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Carousel Christmas
Every year, Nick Trombley volunteers his time to decorate the Adirondack Carousel barn for Christmas, hoping that this will be the year when Noelle Callanan returns to the New York lakeside village to spend Christmas with her family. And that somehow, he might be able to make amends for the biggest mistake of his life.
Noelle fled from Saranac Lake , New York, four years ago when she caught Nick kissing her sister, April. He said it was innocent, but it drove her and Nick apart. Now Noelle wants nothing to do with home or her family who she believes sided with April. Even though April married another man, Noelle has no desire to see her or Nick again. She has made a new life for herself in New York City and is content. But this year her ninety-three year old great-grandmother wants to ride the carousel and have a family picture made in front of the giant Christmas tree. Her mother insists it’s past time to rebuild the bridges Noelle destroyed when she left home.
When Noelle arrives, her mother recruits her help decorating the carousel barn. She may be forced to work side-by-side with Nick, but will they be able to rekindle their high school romance? Will Noelle be reconciled with her sister and family? Or will this ride end where it started?
Noelle fled from Saranac Lake , New York, four years ago when she caught Nick kissing her sister, April. He said it was innocent, but it drove her and Nick apart. Now Noelle wants nothing to do with home or her family who she believes sided with April. Even though April married another man, Noelle has no desire to see her or Nick again. She has made a new life for herself in New York City and is content. But this year her ninety-three year old great-grandmother wants to ride the carousel and have a family picture made in front of the giant Christmas tree. Her mother insists it’s past time to rebuild the bridges Noelle destroyed when she left home.
When Noelle arrives, her mother recruits her help decorating the carousel barn. She may be forced to work side-by-side with Nick, but will they be able to rekindle their high school romance? Will Noelle be reconciled with her sister and family? Or will this ride end where it started?
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About the author
Laura V. Hilton
39 books654 followersAward winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.
She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.
She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 15, 2019
CAROUSEL CHRISTMAS by Laura V. Hilton is the wonderfully crafted second chance romance story of Nick Trombley and Noelle Callahan during the first Christmas Festival held in Saranac Lake, New York that is centered around the Adirondack Carousel.
Noelle ran from her hometown after seeing her sister, April, and her boyfriend, Nick, kissing. Of all people – her sister, the one who had everything - the pretty one with the crowns to prove it. Evidently she now even had her Nick. She didn’t ask any questions and didn’t wait for explanations. Heartbroken she broke all ties with her family, grabbed a few belongings and took off for New York City. There she roomed with a friend, tried to forget the past and concentrated on worked towards her teaching degree, which she was about to complete. She was starting to feel not happy but ok. That is, until her Mother, who she had just recently friended on Facebook, pleaded with her to return – for the sake of her great-grandmother’s last wish to have a family photograph taken at the carousel.
Nick had pretty much put his life on hold waiting and hoping that Noelle would return so he could find out what happened. He still loved her and knew he always would. If she would just show up, they could work through whatever had happened. However, after over four years had passed, he had decided that he needed move on and fulfill his dream. He had enlisted in the Coast Guard and was to report in right after the first of the year. And then Noelle showed up.
Can Noelle make a quick in and out, take the photo and leave without having much or any face to face time with April or Nick? Should Nick have given Noelle more time before signing up? Will seeing each other bring back old feelings – both good and bad? Will a trip the ice rink, bring back some longings for what could have been? Can Noelle, with the help of Nick, find her faith again? Can she learn to forgive years of hateful remarks from April? Will the truth coming out and forgiveness set them all free? If they find their way back to each other, how can they maneuver the future with Nick leaving for boot camp?
CAROUSEL CHRISTMAS is more than a second chance romance. It’s the story of faith, family, forgiveness and acceptance. Laura V. Hilton does a superb job of writing a Christmas story with meaning that can be read and applied to our lives year round. She brings such warmth and feeling to her characters that you feel like they are great friends and you are walking beside them as you read the words on the page feeling their anguish, pain, joy, and happiness along with them. Highly recommend both this author and the book CAROUSEL CHRISTMAS as a must read!
Noelle ran from her hometown after seeing her sister, April, and her boyfriend, Nick, kissing. Of all people – her sister, the one who had everything - the pretty one with the crowns to prove it. Evidently she now even had her Nick. She didn’t ask any questions and didn’t wait for explanations. Heartbroken she broke all ties with her family, grabbed a few belongings and took off for New York City. There she roomed with a friend, tried to forget the past and concentrated on worked towards her teaching degree, which she was about to complete. She was starting to feel not happy but ok. That is, until her Mother, who she had just recently friended on Facebook, pleaded with her to return – for the sake of her great-grandmother’s last wish to have a family photograph taken at the carousel.
Nick had pretty much put his life on hold waiting and hoping that Noelle would return so he could find out what happened. He still loved her and knew he always would. If she would just show up, they could work through whatever had happened. However, after over four years had passed, he had decided that he needed move on and fulfill his dream. He had enlisted in the Coast Guard and was to report in right after the first of the year. And then Noelle showed up.
Can Noelle make a quick in and out, take the photo and leave without having much or any face to face time with April or Nick? Should Nick have given Noelle more time before signing up? Will seeing each other bring back old feelings – both good and bad? Will a trip the ice rink, bring back some longings for what could have been? Can Noelle, with the help of Nick, find her faith again? Can she learn to forgive years of hateful remarks from April? Will the truth coming out and forgiveness set them all free? If they find their way back to each other, how can they maneuver the future with Nick leaving for boot camp?
CAROUSEL CHRISTMAS is more than a second chance romance. It’s the story of faith, family, forgiveness and acceptance. Laura V. Hilton does a superb job of writing a Christmas story with meaning that can be read and applied to our lives year round. She brings such warmth and feeling to her characters that you feel like they are great friends and you are walking beside them as you read the words on the page feeling their anguish, pain, joy, and happiness along with them. Highly recommend both this author and the book CAROUSEL CHRISTMAS as a must read!
October 31, 2017
My emotions were everywhere with the conversations and actions throughout this winning novella by Laura V. Hilton. Carousel Christmas tugged at my heart with heroine, Noelle Callahan, who felt betrayed by her boyfriend, Nick Trombley, and her sister April, on graduation night. The betrayal was so hurtful she left home immediately. Her return home after four and half years away was not going to be easy as she hadn’t stayed in touch with anyone in her home town, until the friend’s request from her mother on Facebook. Noelle was returning only to please her mother for a family portrait with her grandmother, who was celebrating her ninety-third Christmas. Misunderstanding, loss love, bullying by her sister, and letting her relationship with God stray caused Noelle to be anxious in returning home. However, Noelle had done well living away from her family. Sharing with her father about the bullying and lost opportunities increased her determination to move forward after he found her crying shortly after arriving. His compassion, love, empathy and strong faith gave her that extra boost she needed. Nick and Noelle had a lot to overcome, especially with Noelle jumping to conclusions in the past. Who will make the first move to show forgiveness and perspective of what truly happened?
Carousel Christmas is a beautiful tale of finding forgiveness, new opportunities to succeed, romance, faith and second chances to use your talents and love. I appreciated the scriptures Laura V. Hilton interweaves in her writing. I’m never disappointed in reading one of Hilton’s books or novellas. Carousel Christmas fulfilled everything I’ve come to love and appreciate in the writings of Laura V. Hilton.
I received an ARC e-file of this novella from the author. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my honest thoughts.
Carousel Christmas will be included in Winter's Kiss Box Set being released 11/7/17. These novellas are beautiful to read filled with God's greatness, second chances, faith, love, hope and joy. I've read three out of the six already by receiving ARC's of the three novellas from the authors that I love to read.
Carousel Christmas is a beautiful tale of finding forgiveness, new opportunities to succeed, romance, faith and second chances to use your talents and love. I appreciated the scriptures Laura V. Hilton interweaves in her writing. I’m never disappointed in reading one of Hilton’s books or novellas. Carousel Christmas fulfilled everything I’ve come to love and appreciate in the writings of Laura V. Hilton.
I received an ARC e-file of this novella from the author. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my honest thoughts.
Carousel Christmas will be included in Winter's Kiss Box Set being released 11/7/17. These novellas are beautiful to read filled with God's greatness, second chances, faith, love, hope and joy. I've read three out of the six already by receiving ARC's of the three novellas from the authors that I love to read.
October 16, 2017
This is the second story written by Laura Hilton that I've read and I'm so happy I did. Carousel Christmas, a moving novella that begins at Christmastime and ends in August, is a perfect read year round. It's very beginning grabbed my heart and mind: There's no place like home. Or, is there? That's what Ms. Hilton's true-to-life characters ultimately face and must decide. This is a heart-warming story about second chances, of a healing family, and a touching sweet romance. What I admire most about Carousel Christmas is the author's subtle show that one finds peace when one accepts His peace.
November 8, 2017
Carousel Christmas is a different, but fantastic novella. I've never read where an author brought in a jealous married sister with a family. For me, it brought a whole new situation to the storyline. This situation brought excitement and I was mesmerized to see how the problem would be handled. I love and enjoyed reading this novella. Author Laura V. Hilton is a superb author and she has never disappointed me in her novellas and books. Read this delightful novella, Carousel Christmas, for an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
December 7, 2017
Carousel Christmas is a satisfying story that highlights the disastrous results of being led by our emotions, rather than being led by our Lord. Noelle’s choice of four years ago has taken a toll on her happiness, but as the story progresses, perhaps the Lord is drawing her back to Him.
I like this story a lot. It moves along at a good pace and reminds me of the sweet treasure of an orange, once the peel is removed. If you like a good story with the depth of treasured truth, I know you will love Laura V. Hilton’s novella.
I like this story a lot. It moves along at a good pace and reminds me of the sweet treasure of an orange, once the peel is removed. If you like a good story with the depth of treasured truth, I know you will love Laura V. Hilton’s novella.
November 14, 2017
Carousel Christmas
By: Laura V. Hilton
Carousel Christmas is a perfect novella to read anytime. I love the story ,and the characters were well developed and real like. Laura V. Hilton is a fantastic author and did not disappoint. I was grabbed at the start and was hooked till the end. This is a heartwarming novella with betrayal , hurt, and second chances. A very sweet romance and I highly recommend it .
I was given a complimentary copy , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
By: Laura V. Hilton
Carousel Christmas is a perfect novella to read anytime. I love the story ,and the characters were well developed and real like. Laura V. Hilton is a fantastic author and did not disappoint. I was grabbed at the start and was hooked till the end. This is a heartwarming novella with betrayal , hurt, and second chances. A very sweet romance and I highly recommend it .
I was given a complimentary copy , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews