What do you think?
Rate this book
Tidings of Great Joy
From the author who knows all the secrets of a woman's heart comes a tantalizing tale of holiday romance—as a young woman discovers how a night of passion can change your life, and your dreams, forever...
Ria Lavender is the last woman in the world to be swept away by a smooth line and a seductive smile. A talented architect, she's just beginning to savor the fruits of her success when she meets a man who will change everything.
Mayor-Elect Taylor MacKensie is handsome, charming, and charismatic. Still, Ria never imagines that she'll leave a Christmas party with him, or that, caught up in the magic of a snowfall and a bottle of champagne, she'll give in to desire. Eight weeks later, Ria knows she's carrying Taylor's child.
To give their baby a name, Ria persuades Taylor to marry her — at least temporarily. But while Ria soon feels a surprising tenderness — and passion — for Taylor, she fears his prime concern is protecting his career. Ria vows to keep her distance from the man who holds the key to her heart... until life teaches them both a lesson in miracles — and love.
Ria Lavender is the last woman in the world to be swept away by a smooth line and a seductive smile. A talented architect, she's just beginning to savor the fruits of her success when she meets a man who will change everything.
Mayor-Elect Taylor MacKensie is handsome, charming, and charismatic. Still, Ria never imagines that she'll leave a Christmas party with him, or that, caught up in the magic of a snowfall and a bottle of champagne, she'll give in to desire. Eight weeks later, Ria knows she's carrying Taylor's child.
To give their baby a name, Ria persuades Taylor to marry her — at least temporarily. But while Ria soon feels a surprising tenderness — and passion — for Taylor, she fears his prime concern is protecting his career. Ria vows to keep her distance from the man who holds the key to her heart... until life teaches them both a lesson in miracles — and love.
231 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
22 people are currently reading
2461 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Brown
343 books19.4k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
December 3, 2018
Tidings of Great Joy by Sandra Brown is a 1999 Bantam publication. (Originally published in 1987)
Oh, my goodness!!
I would imagine most of Sandra Brown’s legions of fans know her mainly through her romantic suspense and thriller novels. But, before she found her niche in those genres, she wrote straight up contemporary romance novels.
I happened across a slew of Sandra Brown’s contemporary romance novels- all in hardcover- at a garage sale a while back for a dollar a piece. I snapped up every single one of them on that table. I collect old books, which everyone already knows, but mainly, as a huge fan of this author, I thought it would be fun to collect some of her books written BEFORE she became such a famous author. I had never read any of them, so I was very curious about them. I’ve been trying to squeeze one into my reading schedule for a while.
So, when I went in search of a few holiday related stories for my Flashback Friday feature on my blog, it gave me the perfect opportunity to sample one of these older books by SB. The cover for this book is so pretty, with that deep red color and the beautiful fonts, and it is a short book, and had a pretty good rating average on GR, which made it seem like the perfect choice.
However-
One must remember when reading a CONTEMPORARY romance written way back in 1987, that it will most likely have a dated quality to it. I have a high tolerance for dated material, if it is limited to fashions, popular phrases of the day, older technology, etc. I’m always prepared to give these books a great deal of latitude, before I even start reading them. In fact, sometimes the nostalgia is part of the book’s charm.
This one, however, was cringe worthy.
The basic set-up is that on Christmas Eve, Taylor, the mayor-elect, and Ria have a one- night stand which results in a pregnancy. Ria felt it was her moral obligation to inform Taylor he was about to become a father.
Taylor immediately goes on the defensive accusing her of attempting to ruin his political career, slut shaming her, and a whole lot of other clichés.
Eventually, he calms down, and Ria explains that due to her upbringing, having a child born legitimately was very important to her. So, they get married, but in name only- or that was the initial agreement, at any rate.
However, they couldn’t stop going at it in the bedroom. Otherwise, Taylor seemed to always keep Ria on the defensive and she remained prickly throughout the entire novel. So, to me, the chemistry was mostly sexual, with very little emotional sentiments either said or demonstrated.
The story is old fashioned, which is to be expected with a book that was written over thirty years ago. But the dialogue was just terrible, and the story isn’t exactly a Christmas story, per se. The story begins on Christmas Eve and then concludes with a little after Christmas gift giving, which was utterly preposterous.
Overall, this one didn’t age too well. This doesn’t mean all of SB’s older titles will read the way like this book did. However, this one was a dud.
2 stars
Oh, my goodness!!
I would imagine most of Sandra Brown’s legions of fans know her mainly through her romantic suspense and thriller novels. But, before she found her niche in those genres, she wrote straight up contemporary romance novels.
I happened across a slew of Sandra Brown’s contemporary romance novels- all in hardcover- at a garage sale a while back for a dollar a piece. I snapped up every single one of them on that table. I collect old books, which everyone already knows, but mainly, as a huge fan of this author, I thought it would be fun to collect some of her books written BEFORE she became such a famous author. I had never read any of them, so I was very curious about them. I’ve been trying to squeeze one into my reading schedule for a while.
So, when I went in search of a few holiday related stories for my Flashback Friday feature on my blog, it gave me the perfect opportunity to sample one of these older books by SB. The cover for this book is so pretty, with that deep red color and the beautiful fonts, and it is a short book, and had a pretty good rating average on GR, which made it seem like the perfect choice.
However-
One must remember when reading a CONTEMPORARY romance written way back in 1987, that it will most likely have a dated quality to it. I have a high tolerance for dated material, if it is limited to fashions, popular phrases of the day, older technology, etc. I’m always prepared to give these books a great deal of latitude, before I even start reading them. In fact, sometimes the nostalgia is part of the book’s charm.
This one, however, was cringe worthy.
The basic set-up is that on Christmas Eve, Taylor, the mayor-elect, and Ria have a one- night stand which results in a pregnancy. Ria felt it was her moral obligation to inform Taylor he was about to become a father.
Taylor immediately goes on the defensive accusing her of attempting to ruin his political career, slut shaming her, and a whole lot of other clichés.
Eventually, he calms down, and Ria explains that due to her upbringing, having a child born legitimately was very important to her. So, they get married, but in name only- or that was the initial agreement, at any rate.
However, they couldn’t stop going at it in the bedroom. Otherwise, Taylor seemed to always keep Ria on the defensive and she remained prickly throughout the entire novel. So, to me, the chemistry was mostly sexual, with very little emotional sentiments either said or demonstrated.
The story is old fashioned, which is to be expected with a book that was written over thirty years ago. But the dialogue was just terrible, and the story isn’t exactly a Christmas story, per se. The story begins on Christmas Eve and then concludes with a little after Christmas gift giving, which was utterly preposterous.
Overall, this one didn’t age too well. This doesn’t mean all of SB’s older titles will read the way like this book did. However, this one was a dud.
2 stars
November 7, 2018
3rd Xmas Read?
Despite the title and festive looking cover, Tidings Of Great Joy is not a Christmas book. The only thing Christmas-y is a Christmas Eve one night stand. Sandra Brown probably already had this book written and just gave it a Christmas-y title.
For that reason I deducted a Star from my rating. This book was published in 1987 and it shows. At one point in this book the perfect man is described as "Having Mel Gibson's face & Bruce Jenner's body"....
I'll just let that breathe.
I rate Christmas books on a curve but Tidings of Great Joy isn't a Christmas book so I gave it 3 stars, which is a decent rating. I just wish I hadn't been led to believe it was a Christmas book.
If you want a Christmas Romance this is not your book but if you want a straight up romance with a couple hot sex scenes this is for you.
2018 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book set in the decade you were born
Despite the title and festive looking cover, Tidings Of Great Joy is not a Christmas book. The only thing Christmas-y is a Christmas Eve one night stand. Sandra Brown probably already had this book written and just gave it a Christmas-y title.
For that reason I deducted a Star from my rating. This book was published in 1987 and it shows. At one point in this book the perfect man is described as "Having Mel Gibson's face & Bruce Jenner's body"....
I'll just let that breathe.
I rate Christmas books on a curve but Tidings of Great Joy isn't a Christmas book so I gave it 3 stars, which is a decent rating. I just wish I hadn't been led to believe it was a Christmas book.
If you want a Christmas Romance this is not your book but if you want a straight up romance with a couple hot sex scenes this is for you.
2018 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book set in the decade you were born
September 30, 2018
Argh!!! By far one of the worst books by Sandra Brown. I can usually cope with the “cheesiness” of her older novels. No matter what she gets 3 stars, simply for being my ALL TIME FAVORITE author, I just could not handle this story. Ría was just too insipid. Taylor? No!! Just no!! My heart is somewhat angry at this book right now!!! Lol
February 28, 2021
That ending... Just... No.
November 10, 2021
I love Sandra Brown, she's a great author, but this book wasn't one of her best ones, I thought it was an okay read, there was somewhat a lot of sexual intercourse.
Ria Lavender is swept away by Taylor, the mayor-elect's smile. Ria is in the beginning stage of her success when she meets a man who will change everything. Ria and Taylor met when they were at a Christmas party, the next morning Ria wakes up and faces the truth that, she just slept with a man she barely knew. Eight weeks later Ria surprises Taylor Mackensie in his office that she's carrying his child. Ria must somehow persuade Taylor to agree to a temporary marriage because she wants the child to have a father figure in their life.
Ria Lavender is swept away by Taylor, the mayor-elect's smile. Ria is in the beginning stage of her success when she meets a man who will change everything. Ria and Taylor met when they were at a Christmas party, the next morning Ria wakes up and faces the truth that, she just slept with a man she barely knew. Eight weeks later Ria surprises Taylor Mackensie in his office that she's carrying his child. Ria must somehow persuade Taylor to agree to a temporary marriage because she wants the child to have a father figure in their life.
February 8, 2012
Rating 3.5
Enjoyed it, was quite different with a heroine who was successful & the way she told the hero about the pregnancy & was old fashioned enough to want to make her son legitimate. The hero did act out a bit in the start, mainly due to shock but countered they should get married now and not at the end. After marriage things go well for them but the heroine keeps attaching political aspirations to his actions & then things go wrong.
Mis-understandings abound as usual but we get a HEA.
Enjoyed it, was quite different with a heroine who was successful & the way she told the hero about the pregnancy & was old fashioned enough to want to make her son legitimate. The hero did act out a bit in the start, mainly due to shock but countered they should get married now and not at the end. After marriage things go well for them but the heroine keeps attaching political aspirations to his actions & then things go wrong.
Mis-understandings abound as usual but we get a HEA.
December 22, 2023
3.5 ⭐
I CANT BELIEVE I GOT THIS BOOK FROM THE SCHOOL. NOT PG! And the ending was very weird but it was cute
I CANT BELIEVE I GOT THIS BOOK FROM THE SCHOOL. NOT PG! And the ending was very weird but it was cute
February 17, 2013
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads contest.
I've read several Sandra Brown books and this book isn't anyway near my top 5 of Sandra Brown's books but it's a quick and sweet read that gives you high emotions, sneaky first sight love people don't want to admit to themselves, pregnancy after a one night stand and so on. It was written in the end of the 80's and it had a really strong feel of it, made me giggle a bit to read the descriptions of the clothes and rooms but I still enjoyed it.
There were some things that were slightly annoying - marriage just because of the baby, Taylor's reaction to pregnancy, the whole weirdness about the relationship with Lisa but easy to overlook when enjoying a quick break from the reality BUT the ending kind of ruined everything.
It was all good till the baby - how Taylor got the baby, how he presents her to Ria, no discussion with Ria beforehand. This is not a way to deal with miscarriage. The decision to adopt is very deep and personal issue that has to be thought through with your partner, a little human being can not be a gift in any circumstances + how he says that they have a trial run like they're trying out cars or something is awful.
I'm a avid re-reader and I'm probably gonna read some emotional scenes again and again but I will never ever be able to read the end without getting angry.
I've read several Sandra Brown books and this book isn't anyway near my top 5 of Sandra Brown's books but it's a quick and sweet read that gives you high emotions, sneaky first sight love people don't want to admit to themselves, pregnancy after a one night stand and so on. It was written in the end of the 80's and it had a really strong feel of it, made me giggle a bit to read the descriptions of the clothes and rooms but I still enjoyed it.
There were some things that were slightly annoying - marriage just because of the baby, Taylor's reaction to pregnancy, the whole weirdness about the relationship with Lisa but easy to overlook when enjoying a quick break from the reality BUT the ending kind of ruined everything.
It was all good till the baby - how Taylor got the baby, how he presents her to Ria, no discussion with Ria beforehand. This is not a way to deal with miscarriage. The decision to adopt is very deep and personal issue that has to be thought through with your partner, a little human being can not be a gift in any circumstances + how he says that they have a trial run like they're trying out cars or something is awful.
I'm a avid re-reader and I'm probably gonna read some emotional scenes again and again but I will never ever be able to read the end without getting angry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2009
I liked the book up to the last couple of pages, in the end he adopts a baby with out even talking to her about it. It wasn't like she wasnt capable of having her own child after her misscarriage. I believe adopting kids is great but after a misscarriage I feel like it was insulting to her to adopt a kid behind her back... and presenting it as a gift? What the hell? Its like "Here honey, since you couldn't handle the job of birthing my baby. I decided to pick one up on the way home from work, hope you wanted a White/Native American blend."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2011
Great gift! I like reading books that take place in different time periods (who didn't like the 80's/90's?). Although this storyline was a little predictable I enjoyed every word. Like a fairy tale for the holidays, it had a happy ending.
December 29, 2015
2.5 stars. This was an early Sandra Brown romance that I found on the book sale table at the library. Brown is a decent writer but I found the scenario a little implausible and didn't care for the ending at all.
June 23, 2018
Sometimes you just need a light, predictable, feel good romance. Can be easily read in a day or a weekend. I should've finished this yesterday, but life got in the way. I hate when that happens! :)
December 16, 2025
Maybe 2.5 stars
This was surprisingly heavy for a Christmas romance. Only the beginning and very end were really holiday themed. The story centers around pregnancy and loss. The communication was lacking most of the time but I still liked the couple. I did want more of him choosing her at the end. I also found the surprise at the a little weird and let down by it. I had great hopes for this one because of the festive cover. I normally like SB's older romances but this one missed the mark for me.
This was surprisingly heavy for a Christmas romance. Only the beginning and very end were really holiday themed. The story centers around pregnancy and loss. The communication was lacking most of the time but I still liked the couple. I did want more of him choosing her at the end. I also found the surprise at the a little weird and let down by it. I had great hopes for this one because of the festive cover. I normally like SB's older romances but this one missed the mark for me.
March 5, 2024
DNF about halfway through.
Sandra is my favorite author, so I went into this 30-year-old book with my expectations set too high. The story was outdated in every way and lacked emotional connection between the characters.
Hey, we all start somewhere. I'd say she's come a long way!
Sandra is my favorite author, so I went into this 30-year-old book with my expectations set too high. The story was outdated in every way and lacked emotional connection between the characters.
Hey, we all start somewhere. I'd say she's come a long way!
May 14, 2023
This may be the single most ridiculous book I’ve ever read with the most unlikable characters and absurd plot line.
July 22, 2016
This book was better than I expected. I really enjoyed it even thug it had a bit of stereotypical characters and plot. The plot did take a unexpected twist though and that really made it more interesting. The book is very character driven and while I enjoyed reading about the characters, I did not love them and they acted really foolish sometimes. This is not my favourite that I have read by Sandra Brown but it was an alright and entertaining book.
July 18, 2010
I loved this book...I was crying my eyes out and laughing at the same time as I Read the last page. I loved how the miscarriage brought the leads closer together instead of throwing them apart in despair and regret. It was an awesome read and I reconmend it 100%!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2018
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. I'm not a fast reader but this book was so sweet that I couldn't put it down. Of course it was predictable but the writing was so good that it didn't matter. I intend to read more Sandra Brown for sure
April 6, 2018
This is one of my favorites from Ms. Brown’s early books. It’s a sweet story with great characters. Still a bit on the fluff side but it didn’t matter. It was just plain enjoyable.
May 19, 2018
Wonderful story. Has very strong characters. This is a wonderful but not your normal love story. This is very well written and such an easy read.
December 8, 2024
The best part of the story was the ending. Too much sex in parts.
Ria Lavender is the last woman in the world to be swept away by a smooth line and a seductive smile. Talented, sophisticated, and determined, she's carved out a place for herself in the most prestigious architectural firm in the city. And she's just beginning to savor the fruits of her success when she meets a man who will change everything.
Mayor-Elect Taylor MacKensie is handsome, charming, and charismatic. Still, Ria never imagines that she'll leave a Christmas party with him, or that, caught up in the magic of a snowfall and a bottle of champagne, she'll give in to desire. But the next morning she faces the stunning truth: she's slept with a man she barely knows. And that's not the only surprise in store: eight weeks later, Ria knows she's carrying Taylor MacKensie's child.
Desperate to spare her baby the pain and stigma of illegitimacy, Ria makes the only decision she can. Somehow she must persuade Taylor MacKensie to agree to a temporary marriage. Yet how do you propose marriage to a relative stranger? How do you tell him you're carrying his child? And how do you react when he meets your news with anger and disbelief?
Within hours, Taylor's outrage cools and he insists that they marry immediately. Suddenly Ria is sharing his house, his name, and something infinitely more dangerous to her heart...a tenderness she never expected, a passion she can't seem to control. But afraid that Taylor's motives have more to do with protecting his career--and his baby--than with his feelings for her, Ria will try her best to keep her distance...until the day tragedy strikes and teaches them both a lesson in miracles--and love.
Ria Lavender is the last woman in the world to be swept away by a smooth line and a seductive smile. Talented, sophisticated, and determined, she's carved out a place for herself in the most prestigious architectural firm in the city. And she's just beginning to savor the fruits of her success when she meets a man who will change everything.
Mayor-Elect Taylor MacKensie is handsome, charming, and charismatic. Still, Ria never imagines that she'll leave a Christmas party with him, or that, caught up in the magic of a snowfall and a bottle of champagne, she'll give in to desire. But the next morning she faces the stunning truth: she's slept with a man she barely knows. And that's not the only surprise in store: eight weeks later, Ria knows she's carrying Taylor MacKensie's child.
Desperate to spare her baby the pain and stigma of illegitimacy, Ria makes the only decision she can. Somehow she must persuade Taylor MacKensie to agree to a temporary marriage. Yet how do you propose marriage to a relative stranger? How do you tell him you're carrying his child? And how do you react when he meets your news with anger and disbelief?
Within hours, Taylor's outrage cools and he insists that they marry immediately. Suddenly Ria is sharing his house, his name, and something infinitely more dangerous to her heart...a tenderness she never expected, a passion she can't seem to control. But afraid that Taylor's motives have more to do with protecting his career--and his baby--than with his feelings for her, Ria will try her best to keep her distance...until the day tragedy strikes and teaches them both a lesson in miracles--and love.
July 2, 2024
"I'm pregnant." So begins a Sandra Brown gem from her early publishing career. Female protagonist Ria Lavender hit Taylor MacKensie "between the eyes" with her statement two months after they had a one-night-stand at a Christmas Eve party.
While this introduction of two vital personalities did not bode well for their future, Brown promises much more. In her letter to readers before page one, she is certain that we will "share my fondness for love stories which always end happily and leave us with a warm, inner glow."
I, for one, DO feel that glow.
Ria is a successful, savvy, and smart architect. Taylor is a handsome businessman who is the newly elected mayor of an undisclosed city in this rare find. The two would certainly make the perfect couple, if only they can reconcile their differences. The one thing they do agree on is that they are sexually compatible. And, boy are they! Now for them to find the true love that Brown promises.
This book has it all: humor and anguish, love and uncertainty. It grabs the reader from word one and doesn't let up until the final sentence.
Both Ria and Taylor are in relationships, but drop their prior companions to make a commitment to the life growing inside Ria. What happens after this tears at the heartstrings as no other book has done for me in years.
Even though it is only 230 pages long, this story begs to be savored. And so I did...I went back to the first page and read it again.
It was THAT good.
While this introduction of two vital personalities did not bode well for their future, Brown promises much more. In her letter to readers before page one, she is certain that we will "share my fondness for love stories which always end happily and leave us with a warm, inner glow."
I, for one, DO feel that glow.
Ria is a successful, savvy, and smart architect. Taylor is a handsome businessman who is the newly elected mayor of an undisclosed city in this rare find. The two would certainly make the perfect couple, if only they can reconcile their differences. The one thing they do agree on is that they are sexually compatible. And, boy are they! Now for them to find the true love that Brown promises.
This book has it all: humor and anguish, love and uncertainty. It grabs the reader from word one and doesn't let up until the final sentence.
Both Ria and Taylor are in relationships, but drop their prior companions to make a commitment to the life growing inside Ria. What happens after this tears at the heartstrings as no other book has done for me in years.
Even though it is only 230 pages long, this story begs to be savored. And so I did...I went back to the first page and read it again.
It was THAT good.
December 16, 2018
Delightful, funny and sexy holiday story. I picked this one up in May 2009 at a book sale inside a small historical museum. It is now Dec 16, 2018 and I've found it in a box cleaning my apartment! How timely, since the hero of the story is blue-eyed and a city councilman with a roguish smile...much like the man I currently LOVE in my real life! (Weird, how life imitates art!)
I have to say...I "laughed out loud" at the dialogue of Taylor, the mayor-elect hero in the book.
The dialogue is cheesy and outrageous -- which I somehow loved!
No, the book isn't considered a comedy, but nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Seeing the reviews here, some are negative and mediocre. I'm a huge fan of Sandra Brown, so I'm just going to give her 5 stars for a smooth read and overall great piece of entertainment.
Maybe the ending wasn't what I expected. It's all good.
Sandra, I loved it.
Thanks for a wonderful holiday surprise! I found it just in time...doing holiday cleaning!
Rochelle Renee
I have to say...I "laughed out loud" at the dialogue of Taylor, the mayor-elect hero in the book.
The dialogue is cheesy and outrageous -- which I somehow loved!
No, the book isn't considered a comedy, but nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Seeing the reviews here, some are negative and mediocre. I'm a huge fan of Sandra Brown, so I'm just going to give her 5 stars for a smooth read and overall great piece of entertainment.
Maybe the ending wasn't what I expected. It's all good.
Sandra, I loved it.
Thanks for a wonderful holiday surprise! I found it just in time...doing holiday cleaning!
Rochelle Renee
December 2, 2020
Ohh this book. Obviously, this isn't a literary masterpiece.
However it will go down as a guilty pleasure for me. In honesty, it read a lot like a supermarket romance novel at times, but we all secretly like to read those from time to time ;) While the book opens on a Christmas Eve at a fancy party that's about as Christmassy as this book gets. I also do really love the festive paperback cover. It's got a total vintage 80's vibe :)
A lot of the dialogue is super cringy and the writing dated (I believe this was originally published in 1987), but those things aside, I really got attached to the characters and wanted to see them make it and be happy together in the end, which they did, however, THAT ENDING. Good gracious. That ending was so stupid. It may seem like I am totally ripping on this book, but I swear I actually did enjoy it!
However it will go down as a guilty pleasure for me. In honesty, it read a lot like a supermarket romance novel at times, but we all secretly like to read those from time to time ;) While the book opens on a Christmas Eve at a fancy party that's about as Christmassy as this book gets. I also do really love the festive paperback cover. It's got a total vintage 80's vibe :)
A lot of the dialogue is super cringy and the writing dated (I believe this was originally published in 1987), but those things aside, I really got attached to the characters and wanted to see them make it and be happy together in the end, which they did, however, THAT ENDING. Good gracious. That ending was so stupid. It may seem like I am totally ripping on this book, but I swear I actually did enjoy it!
December 27, 2017
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway and was excited to get into the Christmas spirit. Only this book didn't have much Christmas other than the 'opening scene'. Most of the story takes place over the course of a year and is not very festive.
It may be that the book's characters have not aged well, but being roughly the same age as the lead female, I did not find her relatable in the least, and actually quite annoying. The lead male is charming.
I didn't hate the book, it was a well written quick read, but not sure I would recommend it.
It may be that the book's characters have not aged well, but being roughly the same age as the lead female, I did not find her relatable in the least, and actually quite annoying. The lead male is charming.
I didn't hate the book, it was a well written quick read, but not sure I would recommend it.
February 15, 2018
Another great book by Sandra Brown. This story's topic was a bit harsh and hard to read. A few parts of the story had me in tears. I loved the journey the characters took in order to end up where they did. The characters were well developed and the story was fast paced making it hard to put down.
I love Sandra Brown's writing style. I instantly feel like I'm part of each story and I never fail to fall in love with the main characters.
I love Sandra Brown's writing style. I instantly feel like I'm part of each story and I never fail to fall in love with the main characters.
December 31, 2018
Five stars. Just for nostalgia. This was one of the earliest books I read in my teens and as much as I liked the story at that time, for the life of me, I couldn't remember the book's name. All I remembered was that there was a word 'tidings' in the title and the story was verysimilar to Matthew Perry's movie, Fools Rush In. So, imagine my joy when I stumbled upon this book accidentally today...straight five stars.
September 8, 2020
I was a teenager when i firdt saw this book in the library (yep im ancient) and literally read this 5 times. I read so many of her other books. I cant remember if she applied Show, Dont Tell. I like to think so because i read it 5 CONSECUTIVE times. Even my family raised their eyebrows and asked me "whats the point if you know whats gona happen?" I didnt know how to answer, so i just said "i love it".
December 27, 2025
Heroine was too naive and story events were fantasy - meaning would not happen in real life. But they did met at xmas.
Rish girl has one night stand with rich guy. Two months later, finds out that shes pregnant and tells guy that he must marry her (to save face in their respective jobs/careers) with the plan to annul the marriage after babys birth. but she ends up havoing a miscarriage. By that time, both have begun having real feelings for each other and it becomes a cat and mouse game.
Rish girl has one night stand with rich guy. Two months later, finds out that shes pregnant and tells guy that he must marry her (to save face in their respective jobs/careers) with the plan to annul the marriage after babys birth. but she ends up havoing a miscarriage. By that time, both have begun having real feelings for each other and it becomes a cat and mouse game.
November 21, 2020
Ria Lavender works for an architectural firm and is invited to a Christmas party of a couple she designed their home. That night she met Mayor-Elect Taylor MacKensie and they end up sleeping together for one night. Well, Ria becomes pregnant and tells him. Because it could cause him problems in his upcoming Mayor office he suggests they live together as a couple. Things are ok for a while.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews