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The Night Before Christian
Sometimes...love is the only thing that can free you. When Emory Chambers asked Santa for someone to warm her cold nights, she hadn’t expected him to actually deliver. But he does. The only problem… He delivers the wrong man. Her ex is the last person she expects to see stroll into her floral design shop. The second their eyes meet old feelings rush back, and their connection sparks as potent as ever. But she has to ignore the fact that she still loves him. Especially since he’s engaged to be married. Christian St. Claire is a man lost. That’s until a floral consultation for his upcoming wedding brings him face-to-face with Emory—the only woman he’s ever truly loved. He refuses to allow himself to fall under her spell again. But despite how hard he’s trying, he can’t shake his feelings for the woman who shattered him. Reconnecting with Emory forces him to question himself. Can he vow his life to another when his heart still pounds for the one who got away?
162 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2015
59 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Joy Avery
38 books226 followersBy day, Joy Avery works as an engagement manager. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 29, 2017
The Night Before Christian was my first book by author Joy Avery. In fact, I hadn't ever heard of this author, but I'm glad I stumbled upon her work, and she is a fellow North Carolinian, so I that much happier to support her work.
I enjoyed Emory and Christian's story very much. This was a quick holiday read. Love lost and love returned, only to be quickly followed by the heartbreak that said lover is off limits due to upcoming nuptials. There were some quite interesting characters introduced along the way (Mrs. St. Clair, Jordyn) who moves the story along quite nicely.
I will definitely be looking for other novels by Mrs. Avery to add to my TBR list.
I enjoyed Emory and Christian's story very much. This was a quick holiday read. Love lost and love returned, only to be quickly followed by the heartbreak that said lover is off limits due to upcoming nuptials. There were some quite interesting characters introduced along the way (Mrs. St. Clair, Jordyn) who moves the story along quite nicely.
I will definitely be looking for other novels by Mrs. Avery to add to my TBR list.
December 29, 2015
What a joy!!! Another wonderful read!
January 2, 2022
This was one one of the cutest holiday read for me. I felt for Emory. She had so much on her shoulders. Christian walking into her shop was the last thing she need. This story was very familiar, but it was executed so well. Jordan was so funny and she goes so hard for her sister. I truly enjoyed this story.
October 7, 2022
The Night Before Christian
This was a love story about Emory and Christian their ultimate breakup two years ago. Emory now the owner of a floral design shop encounters the current fiancee of Christian in need of assistance planning their upcoming nuptials. Then Christian enters for moral support until he realizes Emory is the floral designer. After soul searching and much discussion Emory and Christian reunite.
This was a love story about Emory and Christian their ultimate breakup two years ago. Emory now the owner of a floral design shop encounters the current fiancee of Christian in need of assistance planning their upcoming nuptials. Then Christian enters for moral support until he realizes Emory is the floral designer. After soul searching and much discussion Emory and Christian reunite.
April 8, 2025
Not A Fan of Emory!
I hate when characters are portrayed with opposing traits. It’s very hard to believe that as frustratingly stubborn as Emory was with everyone else that she just became a wuss to Christian’s grandmother. She let that lady bully her. Personally, I don’t think that she deserves to be with Christian because she didn’t fight for their love. She was very weak to me. I actually, extremely disliked her character.
I hate when characters are portrayed with opposing traits. It’s very hard to believe that as frustratingly stubborn as Emory was with everyone else that she just became a wuss to Christian’s grandmother. She let that lady bully her. Personally, I don’t think that she deserves to be with Christian because she didn’t fight for their love. She was very weak to me. I actually, extremely disliked her character.
December 29, 2017
This Love story was questionable at first. Questionable in the since that it seemed like the main characters Emory and Christian weren't going to be able to move past the hurt from their previous breakup with one another. But then the story reveals their undying Love for one another that conqured all the hurt and barriers that broke them apart and tried to keep them apart.
March 18, 2018
What can I say, this book was simply wonderful. It was funny, loving, entertaining and sexy. It was also, easy to read and a page turner to boot.
I was engrossed and found myself snared and determined not to move until I’d read the last page. The characters were well written, along with the supporting cast.
I recommend this book, I think you will thoroughly enjoy it.
I was engrossed and found myself snared and determined not to move until I’d read the last page. The characters were well written, along with the supporting cast.
I recommend this book, I think you will thoroughly enjoy it.
September 11, 2019
Love this story! Sweet w/just the right amount of heat. 4.6 stars
I usually don't spend much time with romances; guess I like them best if the story itself is interesting and compelling. This was the perfect mix, and with a crazy sister to remind them what's important
PS yes, with a happy ending
I usually don't spend much time with romances; guess I like them best if the story itself is interesting and compelling. This was the perfect mix, and with a crazy sister to remind them what's important
PS yes, with a happy ending
November 25, 2017
Fantastic Story
Hot damn, I need to go see Santa. Christian and Emory's love story was fantastic with a few tears dispersed in. The other characters enhanced the story. This is my first book by Ms Avery but definitely not my last.
Hot damn, I need to go see Santa. Christian and Emory's love story was fantastic with a few tears dispersed in. The other characters enhanced the story. This is my first book by Ms Avery but definitely not my last.
January 5, 2023
Real True Love
This one will make you believe in Santa again. What a beautiful love story. It is full of love, commitment, betrayal and will bring out hidden emotions.
A great shortie. Happy Reading
This one will make you believe in Santa again. What a beautiful love story. It is full of love, commitment, betrayal and will bring out hidden emotions.
A great shortie. Happy Reading
December 5, 2023
Sweet and entertaining✍🏾
I previously read, "Something So Sweet" from the "Honey Hills" series. I enjoyed and recognized the ability the author has to relate a beautiful and romantic story. This Christmas tale is charming and entertaining.
I previously read, "Something So Sweet" from the "Honey Hills" series. I enjoyed and recognized the ability the author has to relate a beautiful and romantic story. This Christmas tale is charming and entertaining.
December 16, 2017
Love wow!!!!!
After reading this book I know now what it's meaning Love conquered all. Beautiful love look forward reading more this AUTHOR!!!!!!!
After reading this book I know now what it's meaning Love conquered all. Beautiful love look forward reading more this AUTHOR!!!!!!!
January 1, 2018
Great Read!!!
This was a wonderful story of a Christmas Miracle. It makes you believe in Love and second chance. I would definitely recommended this book
This was a wonderful story of a Christmas Miracle. It makes you believe in Love and second chance. I would definitely recommended this book
January 12, 2018
A sweet story
This was a sweet love story. I enjoyed it. There were a few errors but I felt it didn’t take anything away from it. I’d read more from this author.
This was a sweet love story. I enjoyed it. There were a few errors but I felt it didn’t take anything away from it. I’d read more from this author.
January 14, 2018
Christmas Wishes
This was a quick heartfelt read. Emory and Christian were destined to be together no matter what was thrown their way. This is a story of love conquering all.
This was a quick heartfelt read. Emory and Christian were destined to be together no matter what was thrown their way. This is a story of love conquering all.
November 25, 2018
I loved it!
This book was so well written, and I loved it!!! I hope Jordyn gets a story!!! Again, I loved it. Great way to keep the Christmas season reading!!!!
This book was so well written, and I loved it!!! I hope Jordyn gets a story!!! Again, I loved it. Great way to keep the Christmas season reading!!!!
December 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book, first read by this author. Love the story.
April 7, 2021
Exactly what I expected.
Very sweet and heart warming story. Christain was simply adorable , the perfect match for Emory. If you like holiday romances you should read this one.
Very sweet and heart warming story. Christain was simply adorable , the perfect match for Emory. If you like holiday romances you should read this one.
January 7, 2022
Sweet Love Story
Very sweet love story of two people who allowed others and lack of communication to interfere with their love. Thankfully they found their way back to each other.
Very sweet love story of two people who allowed others and lack of communication to interfere with their love. Thankfully they found their way back to each other.
December 31, 2022
Great Read
Emory and Christian had the undying love. I’m so glad his evil granny came cleaned about what she done. I
Emory and Christian had the undying love. I’m so glad his evil granny came cleaned about what she done. I
February 8, 2023
Good Read
A good short read about a second chance at love. There are a few good laugh out loud moments also.
A good short read about a second chance at love. There are a few good laugh out loud moments also.
March 14, 2023
Breathe Taking Romance
Now This was my Best Book 😊 Emory Never gave up on her Christian and Christian never Stop Loving Emory
Now This was my Best Book 😊 Emory Never gave up on her Christian and Christian never Stop Loving Emory
July 7, 2023
cute and perfect for the holiday
A modern day wicked witch
A strong willed woman talking care of her family
A man who never stopping loving her
A modern day wicked witch
A strong willed woman talking care of her family
A man who never stopping loving her
December 6, 2023
A beautiful Christmas love story
Ms. Joy, I loved that you proved that sometimes Santa gives you exactly what you wanted or needed. Sometimes distance can't kill love!
Ms. Joy, I loved that you proved that sometimes Santa gives you exactly what you wanted or needed. Sometimes distance can't kill love!
January 12, 2024
Enjoyed it!
So, far I've read a couple of books written by this author and I have enjoyed every last one of them. Next..
So, far I've read a couple of books written by this author and I have enjoyed every last one of them. Next..
December 14, 2024
Powerful
Short read with a compelling story line. A love that protects, keeps secrets, makes you laugh and cry. Love that leads to forgiveness.
Short read with a compelling story line. A love that protects, keeps secrets, makes you laugh and cry. Love that leads to forgiveness.
Read
September 14, 20163 1/2 star
I received this book as a Good Reads First Read book giveaway, and was appreciative I received it. After the first few chapters this reminded me of the Harlequin Love Inspired books they have. Just a 'splash' of reference to God or having Faith.
I have to say the first half of the book I did find more interesting and flowed better than the later half but over all still enjoyed the book. I would read this author again.
For my preteen readers that may want to pick this book up. It depends upon how much you have talked to your child about sex and dating etc. As it does have some language and some description of sexual content. (Toward the last half of the book) So I probably would not recommend this for a preteen; but again depends upon how much they already 'know'
I received this book as a Good Reads First Read book giveaway, and was appreciative I received it. After the first few chapters this reminded me of the Harlequin Love Inspired books they have. Just a 'splash' of reference to God or having Faith.
I have to say the first half of the book I did find more interesting and flowed better than the later half but over all still enjoyed the book. I would read this author again.
For my preteen readers that may want to pick this book up. It depends upon how much you have talked to your child about sex and dating etc. As it does have some language and some description of sexual content. (Toward the last half of the book) So I probably would not recommend this for a preteen; but again depends upon how much they already 'know'
December 1, 2023
GREAT STORY
I loved reading Christian and Emory's story. These two were definitely in love with each other. Emory's sister was a hot loved her. All the characters were great even Christians grand mother glad she came around. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who love a second chance romantic story. I must say this is my third time reading this book before reviewing it, and each time I read it I just fall in love with the characters more. It's a great story I think you will love it. Great job Joy please keep writing these great stories, I love reading your books. Thank you.
I loved reading Christian and Emory's story. These two were definitely in love with each other. Emory's sister was a hot loved her. All the characters were great even Christians grand mother glad she came around. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who love a second chance romantic story. I must say this is my third time reading this book before reviewing it, and each time I read it I just fall in love with the characters more. It's a great story I think you will love it. Great job Joy please keep writing these great stories, I love reading your books. Thank you.
December 17, 2015
Beautiful Love Story
This was my first time reading anything by this author and I loved it. What a beautiful love story Christian and Emory had such a beautiful strong love. The circumstances that made this break up and go their separate ways were bound to unravel once they saw each other again. Emory took care of her mother and sister...it was now time for her to let someone take care of her. I would love to read a story about Jordyn and Chauncey. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance this holiday season.
This was my first time reading anything by this author and I loved it. What a beautiful love story Christian and Emory had such a beautiful strong love. The circumstances that made this break up and go their separate ways were bound to unravel once they saw each other again. Emory took care of her mother and sister...it was now time for her to let someone take care of her. I would love to read a story about Jordyn and Chauncey. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance this holiday season.
December 21, 2015
The Nght Before Christian ....loved it
Emory and Christian didn't have a perfect love....they had a true love. I loved everything about this story.....from the characters to how New York was described. I loved how they still had each other's back even after misunderstandings due to Grandma. Jordan was crazy,funny and loving. I hope she has a story coming. The reference to Alzheimer's Disease made the story so real. This condition is just frightening in what it does! I've read all of your books except for the Valentine's Novella. Love your style!
Emory and Christian didn't have a perfect love....they had a true love. I loved everything about this story.....from the characters to how New York was described. I loved how they still had each other's back even after misunderstandings due to Grandma. Jordan was crazy,funny and loving. I hope she has a story coming. The reference to Alzheimer's Disease made the story so real. This condition is just frightening in what it does! I've read all of your books except for the Valentine's Novella. Love your style!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews