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Saving Laurel
A ghost from the past helps a tortured actress find love at Christmas.
When actress Laurel Todd decides to spend Christmas in Vermont, it’s with the intention of selling her family’s estate, resolving once and for all the issues that have been haunting her for years. She never expects to encounter the ghost of her first love, or develop feelings for his best friend.
When actress Laurel Todd decides to spend Christmas in Vermont, it’s with the intention of selling her family’s estate, resolving once and for all the issues that have been haunting her for years. She never expects to encounter the ghost of her first love, or develop feelings for his best friend.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
14 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Raine English
53 books79 followersRaine English is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author who writes romantic suspense, paranormal, and sweet small-town romances. She's a Daphne du Maurier Award winner and a Golden Heart finalist. Her books have made the Top 100 Bestseller lists at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She lives in New England with her family and French bulldog, Bailey. She can be found on the web at www.RaineEnglish.com.
Subscribe to her newsletter at Raine@RaineEnglish.com to receive information on her new releases.
Subscribe to her newsletter at Raine@RaineEnglish.com to receive information on her new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 1, 2016
Laurel has to move out of her apartment for a few weeks. She decides it’s time to return to the family home in Vermont and prepare to finally sell it. While there, she encounters both the ghost of her first love, and his best friend.
I really enjoyed this story. Laurel was a likable character. I felt for her as she returned to a place with so many memories, both good and bad. The way she responded to those memories and to the hauntings was well written and made sense. I really liked Lucas. He is kind and thoughtful. I’m glad he finally got a chance with Laurel!
This is a quick read. You can relax, take a break from the day and just enjoy without the time commitment of a novel. I would recommend it!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. Laurel was a likable character. I felt for her as she returned to a place with so many memories, both good and bad. The way she responded to those memories and to the hauntings was well written and made sense. I really liked Lucas. He is kind and thoughtful. I’m glad he finally got a chance with Laurel!
This is a quick read. You can relax, take a break from the day and just enjoy without the time commitment of a novel. I would recommend it!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2015
Saving Laurel is a thought provoking novella about facing issues from the past that keep Laurel from moving forward with her future. After several tragedies in her life, Laurel is back in her childhood home where a ghost from her past leaves her shaken but also teaches her the value of making decisions based on advice she seeks with her heart. A quick read with a life lesson and a ghostly visitation. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2015
Good read!!! Come spend Christmas in Vermont.
The characters are engaging, well defined and have good
dimension. You will feel as if you are present with the
characters.
This is an intriguing and well plotted book. The author weaves
together the haunting issues of the past into the present.
A nice Christmas time romance!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own
The characters are engaging, well defined and have good
dimension. You will feel as if you are present with the
characters.
This is an intriguing and well plotted book. The author weaves
together the haunting issues of the past into the present.
A nice Christmas time romance!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own
April 14, 2017
I loved Vermont. I loved Christmas.
So Laurel has an inheritance, her parents' unoccupied mansion in Vermont (with a werkly maid service), drives a BMW, 25 year veteran of a day time soap opera, and lives in an apartment with plumbing problems- and she doesn't have anywhere else to go except the homestead.
Oh. And only one friend. In New York.
She takes a back windy road home. In the all of a sudden heavy snowfall (at least it's eluded because her windshield wipers are full blast. Thinks she hits someone.
A man appears from the shadows. Turns out to be her first boyfriend's best friend, who moved into the house in front of the road, where she skidded to avoid the mysterious man.
As she drives away, he wonders if it's the ghost from the stories he's heard growing up.
But neither of them thought that, if they both grew up there?
This could have been better if there weren't more holes in it then a target poster from a police academy gun range. It felt like it was written off-the-cuff or while smoking pot.
Avoid it and find a more memorable Christmas short warm-and-fuzzy tale.
So Laurel has an inheritance, her parents' unoccupied mansion in Vermont (with a werkly maid service), drives a BMW, 25 year veteran of a day time soap opera, and lives in an apartment with plumbing problems- and she doesn't have anywhere else to go except the homestead.
Oh. And only one friend. In New York.
She takes a back windy road home. In the all of a sudden heavy snowfall (at least it's eluded because her windshield wipers are full blast. Thinks she hits someone.
A man appears from the shadows. Turns out to be her first boyfriend's best friend, who moved into the house in front of the road, where she skidded to avoid the mysterious man.
As she drives away, he wonders if it's the ghost from the stories he's heard growing up.
But neither of them thought that, if they both grew up there?
This could have been better if there weren't more holes in it then a target poster from a police academy gun range. It felt like it was written off-the-cuff or while smoking pot.
Avoid it and find a more memorable Christmas short warm-and-fuzzy tale.
March 16, 2017
A very entertaining short story
November 19, 2015
Although it is a short book, it really keeps you interested right from the beginning. Laurel has to move out of her apartment for renovations. She decides to go back to her parents home so she can get some peace and quiet. After finish playing a role on TV, she has recently gotten a new part in a big show. Laurel wants to concentrate on her lines for the part and maybe put some ghosts to rest.
She lost her parents in a tragic plane accident. As she is in the house she smells cigar smoke. Funny, isn't that the same cigar smell of the cigar her dad use to smoke? Why is she hearing violins playing and people talking? Is she losing her mind? She decides while she is there, it is time to sell the big house and acreage .
Lucas an old friend she knew in high school, is a real estate broker. What a perfect person to help her sell the place and move on with her life. As Laurel is there at night, she keeps having recurring dreams about an accident that happened at her parents house one evening. She has never forgiven herself for the death of her friend Ashley. She blames herself for his death. Why is she seeing him at different places around the house ? Is his ghost trying to tell her something? Will Laurel find peace at last?
I loved the beautiful writing style and the characters that come to life with their connection to each other. Laurel is a character that has carried a burden for a long time, and the author shows her soft vulnerable side as he interacts with Lucas. This is a charming story that takes us on a journey with a young woman learning to let go of her past and finding happiness. I loved these lines that a character said, "Life's all about choices . Some good, some bad. Just be sure the ones you make in the future bring happiness to your life." We all need to apply that to our own life. We deserve happiness.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
She lost her parents in a tragic plane accident. As she is in the house she smells cigar smoke. Funny, isn't that the same cigar smell of the cigar her dad use to smoke? Why is she hearing violins playing and people talking? Is she losing her mind? She decides while she is there, it is time to sell the big house and acreage .
Lucas an old friend she knew in high school, is a real estate broker. What a perfect person to help her sell the place and move on with her life. As Laurel is there at night, she keeps having recurring dreams about an accident that happened at her parents house one evening. She has never forgiven herself for the death of her friend Ashley. She blames herself for his death. Why is she seeing him at different places around the house ? Is his ghost trying to tell her something? Will Laurel find peace at last?
I loved the beautiful writing style and the characters that come to life with their connection to each other. Laurel is a character that has carried a burden for a long time, and the author shows her soft vulnerable side as he interacts with Lucas. This is a charming story that takes us on a journey with a young woman learning to let go of her past and finding happiness. I loved these lines that a character said, "Life's all about choices . Some good, some bad. Just be sure the ones you make in the future bring happiness to your life." We all need to apply that to our own life. We deserve happiness.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
November 17, 2015
Laurel is a successful TV actress trying to make a name for herself in showbiz. While at the old family estate, her past comes back to haunt her literally AND figuratively. She must now decide whether to continue to let the past consume her or to finally let it go.
Lucas has been in love with Laurel since they were kids. He’s never had a successful relationship because deep down, he’s been pining for her throughout the years. But when she comes back to their hometown, he realizes he may just have the chance he’s been waiting for.
This was a very well-written novella with a great plot. I was impressed with the depth of the story and quality of writing with the short length of this book. I’ve found that sometimes novellas feel like they’re just missing something and really only surface deep because they’re so short. That is not the case with this one. Granted, the story does end fairly abruptly, but it’s still a satisfying ending and I understand why the author did it. It was a really engaging story and I was just dying to find out where it was headed. In short, I loved it. Highly recommended!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All of the above opinions are entirely my own.)
Lucas has been in love with Laurel since they were kids. He’s never had a successful relationship because deep down, he’s been pining for her throughout the years. But when she comes back to their hometown, he realizes he may just have the chance he’s been waiting for.
This was a very well-written novella with a great plot. I was impressed with the depth of the story and quality of writing with the short length of this book. I’ve found that sometimes novellas feel like they’re just missing something and really only surface deep because they’re so short. That is not the case with this one. Granted, the story does end fairly abruptly, but it’s still a satisfying ending and I understand why the author did it. It was a really engaging story and I was just dying to find out where it was headed. In short, I loved it. Highly recommended!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All of the above opinions are entirely my own.)
November 17, 2015
New York actress Laurel Todd spends Christmas in Vermont with the intention of selling her family’s estate and to face her past. Returning to Vermont she runs into her deceased boyfriend’s best friend who is now her neighbor. Lucas Kensington has had a secret crush on Laurel since there were in school. While preparing to sell the house, Laurel encounters the ghost of her first love and develops feelings for Lucas. Her past has kept her from having any kind of relationship. By confronting her past she is able to find love at Christmas.
Good story. I enjoyed it. It is a novella and a quick read. I would love for it to be a full length book which would enable it to be more descriptive and for the characters to have more development. Overall, I found it to be a nice, quick read involving the spirit world. It was well written with an intriguing plot that kept me turning the pages. This is the first book I’ve read by Raine English and will check out her other books. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Good story. I enjoyed it. It is a novella and a quick read. I would love for it to be a full length book which would enable it to be more descriptive and for the characters to have more development. Overall, I found it to be a nice, quick read involving the spirit world. It was well written with an intriguing plot that kept me turning the pages. This is the first book I’ve read by Raine English and will check out her other books. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2015
This was a very cute short read the plot was well thought out bring the past to the future. Laurel cannot get over the past of how her true loved die and how she blames herself. Coming home puts her face to face where she has to deal with the issues before she can move on. With guilt eating away at her she never plan to find a new love. Faith sometimes has a plan of its own as she soon comes to find out.
The characters are very likable as the author gives you a wonderful story that will break your heart. This was a very intriguing story that keeps you turning the pages. I would have liked to known a few more things. For a short story it was a very good read. As with the norm of a short story you cannot give too much away. Know that the author does pull you in, breaks your heart and then gives you a big smile at the end. It was a wonderful Christmas read that you can read in just a little time for those days when you want to smile but do not have a lot of time to set and read.
The characters are very likable as the author gives you a wonderful story that will break your heart. This was a very intriguing story that keeps you turning the pages. I would have liked to known a few more things. For a short story it was a very good read. As with the norm of a short story you cannot give too much away. Know that the author does pull you in, breaks your heart and then gives you a big smile at the end. It was a wonderful Christmas read that you can read in just a little time for those days when you want to smile but do not have a lot of time to set and read.
November 18, 2015
I loved this short story by Raine English! A devastating past, a ghostly presence, and a possible future collide at Bronson Manor, Laurel Todd's childhood home. She is an actress who decides to head back there for some peace and quiet to learn her lines, but will her past confront her in the form of ghostly occurrences? While in high school, her boyfriend, Ashley, died in her arms at Bronson Manor during a Christmas party. Her parents had been killed a few years earlier and she hadn't been back since.
Lucas Kensington, Ashley's best friend, brings back painful memories. Can she let go of her past to embrace the future? Lucas was invisible in high school. He stood in the shadows behind Ashley. He didn't mind, but he had a crush on Laurel. Now he's getting a second chance to make an impression. Can he help Laurel put her past behind her and see him as the guy for her?
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lucas Kensington, Ashley's best friend, brings back painful memories. Can she let go of her past to embrace the future? Lucas was invisible in high school. He stood in the shadows behind Ashley. He didn't mind, but he had a crush on Laurel. Now he's getting a second chance to make an impression. Can he help Laurel put her past behind her and see him as the guy for her?
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2015
I love Christmas stories and this one doesn't disappoint!
Laurel Todd leaves her New York City apartment to spend Christmas in her family home in Vermont. Her intentions are to get it ready to sell and close all the doors to her past that are still haunting her all of these years later. What she finds is love and understanding from her first boyfriend's best friend, Lucas and puts all of those old memories to rest.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Laurel Todd leaves her New York City apartment to spend Christmas in her family home in Vermont. Her intentions are to get it ready to sell and close all the doors to her past that are still haunting her all of these years later. What she finds is love and understanding from her first boyfriend's best friend, Lucas and puts all of those old memories to rest.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
November 20, 2015
Past and present collide in this enchanting novella! Haunted by her past, it takes a visit from a ghost to help Laurel realize the importance of the present. I enjoyed the intrigue of this story and the romance that developed between Laurel and Lucas. Saving Laurel is an enjoyable Christmas romance!
I received a complimentary copy of Saving Laurel in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Saving Laurel in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
November 25, 2015
Saving Laurel by Raine English is a ice short story. It's part of a series and there is definitely a cliffhanger over this series. So do read all of them. they are short and can easily be rad within an hour or so. That said, I love this series and can't wait to read more. It's filled with a little romance and mystery and with a hint of the paranormale.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2015
Saving Laurel is yet another fabulous read by Raine English. She is becoming a favorite author for me and this short story is proof as to why. A sweet, clean, romantic and quick story to read during the busy Christmas season.
Highly recommended.
5 plus stars
I received this book from Raine English in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
Highly recommended.
5 plus stars
I received this book from Raine English in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
November 19, 2015
This cute Christmas novella was a quick, easy read. I found myself wishing the author had enlarged on it to make it longer. Laurel and Lucas, the main characters, were interesting and well-developed, and the story was clean and sweet. I enjoyed reading it and I would recommend this to those who enjoy short Christmas romances.
I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much although I feel it ended rather abruptly. I found it to be an enjoyable little story. I would like it to have been longer. Laurel Todd is an actress. A somewhat struggling actress. She feels responsible for the death of her parents and the one person that was the love of her life. The only man she had ever loved. She is forced back to her home town when the apartment she rents must be vacated so that renovations and repairs can be done to it. She has inherited her family home and it sits unattended. She wants to sell it. She meets Lucas that she knew in high school who was also the best friend of her high school sweetheart. She learns from Lucas that her boyfriend's death was not her fault; but her boyfriend due to his drinking. Laurel also encounters the ghost of her first love encouraging her to move on.
Laurel and Lucas become close. She is not certain she can deal with a boyfriend especially in a long distance relationship; but he is willing to relocate to where she is and that seems to be a dream come true.
A good read.
Laurel and Lucas become close. She is not certain she can deal with a boyfriend especially in a long distance relationship; but he is willing to relocate to where she is and that seems to be a dream come true.
A good read.
December 27, 2020
Laurel returns to the family's manor house after a twelve-year absence, and there confronts the ghost of an old boyfriend and the very-much-alive boyfriend's best friend. "Awkward" is not a strong enough word. Laurel's Christmas promises to be challenging indeed this year, but will it also be incredibly rewarding?
Another sweet, romantic and entertaining novella from Raine English. Suitable for readers of any age, this charming story contains no vulgar or offensive material.
Another sweet, romantic and entertaining novella from Raine English. Suitable for readers of any age, this charming story contains no vulgar or offensive material.
