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Christmas Sanctuary
Emma Kelly needs a Christmas miracle.
Nick Shepherd loves his life in Salt Spring Island, where he sculpts in a studio with the grizzled and talented artist Mike Nagorski. Mike's estranged daughter, Emma Kelly, arrives in their quiet haven, and though Nick is immediately drawn to her, he tries to resist his feelings. There may be Christmas magic in the air, but Nick knows it can't last forever . . .
BookShots Flames Original romances presented by James Patterson Novels you can devour in a few hours Impossible to stop reading
Nick Shepherd loves his life in Salt Spring Island, where he sculpts in a studio with the grizzled and talented artist Mike Nagorski. Mike's estranged daughter, Emma Kelly, arrives in their quiet haven, and though Nick is immediately drawn to her, he tries to resist his feelings. There may be Christmas magic in the air, but Nick knows it can't last forever . . .
BookShots Flames Original romances presented by James Patterson Novels you can devour in a few hours Impossible to stop reading
Audiobook
First published December 5, 2017
97 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Hawkeye
127 books495 followersLauren Hawkeye/ Lauren Jameson never imagined that she'd wind up telling stories for a living... though when she looks back, it's easy to see that she's the only one who is surprised. Always "the kid who read all the time", Lauren made up stories about her favorite characters once she'd finished a book... and once spent an entire year narrating her own life internally. No, really. But where she was just plain odd before publication, now she can at least claim to have an artistic temperament.
Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers!
Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 6, 2017
All you need to do is say the word Christmas and I'll read it.
Emma Kelly is sampling wedding cakes at her mother's bakery, when her fiancée walks in and throws an envelope on the table. Emma grabs it and both her mother and fiancée try to snatch it. Emma quickly grabs it only to find out that the father she thought is dead is alive. Emma's mother is used to getting her way and Emma has had enough. After learning her fiancée knew about her father, she calls off the wedding and goes to Canada in search of him, hoping for a joyful reunion.
What she finds when she arrives is Nick. There is an instant connection. Her father is out of town and Nick and Emma keep bumping into one another. The story delves into their relationship and is filled with lots of fun moments.
If you are look for a good novella, look no further.........read Christmas Sanctuary and you'll quickly be in the Holiday Spirit!
Emma Kelly is sampling wedding cakes at her mother's bakery, when her fiancée walks in and throws an envelope on the table. Emma grabs it and both her mother and fiancée try to snatch it. Emma quickly grabs it only to find out that the father she thought is dead is alive. Emma's mother is used to getting her way and Emma has had enough. After learning her fiancée knew about her father, she calls off the wedding and goes to Canada in search of him, hoping for a joyful reunion.
What she finds when she arrives is Nick. There is an instant connection. Her father is out of town and Nick and Emma keep bumping into one another. The story delves into their relationship and is filled with lots of fun moments.
If you are look for a good novella, look no further.........read Christmas Sanctuary and you'll quickly be in the Holiday Spirit!
December 23, 2021
Christmas Sanctuary is part of a collection of novels that can be read in a single sitting. The story opens with Emma Kelly at her mother’s bakery in Madison, Georgia where she is tasting cakes for her upcoming wedding to her childhood friend turned fiancé, Matt. When he arrives at the bakery after picking up their marriage license, Emma’s world is turned upside down when she finds out that the father she thought she had and passed away was not her real father. She feels betrayed by her fiancé and mother, so she packs up and heads to Salt Spring Island in Canada to meet her biological father.
When she arrives at her father, Mike Nagorski’s, art studio, she finds his business partner and friend, Nick Shepherd, who informs her that Mike is away on a trip and will not be back for several days. The two have an instant attraction to each other, but each has their reasons for being hesitant. Both Nick and Emma were likable and I loved the winter setting. While this story does not revolve around Christmas, there is still a nice heart-warming feel to the writing. It does feel incomplete, as I would love some more backstory for Emma and Matt’s relationship; however, it is to be expected with a novella and the shorter number of available pages. Overall, this story was very sweet and fun. [3.5 rounded to 4]
When she arrives at her father, Mike Nagorski’s, art studio, she finds his business partner and friend, Nick Shepherd, who informs her that Mike is away on a trip and will not be back for several days. The two have an instant attraction to each other, but each has their reasons for being hesitant. Both Nick and Emma were likable and I loved the winter setting. While this story does not revolve around Christmas, there is still a nice heart-warming feel to the writing. It does feel incomplete, as I would love some more backstory for Emma and Matt’s relationship; however, it is to be expected with a novella and the shorter number of available pages. Overall, this story was very sweet and fun. [3.5 rounded to 4]
November 27, 2017
Christmas Sanctuary by Lauren Hawkeye and James Patterson is a standalone, contemporary romance.
Emma Kelly needs a christmas miracle. She wants to spend the holidays with her family, but fate and karma decide to unravel a ugly truth.
She´s up and on her way to Canada to find something long lost. Everything could be sunshine and rainbows, but no, now the real fun begins. What she finds at Salt Spring Island is not what she expected.
I started reading and was immediatedly sucked into Emma and Nick´s story. I read the book in one sitting, I couldn´t put it down. I had to know what happens to the characters.
Christmas Sanctuary kept me well entertained. I love the writing, the story and the words. I could feel the characters emotions in the words. I give 5 stars. Thank you, Lauren Hawkeye and James Patterson !
Emma Kelly needs a christmas miracle. She wants to spend the holidays with her family, but fate and karma decide to unravel a ugly truth.
She´s up and on her way to Canada to find something long lost. Everything could be sunshine and rainbows, but no, now the real fun begins. What she finds at Salt Spring Island is not what she expected.
I started reading and was immediatedly sucked into Emma and Nick´s story. I read the book in one sitting, I couldn´t put it down. I had to know what happens to the characters.
Christmas Sanctuary kept me well entertained. I love the writing, the story and the words. I could feel the characters emotions in the words. I give 5 stars. Thank you, Lauren Hawkeye and James Patterson !
August 24, 2019
Great story. Emma Kelly finds out her mother has lied to her her whole life and she takes off for a remote island off the coast of Canada to find her father. She learns he is Michael Nagorski, a famous sculptor. As she gets to his studio, she is surprised to find a good-looking man working on a sculpture. Nick Shepherd is another sculptor who came to the island to find his own peace after the death of his mother. He tells himself he shouldn’t get involved with Michael’s daughter but his heart doesn’t listen. Neither does hers.
She had been engaged to a young man she had grown up with and realized there was no spark between them. Marriage was just the next step between them. In Canada, she found the spark with Nick. She also learned to stand up for herself and to do what she wanted regardless of what was expected of her.
She had been engaged to a young man she had grown up with and realized there was no spark between them. Marriage was just the next step between them. In Canada, she found the spark with Nick. She also learned to stand up for herself and to do what she wanted regardless of what was expected of her.
December 5, 2017
This was a a nice Novella about a Christmas a woman looking to find a miracle. Emma goes through her life believing her father is dead, that is until her fiancé get her marriage license. She learns then that her last name is different and learn the truth about her father. What’s more disturbing is her fiancé/ childhood best friend knew about this,. Emma leaves in search of her father and calls of her wedding. This starts a whole new chapter in her life that isn’t all Rose’s when she meets her father but his super sexy partner Mike. The story heats up and twists and turns from here. It was wonderful Novella that I really enjoyed. I only wished it was a little longer.
December 5, 2017
A short, sweet novella, as most Bookshots are, with a cute intro by James Patterson, whose warmth shines despite his cynicism ( have you ever READ an Alex Cross novel ;) ).
This book has a twist- apply for a marriage license, and find out you aren’t who you think you are, and everyone seemed to know but you?! Call off the wedding and RUN. Emma heads north to Canada to try to find her father, and nobody can believe what happens next.
I was given an early copy of this book but in no way did this influence how I feel about it. Maybe they should have called this a stocking stuffer instead of a Bookshot. 4/5
This book has a twist- apply for a marriage license, and find out you aren’t who you think you are, and everyone seemed to know but you?! Call off the wedding and RUN. Emma heads north to Canada to try to find her father, and nobody can believe what happens next.
I was given an early copy of this book but in no way did this influence how I feel about it. Maybe they should have called this a stocking stuffer instead of a Bookshot. 4/5
November 7, 2018
I just love James Patterson Presents books so when I found this book, I knew I had to read it. I am not a big fan of romance books but I really enjoyed this one. It follows Emma as she ends her engagement and sets off to find her Dad. She arrives at his art studio and finds Nick, a young sexy artist that is friends with her Dad. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I have to say that I wish the book would of been a bit longer and I would of liked more atmosphere to live up to the cover. I do recommend this if you like a fast romantic read.
December 7, 2017
Emma just uncovered a huge secret that completely derails her life..so she decides to go looking for answers..instead of meeting her estranged dad she meets charming Nick!
Nick can be an a** but he can also be very charming and like everyone else he has his fears.
Emma is finding out who she is as she goes..she is funny and warm but she also takes no bull from anyone.
I loved reading about these two..hot chemistry and secrets shared, a delightful backdrop and a very sweet Christmas story.
Nick can be an a** but he can also be very charming and like everyone else he has his fears.
Emma is finding out who she is as she goes..she is funny and warm but she also takes no bull from anyone.
I loved reading about these two..hot chemistry and secrets shared, a delightful backdrop and a very sweet Christmas story.
December 5, 2017
Christmas sanctuary by Laurel Hawkeye
I am giving this book four start. It’s a very sweet Christmas Romance, full of pictures of how I imagine a small time Village in northern Canada would look. It’s also lots of fun to read and had me laughing so many times. Nick and Emma’s Love story are sweet and I really loved getting to know the characters.
I am giving this book four start. It’s a very sweet Christmas Romance, full of pictures of how I imagine a small time Village in northern Canada would look. It’s also lots of fun to read and had me laughing so many times. Nick and Emma’s Love story are sweet and I really loved getting to know the characters.
December 18, 2017
Emma realizes her mother has been lying to her, and she takes off in search of her real father. What she finds instead is Nick. Nick creates sculptures and works with Emma's father, who is out of town. The sparks fly between Nick and Emma. Will Emma find more than she was looking for? This was a great holiday read, and I highly recommend it.
February 9, 2023
Emma Kelly is preparing for her upcoming wedding when she discovers a huge secret that her mother has been keeping from her. To make matters worse, her fiance knows all about it. Needless to say, this is a marriage deal breaker. Emma leaves her cozy life to travel to the snowy mountains of Canada on her path to discover who she truly is.
January 4, 2018
For once we have a Christmas book that is not a tearjerker but a modern day romance. I loved the character of Emma who takes off on her own to find her father but instead finds the love of her life. I would recommend this book.
December 16, 2019
This was a sweet read. The important characters were likable. I don't think it is super Christmas oriented but as a winter romance it was great. The story worked well being short but I think it could have made a nice novel too. I am glad I read it.
November 14, 2020
First, I read this book in one sitting. The characters were realistic and relatable. I loved how many times my draw dropped in reaction to what a character said or did. The authenticity made the story that much better, with everything wrapping into a neat and satisfying happily ever after.
December 5, 2017
short and sweet, but just ok. there were some plot holes bit if you don't need complete answers and want a happy ending, go for it.
February 14, 2018
One lady can only take so much. For Emma it's when she sees her marriage license. She's off to find her dad. This was a new author to me. Really liked this short story.
May 30, 2018
Pulled me in with the word Christmas in the title. I didn't like the fact that the husband to be knew more about the bride than the bride. I liked that she went off to put it all together herself.
February 19, 2019
Pretty predictable story
December 19, 2019
I didn’t finish it. It started off great, but I didn’t like the language used when nick was introduced and I didn’t want to get into the book and find the rest of it was the same. Probably my loss.
April 25, 2020
Absolutely loved this book
October 28, 2020
Sweet love story.
December 16, 2022
Short. Sweet. Find your true love on a remote island after dumping your fiancé. Oh and meet your dad for the first time. I’m sure it happens.
November 21, 2023
L S
This was just not that interesting
This was just not that interesting
February 7, 2024
uong woman discovers who her real father is and travels to find and meet him. She finds love eiyh her father's friend
December 13, 2024
Good story
Quick read. I liked the characters and the story line. It has a good setting and suspense. Look forward to reading more of her work.
Quick read. I liked the characters and the story line. It has a good setting and suspense. Look forward to reading more of her work.
December 18, 2024
I liked the overall story. The execution could use some work. There is too much sex and sexual references for me.
December 30, 2024
It was cute.
December 10, 2025
Short cute Christmas story.. Interesting family dynamic
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews