Eve's Christmas Wedding

Christmas Central #6

by Caroline Mickelson

Wedding planner Eve Bennington has her Christmas all thought out, down to the last Mai Tai she plans to savor once she reaches Hawaii. But her plans quickly go awry when her very pregnant business partner insists that Eve do a favor for Santa's niece. The problem? Santa isn't real. Or so Eve believes until she and her ex-boyfriend Hunter find themselves on a sleigh pulled by eight shaggy reindeer. Their destination? The North Pole. Their mission? To pull together a very last minute Christmas Eve wedding. Eve's problem? Finding out that Santa Claus really does exist challenges everything Eve thinks she knows, including her belief that she and Hunter don't belong together.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Audiobook, Short Stories, Fiction, Fantasy, Contemporary

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2015

About the author

Caroline Mickelson loves her family and loves to write. She also loves a good adventure, among her favorites thus far were attending graduate school in a Scottish castle, riding a camel around the Pyramids in Giza, and taking a best-in-a-lifetime road trip to Graceland. Caroline lives in the American southwest with her husband and their four children, affectionately known as The Miracles.

Reviews

[Sandy Ⓢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Reto 2017, libro 95: se desarrolle en navidad]

Linda historia.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for all things Christmas so when offered the chance to get this book in exchange for a review I jumped at it. As a novella, it is a simplistic story as there is not a lot of time to develop anything deep. I liked that this wasn't typical insta-love. Eve and Hunter had been in a previous relationship and therefore knew each other well. The re-igniting of the relationship was based on the realization of the mistakes made previously and the hope of things turning out better this time.

It is cute and clean although there is a reference in a past memory to having wakened with her man.

Only a couple negatives for me. First, when a persons name is mentioned pretty much in passing I don't really put it in my memory. Thus was the case when Eve first remembered being left at the alter by Philip. So when a couple chapters later she has called her ex boyfriend to assist her, I completely missed that Hunter was not the same ex as Philip. And I was confused since the break up stories didn't match. Had to go back and look up Philip's name to clarify everything in my mind.

Second, Hunter and Eve broke up the first time because as a reporter he chased stories all over the world. He chose his work over her. So in accepting him back in her life does she think that he is going to change careers for her? Seems like an unrealistic expectation. Not sure how they would resolve that problem...

But maybe nothing has to be super realistic in this novella. After all, it is a story that takes place at the North Pole so one has to choose to believe what others don't. And since I'm a believer I'll take the story as it is.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reseña en Español e Inglés / Review in Spanish and English
____________________________________
[ESPAÑOL]

Este es el tipo de libro ideal para la época decembrina: romance, fantasía relativa a la época de Navidad, y momentos que te hacen querer creer en la magia de estas fechas.

Una historia sencilla, con buenos personajes y que con pocas páginas desarrolla una trama ideal para una tarde en tranquilidad.

Recomendado para pasar un rato leyendo algo navideño.

____________________________________
[ENGLISH]


This is the ideal type of book for the holiday season: romance, fantasy related to the Christmas season, and moments that make you want to believe in the magic of these dates.

A simple story, with good characters and with few pages develops an ideal plot for a quiet afternoon.

Recommended to spend some time reading something Christmas.

[Krystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some dreams can become reality

A light read that will leave you with a smile on your face. Being a wedding planner is hard work that is why she's looking forward to her holiday in warmer climes over the holiday. A last minute job (that her partner signed up for) throws all her plans into disarray. Throw in Santa, his niece, some out of control elfs, disagreement on what consists the Dream Wedding and the man who broke her heart and mix for a delightful read.
I received a copy for a honest review

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute Christmas read set in the magical world of Christmas Central. A second chance romance that Santa himself orchestrated the HEA :) Sweet novella.

[Ginny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eve annoyed me. She claims to love Hunter but just fails to accept him as he is, including his passion in his career. It is so selfish. Even when he gets the dream assignment of a lifetime, she still can't be happy for him and trust him to come back to her. Instead, it makes Hunter feel he has to choose between 2 loves, Eve or work, and feels guilty with whatever he chooses.
The story may be centered around Santa's niece's wedding but the "romance" portion is a second-chance romance between Eve and Hunter but what it felt like to me is an immature heroine who is stuck blaming other people and whining about things that don't go her way because it wouldn't be perfect for her? I just couldn't connect with her as a character, her motivations, her feelings. So I couldn't see how Hunter could be so in love with her for so many years and still hung up on her because he deserves someone better than that.
My heart just hurt for Hunter the whole story where there was no real development for him. He shouldn't need to feel his work gets in the way of being with Eve because Eve is not supportive enough.
Also, Eve is the wedding planner and is doing her job regarding the wedding. Hunter isn't a wedding planner. Why would he need to stay at the North Pole for all that timefor 24 days? I didn't see how it was such a big deal that Hunter "left" to do a dream interview. It wasn't like he left her for good but Eve treated it as he left forever.
It's double standard in my opinion. On one hand, Eve is doing her dream job planning a wedding at the North Pole with elves helping her and Santa Claus as her client, none of which she thought would ever be possible. Hunter supported her in her decisions, trusted her in her ability to do her job, and happy for her as she did her duties as a wedding planner. On the other hand, she expected Hunter to give up a dream interview with the Pope when the opportunity came up? She made feel Hunter he had to ask for forgiveness, to feel sorry about his job because Eve wasn't happy or supportive about his work. I got so tired of every line involving "bucket of cold water" splashed on her whenever Hunter mentioned something about an interview.
Then the story resolves by Hunter being in front of the Pope and deciding not to interview him in order to get back to the North Pole, to Eve, sooner despite traveling all that way to Italy. And then they get back together, which doesn't sit right with me. What HEA would that make. Eve never improved her mentality about Hunter's job. So what are they gonna do every time he gets an assignment and needs to travel? She'll be upset he is "leaving" and he is gonna be miserable at whatever location he lands at since Eve wouldn't be sending him off with a smile and well wishes... Up until he is truly guilt-tripped into changing careers that lets him stay in Manhattan?

I don't know why this short novella got under my skin the way it did. I went into it expecting short and sweet but came out of it with a negative impression and reading way too much into these characters. It really didn't feel like a Christmas story with the warm feelings and happy thoughts for me at the end. even with the happy ending that it has, I just didn't feel it.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/ev...

Title: Eve’s Christmas Wedding
Series: Christmas Central
By: Caroline Mickelson
ASIN: B018OB9XP4
Author’s Website: http://www.carolinemickelson.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Summary:

Wedding planner Eve Bennington has her Christmas all thought out, down to the last Mai Tai she plans to savor once she reaches Hawaii. But her plans quickly go awry when her very pregnant business partner insists that Eve do a favor for Santa’s niece. The problem? Santa isn’t real. Or so Eve believes until she and her ex-boyfriend Hunter find themselves on a sleigh pulled by eight shaggy reindeer. Their destination? The North Pole. Their mission? To pull together a very last minute Christmas Eve wedding. Eve’s problem? Finding out that Santa Claus really does exist challenges everything Eve thinks she knows, including her belief that she and Hunter don’t belong together.

Review:

This is not my first venture into the writings of Caroline Mickelson. I have come to enjoy her Christmas themed novella’s as a matter of fact. One must let their imagination run wild and sit back and enjoy the ride.

The story begins with Eve having to forego an early departure for a Christmas holiday in Kauai to take on a new client for a Christmas Eve wedding. And Eve is not a fan of Christmas – in fact – she detests it! Eve’s very pregnant business partner (Staci) insists that they take this one client. Turns out the client is Santa and a wedding for his niece. With a pregnant partner, it seemed obvious from early on that Eve would have to perform the bulk of the duties, especially visiting the wedding venue (which happens to be the North Pole).

To add anxiety to the mix, Eve’s ex (Hunter) ends up coming along with Eve to the North Pole and they must pull off the wedding event. Have you ever tried to work with your ex? Some interesting situations emerge along with reflection on Eve’s part.

I found the pace of the story good and I was kept engaged throughout. I really rooted for them to actually plan the wedding of Kris and Kyle.

I enjoyed the sleigh ride with the tired looking reindeer… and it wasn’t even Christmas Eve yet – when they are working very hard. Everyone, including the elves, work towards pulling the wedding off. I enjoyed how Eve managed to satisfy both Santa, the bride and her business partner Staci.

Without giving any more away, I predict that if you enjoy Christmas themed novella’s, then you will enjoy this little gem. I eagerly await reading more by Caroline Mickelson.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!!! Well right out of the gate I would like to say "Caroline, where have you been all my life??" - I would love to read more by this author. This was funny, like laugh out loud funny, touching and magical.

Now, if you are looking for a serious heartwarming blah blah blah story - this is not it! This is a chick-lit-ish zany Christmas story about a wedding planner contracted to do a traditional Christmas wedding for Santa's niece. THE Santa... well maybe... is it? Is Santa even real? Is there really a "North Pole" and can reindeer really fly? Well, Eve finds out all this and more!

As I was reading in my livingroom chair I laughed out loud. And my husband, being the nosy one that he is, says "What?" LOL
I say - "Oh its just this book I am reading, its hilarious!"
So I figure "What the heck"... and I start reading out loud to him -

"My partner signed a contract that we need to get out of, but, well, it's tricky. This client is what you might call a public figure. Or at least that's how he passes himself off." Hunter nodded. "Interesting." He took a sip of his coffee, a thoughtful look on his face. "Is he a politician? An actor? Or a corporate tycoon? Let me guess, his press office is giving you the run around?" "I don't know if he has a press office. For all I know, he may not actually exist." Eve felt suddenly very foolish but it was too late to backpedal out of this conversation now. "Let's just say that he lives in a world of his own." Hunter leaned forward, his voice a stage whisper. "Mafia?" Eve laughed, she couldn't help it. "I wouldn't go that far."

"Okay? No. I'm not okay." She turned around in a slow circle to get a three hundred sixty degree view of wherever it was that they had landed. But all she saw was ice, snow banks as tall as she was, and more ice. "At least we're on solid land. I could kiss the ground." Rapz hopped out of the sleigh to stand beside them. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, your lips might stick to the ice." He shook his head ruefully. "Not an easy clean-up."


If you are looking for a cute, fun quick Christmas read - this is the one!!!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from the author - Thank You!!

[SOS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve is a wedding planner, and she’s looking forward to a vacation in the sun over Christmas. However, her partner, nine months’ pregnant Staci, has signed a contract to oversee a wedding that’s scheduled for the holiday. Not much time to plan, and Eve hates Christmas weddings. To make matters more interesting and confusing, it seems that the gentleman who contracted for them to conduct this wedding is none other than deal old Santa himself. You would think that the jolly guy would want his niece, Kris, to have the wedding her heart desires, but in truth, he wants a big Christmas blowout. With no choice in the matter, Eve calls her ex, Hunter, a journalist, to help her figure out what’s really going on and to help her get out of dealing with this wedding. He’s only too willing to lend assistance.

This is a darling little story, and the second book of Caroline Mickelson’s that I’ve read and enjoyed. The characters in Eve’s Christmas Wedding are likable, and it’s easy to read. It’s fun to watch Eve and Hunter work through their differences as they take a trip to the North Pole. Eve manages to sort things out so that Santa’s niece does get the wedding she wants, even if it’s not where she wants it. Best of all, it ends on a very happy note, for the couple marrying, and for Eve. All in all, it's and excellent read for Christmas, and a fresh fictional approach.

This was my favorite quote from this book:

“Every desire which is most precious to us must begin a dream, and a belief, before it can become real.”

I received a free review copy from the author, and I thank her kindly. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced by the author’s generosity.

[Kristie Leaphart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally dislike Christmas books. However, I had a hard time liking the main character, Eve, in this book. During this audiobook I wanted to smack Eve for being so childish and whiney.
I felt like he character didn't really have a reason to be so upset with her love interest in the book. Since it was a very short book, I stuck with it till the end.

Eve is a wedding planner in Manhattan. Her business partner and best friend takes on a new client for a Christmas Eve wedding. Eve isn't happy about it but she's told it's for Santa's niece. Eve calls an ex boyfriend who is a reporter to help her find out the truth about the client. Hunter comes when she calls and together they travel to meet "Santa". Of course neither believe that santa is real... but turns out..He is.

Eve stays in the North Pole helping plan the wedding. Hunter stays with her and Eve starts to fall in love with him again. The only problem is that Eve doesn't think Hunters changed and will always go to get the next big story. Eve doesnt believe that he should ever leave her to work..apparently 🙄
The book doesn't have a lot of depth and I wasn't sad to see it end.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una boda en Navidad es otra de las entregas de la serie sobre Navidad de Caroline Mickelson y en esta ocasión, Eve, su joven protagonista, creyendo que alguien le ha tomado el pelo a su socia porque Santa Claus no existe —y, por tanto que no puede haberlas contratado—, pide ayuda a un exnovio para descubrir quién es el responsable de esa broma. Sin embargo, ambos terminarán en el Polo Norte y… se darán cuenta de lo equivocados que estaban.
El libro es similar a los demás que forman parte de la saga y mantiene las mismas características que los anteriores (un Santa entrañable y en ocasiones sorprendente —tanto que cuesta imaginárselo haciendo surf—, unos duendes encantadores, toques de humor y amor a raudales), así que a sus seguidores les gustará.
Como en los otros trabajos de la autora, yo habría agradecido una traducción más adaptada al castellano que se habla en España, pero bueno, se lee bien.
Mi valoración es de 3,5/5.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story. Eve does not do Christmas in the traditional way. Instead, she flies off to the sea and sun as soon as her business closes down for the holidays but her business partner, Staci, is the opposite. She wants the full Christmas package, and anyone who suggests a Christmas Eve wedding has her total approval, but being that her baby is due to be born any minute, there is no way she could be the wedding planner for this wedding. So she has left it to Eve to do the last bits. But Eve is really not interested, even more so because the holiday season opens up old wounds of being left at the altar herself, some years ago. But who says no to a client like Santa Claus?

Cute little story, with a nice happy after after ending. I received this ARC and this is my honest review.

[Shawn Hamdorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest review.
Cute story about a Wedding Planner who hates Christmas but finds herself having to perform the wedding for Santa's niece Kris Kringle? Not believing in Santa, Eve has her suspicions this is a complete set up so she asks her ex-boyfriend to help her figure it out. Hunter jumps at the chance since he's between journalist jobs. During their adventure, Eve discovers there really is a Santa and that magic can happen. Hunter discovers that he still wants and needs Eve and has to make a decision on what's more important, but will he make the right decision this time? A great read and filled with Christmas Spirit.

[Neela Pradhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining book,fantasy,but a sweet one.Wedding planner Eve finds herself along with ex boyfriend Hunter on North Pole .She has to plan the wedding of her pregnant partner,who cannot do so due to her delivery two days before Christmas.
Eve doesn't like the idea of a Christmas Wedding,but anyhow she and Hunter are taken to North Pole,so they have to accept it exists,so does Santa Claus.His niece is to be married.After quite a few amusing happenings,the wedding does take place,though it is not strictly a Christmas Wedding.And all this because Santa Claus.And of course,our sweet couple,Eve and Hunter also find their happiness.An enjoyable,light hearted book6

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wedding planner Eve Bennington has her Christmas all thought out, down to the last Mai Tai she plans to savor once she reaches Hawaii. But her plans quickly go awry when her very pregnant business partner insists that Eve do a favor for Santa's niece. The problem? Santa isn't real. Or so Eve believes until she and her ex-boyfriend Hunter find themselves on a sleigh pulled by eight shaggy reindeer. Their destination? The North Pole. Their mission? To pull together a very last minute Christmas Eve wedding. Eve's problem? Finding out that Santa Claus really does exist challenges everything Eve thinks she knows, including her belief that she and Hunter don't belong together.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review from Author

A cute story revolving a wedding planner and a Christmas Eve wedding that she does not want to plan as she wants to go to Hawaii. But how can you say no when it involves Santa and the North Pole.

Eve’s business is hired by Santa to plan his niece wedding on Christmas Eve despite not believing in Santa and a bride who does not want a traditional wedding.

Throw in a former e-boyfriend into the scene who kindles old feelings and michievious elves. Afun read with unexpected glitches. An amusing romantic read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
This was a cute Christmas story to remind you of the magic involved in life, love, and Christmas. This story was well written. The two main characters were entertaining to watch as they realized they really were at the North Pole to help plan a wedding for Santa's niece and nephew. Santa's family was not at all who I expected. Who would have thought a member of Santa's family would be a "health food nut?" The elves were fun. They were always getting into trouble. This story was a very fun afternoon read.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve's Christmas Wedding : A Novella by Caroline Mickelson is book 6 in the Christmas Central Romantic Comedy Series.

This was a fun story to put you in the Christmas mood. I haven't read any of the other Christmas Central stories, but this was easy to read as a standalone story.

The characters were entertaining. It was interesting to learn about Santa's family and the elves.

I plan to read the other books in the series.

I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Suki Ince · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eve's Christmas wedding is a nice little romp through Eve's past and her beliefs about Santa. It was a fun read. That being said I found the characters flat and unsympathetic. The characters were shallow and underdeveloped so I didn't care what actually happened. So why did I finish the book, because it was fun and fast to read and I'm a sucker for Christmas tales. don't let this one person's review put you off from reading it yourself, because so said, I'm just one person.

[Sandy Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

EVE'S CHRISTMAS WEDDING has a predictable plot set against a holiday theme. I wish the two main characters, Eve and Hunter, had been developed a little more fully so that the end would have been more credible. All in all, a very quick read. My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for my opinion.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a light read, with elements of fantasy. A cute holiday-themed romance that unfortunately didn't have much character development. It was short, so I remained interested enough, but I didn't think it was a great example of this author's writing abilities. Grammatically well-written but lacked a bit of spark.

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the sixth in the Christmas Central series of short stories. And it was just as delightful, hopeful, and funny as the others were. It’s so much fun to read a story and for a short time, immerse yourself in it’s wonderful world. I wish we all could keep the joy of Christmas in our hearts and lives all year long.

[Amparo TD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es el libro que menos me ha gustado, ya que no me ha removido ningún sentimiento. Esta vez Santa quiere organizar la boda de su sobrina y Kyle. El quiere una boda navideña, y los novios la quieren en Hawaii. Para organizarla Santa contrata a Eve que es una organizadora de bodas, y que no se cree que santa exista. Por lo que llama a un ex novio, que es periodista para averiguar la verdad.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming ans sweet novella. Hunter kind of bent the rules a bit in the end for everything to work out. But it was still a good solution.

The voices of the elves were really bad on the audiobook, unfortunately. They were kind of manipulated to sound higher, but it made them to artificial and metallic...

[Joyce Mosby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did not grab me at the first but then I enjoyed it. It was a fun read for the stormy day we are having. Maybe I was like Eve at first and was a skeptic.
I was given this copy by the author. I did enjoy her style and want to look for more books by this author.

[Brian Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light fun read: a sweet romance with some Christmas whimsy thrown in. It doesn't reach too deep: not a heavy piece of literature, just a cozy seasonal story with a happy ending. I recieved a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Denota · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a surprisingly delightful book. This book has Hallmark Christmas Movie written all over it. These are the movies I watch November to January . then I can't wait for a special. I can't say enough positive about it. Made me SMU!e and believe again. A must read.

[Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an absolutely cute Christmas romance read.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve didn't believe in Santa Claus until she met him at the North Pole, when she went there to create the perfect wedding for his niece Kris. This was such a cute story. I really enjoyed it.

[heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Triumphs

A good book with a happy ending. A Christmas eve wedding at the North Pole. What could livelier? Read Eve's Christmas Wedding to find out.