Avery Burton loves her job as assistant to Logan Calloway. A big time Hollywood A-lister, Logan spends all his time on the West Coast leaving her to run his charity in Whiskey River. Staying busy and giving back to the community that is the only real family she’s ever known suits Avery just fine… until Logan announces he’s coming home for Christmas.
Ever since his mother abandoned him as a young boy, Whiskey River hasn't felt like home to Logan Calloway. Still, he heads home for the holidays, intending to reflect on his career and personal life. When he sees his assistant Avery in his home, Logan begins to realize that Whiskey River has more to offer than just bad memories.
As Logan and Avery spend more time together working for the charity, it becomes impossible to deny their chemistry and attraction.
Katherine Garbera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 novels, which have been translated into over two dozen languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. She is the mother of two incredibly creative and snarky grown children. Katherine enjoys drinking champagne, reading, walking and traveling with her husband. She lives in Kent, UK, where she is working on her next novel.
This is the fourth and final story in this brilliant series. This time the focus is on Logan Calloway, the third man from the Barrels area who left as a teenager with everyone expecting him to never do much with his life. He astounded his detractors as he became a Hollywood A-lister, a superstar who never forgot his roots and actually set up a local charity to help anyone growing up in a similar situation to himself. Now instead of being supercilious to him, those who used to put him down now seek his approval and attention. As his friends are heading back to Whiskey River for the festive season, Logan goes there, too. Whilst there he visits the offices of his charity and discovers that his assistant, Avery Burton, may be another great reason for being in Whiskey River! With so many events occurring and the attraction between the two growing, the matchmaking Harwood ghost, Felicity, will be endeavouring to work her lavender scented magic again to bring love and romance to this couple!
Again, this story has events and characters in common with the previous two books in this series but they are related from a different point of view, adding to the feeling of actually being there. As Logan reflects on his past and moves on to the future, this story is an emotive read and shows how he strives to use his success to help others escape from low expectations and to boost their aspirations. The romance is brilliantly portrayed and it is endearing to follow its development. There is plenty of angst and turmoil and this story is yet another real page turner, with Felicity, the Harwood ghost, playing a lavender scented cupid in this thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to the series.
I loved this whole series, reading them in sequence over a long weekend - whenever life didn't get in the way. I am so impressed with how the authors have collaborated to bring the characters, events and scenarios to life in each book yet each author brings their own voice to their own story. This is definitely a fantastic Christmas series that I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys escaping into community based romances - in this case with Felicity, a matchmaking ghost, to lend the couples a lavender scented hand on their journey to their HEA!
I requested and received a copies of these novels, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
This is the fourth and last book in the series. I haven't read the others (yet!), but this can easily stand alone. From what I gather, the first book set up the background, and books two and three take place concurrently with book four. This was a sweet, quick read with a bit of heat.
Logan is a big Hollywood star now, but once upon a time, he was a kid from the poor part of town. His parents drank, his mom abandoned them, and besides abusing Logan and his brothers, his father was responsible for the drunk driving accident that killed an innocent family. Though he hasn't been back in years, Logan has set up a charity to help the people in his hometown. He's returned with two childhood friends as they made plans for more ways to help their community, and for him to participate in the holiday charity events.
Avery has worked for Logan, running his charity, for three years. She loves her work and helping the people that feel more like family than her own. Her parents are two brilliant scientists who never really had time for her as a child, and things haven't changed once she was an adult.
I loved the first meeting between Avery and Logan. She's talked to him on the phone plenty of times and seen pictures of him, but she wasn't at all prepared for the effect he had on her in person. Though she presents a calm façade, inside he has her rattled. She is attracted to him but determined to resist. Logan is equally attracted to Avery, but also intrigued by her. As the two of them worked together on various charity events, they had a chance to get to know each other. There were some sweet scenes between them, as well as some that showed the building attraction. I loved the part at Harwood House when the resident ghost gave them a little nudge, trapping them in a closet long enough for them to indulge in a whopper of a kiss. As the days went by, I loved seeing how they couldn't stay away from each other. But the closer they grew, the more their personal demons worked against their beliefs that there could be a future together. I ached for Avery, whose neglect by her parents have made it difficult for her to trust that she won't end up disappointed or left behind again. In spite of his success, Logan still sees himself as the son of the town drunk, looked down on by other people. That insecurity makes it hard for him to believe that someone would care for the real him, not the star. I wanted to shake Avery when a not unexpected issue with her parents cropped up, and she used it to push Logan away. I hurt for him, but I also loved how he still watched out for her. His big moment at the end was fantastic, sweet and romantic and showed the depth of his love. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved how it showed how far they had come.