December 29, 2020
Life can through you a curve ball. While her apartment is being fixed, she moves back into the manor she grew up in. Laurel decides she must face her past in order to move on. Thinking she is losing her mind, the next door neighbor, Lucas and sister Chloe, are there to remind her she is sane. Chloe gives the best advice. Lucas is finally getting his first chance for love with Laurel.
December 26, 2020
Short, sweet romance.
Laurel and Lucas is my favorite of these short, sweet romances all set in Vermont. Everything just flows smoothly. The characters are written well. Main and the supporting. A cute read.
Laurel and Lucas is my favorite of these short, sweet romances all set in Vermont. Everything just flows smoothly. The characters are written well. Main and the supporting. A cute read.
December 10, 2023
Cute ,but way to short
I'm giving this series as a whole three stars because while it gave Christmassy vibes. I feel like the stories were rushed. Maybe if Raine English writes another Christmas book it will longer than 91 pages.
I'm giving this series as a whole three stars because while it gave Christmassy vibes. I feel like the stories were rushed. Maybe if Raine English writes another Christmas book it will longer than 91 pages.
January 16, 2025
New love found
A sweet Christmas novella with a heroine who finally relinquishes her guilt when her hero reveals a truth that shatters her illusions about her teenage love. A life lost too soon because of underage bravado.
A sweet Christmas novella with a heroine who finally relinquishes her guilt when her hero reveals a truth that shatters her illusions about her teenage love. A life lost too soon because of underage bravado.
August 8, 2017
Excellent easy enjoyable read!
January 10, 2018
Was good, just wish it was longer
This was great and interesting. It would have been better if it was longer. It just felt a little rushed.
This was great and interesting. It would have been better if it was longer. It just felt a little rushed.
December 20, 2018
Good short novel
December 13, 2019
Fun short read
5 like the ending very short but still enjoyed a perfect home and a perfect romance a ghost from the past too
5 like the ending very short but still enjoyed a perfect home and a perfect romance a ghost from the past too
November 23, 2023
cute novella
This was another good novella I want more of this story cause they seems like it could be a good story
This was another good novella I want more of this story cause they seems like it could be a good story
December 10, 2015
http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2015/12/a...
I have enjoyed reading Raine English's books in the past and this one is no exception. A short albeit lovely romance and a ghost, it has all the ingredients of entertainment.
The cover is beautiful and the blurb interesting. These two combines with the intriguing title had me wanting to checkout the book.
The plot is simple and yet executed beautifully by the author who manages to create suspense, thrill and the giddiness of budding romance in her short story.
The characters are well developed and I could relate with both Laurel and Lucas while also empathized with the ghost. The romance as well as the emotional play is very well brought out and had me hooked right till the end.
The only dissatisfaction with the story that I had was the ending which looked abrupt and left me feeling discontented. Although a happy ending, I wanted to know more-maybe because I loved the characters so much and wasn't ready to leave them yet!
All in all, Saving Laurel is an entertaining read and I enjoyed every second spent reading it. 4 out of 5 to it and recommended to everyone.
I received an ARC from the author and I am very thankful to her. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
I have enjoyed reading Raine English's books in the past and this one is no exception. A short albeit lovely romance and a ghost, it has all the ingredients of entertainment.
The cover is beautiful and the blurb interesting. These two combines with the intriguing title had me wanting to checkout the book.
The plot is simple and yet executed beautifully by the author who manages to create suspense, thrill and the giddiness of budding romance in her short story.
The characters are well developed and I could relate with both Laurel and Lucas while also empathized with the ghost. The romance as well as the emotional play is very well brought out and had me hooked right till the end.
The only dissatisfaction with the story that I had was the ending which looked abrupt and left me feeling discontented. Although a happy ending, I wanted to know more-maybe because I loved the characters so much and wasn't ready to leave them yet!
All in all, Saving Laurel is an entertaining read and I enjoyed every second spent reading it. 4 out of 5 to it and recommended to everyone.
I received an ARC from the author and I am very thankful to her. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
December 5, 2015
Wonderful short story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews