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Evergreen Lane #3
Do Not Open 'Til Christmas
What happens when a Scrooge-like boss and a determined young woman have to work together during the holidays? A Christmas of surprises . . .
Bret Radner once dreamed of being a hard-hitting journalist, exposing corruption and writing Pulitzer-winning pieces. But heart-tugging circumstances kept him at the Tall Pine Gazette, where small town life, new neighbors, and human interest stories are the news. In charge for the entire holiday season, Bret is determined to run the newsroom right. Yet with a too-pretty rookie reporter to train, he finds himself challenged on just about everything . . .
A waitress at the Pine ‘n’ Dine restaurant, freelance reporter Chloe Davenport finally gets her big chance to work full-time for the Gazette. But proving herself to her handsome boss won’t be easy. He turns down all her holiday-themed stories and, in fact, doesn’t seem to like Christmas at all. Yet the closer Chloe works with Bret, the more she realizes that his tough exterior conceals a hidden hurt . . . and a heart she wants to fill with glad tidings of great joy—for many seasons to come . . .
“Sierra Donovan captures the magic of Christmas in this charming and romantic tale. I smiled the entire time I was reading it!” —Shirlee McCoy on We Need a Little Christmas
Bret Radner once dreamed of being a hard-hitting journalist, exposing corruption and writing Pulitzer-winning pieces. But heart-tugging circumstances kept him at the Tall Pine Gazette, where small town life, new neighbors, and human interest stories are the news. In charge for the entire holiday season, Bret is determined to run the newsroom right. Yet with a too-pretty rookie reporter to train, he finds himself challenged on just about everything . . .
A waitress at the Pine ‘n’ Dine restaurant, freelance reporter Chloe Davenport finally gets her big chance to work full-time for the Gazette. But proving herself to her handsome boss won’t be easy. He turns down all her holiday-themed stories and, in fact, doesn’t seem to like Christmas at all. Yet the closer Chloe works with Bret, the more she realizes that his tough exterior conceals a hidden hurt . . . and a heart she wants to fill with glad tidings of great joy—for many seasons to come . . .
“Sierra Donovan captures the magic of Christmas in this charming and romantic tale. I smiled the entire time I was reading it!” —Shirlee McCoy on We Need a Little Christmas
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2017
22 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 29, 2017
I nice Christmas read. Good old fashioned love story. I even got glassy eyes at one point. There were funny bits as well. The background of the story being in the news room of the local newspaper made it interesting. Lots of news worthy stories. Bret was a Christmas hater for his own reasons. But Chloe eventually thawed him out
September 7, 2017
Don't Open 'Til Christmas:::Book 4 in the Evergreen Series by Sierra Donovan:
Love this series---
Chloe Davenport a waitress at the local diner, and a freelance reporter at the local newspaper the Tall Pine Gazette. What she doesn't expect is Brett Radner. He's taking over for the editor temporarily. But why he's been hard on her ever since she set foot in the door she doesn't know. She loves Christmas, and he doesn't for some reason.
She wants to write some Christmas articles but Brett only approves some. She accepts it. Does her work.
Brett knows he's hard on Chloe but isn't quite sure why. There's something about her. He's attracted to her.
One fatal mistake he made might cost him big time. See what happens.
Truly sweet and sad at the same time.
Do check out all the Books in An Evergreen Lane Novel Series. It will get you in the mood for Christmas. That's what Ms. Donovan does she puts you into the holiday spirit.
Love this series---
Chloe Davenport a waitress at the local diner, and a freelance reporter at the local newspaper the Tall Pine Gazette. What she doesn't expect is Brett Radner. He's taking over for the editor temporarily. But why he's been hard on her ever since she set foot in the door she doesn't know. She loves Christmas, and he doesn't for some reason.
She wants to write some Christmas articles but Brett only approves some. She accepts it. Does her work.
Brett knows he's hard on Chloe but isn't quite sure why. There's something about her. He's attracted to her.
One fatal mistake he made might cost him big time. See what happens.
Truly sweet and sad at the same time.
Do check out all the Books in An Evergreen Lane Novel Series. It will get you in the mood for Christmas. That's what Ms. Donovan does she puts you into the holiday spirit.
July 23, 2018
Chloe Davenport finally gets the break she has been waiting for. She has been waitressing at the local diner while freelancing at the local paper. She wants to be a full time journalist and gets her chance when the editor of the paper has to take another assignment for three months. But, she finds she has to deal with a boss who is difficult to please, to say the least. Bret Radner had aspirations and the opportunity to work as a journalist for a major paper, but gave it up to come home and take care of his mom. She died a few months later right at Christmas. Since then, he has stayed to take care of his dad, but he just doesn't want a thing to do with the Holiday season. Chloe and Bret have to try to work through their mutual attraction while maintaining a good work relationship. But can it be done?
I love this type of book. It's a quick easy read with a Christmas theme. I'm a sucker for them. This one was quite well done. The characters were all likeable. Donovan really captured the small town atmosphere. The story developed in a predictable fashion. The couple is attracted, but have seemingly insurmountable issues. Then the crisis comes that forces them to take a look at the possibility of life without the other one. It very much falls into the cheezy holiday romance trope, but it was great. If these light, fluffy reads are your cup of tea, pick this one up. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love this type of book. It's a quick easy read with a Christmas theme. I'm a sucker for them. This one was quite well done. The characters were all likeable. Donovan really captured the small town atmosphere. The story developed in a predictable fashion. The couple is attracted, but have seemingly insurmountable issues. Then the crisis comes that forces them to take a look at the possibility of life without the other one. It very much falls into the cheezy holiday romance trope, but it was great. If these light, fluffy reads are your cup of tea, pick this one up. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2018
This is a good Christmas romance that was well-written. Chloe Davenport is a waitress in a small town but hopes to be a reporter. Bret Radner had once hoped to be a Pulitzer writer who hasn't quite made it that far. Bret is Chloe's boss and of course the two clash, one still believes in Christmas magic, the other doesn't. A bit predictable but warm and heartfelt.
October 20, 2017
Freelance reporter Chloe Davenport finally has a chance to show how good of a writer she is and hopefully earn herself a full-time position with the Gazette. However, proving herself to Bret Radner -- the man that's been put in charge while the boss is away -- isn't easy. Still, she's determined not to give up, even if it means challenging him on just about everything. Yet, the more time Chloe spends with Bret, the more determined she is to break through his tough exterior and hopefully bring something good back into his life during Christmastime. Will Chloe be able to get through to Bret and show him that Christmas is a time of joy, or will she lose the man she's falling in love with?
This is the first book I've read of this series and I've got to say that this story had everything I love in a romance such as wonderful dialogue that had me loving the banter between the hero and heroine, as Chloe challenges Bret with her smarts and her drive to prove she can be a great journalist; and enjoyable main characters with back stories that just made me keep reading, especially that of the hero, as Christmas isn't a happy time for him. Will he ever be happy at Christmas again? Will the heroine be able to help him overcome the grief he's held on to for years because of what happened around Christmastime?
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, but the story did stir plenty of emotion too -- smiling, laughing, a few tears -- as the heroine does her best to prove her worth with the stories she writes, which had an effect on the hero when it came to one particular story and the lose of someone he loved; and does everything in her power to help the hero move forward and give him a reason to see Christmas as something more than a holiday where he's still grieving the lose of someone. Moreover, the heroine is resilient; driven, and passionate about writing, which she hopes to take to another level with what she's doing that she opens up to the hero about. I also liked how the heroine challenged the hero and got him to open up about why Christmas is such a painful time for him and why he's living in a small town instead of working in a big city.
While the hero, he's a talented reporter, a good son to a father that's struggling with his own pain, and I liked how the heroine got under his skin. Since he needed help to finally heal from his loss and not allow Christmas to remind him of such a painful time in his life. Really, the heroine brings joy and I liked that she wasn't afraid to push him a little to open up to her, because he needed to open up to someone. I also liked how loyal the hero was when it came to all he's done for his family, even though it doesn't seem fair at times with all that he's sacrificed.
Overall, Ms. Donovan has penned a fantastic and mesmerizing read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong and had me completely hooked because the hero needs Chloe in his life to be able to heal; the romance was lightly-detailed, but still shows off how great these two are together; and the ending had me worried for one of the main characters. Yet, in saying that, I loved how things worked out for the hero and heroine, as he would do anything for the heroine, which is proven by the lengths he goes to for her because he can't lose her. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, because Bret is so creative in the way he has such a way with words and I loved the last line. I would recommend Do Not Open 'Til Christmas by Sierra Donovan, if you enjoy Christmas romances, the enemy to lovers trope, or books by authors Sharla Lovelace, Stacy Finz, Samantha Chase and Cynthia Tennent.
October 23, 2017
The term “gentle romance” is a perfect description of this book. Tall Pine is an idyllic holiday setting. If it seems too slow-paced for an American town in the twenty-first century, that is also part of its charm. Bret and Chloe’s romance is strictly kisses-only, and even kisses are in short supply. My reaction was mixed. I admit that Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas has the appeal of a Thomas Kincade Christmas card, and I am enough of a sentimentalist about the holiday to be seduced by that quality. On the other hand, I like deeper character exploration than this book offers. I felt that my understanding of Bret and Chloe was too superficial to be satisfying.
If the verbal version of sugar plums is your idea of a holiday reading treat, you will likely enjoy this book. If you anticipate something spicier or more substantive, you probably want to give this one a pass.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2017/10...
If the verbal version of sugar plums is your idea of a holiday reading treat, you will likely enjoy this book. If you anticipate something spicier or more substantive, you probably want to give this one a pass.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2017/10...
October 20, 2017
A lovely, slow-building, small-town holiday romance!
“What, Rudolph wasn’t available?”
Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas is a lovely, slow-building, small-town holiday romance. Even though it’s the third book in the author’s Evergreen Lane series, and there are interconnected characters, it works well as a standalone read, if that is your preference. Evergreen Lane is the major thoroughfare in the picturesque, off-the-beaten-path town of Tall Pine situated about two hours from Los Angeles amongst snow-capped mountains. This is the story of Bret Radner, an experienced ace reporter, and Chloe Davenport, a rookie reporter. They both work at the town’s sole newspaper, the Tall Pine Gazette. This story made me hungry for some really good hot chocolate… so I’d advise having some on hand before you begin.
As the story opens, Bret is temporarily taking on the job as editor during the busy Christmas season while his boss is out of town. With Bret filling the editor’s position, the department is short a reporter. A female freelancer has been hired to fill the slot and Bret will have the responsibility of training her.
Chloe is excited to leave her waitressing job to put her college degree to good use working full-time at the Tall Pine Gazette. However, her new boss is an attractive nerdy Scrooge: no-nonsense, tough, critical and demanding. Bret requires that she provide a minimum of ten stories a week, but when Chloe proposes any stories related to Christmas, Bret shoots down her ideas. When Chloe decks her desk for the holidays, Bret calls her desk a “distraction”. But, Chloe is absolutely determined. Can these two survive the season working together?
Bret and Chloe are both likeable and genuine, but they are complete opposites when it comes to Christmas. Chloe embraces the season and Bret just needs to live through it. They are each secretly attracted to the other but neither will mix business with pleasure. Then, Bret makes one mistake that may cost him everything...
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas:
The moment was almost gone and it would never be here again, so before it was over, before he could stop himself, before Chloe could get her keys in the door, he wheeled around, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her.
---
He felt lightheaded, almost dizzy, as he deepened the kiss, his fingers curling lightly around the tendrils of her hair. His other arm encircled her waist, pressing her closer, and for a moment he went for broke, kissing her with everything he had.
And now that he knew he wasn’t going to get his face slapped, he slowed down to take his time and do it right. The outside world simply ceased to exist. There was only Chloe, warm in his embrace, as her lips responded to his.
---
Her fingertips dug into his shoulders as she pressed closer. Then her lips parted to his, and there was no mistaking the passion in her response.
Wild and sweet…
His eyes were closed, but in his mind’s eye he saw the lights of the giant tree, and he knew he’d found a Christmas memory worth keeping.
A while back, I read the first book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed Mandy’s story. I don’t know how I missed the second book in the series, but I plan to rectify that omission soon! While this series does not have to be read in order, I have never forgotten Mandy’s memory of Santa Claus from the first book and, that enchanting memory was re-inserted into this story making me hold my breath until the grand reveal. Again, if you are a newbie to the series, no worries, as the author fills in everything you need to know.
The author addresses some serious subjects in a thoughtful manner within: hospice, end-of-life decisions, and returning disabled vets. I appreciate the considerate way she focuses attention on these important issues without detracting from the entertainment of the story.
Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas is a delightful, well-written romance teeming with the magic of the holiday season. The epilogue is absolutely wonderful. I’ve already read it multiple times. If you are searching for a sweet, heart-warming romance to help you catch the Christmas spirit, I’d encourage you to check out Sierra Donovan’s Evergreen Lane series.
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there:http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
“What, Rudolph wasn’t available?”
Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas is a lovely, slow-building, small-town holiday romance. Even though it’s the third book in the author’s Evergreen Lane series, and there are interconnected characters, it works well as a standalone read, if that is your preference. Evergreen Lane is the major thoroughfare in the picturesque, off-the-beaten-path town of Tall Pine situated about two hours from Los Angeles amongst snow-capped mountains. This is the story of Bret Radner, an experienced ace reporter, and Chloe Davenport, a rookie reporter. They both work at the town’s sole newspaper, the Tall Pine Gazette. This story made me hungry for some really good hot chocolate… so I’d advise having some on hand before you begin.
As the story opens, Bret is temporarily taking on the job as editor during the busy Christmas season while his boss is out of town. With Bret filling the editor’s position, the department is short a reporter. A female freelancer has been hired to fill the slot and Bret will have the responsibility of training her.
Chloe is excited to leave her waitressing job to put her college degree to good use working full-time at the Tall Pine Gazette. However, her new boss is an attractive nerdy Scrooge: no-nonsense, tough, critical and demanding. Bret requires that she provide a minimum of ten stories a week, but when Chloe proposes any stories related to Christmas, Bret shoots down her ideas. When Chloe decks her desk for the holidays, Bret calls her desk a “distraction”. But, Chloe is absolutely determined. Can these two survive the season working together?
Bret and Chloe are both likeable and genuine, but they are complete opposites when it comes to Christmas. Chloe embraces the season and Bret just needs to live through it. They are each secretly attracted to the other but neither will mix business with pleasure. Then, Bret makes one mistake that may cost him everything...
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas:
The moment was almost gone and it would never be here again, so before it was over, before he could stop himself, before Chloe could get her keys in the door, he wheeled around, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her.
---
He felt lightheaded, almost dizzy, as he deepened the kiss, his fingers curling lightly around the tendrils of her hair. His other arm encircled her waist, pressing her closer, and for a moment he went for broke, kissing her with everything he had.
And now that he knew he wasn’t going to get his face slapped, he slowed down to take his time and do it right. The outside world simply ceased to exist. There was only Chloe, warm in his embrace, as her lips responded to his.
---
Her fingertips dug into his shoulders as she pressed closer. Then her lips parted to his, and there was no mistaking the passion in her response.
Wild and sweet…
His eyes were closed, but in his mind’s eye he saw the lights of the giant tree, and he knew he’d found a Christmas memory worth keeping.
A while back, I read the first book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed Mandy’s story. I don’t know how I missed the second book in the series, but I plan to rectify that omission soon! While this series does not have to be read in order, I have never forgotten Mandy’s memory of Santa Claus from the first book and, that enchanting memory was re-inserted into this story making me hold my breath until the grand reveal. Again, if you are a newbie to the series, no worries, as the author fills in everything you need to know.
The author addresses some serious subjects in a thoughtful manner within: hospice, end-of-life decisions, and returning disabled vets. I appreciate the considerate way she focuses attention on these important issues without detracting from the entertainment of the story.
Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas is a delightful, well-written romance teeming with the magic of the holiday season. The epilogue is absolutely wonderful. I’ve already read it multiple times. If you are searching for a sweet, heart-warming romance to help you catch the Christmas spirit, I’d encourage you to check out Sierra Donovan’s Evergreen Lane series.
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there:http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
September 20, 2017
Every year after the end of summer, children (and adults!) begin a Christmas countdown to December 25. Sierra Donovan invites us back to Evergreen Lane for a delightful well-written holiday read to put us in the holiday spirit early in the season. “Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas” continues what has become a new Christmas tradition that began with ”Do You Believe in Santa?”, followed by last year’s “We Need A Little Christmas”
Bret Radner is an experience top-notch journalist who temporarily steps into the shoes as Editor of Tall Pine Gazette. He is working for a small town local newspaper but his past experience includes the “Washington Post” so why is he working for Tall Pine Gazette?
Chloe Davenport who is also filling shoes on a temporally bases as reporter at the Gazette; she finally gets a chance to use her college education and resigns her waitress job at the Pine ‘n Dine. Chloe wants to see if maybe this is what she wants her career in.
Chloe embraces Christmas to the fullest very excited to write stories during the most wonderful time of the year. But, when she bringing up any topic dealing with Christmas, Bret shots them down and after a frown on this face when Chloe decorates her desk for Christmas; Chloe begins to wonder is Bret the new Scrooge? Why is Bret so anti-Christmas?
Bret recognizes Chloe is an attractive coworker and everyone in town is wondering if Bret is blind on top of being a Christmas Scrooge. A professional event brings Chloe and Bret closer, but Bret firmly believes you don’t mix business with pleasure. Bret efforts to push Chloe away and Mother Nature rears her ugly head, now Chloe maybe in trouble on Christmas Eve that is when Bret realizes he needs to correct his mistake.
I’ve stated my countdown until the next adventure on Evergreen Lane; I hope Sierra Donovan brings us more delightful stories from this small town USA – including Ramona Billone and her sister Kelly. Delightful, heart-warming stories from a superb writer that will not only help you catch the holiday spirit, but you too might find yourself counting down to the next Sierra Donovan read and December 25 every year!
Bret Radner is an experience top-notch journalist who temporarily steps into the shoes as Editor of Tall Pine Gazette. He is working for a small town local newspaper but his past experience includes the “Washington Post” so why is he working for Tall Pine Gazette?
Chloe Davenport who is also filling shoes on a temporally bases as reporter at the Gazette; she finally gets a chance to use her college education and resigns her waitress job at the Pine ‘n Dine. Chloe wants to see if maybe this is what she wants her career in.
Chloe embraces Christmas to the fullest very excited to write stories during the most wonderful time of the year. But, when she bringing up any topic dealing with Christmas, Bret shots them down and after a frown on this face when Chloe decorates her desk for Christmas; Chloe begins to wonder is Bret the new Scrooge? Why is Bret so anti-Christmas?
Bret recognizes Chloe is an attractive coworker and everyone in town is wondering if Bret is blind on top of being a Christmas Scrooge. A professional event brings Chloe and Bret closer, but Bret firmly believes you don’t mix business with pleasure. Bret efforts to push Chloe away and Mother Nature rears her ugly head, now Chloe maybe in trouble on Christmas Eve that is when Bret realizes he needs to correct his mistake.
I’ve stated my countdown until the next adventure on Evergreen Lane; I hope Sierra Donovan brings us more delightful stories from this small town USA – including Ramona Billone and her sister Kelly. Delightful, heart-warming stories from a superb writer that will not only help you catch the holiday spirit, but you too might find yourself counting down to the next Sierra Donovan read and December 25 every year!
September 7, 2017
Do Not Open ‘Til Christmas is the third book in Sierra Donovan’s Evergreen Lane Novels series and is a delightful Christmas romance. The characters are likeable and realistic. Ms. Donovan’s storyline and characters are well developed and the story flows along at a steady pace. The books in this series can be read as standalones. I highly recommend this book.
The story takes place in the small town of Tall Pine. Chloe Davenport is an aspiring author who works as a waitress at the Pine ‘n’ Dine restaurant and is a freelance reporter for the Tall Pine Gazette. Bret Radner had a promising career as a hard-hitting journalist for a major newspaper, but family matters brought him back to Tall Pine and working as a reporter for Tall Pine Gazette. Bret’s boss is called out of town, Bret is temporarily promoted to the paper’s editor, and Chloe is brought in as a full time employee for three months to help him. Chloe is a good write, but Bret often seems over critical and demanding of her. Chloe and Bret have a mutual attraction for each other, but Chloe doesn’t think it would be proper to have a relationship with her boss and Bret has a lot of baggage and doesn’t want to let anyone get close to him.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
The story takes place in the small town of Tall Pine. Chloe Davenport is an aspiring author who works as a waitress at the Pine ‘n’ Dine restaurant and is a freelance reporter for the Tall Pine Gazette. Bret Radner had a promising career as a hard-hitting journalist for a major newspaper, but family matters brought him back to Tall Pine and working as a reporter for Tall Pine Gazette. Bret’s boss is called out of town, Bret is temporarily promoted to the paper’s editor, and Chloe is brought in as a full time employee for three months to help him. Chloe is a good write, but Bret often seems over critical and demanding of her. Chloe and Bret have a mutual attraction for each other, but Chloe doesn’t think it would be proper to have a relationship with her boss and Bret has a lot of baggage and doesn’t want to let anyone get close to him.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 25, 2017
Brett is chomping to get his teeth into some real journalism and be challenged in his job. So when his boss is relocated to another paper for a few months, Brett jumps at the chance to take his job. Right before he leaves, his boss hires one of the free lance writers to fill Brett's place. Chloe supplements her writing with working at the local diner. So she's thrilled to land the opportunity for a full time writing job at the paper. But Brett is not the easiest boss to work for. He embodies Scrooge and Chloe loves Christmas. It's not looking like the two of them will ever work out their differences to create a nice working environment, let alone be friends.
This was a good story. It had lots of feels, tension between the two main characters, family, and a tiny bit of drama. It was your typical contemporary romance that has an assured ending. But I think the author did a great job of creating chemistry between the characters. The secondary characters played well with the plot and were authentic. There were several little side stories or characters that led me to believe this might be in a series, but the book worked well as a stand-alone. I enjoyed reading this and will be interested to see what else the author has written.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This was a good story. It had lots of feels, tension between the two main characters, family, and a tiny bit of drama. It was your typical contemporary romance that has an assured ending. But I think the author did a great job of creating chemistry between the characters. The secondary characters played well with the plot and were authentic. There were several little side stories or characters that led me to believe this might be in a series, but the book worked well as a stand-alone. I enjoyed reading this and will be interested to see what else the author has written.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
September 30, 2018
What a sweet, clean romance. Chloe lives in the small town of Tall Pine. She works as a waitress at the Pine 'n' Dine with her two roommates. Occasionally, she writes for the Tall Pine Gazette. The editor is leaving on an extended vacation and she gets the opportunity to work full time at the Gazette. However, the temporary editor, Bret, is a bit prickly. Chloe is perky, upbeat and loves Christmas and all that goes with it. Bret is quiet, reserved, and doesn't seem to like Christmas. Chloe struggles to prove to Bret she can do the job. Part of the problem is, each is attracted to the other. What a mess!
This is a very sweet, clean romance. I love the characters. Even though Bret can be a bit negative and grumpy, he is still nice. As the story moves along, you understand more about Bret and why Christmas is not his favorite holiday. The story is very engaging and moves at a nice pace. It is easy to read and very enjoyable. I really can't think of anything I didn't like. It is sweet and simple.
Thank you to Goodreads for this giveaway.
This is a very sweet, clean romance. I love the characters. Even though Bret can be a bit negative and grumpy, he is still nice. As the story moves along, you understand more about Bret and why Christmas is not his favorite holiday. The story is very engaging and moves at a nice pace. It is easy to read and very enjoyable. I really can't think of anything I didn't like. It is sweet and simple.
Thank you to Goodreads for this giveaway.
January 9, 2022
Okay, okay! I know Christmas is over...but this book was the 3rd written by Sierra Donovan in the Evergreen Lane Christmas series. I had this one on hold and it was available right after Christmas, so I didn't hesitate to pick it up and delve into the story of Chloe and Bret.
Bret is the acting editor in the local paper in Tall Pine. Chloe is a freelance writer for the paper that comes on full time...for now. The attraction between the two is felt deep but Bret is not going to let that get in the way of his job or life. Chloe is excited to get the chance to be a real writer for the paper, but proving herself to be more than just "a pretty blond" turns out to be harder than she thought. Every story about Christmas she tries to write gets turned down by Bret...who seems to not like Christmas at all. As the weeks of working together make it harder to deny how much they have come to care for one another a near tragedy may be just the thing Bret needs to show him what's really important.
Bret is the acting editor in the local paper in Tall Pine. Chloe is a freelance writer for the paper that comes on full time...for now. The attraction between the two is felt deep but Bret is not going to let that get in the way of his job or life. Chloe is excited to get the chance to be a real writer for the paper, but proving herself to be more than just "a pretty blond" turns out to be harder than she thought. Every story about Christmas she tries to write gets turned down by Bret...who seems to not like Christmas at all. As the weeks of working together make it harder to deny how much they have come to care for one another a near tragedy may be just the thing Bret needs to show him what's really important.
October 2, 2017
For some it wouldn’t be Christmas without reading a certain book or watching a certain movie. I am a bit that way too. For me, it is reading a Christmas book by Sierra Donovan. Do Not Open 'Til Christmas is a poignant story of Christmas from two different perspectives. It is the changing of the Scooge perspective that makes this story a heart tugging read.
One cannot help but catch Chloe Davenport’s enthusiasm for Christmas. Her life is no less difficult than many as she works to pay the bills while trying to break into the world of news reporting. Her boss is not easy but she accepts him and sees beyond his hard-crusted surface.
Do Not Open 'Til Christmas is a wonderful romance that reminds you of sharing the Christmas Spirit with others for no other reason than to enrich their lives. It will get you in the holiday spirit which is one we need all year long.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
One cannot help but catch Chloe Davenport’s enthusiasm for Christmas. Her life is no less difficult than many as she works to pay the bills while trying to break into the world of news reporting. Her boss is not easy but she accepts him and sees beyond his hard-crusted surface.
Do Not Open 'Til Christmas is a wonderful romance that reminds you of sharing the Christmas Spirit with others for no other reason than to enrich their lives. It will get you in the holiday spirit which is one we need all year long.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
November 13, 2017
Perhaps this book came at just the right time for me, but I truly enjoyed it and the time spent reading it! Do Not Open 'Til Christmas is a slow-building romance, and full of a giving spirit. It demonstrates what human kindness can do, just the right kind of thing to read around Christmas. It also explores how our past experiences influence us so much, for good or bad and how we can overcome. It was full of well-developed and well-written characters that you can relate and feel sympathy for. Chloe & Brett had an attraction and connection you could feel on the pages, and were so life-like. I hated for the story to end! It was a pleasure to be back in Tall Pines and see a few cameos of characters from previous books. Clean and uplifting as always. And I might even have shed a few tears...
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Zebra books, and Sierra Donovan for an ARC to read and honestly review**
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Zebra books, and Sierra Donovan for an ARC to read and honestly review**
September 25, 2017
Loved this story. This holiday series takes us back to Tall Pines as Bret Radner and Chloe Davenport try to find a way to work together at the Tall Pines Gazette. Bret has just been named temporary editor and he's inherited newly hired Chloe as a reporter. Sure she may be able to write an excellent story but does she have to be so bubbly and bright. Bret just wants to make it through the holidays. Chloe can't figure out why Bret doesn't like Christmas but it's obvious he doesn't when he turns down every holiday story idea she comes up with. Will these two ever agree on anything??
A wonderfully done story with great characters and a story that will leave you with a smile. Definitely a book I recommend.
A wonderfully done story with great characters and a story that will leave you with a smile. Definitely a book I recommend.
May 31, 2018
A fun book. A little heavy on the surrounding story and light on the 'romance'.
Had a lot of issues with the central plot line of a small town newspaper, mostly that it wouldn't have been a daily if the town as as small as they said it was... not with the reach of the big city dailies these days (plus internet...). Hell, I live in a town that's got to be pushing close to a million people (ok, I guess we're a city), and our local paper STILL only puts out 3 issues a week. Plus, as someone with a journalism degree, there's a LOT wrong with the way things are written as to how it's being run. Maybe 50 years ago that's how things would be, but not today. Hell, even 20 years ago when I got my degree, things were more advanced, and this is a book that was published and set last year.
Had a lot of issues with the central plot line of a small town newspaper, mostly that it wouldn't have been a daily if the town as as small as they said it was... not with the reach of the big city dailies these days (plus internet...). Hell, I live in a town that's got to be pushing close to a million people (ok, I guess we're a city), and our local paper STILL only puts out 3 issues a week. Plus, as someone with a journalism degree, there's a LOT wrong with the way things are written as to how it's being run. Maybe 50 years ago that's how things would be, but not today. Hell, even 20 years ago when I got my degree, things were more advanced, and this is a book that was published and set last year.
September 26, 2017
If you are looking for a clean read about Christmastime with a splash of romance, then Do Not Open 'Til Christmas by Sierra Donovan is the book for you. All the characters are well-defined and interesting. However, I found the plot to be unexciting and predictable, especially towards the end of the story. The two main characters, acting newspaper editor Bret Radnor, and staff writer Chloe Davenport, have a nice romantic chemistry, but it takes a very long time for them to acknowledge their feelings and come together. I believe this would be a terrific novella.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
August 31, 2017
Do not open til Christmas
By. Sierra Donovan
Extra, Extra....
Chloe a green new reporter for the Gazette. Fresh, idealistic and pretty also a good writer. Bret, her boss. A real Hemingway. He often gives her corrective criticism and she doesn't like it very much. But not liking and liking are within a thin by line. On One evening, Mix his eloquence and her cuteness with snow and you get emotions, love and heart. You also get A Christmas romance. Great, fun, classic story line with a twist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
By. Sierra Donovan
Extra, Extra....
Chloe a green new reporter for the Gazette. Fresh, idealistic and pretty also a good writer. Bret, her boss. A real Hemingway. He often gives her corrective criticism and she doesn't like it very much. But not liking and liking are within a thin by line. On One evening, Mix his eloquence and her cuteness with snow and you get emotions, love and heart. You also get A Christmas romance. Great, fun, classic story line with a twist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 31, 2017
Do not open til Christmas
By. Sierra Donovan
Extra, Extra....
Chloe a green new reporter for the Gazette. Fresh, idealistic and pretty also a good writer. Bret, her boss. A real Hemingway. He often gives her corrective criticism and she doesn't like it very much. But not liking and liking are within a thin by line. On One evening, Mix his eloquence and her cuteness with snow and you get emotions, love and heart. You also get A Christmas romance. Great, fun, classic story line with a twist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
By. Sierra Donovan
Extra, Extra....
Chloe a green new reporter for the Gazette. Fresh, idealistic and pretty also a good writer. Bret, her boss. A real Hemingway. He often gives her corrective criticism and she doesn't like it very much. But not liking and liking are within a thin by line. On One evening, Mix his eloquence and her cuteness with snow and you get emotions, love and heart. You also get A Christmas romance. Great, fun, classic story line with a twist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 31, 2018
Do Not Open 'Til Christmas by Sierra Donovan is not just an entertaining holiday read. It is the story of Bret Radner (temporary newspaper editor of the Tall Pine Gazette) and Chloe Davenport (rookie reporter) who work together during the holiday season. Chloe enjoys the town's traditional celebrations while Bret doesn't seem to like Christmas at all. Watching the relationship between these two characters makes for an enjoyable read. This book wasn't like most books I've read since their relationship moved at a slow pace, which was very believable. I give it four stars!
September 11, 2017
A small town community, snow, Christmas and a feel good romance with such easy to read and descriptive text I could almost taste the coffee with extra cream! The characters are so likeable I truly wanted everything to work out and felt the frustration when things didn't quite come together. A book to curl up with in front of a log fire and a box of chocolates. I loved it. Bring on the next book.
September 18, 2017
A cute story set in a small town where the spirit of Christmas and a freelance reporter thaw out a hard headed handsome scrooge, who refuses to share his hurt with the people closest to him.
I enjoyed reading this story, which reminds us that we need people in our lives and we are loved despite what we might think. A beautiful holiday story sure to warm the coldest heart,
*thanks goes to the publisher for allowing me to review*
I enjoyed reading this story, which reminds us that we need people in our lives and we are loved despite what we might think. A beautiful holiday story sure to warm the coldest heart,
*thanks goes to the publisher for allowing me to review*
December 8, 2017
Small town romances are one of my favourite genres. Christmas my favourite time of year. Chloe and Bret are very different. Chloe loves Christmas and Bret doesn't. When you find out why, it sheds alot of light on why he is this way. To make matters worse, Bret is her boss, is it a line they can cross? To reach a happy ending. I found the town of Tall Pine so delightful, the novel had a great cast of characters. As the story came to a climax you wont want to put it down. Be prepared to stay up late. ARC received from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2017
I always love reading books that are about Christmas and especially when the book is by Sierra Donovan! Evergreen Lane is a wonderful place to be no matter what your job is. When Chloe gets a chance to go from working at a diner to the towns Tall Pine Gazette she goes all in. This is a grand slam for Sierra!
December 15, 2017
Only the second book by this author that I have read, but I have adored both. I will be searching out the other 3 books she has written, and look forward to her future stories. Chloe and Bret were adorable, and I found myself aching for them to work out their issues. The climax of the story had me tearing up while reading on my lunch break at work.
November 27, 2017
This book is a sweet story for the holidays. Although it is a lovely story, I just was not as caught up in it as other books. I did not believe the romance as much between the two characters and the build up wasn't as impactful.
December 22, 2018
Goodreads Book
November 25, 2019
I have enjoyed this series. Very nice story!
November 30, 2020
cute story
January 14, 2018
This story was an enjoyable holiday read as Chloe finally gets a chance at a full time job reporting for the Gazette. At first, I wasn't crazy for Bret. But as the story goes on, the layers are peeled back on Bret and he turns out to be a great guy who wants to help Chloe shine. I am really enjoying this series and Ms Donovan's writing style.
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