The Christmas Cabin

Holiday House #1

by J.L. Jarvis

Lawyer Abbie Harper rents a cabin for her own perfect Christmas. On Christmas Eve, she leaves the stress of her New York job and drives to the mountains, settling in for seven glorious days of peace on earth and good will toward men-so long as they steer clear of her. Forest Ranger Jack Whelan is no good at relationships. He manages just fine by holding fast to one rule: Don't let anyone get close. Then Abbie Harper rents his cabin. As a light snow falls, the furnace breaks down, and Jack is called in for repairs. When the storm picks up, they're stranded together, turning their ordered lives upside down like a snow globe. Two snowbound strangers who think they know what they want, will find out what they need-at The Christmas Cabin.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Adult, Book Club, Chick Lit, Contemporary

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2016

About the author

J.L. Jarvis is a left-handed former opera singer/teacher/lawyer who lives and writes books on a mountaintop in upstate New York. For information about upcoming books, sign up for her newsletter at jljarvis.com.

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

HOARDER CHALLENGE #26: HOLIDAY
3.5 stars

this is a first time read by the writer for me. It was a cutesy holiday romance.
Some clever lines. good story & characters. quick, easy read.
It did move a little slow.
the writer set the mood & makes you want to rent a cabin for a X-mas.
Jack was a little too perfect; but eh, that's par for the course in a rom-com.
I thought Abbie's fear of dogs was an inventive & interesting character detail to add in.
I'd read more by this writer.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about goodreads star rating. So, I will give my rating. ⭐⭐⭐ for the story. I liked it. Very Hallmark worthy: One person lives in the city; the other in the counrty. You get the idea🙂 I give the writer ⭐⭐⭐⭐. She kept me interested in which I was doubtful. As, I tried to read another book by her and could not finish it.(The Winter Lodge) Yes, I will read more by this author.

[Etta Kephart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lasting Love

I enjoyed the way Jack and Abbie found each other...real attraction. Life is not perfect, but love helps them conquer their fears, not giving up on the possibility of..what if?
Abbie realizes something Jack already knew, to have a life you love is to have everything.

[Catarina | cat literary world · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who’s in their twenties and has life and work life balance figured out? Well, Abbie, for sure hasn’t, which is a promising plot line when she decides to take a little Christmas vacation in a very Christmas setting.

Unfortunately, the book rapidly goes south, has we have a very sudden romantic relationship developing with the cabin owner pretty much out of the blue. I mean, she needs help, he goes there and suddenly they are in love. I couldn’t buy it, I’m sorry. I was expecting more, as the Goodreads rating for this book is quiet good.

The story felt very superficial, we don’t go in depth in the characters personalities and non of the themes is well explored. The couple is crazy in love in like 3 days, while lacking clear communication with each other, which leads to an unnecessary drama. I would do a 3 (out of 5) on the Christmas scale based on setting alone, as it is, indeed, very Christmasys.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quick read, took me two hours. They fell in love ridiculously fast, but I enjoyed their week together. the ending seemed a bit rushed. But I enjoyed it, a nice read for the bus, road trip, or in front of the fire while it snows outside.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actually not my cup of tea. I really like romantic christmas books but this one was so boring and kinda smooth right from the start. It was all to cosy, romantic and predictable just from page one.

[Anastasia Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars actually.
A sweet Christmas romance novel.
A honest book which keeps its promises about snowy mountains,cozy cabins, sparkling fireplace, Christmas music, candles... The perfect Christmas scenery, far more... snow is falling, a hot guy is calling.... so I did had a nice time reading it!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read

[Tena Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very heartwarming book. This is the struggles we have in choosing between love and a job you work hard to get. I would recommend this book highly.

[Emanistein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this is the first reading for the the writer and for the year as well.
Un-realistic romance that takes you way too far than the real world,
Although, it's quick to read and attaches you to its atmosphere.

It is considered as 'teenager romance'

Chances are high that I'm not going to read to the writer again.

Recommend when you only want to feel driven away by fantasy.

[Christina Lucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really cute - I think I would’ve enjoyed reading it physically more. The audiobook didn’t have any distinction for the different characters. I really wish they had an actual narrator instead of using AI 😔 It would have made it much better & easier to listen to. I definitely caught myself wondering which person was speaking more than once.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, but the whole thing felt very rushed.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

so what happens when you go to a cabin to spend time away from your work and to have pace and quiet .
and what if you find a woman who intrigues you and makes you question can opposites attract . and can the woman get over her fears . { note you will have to find out by reading to know what her fears are. yes i know i'm cruel but you will never know unless you find out by reading . }
and can the Ranger and the Lawyer make a relationship work or will there be bigger obstacles than needed . find out by reading this book at any retailer . that has e-books or paper backs
i have read most of J.L. Jarvis's books and all i have read are awesome and wonderfully done and you wont want to put this book down i sure didn't . my last book for this week and weekend til Monday lol.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christmas Cabin is a warm, comforting holiday romance that delivers exactly what you’d expect from a snowy, small-town Christmas setting. I enjoyed the atmosphere—the crackling fireplaces, the quiet winter woods, and the sense of starting over all made the book feel like a cozy escape. The romance itself is gentle and heartfelt, and the characters have an easy chemistry that grows naturally as the story unfolds.

