehems Boutique store which exudes Christmas everywhere. Her eighteen year old daughter Maribelle tests Sadie's patience constantly. Mari dreams of attending college when she financially can.
When a chance meeting occurs with Sadie's best friend Kendra's brother Nate takes place, the sparks start flying. Will Christmas dreams come true?
This story is full of hope, forgiveness, love and wishes of a happily ever after.
Don't miss it! I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 26, 2025
What a cute story set in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Sadie Jenkins owns a year-round Christmas boutique when world traveler Nate Meyers enters her store. Let the fun begin.
Getting-to-know-you romance with a not-so-cute meet when Nate crashes into a Christmas tree with expensive ornaments on it. Sadie is a single mother who is penny pinching so her daughter can go to college. Nate, a redeemed bad boy, is guilted into volunteering to help with the Christmas play and the reason for the season melts his heart.
This witty, heartwarming, faith filled story is just right for the Christmas season.
*A complimentary copy of this book was downloaded from Amazon. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Getting-to-know-you romance with a not-so-cute meet when Nate crashes into a Christmas tree with expensive ornaments on it. Sadie is a single mother who is penny pinching so her daughter can go to college. Nate, a redeemed bad boy, is guilted into volunteering to help with the Christmas play and the reason for the season melts his heart.
This witty, heartwarming, faith filled story is just right for the Christmas season.
*A complimentary copy of this book was downloaded from Amazon. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
May 22, 2019
A Country Christmas
Mari, Kendra and Sadie all living and doing what they want. Sadie has a Christmas boutique store and Mari her daughter is helping her out working in the store getting ready for Christmas.Kendra Sadie's girlfriend invites her for supper and introduced her Brother only to find he had already met Sadie that morning when he knocked over a Christmas display and broke the glass ornaments. This was a free Arc read and a great short story. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Mari, Kendra and Sadie all living and doing what they want. Sadie has a Christmas boutique store and Mari her daughter is helping her out working in the store getting ready for Christmas.Kendra Sadie's girlfriend invites her for supper and introduced her Brother only to find he had already met Sadie that morning when he knocked over a Christmas display and broke the glass ornaments. This was a free Arc read and a great short story. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
October 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this Christmas romance about Sadie, Nate, Kendra and Maribell. Sadie owned a Christmas store that she ran all year long. One day Nate walks into her store and disaster happens. He trips and breaks her main Christmas centerpiece and with it expensive ornaments. Sadie orders him out of the store. Nate is hurt, but does not retaliate. Kendra, Nates sister invites him and Sadie for dinner..whag a disaster. read more in the sweet Christmas romance!
December 14, 2017
My 1st Kindle read on my iPhone, made me cry twice! Pondering reading it again next Christmas! Gave me TWO conversation-starters to share with my hubby about the holidays & about life/dreams. Started a bit slow & ‘goofey,’ but so glad I kept reading. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope she wrote a book about the daughter too!!
January 17, 2018
I love Krista Phillips’s books! This was a delightful novella set in Gatlinburg, Tennessee at Christmastime. The story brings together a city-bred man who isn’t too keen on Christmas decorations and a small town single mom who owns Bethlehem Boutique and lives and breathes Christmas all year. Just the right touch of humor makes this an enjoyable inspirational read any time.
March 24, 2019
A (kinda) Really Sweet Christmas Story!
Really, this is a sweet little Christmas romance. I liked it very, very much!
The mother/daughter relationship is very relatable.
The way Sadie and Nate meet is oddly hysterical. I loved their relationship!
I can picture the scenes so well, it was almost like watching a movie.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Really, this is a sweet little Christmas romance. I liked it very, very much!
The mother/daughter relationship is very relatable.
The way Sadie and Nate meet is oddly hysterical. I loved their relationship!
I can picture the scenes so well, it was almost like watching a movie.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 23, 2020
I loved this story. A year round Christmas life can get old, especially when it isn’t your dream.
Sadie is trying to make up for a bad decision she made as a teen, but it’s time to let go of being full time mom and live her life. Can newcomer Nate make her believe in dreams again? Don’t miss this one. A little too long to be a novella in my book so maybe a short novel?
I received this awhile back as a freebie and now that I found it where it was lurking I read and am reviewing. So cute
Sadie is trying to make up for a bad decision she made as a teen, but it’s time to let go of being full time mom and live her life. Can newcomer Nate make her believe in dreams again? Don’t miss this one. A little too long to be a novella in my book so maybe a short novel?
I received this awhile back as a freebie and now that I found it where it was lurking I read and am reviewing. So cute
January 1, 2022
Comfortable read
A nice story, that was fun to read. And love that it takes place during the holidays. I’m not sure if I’d ever read anything by Krista Phillips, but I like her writing style. Reading this book was like wearing my comfy clothes and curled up in a blanket. Loved it!
A nice story, that was fun to read. And love that it takes place during the holidays. I’m not sure if I’d ever read anything by Krista Phillips, but I like her writing style. Reading this book was like wearing my comfy clothes and curled up in a blanket. Loved it!
December 13, 2017
Very good
It was an enchanting story about a mother and daughter who has a customer come into the store. He wrecks the tree and ornaments when he falls. From that point on it just gets better. It is funny and has some surprises. I recommend this book.
It was an enchanting story about a mother and daughter who has a customer come into the store. He wrecks the tree and ornaments when he falls. From that point on it just gets better. It is funny and has some surprises. I recommend this book.
December 19, 2017
What a delightfully fun Christmas novella! Really enjoyed everything about it! Loved that the setting is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee - a place that is near and dear to my heart! It was like watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, only better. Get this book!
December 23, 2017
This sweet and flirty romance is loaded with humor and country charm! I especially love the fact that it isn't just a fluff story, readers also get a healthy dose of family, faith, and forgiveness. I enjoy the authentic characters and rereading this novella!
January 12, 2018
This was an absolutely delightful novella! I enjoyed every minute. I only recently discovered Krista Phillips, with her novel, The Engagement Plot, which was just wonderful! I am now on a mission to read all her work. Don't miss this one. Easily read in an afternoon and sure to please.
February 5, 2018
This was a lovely story with a realistic plot. The characters which led this story and held together everything which made up this novel were fantastic at what they set out to accomplish. If you would like to place yourself into a book, to become that character, then this is the novel for you.
December 28, 2020
Speaking the truth in love
Kendra, Sadie, Mari and Nate all had to speak the truth in love, helping each other live full lives in God's will. Enjoyable clean read. Watching Nate learn to relax was fun.
Kendra, Sadie, Mari and Nate all had to speak the truth in love, helping each other live full lives in God's will. Enjoyable clean read. Watching Nate learn to relax was fun.
January 14, 2023
Fun Christian Fiction
I enjoyed the fun dialogue between characters. I like that the story didn’t paint them as perfect Christians, since none of us are. It was a fun Christmas book.
I enjoyed the fun dialogue between characters. I like that the story didn’t paint them as perfect Christians, since none of us are. It was a fun Christmas book.
November 19, 2024
This was just okay. I didn't like Sadie for the first 5 chapters (or there abouts), but the ending is cute. The faith content was okay but nothing special. This could easily feel to "faithy" to non-christians or too "christian culture only" to active believers.
December 10, 2017
A wonderful Christmas novella
A well written story about an imperfect couple working to realize their past has been forgiven and they are new creations that deserve happiness.
A well written story about an imperfect couple working to realize their past has been forgiven and they are new creations that deserve happiness.
December 15, 2017
Clean story.
Nice clean story with a happy ending. I was not impressed with the heroin's behavior as she twice yelled at the hero.
Nice clean story with a happy ending. I was not impressed with the heroin's behavior as she twice yelled at the hero.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews