What do you think?
Rate this book
Christmas Camp #1
Christmas Camp
From the screenwriter of the Netflix Original viral hit, A Christmas Prince, comes another heartwarming holiday story about a beautiful Grinch who’s determined to get her dream job even if it means spending a week at a Christmas Camp where she discovers an unexpected love.
Haley Hanson’s idea of the perfect Christmas is escaping to the Caribbean to work so she can avoid all the traditional Christmas distractions. Over the years, she’s sacrificed her personal life to climb the corporate ladder at a prestigious Boston advertising agency. Now she just needs to land a coveted Christmas toy company account to make partner. But first, her boss, Larry, thinks she needs a holiday attitude adjustment, so he ships her off to a Christmas Camp at Holly Peak Inn to help her find her Christmas spirit.
Arriving at the charming mountainside inn, Haley meets the owner’s handsome son, Jeff, and feels an instant spark, but resists the attraction, refusing to be distracted from her goal of doing all the required Christmas tasks as fast as possible so she can get back to work.
At first Haley struggles with all the traditional Christmas Camp activities. It’s not until she finally allows herself to slow down, live in the moment, and let Christmas back into her heart, that she begins to grow closer to Jeff. But when he finds out Haley’s come up with a plan to help his dad save the struggling inn while he’s been trying to convince his dad to sell it, their relationship takes a serious holiday hit. Now it will take the magic of the season to bring these two hearts together.
Haley Hanson’s idea of the perfect Christmas is escaping to the Caribbean to work so she can avoid all the traditional Christmas distractions. Over the years, she’s sacrificed her personal life to climb the corporate ladder at a prestigious Boston advertising agency. Now she just needs to land a coveted Christmas toy company account to make partner. But first, her boss, Larry, thinks she needs a holiday attitude adjustment, so he ships her off to a Christmas Camp at Holly Peak Inn to help her find her Christmas spirit.
Arriving at the charming mountainside inn, Haley meets the owner’s handsome son, Jeff, and feels an instant spark, but resists the attraction, refusing to be distracted from her goal of doing all the required Christmas tasks as fast as possible so she can get back to work.
At first Haley struggles with all the traditional Christmas Camp activities. It’s not until she finally allows herself to slow down, live in the moment, and let Christmas back into her heart, that she begins to grow closer to Jeff. But when he finds out Haley’s come up with a plan to help his dad save the struggling inn while he’s been trying to convince his dad to sell it, their relationship takes a serious holiday hit. Now it will take the magic of the season to bring these two hearts together.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
457 people are currently reading
8004 people want to read
About the author
Karen Schaler
13 books1,018 followers“Karen is one of the most masterful seasonal storytellers writing today with a gift for distilling warmth and magic into profoundly uplifting storylines.” –Rose Hilliard, Executive Editor, Audible Originals
KAREN SCHALER is a three-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller, author, screenwriter, journalist, and national TV host.
Karen writes Christmas movies for Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime, including the Netflix, hit A Christmas Prince, and has written seven beloved heartwarming holiday romance novels, including bestsellers Love Always, Christmas, and Christmas Camp where she also wrote the Hallmark movie.
Be sure to follow Karen on GOODREADS for her latest special deals and giveaways!
Karen has also turned her Christmas Camp novel and movie into real-life immersive Christmas Camp experiences for grownups, held worldwide where Karen carefully curates and hosts magical holiday activities from her movies and novels.
Karen also has a Top 10 Audible Bestseller, Once Upon A Christmas Carol featuring a full cast of award-winning actors and world-class musicians, where Karen also wrote the featured original song.
Traveling to more than sixty-eight countries, Karen is also the creator and host of Travel Therapy TV, which airs nationally on top TV and streaming outlets where she features the most inspiring and empowering trips to take based on what you're going through in life.
Karen believes in the power of paying it forward and giving back, and all of her stories are uplifting and filled with heart and hope.
KAREN'S FESTIVE FREEBIE! Be sure to download Karen’s free DIY Christmas Camp Guide at www.karenschaler.com, including delicious recipes and activities from all her stories.
KAREN SCHALER is a three-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller, author, screenwriter, journalist, and national TV host.
Karen writes Christmas movies for Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime, including the Netflix, hit A Christmas Prince, and has written seven beloved heartwarming holiday romance novels, including bestsellers Love Always, Christmas, and Christmas Camp where she also wrote the Hallmark movie.
Be sure to follow Karen on GOODREADS for her latest special deals and giveaways!
Karen has also turned her Christmas Camp novel and movie into real-life immersive Christmas Camp experiences for grownups, held worldwide where Karen carefully curates and hosts magical holiday activities from her movies and novels.
Karen also has a Top 10 Audible Bestseller, Once Upon A Christmas Carol featuring a full cast of award-winning actors and world-class musicians, where Karen also wrote the featured original song.
Traveling to more than sixty-eight countries, Karen is also the creator and host of Travel Therapy TV, which airs nationally on top TV and streaming outlets where she features the most inspiring and empowering trips to take based on what you're going through in life.
Karen believes in the power of paying it forward and giving back, and all of her stories are uplifting and filled with heart and hope.
KAREN'S FESTIVE FREEBIE! Be sure to download Karen’s free DIY Christmas Camp Guide at www.karenschaler.com, including delicious recipes and activities from all her stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 803 reviews
September 29, 2022
Haley gets passed over for a promotion and a big project at work because she doesn’t get the Christmas spirit, which the project requires. When she begs for another chance, her boss sends her to “Christmas Camp” at Holly Peak Inn to get her in the right mode. Jeff is the owner’s son and trying to save the inn during hard financial times. This was a Christmas explosion of Christmas tropes. 🍭🎅❄Hot cocoa with whipped cream and candy cane stir sticks. Ugly Christmas sweater competitions. Reindeer on the lawn. Christmas decorated rooms. Cookies and wishes in stockings. 🎄❄🎄❄Lots of cheery activities with new friends and a sweet romance developing as the resident grinch finds her ho ho ho. This was super cute and had some wonderful warm Christmas messages.
October 31, 2018
Favorite Quote:
Since she traveled a lot to visit her clients, she took pride in the fact that she never checked any bags, going with the philosophy that there were two kinds of luggage, carry-on and lost.
My Review:
I enjoyed this mild and sweet holiday storyline of a female workaholic named Haley. The writing was insightful and finely tweaked with those humorous and thoughtful touches that kicked the narrative up from good to cleverly exceptional. The main character of Haley wasn’t exactly a grinch but a mild female version of Scrooge. She was exceptionally driven and prone to be selfish and thoughtless in what she said and did in her eagerness to get accounts and make partner. She worked all the time and didn’t make time to relax, date, or socialize outside of work. She wasn’t vile, just obnoxiously ambitious and work-obsessed. Her boss staged a covet intervention as “a holiday attitude adjustment,” by sending her to “Christmas Camp,” an inn with traditional activities geared to bring families together during the holidays. This is one of those rare books that is chaste enough for my elderly mother’s Sunday School book club and Hallmark Channel wholesome, yet still entertaining to me. My favorite character in the story was the exceptionally clever Max - the Wonder Dog, whom I believe was largely responsible for Haley’s transformation.
Since she traveled a lot to visit her clients, she took pride in the fact that she never checked any bags, going with the philosophy that there were two kinds of luggage, carry-on and lost.
My Review:
I enjoyed this mild and sweet holiday storyline of a female workaholic named Haley. The writing was insightful and finely tweaked with those humorous and thoughtful touches that kicked the narrative up from good to cleverly exceptional. The main character of Haley wasn’t exactly a grinch but a mild female version of Scrooge. She was exceptionally driven and prone to be selfish and thoughtless in what she said and did in her eagerness to get accounts and make partner. She worked all the time and didn’t make time to relax, date, or socialize outside of work. She wasn’t vile, just obnoxiously ambitious and work-obsessed. Her boss staged a covet intervention as “a holiday attitude adjustment,” by sending her to “Christmas Camp,” an inn with traditional activities geared to bring families together during the holidays. This is one of those rare books that is chaste enough for my elderly mother’s Sunday School book club and Hallmark Channel wholesome, yet still entertaining to me. My favorite character in the story was the exceptionally clever Max - the Wonder Dog, whom I believe was largely responsible for Haley’s transformation.
November 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book a lot. Everything about this book was completely amazing. I love the characters,the storyline, and the magical time of Christmas. The characters were well formed and excellently developed.I loved how they interacted with each other. The writing was great and held my attention. I definitely recommend.
December 5, 2022
A cute clean Christmas romance! So festive and cheery.
It follows a woman who is consumed by her job and wants a promotion and a man who works for his dad and sacrifices to help with the business.
The woman ends up going to a Christmas camp that the man and his dad put on every year.
It’s a romance but mostly it’s a story to get you in the Christmas spirit!
It follows a woman who is consumed by her job and wants a promotion and a man who works for his dad and sacrifices to help with the business.
The woman ends up going to a Christmas camp that the man and his dad put on every year.
It’s a romance but mostly it’s a story to get you in the Christmas spirit!
November 28, 2018
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
Where does one start with Christmas Camp? Do I start by telling you it's the perfect Hallmark movie in book form? Do I tell you the girl is relatable and Christmas really does bring magic and love into her overworked life? Or do I tell you it's all thanks to the smart dog? Oh, I tell you all of that? Okay, it's all true! Christmas Camp is the story of Haley Hanson and her desire to make partner at her advertising and marketing firm. Only the challenge has to do with Christmas and Haley's idea of Christmas is being poolside with her family...while still working. Meanwhile Jeff is all about the season, even if he wants his dad to give up the camp and move a little closer. He still believes and he's out to prove to Haley she knows nothing about the true spirit of Christmas. She struggles with the activities, referring to it all as boot camp, but as she learns to slow down she also learns how to open up allowing the unexpected to happen. But is Christmas just for a season or is it a forever feeling?
Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler arrived right on time for me. I love the holidays, nothing is better than brisk air, peppermint flavored coffee, and decorations everywhere, but work's had me exhausted lately and my spirit was more Scrooge than even Haley's. This book has everything you could possibly like about Christmas in it. From the decorations to the activities to the sweet, more personal moments, it's exactly like that first, untouched sparkly snowfall. I really connected with Haley's goal to reach the top and her desperate desire to give her parents everything after they had given so much to her. She's lost sight, for sure, but she's got the spirit in her. Jeff is a bit of a tough guy, all handsome and closed off. They bump heads the entire way, but it makes for a funny and cute story that was easy to follow and even easier to fall in love with.
Christmas Camp is a feel good story, the kind you'll want to read again and again. It's more than a romance though and I think readers will fall in love with the secondary characters we get to know during Haley's time at camp. It's the perfect book for the season and while I'm excited to see the movie, I'm more excited to read this year after year as the holiday season draws near.
ARC provided.
Where does one start with Christmas Camp? Do I start by telling you it's the perfect Hallmark movie in book form? Do I tell you the girl is relatable and Christmas really does bring magic and love into her overworked life? Or do I tell you it's all thanks to the smart dog? Oh, I tell you all of that? Okay, it's all true! Christmas Camp is the story of Haley Hanson and her desire to make partner at her advertising and marketing firm. Only the challenge has to do with Christmas and Haley's idea of Christmas is being poolside with her family...while still working. Meanwhile Jeff is all about the season, even if he wants his dad to give up the camp and move a little closer. He still believes and he's out to prove to Haley she knows nothing about the true spirit of Christmas. She struggles with the activities, referring to it all as boot camp, but as she learns to slow down she also learns how to open up allowing the unexpected to happen. But is Christmas just for a season or is it a forever feeling?
Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler arrived right on time for me. I love the holidays, nothing is better than brisk air, peppermint flavored coffee, and decorations everywhere, but work's had me exhausted lately and my spirit was more Scrooge than even Haley's. This book has everything you could possibly like about Christmas in it. From the decorations to the activities to the sweet, more personal moments, it's exactly like that first, untouched sparkly snowfall. I really connected with Haley's goal to reach the top and her desperate desire to give her parents everything after they had given so much to her. She's lost sight, for sure, but she's got the spirit in her. Jeff is a bit of a tough guy, all handsome and closed off. They bump heads the entire way, but it makes for a funny and cute story that was easy to follow and even easier to fall in love with.
Christmas Camp is a feel good story, the kind you'll want to read again and again. It's more than a romance though and I think readers will fall in love with the secondary characters we get to know during Haley's time at camp. It's the perfect book for the season and while I'm excited to see the movie, I'm more excited to read this year after year as the holiday season draws near.
ARC provided.
January 20, 2019
3.5 holiday stars!! - A Christmas Camp? What is that? It’s for those who have lost their Christmas spirit, those who want to learn how to make their own Christmas traditions, and for those lonely souls to continue to hold on to the love and memories of family. And for those who just absolutely love Christmas. It’s for some who get preoccupied with life, work, etc and just want to get through Christmas; not feel or “be” Christmas. What was lost or never had, is now to be found at Christmas Camp.
The concept of a Christmas Camp is unique. It’s run by Ben, Jeff’s widowed dad. Jeff helps, but his work and business is making time spent with his Dad, less and less. Ben continues to constantly add to the decorations, lighting and experience. But money is not coming in, and Jeff would like his dad to sell the camp and move near him. Yet, this property is beautiful and magical and it reminds Ben of his deceased wife, and family times, especially at Christmas, which was her/their favorite time of year. If Ben sells, the Christmas camp concept will cease to be. New and former guests will not have anything like this to go to, because it’s one of a kind.
Enter young Haley, who is a fast tracker in brand marketing. She’s bucking for a promotion, however, her Christmas spirit is not only lacking, it’s at zero. Haley’s boss notices her lack of Christmas spirit, and signs her up for this camp with the agreement he will listen to her pitch as well as her colleague’s pitch, and may the best person win this new toy account. Haley is highly competitive and while this has served her well in life before, it’s going to be a deterrent in achieving her Christmas camp certification of completion. She was called the Grinch at the office; she can’t part with her phone or computer and it’s embarrassing how she acts and lies about keeping connected or using these devices for work. She is supposed to disconnect from work and immerse herself in the camp experience, but, wow, it’s like her quitting cold turkey. Haley has several setbacks and gets in trouble and caught with her phone and is always thinking about or making some comment about work. It was getting to be annoying to everyone how she just could not detach herself!
There’s a connection when Haley and Jeff meet (of course). And it’s a cute story of their back and forth in establishing a relationship with the magic of Christmas helping to bond them together.
The festive environment, the daily holiday activities (group and individual), the cookies (omg - the cookies figure prominently in this book), food, cocoa, and the falling snow all add to the Christmas spirit and before you know it, everyone is experiencing the joy, the wonder, the sharing, the peace and love.
The traditions of the camp are quite heartwarming; it binds those that are present now, with former guests who visited in the past. Ben coordinates and runs his camp expertly. But Ben also has a warm heart and kind soul and is able to see deeper beyond the physical person and helps them kind of figure things out and gives a little push or nudge along the way to get them there. I think Jeff carries a little bit of this magic himself; he is very tolerant of Haley but at times, gets frustrated and disappointed with her. As do the others.
But...Haley starts bonding with some of the other guests; immersing herself in group cooking, singing, shopping, taking Max the friendly dog for walks, baking cookies, decorating her tree and the group tree. In time, she is starting to come around to the feeling in her heart of Christmas. She is starting to remember some of her earlier Christmases and traditions, as well.
For someone who gave gift cards to family/friends, Haley is now is capable to select a personal and Christmas appropriate gift that has true meaning. It’s a complete turnaround and she finally earns her camp completion certificate. But that’s not all, there are a few other things that fall into place and it’s a sweet, happy ending.
This book was made into a TV movie and released, I believe, in December, 2018.
I laughed out loud when Haley was checked into her room at camp and it was the angel themed room. Angels were everywhere, and being surrounded by an excess of angel dolls, angel embroidered pillows, other angel related paraphernalia started making her very anxious. She started talking to them and stuffing them into dresser drawers, under the bed and into the closet so she would not have to look at them. Other guest themed rooms were stars, snowmen, Santas, etc. but it appeared that the decor in each room was overly excessive! 🤭
The concept of a Christmas Camp is unique. It’s run by Ben, Jeff’s widowed dad. Jeff helps, but his work and business is making time spent with his Dad, less and less. Ben continues to constantly add to the decorations, lighting and experience. But money is not coming in, and Jeff would like his dad to sell the camp and move near him. Yet, this property is beautiful and magical and it reminds Ben of his deceased wife, and family times, especially at Christmas, which was her/their favorite time of year. If Ben sells, the Christmas camp concept will cease to be. New and former guests will not have anything like this to go to, because it’s one of a kind.
Enter young Haley, who is a fast tracker in brand marketing. She’s bucking for a promotion, however, her Christmas spirit is not only lacking, it’s at zero. Haley’s boss notices her lack of Christmas spirit, and signs her up for this camp with the agreement he will listen to her pitch as well as her colleague’s pitch, and may the best person win this new toy account. Haley is highly competitive and while this has served her well in life before, it’s going to be a deterrent in achieving her Christmas camp certification of completion. She was called the Grinch at the office; she can’t part with her phone or computer and it’s embarrassing how she acts and lies about keeping connected or using these devices for work. She is supposed to disconnect from work and immerse herself in the camp experience, but, wow, it’s like her quitting cold turkey. Haley has several setbacks and gets in trouble and caught with her phone and is always thinking about or making some comment about work. It was getting to be annoying to everyone how she just could not detach herself!
There’s a connection when Haley and Jeff meet (of course). And it’s a cute story of their back and forth in establishing a relationship with the magic of Christmas helping to bond them together.
The festive environment, the daily holiday activities (group and individual), the cookies (omg - the cookies figure prominently in this book), food, cocoa, and the falling snow all add to the Christmas spirit and before you know it, everyone is experiencing the joy, the wonder, the sharing, the peace and love.
The traditions of the camp are quite heartwarming; it binds those that are present now, with former guests who visited in the past. Ben coordinates and runs his camp expertly. But Ben also has a warm heart and kind soul and is able to see deeper beyond the physical person and helps them kind of figure things out and gives a little push or nudge along the way to get them there. I think Jeff carries a little bit of this magic himself; he is very tolerant of Haley but at times, gets frustrated and disappointed with her. As do the others.
But...Haley starts bonding with some of the other guests; immersing herself in group cooking, singing, shopping, taking Max the friendly dog for walks, baking cookies, decorating her tree and the group tree. In time, she is starting to come around to the feeling in her heart of Christmas. She is starting to remember some of her earlier Christmases and traditions, as well.
For someone who gave gift cards to family/friends, Haley is now is capable to select a personal and Christmas appropriate gift that has true meaning. It’s a complete turnaround and she finally earns her camp completion certificate. But that’s not all, there are a few other things that fall into place and it’s a sweet, happy ending.
This book was made into a TV movie and released, I believe, in December, 2018.
I laughed out loud when Haley was checked into her room at camp and it was the angel themed room. Angels were everywhere, and being surrounded by an excess of angel dolls, angel embroidered pillows, other angel related paraphernalia started making her very anxious. She started talking to them and stuffing them into dresser drawers, under the bed and into the closet so she would not have to look at them. Other guest themed rooms were stars, snowmen, Santas, etc. but it appeared that the decor in each room was overly excessive! 🤭
December 18, 2018
If I had to sum up this holiday read in 3 images:
Now I really want a hot chocolate!
Haley, aka the Grinch, doesn’t do Christmas. It’s not that she hates it, she just doesn’t have time for it. Work, work, work…that is all that girl thinks about. She is gunning for a promotion and her boss makes her go to Christmas Camp as a prerequisite to pitching a large account.
What is a holiday story without a love interest, am I right?! Here’s where Jeff comes in. He is the son of Ben – the owner of Christmas Camp – and he has Haley in his sights. Not for what you think, he wants to make sure her lack of Christmas spirit doesn’t ruin this camp for his father. Jeff wants this to be the last camp and for his dad to sell the joint. Ben obviously doesn’t want that, and Haley – the workaholic she is – thinks of a way to help Ben…but will Jeff be pleased?
Little sparks build over the book between Haley and Jeff and then BOOM: its either love or destruction. What do you think it will be?
This was my first holiday read of the season and it gave me all the warm and fuzzies. It’s sugary sweet, but dentist approved. 😉
I can’t wait for the TV movie out at the end of this month! I heard it will play on the Hallmark Channel!
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
Now I really want a hot chocolate!
Haley, aka the Grinch, doesn’t do Christmas. It’s not that she hates it, she just doesn’t have time for it. Work, work, work…that is all that girl thinks about. She is gunning for a promotion and her boss makes her go to Christmas Camp as a prerequisite to pitching a large account.
What is a holiday story without a love interest, am I right?! Here’s where Jeff comes in. He is the son of Ben – the owner of Christmas Camp – and he has Haley in his sights. Not for what you think, he wants to make sure her lack of Christmas spirit doesn’t ruin this camp for his father. Jeff wants this to be the last camp and for his dad to sell the joint. Ben obviously doesn’t want that, and Haley – the workaholic she is – thinks of a way to help Ben…but will Jeff be pleased?
Little sparks build over the book between Haley and Jeff and then BOOM: its either love or destruction. What do you think it will be?
This was my first holiday read of the season and it gave me all the warm and fuzzies. It’s sugary sweet, but dentist approved. 😉
I can’t wait for the TV movie out at the end of this month! I heard it will play on the Hallmark Channel!
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
October 19, 2018
What a delightful, fresh, original Christmas season story. I wanted to resist it at first, but bit by bit it hooked my in and kept me reading on. I loved the characters and their stories, I loved the persistence of Max ( a dog) and his insight into the human heart! I found myself wishing I was their at the Christmas Camp along with all the participants. I might be a little bit easily led I know, but I just couldn't resist the feel good message in this story.
Haley is a sort of Grinch. But... she doesn't really have all that much in common with that character, when you examine her life and her heart. Really that is in the right place. She has just become obsessed with work and her eye is forever on that goal. But thanks to her boss she gets a call to step outside her life and experience something different. I found myself on her side, wanting her to love her respite in this wonder filled place, but also to be successful in her ultimate goal.
I loved the activities, the friendships and relationships that were begun or strengthened. Mmmm all the feels of the Christmas season plus. I believe this just may have a follow up. I'm all for it!
Haley is a sort of Grinch. But... she doesn't really have all that much in common with that character, when you examine her life and her heart. Really that is in the right place. She has just become obsessed with work and her eye is forever on that goal. But thanks to her boss she gets a call to step outside her life and experience something different. I found myself on her side, wanting her to love her respite in this wonder filled place, but also to be successful in her ultimate goal.
I loved the activities, the friendships and relationships that were begun or strengthened. Mmmm all the feels of the Christmas season plus. I believe this just may have a follow up. I'm all for it!
December 7, 2018
(free review copy) This is perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and sweet simple holiday stories :-) It actually was a screenplay FIRST and then adapted to a book, and that worked well! No major complexities, just happy Christmas feels.
November 11, 2021
I had to read this before I watched it. It was such a good Christmas read. BELIEVE is a great message this time of year. I loved the little romance that brewed at Christmas Camp to. I recommend this book.
December 21, 2020
4.5/5
Song/s the book brought to mind: Happy Holiday by Bing Crosby
Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler was so freaking adorable and I never wanted it to end. There are so many characters to love and I can definitely tell why it got turned into a Hallmark movie since it is basically one in book form. This is my absolute favorite type of book to read around the holidays and this one didn't disappoint. I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narration by Ann Marie Gideon. She did such a wonderful job voicing this book and she really brought Haley and the other characters to life for me. A lot of the times the men are the grinches, but in this book it is good ole Haley and that is why she ends up being sent to Christmas Camp. I loved seeing her progress as the book goes on and how she lets the holidays and Jeff into her heart.
Clearly there aren't going to be any major surprises in this book, but it really is the perfect heartwarming holiday read. I can't wait to watch the movie and see how the setting is brought to life because I was picturing the inn in my head and if it's what I'm thinking it will be hilarious to see Haley's reaction to it onscreen. Christmas Camp has a super sweet storyline and plenty of emotional moments so I would be sure to keep those tissues handy! This was my first read by Schaler, but it certainly won't be my last, and I loved her writing style so much.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Happy Holiday by Bing Crosby
Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler was so freaking adorable and I never wanted it to end. There are so many characters to love and I can definitely tell why it got turned into a Hallmark movie since it is basically one in book form. This is my absolute favorite type of book to read around the holidays and this one didn't disappoint. I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narration by Ann Marie Gideon. She did such a wonderful job voicing this book and she really brought Haley and the other characters to life for me. A lot of the times the men are the grinches, but in this book it is good ole Haley and that is why she ends up being sent to Christmas Camp. I loved seeing her progress as the book goes on and how she lets the holidays and Jeff into her heart.
Clearly there aren't going to be any major surprises in this book, but it really is the perfect heartwarming holiday read. I can't wait to watch the movie and see how the setting is brought to life because I was picturing the inn in my head and if it's what I'm thinking it will be hilarious to see Haley's reaction to it onscreen. Christmas Camp has a super sweet storyline and plenty of emotional moments so I would be sure to keep those tissues handy! This was my first read by Schaler, but it certainly won't be my last, and I loved her writing style so much.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
November 23, 2018
I would love to see this story on the Hallmark Channel. It would be a fun, entertaining movie. To see this New England Christmas come alive more than it did in this book, would be wonderful. Karen Schaler has a fantastic way of telling stories and bringing a smile to my face.
Haley was a riot. From her Scrooge mentality to trying to navigate snow in a pair of spike heeled boots, you couldn't help but laugh at her. Her response to seeing her room at Christmas Camp, the rules and the activities that she was forced to endure were all hysterical. And then there was Max. But, as time wore on and she started to realize what her life has become, she opens her heart to the magic of Christmas Camp and possibly to Jeff. Now, if she could just come up with that idea that will win her boss over.
Jeff is concerned about his father. He wants him closer to him … in Boston, not at Christmas Camp where all memories are of his mother. He loves the Inn and all the traditions but his father is getting older and can't handle it all himself. But, this Christmas Camp feels different. It could be the start of something wonderful along with the end of something that everyone holds dear to their hearts. It took some doing but they finally got Haley to come around and enjoy herself instead of just worrying about her project. And then he did the one thing that he never thought he would do or want, he fell in love only to find out that she has gone behind his back and gave gave his father hope for the future of Christmas Camp. How can he both love and loath Haley at the same time?
I absolutely loved this fun Christmas story. New to me author (I think this is her debut novel) has truly won me over and has me waiting to read her next story – Christmas Camp Wedding which is coming out in January. Her writing was fluid and fun and she truly knows how to tell a story.
November 15, 2020
I listened to the audio book and got into an early Christmas mood. Since this year wasn't an easy one it seems like a good idea.
It was a very cute romance with a big load of joyful Christmas spirit. I very much enjoyed listening to it. Now I am ready to decorate the house :)
It was a very cute romance with a big load of joyful Christmas spirit. I very much enjoyed listening to it. Now I am ready to decorate the house :)
December 19, 2024
3.5 stars
Christmas Camp is a cute read that has Hallmark movie vibes. A good pick if you need something to help get you in the holiday spirit.
Haley Hanson is a workaholic. Her yearly Christmas vacation is spent in the Caribbean meeting with clients of the advertising agency she works for rather than truly embracing the holiday. Her goal is to make partner and landing an important toy company account is crucial. But Haley’s boss wants her to find some Christmas cheer so he sends her to a weeklong camp where she will participate in activities like decorating a tree, baking treats, etc.. Mandatory fun as they say in the military. But who knows, maybe the camp owner’s son, Jeff, will help her focus on something other than her career for a change.
A bit of a hokey premise but that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes I want cheesy goodness and this book delivered it. Haley’s reason for not being fully onboard with Christmas in previous years made sense and is probably fairly common. Just that small detail added something interesting to the story which I appreciated.
Recommend if you want a relaxing read during this busy time of year.
Christmas Camp is a cute read that has Hallmark movie vibes. A good pick if you need something to help get you in the holiday spirit.
Haley Hanson is a workaholic. Her yearly Christmas vacation is spent in the Caribbean meeting with clients of the advertising agency she works for rather than truly embracing the holiday. Her goal is to make partner and landing an important toy company account is crucial. But Haley’s boss wants her to find some Christmas cheer so he sends her to a weeklong camp where she will participate in activities like decorating a tree, baking treats, etc.. Mandatory fun as they say in the military. But who knows, maybe the camp owner’s son, Jeff, will help her focus on something other than her career for a change.
A bit of a hokey premise but that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes I want cheesy goodness and this book delivered it. Haley’s reason for not being fully onboard with Christmas in previous years made sense and is probably fairly common. Just that small detail added something interesting to the story which I appreciated.
Recommend if you want a relaxing read during this busy time of year.
October 19, 2019
This is the perfect grab-some-hot-chocolate, snuggle-with-a-blanket, feel good holiday story. It is positively dripping with Christmas and I love everything about it.
Haley works in advertising in Boston and dreams of becoming partner. She needs to land a huge campaign to clench the partnership, but that campaign centers around a Christmas theme. The problem is that Haley doesn’t celebrate the holidays at all and wouldn’t know about creating a Christmas-themed campaign if her life depended on it. Her boss decides to send her to Christmas Camp before he’ll even entertain her marketing pitch. Haley will be “enjoying” a week-long, all-inclusive Christmas intensive with a few other guests hosted by Ben and Jeff, an aging inn owner and his son. Ben absolutely loves Christmas and has been hosting these camps for years to share the joy of the holidays with people of all types. He used to host along with his wife, but sadly she is no longer alive to host with him, so his son has stepped in to help him carry on the Christmas Camp tradition.
At Christmas Camp, Haley meets couples that are looking to reconnect over the holiday, those that are alone for the first time over the holiday, and holiday enthusiasts just wanting to be around more Christmas. But she’s really the only one there without any desire for Christmas. She sneaks her laptop and phone so she can work whenever she can even though it is against the rules. This is a little frustrating for the hosts and the other participants, but over the course of the week, Haley’s begins to enjoy the holidays festivities little by little. Making snow angels, enjoying Christmas cookies and other treats, cutting down her own tree and decorating it with her own theme – these things become something that she enjoys rather than a burden, and she is able to relax rather than stress over the work she is missing.
This is a fairly straightforward story of person-who-hates-Christmas learning to confront why they dislike Christmas, then learning to have some holiday spirit. I love stories like this with main characters that almost seem Scrooge-like or Grinch-like that end up eventually softening their hearts. This one reminds me of Sarah Morgan's Sleigh Bells in the Snow, although it is much less romance-y than Ms. Morgan’s story. Christmas Camp is overall a more feel-good story that I love because of all of the characters in it and because of everything that they do, and it just happens to have a very slow-burn romance with a little bit of promise at the end. (Hint: If you’re looking for a holiday romance-y romance, you are not going to find that here.)
I already added it to my yearly holiday reads rotation because it was super fun and I’d love to read it again. The setting is good, although I can’t remember which state the inn is set. I’m pretty sure it is definitely in the northeastern US, somewhere not too far off from Boston, which is where the characters live when they’re not at the inn. (Perhaps the inn location is mentioned in the story but I don’t remember.) At any rate, I love the inn with the snow and hills and forests, and the feeling of community and family between the hosts and guests. The Christmas vibe is also very present with the trees and decorations and hot chocolate and foods and activities. I think these may be the things I love most about the book, after the characterization which is fantastic.
It was a great idea for the author to place so many different types of characters in the camp together because I cared so deeply for all of them and felt curious about their lives beyond just how Haley saw them. Like Gail, for example, who is alone for Christmas because her son in the military is serving time overseas. And John, who is a divorced physician who works long hours, but is at camp with his two teenage children so he can spend quality time making memories with them over the holidays because they are growing up and will soon be moving out as adults. Great characterization made this story full and rich and robust.
The front of the book mentioned, in all-caps across the top, that this will soon be a “major TV movie” and that is exciting. But I honestly cannot imagine the movie being any better than this book. This is exactly the type of Christmas story most of us are looking for when we are making our holiday reading lists. A follow-up isn’t necessary at all, but I would definitely read it because I’m curious about what is next for the Christmas Camp itself and for Amelia and Jeff, and the rest of the guests from the camp.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, William Morrow Books!
Find this review and more like it on my blog, Into the Hall of Books!
Haley works in advertising in Boston and dreams of becoming partner. She needs to land a huge campaign to clench the partnership, but that campaign centers around a Christmas theme. The problem is that Haley doesn’t celebrate the holidays at all and wouldn’t know about creating a Christmas-themed campaign if her life depended on it. Her boss decides to send her to Christmas Camp before he’ll even entertain her marketing pitch. Haley will be “enjoying” a week-long, all-inclusive Christmas intensive with a few other guests hosted by Ben and Jeff, an aging inn owner and his son. Ben absolutely loves Christmas and has been hosting these camps for years to share the joy of the holidays with people of all types. He used to host along with his wife, but sadly she is no longer alive to host with him, so his son has stepped in to help him carry on the Christmas Camp tradition.
At Christmas Camp, Haley meets couples that are looking to reconnect over the holiday, those that are alone for the first time over the holiday, and holiday enthusiasts just wanting to be around more Christmas. But she’s really the only one there without any desire for Christmas. She sneaks her laptop and phone so she can work whenever she can even though it is against the rules. This is a little frustrating for the hosts and the other participants, but over the course of the week, Haley’s begins to enjoy the holidays festivities little by little. Making snow angels, enjoying Christmas cookies and other treats, cutting down her own tree and decorating it with her own theme – these things become something that she enjoys rather than a burden, and she is able to relax rather than stress over the work she is missing.
This is a fairly straightforward story of person-who-hates-Christmas learning to confront why they dislike Christmas, then learning to have some holiday spirit. I love stories like this with main characters that almost seem Scrooge-like or Grinch-like that end up eventually softening their hearts. This one reminds me of Sarah Morgan's Sleigh Bells in the Snow, although it is much less romance-y than Ms. Morgan’s story. Christmas Camp is overall a more feel-good story that I love because of all of the characters in it and because of everything that they do, and it just happens to have a very slow-burn romance with a little bit of promise at the end. (Hint: If you’re looking for a holiday romance-y romance, you are not going to find that here.)
I already added it to my yearly holiday reads rotation because it was super fun and I’d love to read it again. The setting is good, although I can’t remember which state the inn is set. I’m pretty sure it is definitely in the northeastern US, somewhere not too far off from Boston, which is where the characters live when they’re not at the inn. (Perhaps the inn location is mentioned in the story but I don’t remember.) At any rate, I love the inn with the snow and hills and forests, and the feeling of community and family between the hosts and guests. The Christmas vibe is also very present with the trees and decorations and hot chocolate and foods and activities. I think these may be the things I love most about the book, after the characterization which is fantastic.
It was a great idea for the author to place so many different types of characters in the camp together because I cared so deeply for all of them and felt curious about their lives beyond just how Haley saw them. Like Gail, for example, who is alone for Christmas because her son in the military is serving time overseas. And John, who is a divorced physician who works long hours, but is at camp with his two teenage children so he can spend quality time making memories with them over the holidays because they are growing up and will soon be moving out as adults. Great characterization made this story full and rich and robust.
The front of the book mentioned, in all-caps across the top, that this will soon be a “major TV movie” and that is exciting. But I honestly cannot imagine the movie being any better than this book. This is exactly the type of Christmas story most of us are looking for when we are making our holiday reading lists. A follow-up isn’t necessary at all, but I would definitely read it because I’m curious about what is next for the Christmas Camp itself and for Amelia and Jeff, and the rest of the guests from the camp.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, William Morrow Books!
Find this review and more like it on my blog, Into the Hall of Books!
October 20, 2018
It isn’t that Haley has lost her Christmas spirit, she never really had any. Growing up poor, there wasn’t much money to indulge in a lot of holiday decorations or gifts, so Christmas wasn’t much different from the other days of the year. Now that she had a career and some money to spend, she treated her parents and herself to a Caribbean vacation each year at Christmastime, instead of celebrating the way most people did. But now, wanting a promotion at work and to be put in charge of a toy company’s account, her boss gives her an ultimatum. She must spend a week at a resort’s Christmas Camp, to awaken her nonexistent Christmas spirit, or the plum account would go to her rival. So off Haley goes, determined to quickly ace the assignments at the camp and return to work. But things don’t quite go the way she expected. Author Karen Schaler has penned a delightful light romance that is filled with the Christmas spirit. At the core of the novel is the fresh idea of a Christmas camp, where guests come to interact with fun activities and outings. You might be able to guess how it ends, but likely the journey there will be filled surprising twists. This tale might even inspire its readers to hold their own mini camp, if just for an evening’s fun. In fact, a couple of recipes and a game of Christmas charades is included in the book for just that purpose. This is a fun and entertaining romance, a perfect holiday read.
August 11, 2025
If you get a chance to DO the CHristmas. Camp hosted by Karen...I highly recommend it, but until then...read and enjoy this holiday favorite.
September 6, 2021
Oooh, Christmas books! For the longest time I couldn't get into holiday books, but then the pandemic hit and suddenly I was in love with Hallmark movies, feel good content and Christmas romance novels! I couldn't get enough of them, but they were always hard to find on sale (or at any price other than full price... student problems...). I managed to pick up Christmas Camp at a local used book store and I was OVER THE MOON. I stared at this book for so long, and finally decided in the middle of a hot, August day I would pick this book up and binge it. I needed some feel good, sappy, lovey dovey content to make my day brighter. And man did it deliver!
This is basically a Hallmark movie turned into a book, which is exactly what I wanted it to be. Workaholic Haley is a marketing wizard who wants to score a big client at her firm. But, of course, she's a giant Grinch. She doesn't celebrate Christmas - and not because she doesn't want to. It's a lot of work, her family isn't in the best of shape, and it's easier to go on vacation somewhere hot and deal with clients to ensure she can live as comfortably as she is now. Then we have Jeff - his parents created Christmas Camp, a week getaway that allows families, lovers and friends get into the Christmas spirit. When his Mother passed away, he stayed on to help his Dad (all the while being a successful architect on the side). Now money is getting tighter, and he doesn't think it's worth keeping the Christmas Camp holiday extravaganza open anymore... Why not just sell it?
Haley proves to be quite the handful for Jeff, despite feeling the Christmas spirit growing inside of her. The angel room, cookie decorating, tree cutting and decorating, sledding and fun of the holidays gives her fantastic ideas. Oh, did I mention her boss sent her away to this Christmas Camp since she was such a Grinch? As time passes, Jeff and Haley become friends (if not more) but are constantly miscommunication. Is Haley actually finding the Christmas spirit? Or is she stirring up trouble to score the client of her dreams. Why not make a little cash on the side?...
This book is a feel good, happily ever after kind of book that will make you smile and feel nostalgic for the holiday season. It's cheesy, romantic and just great! Most of the romance happens within the last 25 pages, so it's not a full romance book. It's mostly a holiday novel. I wish there was more romance and love in it, but it is what it is. Friendships are formed, Christmas traditions are shared and all around it's a smiley kind of book.
I highly recommend it for people who just want to feel good and smile at the end. It's a G rated romance, so anyone can easily enjoy it.
Five out of five stars.
This is basically a Hallmark movie turned into a book, which is exactly what I wanted it to be. Workaholic Haley is a marketing wizard who wants to score a big client at her firm. But, of course, she's a giant Grinch. She doesn't celebrate Christmas - and not because she doesn't want to. It's a lot of work, her family isn't in the best of shape, and it's easier to go on vacation somewhere hot and deal with clients to ensure she can live as comfortably as she is now. Then we have Jeff - his parents created Christmas Camp, a week getaway that allows families, lovers and friends get into the Christmas spirit. When his Mother passed away, he stayed on to help his Dad (all the while being a successful architect on the side). Now money is getting tighter, and he doesn't think it's worth keeping the Christmas Camp holiday extravaganza open anymore... Why not just sell it?
Haley proves to be quite the handful for Jeff, despite feeling the Christmas spirit growing inside of her. The angel room, cookie decorating, tree cutting and decorating, sledding and fun of the holidays gives her fantastic ideas. Oh, did I mention her boss sent her away to this Christmas Camp since she was such a Grinch? As time passes, Jeff and Haley become friends (if not more) but are constantly miscommunication. Is Haley actually finding the Christmas spirit? Or is she stirring up trouble to score the client of her dreams. Why not make a little cash on the side?...
This book is a feel good, happily ever after kind of book that will make you smile and feel nostalgic for the holiday season. It's cheesy, romantic and just great! Most of the romance happens within the last 25 pages, so it's not a full romance book. It's mostly a holiday novel. I wish there was more romance and love in it, but it is what it is. Friendships are formed, Christmas traditions are shared and all around it's a smiley kind of book.
I highly recommend it for people who just want to feel good and smile at the end. It's a G rated romance, so anyone can easily enjoy it.
Five out of five stars.
October 19, 2018
What if your boss made you go spend a week at Christmas Camp to find the true meaning of the season? What if he gave your rival that extra week to work on a huge client presentation while you have to do it late at night or at dawn? Wouldn't you really deserve to find a cute guy at the inn to make up for that kind of injustice?
My review: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
My review: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
December 9, 2018
Good read for the Christmas Season. Christmas Camp had all the elements of Hallmark Christmas movie.
December 21, 2019
Haley is ambitious and wanted to become a partner at a Boston ad agency. Her boss, however, had other plans and sent her to a Christmas Camp for holiday attitude adjustment.
December 28, 2024
I don’t know about you, but I’ve found my perfect Christmas read for the year. 🤍
🎄 This book feels like a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa on a snowy morning – written with ease and warmth, it creates true holiday magic. The beautifully captured Christmas spirit makes the story heartfelt, real, and yet wonderfully magical.
❄️ The story takes us to a unique camp that opens only during the holidays. The main character, Hayley, with her Grinch-like mood and personal struggles, is forced to visit the camp. Her boss refuses to give her the lead on a major Christmas toy campaign unless she regains her lost holiday spirit. But what she discovers there is so much more – new friendships, unexpected adventures, and magical moments that will change her life forever.
And the extras at the end? Absolute gems – the perfect wrap-up to this festive journey.
🎁 If you’re looking for a book that will immerse you in holiday magic and make you believe in the wonders of Christmas, Christmas Camp is the perfect choice for you.
🎄 This book feels like a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa on a snowy morning – written with ease and warmth, it creates true holiday magic. The beautifully captured Christmas spirit makes the story heartfelt, real, and yet wonderfully magical.
❄️ The story takes us to a unique camp that opens only during the holidays. The main character, Hayley, with her Grinch-like mood and personal struggles, is forced to visit the camp. Her boss refuses to give her the lead on a major Christmas toy campaign unless she regains her lost holiday spirit. But what she discovers there is so much more – new friendships, unexpected adventures, and magical moments that will change her life forever.
And the extras at the end? Absolute gems – the perfect wrap-up to this festive journey.
🎁 If you’re looking for a book that will immerse you in holiday magic and make you believe in the wonders of Christmas, Christmas Camp is the perfect choice for you.
November 29, 2019
Christmas Camp, a place to rediscover Christmas Magic. It’s for those who have lost their Christmas Spirit, those who want to learn how to make their own Christmas traditions, and for the lonely people to hang onto the love of Christmas. It is also a wonderful place to vacation if you love Christmas, and some come back year after year. In this story, Haley is the company "Grinch", overworked and just wanting to get through Christmas. Can she find her Christmas Spirit at Christmas Camp?
I loved the characters in this story. From Ben, the owner/operator of Christmas Camp, his son Jeff who wants him to sell the hotel and move to Boston, Haley, The Grinch to all the guests we meet, they are people who learn to love Christmas, their families and help Hayley along the way. Jeff is a handsome man who is attracted to Hayley, while at the same time, thinking she is prickly and needs an attitude adjustment. It’s a cute story of their back and forth in establishing a relationship with the magic of Christmas helping to bond them together. There is some angst, some misunderstanding and some fun banter and Christmas fun that ease them along the way into a relationship. Ben coordinates and runs his camp expertly. He has a warm heart, kind soul and is able to see what is inside a person, a bit of Christmas Magic.
The traditions of Christmas Camp are fun and heartwarming. Things like sledding, making cookies and ornaments, cutting down trees and so on highlight the Christmas fun. Volunteering, Christmas Wishes and real shopping with loved ones in mind add the Christmas Spirit. Some of the activities bring the past guests' memories into the mix. There is some sadness as Jeff remembers and misses his mother, which brought a few tears to my eyes. I really enjoyed the setting. The festive environment, the daily holiday activities (group and individual), the cookies, food, cocoa, and the falling snow all add to the Christmas spirit and before you know it, everyone is experiencing the joy, the wonder, the sharing, the peace and love. As I read this story, I fell in love with all the Christmas traditions and wish there was a Christmas Camp around here. Then as I was searching for Christmas movies to watch, I found out this one had been made into a Hallmark movie, so I will definitely be watching that. A thoroughly enjoyable Christmas story with romance, family fun and Christmas Spirit. I definitely recommend this one.
I loved the characters in this story. From Ben, the owner/operator of Christmas Camp, his son Jeff who wants him to sell the hotel and move to Boston, Haley, The Grinch to all the guests we meet, they are people who learn to love Christmas, their families and help Hayley along the way. Jeff is a handsome man who is attracted to Hayley, while at the same time, thinking she is prickly and needs an attitude adjustment. It’s a cute story of their back and forth in establishing a relationship with the magic of Christmas helping to bond them together. There is some angst, some misunderstanding and some fun banter and Christmas fun that ease them along the way into a relationship. Ben coordinates and runs his camp expertly. He has a warm heart, kind soul and is able to see what is inside a person, a bit of Christmas Magic.
The traditions of Christmas Camp are fun and heartwarming. Things like sledding, making cookies and ornaments, cutting down trees and so on highlight the Christmas fun. Volunteering, Christmas Wishes and real shopping with loved ones in mind add the Christmas Spirit. Some of the activities bring the past guests' memories into the mix. There is some sadness as Jeff remembers and misses his mother, which brought a few tears to my eyes. I really enjoyed the setting. The festive environment, the daily holiday activities (group and individual), the cookies, food, cocoa, and the falling snow all add to the Christmas spirit and before you know it, everyone is experiencing the joy, the wonder, the sharing, the peace and love. As I read this story, I fell in love with all the Christmas traditions and wish there was a Christmas Camp around here. Then as I was searching for Christmas movies to watch, I found out this one had been made into a Hallmark movie, so I will definitely be watching that. A thoroughly enjoyable Christmas story with romance, family fun and Christmas Spirit. I definitely recommend this one.
December 25, 2018
Having been to camp, I was very curious to discover what Christmas Camp could be. Karen Schaler’s Christmas Camp is truly a heart-warming book. Haley Hanson, the protagonist, spends each Christmas in the Caribbean with her parents. She does this to kick back for awhile as she is practically ‘a workaholic’ and to avoid traditional Christmas activities and celebrations. Haley has been extremely successful at the advertising agency for which she works while nullifying her personal life. Her boss thinks Haley can benefit from Christmas Camp before she can ‘pitch’ her next campaign “a coveted Christmas toy account” as it is Christmas time, and Haley just wishes to work. Haley will become a partner in the ad agency if she acquires this account. Her boss is requiring her to go to Christmas Camp at Holly Peak Inn which is outside of Boston where Haley lives and works, Haley is horrified! Why? She definitely does not want to go, but she desperately wants to become partner. Thus, she goes. Haley wonders what this Christmas Camp really is and dreads it all. Just let me state that Haley returns with ‘Christmas Spirit’ and much more. A charming holiday story, and there will be a #2. Highly recommended especially for those who have a bit of ‘Humbug’ about Christmas. 5 stars!
December 5, 2018
From the book jacket: Haley Hanson’s idea of the perfect Christmas is escaping to the Caribbean to work so she can avoid all the traditional Christmas distractions. Over the years, she’s sacrificed her personal life to climb the corporate ladder at a prestigious Boston advertising agency. Now she just needs to land a coveted Christmas toy company account to make partner. But first her boss thinks she needs a holiday attitude adjustment and ships her off to Christmas Camp at Holly Peak Inn to help her find her Christmas spirit.
My reactions:
As I read this, I kept thinking it was remarkably like a Hallmark TV movie I had seen last week. Then I noticed the author’s note at the end, where she states she wrote the script for the movie first. No matter, really. It seems that all those movies have the same plot. They’re still fun to watch, and the schmaltzy Christmas romance books are fun to read. Total escapism.
Now I need some cookies ….
My reactions:
As I read this, I kept thinking it was remarkably like a Hallmark TV movie I had seen last week. Then I noticed the author’s note at the end, where she states she wrote the script for the movie first. No matter, really. It seems that all those movies have the same plot. They’re still fun to watch, and the schmaltzy Christmas romance books are fun to read. Total escapism.
Now I need some cookies ….
October 9, 2019
RATING: 3 STARS
2018; William Morrow Paperbacks/HarperCollins Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
I know what you are thinking...it's a Christmas romance, what more do you want? Chemistry!!! I want chemistry between the love interests. Everything else was great about this book. You had the quirky cute secondary characters, small town charm, sad tear-jerker side story, adorable dog, etc. Haley and Jeff separately weren't exactly brilliant characters but together...they were so forced! I am looking forward to the movie version to see how it plays out. If they find two actors with no chemistry plus this script...I am scared. I love this gorgeous cover!
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2018; William Morrow Paperbacks/HarperCollins Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
I know what you are thinking...it's a Christmas romance, what more do you want? Chemistry!!! I want chemistry between the love interests. Everything else was great about this book. You had the quirky cute secondary characters, small town charm, sad tear-jerker side story, adorable dog, etc. Haley and Jeff separately weren't exactly brilliant characters but together...they were so forced! I am looking forward to the movie version to see how it plays out. If they find two actors with no chemistry plus this script...I am scared. I love this gorgeous cover!
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
December 29, 2018
After reading Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler, I 100% want to go to camp based around the theme of Christmas. It's like indulging in a Hallmark Christmas movie, but in book form. Read my full review here
Read
November 5, 2020Dnf 30% - not feeling this, on to the next Christmas novel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 803 reviews