A delightful Christmas story, the first in a new series by Patrice Wilton, NEW YORK TIMES best seller. Jennie Braxton and her two small children are traveling to Philadelphia for Christmas with her family. Car trouble lands them in a magical town called Heaven, PA. Everything about this sweet place seems too good to be true, especially Nick Ryan, a local chef with a heart as big as her own. His sensual smile tempts her from mourning the loss of her dear husband, to look into the future. Can her dreams of finding happiness again come true, or will her heart hide safely in the past? FIVE STAR REVIEWS "This Beautiful Christmas story has given me the hopes and promises in life that any woman could dream of! Simply Beautiful!" ~ Belinda "This book is a perfect winter fairytale. I would highly recommend it, and not just at Christmas time, anytime if the year." ~ Amazon Customer "Loved this book! Great character development and Wonderful chemistry between the main characters. Thoughtful and fun. This was a great breezy read." ~ Amazon Customer "This is a great feel good book! Great way to feel their loss without losing hope! A great new beginning without losing their past!" ~ Lori Robinson "Best read of the season! A A A for a modern old fashion hot love novel. Very sweet. Heaven was a good name for this town." ~ John "A charming, romantic story with the backdrop of Christmas. Heavenly, Pennsylvania sits a half hour from Philadelphia where Jennie ' parents live. It's also the scene of an accident that brings Jennie and Nick together. A romance made in Heaven." ~ Professor "This was such a warm and loving story. Sometimes where we are led is simply a miracle! The characters are perfect and the warmth and love expressed are wonderful." ~ Kathy Dolan "A very heartwarming story with wonderful characters. A great Christmas story. I am anxious to read the next book to see how this storybook romance turns out." ~ Connie Peters "Lovely light reading and if someone has ever been in her position they will truly understand her trepidation. If this is a sample of the author's work I'll be reading more." ~ Grace
Patrice Wilton knew from the age of twelve that she wanted to write books that would take the reader to faraway places. As a voracious reader, she gobbled up books, and her imagination soared. She was born in Vancouver, Canada, and had a great need to see the world that she had read about. Patrice became a flight attendant for seventeen years and traveled the world. At the age of forty she sat down to write her first book—in longhand! Her interests include tennis, golf, and writing stories for women of all ages. She is the proud mother of two, has three lovely grand-daughters, and a wonderful man at her side. They live in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he teaches her golf, and she teaches him patience.
A feel good, warm romance with a splash of heat. A car accident in the town of Heavenly leads a grieving widow to find hope for a new life. This heartwarming story has great characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Nick is not only the chef at one of the best restaurants in town but he is an all-round nice guy, whose heart becomes unexpectedly captured by Jennie and her two beautiful daughters. The narrator, Rita Page, did an excellent job of all the different characters voices and brought the beauty and magic of this story to life. This is an enjoyable Christmas romance with a touch of the sensuality.
*Be sure to check out my blog post for this book, including an interview with the audiobook narrator, and a limited time giveaway! Check it out here!
Sweet, with only a little bit of heat.
I'm quite a sucker for sweet romances, and this one is definitely full of sugar. On the same level as Hallmark movies, which make the best stories to enjoy during the holiday season. Jennie and Nick are definitely a sweet couple, and their story is the quintessential true-love style romance.
Jennie, a widow with two young daughters, is not looking for a man. Simply a happy holiday at her parent's house. A puppy changes not only her life, but the lives of her girls, and a local restaurant owner, Nick. Without knowing exactly what hit either of them, love swept them up faster than a fresh blanket of snow, covering anything from their past that may keep them apart.
Listening to this book was wonderful, and definitely compared well to watching an actual Hallmark movie. The narrator did a wonderful job, and even with my preference for speeding the book up a few notches, she was clear and gave the story a wonderful sense of character. I especially loved the way she portrayed the little girls - what skill!
I only have one complaint with this book, and it's simply a personal preference. I don't enjoy bedroom scenes, and this one had quite an explicit one. With audiobooks, it's far more difficult to skip scenes like that, than it is with written books. Because it's simply my taste, and was fairly far into the book that was otherwise mostly clean, I only took off half a rose.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this type of story, and I am excited to start the sequel! Many thanks to the author for the chance to listen and review this book.
*I received a complimentary audiobook copy of this book, from the author via Audiobookworm Promotions, to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
Heaven can be perceived or imagined in many forms, and in this story it presents itself to Jennie just when she needs it most, as a small town near Philadelphia, where she avoids a puppy in the snow but meets abruptly with a tree on her way to visit her family. Jennie is a grieving widow trying to make Christmas special for her small daughters, not quite a year after their father's tragic death in the navy, and her stress limit is almost as close as the tree now embedded in her car.
The friendly people of Heaven, and its serene setting and mood, help calm her jitters, cope with the immediate exigencies, and soothe her spirit. They also contact her parents, who come to take care of the little girls while she remains overnight at the hospital for observation, and consults insurance and the local mechanic about her car.
One resident in particular, who is the first to her rescue, and feels guilty about the puppy he was trying to rescue when she swerved to avoid him, takes an interest in her welfare and her daughters' happiness. Jennie is drawn to Nick, but still mourning her lost husband and not ready to trust her emotions, nor does she dare risk hurting her daughters, who are already attached to Nick in a few short days.
This being a Christmas romance, there is one rather graphic love scene, but you can skip over it if this makes you uncomfortable.
The editing also suffers from what I have found common in e-books, with misused homonyms and misplaced, missing, or extraneous apostrophes, as though it were taken down in dictation by someone who is not fully competent in English, or more likely scanned and converted from a print copy using clumsy software. I don't know why this should be, since in this era I expect print books are first prepared digitally for press, but it seems to be all too common, and the final editing either omitted or careless. It is not as extensive and distracting as I have found in some books, but still disappointing.
A Heavenly Christmas (Heavenly Christmas Series Book 1)
The love story of Jennie and Nick. It Christmas time and Jennie and her two girls are going to her parents' home . they are in an accident in Heaven, Pa when Nick come to the rescue. OK story
A Heavenly Christmas, written by Patrice Wilton, is a charming holiday tale. If you stay glued to the Hallmark channel watching feel-good movies during the Christmas season (like I do) then you’ll enjoy this story.
This is the first book I’ve read by Patrice Wilton, and I look forward to reading and listening to Someone To Love, the second book in this series.
The story centers on Jennie Braxton, a widow of one year, and mother of two young girls. She gets in an accident while traveling to Philadelphia to visit her parents for the holidays and is sent to the hospital. Her unexpected encounter with Nick, a kind and interesting chef in a town called Heaven, detours her heart as well as her holiday plans, and rescues her from her grievous past.
I love stories that take place during the holidays. Add a sweet puppy, and a handsome man who knows his way around the kitchen and fills my senses with more than baking scents, and I’m sold!
*The story contains sex, and for those sensitive to slang or cursing, there are choice words throughout.
Audio Narration: Rita Page has a smooth and gentle tone that is kind and inviting. But I feel the inflection is a bit overdone —as if she is reading a bedtime story to a child. Ms. Page’s saccharine sweet narration reminds me of Caroline Ingalls from the television show Little House on the Prairie, and seems out of place when describing the chemistry and sensuality between two adults. The children’s voices are also exaggerated and animated. As I became engrossed in the great storyline, the voices blended in and were not as distracting.
Audio Production Quality: The production quality of this audio book is clear, with no distracting background music, static, or skips.
Overall opinion: A Heavenly Christmas is a compelling story. The writing is filled with warmth, love, and the spirit of Christmas, but the voice narration is bit overacted.
Cover: Love Title: Love Genre: Contemporary Romance Series: A Heavenly Christmas Book #1 Publisher: Patricia Wilton Audio Length: 6:11 Pages (printed length): 252 First Lines: Jennie Braxton opened her eyes slowly, but it was like fighting to swim upstream.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Patrice Wilton. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
What a wonderfully uplifting listen this is. I love stories that give new life to people who need it. This story is a chance meeting of Jenny and Nick when Nick is saving a pup causing Jenny to hit a tree. This unfortunate encounter opens up a brand new world for the two of them. Jenny is still grieving over the unexpected death of her husband earlier in the year and is adjusting to her new life with her two daughters. When Nick comes into the picture, all of her hope and expectations change. Nick is a man who has difficulty with commitments. After a rough childhood, he does not want to have history repeat itself with his life, so chooses not to get married. Will this heavenly encounter change both their lives? This book is full of hope and love. I especially love the way Nick talks to himself, working through his beliefs and where he wants to go with his life. It is refreshing hearing this and seeing that even with the worst of childhoods, the right person can change everything. I also love that he is relentless with not taking no for an answer. I think if he did not pursue the relationship, Jenny would have accepted just going back to her life and trying to move one. There are some wonderful supporting characters in this book, I really liked Jenny's mom. She is a no nonsense woman, and asks for details and tells things like they are. This is a warm and fun holiday romance and I really enjoyed it.
Rita Page has a real warmth in her voice and gives this story the heartwarming feel it deserves. She gives a beautiful performance and I will definitely look for more of her narrations.
Cute Christmas story but would probably had rated it higher if not for the narrator. Just because it's your story and you can write, doesn't mean you can be an actor too! I loved the hero in this story "Nick Ryan", so very romantic and was only fighting the attraction because of the children. Not everyone is able to go from single to a ready-made family. Jennie Braxton our heroine and her two daughters are travelling to the grandparents (Philadelphia) for the holiday. This is Jennie and the girls first Christmas since Jennie pilot husband was killed a year ago in a freak training accident. I'm going to continue this "Heavenly Christmas" series because it looks as if the second installment "Someone to Love" will have a lot more excitement and suspense.
This was a sweet and simple romance that was born out of an accident that put two souls on a course toward each other this holiday season. Nick has no real family to concern himself with and Jennie was grieving the loss of her husband less than a year ago. Could love be the opening she needs to live again?
Narration was just so-so. There was no spark charging the story to life and making it come to life. I was wanting to get lost in the words coming off the page and float as I listened.
This story is about an unexpected event changing 4 people's lives and bring 2 people together. It is a sweet romance and a quick read. Nice holiday story.
A HEAVENLY CHRISTMAS is the first book in the series by the same name, but each is to stand on their own. Time will tell.
“You’re in heaven.” Heaven, Pennsylvania! This story is as magical as the Christmas season used as its setting and as peace-inspiring as the name of the town suggests.
I have to admit, with it being a Christmas romance, I was not expecting the heat level that was brought out. I love that the passion between Nick and Jennie built slowly, but make no mistake it burns hot and it definitely has long-lasting warming power.
I also have to admit, I was in a horrible funk this week. I was downright morose facing another holiday without a few people who will watch me celebrate from those rainbow-colored clouds. I wasn’t sure that it was a good time for me to be listening to a happy holiday story. I am glad I “had to” for my blog. While I’m sure a story isn’t always a cure for the blues, it worked for me this time. The turning point for me was when I cried… oh, yes, I believe you will cry too. Tears of sweetness, bittersweet memories, and happiness.
The performance of the voice-actor, Rita Page, is beautifully done. I loved the slight alterations in voice for the different characters, even the dog!
I cannot wait to return to Heaven, PA! I don’t know whose story will be next, but I’m sure it will be amazing. Patrice Wilton has a new fan here!
Note: while I was given this book as a gifted Audible copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A HEAVENLY CHRISTMAS Series: A Heavenly Christmas #1 Narrator: Rita Page Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content Length: 6 hours, 11 minutes Received from: Patrice Wilton (as an Audiobooks gifted copy)
A sweet and heartwarming romance filled with hope!
A Heavenly Christmas is the first story in a new series by Patrice Wilton. This story has a unique plot with characters that will become one of your friends and neighbor. This story captured my attention from the very beginning. Patrice Wilton did an outstanding job of writing a romance with a holiday spin that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. It gives you all the good fuzzy feelings that one enjoys in a good romance. I know when I pick up a book by Patrice Wilton I am going to be reading a story that I have not read before and will not be able to put down. She has quickly become one of my go-to authors when I am looking for a good read.
Rita Page does a fantastic job with the narration. She has a clear voice that was easy to follow. She does a great job with the voice inflections.
With her fantastic writing, it is a pleasure to read Patrice Wilton’s books. This was a great book to start the series that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series by Patrice Wilton. I recommend the Heavenly Christmas series to anyone that enjoys getting in the holiday spirit with some romance.
Jenny is on her way home with her girls to to spend Christmas with her parents, but ends up getting into a small car accident. not wanting to hit the little dog.... then she meets Nick a wonderful Guy from Heaven.. and they become friends and much much more but will they become more than just friends.. spending Christmas with the whole family can be a wonderful thing for everyone... this was the second book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it I recommend it to everyone you should check out this author's work she's really good..... I actually listen to this on audio but I wanted to also add my review here....
As sweet heartfelt romance , perfect for the holidays ! Jenny is a young windowed mother of two sweet girls on her way to see her family for Christmas, when a chance meeting with Nick occurs, a spark ignites between the two ,giving Jenny and her girls a second chance at love and family in a new town called Heaven.
This was downloaded on a whim from BookBub and was free. In an effort to try to feel remotely interested in Christmas, this is one of many festive novels I have read this past week. This is definitely one of the best.
I was a little concerned during the first scene because I thought this might have been a paranormal novel. My confusion was quickly sorted out as the plot unfolded and I understood more. Apart from that little hiccup, the narrative drew me in one hundred percent.
The protagonists are likeable, especially Nick. He is a real darling...so thoughtful and caring. He is strong and very persuasive. Just the man Jennie needs. As a widow with two young daughters, Jennie still loves her husband, killed in an accident nearly a year ago and racked with guilt when she becomes attracted to Nick. With young children to consider, especially when they instantly like him, she's torn between following her heart and doing what she thinks is best for her girls.
I wasn't expecting this novel to be so emotional and many times I had tears in my eyes. The chemistry between Nick and Jennie is palpable as they are drawn together in what begins as an unfortunate accident. The push and pull generated as Jennie wrestles with her conscience and Nick is helpless to stop his attraction to the single mum is heartbreaking when decisions don't always suit them both simultaneously. Thankfully, in the spirit of Christmas, everything works out satisfactorily. This isn't a narrative tied up in a neat happy ever after bow but leaves the readers knowing their path to a happy future is laid out.
The author is new to me and I'm definitely going to read the other books in this series.
Great feel good Christmas story. This second chance story brings a genuine warm, happy feeling to the reader's heart. It will even bring tears to your eyes and make you cry during some parts. Wonderfully written story!
A Heavenly Christmas was a very heartwarming and tender story about second love. You'll fall in love with Nick. I bought Book 2 to see how everything turns out for Ally.
This is the first book I've read by Patrice Wilton, but looking forward to reading more. This is a charming Christmas story about family, love and second chances. Jennie's husband was tragically killed in a freak military accident; she has an auto accident in a town named Heaven and encounters Nick who may detour her plans if it is the Lord's will. There is some sex in the last part of the book which can be skipped, but over all it is a good read.
This was a cute Christmas story about a widow and her daughters finding Heaven. No, they didn't die, they found Heaven, Pennsylvania and a gorgeous chef. Christmas magic was everywhere and I highly recommend this book.
This had a great storyline. I just prefer reading less language and don't care for sexual details. All the same, it was still a good book. ~~~~~~ Contains language and sex.
A HEAVENLY CHRISTMAS (Heavenly Christmas series Book 1) by Patrice Wilton ...This is the first book in a new series and I really loved it. Jennie is a widow with two small daughters ( her husband died in a military chopper accident a year ago).. This their first Christmas without him. She is travelling home to spend it with family and has a car accident in a town called Heaven. Nick is a chef and owns his own restaurant....he was chasing a stray puppy and feels he caused the accident. There are laughs, tears and lots of feels to get to a wonderful HEA.