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The Bravos of Valentine Bay #3
Same Time, Next Christmas
They're each other's Christmas present.
But what about the other 364 days?
Ex-soldier Matthias Bravo likes spending the holidays hunkered down in his remote Oregon cabin. Until Sabra Bond seeks refuge from a winter storm. Now they meet every year for a no-strings Yuletide romance. But Matthias is changing the rules. This Bravo bachelor finally knows what he wants--Sabra forever. Is she ready to commit to love not just at Christmas but every day of the year?
But what about the other 364 days?
Ex-soldier Matthias Bravo likes spending the holidays hunkered down in his remote Oregon cabin. Until Sabra Bond seeks refuge from a winter storm. Now they meet every year for a no-strings Yuletide romance. But Matthias is changing the rules. This Bravo bachelor finally knows what he wants--Sabra forever. Is she ready to commit to love not just at Christmas but every day of the year?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 20, 2018
74 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Christine Rimmer
722 books430 followersNew York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer has written more than one hundred contemporary romances for Harlequin Books. She has won Romantic Times BOOKreview’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Silhouette Special Edition. She has been nominated seven times for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award and five times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year.
A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.
She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.
A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.
She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 22, 2018
Same Time, Next Christmas by Christine Rimmer is a 2018 Harlequin Special Edition publication.
Matthias is planning to spend Christmas at his remote cabin in Oregon. Still coping with the effects of war, and haunted by the disappearance of his brother, he just wants some alone time. But, when he arrives, it looks as though his cabin has been broken into, and he’s caught the culprit red- handed.
Sabra made a miscalculation and got caught out in a snow storm as a result. Finding an empty cabin, she seeks short term shelter- But, then Matthias Bravo barges in pointing a gun at her.
Not the most romantic way to start a relationship!! However, moody Matthias is soon won over by Sabra who takes care of him after discovering he has a nasty leg wound. Stuck together until the storm clears, they have plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. The more they talk, the more they realize how much they enjoy one another’s company, and how badly they need human contact. However, neither of them is in a place, emotionally, to commit to a relationship. So, they agree to meet back at the cabin again for Christmas to ‘exchange gifts’, so to speak- no strings attached.
I loved the set-up for this story. Yes, it did remind me of the movie, “Same time, Next Year", but only because it has a similar premise. This story is centered around two singles who have been through an undue amount of emotional stress, from bad breakups to family deaths, to childhood to traumas. But I had to wonder if deep down they knew they were meant to be, but the timing had to be just right. Not that Matthias didn’t try to force the issue…
I thought the story had a whimsical quality to it, but at the same time it captured the emotional growth each character experienced. Naturally, we don’t all progress at the same pace, so Matthias and Sabra’s relationship has a few fits and starts, before they wind up on the same page.
It was a little nerve racking at times, though, and I started to seriously worry about this couple. But, while the journey was occasionally bittersweet, it was also a fun story, with terrific dialogue and I enjoyed seeing this couple through the various stages of their relationship.
The mood or atmosphere often shifts, as the couple grapples with life changes and uncertainty. I experienced a gamut of emotions along the way, as well. In fact, it was almost like reading a mini-saga. Of course, when I follow a couple to their ultimate destination after a long, eventful trip, I often feel like their HEA is especially poignant and satisfying, which is certainly the case here!!
This is a terrific holiday romance, as always, from Christine Rimmer. I loved this couple and the delightful theme of the story and feel the author did an amazing job with it!!
4.5
Matthias is planning to spend Christmas at his remote cabin in Oregon. Still coping with the effects of war, and haunted by the disappearance of his brother, he just wants some alone time. But, when he arrives, it looks as though his cabin has been broken into, and he’s caught the culprit red- handed.
Sabra made a miscalculation and got caught out in a snow storm as a result. Finding an empty cabin, she seeks short term shelter- But, then Matthias Bravo barges in pointing a gun at her.
Not the most romantic way to start a relationship!! However, moody Matthias is soon won over by Sabra who takes care of him after discovering he has a nasty leg wound. Stuck together until the storm clears, they have plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. The more they talk, the more they realize how much they enjoy one another’s company, and how badly they need human contact. However, neither of them is in a place, emotionally, to commit to a relationship. So, they agree to meet back at the cabin again for Christmas to ‘exchange gifts’, so to speak- no strings attached.
I loved the set-up for this story. Yes, it did remind me of the movie, “Same time, Next Year", but only because it has a similar premise. This story is centered around two singles who have been through an undue amount of emotional stress, from bad breakups to family deaths, to childhood to traumas. But I had to wonder if deep down they knew they were meant to be, but the timing had to be just right. Not that Matthias didn’t try to force the issue…
I thought the story had a whimsical quality to it, but at the same time it captured the emotional growth each character experienced. Naturally, we don’t all progress at the same pace, so Matthias and Sabra’s relationship has a few fits and starts, before they wind up on the same page.
It was a little nerve racking at times, though, and I started to seriously worry about this couple. But, while the journey was occasionally bittersweet, it was also a fun story, with terrific dialogue and I enjoyed seeing this couple through the various stages of their relationship.
The mood or atmosphere often shifts, as the couple grapples with life changes and uncertainty. I experienced a gamut of emotions along the way, as well. In fact, it was almost like reading a mini-saga. Of course, when I follow a couple to their ultimate destination after a long, eventful trip, I often feel like their HEA is especially poignant and satisfying, which is certainly the case here!!
This is a terrific holiday romance, as always, from Christine Rimmer. I loved this couple and the delightful theme of the story and feel the author did an amazing job with it!!
4.5
November 2, 2018
Terrific book with a very unusual timeline. Most romances take place over a few days to a few months, while this one spans four years. It was a lot of fun to see how both Sabra and Matthias changed over those years. It began when Matthias arrived at his cabin for his yearly holiday retreat. He loves his big, noisy family, but at that time of year, he'd prefer to be alone. Those plans are upended when he arrives at his cabin and discovers a beautiful trespasser. Sabra had been out on an impulse hike when she got caught in a storm. Miles from her car, she broke into an empty cabin to get out of the weather and dry her clothes.
I loved the first meeting between Matthias and Sabra. Matthias wasn't in the best of moods when he arrived, thanks to a small accident with a hatchet and not feeling well, so he may have over-reacted just a little bit. Sabra certainly wasn't expecting a rifle-wielding man to come bursting in the door. I was pretty impressed that she didn't freak out, especially with Matthias's surly attitude. She earned even more points from me when, noticing both his injury and his fever, she refused to leave. Instead, she stood up to him and insisted on helping him. The battle of wills was pretty funny, and I loved seeing Matthias finally give in. Once he started to feel better, Matthias's better nature came out and I enjoyed seeing him and Sabra get to know each other, well enough to be comfortable sharing their pasts. There are also some hints of sparks, but both of them have been burned in the past and have no immediate plans to enter any relationships. Yet those sparks prompt an unconventional idea - indulge themselves in a holiday fling, knowing that when they part, they won't see each other again. So fling they did, and what they had together was fantastic. And when the snow melted, that was it. Except neither really wanted to say goodbye. I loved the plan that they came up with: that if she wanted to, Sabra could return next Christmas, and they would do it again. But there would be no contact for the rest of the time.
I loved the glimpses into their lives over the next year, as neither could forget the other. But both stuck to the agreement until December 23rd came around again. I loved their joy at seeing each other again, and how they couldn't get enough of each other. One of the best things was that it wasn't all physical. I loved the way that they could be content just talking, playing with Matthias's dog, Zoya, even just being near each other while reading. Each of them realized that their feelings were changing, but neither was quite ready to do anything about it. I ached for both of them because their fears were still holding them back.
I loved the roller coaster of emotions over the years as Matthias and Sabra worked their way through their fears, hopes, and dreams. The strength of their feelings was never in question, only what they would do about them. I loved their times in the cabin as they grew closer physically and emotionally. There were some really sweet scenes of the two of them together as they shared the good and the bad of the previous years. There was also a lot of pain as first Sabra and then Matthias allow their fears to push them apart. Those scenes had me in tears as their pain leaped off the page. The glimpses of them during the non-Christmas times of the year showed how deep their feelings for each other were, and how their separations affected them. I was especially rooting for Sabra during that last year as she confronted her fears and allowed herself to build up hope for the future.
The reunion of Matthias and Sabra was everything I could have hoped for. Their joy at being together again was clear. I loved how they were able to face their pasts and see that everything that happened had been necessary for the growth of their relationship. I liked seeing them catch up on each other's lives, especially the changes in his. I adored the epilogue and seeing them with their friends and family. I had to laugh at Sabra's friend Iris and her "talk" with Matthias. I loved how easily Sabra fit in with Matthias's family and the lovely surprise at the end.
I loved the first meeting between Matthias and Sabra. Matthias wasn't in the best of moods when he arrived, thanks to a small accident with a hatchet and not feeling well, so he may have over-reacted just a little bit. Sabra certainly wasn't expecting a rifle-wielding man to come bursting in the door. I was pretty impressed that she didn't freak out, especially with Matthias's surly attitude. She earned even more points from me when, noticing both his injury and his fever, she refused to leave. Instead, she stood up to him and insisted on helping him. The battle of wills was pretty funny, and I loved seeing Matthias finally give in. Once he started to feel better, Matthias's better nature came out and I enjoyed seeing him and Sabra get to know each other, well enough to be comfortable sharing their pasts. There are also some hints of sparks, but both of them have been burned in the past and have no immediate plans to enter any relationships. Yet those sparks prompt an unconventional idea - indulge themselves in a holiday fling, knowing that when they part, they won't see each other again. So fling they did, and what they had together was fantastic. And when the snow melted, that was it. Except neither really wanted to say goodbye. I loved the plan that they came up with: that if she wanted to, Sabra could return next Christmas, and they would do it again. But there would be no contact for the rest of the time.
I loved the glimpses into their lives over the next year, as neither could forget the other. But both stuck to the agreement until December 23rd came around again. I loved their joy at seeing each other again, and how they couldn't get enough of each other. One of the best things was that it wasn't all physical. I loved the way that they could be content just talking, playing with Matthias's dog, Zoya, even just being near each other while reading. Each of them realized that their feelings were changing, but neither was quite ready to do anything about it. I ached for both of them because their fears were still holding them back.
I loved the roller coaster of emotions over the years as Matthias and Sabra worked their way through their fears, hopes, and dreams. The strength of their feelings was never in question, only what they would do about them. I loved their times in the cabin as they grew closer physically and emotionally. There were some really sweet scenes of the two of them together as they shared the good and the bad of the previous years. There was also a lot of pain as first Sabra and then Matthias allow their fears to push them apart. Those scenes had me in tears as their pain leaped off the page. The glimpses of them during the non-Christmas times of the year showed how deep their feelings for each other were, and how their separations affected them. I was especially rooting for Sabra during that last year as she confronted her fears and allowed herself to build up hope for the future.
The reunion of Matthias and Sabra was everything I could have hoped for. Their joy at being together again was clear. I loved how they were able to face their pasts and see that everything that happened had been necessary for the growth of their relationship. I liked seeing them catch up on each other's lives, especially the changes in his. I adored the epilogue and seeing them with their friends and family. I had to laugh at Sabra's friend Iris and her "talk" with Matthias. I loved how easily Sabra fit in with Matthias's family and the lovely surprise at the end.
November 19, 2018
Same Time Next Christmas is the third book in Christine Rimmer's Bravos of Valentine Bay series. This book can be read as a stand alone or part of the continuing series (highly recommended). This romance is a little different from usual romance scenarios in that it takes place once a year for ten days during the holiday season from December 23rd until New Year's Day. Matthias Bravo and Sabra Bond meet when he goes to his cabin to have a quiet Christmas alone as he does every year. This first meeting (one of four over a four year span), takes place when he reaches his cabin and is alerted to someone inside and sees a woman. He thinks that she is an intruder, and is somewhat correct as Sabra has taken shelter from a storm. He enters with a weapon not knowing if she is alone or dangerous. Matthias is very distrustful at first and having injured himself on the way to the cabin is bleeding from a self inflicted wound. After being convinced that Sabra is not dangerous he allows her to attend to his wound. They are stranded together because of the storm and Sabra takes care of Matthias until he is well. They form a relationship that becomes something more during their trapped in the cabin. They've both decided not to see or communicate with one another after they leave the cabin but Matthias gives her a key and they agree to meet at the same time next year. There are twists and turns as they go about their lives in the interim time but they think of one another often. This book has an "until we meet again" feel and you can't wait until they do. They are destined to be together if they can just agree on when that should be. This is destined to be a holiday favorite read. Loved, loved, loved it!
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December 1, 2018Miniseries: The Bravos of Valentine Bay
December 25, 2020
A perfect Christmas read. A sweet feel-good love story. Just perfect for reading under the covers or by the fire! Merry Christmas!
November 29, 2018
Another great book by Christine. I love reading about the the Bravo's. And I love reading Christmas books. A++++++
November 20, 2018
I loved this story so much, Matthias and Sabra were so right for each other!! This story takes place over the span of four years so you see how their love grows for each other. They are both very afraid of falling in love again, but Matthias falls hard and wants more. It almost takes losing him to another woman to make Sabra realize her true feelings. This was the perfect Christmas love story.
December 30, 2018
Disappointing. There was so much that could have been done with this story line but it wasn't. It appeared to be a quick thrown together story.
November 27, 2018
A stranded hiker taking refuge from a storm. A former soldier looking to spend his Christmas holiday alone at his cabin. Illness and attraction combine to help bring to strangers together for the holiday season, but a unique holiday agreement leads to a true love of a life time. Christine Rimmer puts a different twist on a holiday romance and brings 2 lovers together at the Same Time Next Christmas. She also takes us back to the Bravos of Valentine Bay with the story of Matthais Bravo and Sabra Bond. They meet during a winter storm and make an agreement to meet hopefully again the next Christmas findng each other along the way. A story that made you wonder whether they would show up again the next year or find some one new. As the time passes and they want to change the agreement neither has the courage to do so until on parting one year. It tears them apart each devasted by what is said and done. They come together only it seems for a final good bye. You can feel their pain and fear that the last meeting will be the last one. A last plea gives them hope for a reconciliation. Will they come together or be torn apart during this last meeting or will their love for each other be the glue that has them coming back for one last try? Come to Valentine Bay and the surrounding area to learn if Matt and Sabra have a happily ever after or will they hurt each other. Same Time Next year had the tears falling for these characters and kept me wondering will they show up again or move on. I'm a big fan of the Bravos series by Christine Rimmer. It's the series that got me hooked on her books and made her a favorite author. I can't wait to read the next story of the Bravos of Valentine Bay series and the many other books by this wonderful author.
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January 4, 2020Book review originally posted on my blog at misskristinesreviews.com
Thoughts
I was never big into Christmas themed books. But I was this year…
And I’m glad I picked up Same Time, Next Christmas.
It is such the short, sweet, romance. Matthias and Sabra meet the first year after she seeks refuge from the storm in his cabin.
Sweet Sabra wins over moody Matthias and they enjoy each other’s company over the next few days. As you can guess, the invitation is given for her to join him again next year Christmas.
Their days together were too blissful, it couldn’t possibly last outside of the cabin. Their lives are too full of heart-ache to have a normal day-to-day relationship. (shake my head).
Their feelings progress through the year and as they meet again the next Christmas. And you’ll have to pick it up to find out what happens… 😉
Last Words:
A cute Christmas love story.
Where To Buy – Barnes & Noble • Walmart • Amazon
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Thoughts
I was never big into Christmas themed books. But I was this year…
And I’m glad I picked up Same Time, Next Christmas.
It is such the short, sweet, romance. Matthias and Sabra meet the first year after she seeks refuge from the storm in his cabin.
Sweet Sabra wins over moody Matthias and they enjoy each other’s company over the next few days. As you can guess, the invitation is given for her to join him again next year Christmas.
Their days together were too blissful, it couldn’t possibly last outside of the cabin. Their lives are too full of heart-ache to have a normal day-to-day relationship. (shake my head).
Their feelings progress through the year and as they meet again the next Christmas. And you’ll have to pick it up to find out what happens… 😉
Last Words:
A cute Christmas love story.
Where To Buy – Barnes & Noble • Walmart • Amazon
You can find other reviews and connect with me on my
Blog
November 27, 2018
I have a dream where I am snowbound in a remote cabin with a handsome, sexy, unique gentleman. Sometimes the two of us are young, and sometimes we are older. Regardless, we are cut off and isolated from the rest of the world. So I was delighted by Christine Rimmer's, newest release, "Same Time Next Christmas."
It is not easy to write a fresh, convincing storyline to arrange for two people to be snowed in without access to outside communication, but, Ms. Rimmer did it. Sabra Bond and Matthias Bravo meet under shocking and extreme circumstances. She is naked and he is seriously injured. She needs a safe haven; but he needs immediate medical attention. Fortunately, she was reared on a farm and knows how to tend to wounds.
They have plenty of food and firewood and under Sabra's watchful care, Matthias slowly heals. They end up becoming friends, and, later, lovers. But both are scared of commitment because of painful past events in their lives. Instead, they commit to meeting every Christmas and repeating their love affair with no communication during the year of any kind. Those are the rules, and no matter how difficult it is for them to follow them, they do, until they don't. Because they can't.
"Same Time Next Christmas," tells the story of how their dream unravels and how they struggle to find their ways back to each other. This book takes a different tack and is passionate and loving. I highly recommend it and cannot wait for Christine Rimmer's next effort. Brava!
It is not easy to write a fresh, convincing storyline to arrange for two people to be snowed in without access to outside communication, but, Ms. Rimmer did it. Sabra Bond and Matthias Bravo meet under shocking and extreme circumstances. She is naked and he is seriously injured. She needs a safe haven; but he needs immediate medical attention. Fortunately, she was reared on a farm and knows how to tend to wounds.
They have plenty of food and firewood and under Sabra's watchful care, Matthias slowly heals. They end up becoming friends, and, later, lovers. But both are scared of commitment because of painful past events in their lives. Instead, they commit to meeting every Christmas and repeating their love affair with no communication during the year of any kind. Those are the rules, and no matter how difficult it is for them to follow them, they do, until they don't. Because they can't.
"Same Time Next Christmas," tells the story of how their dream unravels and how they struggle to find their ways back to each other. This book takes a different tack and is passionate and loving. I highly recommend it and cannot wait for Christine Rimmer's next effort. Brava!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2018
Same Time, Next Christmas is the third book in Christine Rimmer’s The Bravos of Valentine Bay series. Matthias Bravo is shocked when he discovers Sabra Bond in his cabin one Christmas. Over the course of ten days, they uncover a connection. At the end of their time together, they lay some ground rules. They make a pact to meet up at the same time the following Christmas but the kicker is there is no communication throughout the year.
Same Time, Next Christmas covers a span of four years and, through both characters point of view, we follow them as they reflect on the prior year’s Christmas and hope for the next year’s reunion. The underlying question from year to year is: Will they both decide to return to the cabin, or won’t they?
Both Matthias and Sabra struggle with not contacting each other during the year. And when one shares a heartwarming confession, they discover it may be too late to save their relationship. But will things change the following year?
Same Time, Next Christmas is a delightful holiday read that I highly recommend. The four-year time span of this book works for me as we get further insight into the characters as they develop over time. I’d like to disclose that I received an advance copy which I voluntarily chose to read. This is my honest review.
Same Time, Next Christmas covers a span of four years and, through both characters point of view, we follow them as they reflect on the prior year’s Christmas and hope for the next year’s reunion. The underlying question from year to year is: Will they both decide to return to the cabin, or won’t they?
Both Matthias and Sabra struggle with not contacting each other during the year. And when one shares a heartwarming confession, they discover it may be too late to save their relationship. But will things change the following year?
Same Time, Next Christmas is a delightful holiday read that I highly recommend. The four-year time span of this book works for me as we get further insight into the characters as they develop over time. I’d like to disclose that I received an advance copy which I voluntarily chose to read. This is my honest review.
November 16, 2018
“Same Time, Next Christmas” is part of Christine Rimmer’s Bravos of Valentine Bay miniseries. It is the story of Matthias Bravo and Sabra Bond.
Every Christmas, Matt goes to a cabin in the woods away from his family. They understand why Matt needs his alone time, since Matt was in the military and still deals with a family trauma from when he was younger.
This year, he finds someone already there and is immediately suspicious. It turns out to be Sabra, who had been out hiking and got caught in a rainstorm. The two end up spending Christmas together when the rain turns to snow.
Matt and Sabra are attracted to each other and their time in the cabin turns physical. Once Christmas is over and it’s the New Year, they agree to come back again the following Christmas without having any contact throughout the year. Neither have the mindset to be in a relationship – Matt suffering from his past and Sabra from falling for the wrong guy.
The title for this book is perfect. It surmises the premise exactly. I did get tripped up by the timeline a couple times, not sure if I was reading a scene from the past or if it was taking place in the actual present (even with headers at the beginning of some scenes).
“Same Time, Next Christmas” is a perfect romantic read for the holidays.
Every Christmas, Matt goes to a cabin in the woods away from his family. They understand why Matt needs his alone time, since Matt was in the military and still deals with a family trauma from when he was younger.
This year, he finds someone already there and is immediately suspicious. It turns out to be Sabra, who had been out hiking and got caught in a rainstorm. The two end up spending Christmas together when the rain turns to snow.
Matt and Sabra are attracted to each other and their time in the cabin turns physical. Once Christmas is over and it’s the New Year, they agree to come back again the following Christmas without having any contact throughout the year. Neither have the mindset to be in a relationship – Matt suffering from his past and Sabra from falling for the wrong guy.
The title for this book is perfect. It surmises the premise exactly. I did get tripped up by the timeline a couple times, not sure if I was reading a scene from the past or if it was taking place in the actual present (even with headers at the beginning of some scenes).
“Same Time, Next Christmas” is a perfect romantic read for the holidays.
November 20, 2018
Same Time, Next Christmas by Christine Rimmer is a story about an ex soldier Matthias Bravo &
Sabra Bond. Matthias Bravo likes to spend the Holidays alone in his remote cabin in Oregon.
When he arrives at the cabin he see lights on and finds that someone has broken in. This puts the
ex marine on alert to see who is in the cabin. He looks around the cabin looking into to windows to see who invaded his space. It was a woman! Sabra Bond was out hiking when it started to pour, she found the cabin and broke into it to seek safety from the winter storm. Matthias enter the cabin with his gun drawn to find her there alone. Matthias was injured from cutting down his christmas tree
and Sabra ended up taking care of him. Once he was healed they ended up forming a agreement of a
no strings christmas fling and would meet up same time next christmas and no contact thru out the
year. They meet up again the following christmas and they both seem to want to take things to the next step but they are both afraid to put a voice to it. it seem they are never in the same place at the same time for a relationship department. Can these two ever overcome these issues and make a life time commitment? Read Same Time, Next Christmas to find out. Christine Rimmer never disppoints.
Sabra Bond. Matthias Bravo likes to spend the Holidays alone in his remote cabin in Oregon.
When he arrives at the cabin he see lights on and finds that someone has broken in. This puts the
ex marine on alert to see who is in the cabin. He looks around the cabin looking into to windows to see who invaded his space. It was a woman! Sabra Bond was out hiking when it started to pour, she found the cabin and broke into it to seek safety from the winter storm. Matthias enter the cabin with his gun drawn to find her there alone. Matthias was injured from cutting down his christmas tree
and Sabra ended up taking care of him. Once he was healed they ended up forming a agreement of a
no strings christmas fling and would meet up same time next christmas and no contact thru out the
year. They meet up again the following christmas and they both seem to want to take things to the next step but they are both afraid to put a voice to it. it seem they are never in the same place at the same time for a relationship department. Can these two ever overcome these issues and make a life time commitment? Read Same Time, Next Christmas to find out. Christine Rimmer never disppoints.
November 24, 2018
In an updated view on an annual tryst, Christine Rimmer brings us “Same time, Next Christmas”, Matthias Bravo and Sabra Bond’s story in her Valentine’s Bay series. It is in a bit of a different format, taking place over a multi-year period. It sounds a bit strange, but it totally works for this storyline.
Matthias likes to spend his Christmas holiday alone in his remote cabin. As he arrives at his cabin, he realizes there is someone who beat him there. Sabra has been hiking during a rain storm and has taken refuge from the storm in his cabin. Over the course of a week, they go from enemies, to housemates, to lovers. Realizing they have ‘something’, but not sure it’s a forever kind of something, they agree to meet again the following Christmas.
Each year they begin to feel more and more for each other, but neither wants to try to contact the other during the year, feeling that they would break the agreement they made that first year, to only have a week at Christmas. Feelings come to a head with each of them, but at different times. Will they be able to come to an agreement that perhaps one week a year isn’t enough, and they have the ability to become year-round partners, or will they go their separate ways and just have those few Christmas memories.
Matthias likes to spend his Christmas holiday alone in his remote cabin. As he arrives at his cabin, he realizes there is someone who beat him there. Sabra has been hiking during a rain storm and has taken refuge from the storm in his cabin. Over the course of a week, they go from enemies, to housemates, to lovers. Realizing they have ‘something’, but not sure it’s a forever kind of something, they agree to meet again the following Christmas.
Each year they begin to feel more and more for each other, but neither wants to try to contact the other during the year, feeling that they would break the agreement they made that first year, to only have a week at Christmas. Feelings come to a head with each of them, but at different times. Will they be able to come to an agreement that perhaps one week a year isn’t enough, and they have the ability to become year-round partners, or will they go their separate ways and just have those few Christmas memories.
November 25, 2018
In “Same Time, Next Christmas,” we return to Valentine Bay and the next story of the Bravos who reside there. If you’ve read any of my reviews before, you know that author Christine Rimmer is one of my favorites and her books stay on my “Keeper Shelf.” This book also stays on that shelf. It is well written and I enjoy the storyline. But….I will admit I wanted to reach into this story and smack both the hero and heroine upside the head for wasting so much time. Life is too short for that!
Matthias Bravo and Sabra Bond meet just before Christmas, when she takes shelter in his cabin during a storm. This cabin is where Matthias retreats each Christmas to deal with things from his past. Yes, they end up spending that Christmas together. They agree to meet at the cabin each Christmas and to not look for each other during the rest of the year. This agreement not to look for each other during the year causes each of them distress over the years, but neither is willing to break that agreement and take the next step. When they finally agree to make this a year-round relationship, you’re like, it’s about time, what took you so long!
Again, well worth the read. Thank you, Christine!
Matthias Bravo and Sabra Bond meet just before Christmas, when she takes shelter in his cabin during a storm. This cabin is where Matthias retreats each Christmas to deal with things from his past. Yes, they end up spending that Christmas together. They agree to meet at the cabin each Christmas and to not look for each other during the rest of the year. This agreement not to look for each other during the year causes each of them distress over the years, but neither is willing to break that agreement and take the next step. When they finally agree to make this a year-round relationship, you’re like, it’s about time, what took you so long!
Again, well worth the read. Thank you, Christine!
November 30, 2018
In Same Time, Next Christmas by Christine Rimmer, Matthias Bravo is an ex-soldier hoping for a peaceful Christmas in his private cabin when he realizes he has been invaded by the gorgeous Saber Bond. Saber is seeking serenity and solitude after a disastrous break up and can't believe she is trapped in a secluded cabin with a complete stranger. Neither of them expects to find someone who so clearly understands what they are feeling or what they need.
Matthias and Saber decide to meet once every year at Christmas time to share the season and their passion for one another. But what happens when one of them decides that one week a year is not enough???
You will love the sexy strong Matthias and the sweet smart Saber and their complicated journey to finding each other. You will long for them to see that their true love has been there all along. Rimmer brilliantly illustrates the complicated emotions many of us have to overcome to accept and trust another person.
I cannot recommend Christine Rimmer's wonderful romances enough!!! I just love her Bravo series and have fallen in love with the Bravos of Valentine Bay! I know you will love Matthias and Saber as much as I do!
Matthias and Saber decide to meet once every year at Christmas time to share the season and their passion for one another. But what happens when one of them decides that one week a year is not enough???
You will love the sexy strong Matthias and the sweet smart Saber and their complicated journey to finding each other. You will long for them to see that their true love has been there all along. Rimmer brilliantly illustrates the complicated emotions many of us have to overcome to accept and trust another person.
I cannot recommend Christine Rimmer's wonderful romances enough!!! I just love her Bravo series and have fallen in love with the Bravos of Valentine Bay! I know you will love Matthias and Saber as much as I do!
November 29, 2018
This 3rd installment In Christine Rimmer's Valentine's Bay series is unusual that it occurs over 4 years only at Christmas. Two strangers meet at Christmas time when Sabra is stranded and taking refuge at Matthias Bravo's cabin. After a rough start and misunderstanding, the two travelers begin to get along and get to know each other. They decide on a "no strings attached relationship" which agrees with both of them. They decide to meet at the cabin for next Christmas. They continue to make the visit taking it a year at a time. Each deals with all the problems they face out in the real world and enjoy the respite that the "only the two of them" provides. Both want more than an annual relationship but are afraid to voice that desire because they are afraid that it will ruin what they have. Eventually, they express their feelings and they head out to meet the important people in both of their "families" to discover how to make their love an life together work. Another GREAT read from Christine! I love that she always writes strong heroines and heroes!
November 7, 2018
In "Same Time, Next Christmas" by Christine Rimmer we revisit the series 'The Bravo's of Valentine Bay' but with a story that can be a read alone. Mathias Bravo first meets Sabra Bond when he sees her in his cabin in the woods. He isn't trusting but because he injured himself puts himself into the capable hands of Sabra. They make a pact to meet same time next year. Life moves on and every year they meet again each of them growing closer in their feelings but unwilling to take the next step. When Matt decides to take their relationship to the next level things don't quite work out the way he hopes. Both of them take little baby steps forward and major steps back. It made me not want to put this book down and see where their relationship would go. Loved this story. It does move very fast as one year moves onto to another pretty quickly. We learn more about each of them and the trials they need to overcome.
November 20, 2018
Same time Next Christmas is Christine Rimmer's Valentine Bay next installment. not the usually storyline, but still a great book. Mattias is a Ranger that suffers from PTSD, and during his Christmas break decides to head for the mountains for some relaxation and alone time, but to his surprise he finds a unwanted guest. Sabra is out hike when it starts to rain, she seeks shelter but did expect the owner to show up. Mattias and Sabra hit it off from the start and make a plan to met up again next Christmas too, until one wants more, and things start interferring and causing an upheaval in their lifes. Take a journey into a story thats will have you hating the circumstances that keep them apart and wanting to crawl into the story to change it all so they find the love they so deserve. Two wonderful people who has to much hurt and loss will they be able to over come the boundaries they put on each other
November 22, 2018
I absolutely loved this book which is the third in her newest series. I love all of Christine Rimmer’s books. I fell in love with Matt and Sabra but I did hate that four years was the timeline. I wanted them together right away but they needed to learn themselves before they could have a relationship. They meet at his remote cabin when she needs shelter and she stitches his leg up. They decide to have a no strings fling until New Years and decide to meet the next Christmas for 10 days. They decide not to exchange phone numbers or get in contact with each other. What happens when one of them wants to try a relationship and the other one doesn’t? Will they decide to become more or will one of them become broken hearted? I can’t wait to read book four in this series. I received an ARC and volunteered to write a honest review.
December 2, 2020
This was my first Christmas romance this year and I enjoyed it, for the most part.
Since I don't want to give away too much, I'll just say that while this book had plenty of cute and festive moments, it also had some sadness and losses, which I honestly didn't expect. I also didn't expect to start disliking the arrangement Matt and Sabra made. All the longing yet sticking with the rule was exasperating. As for the characters, I liked Matt a lot, but I never warmed up towards Sabra, and my opinion of her got even worse by the end of the book. I completely agree with Ted, even though his role in the book is too little to even mention him. It's like he just popped in to voice my opinion :)
Bottom line, while I liked the arrangement, it wasn't portrayed in a way that I found to be romantic.
Since I don't want to give away too much, I'll just say that while this book had plenty of cute and festive moments, it also had some sadness and losses, which I honestly didn't expect. I also didn't expect to start disliking the arrangement Matt and Sabra made. All the longing yet sticking with the rule was exasperating. As for the characters, I liked Matt a lot, but I never warmed up towards Sabra, and my opinion of her got even worse by the end of the book. I completely agree with Ted, even though his role in the book is too little to even mention him. It's like he just popped in to voice my opinion :)
Bottom line, while I liked the arrangement, it wasn't portrayed in a way that I found to be romantic.
November 18, 2018
Same Time, Next Christmas is a FABULOUS story. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The way Christine Rimmer weaves the history of the characters together makes you want to continue to the end and with the twists and plots, it's a page turner. I loved the way Christine takes us through the time in between Christmases and her attention to the characters, and sub-characters makes you wish and hope they end up together. The Bravos of Valentine's Bay continues with the Bravos series of books and makes me look forward to the next edition with anticipation. Thanks, Christine!!
November 24, 2018
This is by far the best book I have read in quite some time! The storyline of Matt & Sabra, how they meet and what transpires from the moment they meet and on is one of a kind! I literally could not put this book down! This is not your typical Christmas story and the fact that Christine Rimmer could write this unique storyline only goes to show the talent behind the book. It is a must read. From the timing of the both characters pasts, to each part of the timeline of the setting in this book and what Matt & Sabra experience with each other and in their lives, perfect! This storyline will grab you from the beginning and hold you through to the end for sure!
January 15, 2026
This book was recommended to me, and I could only find it on audio. I really enjoyed the story. I think I would've liked to have read it more. The back-and-forth point-of-views between the main two leads got confusing and I really had to pay attention to when it switched. Maybe they should've used two narrators? Otherwise, this was a cute Christmas story. I liked their deal and how they didn't want to break it. I was rooting for them the entire book, and I am glad about the way they author did it. Makes them made more for each other! I probably will go back and read the others in the series (if I can find them).
November 29, 2018
I am a sucker for holiday magic and romance.
Matt and Sabra met on awkward terms when she sought shelter in his cozy cabin. He thought she was an intruder and things were not magical. Eventually, they become friendly and make a pact. I can't say much more, but this is one story that will make you believe in Christmas magic. Find out how it ends, because it certainly wasn't how I expected! Christine NEVER DISAPPOINTS! She is one of the best authors that delivers incredibly sweet novels! Every. Single. Time.
Matt and Sabra met on awkward terms when she sought shelter in his cozy cabin. He thought she was an intruder and things were not magical. Eventually, they become friendly and make a pact. I can't say much more, but this is one story that will make you believe in Christmas magic. Find out how it ends, because it certainly wasn't how I expected! Christine NEVER DISAPPOINTS! She is one of the best authors that delivers incredibly sweet novels! Every. Single. Time.
January 9, 2026
Sabra
Sabra finds herself heading to Astoria to the family farm after breaking up with her fiancée. She soon finds herself hiking and a huge snowstorm has her looking for shelter. She finds a cabin and breaks in. Soon the owner of the cabin, Matthias, arrives.
After telling each other about themselves they decide to meet again next year same place and same time. Life happens and there are troubles but there is a great HEA.
Loved this book even though it took a long time for me to finish it.
Sabra finds herself heading to Astoria to the family farm after breaking up with her fiancée. She soon finds herself hiking and a huge snowstorm has her looking for shelter. She finds a cabin and breaks in. Soon the owner of the cabin, Matthias, arrives.
After telling each other about themselves they decide to meet again next year same place and same time. Life happens and there are troubles but there is a great HEA.
Loved this book even though it took a long time for me to finish it.
November 9, 2018
They say timing is everything. Well in Sabra and Matthias case this is especially true. They met by accident when Sabra gets stranded at Matthias mountain retreat. They agree to meet there every Christmas as long as each are still single. The head and the heart aren't always on the same page and it takes this fascinating couple a few Christmases to get both on the same page. It is a wonderful Christmas story that will remind you that anything is possible at Christmas!
November 16, 2018
This is a book you do not want to start unless you have time to finsh! Christine Rimmer had me so wrapped up in Sabra and Matthias' story that by page 12 I knew I was in for a late night. Sabra is enchanting and Matthias is, well, hot. And sensitive. And fun. Together they are perfect! Unfortunately, life has other ideas, but you cannot help bu pull for them all the way to the end. One of the most romantic stories I have read.
November 18, 2018
This story about Sabra and Matthias was quite the tale. The hero and heroine tended to bring trouble on themselves just like so many times we do in life. They finally seemed to get out of the way and let life take them where they needed to go. I really enjoyed their journey and so many times wanted to say no don't do that! What a great story and as I always enjoy Christine RImmer's books I enjoyed this one too!
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