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For Sale by Owner
McKenzie Forsberg is headed home. She's quit her big-city job to return to her roots in the small town of Lake Forest. Kenzi hopes to buy her childhood home from her brother, Tom, as a way of revisiting the peace and security she's been missing in her life. But soon she is shocked to discover that the house has a pending sale, and Tom won't budge from the sale—not even for his sister.
Handsome widower Jared Rawlins catches Kenzie's eye until she realizes that he's the one who is buying her house—but he can only close the deal if he sells his own house by Christmas Eve. Jared is more than a little interested in Kenzie but has second thoughts when it seems that she may be sabotaging the sale of his home.
Slippery feelings of animosity and distrust ensue, with both Jared and Kenzie denying the chemistry between them. But then an unexpected discovery about their connected past puts a new twist in the dynamic. Now, can they put their differences aside and come to terms on a relationship that could last forever?
Handsome widower Jared Rawlins catches Kenzie's eye until she realizes that he's the one who is buying her house—but he can only close the deal if he sells his own house by Christmas Eve. Jared is more than a little interested in Kenzie but has second thoughts when it seems that she may be sabotaging the sale of his home.
Slippery feelings of animosity and distrust ensue, with both Jared and Kenzie denying the chemistry between them. But then an unexpected discovery about their connected past puts a new twist in the dynamic. Now, can they put their differences aside and come to terms on a relationship that could last forever?
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2016
1 person is currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Marlene Bateman
10 books54 followersBackground
I grew up in Sandy, Utah, where my parents had a mini-farm on an acre and a half. My father raised a lot of things, but the two main ones were gladiolus and mink. Think flowers and fur coats. My mother, a creative person, was a florist. I was blessed to be raised as a Christian and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). I’m thankful to know God lives and loves me and I’m grateful for Jesus Christ, my Savior.
Loves and Interests
I love my children and am so proud of them. They are all so amazing and wonderful, as are their terrific spouses. And although I know others brag about their grandchildren, I have to smile indulgently, because my grandchildren actually are the cutest, smartest, sweetest, and most talented kids in the world!
I have a lot of interests. For one thing, I’ve always loved animals. Right now, I only have four cats, and three dogs—a dachshund, a Westie, and a Welsh Corgi.
For fun, I like to read. A few of my favorite authors are; Maeve Binchy, Elizabeth Berg, Agatha Christie, Andriana Trigiani, and Anne Siddons. I also enjoy watching animated movies like Despicable Me, Over the Hedge, How to Train Your Dragon, Ice Age, Frozen, etc. I’m a kid at heart, I guess.
I also love to go camping, although I no longer enjoy roughing it. Must. Have. Popcorn. Which means we need to take along a popcorn popper. During the summer, my husband and I take our RV to the mountains, to explore new places, and we often travel to research new settings for my books.
I also like to garden. I love flowers and often go a little nuts planting in the spring and adding a few more tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil bulbs each fall. I’m having fun raising iris—right now I have more than 70 varieties and each year I add a few new colors.
On Writing
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I started writing stories in elementary school and after receiving parental acclaim for one of my masterpieces, “The Old Blue Car,” felt encouraged enough to continue.
In college, I met and married Kelly R. Sullivan and my writing career was put on the back burner when we had children.
As my children got older, I began carving out some time to write and began writing short articles and stories for magazines. Then I started an LDS, non-fiction book.
When my husband and I found we needed a second income, we remodeled our garage and opened a floral shop. I enjoyed the work but regretted that it left me very little time to write. However, as the years passed, I managed to finish my first book, Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines.
After being a florist for ten years, I had a health scare and while waiting to learn the results of the tests, I took stock of my life. I asked myself, “If I had the chance to live my life over, would I do anything differently? Other than wishing I had been a better mother and person, I could only come up with one thing—I wished I had been able to spend more time writing. So, with my dear husband’s support, we sold the floral business and I began writing full time.
My next three books were about angelic experiences in early LDS church history; And There Were Angels Among Them, Visits From Beyond the Veil, and By the Ministering of Angels. Then I wrote Brigham’s Boys.
Around this time, I went back to college. It had always been another dream of mine to graduate. So I returned to college and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Utah.
While in college, I began working on my first novel. One thing I decided when writing fiction was that all of my novels would be “clean”—without profanity and free from inappropriate sexual scenes. Being a novice, it took me three years to write Light on Fire Island and I was thrilled when became a best-seller.
Next I wrote the LDS, non-fiction book, Gaze into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History.
I then bounced back to writing a second novel, a fun mystery
I grew up in Sandy, Utah, where my parents had a mini-farm on an acre and a half. My father raised a lot of things, but the two main ones were gladiolus and mink. Think flowers and fur coats. My mother, a creative person, was a florist. I was blessed to be raised as a Christian and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). I’m thankful to know God lives and loves me and I’m grateful for Jesus Christ, my Savior.
Loves and Interests
I love my children and am so proud of them. They are all so amazing and wonderful, as are their terrific spouses. And although I know others brag about their grandchildren, I have to smile indulgently, because my grandchildren actually are the cutest, smartest, sweetest, and most talented kids in the world!
I have a lot of interests. For one thing, I’ve always loved animals. Right now, I only have four cats, and three dogs—a dachshund, a Westie, and a Welsh Corgi.
For fun, I like to read. A few of my favorite authors are; Maeve Binchy, Elizabeth Berg, Agatha Christie, Andriana Trigiani, and Anne Siddons. I also enjoy watching animated movies like Despicable Me, Over the Hedge, How to Train Your Dragon, Ice Age, Frozen, etc. I’m a kid at heart, I guess.
I also love to go camping, although I no longer enjoy roughing it. Must. Have. Popcorn. Which means we need to take along a popcorn popper. During the summer, my husband and I take our RV to the mountains, to explore new places, and we often travel to research new settings for my books.
I also like to garden. I love flowers and often go a little nuts planting in the spring and adding a few more tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil bulbs each fall. I’m having fun raising iris—right now I have more than 70 varieties and each year I add a few new colors.
On Writing
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I started writing stories in elementary school and after receiving parental acclaim for one of my masterpieces, “The Old Blue Car,” felt encouraged enough to continue.
In college, I met and married Kelly R. Sullivan and my writing career was put on the back burner when we had children.
As my children got older, I began carving out some time to write and began writing short articles and stories for magazines. Then I started an LDS, non-fiction book.
When my husband and I found we needed a second income, we remodeled our garage and opened a floral shop. I enjoyed the work but regretted that it left me very little time to write. However, as the years passed, I managed to finish my first book, Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines.
After being a florist for ten years, I had a health scare and while waiting to learn the results of the tests, I took stock of my life. I asked myself, “If I had the chance to live my life over, would I do anything differently? Other than wishing I had been a better mother and person, I could only come up with one thing—I wished I had been able to spend more time writing. So, with my dear husband’s support, we sold the floral business and I began writing full time.
My next three books were about angelic experiences in early LDS church history; And There Were Angels Among Them, Visits From Beyond the Veil, and By the Ministering of Angels. Then I wrote Brigham’s Boys.
Around this time, I went back to college. It had always been another dream of mine to graduate. So I returned to college and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Utah.
While in college, I began working on my first novel. One thing I decided when writing fiction was that all of my novels would be “clean”—without profanity and free from inappropriate sexual scenes. Being a novice, it took me three years to write Light on Fire Island and I was thrilled when became a best-seller.
Next I wrote the LDS, non-fiction book, Gaze into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History.
I then bounced back to writing a second novel, a fun mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 5, 2016
Kenzie is moving back to her small hometown to make a new life, after a job change, a divorce, and a need for a change of pace. She has a plan--to buy her childhood home from her brother, but without making her plans known, it's sold to someone else--Jared. In an attempt to get that house, make amends with her estranged father, and engage in a possible new romance, Kenzie's Christmas holiday is anything but boring.
The story starts out to be very engaging, but I quickly found Kenzie to be quite hypocritical, selfish, and bitter. She displays some of the same tendencies as her father, which is what led to their falling out, and refuses to acknowledge them, which is very aggravating. She has her shining moments, times when I really liked her, but for the most part, she wasn't high on my 'favorite people' list for the first 2/3 of the book. I love the way she mothers Sara and relates stories of her childhood. Having grown up in a small town myself, I can understand the desire to have that same atmosphere for raising her daughter in. But Jared has the same desire for his son. Jared is quick to assume, which gets him into trouble too, but he's more mature about the issues at hand and, in my opinion, more likable.
I love the idea of Christmas magic and loved the day-to-day events that take place in this book, even though they don't have a lot to do with the issues at hand--baking cookies, Christmas shopping, skating on the pond, serving others, and the heart-to-hearts. I really enjoyed the ending, but I'm not giving anything away.
This is a nice, sweet, Christmas romance, splashed with some changes of heart. I love the theme of new starts, in all aspects. The bonus cookie recipes in the back are a plus.
Content: mild romance; very mild religious elements, specific to the LDS faith (no preaching). Clean!
*I received this book for free in exchange for this post*
The story starts out to be very engaging, but I quickly found Kenzie to be quite hypocritical, selfish, and bitter. She displays some of the same tendencies as her father, which is what led to their falling out, and refuses to acknowledge them, which is very aggravating. She has her shining moments, times when I really liked her, but for the most part, she wasn't high on my 'favorite people' list for the first 2/3 of the book. I love the way she mothers Sara and relates stories of her childhood. Having grown up in a small town myself, I can understand the desire to have that same atmosphere for raising her daughter in. But Jared has the same desire for his son. Jared is quick to assume, which gets him into trouble too, but he's more mature about the issues at hand and, in my opinion, more likable.
I love the idea of Christmas magic and loved the day-to-day events that take place in this book, even though they don't have a lot to do with the issues at hand--baking cookies, Christmas shopping, skating on the pond, serving others, and the heart-to-hearts. I really enjoyed the ending, but I'm not giving anything away.
This is a nice, sweet, Christmas romance, splashed with some changes of heart. I love the theme of new starts, in all aspects. The bonus cookie recipes in the back are a plus.
Content: mild romance; very mild religious elements, specific to the LDS faith (no preaching). Clean!
*I received this book for free in exchange for this post*
October 4, 2016
I love the fall season, the cooler weather, the changing of leaves, kids back to school, etc. This book has me looking forward to winter and Christmas!
McKenzie has decided to move back to her hometown. Her wish is to purchase her childhood home. She thinks that Christmas is the perfect time to tell her family, except the house is under contract to another buyer. She thinks that she can sweet talk the handsome Jared into finding a different house. This begins the war over the house. It seems that McKenzie or "Kenzie" will do anything to get the contract broken so she can get the home she has been dreaming of.
This is a cute Christmas season book that has two characters who have obvious interest in each other but have come to an impasse over real estate. Their children (a boy for him and girl for her) are smarter than the parents and can see what is really going on. I thought they were cute, insightful, and great friends. In a way you could say that their friendship mimics their parents. (You will have to read the book for this vague reference to make sense.)
The romance is fun and the banter between Jared and Kenzie is pretty good. I like how they seem to push the others buttons, but at the same time there is a reluctant respect for the other. This book was perfect to read while it was storming outside. This is a fun romance book that cuddling up with a blanket and hot chocolate was perfect.
This is a clean romance with religious (LDS) references.
McKenzie has decided to move back to her hometown. Her wish is to purchase her childhood home. She thinks that Christmas is the perfect time to tell her family, except the house is under contract to another buyer. She thinks that she can sweet talk the handsome Jared into finding a different house. This begins the war over the house. It seems that McKenzie or "Kenzie" will do anything to get the contract broken so she can get the home she has been dreaming of.
This is a cute Christmas season book that has two characters who have obvious interest in each other but have come to an impasse over real estate. Their children (a boy for him and girl for her) are smarter than the parents and can see what is really going on. I thought they were cute, insightful, and great friends. In a way you could say that their friendship mimics their parents. (You will have to read the book for this vague reference to make sense.)
The romance is fun and the banter between Jared and Kenzie is pretty good. I like how they seem to push the others buttons, but at the same time there is a reluctant respect for the other. This book was perfect to read while it was storming outside. This is a fun romance book that cuddling up with a blanket and hot chocolate was perfect.
This is a clean romance with religious (LDS) references.
January 1, 2017
It seems like I've read a few books with a pretty similar premise lately- two people that are attracted to each other but fighting over the same house. I enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere of Kenzie's hometown and the congeniality between the Jared and her, even when they are supposedly at odds. Much of the narration and dialogue is telling about mundane details of daily life that don't seem to add to the story, but it progresses along at a steady pace. I was more interested in the subplot of Kenzie's falling out with her father, a well-meaning but gruff man who said regrettable things a few years ago that Kenzie has a hard time forgiving. The point of view switches between Jared and Kenzie, and a few scenes are shown from Kenzie's mother's perspective as well as Jared's son and Kenzie's daughter. I had a hard time really connecting with Kenzie's character since she seems a bit selfish or self-centered at times, and her emotions are told rather than shown. I found the book to be sweet, if a bit predictable. I definitely love the cover and appreciate that it directly relates to the story.
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
October 6, 2016
2.5 stars rounding up
First off, I have to say that I love this cover. It's so cute and connects well with the characters and story in this book. Yay for fun covers!
The story itself left me wanting a bit. I just didn't find myself connecting with or loving the characters in this book. Kenzie is just off putting. I really didn't like her much at all. And Jared just felt flat. The connection between them didn't work for me.
In theory, this book has all the elements I look for- conflict, family issues, a past that connects with the future- lots of great ideas. It just didn't come together for me.
I did love all the cookie recipes. It fit in well with the story and the Christmas season theme of the book. And again, the cover. So perfect!
Content: LDS fiction although nothing overly preachy, references to past marital affairs, clean
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
First off, I have to say that I love this cover. It's so cute and connects well with the characters and story in this book. Yay for fun covers!
The story itself left me wanting a bit. I just didn't find myself connecting with or loving the characters in this book. Kenzie is just off putting. I really didn't like her much at all. And Jared just felt flat. The connection between them didn't work for me.
In theory, this book has all the elements I look for- conflict, family issues, a past that connects with the future- lots of great ideas. It just didn't come together for me.
I did love all the cookie recipes. It fit in well with the story and the Christmas season theme of the book. And again, the cover. So perfect!
Content: LDS fiction although nothing overly preachy, references to past marital affairs, clean
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2016
What an adorable story! I LOVED IT!
You quickly figure out where the story is going, but along the way many roadblocks make you wonder if they will ever get there--And that makes for some very fun reading! The family struggles that play in the story give you a sense of belonging--especially if you have been there before. And the Christmas setting will draw you in leaving you smiling until the very last page is turned.
I highly recommend this book!
You quickly figure out where the story is going, but along the way many roadblocks make you wonder if they will ever get there--And that makes for some very fun reading! The family struggles that play in the story give you a sense of belonging--especially if you have been there before. And the Christmas setting will draw you in leaving you smiling until the very last page is turned.
I highly recommend this book!
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March 21, 2017Lovely ending. Review posting 10/5.
May 24, 2017
2.5 stars
The premise of the story was super cute, but the main character rubbed me the wrong way. So much of her problems were brought on by herself. If she would just think before she acted her life would have been so much less stressful.
My favorite part of the story was the background history they had together. Being best friends as kids made the book more enjoyable to me.
The premise of the story was super cute, but the main character rubbed me the wrong way. So much of her problems were brought on by herself. If she would just think before she acted her life would have been so much less stressful.
My favorite part of the story was the background history they had together. Being best friends as kids made the book more enjoyable to me.
October 19, 2016
I needed this book. I have been reading a lot of sad and kind of scary books, so this one came just at the right time. It's so sweet, and just gives you that "feel good" felling.
First, I love the setting of this book. I love how the author made me want to sit on a porch in this quaint little town of Lake Forest, with a good book and a blanket. I am not much for small towns, but this one was beautiful.
Second, the characters were awesome. Kenzie seemed to be a bit beat down when she goes home for Christmas, but is determined to make her life better. Quite some time had passed before Kenzie and her daughter Sarah had been to Kenzies hometown. She had stayed away for some time trying to avoid her father. The past year had seemed to overwhelm Kenzie so she has decided to go home and has a surprise to share with her family. Jared is a swoon worthy man. He is a single father to his son Corey. He is trying to find a place for him and his son to call home that might be a little bigger than where they are living now. Jared has always loved this little town, and is excited to be back.
This story is such a sweet, sweet story. Kenzie decided it was time to return to her home of Lake Forest. She has had a hard year, and finally decided to leave her well paying job, get a new one just out side of her home town where she grew up. She has plans to buy her childhood home and cannot wait to get to town to tell her brother about her plans.
When she gets to town things don't quite go as she had planned. She finds out that someone else has put an offer on her house. She is determined to do anything she can to make sure that offer doesn't go through.
Then walks in Jared. Jared is handsome and kind, and worst of all is planning on buying Kenzie's childhood home. Kenzie likes Jared but all is fair in love and buying houses.
What happens after is such a fun story, of friendship, mistakes, Christmas time miracles, and love. If you are in need of a cozy, heart warming read, pick this book up. You will not be disappointed.
Source: I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
Content: Clean and wonderful!
First, I love the setting of this book. I love how the author made me want to sit on a porch in this quaint little town of Lake Forest, with a good book and a blanket. I am not much for small towns, but this one was beautiful.
Second, the characters were awesome. Kenzie seemed to be a bit beat down when she goes home for Christmas, but is determined to make her life better. Quite some time had passed before Kenzie and her daughter Sarah had been to Kenzies hometown. She had stayed away for some time trying to avoid her father. The past year had seemed to overwhelm Kenzie so she has decided to go home and has a surprise to share with her family. Jared is a swoon worthy man. He is a single father to his son Corey. He is trying to find a place for him and his son to call home that might be a little bigger than where they are living now. Jared has always loved this little town, and is excited to be back.
This story is such a sweet, sweet story. Kenzie decided it was time to return to her home of Lake Forest. She has had a hard year, and finally decided to leave her well paying job, get a new one just out side of her home town where she grew up. She has plans to buy her childhood home and cannot wait to get to town to tell her brother about her plans.
When she gets to town things don't quite go as she had planned. She finds out that someone else has put an offer on her house. She is determined to do anything she can to make sure that offer doesn't go through.
Then walks in Jared. Jared is handsome and kind, and worst of all is planning on buying Kenzie's childhood home. Kenzie likes Jared but all is fair in love and buying houses.
What happens after is such a fun story, of friendship, mistakes, Christmas time miracles, and love. If you are in need of a cozy, heart warming read, pick this book up. You will not be disappointed.
Source: I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
Content: Clean and wonderful!
November 9, 2016
For Sale By Owner is a lighthearted holiday romance about life choices, new beginnings, and second chances.
Author Marlene Bateman weaves a sweet holiday romance tale set in Lake Forest, Illinois, that follows McKenzie Forsberg's bittersweet return to her hometown to rebuild her life after the stress of divorce and losing her job. McKenzie wants to buy her childhood home for her daughter Sarah, but her plans are turned upside down when the house is already under contract by handsome widower Jared Rawlins, who wants to create a home of his own for his son Corey. Kenzie is determined to do anything to stop the sale of her childhood home to Jared, even though there are sparks of attraction between them, and animosity rules as they try to sabotage and outmaneuver each other's attempt of getting their dream home.
For Sale By Owner is a delightful holiday romance story that easily draws the reader into following Kenzie and Jared's journey of rebuilding their lives and getting a second chance at finding love. You can't help but become captivated by this engaging story filled with the challenges of overcoming family drama, life struggles, misunderstandings, comical mishaps, small sacrifices, and forming bonds of friendship, mixed in with witty banter and holiday cheer.
In For Sale By Owner, broken hearts and past mistakes in life choices can be forgiven with a second chance at love through the spirit and magic of the Christmas season in this heartwarming holiday romance story.
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 author Marlene Bateman.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Author Marlene Bateman weaves a sweet holiday romance tale set in Lake Forest, Illinois, that follows McKenzie Forsberg's bittersweet return to her hometown to rebuild her life after the stress of divorce and losing her job. McKenzie wants to buy her childhood home for her daughter Sarah, but her plans are turned upside down when the house is already under contract by handsome widower Jared Rawlins, who wants to create a home of his own for his son Corey. Kenzie is determined to do anything to stop the sale of her childhood home to Jared, even though there are sparks of attraction between them, and animosity rules as they try to sabotage and outmaneuver each other's attempt of getting their dream home.
For Sale By Owner is a delightful holiday romance story that easily draws the reader into following Kenzie and Jared's journey of rebuilding their lives and getting a second chance at finding love. You can't help but become captivated by this engaging story filled with the challenges of overcoming family drama, life struggles, misunderstandings, comical mishaps, small sacrifices, and forming bonds of friendship, mixed in with witty banter and holiday cheer.
In For Sale By Owner, broken hearts and past mistakes in life choices can be forgiven with a second chance at love through the spirit and magic of the Christmas season in this heartwarming holiday romance story.
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 author Marlene Bateman.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
January 1, 2017
After a difficult divorce and an employment change, McKenzie wants to move back to her hometown with her daughter and buy her childhood home, currently owned by her brother and for sale. Kenzie arrives only to discover that her brother has sold the house to Jared, because McKenzie never expressed an interest in purchasing it herself.
McKenzie is a trainwreck and for most of the book, she's a caricature of whiny selfishness. Seriously, I couldn't find any real redeeming qualities in her, and I could only muster up minimal sympathy. The story revolves around Kenzie trying to convince her brother and Jared to let her have the house anyway. She and her daughter stay with her parents, but her relationship with her father is strained because of hurtful words said years before. Honestly, her father was another person who had no redeeming qualities. One of the things I hate about life, whether it's real or fictional, is characters who deliberately misunderstand and miscommunicate. For most of this story I just rolled my eyes.
Towards the end though as the story finally coaleces together, there are predictable lessons, but surprising depths about forgiveness. My favorite parts were where McKenzie's daughter and Jared's son were together. Their faith in Christmas miracles was sweet.
The LDS elements are light, the story is clean and isn't preachy. It's a light, easy read. The cookie recipes are a nice bonus.
McKenzie is a trainwreck and for most of the book, she's a caricature of whiny selfishness. Seriously, I couldn't find any real redeeming qualities in her, and I could only muster up minimal sympathy. The story revolves around Kenzie trying to convince her brother and Jared to let her have the house anyway. She and her daughter stay with her parents, but her relationship with her father is strained because of hurtful words said years before. Honestly, her father was another person who had no redeeming qualities. One of the things I hate about life, whether it's real or fictional, is characters who deliberately misunderstand and miscommunicate. For most of this story I just rolled my eyes.
Towards the end though as the story finally coaleces together, there are predictable lessons, but surprising depths about forgiveness. My favorite parts were where McKenzie's daughter and Jared's son were together. Their faith in Christmas miracles was sweet.
The LDS elements are light, the story is clean and isn't preachy. It's a light, easy read. The cookie recipes are a nice bonus.
October 3, 2016
Well, to start off with, I will say that this has a beautiful cover. It's one I would pick up and be interested in because it was eye catching. Plus, as a bonus, they got the little details right (with the green laces on his skates).
I wasn't a big fan of either major characters. Especially Kenzie. She didn't get what she wanted to so she tried to make it so someone else couldn't get what they wanted. What?!? That's our heroine? Because of that I had a really hard time getting into this story, and the writing was only so-so.
I will say that I did appreciate the message of forgiveness. It's always a good reminder to forgive and not hold grudges (especially if the person you are holding the grudge against doesn't know why you are mad at them).
*I received a copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't a big fan of either major characters. Especially Kenzie. She didn't get what she wanted to so she tried to make it so someone else couldn't get what they wanted. What?!? That's our heroine? Because of that I had a really hard time getting into this story, and the writing was only so-so.
I will say that I did appreciate the message of forgiveness. It's always a good reminder to forgive and not hold grudges (especially if the person you are holding the grudge against doesn't know why you are mad at them).
*I received a copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2016
At the beginning of the story, the main character, McKenzie Forsberg is a bi winey. Life isn’t really going her way; she is in a big fight with her dad and someone made an offer on the house she wanted to buy from her brother. McKenzie is a bit selfish and hurts some people, including Jared Rawlins, a guy she is interested in. McKenzie makes several mistakes and hurts some people along the way, but she feels bad and is repentant and apologizes. As the book goes along, McKenzie gets a bit of a better attitude. This story is about life struggles and forgiveness. I would recommend this story to readers that enjoy contemporary romance.
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: October 3, 2016
Number of pages: 272
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 3 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: October 3, 2016
Number of pages: 272
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 3 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.
October 4, 2016
This was a very cute story. The characters are fun and easy to like. I liked the storyline and the twists that were scattered throughout. I was really happy with the finally twist at the end, although I wish it was seeded a little bit earlier in the story. This is a great, clean read for anyone that loves a sweet romance. I highly recommend it to those sweet romance people out there.
:) :) :) :)
:) :) :) :)
March 8, 2017
This is a pretty cheesy and fairly predictable, but fun, romance. McKenzie has quit her high-profile, high-paying job and left her playboy ex-husband to return home--literally. She wants to buy her childhood home, the place where she met Tyrone, her best friend and the person she spent her childhood with, running through the woods, skating on the ice, and exploring life together. Unfortunately, someone has already put an offer on the house. A terrible, awful, good-looking, kind person named Jared. Kenzie is now plotting to ruin all his plans, so she can have the house of her memories. Little does she know, Jared has his own reasons for wanting the house. This story is full of misunderstandings, hesitant and reluctant romance, missteps, and misdeeds. Like I said, cheesy. And I am sure this was made into a Christmas movie that was equally cheesy. But it's also innocent fun. Kenzie and Jared are good people at heart. They also teach us about kindness, forgiveness, and Christmas magic.
January 2, 2019
A decent romance, but I could not entirely believe the premise because Jared's insistence on buying Tom's house did not make much sense, a kind, reasonable person (as he is supposed to be) would have been willing to withdraw their offer when given the very compelling reasons Kenzie had for wanting that particular house, in that and a few other instances Jared actually comes off as a jerk. I also was annoyed by everyone constantly telling us that Kenzie was super impulsive doing things without thinking, but she is never shown to be that way, everything she does in the book is thought through and she actually is many times shown to be slower about taking action than she should be because she is over-thinking. In spite of these annoyances, I liked the characters and their interactions felt real.
March 19, 2024
3.5 maybe?
This wasn’t a bad book. Here’s why I rated it a 3.
It had a slow start. It took a bit to get into it…but I did.
The main character, McKenzie, acted quite entitled. I know that’s the whole basis of the book but she got quite annoying. I just wanted to say, “you don’t deserve the house”.
The first kiss had absolutely no description! That’s what most of us girls anticipate but nothing.
The end was way too soft. It just seemed to slowly drift into a cloud. It didn’t leave me anticipating or getting excited for their future.
Like I said, I don’t regret reading it, I just probably won’t be picking it up again.
This wasn’t a bad book. Here’s why I rated it a 3.
It had a slow start. It took a bit to get into it…but I did.
The main character, McKenzie, acted quite entitled. I know that’s the whole basis of the book but she got quite annoying. I just wanted to say, “you don’t deserve the house”.
The first kiss had absolutely no description! That’s what most of us girls anticipate but nothing.
The end was way too soft. It just seemed to slowly drift into a cloud. It didn’t leave me anticipating or getting excited for their future.
Like I said, I don’t regret reading it, I just probably won’t be picking it up again.
March 29, 2020
2.5. Parts were super swoon worthy, but I kind of hated McKenzie. The first third of the book she came across as such an entitled airhead. “What do you mean you won’t just let me have my way and buy this house? It’s my dream house and of course I deserve it because I lived there when I was a kid and my brother owns it now. It doesn’t matter that it’s under contract and I never told a soul that I wanted to buy it. I want it now so everyone should I just change all their plans so I can have my way”. I just wanted to SLAP her for waaaay too much of the book.
October 25, 2016
This was a fun book to read - I thought I had it all figured out when I started reading it but there were some interesting twists I wasn't expecting so it never became boring and made me enjoy it even more. I like how Kenzie and Jared's relationship evolved and enjoyed their kid's friendship also. Very clean and refreshing to read - would recommend for teens and up.
February 20, 2017
Average LDS fiction. The writing was just ok. It was given to me to read on vacation, and although it was a quick read there was plenty left wanting. The setting was quaint and the author tried to tackle some big issues but overall it still felt a bit weak and was highly predictable....that's lds fiction for you. Was just ok for me.
January 3, 2018
This was such a fun book! I didn't realize when I started it that it was set at Christmas, so that was a fun bonus since we just celebrated Christmas and I'm still in the holiday mode. I loved the characters and the storyline and it was fun to see just how the story would unfold. I would definitely recommend this book!
October 31, 2016
This is such a delightful read! It is quick paced and caught my interest from the very beginning. I especially enjoyed the characters. There were several conversations with children that made me laugh out loud! Clever, sweet and a reminder of the magic of Christmas!
May 23, 2023
It was a cute clean story, but it spent way too much time alluding to something that had happened in the past without coming out and saying it. It was annoying and unnecessary. Seemed to be a lot of repetitive chapters without much changing.
November 13, 2024
I really loved the story, it was very cute. I just kept losing interest in the story line. I would get hooked, and then bored. It made it hard to finish the book. It's a very good book for anyone who likes clean LDS romance. It just wasn't the book for me.
November 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this novel, particularly the depth and realness of the relationships. Misunderstandings and real battles in life made the story heartfelt, tugging at your heart.
February 22, 2017
This book was okay. Not my favorite but interesting enough for me to finish it.
March 9, 2017
Great Book
This was a super fun book to read! It talks about how miracles really can happen! This was awesome! Thanks for another great book Marlene Bateman!
This was a super fun book to read! It talks about how miracles really can happen! This was awesome! Thanks for another great book Marlene Bateman!
August 8, 2017
Definitely grew on me.
June 1, 2018
predictable but sweet
June 25, 2018
I thought the "heroine" was lame. I couldn't understand her obsession and it seemed she couldn't think logically.
I never became invested in her as a character. Sorry
I never became invested in her as a character. Sorry
April 20, 2019
This was a really good book. I could not lay it down. I had it read I. A day and a half
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