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A Different Christmas
Two people. Two upbringings. One Christmas.
Sam was brought up to her happy family gathering at Christmas. Filled with many traditions that as an adult she thought were normal for everyone.
Getting ready to finish work for the holidays to go home to her family in Scotland, was her idea of fun and relaxation. Well, that was until her boss, Luke, told her he was dragging her to New York for work.
Much to Sam’s irritation, she has to go along and attend New York before flying home on Christmas Eve.
Luke grew up with parents that had a multimillionaire company and wanted for nothing. Apart from a family to celebrate Christmas with.
Luke grew up thinking he had what everyone had at Christmas, until he grew up and realized that Christmas is a family occasion.
Two characters that clash at the slightest thing is a recipe for disaster. Throw Sam and Luke into New York and it is either a make or break for their working relationship.
Would Christmas be different after this year?
Sam was brought up to her happy family gathering at Christmas. Filled with many traditions that as an adult she thought were normal for everyone.
Getting ready to finish work for the holidays to go home to her family in Scotland, was her idea of fun and relaxation. Well, that was until her boss, Luke, told her he was dragging her to New York for work.
Much to Sam’s irritation, she has to go along and attend New York before flying home on Christmas Eve.
Luke grew up with parents that had a multimillionaire company and wanted for nothing. Apart from a family to celebrate Christmas with.
Luke grew up thinking he had what everyone had at Christmas, until he grew up and realized that Christmas is a family occasion.
Two characters that clash at the slightest thing is a recipe for disaster. Throw Sam and Luke into New York and it is either a make or break for their working relationship.
Would Christmas be different after this year?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2016
1 person is currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 7, 2016
Sam and Luke seem like polar opposites, but actually they are more alike than they care to admit. Including their stubbornness and attitude! As Luke, asks his PA (Sam) to travel with him to New York the week before Christmas, she really is about to walk away from her job.
The almost comedic back and for between the PA and boss duo and their dislike for one another also couldn't be further from the truth....
Excerpt:
“I have four days to make you see I am not the arrogant asshole you think I am.” I laughed. I couldn’t help myself, and I knew I was being a bitch. “I think you’ll need a lot longer than four days.” “We’ll see,” he said...
As the pair spend more time together and the time of year permits their discussion of past christmases and how the two completely different individuals spent it so entirely differently, Sam recognises that they are from completely different worlds.
A really festive story that although took me a little while to get into, captured me whole heartedly. The characters were funny, true to themselves and I fell head over heels with them all....well almost all!
A serious must read for the run up to Christmas this year....with so many poignant messages about being with our loved ones, and what truly matters at this time of year, it really is an incredible book. And with a cover that pretty it didn't disappoint.
4.5*
October 8, 2016
Well it's the time of year where I like to start getting ready for the holidays. Some may say it's too early, but Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. What better way than to start reading some Christmas books? I really enjoyed reading A Different Christmas. Although at first, I will admit that I wasn't a big fan of Sam. She seemed set off at every little thing Luke said or did, even when he was trying to be nice. It took a while to kind of understand her, but as the story progressed, I began to see other sides to her and how she is. Sam was raised in a very family oriented environment, while Luke was not. The two of them get to know each other much better on their trip to New York right before Christmas. Sam gets to meet Luke's family, including his nightmarish mother. Luke has always wanted the kind of family that Sam has, and when the two of them finally decide to show their growing feelings, the holidays get a lot hotter and sweeter. I love how caring Luke is when Sam injures herself. He is right there to care for her. And his brother Lee is pretty awesome. The one thing I wasn't a fan of? Sam's temperament in the beginning. Over the top is the only way I can think of to describe it really. Otherwise, I thought this was a great holiday read and very heartfelt with its thoughts on family.
October 22, 2016
Samantha Anderson and Luke O`Donnell came from very different backgrounds he was an American millionaire who had everything he wanted except a proper family life. She was a lowly Scottish girl who worked hard to get to where she was and had a family so close she hated moving away of sorts.
Growing up Samantha or Sam as she liked to be called dreamed of moving away from her Scottish village in the middle of nowhere. When she moved to London she sometimes wanted to be back home, even though she always went back for holidays, that is until she got a job as Luke O`Donnell`s PA. One day Sam was so infuriated with him barking orders at her she marched into his office to tell him she quit, which he refused accept and continued to tell her she was going with him to New York for four days to help him with clients. Sam was aghast at this as she had him pinned as arrogant, conceited and a class A a*****e and said she was going home for the holidays but Luke insisted that he will have her home for Christmas eve.
So off to New York they went and upon arriving Sam noticed Luke`s demeanor change instantly as soon as they touched down. She soon found out why................ they had to attend his mothers Christmas networking party.................. ahhh yes the vile Clarissa , a woman who pushed aside her family to network all year round even on Christmas. Imagine as a child spending Christmas not with your family but with strangers in your house. So when they arrived at Luke`s house to be met by Richard his butler both Sam and Luke were agitated at the thought of the party and while she was preoccupied with this , Sam took a tumble down the stairs breaking her ankle. From this moment on I was in fits of laughter at her antics being on crutches and Luke`s determination to try to ease her pain, but my heart went out to Luke as well when coming near his mother. The secondary characters in the story his dad , brother Lee, sister Stacey aunt Jess and of course Richard I grew to love, but his mother geez I wanted to strangle her myself ......... all that was going through my mind was how the hell could you not let your kids enjoy Christmas you evil witch........thank goodness for Mr O`Donnell that's all I can say. The story grew and grew and I was so intrigued I read it in one day , panicking when the power left my kindle only for my friend to plug it into her charger for me to continue. I was so engrossed in it that yes there were times I forgot I was in my friends house visiting, I was completely lost in it . This is the first book by K M Lowe I have read, but enjoyed it so much I am going to search for more books by the author and as such I rate it 5 stars great story, great characters a story well written by the author which shows the true meaning of Christmas.......... love and family, and a book you will get lost in.
Growing up Samantha or Sam as she liked to be called dreamed of moving away from her Scottish village in the middle of nowhere. When she moved to London she sometimes wanted to be back home, even though she always went back for holidays, that is until she got a job as Luke O`Donnell`s PA. One day Sam was so infuriated with him barking orders at her she marched into his office to tell him she quit, which he refused accept and continued to tell her she was going with him to New York for four days to help him with clients. Sam was aghast at this as she had him pinned as arrogant, conceited and a class A a*****e and said she was going home for the holidays but Luke insisted that he will have her home for Christmas eve.
So off to New York they went and upon arriving Sam noticed Luke`s demeanor change instantly as soon as they touched down. She soon found out why................ they had to attend his mothers Christmas networking party.................. ahhh yes the vile Clarissa , a woman who pushed aside her family to network all year round even on Christmas. Imagine as a child spending Christmas not with your family but with strangers in your house. So when they arrived at Luke`s house to be met by Richard his butler both Sam and Luke were agitated at the thought of the party and while she was preoccupied with this , Sam took a tumble down the stairs breaking her ankle. From this moment on I was in fits of laughter at her antics being on crutches and Luke`s determination to try to ease her pain, but my heart went out to Luke as well when coming near his mother. The secondary characters in the story his dad , brother Lee, sister Stacey aunt Jess and of course Richard I grew to love, but his mother geez I wanted to strangle her myself ......... all that was going through my mind was how the hell could you not let your kids enjoy Christmas you evil witch........thank goodness for Mr O`Donnell that's all I can say. The story grew and grew and I was so intrigued I read it in one day , panicking when the power left my kindle only for my friend to plug it into her charger for me to continue. I was so engrossed in it that yes there were times I forgot I was in my friends house visiting, I was completely lost in it . This is the first book by K M Lowe I have read, but enjoyed it so much I am going to search for more books by the author and as such I rate it 5 stars great story, great characters a story well written by the author which shows the true meaning of Christmas.......... love and family, and a book you will get lost in.
November 2, 2016
I love stories that are centered around the theme of Christmas, so when the chance came for me to read and review A Different Christmas I could not resist. This is the type of story that will get you in the mood for the upcoming Christmas holidays. It was funny, engaging and sweet. It will have you itching to pop out the Christmas tree and decorations. It reminded me of the fun I used to have growing up during the Christmas season.
The story is about Sam and Luke, who are as different as night and day. Sam grew up in a loving home, where Christmas celebrations were one of the most important family events. Luke, on the other hand, grew up in a home void of maternal love and one where Christmas was seen as an opportunity for networking.
Christmas was coming soon and Sam was looking forward to going home to celebrate with her family. However, her plans were derailed by her boss. Luke wanted her to accompany him to New York for business, of course, she was not amused. She didn’t particularly like him. She considered him to be an arrogant prick.
At first I didn’t like Sam. Frankly, I thought her attitude towards her boss was a bit off. The manner in which she spoke to him would indicate that she had no respect for him. She was judgmental, where Luke was concerned. She chose to form opinions about him without getting to know him. I must admit, though, there were moments when I couldn’t help but laugh at some the words that spewed from her lips. Being forced to spend the week leading up to Christmas with him she came to realise that there was more to Luke than what she initially thought. Eventually, a softer and more caring side to her would emerge as a result. I adored Luke. After seeing what he went through as a child, my heart went out to him. He had built walls around his heart, refusing to let anyone in, that was until he met Sam.
I was happy with how the romance between Sam and Luke developed. It was not rushed. Their feelings for each slowly evolved, especially on Sam’s part. Luke had been drawn into her from the first time he saw her. He knew she barely tolerated him, as such he was hoping to use this trip to build a connection with her. However, what he did not count on was her power to break down the walls he had erected around his heart.
