Abandoned as a child on Christmas Eve, he has no use for the holiday season. When his best friend’s widow arrives in Glacier Creek, Montana, determined to give her small daughter the fairy-tale Christmas she’s dreaming of, Cole is prepared to dislike her. He isn’t prepared for Joy and her daughter to insinuate their way into his life—and his heart. But when tragedy strikes, he needs a Christmas miracle to fulfill the one wish he never knew he wanted.
Joy Holliday believes in miracles.
She sees hummingbirds everywhere, and believes they are tiny messengers from Heaven. Despite losing her husband four years ago, she is determined not to dwell on the past, but to look to the future. Her entire world revolves around taking care of her daughter, Piper, and ensuring she has a magical Christmas. In Glacier Creek she finds Cole, a man still smarting from the wounds of his past, determined to keep happiness at arms’ length. Can she save Christmas and show him the promise of a future with her?
Karen is the multi-award winning author of 28 novels, and is both a RWA RITA ® and a RWA Vivian Award nominee. She believes life is better with love, chocolate, and a view of the ocean. Karen splits her time between writing romance and folding laundry, and escapes to Ireland as often as possible. She lives in coastal New England, in a sweet little waterfront cottage that she shares with her high school sweetheart and one very skittish cat.
Joy Holliday is way too young to be a widow but unfortunately she lost her firefighter husband, Matt, just after they'd started their lives together leaving her alone to raise their baby girl, Piper. Piper is now five and Joy wants to make this a Christmas she'll never forget which includes giving her the wish of a white Christmas. Joy and Piper have lived in California since Matt's passing but Joy believes this Christmas they should visit Matt's parents in Glacier Creek, Montana.
Cole Tanner was like a brother to Matt having been abandoned at a young age by his own father and then raised by Matt's parents. He's a bit resentful of Joy since she had taken Matt away to California and as much as he's wants to dislike her as soon as he meets Joy and Piper he can't help but melt. Cole volunteers to show Joy and Piper the sights of the small town and the more time he spends with them the less he can see them walking back out of his life.
A Hummingbird Christmas by Karen Foley seems to be the first book in a new contemporary romance series, Glacier Creek. This first book held all those wonderful things I love from a small town holiday romance being set in this lovely town. There were special events and wonderful residents in this small town that made the Christmas magic just pop out from the pages of this lovely read.
I would warn that the romance within this book is one that happens at a fairly quick pace in the days leading up to the Christmas holiday. This didn't bother me too much because it wasn't an "instant" connection but one that built between the pair coming from their common loss and having that in common along with the joy of young Piper and making a magical holiday for her. I'm always a sucker for a young child fitting into a new relationship so it wasn't a surprise that I loved this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a delightful festive read in which Joy Holliday takes her five year old daughter, Piper, to stay in Glacier Creek with the parents of her dead husband. She's travelled there after reading Piper's letter to Santa which asked for three things, the first of which was to see snow . . . . . Her arrival at her in-laws home, however, is somewhat dramatic as a snow storm and accident collude to introduce her to Cole Tanner, the man who grew up with her late husband but she'd never previously met. Their dramatic introduction has them reevaluating their preconceptions about each other and as they get to know each other, their feelings grow but will they give love a chance this Christmas?
The grief of losing a loved one is explored from a variety of viewpoints - his parents, widow, daughter and close friend are all still reacting to the tragedy in their own ways. Piper is a delightful child instrumental in many of the changes the adults experience. Wherever she goes, Joy keeps seeing hummingbirds and believes these are signs and messages to her - hence the title to the story. It is an emotive story, movingly written with additional potential tragedy having a strong impact on all involved. The community, Lucy and Montana, as well as family, all have key roles in this delightful festive romance which I enjoyed escaping into! It is the start of a new series and I'll definitely be looking out for future stories about Glacier Creek!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Joy loves her daughter Piper very much and will do anything for her. When Piper asks for a white Christmas Joy decides to spend it with her in-laws in Glacier Creek, Montana. Joy is a widow and it's difficult for both her and Piper's grandparents to spend Christmas without Matt. Fortunately Cole is there to show them around and introduce them to all the good things Glacier Creek has to offer. Matt was Cole's best friend and Cole is like a son to Matt's parents. He wants to dislike Joy for taking Matt away from him, but when he meets her and Piper he's smitten.
Joy wants Piper to have a nice holiday, but this proves to be more difficult than she thought. There are no decorations in the house and nobody is particularly looking forward to Christmas. Her arrival isn't accident free and later tragedy strikes again. Was it really a good idea to come to Montana and will Joy be able to fulfill all of her daughter's wishes or will Christmas in Glacier Creek be a disaster?
A Hummingbird Christmas is a heartwarming romantic story. Joy is a kind and dedicated mother. She's talented, patient and incredibly sweet. Piper is adorable, she's an adventurous and outspoken little girl with plenty of interests. Cole is a wonderful man with a good heart. They've all been through a lot and therefore Christmas isn't easy for them, but they're trying to make the best of it. Piper deserves a special Christmas and I loved how Joy and Cole are trying to make that happen for her. It's clear from the beginning that Cole belongs with Joy and Piper. They have a beautiful connection and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen if they'd admit their feelings. There are plenty of sparks between Joy and Cole and this together with the gorgeous family bond made the story extra amazing.
Karen Foley has a warm and welcoming writing style. She writes about a lovely small town covered in snow. Glacier Creek is the perfect setting for a festive story. While her main characters are grieving their story is also filled with hope, love and light. It's a terrific combination that put tears in my eyes and a big smile on my face at the same time. A Hummingbird Christmas is a fantastic holiday story, I really enjoyed reading this charming and endearing book.
A Hummingbird Christmas is the first book I’ve read by Karen Foley, but I will be reading more. This was the perfect Christmas time romance, sweet with lots of sexual tension and some hot scenes. I really appreciate when authors don’t drag out the trope; I can’t be with them because…. Of course, there was a bit of it, along with enemies to lovers (although that lasted for just a nanosecond).
I also really enjoyed that Foley infused a lot of the Christmas spirit throughout the entire book. Some authors use it just as a ploy to sell a Holiday book, but when I read a Christmas romance, I want cookies, decorations, tree picking, and festivals, which Foley does perfectly.
There were some tense moments and dramatic ones that kept the story flowing nicely in between the flirting and getting to know each other. A bit of magical realism with the hummingbirds and some tears at the end when we find out some information about a character. All in all, a wonderfully magical Christmas romance.
A Hummingbird Christmas is a delightful journey toward healing for a family destroyed by grief, some left over resentment and life lessons taught far too young. Joy and her daughter Piper are heading to Montana to spend Christmas with her deceased husband’s parents and adopted brother. It should be a journey of excitement and a fairy tale Christmas, instead it’s opening wounds that haven’t healed as Joy discovers that Matt’s Mon and Dad are far different back home than they are when they visit Joy and Piper in California. Here in the beautifully rugged home they’ve built no mementos of a lost life can be found. No photos of Matt, Joy or Piper grace the mantel place, no Christmas decorations appear anywhere, not even a tree. Four years after his death, Matt’s parents are still in deep grief, their pain too intense to constantly view photos of what will never be again or to take over things that Matt always did, like picking out and putting up the Christmas tree. His brother, Cole, still resents Joy for taking Matt away from Montana to live in her California. Taking away not only his adopted brother but his best friend. On some level Cole believes that if she hadn’t lured Matt away then he’d still be alive today. It’s not logical, it makes no sense to anyone but Cole. Yet every time he looks at young Piper he sees Matt and his heart is slowly thawing.
Cole and Joy’s journey toward love and a new life is emotional, touching and filled with wonder and a touch of other-world magic. There is only one species of hummingbird that lives in the Glacier Creek area. And for some reason, even though sighting them is rare just about everywhere Joy looks she sees hummingbirds. Matt had always said that hummingbirds are messengers from heaven, passing along hope and love to those left behind. It’s a beautiful thought that Joy clings to while Cole and his parents question.
