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Almost Christmas
Timing is everything, and Mae Abbott had been planning this moment for nearly a year. It was her one chance to escape a lifetime of misery, and she was determined to take advantage of it. The fact that it was almost Christmas and she had no particular place to go was of little consequence. The only thing on her mind was starting over.
She headed east, confident that her strong will and meager savings would be enough to get by. But her plans quickly began to crumble when she found herself in desperate need of help. Thankfully, that was precisely when she met Jesse Ward.
Mae was stubborn, and she tried her best to refuse assistance from this handsome stranger. After all, her plans didn't include an extended detour in the middle of Virginia. Yet the two of them would soon discover that this chance encounter was exactly what they both needed to make a fresh start.
She headed east, confident that her strong will and meager savings would be enough to get by. But her plans quickly began to crumble when she found herself in desperate need of help. Thankfully, that was precisely when she met Jesse Ward.
Mae was stubborn, and she tried her best to refuse assistance from this handsome stranger. After all, her plans didn't include an extended detour in the middle of Virginia. Yet the two of them would soon discover that this chance encounter was exactly what they both needed to make a fresh start.
195 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2016
259 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Brooke St. James
115 books955 followersBrooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
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Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 21, 2016
3 "Christmas miracule" stars
*clearing her throat*
This. Was. A. Truly. NICE. Story.
After reading a blurb I was like "hmmm...that sounds like a pretty serious subject, how is the author gonna pull that, concerning the shortage of pages", yeah, yeah...I know, here she goes again with her "shortage of pages" remarks, but i just can't help it, it's a glitch!
so, eff it...
Now, about the story...
I didn't expect to like it, now don't get me wrong, It was a beautiful story about two people who met in an unexpected circumstances when their own lives weren't in such a good place to begin with. She's running from an abusive relationship and he's secluded himself from happiness cause of the guilt over an accident that happened in the past.
He's adamant to help her out.
She's reluctant to accept it.
I don't know what you're running from or where you're going, but right now, right here in this little moment of your path, you need the help of a stranger.
if only until Christmas...
BUT what happens is that one good deed leads to an open friendship, even though they are strangers, and their time together is set short, her being ready to bolt and him being eager to make her stay. They surrender to the feel of a comfort, peace, the liberating notion of lifted burden through their conversations, they set each other's past free embracing the warmth of a helping hand, the need to belong, acceptance all wrapped up in that special moment, that mystified spark of smth divine lingering in the air.
We were just two people with the right set of imperfections that made us fit into each other's lives perfectly. We were like puzzle pieces, being shaped and shifted to eventually find each other and fit together.
I can't help it BUT deeply sigh...
"Christmas miracle, if you ask me."
That's the part that worked, the part that made me give a 3 star rating (which is not bad rate at all) and I 'm even gonna let "the insta love" slide too cause somehow it's not "off" in the 50% of the story BUT the other part was somehow detached in a sense I felt kinda guilty for wanting it to resolve more determandly, demandingly, especially when dealing with that abusive ex-boyfrined of hers...there was no climatic push for me...and the story ended too demure for me, and I'm not talking about sex here...
and then I realized that there's a subgenre called christian romance
so, there's no need for PG-13, there's no need for any PG whatsoever, there's no cussing, no bad words, and therefore not that much autencity either when you portray a character with "bad behaviour", and that somewhat looks like this...
"Where the (cuss) are you?"
and then the "naughty side of me" took over and I started to think about ALL the bad words I could fit in those little brackets...*itchy fingers*
BUT aside for my own sinful little soul, I have the ultimate respect for the opposite side of my own POV, if you should get bored with the soft stuff, dont read this book BUT for more sensitive romantic souls out there, this is a perfect book to pick up...
I do tend to seek smth different as a preference, though but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a more demure POVs if they deliver the needed message in an intriguing, apprehensive and interesting way like the first 50% of this story did.
November 10, 2016
Mae was a very frustrating character and I almost tossed the book aside after witnessing her pure stupidity in refusing help. I really wanted to see if her ex showed back up, though, so I continued. Waste of time, because it was a total non-event.
And let me just say, if you're going to have your character cuss, just make them fucking cuss. Reading "who the (cuss) is this?!" made me feel embarrassed on behalf of the author. If you don't have the balls to make your villain say "fuck", you need to reevaluate and not make them cuss at all.
And let me just say, if you're going to have your character cuss, just make them fucking cuss. Reading "who the (cuss) is this?!" made me feel embarrassed on behalf of the author. If you don't have the balls to make your villain say "fuck", you need to reevaluate and not make them cuss at all.
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Blurb:
Timing is everything, and Mae Abbott had been planning this moment for nearly a year. It was her one chance to escape a lifetime of misery, and she was determined to take advantage of it. The fact that it was almost Christmas and she had no particular place to go was of little consequence. The only thing on her mind was starting over.
She headed east, confident that her strong will and meager savings would be enough to get by. But her plans quickly began to crumble when she found herself in desperate need of help. Thankfully, that was precisely when she met Jesse Ward.
Mae was stubborn, and she tried her best to refuse assistance from this handsome stranger. After all, her plans didn't include an extended detour in the middle of Virginia. Yet the two of them would soon discover that this chance encounter was exactly what they both needed to make a fresh start.
Blurb:
Timing is everything, and Mae Abbott had been planning this moment for nearly a year. It was her one chance to escape a lifetime of misery, and she was determined to take advantage of it. The fact that it was almost Christmas and she had no particular place to go was of little consequence. The only thing on her mind was starting over.
She headed east, confident that her strong will and meager savings would be enough to get by. But her plans quickly began to crumble when she found herself in desperate need of help. Thankfully, that was precisely when she met Jesse Ward.
Mae was stubborn, and she tried her best to refuse assistance from this handsome stranger. After all, her plans didn't include an extended detour in the middle of Virginia. Yet the two of them would soon discover that this chance encounter was exactly what they both needed to make a fresh start.
January 2, 2017
I've found a new author who writes sweet and clean romance! Mae has been with a controlling and abusive man for seven years and it's time to leave. The fear and numbness that she feels as she does so is almost tangible. I'm a believer that people are often placed in our paths for a reason and when Jesse, a stranger, offers help at a gas station, Mae is wary. I'm also a big believer that a person cannot map out his/her life because we have no idea what's really in store for us and plans always tend to change, as Mae soon discovers.
For as destitute as she is, in almost every aspect of her life, Mae sure comes across as pretty strong and resilient. She's a little hesitant and shy, but has no problem flirting, picking up a stray dog, and acclimating herself into a stranger's life. Is he going to be a rebound relationship? Jesse seems almost too good to be true. Yes, he has an issue from his past that's been hindering him, but he's still a great and selfless guy.
I know it's a bit unrealistic at times (falling in love so quickly and getting over that type of relationship so fast), but it's a sweet and fun diversion and really I enjoyed it. I must say, I was expecting more conflict and drama before the ending, but was very happy with the epilogue. I love the hope, realized dreams, and love that permeates the pages.
Content: "cuss" used in place of swearing; mild romance; mild/vague violence (abuse mentioned in past tense).
For as destitute as she is, in almost every aspect of her life, Mae sure comes across as pretty strong and resilient. She's a little hesitant and shy, but has no problem flirting, picking up a stray dog, and acclimating herself into a stranger's life. Is he going to be a rebound relationship? Jesse seems almost too good to be true. Yes, he has an issue from his past that's been hindering him, but he's still a great and selfless guy.
I know it's a bit unrealistic at times (falling in love so quickly and getting over that type of relationship so fast), but it's a sweet and fun diversion and really I enjoyed it. I must say, I was expecting more conflict and drama before the ending, but was very happy with the epilogue. I love the hope, realized dreams, and love that permeates the pages.
Content: "cuss" used in place of swearing; mild romance; mild/vague violence (abuse mentioned in past tense).
November 11, 2016
This was a perfect holiday romance. I was sad to see it end. I have read all of her books, and have enjoyed them all!
November 15, 2016
Sigh....
Brooke St. James knows how to weave a story that touches the heart. Mae and Jesse are characters you can easily fall in love with. Loved this book!
Brooke St. James knows how to weave a story that touches the heart. Mae and Jesse are characters you can easily fall in love with. Loved this book!
November 22, 2016
I loved it
Great story enjoyed the characters and the story line very much. This author writes some if the best love stories!!
Great story enjoyed the characters and the story line very much. This author writes some if the best love stories!!
December 16, 2018
While I can appreciate the characters and their individual storylines, this storyline felt awkward to me. Maybe because of who Mae is and her background, she might go home with a complete stranger that she meets at a gas station. I certainly would not. That seemed a little unrealistic to me. If there had been more than one encounter, say she decides to listen to him and take her car to a mechanic then meets up with Jesse again the next day or so, I could buy that more than right away going home with a stranger. I also would have liked to have seen more of a background with Jesse's drama and history.
It also bothered me how much sexual angst was going on between these two with a little bit of Jesus and Christmas thrown in to maybe identify it as a Christian book. I didn't read this as a clean romance. It wasn't raunchy but it did make me uncomfortable with some of Mae's thoughts and some of Jesse's words although he seemed more chaste than Mae.
Overall, it was an easy read and I thought for sure Jeff would show up and there would be more drama and a fistfight, it was interesting and quick to read.
It also bothered me how much sexual angst was going on between these two with a little bit of Jesus and Christmas thrown in to maybe identify it as a Christian book. I didn't read this as a clean romance. It wasn't raunchy but it did make me uncomfortable with some of Mae's thoughts and some of Jesse's words although he seemed more chaste than Mae.
Overall, it was an easy read and I thought for sure Jeff would show up and there would be more drama and a fistfight, it was interesting and quick to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
This story is about Mae, a woman in an abusive relationship, and Jesse, a man who helps her. I especially felt the fear that Mae felt as she planned and carried out her escape. At first it was hard for me to understand why Jesse was so persistent in offering help to an exhausted Mae who kept refusing to be helped with her broken-down car. Then we learn that Jesse had his own issues-- feelings of guilt due to falling asleep while driving and causing a collision that leads to the death of a teenage boy. I enjoyed watching how their relationship developed and grew. Highly recommend!
December 18, 2019
Planning her escape from a unfortunate life, Mae Abbott took a long time. Now it is close to Christmas and she is finally on her way. Jesse comes to her rescue even though she is reluctant but gives in. Things are about to change.
This is a contemporary Christmas romance filled with great characters and a story about accepting change. The emotional rollercoaster keeps the reader interested. Two people with haunted pasts grow towards each other. The obstacles they overcome were difficult for anyone. Their interaction is romantic. It is a nice Christmas story.
This is a contemporary Christmas romance filled with great characters and a story about accepting change. The emotional rollercoaster keeps the reader interested. Two people with haunted pasts grow towards each other. The obstacles they overcome were difficult for anyone. Their interaction is romantic. It is a nice Christmas story.
August 30, 2019
Very Good book
Mae is on the run from an abusive relationship and finds herself in Virginia in a car that needs repairs. Jesse finds her at a gas station with her dog and offers to help her out. He takes her home with him and sets her up in his spare room. Naturally, they both have issues and they spend a couple of nights talking them out. In spite of their seeming differences, they fall in love and get their HEA.
Mae is on the run from an abusive relationship and finds herself in Virginia in a car that needs repairs. Jesse finds her at a gas station with her dog and offers to help her out. He takes her home with him and sets her up in his spare room. Naturally, they both have issues and they spend a couple of nights talking them out. In spite of their seeming differences, they fall in love and get their HEA.
December 20, 2019
A woman escaping an abusive relationship finds solace in a complete stranger during the holidays. Soon they discover an attraction to one another and our lead female must choose between staying or fleeing.
I really liked Mae. She was strong willed and I could understand her reasoning for wanting to flee yet again. She didn't know Jesse or his family. I am glad the book took the direction that it did and Mae got her own HEA.
I really liked Mae. She was strong willed and I could understand her reasoning for wanting to flee yet again. She didn't know Jesse or his family. I am glad the book took the direction that it did and Mae got her own HEA.
October 22, 2018
Short and Sweet
Almost Christmas is a short but sweet love story about a young woman running from her abusive ex and the man that finds her just when her car is breaking down. They fall in love within four days over the Christmas holidays, it’s a little on the unbelievable side, but still sweet.
Almost Christmas is a short but sweet love story about a young woman running from her abusive ex and the man that finds her just when her car is breaking down. They fall in love within four days over the Christmas holidays, it’s a little on the unbelievable side, but still sweet.
December 13, 2018
Heart warming story
I loved this story, and couldn't put it down. Which was very hard as I have a lot of things to do right now as Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. I was so happy for Mae that she found someone that loved her for her, and charished her like a decent God fearing man should. So happy she got away from that other guy. Great read and I recommend this story.
I loved this story, and couldn't put it down. Which was very hard as I have a lot of things to do right now as Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. I was so happy for Mae that she found someone that loved her for her, and charished her like a decent God fearing man should. So happy she got away from that other guy. Great read and I recommend this story.
January 1, 2019
This was a sweet book. I'm not sure how I ended up with it on my kindle, but it was and it was Christmas and I dove it.
I loved the sweet little messages inside that everyone needs to hear. The way things played out in a "I'm not sure why, but I need to do this" kinda way was cute.
Overall a nice little story.
I loved the sweet little messages inside that everyone needs to hear. The way things played out in a "I'm not sure why, but I need to do this" kinda way was cute.
Overall a nice little story.
January 17, 2019
A lovely story about a women who finds a family, she finds love and she is courageous to leave her abusive boyfriend of 7 years but she finds a sweet helpful gentleman who has his own healing to do and through their friendship they find what they need. It’s also about generously giving and the story of Christmas miracles.
January 14, 2020
A moving Christmas romance
This author has an amazing talent to address a sensitive subject of an abusive relationship. She also brought out the true meaning of Christmas and how it touched Mae's heart. Though this story is fiction I believe God does put certain people in our paths whom we can help or be helped by them in some way.
This author has an amazing talent to address a sensitive subject of an abusive relationship. She also brought out the true meaning of Christmas and how it touched Mae's heart. Though this story is fiction I believe God does put certain people in our paths whom we can help or be helped by them in some way.
December 2, 2020
Loved it!
I loved this Christmas story. It was almost like a Hallmark movie. I love that Mae got not only her HEA, but an amazing family too. Jesse was such a great guy. He was so good and patient with Mae. I love that he taught her there is a different and better world than the one she grew up in.
I loved this Christmas story. It was almost like a Hallmark movie. I love that Mae got not only her HEA, but an amazing family too. Jesse was such a great guy. He was so good and patient with Mae. I love that he taught her there is a different and better world than the one she grew up in.
December 10, 2018
Ebook
She’s running from an abusive relationship and her car breaks down. He offers to help but trusting isn’t something she does easily. He does get her to accept his help and eventually his love
She’s running from an abusive relationship and her car breaks down. He offers to help but trusting isn’t something she does easily. He does get her to accept his help and eventually his love
December 12, 2018
Heartwarming
Just finished Almost Christmas. I couldn't put it down. I was drawn to Mae's strength of character and Jesse's kindness. What a heartwarming story to read right before Christmas. It was clean but still intriguing.
Just finished Almost Christmas. I couldn't put it down. I was drawn to Mae's strength of character and Jesse's kindness. What a heartwarming story to read right before Christmas. It was clean but still intriguing.
December 13, 2018
Beautiful Christmas Story
Sweet, touching and endearing Christmas love story that is well written and touched my heart. I highly recommend it to all who love a happily ever after story set at the most magical time of the year, Christmas.
Sweet, touching and endearing Christmas love story that is well written and touched my heart. I highly recommend it to all who love a happily ever after story set at the most magical time of the year, Christmas.
August 4, 2021
One of the best Christmas novels I've ever read
Oh man! This was so sweet. What a great story! I especially loved the ending of her giving it her best for God's glory and not man's praise.
Oh man! This was so sweet. What a great story! I especially loved the ending of her giving it her best for God's glory and not man's praise.
January 16, 2017
Dreams do come true!
This was a fun clean romance. A great story for Christmas or anytime really. I loved it. Can't wait to read more by this author.
This was a fun clean romance. A great story for Christmas or anytime really. I loved it. Can't wait to read more by this author.
May 21, 2017
Almost good
Almost Christmas was a very easy read. I wish there would have been a little more character development and more development of the plot.
Almost Christmas was a very easy read. I wish there would have been a little more character development and more development of the plot.
October 31, 2017
Cute Story; light, easy read.
December 14, 2017
Enjoyed this book!
Enjoyed this read! Easy to dive into and didn't want to set it down! Clean. I already recommended it to my sister.
Enjoyed this read! Easy to dive into and didn't want to set it down! Clean. I already recommended it to my sister.
March 19, 2018
Sweet, sweet, sweet
Just reread ALMOST CHRISTMAS again, and got the feels, again. This story makes me feel so good, happy for Mae and Jesse.
Just reread ALMOST CHRISTMAS again, and got the feels, again. This story makes me feel so good, happy for Mae and Jesse.
December 9, 2018
Really enjoyed!
God’s plan for our lives can be far different then what we expect. This story contains a wonderful Christmas gift for both of the main characters.
God’s plan for our lives can be far different then what we expect. This story contains a wonderful Christmas gift for both of the main characters.
December 11, 2018
Review
Very good, a page turner. Loved how Jesse's fami!y accepted her without a lot of questions. I missed the part where she divorced Jeff
Very good, a page turner. Loved how Jesse's fami!y accepted her without a lot of questions. I missed the part where she divorced Jeff
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews