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Christmas Eve #1

The Christmas Eve Letter

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30-year-old Eve Sharland is browsing a Pennsylvania antiques store when she discovers an old brass lantern tucked away on a shelf. She lifts it and sees something behind one of the sooty glass panes. To her surprise, she finds an unopened letter stuck inside.The letter is postmarked December 24, 1885, and it is addressed to Evelyn Sharland in New York City. Eve gasps and drops the letter. That’s her name! The letter is addressed to someone with her name in 1885: Evelyn Sharland. Eve purchases the lantern and the letter, and returns to her New York City apartment. Later that evening, she opens the letter and reads it, astounded by its contents. She stares at the lantern in wonder and alarm, deeply moved by the story of a tragic romance.A few days later, following a request in the letter, Eve cautiously lights the lantern. To her utter shock, she finds herself in the past—in 1885 New York City. Eve is thrown into a life far beyond what she could have ever imagined, as she gets involved with one of the richest families in New York City, and meets the handsome Patrick Gantly. She must struggle to survive and return to her own time, even as her destiny is changed forever.

427 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2016

1123 people are currently reading
735 people want to read

About the author

Elyse Douglas

44 books336 followers
Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse began writing poems and short stories at an early age and graduated with a Master's Degree in English Literature. Douglas grew up in a family of musicians, astrologers, and avid readers. Some of Elyse Douglas' novels include: "Time Change," The Summer Letters," "Daring Summer," The Christmas Eve Series" and "Time Stranger." They reside in New York City.

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5 stars
1,225 (51%)
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708 (29%)
3 stars
338 (14%)
2 stars
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32 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
Profile Image for ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ.
891 reviews
November 26, 2019
Christmas 2017 - NICE!

Time travel is one of my favorite genres, and I chose this one because of the Christmas tie-in. It really had little to do with Christmas, but I liked it very much (except for the dreadful cover art).

The "mechanism" of the time travel is key for me, and in this novel it was well done. Evelyn buys an old lantern at an antique shop, and hidden inside she finds a love letter written on Christmas Eve 130 years ago (OMG, if this happened to me, I would pee myself) so I was sucked in right away. The lantern serves as Evelyn's gateway to New York City, circa 1885.

The plot was interesting and moved along quickly, with a strong characters, and a nice romance. I really liked the way Evelyn took stock of her situation and the options available to her if she should be unable to return to her own time; and the ending was very satisfying. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,439 reviews35 followers
October 12, 2016
The Christmas Eve Letter is a wonderful Christmas story that will get you into the holiday spirit. The authors weave an intriguing time travel holiday romance tale written in the third person narrative, that follows Eve Sharland's personal journey between the present and the past.

While on vacation in Pennsylvania, Eve finds an old brass lantern in an antique shop with an unopened letter inside. The letter is postmarked December 24, 1885 and addressed to an Evelyn Sharland from New York! Eve purchases the lantern, and when she returns home to New York City, she opens the letter and is moved by its tragic romantic content. As requested in the letter, Eve lights the lantern and suddenly finds herself transported back to New York City in December 1885. Eve's journey of personal discovery will teach her to deal with her own issues, while finding romance with a wealthy and handsome gentleman named Patrick Gantly. Will Eve's journey into the past help her move forward in the present?

Set in the picturesque holiday setting of New York City, the reader is easily drawn into this fast paced time travel holiday romance story as they follow Eve's journey between the past and the present. The reader can easily envision both the present and the past among the city's famous landmarks, and easily get drawn into the city's joyous sights and sounds of the holiday season. You can't help but relate to Eve and cheer her on as her personal journey brings an unexpected destiny that will change her life forever. I really enjoyed the intertwining of a time travel tale with a holiday romance twist, the historical references were realistic, while the time travel between the present and past kept me intrigued right to the end.

The Christmas Eve Letter is a captivating time travel holiday romance story that captures the essence, spirit, and magic of the Christmas season, it will warm your heart, and leave a smile on your face.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addictions Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Profile Image for Teddy.
533 reviews111 followers
October 1, 2019
I can't seem to get enough of the husband and wife author team, Elyse Douglas!  I have read several of their books and have loved all of them.  The Christmas eve Series can be read out of order and I actually read the second book, 'The Christmas Eve Daughter' first. 

Now for my thoughts on Book 1, 'The Christmas Eve Letter'.  Though the books in this series can be read out of order, I am so glad I went back and read this book after reading book 2.  It gave me more of the back story on how the lamp used to time travel was found and how Eve met and fell in love with Patrick in 1885.

When Eve found the lamp it contained a love letter to a distant relative, living in 1885 with Eve's same name.  She didn't know that the lamp was a conduit to time travel but found out when she lit it and she woke up on a park bench in New York in 1885.  She had know idea how she was going to get back to 2016 but in the meantime she wanted to find her distant cousin who she heard was dying of TB.  Eve is a nurse and thought she may be able to help and also reunite her with the man who wrote the love letter.  She thought that may be the key to finding the lamp to return to her time.

There was quite a bit of intrigue and romance in 'The Christmas Eve Letter'.  I loved the interaction between Eve and Detective Sargent Gantly Patrick).  The humor especially mad it fun and delicious! The sense of time and place were captured beautifully and mad it quite believable.  I loved learning more about the female doctor in 1885, Dr. Long and her relationship with Eve.  I love strong female characters and Eve and Dr. Long are both strong.  I loved 'The Christmas Eve Letter' for it's intrigue, humor, and romance.  Elsye Douglas is a excellent story teller and the character pop off the page and transport the reader into their lives. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent and added to the story coming to life. 
Profile Image for Corinne Rodrigues.
490 reviews61 followers
September 19, 2016
Not my kind of read at all. Let me rewrite that – not the kind of read I would normally choose. But I’ll admit that I was shallow enough to be drawn by the cover and the fact that there’s just something about Christmas stories that get me.

I’m so glad I decided to read the book, because I got taken on the ride of my life travelling between different eras with Eve and waiting with bated breath to see how the story would turn out.

A great plot and a very fast paced and well told story. I also liked the fact that the women characters were strongly portrayed.

In many ways it was really a story of Christmas- the triumph of good over bad, the fact that in some ways we can rewrite the past by making good choices in the present.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books206 followers
October 25, 2016
This is my first time reading these authors and I must say I was very impressed. The Christmas Eve Letter is a well crafted romance novel. And I would imagine that fans of this genre will love having a nibble on this one! The authors weave an intriguing time travel holiday romance story that follows Eve Sharland's personal journey between the present and the past.

This romantic tale is full of anticipation with several perilous and on the edge moments. The consequences of probable alterations to history and the future reflect deeply on the readers mind. However, those uncertainties only added to the ambiance and were skillfully and competently handled.

The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.

It’s one of those stories that come along once in awhile that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I don’t do spoilers so I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!

This would be a highly recommended read from me to all fans of the Romance genre. I’d even go so far as to say that even sci-fi fans would enjoy the time travelling elements of this wonderfully written story! Without a doubt, I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington (Aka Elyse Douglas) in the future. Five stars from me.
Profile Image for C..
770 reviews122 followers
January 24, 2017
I loved this time-slip-romance! Clean and sweet with just a few scattered curses, no "F" bombs or crude sexual talk. The author really drew me into the scenes, and there was great character development. I an anxious to check out some of her other books.
Profile Image for Stacy Wilson .
318 reviews174 followers
December 16, 2024
Time travel Christmas romance set during the guilded age in New York City. Clean and sweet.
3,117 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2016
On the last day of her short break, Eve Sharland decides to call at an old antique shop in Pennsylvania. Whilst there, she comes across and old lantern that seems to be drawing her to it. On opening, it she is surprised to see an unopened letter, dated 1885, addressed to Evelyn Sharland – her own full name.

Eager to know what is in the letter Eve purchases the lamp, alongside a gold, heart-shaped watch, and returns home to New York City.

After reading the letter, Eve feels compelled to do what the author had asked the intended recipient, to light the lantern one more time. However the lighting of the lantern has Eve time travelling back to 1885, and she finds herself delirious and cold in Central Park, being offered help by the man that wrote the letter.

Why is Eve in 1885, and how will she ever get back home to the future?

The Christmas Eve Letter is a beautiful, poignant story. It is well written and will have you turning the pages eagerly. Eve is a lovely, smart young woman, especially when she quickly realised that her manners, and the way she talks, needed to alter for her to fit in with her arrival in Victorian New York.

All of the characters are well thought out, and believably written, together with the well-constructed scenery, that has you feeling as if you yourself, have just stepped into the past.

The story is unique and moving. It will hold you long after you turn the last page. A perfect Christmas tale of love and hope.

Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,913 reviews214 followers
October 9, 2016
If you were tossed back in time to 1885, would you know how to dress, act or behave? I know I wouldn't, but luckily for our heroine, Eve, she has a little idea of what to do but not much.

Eve finds a lamp with a letter inside and starts wondering about the mogul family - who they were and what happened to them especially since the letter had her name on it, but she knows it cannot be for her. This sets her on a quest to find out what she can through research. Some of it was good and some of it was bad.

This book was very enjoyable because I do like time travel stories - the possibilities and potential and having to figure out how to fit into the past (or the present depending on which way you are going!). Eve is a nurse which is to her benefit because she understands the methods of treatment that really were not good for a person. She is also smart and aware of her surroundings which is how she figures out that the dashing Patrick Gantry has been following her. It helps that he is a police detective. I like how he is intrigued by Eve and helps her even though it could mean his downfall, after all this is 1885.

I thought the author did a good job of recapturing that time period including that women really didn't have any rights and were chattel. The men were egotistical which contributed to any downfall they experienced.

The ending has an interesting twist that changed how I saw a few characters in the book.

This is the first book by this author that I have read and I will be seeking out some of her other books.
Profile Image for Melike.
489 reviews
December 16, 2018
Eve Sharland finds a love letter in a lantern she purchases at an antique shop. When she lights the lantern at home upon reading the letter, she gets transported to 1885 in New York City. I was engaged with the story from the beginning until the end. All the characters were developed well and most were likable, especially Eve. The love story was so sweet and romantic. I will seek out more of this author's books in the future.
Profile Image for Karen .
269 reviews61 followers
October 21, 2016
Read this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog Eve Sharland is just coming out a messy divorce, when she finds a touching love letter inside a lantern . She is startled to realize that the person the letter is addressed to has the same name as her. She discovers the lantern can propel her to 1885 New York city. She also realizes that she may be there to change the past. She struggles in eighteenth century to fit in and find her way home.

Ever since I saw the movie’ Somewhere in Time’ as a child, I have been intrigued by the idea of time travel. Especially, time travel with romance woven in. So I was really excited to read ‘ The Christmas Eve Letter’.

The descriptions of ninth century New York was vivid and very well researched. One thing that is not realized in some novels is that speech and slang terms were different in the past and those things were definitely addressed in this story.
I liked the character of Eve. She seemed like a genuine twentieth century women. Very much independent by not without faults. Her love interest sub-plot with Patrick added more depth and emotion to the storyline. I flew through reading this book as I constantly wanted to find out what was going to happen to Eve next.

I did feel that there were a few inconsistencies in the book. For example, when Eve is told by her father that Evelyn is her great-grandmother’s sister and then later in the book Evelyn says she doesn’t have a sister. Also, then Evelyn and Eve wouldn’t have the same name last name. (Her great-grandmother’s last name would have changed when she married.) I was confused if these inconsistencies were intentional or not. I also would have liked a bit more of a wrap-up in the ending.

I really did love this book. It was detailed and well researched. It held my interest throughout the story. ‘The Christmas Eve Letter’ is a wonderful time travel book and one of my favorite books of
Profile Image for Julia.
3,090 reviews95 followers
September 23, 2019
The Christmas Eve Letter by Elyse Douglas is the most delightful time slip novel. It is the first book in the Time Travel Novel series and I cannot wait to read more, more, more. In spite of the title, this book is a perfect read all year round.
The action is set from October to Christmas, moving from 2016 to 1885 in the most incredible way. I always love time slip novels. Here, the wrongs of the past need to be righted. What will the effect be on the future? Love is the motivation, love and a romantic heart.
In 1885 women were definitely seen as second class citizens to be used and discarded by men. A female doctor is viewed with suspicion. It’s okay for females to be nurses, but a doctor is seen as men’s work! Add a very modern miss to this mix and see how things are shaken up.
There is the theme of trust. Having done research, there are certain people the heroine knows not to trust, but what about the others?
Society in 1885 was clearly divided into the haves and have-nots. Those who were poor were in total desperation. It was poverty like we know nothing about. The rich were very rich. Money ‘spoke’ and ruled lives. Corruption was rife as loyalty could be bought and crimes paid off. “If some-one gets in their way, they simply remove them.”
Elyse Douglas has created a wonderful set of characters. Her heroine was so delightful with her huge heart to help others.
The novel came to life under the skilful pen of Elyse Douglas. Her descriptions enabled the reader to ‘walk’ through the scenes.
The Christmas Eve Letter was such a delightful novel. I ‘lived’ it and now feel bereft that it is over. It was totally charming and enchanting. It was my first novel by Elyse Douglas but I want to read much more. Elyse Douglas is up there in my ever growing list of favourite authors.
Profile Image for emily.
107 reviews
September 22, 2016
The Christmas Eve Letter is very intriguing! I was really surprised how drawn in I was when Eve found that letter at the antique shop. I knew I was going to like Eve because she seems independent and that it was okay she was. I loved the idea of this time-travel book, I mean it's beautifully written. On the topic of that, The Christmas Eve letter in generally is a beautifully written novel. It's so descriptive, it's like you are with Eve during her journey.

I loved the language of the book. Before Eve traveled back to 1885, she was surrounded by "modern" talk, but she traveled back in time, the language definitely matched up with the time period. There is nothing bad about this book, the character development is great, the plot is stunning and overall captivating. I do feel that it is a book that many romance, women's fiction lovers would love, but if you also love time-travel this is up your ally. I give The Christmas Eve Letter five stars!
Profile Image for Laura Simmons.
Author 23 books284 followers
October 1, 2018
It took me a little while to get into it, but after I did I couldn't put it down. Time travel romances are my favorite in the Romance genre and this one had plenty of suspense too. I wasn't sure if Eve and Patrick were going to make it out alive. The characters were wonderful and I felt like I knew them. The secondary characters were well written too, and just as enjoyable. I thought this book was excellent. What a story...I loved it!
Profile Image for Diane Horne.
682 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2016
The Christmas Eve Letter: A Time Travel Novel By Elyse Douglas

Five star rating, very different time travel romance. Very well rounded storyline and characters. Exciting and scary ending and I would read her again.
Profile Image for Shelly Boltz-Zito.
227 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2019
What a great story!

This is such a wonderful book. Full of love, trials, troubles, friendship, time travel. I loved it! I loved the romance, the wonder, the whole thing. It is such a romantic love story that transcends time. It warmed my heart! You have to read it!
Profile Image for ReneE.
429 reviews6 followers
May 27, 2020
It was okay, but way too long and boring at times. I skipped through detailed descriptions that did not advance the story at all. I think I would have liked it more if a good editor had pared it down, as I love time travel novels and this one had a really good premise.
Profile Image for Anne.
546 reviews130 followers
October 26, 2018
This was quite boring, had to keep turning pages of loads of descriptions. Characters were not engaging just couldn't get into this one.
Profile Image for Isa.
1,153 reviews
January 5, 2019
ciepła świąteczna historia ;)
Profile Image for Staci.
109 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2019
I absolutely adored this book! I can’t believe I had to stumble upon it instead of it being a well known story.

Time travel is one of my favorite genres, along with Christmas stories. While this didn’t have a lot to do with Christmas itself, the plot centers around a letter dated on Christmas Eve.

Many times time travel novels can seem cheesy and unrealistic no matter how much the author explains the situation. In this case it had me wondering what I would do if someone told me this story. Or if I had even experienced it first hand. Would I have freaked out or set to work making a life for myself even though my brain didn’t understand that I had actually traveled and how?

I also liked the fact that Eve figures out she had a reason for traveling to 1885 and task to do. I believe that helped keep the character more relatable and kept her busy instead of making the reader wonder why she wasn’t worried about just getting back to her own time.

I can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Patricia.
2,958 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2017
Rating 4.5. This was a great time travel story. I loved the characters, particularly Patrick. I loved how smart Eve was. Sometimes, time travel MCs are chronically stupid.

This was a clean romance with a lot of things going on throughout the story (so, not solely romance). That is not to imply that this was a really fast paced story but the plot moved consistently ahead and I couldn't put it down.

Regarding my using the "clean romance" label, there were turns of phrase throughout that had me worried that this book could 😬 become unclean at any moment but it never did, IMO.

I can highly recommend this.
36 reviews
October 30, 2019
The Christmas Eve letter Book One

I am so glad I chose to read this book it was fantastic I can't wait to read the next one and the one after that I really loved it some parts it had such a mystery and thriller. Thank you for sharing your talents in your story I will tell everyone about you,
23 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2019
Awesome Book!!!

It was very difficult to put this book down. It captures your attention from the first page. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I recommend this book to those that love to transport back to the 1800s. This book does that very thing. Don't just take my word for it, find out for yourself...
Profile Image for Jean.
298 reviews25 followers
December 4, 2020
4.5 Wow! I really enjoyed this story! A Time travel Christmas story is a rare treat. This story has a few slow descriptive chapters in the first half, but don’t be dismayed. Stick with it, it’s a great story. I have no idea what the series will bring, but I’m interested enough to find out Eve”s story.
15 reviews
September 18, 2017
Not sure I'd like this time travel but I did!! great fun, I love the way she travel, lots of suspense, great characters. This really is Romance Mystery at its best.
Profile Image for Tara Cranston.
19 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2019
Revieting

I really enjoyed this book! Evelyn really keeps everyone on their toes and pulls you along her journey! Well written! CAnnot wait to read the second one!
Profile Image for Nicola Michelle.
1,884 reviews15 followers
December 3, 2023
I’m a sucker for a time travel story and the plot of this one piqued my interest! And the fact it was free within my audible membership also gave it grounds for a listen and I’m glad I did.

Eve finds a mysterious letter attached to a lantern in an antique shop, and upon closer inspection she sees that it’s addressed to her…. But as it was written in the 1800’s it makes no possible sense. Evelyn embarks on unravelling they mystery but finds herself embroiled within the time more than she could ever imagine.

I loved this a lot more than I thought I would considering I picked it on a whim. And there’s another so I’m happy to get straight into the sequel to see how it develops. It was so addicting and the hours flew by. Really well and easily narrated; I can’t wait to get stuck into the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews

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