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Enchanted Christmas #2
One Enchanted Eve
A delightful Christmas romance about finding the perfect recipe for love.
After years of mistakes and regret, Colin Renwycke finally has a plan: Hone his baking talent at the Denver Culinary Institute and embark on a new career as a pastry chef. If he's lucky, he might even manage to earn back his family's respect. But despite his skills in the kitchen, Colin's a mess in the classroom and his ongoing disasters are proving too much for his prickly instructor. If he loses his spot at the school, he's out of backup plans.
Culinary school instructor Rylan Jefferson has the chance to reclaim her dream of running her own bakery. But she only has until Christmas Eve to come up with the perfect recipe to impress an eccentric investor. She has no time for holiday parties or family plans . . . and especially not for the unruly student baker who couldn't follow a recipe if his life depended on it.
But Colin has the one ingredient Rylan needs most—talent. Lots of it. And when he makes a proposal that just might solve both their problems, Rylan can't say no—even if it does mean traveling all the way to Iowa. It just might be that the snow-covered plains and a charming small town full of postcard Christmas cheer are exactly what her hungry heart needs . . . along with a man who is much more than he seems.
After years of mistakes and regret, Colin Renwycke finally has a plan: Hone his baking talent at the Denver Culinary Institute and embark on a new career as a pastry chef. If he's lucky, he might even manage to earn back his family's respect. But despite his skills in the kitchen, Colin's a mess in the classroom and his ongoing disasters are proving too much for his prickly instructor. If he loses his spot at the school, he's out of backup plans.
Culinary school instructor Rylan Jefferson has the chance to reclaim her dream of running her own bakery. But she only has until Christmas Eve to come up with the perfect recipe to impress an eccentric investor. She has no time for holiday parties or family plans . . . and especially not for the unruly student baker who couldn't follow a recipe if his life depended on it.
But Colin has the one ingredient Rylan needs most—talent. Lots of it. And when he makes a proposal that just might solve both their problems, Rylan can't say no—even if it does mean traveling all the way to Iowa. It just might be that the snow-covered plains and a charming small town full of postcard Christmas cheer are exactly what her hungry heart needs . . . along with a man who is much more than he seems.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
139 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tagg
25 books1,676 followersMelissa Tagg is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
March 17, 2017
Can I give this 5.5 stars? Because that's what it deserves. Laughter, tears, giggling, and way too much longing for baked goods after reading this delightful, Christmassy novella. The absolutely perfect Christmas read!
Full review:
Sometimes a book comes along that just meets you in the right place. For me, that was Melissa's One Enchanted Eve.
I have a fierce love for all-things Christmas. Movies, decorations, music, food, books...the list goes on. So when I heard that the second in the Enchanted Christmas Collection was coming out I was giddy with excitement. I loved the first one, One Enchanted Christmas, and have thoroughly enjoyed the Walker Family through her Maple Valley series, so if there is any way that I can continue on in that world, I will!
Enter Colin Renwycke and Rylan Jefferson. A combustive duo if there ever was one. And isn’t that the best kind? Theirs is definitely not a situation of too many cooks in the kitchen – I’d say two is just about right! I love their interactions, their backstories coming to life, and the creative and cute ways that Melissa brought them together. I think it’s been one of my favorite stories of hers so far…though I think I say that for every one of her books.
If you are looking for a quicker read and something that will prolong the warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas while making you smile, this is the novella for you. The romance and the deeper truths Melissa brings to light will leave you feeling satisfied, if not wanting a bit of dessert too!
Full review:
Sometimes a book comes along that just meets you in the right place. For me, that was Melissa's One Enchanted Eve.
I have a fierce love for all-things Christmas. Movies, decorations, music, food, books...the list goes on. So when I heard that the second in the Enchanted Christmas Collection was coming out I was giddy with excitement. I loved the first one, One Enchanted Christmas, and have thoroughly enjoyed the Walker Family through her Maple Valley series, so if there is any way that I can continue on in that world, I will!
Enter Colin Renwycke and Rylan Jefferson. A combustive duo if there ever was one. And isn’t that the best kind? Theirs is definitely not a situation of too many cooks in the kitchen – I’d say two is just about right! I love their interactions, their backstories coming to life, and the creative and cute ways that Melissa brought them together. I think it’s been one of my favorite stories of hers so far…though I think I say that for every one of her books.
If you are looking for a quicker read and something that will prolong the warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas while making you smile, this is the novella for you. The romance and the deeper truths Melissa brings to light will leave you feeling satisfied, if not wanting a bit of dessert too!
January 4, 2022
One Enchanted Eve is the second book in the Enchanted Christmas series by Melissa Tagg. In all honesty, I enjoyed this one way more than the first book. One Enchanted Eve was filled with laughter, tears, and wanting to bake Christmas goods. I often found myself getting a little teary eyed while reading this sweet romantic Christmas novella. This was the absolute best Christmas read. This story truly touched my heart.
Colin Renwycke attends the Denver Culinary Institute and wants a new career as a pastry chef. Colin gets on his culinary instructors nerves, Rylan Jefferson. Colin has a habit of breaking equipment, mixing the wrong ingredients into his pastries. Rylan reaches her last nerve with Colin after he sets off the smoke detector and immediately wants him expelled. Rylan fell out of love with Brent, she also lost her bakery due to financial problems. Rylan must come up with a unique recipe in order to finally get her bakery again.
Colin decides to take Rylan to Iowa with him to make amends with his family, but also to prove to Rylan that he's a very good person and that he deserves his spot back into culinary school. During their trip Colin tries to help Rylan come up with this recipe, Colin and Rylan open up to each other about their pasts. To Rylan, Colin seems like a man much more than he is. Colin lights a new sparkle in Rylan's eye. Colin wants nothing but for his family to love and be proud of him.
Colin Renwycke attends the Denver Culinary Institute and wants a new career as a pastry chef. Colin gets on his culinary instructors nerves, Rylan Jefferson. Colin has a habit of breaking equipment, mixing the wrong ingredients into his pastries. Rylan reaches her last nerve with Colin after he sets off the smoke detector and immediately wants him expelled. Rylan fell out of love with Brent, she also lost her bakery due to financial problems. Rylan must come up with a unique recipe in order to finally get her bakery again.
Colin decides to take Rylan to Iowa with him to make amends with his family, but also to prove to Rylan that he's a very good person and that he deserves his spot back into culinary school. During their trip Colin tries to help Rylan come up with this recipe, Colin and Rylan open up to each other about their pasts. To Rylan, Colin seems like a man much more than he is. Colin lights a new sparkle in Rylan's eye. Colin wants nothing but for his family to love and be proud of him.
November 10, 2016
I'm still trying to find the appropriate words to say how much I loved this little novella. First of all, it did NOT seem like a novella, but a full length book. Not many authors can pull that off, but Melissa Tagg does in just 100 perfect pages. Tagg takes her readers back to Maple Valley, Iowa for this one and she really does take us back. She plops us right down in the middle of her story like we're actually there. There aren't very many fictional locales I'd love to visit were it possible and Maple Valley is one. That Main Street, the bridge, the wonderful shops, the people. I can dream, can't I?
We met Colin Renwycke in Tagg's previous Christmas novella, 'One Enchanted Christmas'. He's not such a nice guy there, with family problems aplenty, but Colin is determined that he is going to become a nicer guy. Evidently that includes creating havoc in Rylan Jefferson's culinary class. Rylan is about ready to kick him to the curb for good! He doesn't follow the recipes, makes the most incredible messes in the kitchen and breaks everything in sight. However, Colin has a talent in the kitchen, he takes chances, follows his instincts and creates wonderful baked goods. Rylan is afraid to take a chance and follows her recipes to a 't'.
Colin is determined to prove to his family that he is not the same man he used to be; he's more stable, more responsible. If only he can get the chance to prove it to them. Rylan wants her dream to open her own bakery to become a reality and she only has to create one unique dish.
Two weeks before Christmas, Colin invites her to spend Christmas in his hometown of Maple Valley. She goes, but doesn't know why she does. Doesn't God always have a plan? He wants to give His children hope and a future. Sometimes we don't see things His way, but He still wants to the best for us.
This novella was just incredible. I love, love, love Melissa Tagg's books, but this one....there's just something about it that moved me so very much. It made my heart smile so many times. She has totally outdone herself this time. It just brought me so much joy! When I finish a book like this, I find it so hard to pick up another book and begin reading, like I usually do. I just want to sit and let it rest in my heart and spirit for a while, bringing it's happiness and blessing and settling down deep inside.
The romance part of this was just so swoon worthy. Tagg crafts characters that just take up residence in your heart and head. Truly, she does. The emotional impact was startling and so deep. And as always, her spiritual message resonates within the reader's heart. When that message was revealed in this novella, I said to myself, "And there it is." I allowed God to speak to my own heart this message, too. It's powerful.
This one will tug at the reader's heart in so many ways. We get to meet Drew and Maren again, as well as Leigh and Winnie, from One Enchanted Christmas. I love the families in Maple Valley. Melissa Tagg carries the reader through every single scene, through coming into a cold house in the middle of winter, to building snowmen, sipping hot chocolate, crafting desserts in a beautiful kitchen, to walking on an absolutely enchanting bridge. I'll be remembering this one for a long time and it is definitely destined for a re-read! Don't miss it!
*I was given a preview copy of this book. My review is honest and my own.
We met Colin Renwycke in Tagg's previous Christmas novella, 'One Enchanted Christmas'. He's not such a nice guy there, with family problems aplenty, but Colin is determined that he is going to become a nicer guy. Evidently that includes creating havoc in Rylan Jefferson's culinary class. Rylan is about ready to kick him to the curb for good! He doesn't follow the recipes, makes the most incredible messes in the kitchen and breaks everything in sight. However, Colin has a talent in the kitchen, he takes chances, follows his instincts and creates wonderful baked goods. Rylan is afraid to take a chance and follows her recipes to a 't'.
Colin is determined to prove to his family that he is not the same man he used to be; he's more stable, more responsible. If only he can get the chance to prove it to them. Rylan wants her dream to open her own bakery to become a reality and she only has to create one unique dish.
Two weeks before Christmas, Colin invites her to spend Christmas in his hometown of Maple Valley. She goes, but doesn't know why she does. Doesn't God always have a plan? He wants to give His children hope and a future. Sometimes we don't see things His way, but He still wants to the best for us.
This novella was just incredible. I love, love, love Melissa Tagg's books, but this one....there's just something about it that moved me so very much. It made my heart smile so many times. She has totally outdone herself this time. It just brought me so much joy! When I finish a book like this, I find it so hard to pick up another book and begin reading, like I usually do. I just want to sit and let it rest in my heart and spirit for a while, bringing it's happiness and blessing and settling down deep inside.
The romance part of this was just so swoon worthy. Tagg crafts characters that just take up residence in your heart and head. Truly, she does. The emotional impact was startling and so deep. And as always, her spiritual message resonates within the reader's heart. When that message was revealed in this novella, I said to myself, "And there it is." I allowed God to speak to my own heart this message, too. It's powerful.
This one will tug at the reader's heart in so many ways. We get to meet Drew and Maren again, as well as Leigh and Winnie, from One Enchanted Christmas. I love the families in Maple Valley. Melissa Tagg carries the reader through every single scene, through coming into a cold house in the middle of winter, to building snowmen, sipping hot chocolate, crafting desserts in a beautiful kitchen, to walking on an absolutely enchanting bridge. I'll be remembering this one for a long time and it is definitely destined for a re-read! Don't miss it!
*I was given a preview copy of this book. My review is honest and my own.
December 17, 2016
Before I say anything else-- if you haven't read One Enchanted Christmas yet... read it first!
I have yet to read a book of Melissa's that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. In fact, I have yet to rate one of her books lower than 5 stars. And there's a good reason for that: her books are fabulous!! And this one is no exception. Even though it's "only" a 134-page novella, it doesn't feel like it. Somehow, Melissa has managed to make her novellas feel like full-length novels, and that just makes me love it even more!
I really enjoyed the ride this book took me on back to the beloved town of Maple Valley for another cold December. I enjoyed getting to hang out with the Renwycke family and their friends, getting to know Colin better... and growing to love him, as I knew I would. The fact that he dragged his rather reluctant culinary school instructor along for the adventure that turned out so different than either of them expected, of course, just made the story even better! ;)
Colin has a lot to work out with his family. I loved seeing the struggles of his relationship with Drew as both brothers wanted to be close again, but just couldn't seem to find a way to make it happen. And when their parents came... I'll go ahead and admit that I did tear up a few times. But I was so happy to see relationships repaired!
And Rylan... I love her too. She's really struggling with some things regarding her family as well as some stuff from her past. And her future? Yeah, she's struggling with that too. And don't forget Colin! Because having him in her class is definitely not making her life any easier! :P The development of their relationship was something special and will definitely have you cheering for them to get together.
Overall, this is a great read that I have plans to read again (when the third book comes out next year? Please tell me there will be another one next year!). Kudos to Melissa Tagg for making her novellas just as wonderfully enjoyable as any full length novel! :)
I have yet to read a book of Melissa's that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. In fact, I have yet to rate one of her books lower than 5 stars. And there's a good reason for that: her books are fabulous!! And this one is no exception. Even though it's "only" a 134-page novella, it doesn't feel like it. Somehow, Melissa has managed to make her novellas feel like full-length novels, and that just makes me love it even more!
I really enjoyed the ride this book took me on back to the beloved town of Maple Valley for another cold December. I enjoyed getting to hang out with the Renwycke family and their friends, getting to know Colin better... and growing to love him, as I knew I would. The fact that he dragged his rather reluctant culinary school instructor along for the adventure that turned out so different than either of them expected, of course, just made the story even better! ;)
Colin has a lot to work out with his family. I loved seeing the struggles of his relationship with Drew as both brothers wanted to be close again, but just couldn't seem to find a way to make it happen. And when their parents came... I'll go ahead and admit that I did tear up a few times. But I was so happy to see relationships repaired!
And Rylan... I love her too. She's really struggling with some things regarding her family as well as some stuff from her past. And her future? Yeah, she's struggling with that too. And don't forget Colin! Because having him in her class is definitely not making her life any easier! :P The development of their relationship was something special and will definitely have you cheering for them to get together.
Overall, this is a great read that I have plans to read again (when the third book comes out next year? Please tell me there will be another one next year!). Kudos to Melissa Tagg for making her novellas just as wonderfully enjoyable as any full length novel! :)
March 2, 2017
4.70 stars - mild pg13
It's December 6th. Not nearly enough time to prepare for Christmas, nor read all the books I want to read. So, naturally, there's no time for my usual long-winded reviews. So here's the short version: Loved it!! Loved it!! Did I mention I loved it? A sweet, funny, romantic, poignant story. Melissa Tagg has such a God-given gift of creativity; her style of writing just perfectly suits my reading ear. I think you should read it, it will probably suit your ear, as well.
I may have liked last year's story, One Enchanted Christmas, just a hair better. ??? (A very thin hair.) I'd like to go back and do a reread, but there's just not enough time for that. And I really wish the covers weren't almost identical! Can't wait to read Leigh's story (next Christmas?). In the meantime, I need to start reading all Melissa's other books about Maple Valley. I love her fun, creative writing style.
Alrighty then. I just can't help myself..... here are some random notes & quotes I jotted down while reading:
~~ ".....she nearly ran into him. Whoa, the man smelled of cinnamon and pine. What'd he do? Take a Christmas-scented bubble bath before coming over?" <--- Other authors write goofy stuff such as "he smelled like fresh cut wood, hot cocoa, juniper, fresh-fallen snow, sunshine, etc.", and they're serious about it. {What does sunshine smell like?? Don't most men smell like cologne, shampoo or soap (or the lack of...)? And there is no way you're gonna convince me that some manly man bought himself some peppermint or juniper soap; no way! We all know he bought the first thing he could grab off the shelf at the grocery store.} Anyway.... only Melissa Tagg takes the scent issue, turns it around and highlights the goofiness of it, makes it funny and leaves us with a believable, yummy scent in our nostrils.
~~ "He hadn't meant to lay out his background, his mistakes, like place settings on the table. But (she) had handled his vulnerability as if it were fine china. .... Better yet, as if seeing the cracks where he'd been broken, the lines where he'd attempted to glue himself back together, made him something valuable in her eyes." <--- Awwww!
~~ I looooove Colin, he's wonderful. And the chemistry between him and Rylan is just right.
~~ After a fun, romantic sledding run goeswrong right and dumps Colin and Rylan in the snow, "he rose up on one elbow, tipping the snow out of one ear." <--- only Melissa writes such creative lines! (most would write something mundane or schmaltzy like "shaking the snow out of his collar, or off his long sweep of eyelashes that emphasized his dazzling Mediterranean Sea blue eyes")
~~ "At some point, time had come to a stop in Maple Valley. It was as if she'd slipped into a beguiling little Christmas display inside a storefront window--one that came alive in captivating detail while the rest of the world simply walked by and went about business." I want to go to Maple Valley!! (with Colin, of course) Or at the very least, read all the other books about the place!!
~~ "Tell me his address. I'll take my mini-torch." I can't give you details, but that line is so perfect.
~~ "'You shouldn't hide so much of yourself all the time, Rylan. You're depriving the people around you of the gift of actually knowing you. Your hurts, your emotion--it's part of what makes you who you are.' He cupped her cheeks. 'And who you are is worth knowing.'" --- Did I mention that I love Colin?!?
~~ I assumed this was Christian fiction, but there really wasn't anything all that "Christian" about it. Perhaps you could term it "Christian-lite" (very very very lite). I'm not sure God was even mentioned until about the 75% mark. It's more a "clean", "inspirational" type book.
~~ My dad has Alzheimer's. I "lost it" for a moment when reading about Colin's dad and their relationship, and when his mom said, "'Just talk to him, Colin. Tell him you love him. The memories from before are going to fade anyway. What we've got left are moments. So give him a good one." I can attest, those good moments are priceless.
It's December 6th. Not nearly enough time to prepare for Christmas, nor read all the books I want to read. So, naturally, there's no time for my usual long-winded reviews. So here's the short version: Loved it!! Loved it!! Did I mention I loved it? A sweet, funny, romantic, poignant story. Melissa Tagg has such a God-given gift of creativity; her style of writing just perfectly suits my reading ear. I think you should read it, it will probably suit your ear, as well.
I may have liked last year's story, One Enchanted Christmas, just a hair better. ??? (A very thin hair.) I'd like to go back and do a reread, but there's just not enough time for that. And I really wish the covers weren't almost identical! Can't wait to read Leigh's story (next Christmas?). In the meantime, I need to start reading all Melissa's other books about Maple Valley. I love her fun, creative writing style.
Alrighty then. I just can't help myself..... here are some random notes & quotes I jotted down while reading:
~~ ".....she nearly ran into him. Whoa, the man smelled of cinnamon and pine. What'd he do? Take a Christmas-scented bubble bath before coming over?" <--- Other authors write goofy stuff such as "he smelled like fresh cut wood, hot cocoa, juniper, fresh-fallen snow, sunshine, etc.", and they're serious about it. {What does sunshine smell like?? Don't most men smell like cologne, shampoo or soap (or the lack of...)? And there is no way you're gonna convince me that some manly man bought himself some peppermint or juniper soap; no way! We all know he bought the first thing he could grab off the shelf at the grocery store.} Anyway.... only Melissa Tagg takes the scent issue, turns it around and highlights the goofiness of it, makes it funny and leaves us with a believable, yummy scent in our nostrils.
~~ "He hadn't meant to lay out his background, his mistakes, like place settings on the table. But (she) had handled his vulnerability as if it were fine china. .... Better yet, as if seeing the cracks where he'd been broken, the lines where he'd attempted to glue himself back together, made him something valuable in her eyes." <--- Awwww!
~~ I looooove Colin, he's wonderful. And the chemistry between him and Rylan is just right.
~~ After a fun, romantic sledding run goes
~~ "At some point, time had come to a stop in Maple Valley. It was as if she'd slipped into a beguiling little Christmas display inside a storefront window--one that came alive in captivating detail while the rest of the world simply walked by and went about business." I want to go to Maple Valley!! (with Colin, of course) Or at the very least, read all the other books about the place!!
~~ "Tell me his address. I'll take my mini-torch." I can't give you details, but that line is so perfect.
~~ "'You shouldn't hide so much of yourself all the time, Rylan. You're depriving the people around you of the gift of actually knowing you. Your hurts, your emotion--it's part of what makes you who you are.' He cupped her cheeks. 'And who you are is worth knowing.'" --- Did I mention that I love Colin?!?
~~ I assumed this was Christian fiction, but there really wasn't anything all that "Christian" about it. Perhaps you could term it "Christian-lite" (very very very lite). I'm not sure God was even mentioned until about the 75% mark. It's more a "clean", "inspirational" type book.
~~ My dad has Alzheimer's. I "lost it" for a moment when reading about Colin's dad and their relationship, and when his mom said, "'Just talk to him, Colin. Tell him you love him. The memories from before are going to fade anyway. What we've got left are moments. So give him a good one." I can attest, those good moments are priceless.
November 25, 2016
One Enchanted Eve is as charming and as effervescent as I've come to expect from a Melissa Tagg story! If you've picked One Enchanted Eve to start your Christmas reading for the season, then you are in good hands. I'm not sure how she does it, but Melissa Tagg manages to take a shorter tale and bring characters with history and depth to life. Set in the charming town of Maple Valley, Iowa, a place that readers will recognize from the endearing Walker Family books, this little tale is filled with endearing characters with realistic struggles and an adorable romance.
Though we see Colin through the eyes of his responsible older brother Drew in One Enchanted Christmas - side note, if you've not read it, please do - in One Enchanted Eve, we see things from his perspective. A late bloomer, Colin is determined to prove himself to his family, but not reaching out may have cost him this time. Ryland Jefferson has kept her hurts to herself, shutting herself out from her family to better distance herself from her pain.
With real-life situations, a sweet romance, and tasty details about baking, this novella pulled me in immediately. I was glad to see the Renwycke family again and can only hope that Leigh gets her own story as well!
Though we see Colin through the eyes of his responsible older brother Drew in One Enchanted Christmas - side note, if you've not read it, please do - in One Enchanted Eve, we see things from his perspective. A late bloomer, Colin is determined to prove himself to his family, but not reaching out may have cost him this time. Ryland Jefferson has kept her hurts to herself, shutting herself out from her family to better distance herself from her pain.
With real-life situations, a sweet romance, and tasty details about baking, this novella pulled me in immediately. I was glad to see the Renwycke family again and can only hope that Leigh gets her own story as well!
May 31, 2019
Great development of characters, fun romance, thought-provoking theme of importance of family relationships. A perfect Christmas novella!
November 28, 2021
About this book:
“A delightful Christmas romance about finding the perfect recipe for love.
After years of mistakes and regret, Colin Renwycke finally has a plan: Hone his baking talent at the Denver Culinary Institute and embark on a new career as a pastry chef. If he's lucky, he might even manage to earn back his family's respect. But despite his skills in the kitchen, Colin's a mess in the classroom and his ongoing disasters are proving too much for his prickly instructor. If he loses his spot at the school, he's out of backup plans.
Culinary school instructor Rylan Jefferson has the chance to reclaim her dream of running her own bakery. But she only has until Christmas Eve to come up with the perfect recipe to impress an eccentric investor. She has no time for holiday parties or family plans . . . and especially not for the unruly student baker who couldn't follow a recipe if his life depended on it.
But Colin has the one ingredient Rylan needs most—talent. Lots of it. And when he makes a proposal that just might solve both their problems, Rylan can't say no—even if it does mean traveling all the way to Iowa. It just might be that the snow-covered plains and a charming small town full of postcard Christmas cheer are exactly what her hungry heart needs . . . along with a man who is much more than he seems.”
Series: #2 in the “Enchanted Christmas” series. Review of the first novella, Here!
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Talks about God; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Colin says he hasn’t thought about God in a long time, but tries praying; Set during Christmas & mentions of those in the Bible & a live nativity; Mentions of God; Mentions of churches & church going; A couple mentions of Heaven; A couple mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of miracles; A mention of thanking God.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘darn’, a ‘gosh’, a ‘heck’, a form of ‘shut up’, a ‘sissy’, a form of ‘wimp’, three forms of ‘stupid’, five ‘idiot’s; Some sarcasm & eye rolling; Fighting & Hitting (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths & wars; Mentions of killing someone (not seriously); Mentions of fights, fighting, & blood, & injuries; Mentions of jail & bailing someone out; Mentions of an alcoholic, addictions, pills, & rehab; Mentions of parties, alcohol, drinking, a drunk, & frat boys; Mentions of lies & lying; A couple mentions of overdoses; A couple mentions of stealing; A mention of a burglar;
*Note: Mentions of cooking alcohol.
Sexual Content- A head kiss, three cheek kisses, an almost kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and four semi-detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand Holding, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling (including a bit of noticing a man’s muscles, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kisses, an almost kiss, & kissing; Mentions of dating, dates, boyfriends, & girlfriends; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of married couples kissing; A mention of a pregnant high schooler; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of a guy taking advantage of a girl.
-Rylan Jefferson, age 34
-Colin Renwyche, age 31
P.O.V. switches between them
134 pages
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This was a another cute Christmas read from this author! It was a bit kissy at times for the length of this novella, but there was also a lot of humor that made me laugh while reading. :)
Link to review:
Coming soon.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“A delightful Christmas romance about finding the perfect recipe for love.
After years of mistakes and regret, Colin Renwycke finally has a plan: Hone his baking talent at the Denver Culinary Institute and embark on a new career as a pastry chef. If he's lucky, he might even manage to earn back his family's respect. But despite his skills in the kitchen, Colin's a mess in the classroom and his ongoing disasters are proving too much for his prickly instructor. If he loses his spot at the school, he's out of backup plans.
Culinary school instructor Rylan Jefferson has the chance to reclaim her dream of running her own bakery. But she only has until Christmas Eve to come up with the perfect recipe to impress an eccentric investor. She has no time for holiday parties or family plans . . . and especially not for the unruly student baker who couldn't follow a recipe if his life depended on it.
But Colin has the one ingredient Rylan needs most—talent. Lots of it. And when he makes a proposal that just might solve both their problems, Rylan can't say no—even if it does mean traveling all the way to Iowa. It just might be that the snow-covered plains and a charming small town full of postcard Christmas cheer are exactly what her hungry heart needs . . . along with a man who is much more than he seems.”
Series: #2 in the “Enchanted Christmas” series. Review of the first novella, Here!
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Talks about God; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Colin says he hasn’t thought about God in a long time, but tries praying; Set during Christmas & mentions of those in the Bible & a live nativity; Mentions of God; Mentions of churches & church going; A couple mentions of Heaven; A couple mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of miracles; A mention of thanking God.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘darn’, a ‘gosh’, a ‘heck’, a form of ‘shut up’, a ‘sissy’, a form of ‘wimp’, three forms of ‘stupid’, five ‘idiot’s; Some sarcasm & eye rolling; Fighting & Hitting (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of deaths & wars; Mentions of killing someone (not seriously); Mentions of fights, fighting, & blood, & injuries; Mentions of jail & bailing someone out; Mentions of an alcoholic, addictions, pills, & rehab; Mentions of parties, alcohol, drinking, a drunk, & frat boys; Mentions of lies & lying; A couple mentions of overdoses; A couple mentions of stealing; A mention of a burglar;
*Note: Mentions of cooking alcohol.
Sexual Content- A head kiss, three cheek kisses, an almost kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and four semi-detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand Holding, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling (including a bit of noticing a man’s muscles, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kisses, an almost kiss, & kissing; Mentions of dating, dates, boyfriends, & girlfriends; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of blushes; A few mentions of married couples kissing; A mention of a pregnant high schooler; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of a guy taking advantage of a girl.
-Rylan Jefferson, age 34
-Colin Renwyche, age 31
P.O.V. switches between them
134 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This was a another cute Christmas read from this author! It was a bit kissy at times for the length of this novella, but there was also a lot of humor that made me laugh while reading. :)
Link to review:
Coming soon.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
December 22, 2016
Fantastic novella
Do a self gift like I did and read this story right now! What a nice break to have this delightful romance to read while I have been resting today. Highly recommend.
Do a self gift like I did and read this story right now! What a nice break to have this delightful romance to read while I have been resting today. Highly recommend.
November 11, 2016
What do you know? Melissa Tagg did it again! Whether it be a short novella or a full length novel, this lady pulls together such a sweet, original story full of characters you connect with from the first few pages. I don't know how she does it! You can be guaranteed to spend your money on a Melissa Tagg book and be so glad that you did! You will read these stories over and over again.
This is the perfect time of year to read 'One Enchanted Eve'. A follow on from her first in the Enchanted Christmas Collection. I haven't read 'One Enchanted Christmas', and while it doesn't affect the story, I do wish I had read it first. You can read this as a stand alone. You have met Colin before if you have read a few other Tagg books, and for the most part this story is set in our favourite town of Maple Valley. Starting out in Denver, you meet Rylan, Colin's teacher at a culinary school. I loved the chemistry between these two from the beginning. A different kind of chemistry you have come to expect. Perfect! However, this is not a simple love story either. Without leaving you all thinking there is some big shocker, or twist, I can say that there was an element to this story that was so poignant for me. My Mum died of early onset Alzheimer's and usually whenever the disease is mentioned in a story, I find I have to take a break, or put it down and never go back. It was with trepidation that I continued, but it was Melissa, and I trust her to tell this story with sensitivity. She did just that. There was just enough to bring this into the characters world, but it stayed on the rim, and we didn't have to delve too far deep. It conjures up a lot of difficult memories to me. After all, my Mum was only in her late 50s when she was diagnosed. But I have been there, just like the Renwycke family had, in all those places you don't want to go. Well done, really well done, for adding that element with care.
Everything is right about this story. The length is perfect for a novella. The location is spot on. There's enough of a glimpse at the Walkers to keep the fans happy!
Next order of business - go get the first novella and catch up!!! Thanks to Larkspur Press & Melissa Tagg for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
This is the perfect time of year to read 'One Enchanted Eve'. A follow on from her first in the Enchanted Christmas Collection. I haven't read 'One Enchanted Christmas', and while it doesn't affect the story, I do wish I had read it first. You can read this as a stand alone. You have met Colin before if you have read a few other Tagg books, and for the most part this story is set in our favourite town of Maple Valley. Starting out in Denver, you meet Rylan, Colin's teacher at a culinary school. I loved the chemistry between these two from the beginning. A different kind of chemistry you have come to expect. Perfect! However, this is not a simple love story either. Without leaving you all thinking there is some big shocker, or twist, I can say that there was an element to this story that was so poignant for me. My Mum died of early onset Alzheimer's and usually whenever the disease is mentioned in a story, I find I have to take a break, or put it down and never go back. It was with trepidation that I continued, but it was Melissa, and I trust her to tell this story with sensitivity. She did just that. There was just enough to bring this into the characters world, but it stayed on the rim, and we didn't have to delve too far deep. It conjures up a lot of difficult memories to me. After all, my Mum was only in her late 50s when she was diagnosed. But I have been there, just like the Renwycke family had, in all those places you don't want to go. Well done, really well done, for adding that element with care.
Everything is right about this story. The length is perfect for a novella. The location is spot on. There's enough of a glimpse at the Walkers to keep the fans happy!
Next order of business - go get the first novella and catch up!!! Thanks to Larkspur Press & Melissa Tagg for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
January 2, 2017
I love food--especially baked goods--and this book had me constantly craving something deliciously sugary. I'm also a fan of challenges (when it's not me) and this couple faces many of them. How can you truly appreciate something if it doesn't take a lot of work to get it?
Ryland had her dream bakery and lost it. She's got a plan to be back on top again, but it takes following a recipe card and her plans to a T. Colin is a very spontaneous and fun-loving guy, who always takes risks and never seems to take life seriously. When these opposites clash in the classroom (her as teacher, him as student), literal and figurative sparks fly.
There's something about the way that opposites attract that's very appealing. Not only is there a lot of conflict, which makes for some fun entertainment, but there's also some growth that occurs, and that tugs a tender part of my heart. I love how both Ryland and Colin learn to balance each other and the process left me with a smile on my face.
This is a fantastic holiday story with many fuzzy feels, as well as some aggravating moments--I tend to be more like Ryland--but I adored it. I love this family because they've had their share of hard times and that makes them real. The books can stand alone, but it's great to read them all. I can't wait for Leigh's story!
Content: talk of past issues (drug/alcohol use; flings); mild romance.
Ryland had her dream bakery and lost it. She's got a plan to be back on top again, but it takes following a recipe card and her plans to a T. Colin is a very spontaneous and fun-loving guy, who always takes risks and never seems to take life seriously. When these opposites clash in the classroom (her as teacher, him as student), literal and figurative sparks fly.
There's something about the way that opposites attract that's very appealing. Not only is there a lot of conflict, which makes for some fun entertainment, but there's also some growth that occurs, and that tugs a tender part of my heart. I love how both Ryland and Colin learn to balance each other and the process left me with a smile on my face.
This is a fantastic holiday story with many fuzzy feels, as well as some aggravating moments--I tend to be more like Ryland--but I adored it. I love this family because they've had their share of hard times and that makes them real. The books can stand alone, but it's great to read them all. I can't wait for Leigh's story!
Content: talk of past issues (drug/alcohol use; flings); mild romance.
August 9, 2018
Third time, and somehow it still captured my attention. In the middle of summer, no less. And that ending? Adorable. The father-son reconciliation? Barely there and yet it tugged on my heart and made my eyes water. There's a reason Miss Tagg is one of my favorites! ❤
December 21, 2016
I loved it—of course! All of Melissa's normal wit and charm and heartfelt emotion are present in full force. Rylan and Colin were an interesting couple from the start, and the biggest problem I had with this book is that I finished it too quickly!! I'm looking forward to Leigh's story now...maybe next year?
February 15, 2017
In my mind, Maple Valley, Iowa is synonymous with the Walker Family. They go hand-in-hand, and bring warm smiles and joy every time I think of them. I want to live in Maple Valley and, although I LOVE my own family dearly, I want to be adopted into the fabulously imperfect Walker family. I love that Melissa Tagg knows how much her readers adore this little town and family and found a way to bring us more stories that take us “home.”
Melissa Tagg began her Enchanted Christmas Collection last year with her novella One Enchanted Christmas. It is set in our beloved Maple Valley, Iowa and we are introduced to the Renwycke family. This is a splintered family that is struggling to navigate their lives independently. Well, all except Drew. He’s the oldest of three siblings and his deepest desire is to reconnect his family. Guess what? The Renwycke family has captured my heart just as much as the Walkers! It must be the town…or, more likely, Melissa Tagg’s gift for writing amazing, relatable characters who tug on your heart strings. One Enchanted Christams is Drew’s story. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, do yourself a favor and start there.
One Enchanted Eve is Drew’s brother’s story. Collin, who we first meet in Drew’s story, is a charmer, who’s led a colorful life and truly desires to settle down and prove to his family that he can become the responsible brother, uncle and son he thinks he ought to be. He is in culinary school in Denver because he believes that his route to this goal is becoming a pastry chef. Enter, Ryland…his culinary teacher. She is a no-nonsense, by-the-book (or, more accurately, by-the-recipe-card) kind of teacher. She is very focused on her end goal of getting out of teaching and back into the bakery. As you can imagine, they clash. In an unexpected twist, they end up traveling together to Colin’s hometown of – you guessed it – Maple Valley.
This story deals with our hopes and dreams, and seeing those dreams dashed. It deals with family relationships – that aren’t always as nice and loving as we’d hope them to be. It deals with difficult issues like Alzheimer's Disease and substance abuse. It deals with love and forgiveness and giving one another a second chance. It deals with thinking outside the box, following our dreams and facing our fears.
One Enchanted Eve is a novella. You don’t expect to be touched so much by such a short story. One thing I’ve learned though, after reading all of Melissa Tagg’s books is to always expect God to touch you through her writing. God works through Melissa Tagg to draw us nearer to Him – to show us His love – to share with us Himself through the characters in her stories.
I sure hope that the Renwyckes are in our next Walker book because, well…Christmas 2017 is a long way off and I’m already looking forward to reading Leah’s story – and hearing how things are going with Drew and Colin! ;) Enjoy!
November 15, 2016
One Enchanted Eve ( Enchanted Christmas Collection #2 )
By Melissa Tagg
One Enchanted Eve is book two in Enchanted Christmas Collection series by Melissa Tagg. I really enjoyed this Christmas Novella . It did not seen like a novella it was more like a fun length story. Her story and characters , both are well written and well developed. Tagg drew me in right at the start and then I was hooked. I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. She carries us back to Maple Valley , Iowa. Rylan is Collin’s teacher in Culinary school. She has had it with him and ready to kick him out of her class. He does not follow the recipes and makes big messes of anything he does, but Collin needs this job , he needs to stay in school . He has not been a very good guy , but he intends to change that. Will he change ?Will Rylan give him anther chance? I laughed and at times I felt tears in my eyes. Tags writes a very sweet romance that will grab you and not let you go. I can’t wait till the next novella .
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All options are my own.
By Melissa Tagg
One Enchanted Eve is book two in Enchanted Christmas Collection series by Melissa Tagg. I really enjoyed this Christmas Novella . It did not seen like a novella it was more like a fun length story. Her story and characters , both are well written and well developed. Tagg drew me in right at the start and then I was hooked. I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. She carries us back to Maple Valley , Iowa. Rylan is Collin’s teacher in Culinary school. She has had it with him and ready to kick him out of her class. He does not follow the recipes and makes big messes of anything he does, but Collin needs this job , he needs to stay in school . He has not been a very good guy , but he intends to change that. Will he change ?Will Rylan give him anther chance? I laughed and at times I felt tears in my eyes. Tags writes a very sweet romance that will grab you and not let you go. I can’t wait till the next novella .
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All options are my own.
December 24, 2016
Another book (novella) to love from Melissa Tag. Oh my gosh I just love her style, wit, humor and romance. Her ability to create such a sigh worthy town makes you want to move there. I love the Walkers but I also love this new family that she has introduced here and in One Enchanted Christmas. I love characters that are real with all of their flaws like most of us . ;-) if you want a sigh worthy read with a Christmas theme quick to read during the hustle and bustle, just be prepared to want to move to Maple Valley and have this sudden desire to bake!
November 25, 2017
Such a cute novella! I enjoyed every minute of this one.
I had a difficult time in believing Rylan would have traveled states away with a student she disliked so much. Once I got beyond that, I was hooked on Colin and Rylan's story. These two misfits were a good match. I especially loved Rylan's full name.
I look forward to reading Leigh's story.
I had a difficult time in believing Rylan would have traveled states away with a student she disliked so much. Once I got beyond that, I was hooked on Colin and Rylan's story. These two misfits were a good match. I especially loved Rylan's full name.
I look forward to reading Leigh's story.
December 8, 2020
Just the right story to read for Christmas fun. Ms. Tagg gives us a quirky hero who is a student of the heroine in all things bakery. What could go wrong when Ms. Ryland joins Colin at his family’s home for Christmas? Maybe a short course in romance?
This was a fun venture into Maple Valley, Iowa and makes you want to visit this quaint town in Ms. Tagg’s other books about the Walker family.
Merry Christmas reading this polished and shiny story!
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
This was a fun venture into Maple Valley, Iowa and makes you want to visit this quaint town in Ms. Tagg’s other books about the Walker family.
Merry Christmas reading this polished and shiny story!
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
December 10, 2017
4.5 Stars
Rylan's dream of owning her own bakery came true. But after two years it was ripped out from underneath her. Hurt and brokenhearted, she dedicates her life to getting her dream back. Working as a culinary instructor at the Denver Culinary Institute owned by a renowned chef and restaurateur will help her get her foot in the door.
When an opportunity arises to work as the head baker in a new trendy bakery, she can almost taste her dream coming true again. The only thing standing in her way is an original recipe.. a signature dish.. something to dazzle said owner, chef and restaurateur. Sadly she doesn't have a single creative bone in her body. She is a by the book, no nonsense kind of baker.
Desperate and on the verge of being expelled, Colin hatches a plan that would be a win/win for both him and Rylan. He'll help her come up with a signature dish if she promises not to expel him. Oh, and she has to come home with him to Iowa for Christmas. He needs her to help his family see that he's changed and doing what he's always wanted to do.
Even though Rylan can't stand Colin, she needs his help. If going to Iowa with him will inspire an original recipe that will dazzle Potts, then she'll do it. No one said she had to like it though.
But somewhere along the way her eyes were opened to the real Colin. The Colin who needs to prove to everyone, including himself, that he is not a failure. The Colin who is in desperate need of love and acceptance. The Colin who will do anything and everything for the people he loves.
Their journey may have started out rocky but there is no denying that they were meant to be. Through their growing friendship they found love, forgiveness, healing and a well deserved happily ever after.
*dreamy sigh*
Oh how I am loving this series! It's super cute and fun! I am loving the Renwycke's and can't wait for Leigh's story!
This is the second book of Ms. Tagg's I have read and I'm sitting here wondering why in the world I haven't read more by her! Guess I'll need to check out her other books and add them to my TBR list! Any author that can suck me in from the beginning definitely needs to be added to my go to list! ;)
This one was pretty easy for me... I saw these two from the very beginning. Love them! *dreamy sigh*
Rylan's dream of owning her own bakery came true. But after two years it was ripped out from underneath her. Hurt and brokenhearted, she dedicates her life to getting her dream back. Working as a culinary instructor at the Denver Culinary Institute owned by a renowned chef and restaurateur will help her get her foot in the door.
When an opportunity arises to work as the head baker in a new trendy bakery, she can almost taste her dream coming true again. The only thing standing in her way is an original recipe.. a signature dish.. something to dazzle said owner, chef and restaurateur. Sadly she doesn't have a single creative bone in her body. She is a by the book, no nonsense kind of baker.
Desperate and on the verge of being expelled, Colin hatches a plan that would be a win/win for both him and Rylan. He'll help her come up with a signature dish if she promises not to expel him. Oh, and she has to come home with him to Iowa for Christmas. He needs her to help his family see that he's changed and doing what he's always wanted to do.
Even though Rylan can't stand Colin, she needs his help. If going to Iowa with him will inspire an original recipe that will dazzle Potts, then she'll do it. No one said she had to like it though.
But somewhere along the way her eyes were opened to the real Colin. The Colin who needs to prove to everyone, including himself, that he is not a failure. The Colin who is in desperate need of love and acceptance. The Colin who will do anything and everything for the people he loves.
Their journey may have started out rocky but there is no denying that they were meant to be. Through their growing friendship they found love, forgiveness, healing and a well deserved happily ever after.
*dreamy sigh*
Oh how I am loving this series! It's super cute and fun! I am loving the Renwycke's and can't wait for Leigh's story!
This is the second book of Ms. Tagg's I have read and I'm sitting here wondering why in the world I haven't read more by her! Guess I'll need to check out her other books and add them to my TBR list! Any author that can suck me in from the beginning definitely needs to be added to my go to list! ;)
This one was pretty easy for me... I saw these two from the very beginning. Love them! *dreamy sigh*
December 12, 2016
I have been following Melissa Tagg's books since shortly after the release of her very first, with which she promptly found a spot on my list of all time favorite authors. Each new story she writes completely reaffirms exactly why she has a permanent spot on said list. Her books are beyond AMAZING, I'm always sad to see the awesomeness end but thrilled because now I only have to wait (Insert X number of months here) until her next book!
One Enchanted Eve was every bit as amazing as I knew it would be. After having met Colin last Christmas in the novella One Enchanted Christmas (And not liking him much at the time either, I might add!) I just knew even before I found out One Enchanted Eve was happening that there was so much more to Colin's story and I couldn't wait to read it! I LOVED everything about this story, it was just so completely awesome! One Enchanted Eve as well as the first book in the series One Enchanted Christmas are (At least in my opinion!) must-reads for the Christmas season (Though they are every bit as awesome at every other time of year too!) While these can both be read as standalones I would recommend reading One Enchanted Christmas before One Enchanted Eve as it does add to the reading experience!
I know I'm in danger of gush overload write now (Pun most definitely intended!) so I will wrap up by saying that I absolutely adored One Enchanted Eve and can't wait to read Melissa's next book!
I bought this book and read it purely for pleasure. No review required.
One Enchanted Eve was every bit as amazing as I knew it would be. After having met Colin last Christmas in the novella One Enchanted Christmas (And not liking him much at the time either, I might add!) I just knew even before I found out One Enchanted Eve was happening that there was so much more to Colin's story and I couldn't wait to read it! I LOVED everything about this story, it was just so completely awesome! One Enchanted Eve as well as the first book in the series One Enchanted Christmas are (At least in my opinion!) must-reads for the Christmas season (Though they are every bit as awesome at every other time of year too!) While these can both be read as standalones I would recommend reading One Enchanted Christmas before One Enchanted Eve as it does add to the reading experience!
I know I'm in danger of gush overload write now (Pun most definitely intended!) so I will wrap up by saying that I absolutely adored One Enchanted Eve and can't wait to read Melissa's next book!
I bought this book and read it purely for pleasure. No review required.
November 23, 2016
Once again I am enchanted by another story set in the fictional community of Maple Valley, Iowa! This novella is so complete and the characters so nicely crafted. Just like the other novella in this series, it didn’t actually feel like I was reading a novella. And if you have not read any other books by this author, One Enchanted Eve stands alone nicely. I do also highly recommend the novella, One Enchanted Christmas, as well as the entire Walker Family series simply because they are some of my very favorite books!
I absolutely loved the way the relationship grew betwin Rylan and Colin. From prickly bickering to cautious friendship to meant for each other…it left me feeling warm and happy. There were depths to Rylan and Colin that had to be explored and hurts that needed mending. All of this was accomplished in this beautiful story. One Enchanted Eve is definitely a book I will be reading and enjoying over and over again.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I absolutely loved the way the relationship grew betwin Rylan and Colin. From prickly bickering to cautious friendship to meant for each other…it left me feeling warm and happy. There were depths to Rylan and Colin that had to be explored and hurts that needed mending. All of this was accomplished in this beautiful story. One Enchanted Eve is definitely a book I will be reading and enjoying over and over again.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
November 10, 2016
I absolutely loved this novella. It is a very easy and fast read. Once you dive into this book you will not want to leave! The characters development for such a short read is amazing. You will fall in love with them. I haven't had the opportunity to read one of her other books yet, so I was a little nervous about jumping into a novella that is connected with a series, but I was able to jump right into this world. I never felt lost once. The connection is definitely there with the other novels, that I am now going to probably binge read, but I would say this is a stand alone novella if you would want it to be with ties to the other books.
November 10, 2016
*My Thoughts*
I love Melissa Tagg. And Christmas. And relationships with a rocky start are my very, very favorite!
The characters were lovable and relatable. I understood Colin's need for his families' approval, and Ryland's desperate wish to start her own business. Their relationship evolved steadily, but not too fast for a novella.
As usual the town's quirkiness has me falling just a little bit (okay, a lot) in love with it! It reminds me of my own little town of Appomattox and never fails to make me smile.
And then there is the writing. Melissa's fun, hilarious, quirky dialogue has me giggling and grinning through page upon page, only to have me in tears the next! Every word I devoured felt like coming home, and I can't wait to go back.
Consensus: I adored every single word of this book. I want to visit Whisper Shore, even though I'm pretty sure it's not a real place. And I'm now talking to fictional characters. Again. Thanks Melissa! :)
_______________________________________________________
*My Rating*
I give One Enchanted Eve by Melissa Tagg...
5 stars!!
_______________________________________________
*I received this book free of charge from the author.
I love Melissa Tagg. And Christmas. And relationships with a rocky start are my very, very favorite!
The characters were lovable and relatable. I understood Colin's need for his families' approval, and Ryland's desperate wish to start her own business. Their relationship evolved steadily, but not too fast for a novella.
As usual the town's quirkiness has me falling just a little bit (okay, a lot) in love with it! It reminds me of my own little town of Appomattox and never fails to make me smile.
And then there is the writing. Melissa's fun, hilarious, quirky dialogue has me giggling and grinning through page upon page, only to have me in tears the next! Every word I devoured felt like coming home, and I can't wait to go back.
Consensus: I adored every single word of this book. I want to visit Whisper Shore, even though I'm pretty sure it's not a real place. And I'm now talking to fictional characters. Again. Thanks Melissa! :)
_______________________________________________________
*My Rating*
I give One Enchanted Eve by Melissa Tagg...
5 stars!!
_______________________________________________
*I received this book free of charge from the author.
April 4, 2020
One Enchanted Eve is just as delightful and charming as its predecessor! While I was singularly unimpressed with Colin in last year's One Enchanted Christmas, I grew to love him dearly in One Enchanted Eve! (I also didn't love Drew nearly as much in this novella. It's amazing how looking at a person from a different perspective—in this case, seeing Drew through Colin's eyes—can change your perception! That's not to say I don't still love Drew, but he doesn't seem as perfect anymore.)
I loved the slowly building attraction and then relationship between Rylan and Colin, and I enjoyed seeing how perfectly they complemented each other. Theirs is a story that I could see as a wonderfully delightful Hallmark Christmas movie.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the novel is the disease that has stricken Colin's father. As someone who lost a grandfather to Alzheimer's (thankfully not early-onset), I could understand the family's emotions and the rough road that lies ahead of them, which I assume we'll get to glimpse when Tagg writes Drew and Colin's sister Leigh's story.
One Enchanted Eve is a perfectly romantic, humorous, and touching Christmas novella. Once again, Tagg left me wanting to pack my bags for Maple Valley, Iowa!
I loved the slowly building attraction and then relationship between Rylan and Colin, and I enjoyed seeing how perfectly they complemented each other. Theirs is a story that I could see as a wonderfully delightful Hallmark Christmas movie.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the novel is the disease that has stricken Colin's father. As someone who lost a grandfather to Alzheimer's (thankfully not early-onset), I could understand the family's emotions and the rough road that lies ahead of them, which I assume we'll get to glimpse when Tagg writes Drew and Colin's sister Leigh's story.
One Enchanted Eve is a perfectly romantic, humorous, and touching Christmas novella. Once again, Tagg left me wanting to pack my bags for Maple Valley, Iowa!
January 2, 2017
A tender and uplifting romance sweet and light not unlike the confections the two main characters cook up in the kitchen. Another soon-to-be classic Christmas tale from the talented Ms. Tagg that takes us on a new journey through Maple Valley, Iowa alongside a prodigal son/brother and a been-burnt-before heroine who cares more than she knows. LOVED every minute we had with these characters--only complaint would be that its novella length was too short. But that's how the best stories are--you don't want to leave them.
November 28, 2016
Another wonderful novella by Melissa Tagg. I love any reason to return to Maple Valley, and One Enchanted Eve is a perfectly enchanting Christmassy read.
December 10, 2021
I really enjoyed Colin and Rylan's story. I think they were a good fit . . . he softened her rigidity, and she helped ground him. They each helped each other through some difficult 'back story', especially with regards to their respective families, and each became a better person because of the other.
I also absolutely love the setting of Maple Valley, Iowa, and I look forward to reading Leigh's story.
I also absolutely love the setting of Maple Valley, Iowa, and I look forward to reading Leigh's story.
December 26, 2020
Fun read at Christmas time.
November 27, 2016
If you’ve had the pleasure of reading One Enchanted Christmas, then you will probably remember Colin Renwycke, the hero for this story. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book and another chance to return to Maple Valley and the unique cast of characters therein. Colin is the prodigal brother and as this story starts out, we find him in the middle of yet another mess and trying to charm his way out of it, as always. Only this time he contends with Rylan Jefferson, who doesn’t really have anything to lose by kicking him out of her cooking class. Except that is, the extra work his “experiments” bring. Can you say “sparks”? I love how Ms. Tagg starts her books off with with something funny/embarrassing and just keeps it going from there. I found myself smiling or laughing so often that I was probably getting a few strange looks, but was too engrossed to notice.
Ms. Tagg’s writing is excellent, as always. I actually think I’m kind of running out of things to say on this, because I’m sure I’ve covered everything over my previous reviews. Anyhoo, her descriptions drew me right into the story and I loved how she brought everything to such colorful life. I could almost imagine being part of the the kooky town snowman building contest and seeing the lights twinkling on the bridge (courtesy of the cover) and going sledding and walking into The Red Door for coffee with Rylan. I love this fictional town Ms. Tagg has created and always jump at any chance to visit again.
With Colin being the “prodigal brother” there are obviously several issues there and I really appreciated how the author handled them with a care that isn’t always seen in novellas. She also tackles the incredibly difficult topic of having a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, something that made my heart break for them. For Rylan, her story focuses on stepping outside of her comfort zone and taking chances - with cooking, but also with life. I really enjoyed watching this theme play out through the story and seeing her learn what it means to be all in. And also the audacious things Colin talks her into that adds another level of fun to the story. I loved taking this Christmas trip with them and am sure I’ll join them again soon.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance filled with humor and characters you can’t help but love.
My thanks to the author for my advanced copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ms. Tagg’s writing is excellent, as always. I actually think I’m kind of running out of things to say on this, because I’m sure I’ve covered everything over my previous reviews. Anyhoo, her descriptions drew me right into the story and I loved how she brought everything to such colorful life. I could almost imagine being part of the the kooky town snowman building contest and seeing the lights twinkling on the bridge (courtesy of the cover) and going sledding and walking into The Red Door for coffee with Rylan. I love this fictional town Ms. Tagg has created and always jump at any chance to visit again.
With Colin being the “prodigal brother” there are obviously several issues there and I really appreciated how the author handled them with a care that isn’t always seen in novellas. She also tackles the incredibly difficult topic of having a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, something that made my heart break for them. For Rylan, her story focuses on stepping outside of her comfort zone and taking chances - with cooking, but also with life. I really enjoyed watching this theme play out through the story and seeing her learn what it means to be all in. And also the audacious things Colin talks her into that adds another level of fun to the story. I loved taking this Christmas trip with them and am sure I’ll join them again soon.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance filled with humor and characters you can’t help but love.
My thanks to the author for my advanced copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 24, 2017
After trying different career options, Colin Renwycke thinks that he has found something that he has a natural talent for and enjoys. He wants to be a pastry chef and is enrolled in a class at the Denver Culinary Institute. He feels that he has been a disappointment to his family and wants to show them that he can make something of himself with Rylan's help.
Rylan Jefferson is Colin's instructor and has dreams of owning her own bakery. The holidays are approaching and she is given a chance to make good on her dreams if she can come up with a special dish to impress an investor for her bakery.
Colin makes a deal with Rylan that if she will go home with him for the Christmas holidays, he will help her come up with a dish. He isn't the best student but Rylan decides that she may as well take him up on the offer so they head to Iowa. She has no other plans.
This is a quick sweet read for anytime but especially the holidays as Colin and Rylan get to know each other. Ms. Tagg does a great job creating characters that are real likable characters that you want to cheer on for success. She creates a wonderful sounding Christmas setting that all can enjoy.
Rylan Jefferson is Colin's instructor and has dreams of owning her own bakery. The holidays are approaching and she is given a chance to make good on her dreams if she can come up with a special dish to impress an investor for her bakery.
Colin makes a deal with Rylan that if she will go home with him for the Christmas holidays, he will help her come up with a dish. He isn't the best student but Rylan decides that she may as well take him up on the offer so they head to Iowa. She has no other plans.
This is a quick sweet read for anytime but especially the holidays as Colin and Rylan get to know each other. Ms. Tagg does a great job creating characters that are real likable characters that you want to cheer on for success. She creates a wonderful sounding Christmas setting that all can enjoy.
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