One near tragedy will set their romance back a bit, but the kind of love that can last a life time isn’t afraid to fight… and Joy will fight for what she believes is their future. Cole needs to heal from so much, and letting Joy in is the beginning of that process. All Piper wanted from Santa was a white Christmas, a puppy and a new daddy… looks like she just may get her wish.
I enjoyed A Hummingbird Christmas very much. Loss touches every life at some point. This story is part romance, part learning how to deal with loss and learn how to love once again. It’s emotional, funny, sad and Christmas-y. A perfect storm of a very special Christmas romance. I’d recommend this story to any Romance reader who loves to get in at the beginning of a new series, and loves the hope and promise that Christmas Romances can bring.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
A Hummingbird Christmas By Karen Foley Book starts out with Joy and her daughter Piper who have traveled to Glacier Creek, MT to spend time with her dead husbands family. Her husband was a smoke jumper jumping from planes to fight fires, along with his best friend Cole Tanner who she just crashed into on the blizzard road. He drives them to their destination and eases Piper into seeing all the cookies that were made just for her. Joy's job here will be getting everyone to help celebrate this holiday, even though they are down in the dumps that Matt isn't there with them... They also see the hummingbird and Joy says it's a sign from heaven where Matt is. It's winter and they are not known for the cold weather. I have heard the same about cardinals-a sign from heaven. Cole takes them into town for the festivals and Piper is overjoyed. Love hearing from others who live and work in the town, such a welcome and warm community. His secrets do come out but is it what she wants to hear about....she has her own problems and wants to keep them to herself. Like how the parents treat them both and how changes need to come about as they've all been grieving too long. Kind of a predictable story line but the process was good. Like hearing of his and her careers and how they are done, also holiday decorating. Sex and romance are indicated by not expressed. Other works from Tule Publishing are highlighted at the end and an excerpt from Heat by karen Foley is included. Won this in a book contest and this is my honest opinion.
A Hummingbird Christmas is a wonderful, sweet story of hope, new beginnings, and living a joyous life. It's a great story with some truly amazing characters.
Joy Holliday has decided that this is the year to celebrate Christmas with her in=laws in Montana. After losing her husband getting through each day and focusing on her young daughter has taken all she has. Now she needs to live life joyfully and fulfilling her daughter's Christmas wish list is the goal. Cole Tanner is prepared to dislike Joy. Not only did she convince his best friend to move to California but she's also made a relationship between her daughter's Grandparents and the little girl difficult by refusing to come to Montana. Disliking her is impossible though. Her warm manner and effort she is obviously making is all he needs to see. Add in the adorable pixie that is her daughter and Cole's a goner.
Definitely a book for the holiday reading list. I highly recommend it.
A Hummingbird Christmas by Karen Foley Glacier Creek #1
Looking for a sweet Christmas romance filled with the magic of the holidays? If you believe in miracles, omens, signs sent by those departed and like a HEA then look no further. In fact, at one point I had a tingle or two in spite of having a pretty good idea what might happen next. The romance between Joy and Cole along with the festivities, family and fun all go together like clockwork and provide the perfect backdrop for this delightful story. There is one rough patch to deal with but all in all this was fun from beginning to end. And the hummingbird…well…some might think it a bit hokey BUT it works very VERY well in this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
Loved this book of Christmas miracles. Joy, widowed, has brought her daughter , Piper to Glacier Creek for Christmas with her in laws. Piper has three things on her Christmas list. A white Christmas, a puppy and a new daddy. Cole, does not do Christmas, he was abandoned as a young child on Christmas Eve, but can Piper bring miracles to all this Christmas season.
This book brought many happy tears to my eyes. Loved the hummingbird, always enjoyed! The perfect read of miracles, finding love and the importance of families. I highly recommend this read.