That said, some parts felt a bit slow, especially early on, and I found myself wishing for a little more depth or tension to keep the momentum going. The plot is pleasant, but fairly predictable, and a few scenes felt like they wrapped up too quickly.

Overall, it’s a nice, light holiday read—perfect if you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting, even if it doesn’t break any new ground. If you love small-town Christmas romances, this one fits the bill.

[Candace Huddleston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my FAV!

I usually fall in love with my characters but I was not crazy about Abby. She seemed too perfect and I hate to say it but a Pansy. First, I understand everyone has fears but Dogs? Why go to a remote cabin. I just seemed mad at her more. She’s scared of dogs, coyote noises and the gun control really got me. Does everything have to be political? I’m from the South so I am for guns especially protecting yourself and I like rugged country men. She just seemed to whine a lot. And all top of that it took him giving up before her. Idk just not my fav and I also think the love scenes needed a little more. I’m not saying anything drastic but it didn’t really help me feel the characters.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice little read. Abbie wanted to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life for quiet in the mountains. Jack rents out his grandparents cabin for additional income. Two people from different backgrounds come together after the furnace breaks down and Jack is called to come fix it. Then a blizzard hits and they are both stuck at the cabin. They start to have feelings for each other but wonder how they can continue this relationship after Abbie returns to the city. Will their relationship survive or will they separate and go their own way? Will a Christmas miracle happen? I would recommend this book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Christmas Cabin

This was a new author for me. I really enjoyed the story about a NY lawyer whose goal was to make partner in her law firm. She was always working and never had time to herself so she decides to rent a cabin in the woods in upstate NY for Christmas.

When she arrives at the cabin it was cold and the furnace wasn't working so she called the owner to come fix it. The owner, a forest ranger named Jack, stops by to fix the furnace. While fixing the furnace a snow storm hit the area and the roads became impassable. So begins the love story of Abbie and Jack.

I loved the characters and the storyline.

[Wendy Giasulla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas cabin, A Holiday house Novel By J.L. Javis

I couldn't put this book down full of beautiful land scaped Autumn scenery snow peaked mountains. If you love books filled with non stop romance life to the fullest this was a fantastic read especially for Christmas about love friendship career life decisions a book you'll remember long after you be finished it . A delight read i give this book 10 stars In a avid reader this book will stay etched in my memory forever so good.WG.👚👒💄👠👗🔰

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming story about Abbie, an attorney living in the city and Jack, a park ranger. They meet when Abbie decides to rent Jack's log cabin over the Christmas holidays. They have an instant attraction to each other but their relationship has a lot of challenges. With a lot of angst and vulnerability on both sides, they try to reach middle ground. But is their relationship doomed? Both main characters were very likeable and I enjoyed this book.

[Roxy Cribb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touched by the struggle that Abbie goes through. I couldn't Put the bok down. I kept hoping for their love to overcome the obstacles. If you know anyone struggling with the same decision suggest this book. It might help them.

I chose this book because of the Christmas setting and it made. Me feel good. What goes to gather better than Christmas and a love story.

[Rose Straub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, fast holiday read.

Great love story taking place over the Christmas holidays in a snowed in cabin. Abby, the overworked, uptight big city lawyer and Jack, the laid back Park Ranger find more than just a holiday fling when mother nature brings them together during a snowstorm.

[Jeanne Loudin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, warm and happy love story!

If you are feeling any Christmas spirit or even know what a holiday romance can mean, this one is for you. I wasn't familiar with this author but I am now and I anticipate finding more of her work to relax with. I recommend her work. . . It is worth your time.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very easy read, it’s a short festive romance which delivers. I do feel it moved far to fast and was a bit of a juvenile take on romance.
It did have a feel good factor and I had to keep reading.
The characters were likeable which is something I often struggle with and the settings very cosy.

[Mona Kamel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story about a Christmas holiday; but it is really beautiful. It is about a real-life dilemma of a modern woman who devoted her life for achieving her dream and a career she spent great efforts to get. But suddenly she became torn between the love of her life, and the career she has always dreamt of. Many dialogues were very realistic and touches the heart.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and entertaining

This novel is a perfect winter read. The main characters are cute, only slightly flawed, and the author paints a vivid picture of snow covered mountains and a cozy cabin. The story is predictable but oh so satisfying!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOR ALL THOSE ROMANTICS THAT LOVE COZY, SNOW, AND CHRISTMAS

A simple, quick read. Sweet and predictable. I do recommend it—just keep my description in mind. I will read this author’s other books.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. The book was so so. All the two main characters did was drink, drink, drink. The plot was thin and it annoyed me that she was so hung up over the fact he carried a gun. He’s a law enforcement officer!

[Jean Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was okay at first, but I stopped after the information about Abby having had a one-night stand with her boss: "They kissed. And then the room exploded-or was that her ovaries" seemed like a strange way to describe it, plus I wasn't expecting the story to be like that.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I thought this book was super cute. I liked how Jack and Abbie met. This was a good book to read during the Christmas season, but this book was pretty predictable. I enjoyed it though. I read it in about 2 or so hours. I was rooting for their relationship from the beginning.

[Tricia Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

No such thing as perfect

This quick story was close to perfect. One night stands in the workplace is a big no, no. But finding the right one on a Holiday vacation, well that is entirely different. Glad the dog issue was rectified. I would have liked to know how that came about.