Since I haven't read the previous books, the secondary characters were all new to me, but I never felt lost. I liked that Logan, Eli, and Harlan had maintained their friendship after they left Whiskey River and have now joined together to give something back to their town. I also liked the little bit I saw of his brothers Finn and Sully. A big part of Logan's childhood had been spent trying to protect his brothers from their father. I liked how that protectiveness continued after their father's death. Both brothers were intriguing, and I hope they get stories of their own. I also loved the friendship between Avery, Rachel, and Samantha. It's clear that they have each other's backs at all times, but they also have no trouble dishing out advice when it's needed.
dnf. I enjoy holiday romances, but I do need some tension in the story, something to make me eager to read on. This was just bland and I didnt care enough about any character to want to continue reading. Too much thinking and staring and UST (which was undoubtedly resolved later ;) ) Give me something to make me CARE!
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book.
Once Upon a Texas Christmas by Katherine Garbera, book four in the Whiskey River Christmas series. This book tells the story of Avery and her boss who she is meeting in person for the first time Logan Calloway. When he comes back to town to co-chair with her a event. Even though this book took me a little longer to get into I really ended up enjoying it. I liked how the characters seem to connect from the beginning of the story. The author knows how to write books and bring her characters together. The storyline and dialogue was perfect. I've enjoyed other books by Katherine Garbera and she never disappoints me.
Once Upon a Texas Christmas by Katherine Garbera Avery Burton loves her job as assistant to Logan Calloway. A big time Hollywood A-lister, Logan spends all his time on the West Coast leaving her to run his charity in Whiskey River. Staying busy and giving back to the community that is the only real family she’s ever known suits Avery just fine…until Logan announces he’s coming home for Christmas. Ever since his mother abandoned him as a young boy, Whiskey River hasn’t felt like home to Logan Calloway. Still, he heads home for the holidays, intending to reflect on his career and personal life. When he sees his assistant Avery in his home, Logan begins to realize that Whiskey River has more to offer than just bad memories. As Logan and Avery spend more time together working for the charity, it becomes impossible to deny their chemistry and attraction. this is Avery Burton and Logan Calloway's story. Avery Burton was a little surprised that her boss was here in Whiskey River. Avery worked for Logan Calloway for three years and he’d never once come back to Whiskey River. Avery had asked him to co-chair this charity ball and then the women’s league the idea that he and Avery should lead off the ball with a dance together. So he’d had to come back. Once Upon a Texas Christmas by Katherine Garbera is a 3 star book. "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book." Katherine's Books with Tule: A Cowboy for Christmas Copper Mountain Christmas The Scott Brothers of Montana
The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride The Scott Brothers of Montana
Her Summer Cowboy Big Marietta Fair The Scott Brothers of Montana
No Rest for the Wicked International Bad Boys
Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside The Scott Brothers of Montana
Seduce Me Tonight Stand Alone Titles
Writing the Bestseller: Romantic and Commercial Fiction Non-Fiction
The Great Wedding Giveaway
Texas Heirs The Brothers of Whiskey River
Texas Tycoon The Brothers of Whiskey River
The Billionaire’s Pleasure Amalfi Night Billionaires
Texas Lover The Brothers of Whiskey River
Crushed Sons of San Clemente
Texas Bachelor The Brothers of Whiskey River
Her Christmas Cowboy The Scott Brothers of Montana
Gage American Extreme Bull Riders Tour
Once Upon a Texas Christmas Whiskey River Christmas
I am so sorry that this book is finished. This series was an awesome read! There were 4 books and there were one different author for each book. I loved to have been lucky to read all 4! This book starts with Avery to be the assistant of Logan Galloway. Major Spoiler! Logan is a man with more money than one needs. He gives his money away to people who really need it. He works with Balls, people who are down and trying to find out who Avery is! He lives in Hollywood and she is in Texas. He is going to start a Vineyard and help teens to get jobs! Whiskey River is decorated for Christmas. He is sending whatever children need.Now Avery finds she is in love with him and tries to stay away. Logan is trying to find her and here is where the adult only read this section! I liked this story. There are lots of turns in this book. Check out this book. You won't be able to put it down!
Once Upon A Texas Christmas by Katherine Garbera A Whiskey River Christmas Romance #4
Movie star hottie Logan Calloway heads home for the holidays and meets Avery Burton, his personal assistant, for the very first time in person. They flirt a bit and avoid one another for a bit and put on a party in town to raise money for a good cause and date and all in all it is a so-so holiday romance that didn’t wow me but was just okay. I did not relate to Avery much at all and did feel a bit more for Logan…I guess I couldn’t see what either saw in the other and though there was to be a matchmaking ghost somewhere I didn’t see much of her influence in the story and was hoping I would.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
The last of the Whiskey River Christmas series and possibly my favorite of the four. Avery and Logan are fantastic characters and their story is heartwarming and full of hope. Logan Calloway left Whiskey River years ago and has made a success of himself in Hollywood. Yet he's never forgotten Whiskey River and wants to give back as much as he can. Avery Burton heads up his charitable foundation in Whiskey River and this is the first time they have met in person. It's not long before Logan begins to realize that Avery may be worth putting his past behind him and staying in Whiskey River for a good long while.
I feel like both Avery and Logan need therapy. They’ve both been so traumatized by their respective childhoods, it continues to negatively affect them and their relationships with others and each other. Hard to believe in any type of HEA when they are both so wounded.
I was just not that into this story at all. It was really a hallmark Xmas movie on paper lol. But I think the Hallmark ones are better. Not recommending this one ;)
DNF, YMMV, but at 14% in, I feel nothing for either character, each of whom seem two-dimensional. I had high hopes, having enjoyed Whiskey River Rescue, but that was a different author, just the same town setting. Go read that one.
I have no clue what to say... the plot seemed pedestrian and the characters needed to grow up and trust their instincts. And not sure we needed all the sexual descriptions.
Just didn’t really feel the spark or connection to this one. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more had I read the other 2 books in the series but the characters fell flat for me
It’s always a bittersweet moment when the last story in a series is released. Once Upon A Texas Christmas brings the revisit to Whiskey River to a close… for now, at least. Logan and Avery’s story has been playing a bit in the background of all the modern day romances in this series and now we get their full story. I’ve enjoyed the sets of three friends who have had their romances somewhat intertwined throughout this series, the glimpses into the love stories from a different perspective have been enjoyable and added another touch to the legend of Whiskey River’s resident Christmas ghost.
Avery and Logan have perhaps the strongest walls built around their emotions of all the couples we’ve met. For different reasons family has played a large part in the development of their outlooks, fears and dealings for most of their lives. Now those reasons are going to be taking front and center stage in their romance and how they deal individually and together will point to their ending. I’ll admit there were moments when I simply wanted to shake them each and say look at what you’re tossing away – and others when I wanted to hug them and tell them that it would be okay. So yeah, this one was emotionally touching for two stubborn, independent people.
While I felt Felicity’s touches here and there in this story, I’ll also admit that I was hoping for a bit more of her matchmaking for the final story… but that’s on me not the author. I happen to be a reader who absolutely loved the overtones of the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in these stories, so Felicity was a very real character for me. Guess I simply wanted her happy ending, but maybe she’ll return another Christmas for more matchmaking.
If you love Christmas Romance, then this is a story and a series geared directly at you. Once Upon A Texas Christmas was a fun, charming, at times deep story of how we handle what life and our parents toss at us – and finding that one person who gets it all, and loves us through it and beyond. I’d recommend this story and series without hesitation.
*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.*
Avery is an assistant to hometown Hollywood star, Logan. Logan doesn't enjoy Whiskey River or Christmas because he feels he owes the town a debt. His dad was the town drunk who regularly beat Logan and his brothers and died in a car crash taking other innocent people with him. Logan walks around with this guilt and spends a lot of time and effort giving back to Whiskey River in an attempt to make his dad's sins up to the town and ensure that he doesn't turn out like his dad. Avery has work-a-holic parents who never had time for her or holidays. Will these two find a way to heal each other's wounds in time for Christmas?
I enjoyed this book. It was your average Christmas romance book. I enjoyed my time reading it, but will probably not remember details in a few weeks. One thing I do wish is that the author would've spent more time on the ghost and her story. It was very much like other holiday romances out there. The characters come together and spark a romance very quickly, but the actions of Avery just running away kinda seemed juvenile and contrived. However, I still enjoyed it. It was a good fluffy Christmas romance and was a quick read. If you enjoy these, by all means, pick it up. Three out of five stars
Thanks to Tule Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once Upon A Texas Christmas is the fourth and final story in a multi-author Christmas series featuring a matchmaking ghost who leaves the scent of lavender behind whenever she visits a locality. This sexy Christmas story set in Whiskey River, Texas brings together two people with issues and enables them to heal each other as they fall in love. Avery Jennings is the very capable Whiskey River based assistant to movie star and heart throb Logan Calloway. She has trouble trusting people, particularly at Christmas, because her parents,both wrapped up in their work as research scientists,have never managed to give her a family Christmas. Logan grew up in Whiskey River, but on the wrong side of the tracks. His abusive father eventually killed himself and a local family in a car crash, something the locals have no trouble regularly reminding him about. Neither Avery nor Logan thought they were capable of falling in love until they met each other. This story has a magic touch to it. Felicity, the ghost, is often there in the background working to throw Avery and Logan together. Of course there is also the glamour associated with having a film star in the story, and the joy of Christmas. This was an easy and pleasurable book to read.
Avery is assistant to Logan Calloway in Whiskey River Texas. Logan is a successful movie actor who seldom comes home. But this Christmas season he will be at home to support the many charities he has in the area.
Avery's hard work has increased Logan's generous presence in town and created programs which will help disadvantaged children.
Logan comes from a terrible family background. His life has been spent protecting his younger brothers and trying to make up for the damage done by his late father.
Avery was raised by two scientists who had little time for a child. She has set herself apart from most people because she is well aware that caring about anyone will mean disappointment. She believes in hard work, kindness to others and not relying on anyone but herself.
This is a sweet and quick read.
The population of this small town is made up of entertaining people.
There is no new ground covered here. The plot is quick moving and there is a lovely sense of love and affection.
This is my first story by Ms Garbera are and I look forward to reading more by her.
This was a wonderful conclusion to the series. Although I hated to see the series end. Each story covers a different character, and although they are intertwined and overlap at times, each book can be read by itself without getting lost. Logan is from the "wrong side of the tracks" in Whiskey River, but he has made it big in Hollywood and is determined to give back to those who are less fortunate (like he was as a child). Avery is his assistant and although she wasn't poor growing up, her parents were never really there for her like she wanted. These characters were so wonderful. They both have baggage from the past which causes some roadblocks to their attraction and relationship. But they both also want to grow and be better people specifically so they don't repeat their parents' mistakes. Logan especially is extremely generous both with his money and his time. I loved how these characters grew together. A little help from Felicity's ghost seemed to nudge them in the right direction.
Avery loves the job she does she gets to be part of helping the community that she has grown to love. The only thing she would love more is if she could feel like she belonged. Logan has been away from Whiskey River for a long time and coming home is not all that its cracked up to be it seems the town he grew up in can't seem to see past the one thing that has always over shadowed his childhood and his life. Can he show the town that his still a good guy or will they only see him for what his childhood once was? Can Avery get over the past and the hurt or will it just all over shadow the future she hopes to have? I am really loving the town of Whiskey River, while it has its gossip, biddies and over all some really fun loving characters. I am not sure why but when ever I read one of these books out of Whiskey River it feels like I am catching up with friends instead of reading a fiction story. I really loved how vulnerable both Avery and Logan were but also how fun the book was. The book does have some adult language but over all was a super fun read and well worth it.
Avery Burton knew she shouldn't get involved with her boss, Hollywood star Logan Calloway. But the more time she spent with him, the deeper she fell for him. And, with a little help from a matchmaking ghost named Felicity, they just might find the love that has been right there all along.
This is the perfect book for any romance fan. Avery and Logan were destined to be together. Even though both had lived totally different lives, they were similar in the way that their parents did not set a good example of true love. Logan, the bad boy from Whiskey River, lived with the memory of his parents fighting all the time and an alcoholic father who killed a family while driving drunk. Avery's parents were scientists who would rather work than spend time with her. Avery and Logan had to figure out how to love all on their own. This was an easy story to get hooked on and in the end, one you won't forget. I could easily picture this book as a fun Christmas movie.
Want a great Texas Christmas read? This is the book for you. Now know you sure can and should read this book any time of the year...not just around Christmas time. I love reading books set in my state and I really enjoy this series. Makes me wonder if the boots mentioned aren't based off of our own Justin boots but here I go wandering....
In this book we get to know the "five-star" brother Logan and Avery his assistant who runs his charity back home in Whiskey River, Tx. Now Logan comes home, something he does rarely because Eli and Harlan and Logan are going to start a winery and work with at risk teens. Just like they were. It's time to give back gentlemen. Oh yes....Avery and her girlfriends well we learn a little about them but this is Miss Avery's story. And what a good one our author tells. Yes, I do think that in would have liked to have seen snow in Texas.....
A sweet Christmas tale of two people searching for love yet uncertain they deserve it.
Avery and Logan are two damaged souls, neither believing they can move beyond the damage their parents caused. Yet, when Avery finally comes face to face with her boss of three years she will struggle to remember why, until her parents, once again, prove she can't trust those who are supposed to love her.
Logan Calloway lives every day with the knowledge of what his father did and has spent most of his adult life trying to make amends. So when he returns to his home town of Whiskey River where his assistant runs his foundation he is amused to finally meet a woman whose spunky personality keeps him on his toes and who is the one person who doesn't treat him like a celebrity.
But with the baggage each carries will Avery be able to learn to trust love and will Logan learn to trust himself?
I always enjoy Katherine Garbera’s work & this is no different. Her stories always leave me with a good feeling after reading them. She gets into abandonment, grief & feelings of being unworthy of love & acceptance in this wonderful story. Logan’s family history is sad & even his celebrity status can’t make him feel accepted. Avery’s family was little more than fly by night, with parents that worried more about their careers than they did their daughter. We see both of the characters struggle with issues that their afraid might show up in their relationships if they give into the feelings they have. This story causes a wide range of emotions that carry us through the tale of two loveable people looking for what they feel they’re not worthy of.....love. Definitely recommend. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
This was a fun, short Christmas story featuring two people with BIG issues, courtesy of their parents. Logan was the son of the town drunk who became a cautionary tale, leaving him feeling lower than dirt. Avery was the daughter of brilliant scientists who treated parenting like a fifty-fifty task to be handled. So like I said, issues. But Avery works for Logan’s charitable donation and when they finally spend time together things get flirty, fast. Despite reservations on both their parts, Logan and Avery learn that sometimes chemistry is hard to ignore. They were hot together—really, really hot—but it wasn’t just that. They gravitated towards each other and it was a delight to read their story. Once Upon a Texas Christmas didn’t have a lot of excess drama which I appreciated because both Logan and Avery were in their own way without anyone else’s help.
Once Upon a Texas Christmas by Katherine Garbera is Book 4 of the Whiskey River Christmas Series. I had hoped that the ghost of this series would have a grand finale, but it seems that she is to fade away quietly. Felicity has very little to do with this story. Much more is the focus on Hollywood A-Lister Logan Calloway and his personal demons. Along with him is his trusty assistant who lives in Whiskey River, managing his charity work there.
An enjoyable book of the series but doesn’t really stand out as some of the other books in the series do. Traditional romance that had me wondering what took Logan so long to see what was right in front of him.
3.5 Stars An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
The finale in the Whiskey River Christmas stories. Felicity the matchmaking ghost is at it again, to bring together Avery and Logan. Logan is a Hollywood actor, who has more money that what he knows to do with. He has a charity, set up in his home town of Whiskey Creek that Avery heads up. Avery has a mess of parents, to busy in their careers for the holidays. Logan has decided to come home for Christmas, the first time to meet Avery. Soon he decides that Whiskey Creek has more to offer him, such as the love of his life.
I so enjoyed this story. Two loss souls who find true love. To leave the past behind them and look into the future. Sad to see this series end. All books are stand alones, perfect reads for the busy Christmas season.
When two hurting hearts and one determined matchmaker combine, it's sure to be a memorable holiday. A-lister movie star Logan and his assistant Avery have never met in person, but with Logan visiting Whiskey River for the first time in years, things are about to change. With a little nudge from resident ghost Felicity, two damaged souls just might be mended. This is the perfect Christmas romance to put some joy in your heart. The characters are believable and engaging. It's easy to get invested in their story. For me, this is the best kind of story to start the holiday season. Happy Holidays!