Romance is never easy but when you throw in guilt and insecurity the road to love is more like a mountain to scale. Joy is a young widow who the reader immediately sympathizes with. Luke is a hero no one could conjure up; a man who has only ever loved one woman. The romance in the pages of their love story is one made for the dreams of romance lovers everywhere. Delane Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
When I started reading A Hummingbird Christmas, I expected it to be a sweet little romantic Christmas tale. But it was so much more than that! As an author myself, and a professional editor, I’ve gotten so used to reading stories lately that are implausible, poorly written, badly edited and just horrid… But when the narrative in this story captivated me, the dialogue sparkled and the commas were all in the right place, I knew I was in romance-fiction heaven! Karen Foley writes realistic, sympathetic characters the reader can really care about. I loved Piper’s quirky fashion sense and endearing childlike enthusiasm. Joy was appropriately protective in her role as mother and, as a young widow, guarded regarding her heart. Her in-laws, Beth and Eldon, were well drawn and largely realistic. And Cole… my goodness! What a kind and sensitive young man… and I loved how he took so readily to Piper and became both her friend and protector. The significance of hummingbirds to the story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. And the resolution of Cole’s aversion to Christmas proved eminently satisfying! If you’re looking for a great holiday (or would that be Holliday?) read, I can’t recommend A Hummingbird Christmas highly enough.
This is truly one of my favorite Christmas stories of 2017. Widowed Joy wants to give her young daughter Piper a white Christmas in Montana at her in-laws home. And Piper has 3 wishes for Christmas, #3 is a doozy. She meets her late husband's best friend Cole there as well. This story has a lot of depth with multi-layered characters as they each learn to deal with grief and ultimately healing. It is a wonderful heart-tugging Christmas tale with a sweet new romance and family given a second chance at their HEA thru the magic of Christmas and a cute little girl with joy in her heart. I have never read a story by Karen Foley before, but I sure will be looking at more from her in the future.
This is a sweet, romantic story. Cole is a bit hard to like in the beginning, but that changes as the story unfolds. Joy is very likable and sweet. The storyline is engrossing and enjoyable, with some touching moments. I received a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Have not read a romance novel in a while and this was just the right one. Love the small town feel and a perfect book to read at Christmas time. Nice easy read that kept my interest in the characters loved it
Joy Holliday (27) was on her way to Glacier Creek from Los Angeles. Where she flew into Glacier Park, Montana a day early. She then came up with the hair-brain idea to drive the short fifty miles herself that night to her in-laws. Not taking into consideration night coming sooner, the dense snow, and near whiteout conditions, and her five-year-old daughter Piper needed to pee. Piper is at her wit's end because she is all traveled out. With Pipervneeding to pee, then it starts to snow again, Joy can’t take a chance to remove her hand from the wheel and won’t know when and if she passed the street.
However, she studied the map a lot while on the tarmac, and she is pretty sure she didn't pass it. When she does turn she is hit by a truck when she had the right of way. But the guy Cole Tanner acts sorry and worried about them but then gets bent at her. Asking what she was thinking, coming out under these conditions. She tells him they weren't in these conditions when we left the airport. And the whole reason for bringing her girl out was because she wanted a white Christmas like Piper’s dad had. With all the Christmas lights her Grandma and Grandpa put up.
Then, his face took on a sickly look. The grand house came into view, and it was dark, with not a light wreath or decoration, anywhere. Her daughter's voice was disappointed, but said it's okay mama, they were waiting for us. I bet they did inside, right? They have a chimney, right? So Santa can find me? Yup! They sure do! My heart during this part wanted to crumble as the reader. When they get inside, nope. Then Beth gets a little weepy when she sees Piper, with her shocking red hair like her dad.
Eldon on the other hand, when he hears of the accident, Eldon gives Joy a dressing down. Between Cole’s attitude and Eldon’s dressing down, she is having second thoughts. Her daughter asked Santa for three things, and she will by God deliver on at least two of them for sure. 1. A White Christmas 2. A Puppy 3. A New Daddy. Especially when Cole’s parting words are, “Be mindful that not everyone is ready to celebrate Christmas joy.” Boy does she have work to do to get the Christmas of her dreams. The Scrooges around this house will need to change.
As if she had a choice with an infant, then a toddler, and now a kindergartener. Life waits for no one. Cole acts as if he is the only one hurting. Cole seems to think that Joy kept Matt chained to their place in Santa Barbara when he was alive. Matt was a grown-ass man he could have traveled home any time he wanted. Oh, how often and how long did Cole or Matt’s parents go and stay with Joy through her grieving period while she tried to manage a toddler? Oh, right, you were too busy being angry with her because she loved your best friend.
Matt never saw a need to move back to Montana. But if Cole took the time to ask her their story, he would see it was a whirlwind romance. He was in California doing the smoke jumping as he, and Cole both did. They met at a party, and three months later, they were married. However, Joy couldn’t just up and leave, she had just started a very lucrative pottery business in, Santa Barbara, and Matt said no biggy he could fight fires anywhere. So, he did. Until Piper was two, and a fire took his life. She has lived her life longer without him than she was with him. If you haven't guessed, Cole and Joy will be getting together. See how this author gets them there. It is not an easy climb and both fight it. But Beth, of all people along with Piper, plays cupid.
Such a good story that pulls out such emotion, from you the reader. At least it did me. Cole pissed me off, as you may have noticed. But he does redeem himself.
A Hummingbird Christmas by Karen Foley Cole Tanner doesn’t do Christmas.
Abandoned as a child on Christmas Eve, he has no use for the holiday season. When his best friend’s widow arrives in Glacier Creek, Montana, determined to give her small daughter the fairy-tale Christmas she’s dreaming of, Cole is prepared to dislike her. He isn’t prepared for Joy and her daughter to insinuate their way into his life—and his heart. But when tragedy strikes, he needs a Christmas miracle to fulfill the one wish he never knew he wanted.
Joy Holliday believes in miracles.
She sees hummingbirds everywhere, and believes they are tiny messengers from Heaven. Despite losing her husband four years ago, she is determined not to dwell on the past, but to look to the future. Her entire world revolves around taking care of her daughter, Piper, and ensuring she has a magical Christmas. In Glacier Creek she finds Cole, a man still smarting from the wounds of his past, determined to keep happiness at arms’ length. Can she save Christmas and show him the promise of a future with her? this is Joy Holliday and Cole Tanner's story. Joy glanced in the rearview mirror at her small daughter, Piper, who sat buckled into a car seat, bundled up in a brand new winter coat and hat. Beneath the hem of the coat, the tulle skirt of her pink ballet tutu frothed around her legs. “You’re Cole Tanner.” It was a statement, not a question. She recognized the man who had been raised alongside her late husband. Matt had looked upon this man as both a brother and a best friend. She had never met him, but Joy had seen enough photos of Cole Tanner to recognize him. Can she save Christmas and show him the promise of a future with her? read this book to find out. A Hummingbird Christmas by Karen Foley is a wonderful well written 5 star book. I highly recommend reading. "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Karen's Books with Tule: Heat Firefighters of Montana
I truly loved and enjoyed every minute of this story. It was such an amazing and beautiful Christmas romance with characters you can't help but love. I'm a true GA girl, but this story made we want to take a trip to Glacier Creek, Montana just for the Christmas festival, toboggan races, hot cocoa, gingerbread houses, and be embraced by this community that take care of each other. I wanted to join the Holliday family as they sat around the fire listening to Gramps tell stories. And speaking of Gramps, I wanted to wrap him and Gram up in my arms and give them the biggest hug. I could feel my heart break for them as years later, they still continued to grieve for their son. They were also amazing grandparents, and had such a loving relationship with their widowed daughter-in-law, Joy.
Cole and Joy had so much chemistry...the longing and intense looks, little smirks, blushing, and sexy smiles. The author did an amazing job with the steamy kisses and touches that explicit sex scenes was not needed to show that the chemistry between Cole and Joy was hot and undeniable. I really felt their connection. I knew they'd fallen in love rather quickly, but I loved that. It was nice how they spent time together though getting to know each other. It seemed like they really enjoyed hanging out with each other. And Cole was so amazing with Joy's daughter, Piper. This was truly a heartfelt romance that I've put at the top of my reread list.
This story was a sweet story of coming "home" and finding exactly what you weren't looking for but everything that is perfect. Joy is a widowed mom traveling back to Montana with her adorable daughter Piper to visit her inlaws for Christmas. Almost there she "runs into" and meets Cole Tanner who happens to be not only very close friends with her deceased husband but the unofficially adopted son of her mother and father-in-law.
Having gotten Piper's excitement up of a winter wonderland Christmas in Montana they are shocked to arrive to a dark and bahhumbug attitude not only with Grammy and Grampy, but also with Cole. Death and lose have ripped any Christmas cheer from their lives but with Piper on the premises there isn't hope for anyone but to witness the awe and wonder of the Christmas season through the love and excitment of a little child.
Piper is just what the Hayden's have needed to brighten not only the holiday season but their entire world. With the love of the child who is the spittinig image of their son and the signs of the hummingbirds sends, this family learns to rely on faith and miracles. Joy finds her own joy in the season and a second chance with Cole who also learns how love and new discoveries can heal a broken soul.
This story was sweet, funny, romantic and heartwarming. I loved it!
This is an appealing Christmas romance with a cute story and very likeable characters. The locale is Glacier Creek, Montana, in the winter with snow and beautiful scenery abounding. A sweet child, Piper, is intending to ask Santa for a daddy for Christmas much to the discomfort of her mother, Joy. Visiting her deceased husband's parents for Christmas and to spend the holidays in Montana is a gift to them long deserved. It's been four years since their son died in a fire fighting battle, four years that have pained them in feeling his loss.
Living in the closest home to them is Cole Tanner, the boy Matt's parents raised as their own since he was nine. He was Matt's best friend and cohort in all kinds of mischief. When Matt married Joy, he left Montana to live in California with his bride, a decision Cole resented from day one. Now that Joy is back in Montana, Cole finds he must reevaluate his feelings when faced with her genuineness and pull. Plus, the draw to Piper, a cute, fun and loving child, is present.
Joy finds herself in the undercurrents of a strong emotional draw toward Cole-the same pull he senses. But, there's the possibility of causing hurt to Matt's parents if they act on the attraction. Then there's the hummingbird that mysteriously appears whenever they need some guidance and clarification.
A Hummingbird Christmas by Karen Foley is a Glacier Creek Novel. There are smokejumpers in the story but it is not a major part since it is December in Montana with at least a foot of snow. This heartwarming story is one of fulfilling a child’s wishes, love, loss and renewed zest for life. One sweet, precocious little girl and four fine adults make this a realistic read. There is a small transcendent element with the hummingbird sightings but the author leaves it to the reader to decide what it means.
The villain in this story would be death so when he comes to claim a second Holliday life the fight is on. It is a heart pounding time as the search is going on but also one that could easily happen. I appreciated that gratitude prevails among the characters instead of trying to lay blame. That pretty much sums up the atmosphere of the entire story. Yes, there is romance in the story but it is more of a family banding together to overcome grief. So the adults are still moving on from losses in their lives but find that a joyous, thankful attitude brings more joy and love to them. A positive Christmas story to enjoy at the holiday season..
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley
Filled with Christmas cheer and community spirit, this is a romance of fresh starts and new hope. I found it a pleasant enough read, if a little fast moving when it came to love.
Joy is nice. A hard-working widow who has travelled north to make her daughter’s Christmas as special as possible – with snow and grandparents and sleigh rides. I liked her and I loved her relationship with her daughter Piper.
I wasn’t so sure about Cole, though. For one thing his initial resentment of Joy is really harsh and it changes far too quickly, simply because he thinks she’s pretty. I also didn’t like the high handed way he was with Piper, especially when it came to the puppy. He was just a grumpy guy who much preferred jumping to conclusions over finding out the real answers.
As for the rest of the story, it was nice and Christmassy, with occasional hummingbirds. I think the romance was a bit too fast, all things considered, and I never really warmed Cole, but if you’re looking for a sweet Christmas romance with a cute kid and a hopeful outlook on love, then this may be just what you’re looking for.
This is a story perfect for the holiday season. It’s a heartwarming , sweet story about loss, healing, forgiveness, hope, second chances, new beginnings, new love and the possibilities of miracles. Joy Halliday and her daughter Piper are visiting the parents of her deceased husband in the state of Montana. Little did she know that she would find a home without any of the Christmas magic and spirit she had promised her daughter . On her drive to her in-laws , Joy meets Cole, literally by accident. He was her husband’s best friend. A man that blames her for his friend leaving his job and the family he loved in Montana, in exchange for a different life in California. But with the help of seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child, and the appearance of hummingbirds everywhere Joy looks, the healing process begins and the magic of Christmas blossoms. I was gifted this copy by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I have found another author for me with Karen. I didn't know where this book was going but I soon liked this direction. Keep some tissues close. Joy is a widow with a 5 yr old girl, Piper, and they are coming to the grandparents. Her husband Matt died in firejumping. It is snowing and she slides off the road and meets Matt's best friend, Cole. He takes them to their house to get to make a visit again! Piper is an energy on feet. She falls for Cole and ditto for Joy. Piper wants 3 things for Christmas. Major Spoiler! She wants snow, a puppy and a new Daddy! Sometimes things work and sometimes they don't. The grownups tried to do their best and sometimes one gets lost trying to make it work. Piper gets lost! This is one scare. There is another surprise later on. I recommend this to anyone to read. You will need tissues and walking away. Check out this story to see if you want it. Give it a chance! Don't let it get away! You won't regret it! Enjoy reading this book!
A Hummingbird Christmas is a delightful story of second chances for young widow Joy, who has brought her daughter Piper to Glacier Creek Montana to spend Christmas with her parents-in-law. For Cole, her husband Matt’s best friend, Joy’s visit brings mixed emotions—he’s always resented her for taking Matt away from Glacier Creek. It comes as something of a shock to him to find he likes and is attracted to her, but then there’s the guilt associated with falling for his best friend’s wife. For Matt’s parents, Joy’s visit brings healing and a new beginning as they come to deal with their grief over the death of their son. I loved the warm inclusiveness of the Glacier Creek community and the way that Joy and Piper fitted in so quickly. The hummingbird that popped up here and there at strategic points through the story was also a lovely touch. This is a gentle, warm Christmas story that put a smile on my face early on and kept it there u til the last page.
I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com
This is a cute festive read ideal for the upcoming holidays when you want to take yourself off drink some gingerbread latte and snuggle up with the festive pjs.
This is a story of hope and a new start.
Joy Holliday takes her five year old daughter, Piper, to stay in Glacier Creek with her late husbands parents She's travelled there after reading Piper's letter to Father Christmas one of her wishes is to see snow.
Christmas will not be easy for them, but Joy is a wonderful mother Piper is cute.
They meet a friend of her late husband Cole - he has problems of his own and Christmas is not a great time for him either as he was abandoned on Christmas Eve as a child! Sounds a little too much - readers it is a beautiful story of hope, new happenings and light at the end of a horrid dark tunnel.
This book is pretty much what I was looking for in a feel-good Christmas romance. Relatable characters with enough baggage to care about them, yet not syrupy sweet. Romantic tension was slightly awkward and taut, reflecting real life, which I enjoyed. The changes in the adults occurred naturally over the course of the story and the child Piper was adorable.
I loved how the author worked micro-tension throughout the story, enough to pull the reader through and keep us wondering what would happen next. My only complaint concerned what happened at one point with Piper. Given how devastated the parents were over their son's tragic death, I couldn't quite believe the lead-up to the scenario with the little girl.
Overall, though, this story was a clean read of two people with hurt hearts coming together against the backdrop of the holidays. And it left me with the feel-good holiday spirit I was seeking.
What an amazingly heartwarming Christmas story. This my first book by this author but I’m certainly going to be reading more.
I was hooked from the start, the plot nuggets were too much and I just had to find out the back story, and for that you literally have to read the whole book, the story just kept unfolding and I couldn’t put it down. I was crying before I even hit the halfway mark.
Such a beautiful second chance love story, I admit I was a sceptical as Cole about the hummingbirds, but by the end, tears of happiness were running down my face as they saw that last one. I loved Piper and how she brought everyone together, she was such a great match maker.
I thought I was heart broken hearing Joys back story, but when we get to Coles, my heart broke for him and Joy, Piper, Eldon and Beth put him back together. A broken family made whole again.
This was simply a beautiful and touching Christmas love story.