I found the characters interesting. Some I loved, some not so much. I appreciated the way Luke handled his mother. Her behaviour is the type that would test the patience of a saint, but never once did he showed her any disrespect. It was so much more than a romance novel. It was a story about the importance of family and how the accumulation of wealth was a poor substitute.
If you enjoy Christmas romances, then you will love this book. This was my first time reading the author’s work and I was not disappointed.
The story is about Sam and Luke, who are as different as night and day. Sam grew up in a loving home, where Christmas celebrations were one of the most important family events. Luke, on the other hand, grew up in a home void of maternal love and one where Christmas was seen as an opportunity for networking.
Christmas was coming soon and Sam was looking forward to going home to celebrate with her family. However, her plans were derailed by her boss. Luke wanted her to accompany him to New York for business, of course, she was not amused. She didn’t particularly like him. She considered him to be an arrogant prick.
At first I didn’t like Sam. Frankly, I thought her attitude towards her boss was a bit off. The manner in which she spoke to him would indicate that she had no respect for him. She was judgmental, where Luke was concerned. She chose to form opinions about him without getting to know him. I must admit, though, there were moments when I couldn’t help but laugh at some the words that spewed from her lips. Being forced to spend the week leading up to Christmas with him she came to realise that there was more to Luke than what she initially thought. Eventually, a softer and more caring side to her would emerge as a result. I adored Luke. After seeing what he went through as a child, my heart went out to him. He had built walls around his heart, refusing to let anyone in, that was until he met Sam.
I was happy with how the romance between Sam and Luke developed. It was not rushed. Their feelings for each slowly evolved, especially on Sam’s part. Luke had been drawn into her from the first time he saw her. He knew she barely tolerated him, as such he was hoping to use this trip to build a connection with her. However, what he did not count on was her power to break down the walls he had erected around his heart.
I found the characters interesting. Some I loved, some not so much. I appreciated the way Luke handled his mother. Her behaviour is the type that would test the patience of a saint, but never once did he showed her any disrespect. It was so much more than a romance novel. It was a story about the importance of family and how the accumulation of wealth was a poor substitute.
If you enjoy Christmas romances, then you will love this book. This was my first time reading the author’s work and I was not disappointed.
October 21, 2016
Sam grew up with a very loving family who celebrates Christmas together every year. They decorate the tree, opened presents together and have Christmas Day meal as a family.
Luke grew up with a mom who was more interested in her social status than spending Christmas morning with her family or doing any of the traditional Christmas things.
Luke owns his own business in London, Sam is his PA...let's just say she is definitely NOT his biggest fan!! She thinks he's an arrogant jerk with money which means he can do whatever he wants. Luke tells her she has to come to New York a few days before Christmas, lets just say she's beyond unhappy about it!
“Why me? You can’t stand to be in the same room as me, let alone spend four days in New York with me.”
“Who said I can’t stand you?” He smirked.
When they arrived in New York she was very surprised to find out Luke was taking her to see his family instead of the original business plans she had assumed they had. After meeting his family and less than pleasant mother she begins to think maybe she doesn't know the real Luke.
I thought everything my family did was tradition. I thought everyone followed the same Christmas traditions, but I guess I was looking through rose-colored glasses.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Sam and Luke plus they both have great families minus one certain member. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other. There are plenty of laughs and "aw" moments too!
Can Sam and Luke survive four days together and not kill each other? Did Sam judge Luke too quickly? Can Luke show Sam there is more to him? Can they have a pleasant Christmas together or will there love/hate relationship ruin it?
Luke grew up with a mom who was more interested in her social status than spending Christmas morning with her family or doing any of the traditional Christmas things.
Luke owns his own business in London, Sam is his PA...let's just say she is definitely NOT his biggest fan!! She thinks he's an arrogant jerk with money which means he can do whatever he wants. Luke tells her she has to come to New York a few days before Christmas, lets just say she's beyond unhappy about it!
“Why me? You can’t stand to be in the same room as me, let alone spend four days in New York with me.”
“Who said I can’t stand you?” He smirked.
When they arrived in New York she was very surprised to find out Luke was taking her to see his family instead of the original business plans she had assumed they had. After meeting his family and less than pleasant mother she begins to think maybe she doesn't know the real Luke.
I thought everything my family did was tradition. I thought everyone followed the same Christmas traditions, but I guess I was looking through rose-colored glasses.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Sam and Luke plus they both have great families minus one certain member. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other. There are plenty of laughs and "aw" moments too!
Can Sam and Luke survive four days together and not kill each other? Did Sam judge Luke too quickly? Can Luke show Sam there is more to him? Can they have a pleasant Christmas together or will there love/hate relationship ruin it?
October 30, 2016
Actual rating 3.5 stars
This was the first book by the author I have read. It's a story about two people with totally different backgrounds and their attempts to understand each other's lives. They have a love/hate relationship in their day to day jobs as boss and PA.
I related a lot to Sam, the female character, as the way she loves Christmas is exactly the same as my experience. We always woke up early on Christmas Day, woke our parents up and loved the whole unwrapping thing. I have always loved the festive period and still do to this day, down to the little things such as making up stockings filled with silly and serious things.
Luke had a totally different version of Christmas, and it's one which Sam can't understand. He attempts to show Sam a little about his background but things don't quite go as planned. Sam is a bit of a clumsy person and this leads to a few awkward moments. She is Scottish, which again I related to, and isn't scared of saying exactly how she feels. She sometimes does this before actually thinking about what she is saying, she is honest and straight to the point.
I loved the character of Richard, I feel there's a lot more to him than first appears and I would love to know more about him. The story is written well. I loved the characters, although there was at least one who you will love to hate.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book.
This was the first book by the author I have read. It's a story about two people with totally different backgrounds and their attempts to understand each other's lives. They have a love/hate relationship in their day to day jobs as boss and PA.
I related a lot to Sam, the female character, as the way she loves Christmas is exactly the same as my experience. We always woke up early on Christmas Day, woke our parents up and loved the whole unwrapping thing. I have always loved the festive period and still do to this day, down to the little things such as making up stockings filled with silly and serious things.
Luke had a totally different version of Christmas, and it's one which Sam can't understand. He attempts to show Sam a little about his background but things don't quite go as planned. Sam is a bit of a clumsy person and this leads to a few awkward moments. She is Scottish, which again I related to, and isn't scared of saying exactly how she feels. She sometimes does this before actually thinking about what she is saying, she is honest and straight to the point.
I loved the character of Richard, I feel there's a lot more to him than first appears and I would love to know more about him. The story is written well. I loved the characters, although there was at least one who you will love to hate.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book.
February 24, 2024
This is what I think of as a bitter sweet story, the type that teaches us money isn't everything, it doesn't buy love or happiness. Yes money means you don't have to worry about paying bills or material stuff, even transport to get places in an emergency, but not family and definitely not love. Luke's family have money, Sam's are just comfortable. Christmas in this story shows just what a difference the two can make, its a testing one. I enjoyed reading it and the characters, the interaction between them all on both sides. All based around the run up and over the holiday season the bitter part is the torn family history on Luke's side compared to the sweet on Sam's side and the relationship they start together. Easy but compelling reading with a good flow through the chapters. Even better second time reading.
November 12, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. The way that I would describe it is compare and contrast. You see the way that two different families celebrated Christmas. The first is the traditional Christmas- dinner, tree, presents, happy kids that can't wait to unwrap their gift from Santa. The second is not traditional. It was cold, and used as a networking situation. When they both get a look at how they spend Christmas with their families, one begins to wonder what it must have been like to grow up like that.
This is the first book that I have read so far about Christmas, and I loved it!! I love all thing Christmas. So when I was reading this, it brought me back to my childhood and the traditions that were made during the holidays that I still continue with today with my own kids. Good memories that fill the soul with warmth, that is what I think when I read this book.
This is the first book that I have read so far about Christmas, and I loved it!! I love all thing Christmas. So when I was reading this, it brought me back to my childhood and the traditions that were made during the holidays that I still continue with today with my own kids. Good memories that fill the soul with warmth, that is what I think when I read this book.
October 27, 2016
Received a copy. It is that time of year when you cuddle up on the couch with a warm beverage of choice and enjoy a holiday read. Sam and Luke are characters that you cheer for and want to see the growth of their characters throughout the story. Sometimes it takes a little time and a trip to finally show the feelings that are there for the other person. A Different Christmas is a wonderful holiday read.
October 21, 2016
If you need to get in the mood for Christmas, this book will do the job! A sweet romance about two people from different backgrounds, who find, while on a business trip, that their assumptions about each other were all wrong. Lovely story - highly recommend it!
November 3, 2016
This was a beautifully written book about two people who grow up differently with different type of Christmas. I loved the characters the story it all nothing better than a lovely Christmas inspired story. This is a must read highly recommend to others. I couldn't put it down.
April 22, 2017
A Different Christmas is a fun, loving story. You will fall in lover with Sam and Luke and follow their story and encounter their many ups and downs along the way.
October 14, 2016
You can't beat a nice Christmas story and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with this one either. I look forward to reading more by this author
December 21, 2017
5 Heart Racing, Festive Stars
When faced with a business trip to New York, will Sam survive the trip with her boss Luke O'Donnell or will she discover more than she imagined? Will two clashing personalities discover they are in fact two halves, to one soul?
After reading Home for Christmas by KM. Lowe, I decided to indulge myself a little and one-click her other current Christmas novel, A Different Christmas, and I was not disappointed. This story blew me away.
I was captivated and thrown straight in to this story from the very first chapter. Both Luke and Sam intrigued me, I wanted to know more about them, what made them tick, why Luke had insisted Sam took this trip to New York with him, what exactly was he up to?
Sam was full of life, she wasn't afraid to speak her mind or speak out for those around her. She was awesome, I really loved her character.
Luke was a broody man, the kind of broody you wanted to delve into, to discover the real man behind the mask, and when you do, it's instant love; you can't not love him. He had a heart full of love to give, that had been tainted with his past, he just needed the right person to open it up, so he could show people, the real Luke O'Donnell.
A Different Christmas has an array of characters, many you'll absolutely love, and adore. There is more than one character in this story, I would love to know more about. However, there is one character I despised, if I could have crawled into my kindle and given them a piece of my mind, I would have.
This story was everything and more. It brought about the true beauty of Christmas and the true meaning of love and family; the perfect festive story to feed my festive reading addiction.
When faced with a business trip to New York, will Sam survive the trip with her boss Luke O'Donnell or will she discover more than she imagined? Will two clashing personalities discover they are in fact two halves, to one soul?
After reading Home for Christmas by KM. Lowe, I decided to indulge myself a little and one-click her other current Christmas novel, A Different Christmas, and I was not disappointed. This story blew me away.
I was captivated and thrown straight in to this story from the very first chapter. Both Luke and Sam intrigued me, I wanted to know more about them, what made them tick, why Luke had insisted Sam took this trip to New York with him, what exactly was he up to?
Sam was full of life, she wasn't afraid to speak her mind or speak out for those around her. She was awesome, I really loved her character.
Luke was a broody man, the kind of broody you wanted to delve into, to discover the real man behind the mask, and when you do, it's instant love; you can't not love him. He had a heart full of love to give, that had been tainted with his past, he just needed the right person to open it up, so he could show people, the real Luke O'Donnell.
A Different Christmas has an array of characters, many you'll absolutely love, and adore. There is more than one character in this story, I would love to know more about. However, there is one character I despised, if I could have crawled into my kindle and given them a piece of my mind, I would have.
This story was everything and more. It brought about the true beauty of Christmas and the true meaning of love and family; the perfect festive story to feed my festive reading addiction.
December 9, 2018
I was in the mood for a Christmas story this evening and I know I'm always guaranteed an amazing read when it comes to books by KM Lowe, so I picked up A Different Christmas and wasn't disappointed. As soon as I started reading the first page, I relaxed against my pillow as I knew I wouldn't be putting my Kindle down until I'd read the last page. I went in expecting one story, and got something different, but even better, and I really wish I'd opened this book sooner.
A Different Christmas isn't your typical festive story, and starts with two children, Sam and Luke, having very different Christmases. You feel the love that one is surrounded by, and your heart breaks for the other. Then we jump into the present and see the two children as adults and how their paths have now crossed. Whilst this story does still have moments that move you, there are also plenty of moments that will having you sighing at the romance or laughing out loud at the humour. This book has it all, and you could say it shows Christmas past, present and future. A Different Christmas is one book you definitely need to read!
A Different Christmas isn't your typical festive story, and starts with two children, Sam and Luke, having very different Christmases. You feel the love that one is surrounded by, and your heart breaks for the other. Then we jump into the present and see the two children as adults and how their paths have now crossed. Whilst this story does still have moments that move you, there are also plenty of moments that will having you sighing at the romance or laughing out loud at the humour. This book has it all, and you could say it shows Christmas past, present and future. A Different Christmas is one book you definitely need to read!
October 30, 2016
4.5 Merry Christmas Stars!
This is one of those perfect get in the mood for the holidays books. Sam and Luke couldn't be more different than black and white. She grew up in a very family oriented home filled with love and Luke, well not so much. He comes from wealth, but as the adage says, money can't buy you love. And let's not even discuss his shrew of a mother!
Anyway, Luke insists that Sam accompany him on a business trip to NYC right before Christmas promising her to get her back in time to be with her family. Yeah, plans don't work out the way you want them to!
I loved everything about this book. The characters and all their idiosyncrasies, the family differences really highlighting that no matter how much money you have or don't have, love makes the biggest difference. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these two that started as boss and co-worker find love in the place they least expected it.
This is one of those perfect get in the mood for the holidays books. Sam and Luke couldn't be more different than black and white. She grew up in a very family oriented home filled with love and Luke, well not so much. He comes from wealth, but as the adage says, money can't buy you love. And let's not even discuss his shrew of a mother!
Anyway, Luke insists that Sam accompany him on a business trip to NYC right before Christmas promising her to get her back in time to be with her family. Yeah, plans don't work out the way you want them to!
I loved everything about this book. The characters and all their idiosyncrasies, the family differences really highlighting that no matter how much money you have or don't have, love makes the biggest difference. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these two that started as boss and co-worker find love in the place they least expected it.
May 9, 2017
Well when I was kindly asked to review this book, I was so intreged with it, I have read one of k.m.lowe books before and she writes beautifully.
when I first started reading this I was so impressed with sam firey temper and how luke is just as stuborn and as read further into the book the romace blossomed between the two and it maked my heartstring get pulled. I felt like I was sam in the book and not just reading it.
when k.m.lowe brought in the names from disney films i had to laugh as they work so well with the whole story, I wanted to jump in the book and kill lukes mother she is one evil cow and I would never want to meet her ever.
this is the best books i have read this year and the five stars are well worth it. highly recommed
when I first started reading this I was so impressed with sam firey temper and how luke is just as stuborn and as read further into the book the romace blossomed between the two and it maked my heartstring get pulled. I felt like I was sam in the book and not just reading it.
when k.m.lowe brought in the names from disney films i had to laugh as they work so well with the whole story, I wanted to jump in the book and kill lukes mother she is one evil cow and I would never want to meet her ever.
this is the best books i have read this year and the five stars are well worth it. highly recommed
July 10, 2017
I don't tend to read Christmas stories because they can get waaaaay too cheesy for my liking. However, this fantastic story was nothing like that at all and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is just such a heartwarming story about 2 people who are odds with one another who can come together to discover what Christmas means to each other and make them understand that there are many ways to experience Christmas, good ways and bad. If you are looking for a fabulous Christmas read then this is the book to read!
November 1, 2016
I received an ARC of A Different Christmas in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by K.M. Lowe. I enjoyed the story, but felt like part of it was missing. It was obvious Sam and Luke had some past issues, and I felt like if the story had there been an extra chapter or two at the beginning for character development, I could have understood Sam and Luke's attitudes towards each other.
An overall enjoyable read. 3.8 stars
An overall enjoyable read. 3.8 stars
March 31, 2020
Great read. Highly recommend. Not your usual cheesy Christmas Romance.
November 29, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author and wow!! I couldn't put Rhiannon down. Such a great story and characters
December 5, 2016
My first read by Lowe and what better way than to start with a Christmas read as I was travelling for a weekend at the Birmingham Christmas markets?
This is a festive romance set between London and New York - Sam hates her boss Luke, so when he orders her to head to New York with him, shortly before Christmas, she storms into his office to hand in her resignation. Sam comes from a warm and close Scottish family, whose love for each other and family values are what Christmas is all about, and she can't wait to get home on Christmas eve to spend time with them. Luke on the other hand, comes from a wealthy American family, where the matriarch of the family places her social status above all else, hiring people in to manage Christmas for her, leaving her children feeling unloved and neglected, despite having the best that money can buy. This is a romance between Boss and PA, where a clash of cultures leads to resentment and animosity on Sam's part, but also leads to misconceptions about each other, that are soon stripped away the more time they spend together.
I really liked the contrast Lowe showed between the two families, and how people's obsession with money and status can affect their children - it felt like a Dickensian style tale of "appreciate your loved ones, not all the peripheral shiny baubles that surround you at Christmas." I felt like I came in part way through the story though - Sam came over as a pretty unlikeable bitch for most of the story, (she even called herself a bitch a number of times) so I didn't warm to her at all. For that reason I just couldn't "feel" the attraction Luke had for her due to her disrespect for him - this felt like a classic case of telling rather than showing as she changed her opinion in the blink of an eye. I'd have preferred to see the story start where he employed Sam, riled her up and she reacted - that way I'd have been able to really understand their chemistry and get behind them as a couple. I enjoyed the descriptives of New York and Scotland and got the festive vibe for sure, I was just missing the build up, chemistry and tension of the romance side of the story. This was a 3.75 for me, but I'd like to read more of Lowe's work as if she nailed that, I really enjoyed her writing style and could see myself happily one-clicking future titles.
This is a festive romance set between London and New York - Sam hates her boss Luke, so when he orders her to head to New York with him, shortly before Christmas, she storms into his office to hand in her resignation. Sam comes from a warm and close Scottish family, whose love for each other and family values are what Christmas is all about, and she can't wait to get home on Christmas eve to spend time with them. Luke on the other hand, comes from a wealthy American family, where the matriarch of the family places her social status above all else, hiring people in to manage Christmas for her, leaving her children feeling unloved and neglected, despite having the best that money can buy. This is a romance between Boss and PA, where a clash of cultures leads to resentment and animosity on Sam's part, but also leads to misconceptions about each other, that are soon stripped away the more time they spend together.
I really liked the contrast Lowe showed between the two families, and how people's obsession with money and status can affect their children - it felt like a Dickensian style tale of "appreciate your loved ones, not all the peripheral shiny baubles that surround you at Christmas." I felt like I came in part way through the story though - Sam came over as a pretty unlikeable bitch for most of the story, (she even called herself a bitch a number of times) so I didn't warm to her at all. For that reason I just couldn't "feel" the attraction Luke had for her due to her disrespect for him - this felt like a classic case of telling rather than showing as she changed her opinion in the blink of an eye. I'd have preferred to see the story start where he employed Sam, riled her up and she reacted - that way I'd have been able to really understand their chemistry and get behind them as a couple. I enjoyed the descriptives of New York and Scotland and got the festive vibe for sure, I was just missing the build up, chemistry and tension of the romance side of the story. This was a 3.75 for me, but I'd like to read more of Lowe's work as if she nailed that, I really enjoyed her writing style and could see myself happily one-clicking future titles.
November 15, 2016
“Don’t settle for second best when it comes to love.”
What’s better than Christmas and romance? I found myself humming Christmas songs whilst reading this book.
They say never judge a book by its cover, yet Sam finds herself guilty of this very thing. Convinced her boss, Luke, is an arrogant bleep de bleep, Sam starts to see the real man behind the mask when they travel to Luke’s home in New York for business just before Christmas.
I enjoyed the whole transatlantic feel to the story. Both Sam and Luke have had very different experiences of Christmas over the years and I loved Sam showing Luke how a family Christmas should be.
It was sweet to watch their blossoming romance and I could feel their connection. Luke doesn’t let just anyone past his defences but this is more than mere sexual attraction. This is one heart recognising its mate. Can Luke convince Sam to take the chance and see him as more than just her boss?
“I want to fall asleep with you, and wake up with you.”
Set against the stunning (in my humble opinion) Scottish countryside and bustling New York with a host of colourful secondary characters, you’ll be full of the Christmas spirit at the end. Lee and Richard were stand outs for me. In fact, I’ll keep everything crossed that the author decides to revisit these characters and Lee gets his own book *winks*
For me there were a couple of unanswered questions, but as the first work I’ve read by KM Lowe, I’ll definitely be reading more!
Note: Copy kindly received from author in exchange for an honest review.
What’s better than Christmas and romance? I found myself humming Christmas songs whilst reading this book.
They say never judge a book by its cover, yet Sam finds herself guilty of this very thing. Convinced her boss, Luke, is an arrogant bleep de bleep, Sam starts to see the real man behind the mask when they travel to Luke’s home in New York for business just before Christmas.
I enjoyed the whole transatlantic feel to the story. Both Sam and Luke have had very different experiences of Christmas over the years and I loved Sam showing Luke how a family Christmas should be.
It was sweet to watch their blossoming romance and I could feel their connection. Luke doesn’t let just anyone past his defences but this is more than mere sexual attraction. This is one heart recognising its mate. Can Luke convince Sam to take the chance and see him as more than just her boss?
“I want to fall asleep with you, and wake up with you.”
Set against the stunning (in my humble opinion) Scottish countryside and bustling New York with a host of colourful secondary characters, you’ll be full of the Christmas spirit at the end. Lee and Richard were stand outs for me. In fact, I’ll keep everything crossed that the author decides to revisit these characters and Lee gets his own book *winks*
For me there were a couple of unanswered questions, but as the first work I’ve read by KM Lowe, I’ll definitely be reading more!
Note: Copy kindly received from author in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2016
This is my first read of K M Lowe and I was excited to dive into it - I love Christmas!
I loved that we had a little background of both Luke and Sam's childhood Christmases, just to set the scene for the rest of the book.
Back to the present day, I must admit I really didn't like Sam at first - I thought she was a bit of bitch as we didn't really have anything to show why she behaved to Luke as she did. The more the story went on though, I did warm to her, and I love Luke - he's such a sweetheart!
Luke surprises Sam with a trip to his home of New York just before Christmas as Sam really doesn't like the idea as she wanted to be at her home for Christmas.
This is where we get to see how different their Christmases really are, and I really ended up feeling sorry for Luke that he didn't get the family Christmas he always wished for due to his mum. Sam actually starts to feel the same too, and she starts falling for him, but something puts a spanner in the works...
When Sam gets home for Christmas, we get to see her kind of Christmas too, which Luke has never experienced before.
They do have and few ups and downs along the way and I really wanted them to just get it together once and for all - opposites attract as they say!
On the whole, it was a heartwarming Christmas story but I did find the sex scenes a little rushed. I would have also liked more from Luke's chapters.
A lovely 4.5* :)
I loved that we had a little background of both Luke and Sam's childhood Christmases, just to set the scene for the rest of the book.
Back to the present day, I must admit I really didn't like Sam at first - I thought she was a bit of bitch as we didn't really have anything to show why she behaved to Luke as she did. The more the story went on though, I did warm to her, and I love Luke - he's such a sweetheart!
Luke surprises Sam with a trip to his home of New York just before Christmas as Sam really doesn't like the idea as she wanted to be at her home for Christmas.
This is where we get to see how different their Christmases really are, and I really ended up feeling sorry for Luke that he didn't get the family Christmas he always wished for due to his mum. Sam actually starts to feel the same too, and she starts falling for him, but something puts a spanner in the works...
When Sam gets home for Christmas, we get to see her kind of Christmas too, which Luke has never experienced before.
They do have and few ups and downs along the way and I really wanted them to just get it together once and for all - opposites attract as they say!
On the whole, it was a heartwarming Christmas story but I did find the sex scenes a little rushed. I would have also liked more from Luke's chapters.
A lovely 4.5* :)
October 17, 2016
Two of my favourite things to read about is a good heart warming Christmas story and enemies to lovers and this book is a combination of both of those things, so you could say that this book was perfect for someone like me.
It's a story of two people Sam and Luke who work together, Sam is Luke's PA and she thinks that he is rich, bossy and arrogant. She loves to hate him as he does nothing but infuriate her with his every request until they take a trip to New York and he shows her that nothing is ever as it seems.
Luke's character was so easy to like once we got to see how hard and miserable his life had been and how people made the wrong assumptions about him, I really felt bad for him. Sam's character was a little annoying at first with how judgmental she was until she had her eyes opened up to the truth by Luke's family but I warmed to her as the story moved along.
The story had me laughing at times and gave me a warm happy glow but it also pulled at my heartstrings with some of the emotions that the characters go through.
It's a great book with all the Christmassy feels, and a crazy hot cover as an added bonus!
5 amazing stars!
It's a story of two people Sam and Luke who work together, Sam is Luke's PA and she thinks that he is rich, bossy and arrogant. She loves to hate him as he does nothing but infuriate her with his every request until they take a trip to New York and he shows her that nothing is ever as it seems.
Luke's character was so easy to like once we got to see how hard and miserable his life had been and how people made the wrong assumptions about him, I really felt bad for him. Sam's character was a little annoying at first with how judgmental she was until she had her eyes opened up to the truth by Luke's family but I warmed to her as the story moved along.
The story had me laughing at times and gave me a warm happy glow but it also pulled at my heartstrings with some of the emotions that the characters go through.
It's a great book with all the Christmassy feels, and a crazy hot cover as an added bonus!
5 amazing stars!
January 8, 2017
I have rated this a 3.5* read. it's easy reading with some good characters, i liked both Sam and Luke and some of the seondary characters especially Lee.. hoping for his story next?? it was well written and had some funny moments and some tender moments but for me was missing a little something though i can't quite put my finger on what.. maybe not quite enough build up.. we're told they had a love to hate relationship as boss/pa but we didnt really see anything to indicate why Sam hated Luke so much until he asked her to accompany him to New York at Christmas and then very quickly Sam's feelings changed towards him as she learnt more about him and his past. An enjoyable read and i look forward to reading more from this author.
November 17, 2016
It was interesting to read a Christmas focused novel during Halloween, but it didn't make it weird. In fact, A Different Christmas was a nice book! The only way I can think to describe this book is "sweet". Sam and Luke know each other before the book even begins. Sam is Luke's assistant, and absolutely despises her boss. She basically thinks he's an insensitive asshole.
You can imagine her joy when she finds out that she has to spend a few days in New York with him before she can go home for Christmas.
The two of them are adorable as they discover more about each other and start to fall in love. It isn't an easy process, especially for the slow Sam.
I wouldn't consider this book "erotic, or "steamy" for that matter, but it was still a very heart-warming and beautiful read.
You can imagine her joy when she finds out that she has to spend a few days in New York with him before she can go home for Christmas.
The two of them are adorable as they discover more about each other and start to fall in love. It isn't an easy process, especially for the slow Sam.
I wouldn't consider this book "erotic, or "steamy" for that matter, but it was still a very heart-warming and beautiful read.
January 12, 2017
I loved this book from start to finish, loved the main characters Luke and Sam, their banter all the way through was funny and with other family members being a big part of the book it made it more special. I liked the way the different families and upbringings at Christmas make such a difference to your life, Luke had everything he wanted but the thing that he needed most was Love and he didn't get that from his mother, where as Sam had a happy upbringing with a loving family at Christmas and looked forward to it. The more time they spent together, the more Sam saw the real Luke and not the arrogant boss that she thought he was. This was a great Christmas story and Romantic just the pick up i needed, will look to read more from this author
November 5, 2016
BEVERLEY ANN HOPPER
I loved this story of how it brought sam and luke together at Christmas time . Really enjoyed it and thank you to the author well writing would recommend to any type of reader.
I loved this story of how it brought sam and luke together at Christmas time . Really enjoyed it and thank you to the author well writing would recommend to any type of reader.
November 20, 2016
5 stars
Fantastic story that will make you feel christmassy. Thoroughly enjoyed the story of Sam and Luke as they discover what christmas means to the other person. Great characters and will keep you entertained until the end.
Fantastic story that will make you feel christmassy. Thoroughly enjoyed the story of Sam and Luke as they discover what christmas means to the other person. Great characters and will keep you entertained until the end.
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