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It Started With Christmas
A beautiful, feel-good Christmas story. You’ll laugh, cry, and fall in love with this wonderfully warm and MAGICAL festive romance…
Holly McAdams loves spending the Christmas holidays at her family’s cozy cabin, with its little red door and twinkling lights, tucked in the snowy hills outside Nashville. But this year will be different. Someone unexpected is joining them…
After Holly and her beloved Nana struggle through a snow storm to reach the cabin, they discover gorgeous and wealthy Joseph Barnes, who has been renting the cabin for the last few weeks, is now snowed in. And it looks like he’ll be staying for the holidays.
Determined to make the best of the surprise situation, Holly tries to bring everyone together by baking delicious treats and decorating the cabin with plenty of festive sparkle. She finds herself growing close to handsome Joseph, who is unlike anyone she’s ever met before, even if Nana isn’t so keen on the dashing stranger with the mysterious past.
But charming and irresistible musician Rhett Burton is also back in town. Thrown into close proximity with the person who used to be her best friend and the man who broke her heart, Holly realizes it’s time to face her feelings and figure out what she really wants from her life. But to complicate things, both Joseph and Rhett have secrets to reveal…
Will Holly be able to find herself and the love she’s always dreamed of this Christmas?
Discover the joy of Christmas in this gorgeous novel, celebrating the importance of friendship, the magic of love, and finding happiness by being true to yourself.
Holly McAdams loves spending the Christmas holidays at her family’s cozy cabin, with its little red door and twinkling lights, tucked in the snowy hills outside Nashville. But this year will be different. Someone unexpected is joining them…
After Holly and her beloved Nana struggle through a snow storm to reach the cabin, they discover gorgeous and wealthy Joseph Barnes, who has been renting the cabin for the last few weeks, is now snowed in. And it looks like he’ll be staying for the holidays.
Determined to make the best of the surprise situation, Holly tries to bring everyone together by baking delicious treats and decorating the cabin with plenty of festive sparkle. She finds herself growing close to handsome Joseph, who is unlike anyone she’s ever met before, even if Nana isn’t so keen on the dashing stranger with the mysterious past.
But charming and irresistible musician Rhett Burton is also back in town. Thrown into close proximity with the person who used to be her best friend and the man who broke her heart, Holly realizes it’s time to face her feelings and figure out what she really wants from her life. But to complicate things, both Joseph and Rhett have secrets to reveal…
Will Holly be able to find herself and the love she’s always dreamed of this Christmas?
Discover the joy of Christmas in this gorgeous novel, celebrating the importance of friendship, the magic of love, and finding happiness by being true to yourself.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2018
1456 people are currently reading
1966 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Hale
34 books1,932 followersJenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.
She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family.
Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers. When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.
Visit www.itsjennyhale.com to get my latest book! You can also chat with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennyhaleauthor, Twitter: www.twitter.com/jhaleauthor, and IG: www.instagram.com/jhaleauthor
See all my books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Hale/e/B...
She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family.
Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers. When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.
Visit www.itsjennyhale.com to get my latest book! You can also chat with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennyhaleauthor, Twitter: www.twitter.com/jhaleauthor, and IG: www.instagram.com/jhaleauthor
See all my books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Hale/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
December 8, 2023
No he empatizado con los protas, no me ha gustado la trama, solo me ha gustado la historia de los abuelos. Una pena porque pensaba que me iba a encontrar otra cosa
October 11, 2018
I don't think I've ever read a book set in Nashville so was very much looking forward to being transported to a new part of the world to me. It's hard not to fall in love with the idyllic setting of a cabin at winter time. I was very envious of Holly and her Nana getting to spend Christmas there, especially as it comes with an unexpected guest.
There are some wonderfully touching moments to do with Nana and her dear departed husband. I could feel my eyes filling up more than a few times and I reckon anyone with a relationship half as good as the one they had would still be something special. You can really feel how much he's missed by Nana and Holly and it really was endearing.
I like how you don't quite know how the story is going to go. Holly and Joseph you can feel a connection there right from the start but he is weeks away from getting married, then you have Rhett who obviously has feelings for Holly. It's very much a will she, won't she as to who Holly will end up with.
It Started With Christmas is an entertaining and festive read that might have you rethink your present giving this year. It's a wonderful and wholesome read that definitely leaves you with that warm tingly glow that you only ever get with this genre of book. Great read!
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
There are some wonderfully touching moments to do with Nana and her dear departed husband. I could feel my eyes filling up more than a few times and I reckon anyone with a relationship half as good as the one they had would still be something special. You can really feel how much he's missed by Nana and Holly and it really was endearing.
I like how you don't quite know how the story is going to go. Holly and Joseph you can feel a connection there right from the start but he is weeks away from getting married, then you have Rhett who obviously has feelings for Holly. It's very much a will she, won't she as to who Holly will end up with.
It Started With Christmas is an entertaining and festive read that might have you rethink your present giving this year. It's a wonderful and wholesome read that definitely leaves you with that warm tingly glow that you only ever get with this genre of book. Great read!
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
August 6, 2021
Прекрасна, топла, коледна история.
December 12, 2018
It Started With Christmas
Jenny Hale
IT STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS is the perfect way to spend the afternoon! All of the characters seem very genuine and relatable and I was emotionally invested in them all, right off the bat. Holly stole my heart as a woman with a broken heart with a second chance at love. The story shows how a broken heart not only effects Holly but those around her. Especially Joseph Barnes and the chemistry between the two is not something the reader can ignore. Hang on people! It will be a wild and crazy ride for sure! Joseph is renting out the cabin while planning the final touches for his wedding! Oh yeah!!
While reading IT STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS I felt as if I were right at the cozy cabin outside of Nashville thanks to Jenny Hale's descriptive writing. The secondary characters are as wonderful as the primary ones and soon you will be thinking of them as your friends. Once I started reading, it was very hard to put down. I truly wanted Holly and Joseph to find their happily ever after. Holly was carrying so much pain in her heart and I just wanted to reach out and give her a really big hug.
IT STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS is a heart warming and beautiful romance novel. It is very easy to establish a connection with Holly and her ex Rhett and I really wanted them both to let go of the past and put it behind them. Do you think that's possible? I thoroughly enjoyed reading IT STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS . It is funny and heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Jenny Hale does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be in that cabin with my new found friends! Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.
Jenny Hale
IT STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS is the perfect way to spend the afternoon! All of the characters seem very genuine and relatable and I was emotionally invested in them all, right off the bat. Holly stole my heart as a woman with a broken heart with a second chance at love. The story shows how a broken heart not only effects Holly but those around her. Especially Joseph Barnes and the chemistry between the two is not something the reader can ignore. Hang on people! It will be a wild and crazy ride for sure! Joseph is renting out the cabin while planning the final touches for his wedding! Oh yeah!!
While reading IT STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS I felt as if I were right at the cozy cabin outside of Nashville thanks to Jenny Hale's descriptive writing. The secondary characters are as wonderful as the primary ones and soon you will be thinking of them as your friends. Once I started reading, it was very hard to put down. I truly wanted Holly and Joseph to find their happily ever after. Holly was carrying so much pain in her heart and I just wanted to reach out and give her a really big hug.
IT STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS is a heart warming and beautiful romance novel. It is very easy to establish a connection with Holly and her ex Rhett and I really wanted them both to let go of the past and put it behind them. Do you think that's possible? I thoroughly enjoyed reading IT STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS . It is funny and heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Jenny Hale does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be in that cabin with my new found friends! Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.
December 18, 2020
Лека и забавна. Историята малко се повтаря с "Коледа в Силвър Фолс" - починал дядо, скърбяща баба, вила за празниците и изведнъж се появява перфектния мъж. Все пак ми беше по-интересна от гореспоменатата и ми допадна малко повече от нея.
December 21, 2019
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
La storia è raccontata dal punto di vista della protagonista in terza persona e si svolge in un arco di tempo di un anno. Holly McAdams è una cameriera che vive con la nonna che adora. È appassionata di design e le piace arredare e organizzare eventi. Joseph Barnes è un consulente finanziario di New York in vacanza. La nonna di Holly propone di andare al loro chalet per Natale e poiché la nipote farebbe di tutto per lei, decide di accontentarla. Senza pensarci troppo, tornano a Leiper’s Fork per trascorrere le festività e complice il cattivo tempo, ci trovano una sorpresa. L’incontro con Joe è simpatico e scombina i piani delle due donne. Eppure pian piano, in questa convivenza forzata, senza invadere troppo il loro mondo, il ragazzo inizia ad adattarsi alle loro abitudini e soprattutto a scoprire cosa voglia dire avere una famiglia e dei ricordi. Il feeling tra lui e Holly è spontaneo e immediato eppure qualcosa blocca la situazione. L’uragano Rhett Burton, musicista country, miglior amico di Holly, complica le cose, ma contemporaneamente le rende semplici e chiare, tanto da permettere a Holly di capire cosa vuole dalla vita. Jenny Halle ha una capacità incredibile nel descrivere i paesaggi, tanto da farci sentirti a casa in questo chalet circondato dalla neve e da amici sinceri. Con pochi dialoghi, non si sbilancia nella caratterizzazione dei protagonisti, non ce li fa conoscere in profondità eppure ci fa capire le loro personalità. Ci sono diversi personaggi minori: la nonna Jean-Lou McAdams, che è importante perché ha un ottimo rapporto con la nipote e si accorge di tutto quello che le sta succedendo intorno. Gli amici dei nonni, Otis Rigley e Buddy Lane, sono solari e gentili. Tammy, che è la proprietaria dell’emporio, è un concentrato di energia mentre Rhett è impulsivo. La famiglia di Holly viene solo menzionata. Ma tra tutte queste figure, il ruolo più significativo lo occupa proprio il nonno Arthur McAdams, cantautore e musicista: pur essendo morto da due anni, vive nei ricordi della moglie e della nipote. Le sue parole ci accompagnano e ci scaldano come una coperta calda. Il momento dello scambio dei regali l’ho letto con il groppo in gola e ho trovato geniali alcuni particolari. L’autrice descrive innumerevoli scambi di sguardi, ricchi di sottintesi, tra i protagonisti e ci fa leggere solo baci. Non ci sono scene di sesso. Tra finti bicchieri di té, neve, alberi addobbati, dolcetti, camini accesi e musica country, ho letto dell’amore di una nipote nei confronti della propria nonna, del suo desiderio di farla star bene...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
La storia è raccontata dal punto di vista della protagonista in terza persona e si svolge in un arco di tempo di un anno. Holly McAdams è una cameriera che vive con la nonna che adora. È appassionata di design e le piace arredare e organizzare eventi. Joseph Barnes è un consulente finanziario di New York in vacanza. La nonna di Holly propone di andare al loro chalet per Natale e poiché la nipote farebbe di tutto per lei, decide di accontentarla. Senza pensarci troppo, tornano a Leiper’s Fork per trascorrere le festività e complice il cattivo tempo, ci trovano una sorpresa. L’incontro con Joe è simpatico e scombina i piani delle due donne. Eppure pian piano, in questa convivenza forzata, senza invadere troppo il loro mondo, il ragazzo inizia ad adattarsi alle loro abitudini e soprattutto a scoprire cosa voglia dire avere una famiglia e dei ricordi. Il feeling tra lui e Holly è spontaneo e immediato eppure qualcosa blocca la situazione. L’uragano Rhett Burton, musicista country, miglior amico di Holly, complica le cose, ma contemporaneamente le rende semplici e chiare, tanto da permettere a Holly di capire cosa vuole dalla vita. Jenny Halle ha una capacità incredibile nel descrivere i paesaggi, tanto da farci sentirti a casa in questo chalet circondato dalla neve e da amici sinceri. Con pochi dialoghi, non si sbilancia nella caratterizzazione dei protagonisti, non ce li fa conoscere in profondità eppure ci fa capire le loro personalità. Ci sono diversi personaggi minori: la nonna Jean-Lou McAdams, che è importante perché ha un ottimo rapporto con la nipote e si accorge di tutto quello che le sta succedendo intorno. Gli amici dei nonni, Otis Rigley e Buddy Lane, sono solari e gentili. Tammy, che è la proprietaria dell’emporio, è un concentrato di energia mentre Rhett è impulsivo. La famiglia di Holly viene solo menzionata. Ma tra tutte queste figure, il ruolo più significativo lo occupa proprio il nonno Arthur McAdams, cantautore e musicista: pur essendo morto da due anni, vive nei ricordi della moglie e della nipote. Le sue parole ci accompagnano e ci scaldano come una coperta calda. Il momento dello scambio dei regali l’ho letto con il groppo in gola e ho trovato geniali alcuni particolari. L’autrice descrive innumerevoli scambi di sguardi, ricchi di sottintesi, tra i protagonisti e ci fa leggere solo baci. Non ci sono scene di sesso. Tra finti bicchieri di té, neve, alberi addobbati, dolcetti, camini accesi e musica country, ho letto dell’amore di una nipote nei confronti della propria nonna, del suo desiderio di farla star bene...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
October 9, 2018
I haven't read many books by this author and now want to as the book was really good and great characters and the plot is so good so realistic. Full of Christmas and moving forward after loss and romantic and heartbreaking while heartwarming to. Very well written and so true to life can make you think. Brilliant book.
Holly lives with her nana abs is worried about her as she lost her husband over a year ago and she just can't live with him and Hly misses her papa so much to. She's booked extra time off for Christmas to be with nana and as she finishes work she goes home and nana says she's ready to go to the holiday cottage they use to go to with papa so they set off and are hit by very heavy snow. Holly has done the holiday place all up and has been renting it out but knows know one will be there so looking forward to spending time with nana. When they get there Joe turns up and is still staying there as can't get out due to the snow so they suggest sharing the place with him. Problem is Holly can feel her heart warming to him and she's falling for him but then he happens to mention his wife to be and Holly feels her heart is broken. Everyone in the town is pleased to see Holly and nana and joe over heard she planned someone's wedding so he asks her if he will help finish planning his wedding to Katherine and nana is worried as they are spending a lot of time together and she's worried Holky will have her heart broken. Holly see Rhett someone she knows and nana things it will be perfect for them to spend time together so she can forget Joe but of course she is still planning his wedding and he told her about his father and she offers to try and find him which she manages to do and he arrives the day of the wedding. Holly decides she can't stay for the wedding as will break her heart but instead she has decided to travel with Rhett for a year so has everything ready to leave with him. Nana is pleased she is doing something for herself but will miss her Rhett and her leave and they soon realise they are best as friends they think so Holky goes travelling on her own for a year but promises to be back for Christmas with nana and when she does she's in for a surprise and is it going to make her happy or not and will she find her romance and be happy or not.
A great perfect Christmas read.
Holly lives with her nana abs is worried about her as she lost her husband over a year ago and she just can't live with him and Hly misses her papa so much to. She's booked extra time off for Christmas to be with nana and as she finishes work she goes home and nana says she's ready to go to the holiday cottage they use to go to with papa so they set off and are hit by very heavy snow. Holly has done the holiday place all up and has been renting it out but knows know one will be there so looking forward to spending time with nana. When they get there Joe turns up and is still staying there as can't get out due to the snow so they suggest sharing the place with him. Problem is Holly can feel her heart warming to him and she's falling for him but then he happens to mention his wife to be and Holly feels her heart is broken. Everyone in the town is pleased to see Holly and nana and joe over heard she planned someone's wedding so he asks her if he will help finish planning his wedding to Katherine and nana is worried as they are spending a lot of time together and she's worried Holky will have her heart broken. Holly see Rhett someone she knows and nana things it will be perfect for them to spend time together so she can forget Joe but of course she is still planning his wedding and he told her about his father and she offers to try and find him which she manages to do and he arrives the day of the wedding. Holly decides she can't stay for the wedding as will break her heart but instead she has decided to travel with Rhett for a year so has everything ready to leave with him. Nana is pleased she is doing something for herself but will miss her Rhett and her leave and they soon realise they are best as friends they think so Holky goes travelling on her own for a year but promises to be back for Christmas with nana and when she does she's in for a surprise and is it going to make her happy or not and will she find her romance and be happy or not.
A great perfect Christmas read.
October 19, 2018
Full of Christmas charm and magic, this is such a heartwarming story that had me enchanted from the first few pages.
I've no idea why but I always seem to be really attracted to books with a Nashville connection, so one set in a cozy cabin just outside Nashville was always going to be of interest, especially when the book is written by an author that I know write a fabulous Christmas book.
I loved everything about this book, from the small town community where the cabin is, to seeing Nana really start enjoying life again, to Holly slowing realising what it is she wants to do with her life, and who she may want to be with. Then there is Joe the man who shouldn't have been in the cabin had it not been for the snow, and wow is he hot, I loved the clear chemistry that there was between him and Holly no matter how much they deny it.
In addition there is Rhett, who used to be her best friend and who is now declaring his undying love for her, all manner of southern foods that were made to sound very tasty, and just a lovely small town community feel.
There are a couple of key themes explored, some in more depth than others, but all in a way that kept me reading as I needed to see how the storylines would progress.
From the moment I started reading, I felt as though I was being hugged by polar bear - well it was a huge bear hug feeling, while also feeling as thought it wouldn't let me go. Definitely a story that kept me smiling and has once again secured in my mind, that I tend to prefer Jenny Hale's Christmas books to her summer ones - although they are all great.
With just a sprinkling of Christmas magic, this is a gorgeous story that I suspect you may enjoy as much as I did.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
I've no idea why but I always seem to be really attracted to books with a Nashville connection, so one set in a cozy cabin just outside Nashville was always going to be of interest, especially when the book is written by an author that I know write a fabulous Christmas book.
I loved everything about this book, from the small town community where the cabin is, to seeing Nana really start enjoying life again, to Holly slowing realising what it is she wants to do with her life, and who she may want to be with. Then there is Joe the man who shouldn't have been in the cabin had it not been for the snow, and wow is he hot, I loved the clear chemistry that there was between him and Holly no matter how much they deny it.
In addition there is Rhett, who used to be her best friend and who is now declaring his undying love for her, all manner of southern foods that were made to sound very tasty, and just a lovely small town community feel.
There are a couple of key themes explored, some in more depth than others, but all in a way that kept me reading as I needed to see how the storylines would progress.
From the moment I started reading, I felt as though I was being hugged by polar bear - well it was a huge bear hug feeling, while also feeling as thought it wouldn't let me go. Definitely a story that kept me smiling and has once again secured in my mind, that I tend to prefer Jenny Hale's Christmas books to her summer ones - although they are all great.
With just a sprinkling of Christmas magic, this is a gorgeous story that I suspect you may enjoy as much as I did.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
November 23, 2018
This delightful festive romance is by the inimitable Jenny Hale ....that should be enough to tell go grab yourself a copy as soon as you can - you know you'll be in for a real treat!
Finding a stranger, Joe, in residence, was a surprise for this grandmother and granddaughter, Holly, returning to their isolated cabin to celebrate Christmas. Mind you, the heavy snowfalls had made their journey treacherous so it wasn't any wonder he'd decided not to risk the journey and stayed on after his rental time was up. He's there planning his wedding but without his bride-to-be. As the attraction between Joe and Holly grows, despite them working together to organise his wedding to someone else. Will Christmas magic help these two find their happily ever after together or will her first love, Rhett Burton, woo and win her heart again? You'll just have to read it yourself to find out!
A heartwarming festive story, with great characters, a special set of presents to be sorted and love to be found. It is a great story to read whatever the season and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone looking for a fun, festive romance to read.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
Finding a stranger, Joe, in residence, was a surprise for this grandmother and granddaughter, Holly, returning to their isolated cabin to celebrate Christmas. Mind you, the heavy snowfalls had made their journey treacherous so it wasn't any wonder he'd decided not to risk the journey and stayed on after his rental time was up. He's there planning his wedding but without his bride-to-be. As the attraction between Joe and Holly grows, despite them working together to organise his wedding to someone else. Will Christmas magic help these two find their happily ever after together or will her first love, Rhett Burton, woo and win her heart again? You'll just have to read it yourself to find out!
A heartwarming festive story, with great characters, a special set of presents to be sorted and love to be found. It is a great story to read whatever the season and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone looking for a fun, festive romance to read.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
January 17, 2024
No comprendo cómo tiene una nota tan alta en Goodreads.
Es una historia de esas que en película navideña facilona habría funcionado, pero que como novela se queda flojísima, sosa y... sin nada de profundidad, ni siquiera la relación de los personajes es creíble.
Es una historia de esas que en película navideña facilona habría funcionado, pero que como novela se queda flojísima, sosa y... sin nada de profundidad, ni siquiera la relación de los personajes es creíble.
November 7, 2019
My rating: 4.5 Stars
Holly McAdams is looking forward to spending some time to during the Christmas holidays with her Nana at their family cabin. When they get there, not only do they discover that someone else is already there, Joseph Barnes, who was previously renting the cabin, but who has been snowed in. The three have no choice but to spend some time together. The best they can do is to make it work.
Holly learns that Joseph is engaged, an ultra millionaire, and ridiculously attractive. Of course, acting on her attraction is the last thing on her mind. Instead, Holly focuses on baking yummy treats and decorating the cabin. Meanwhile, Holly's grandmother is reluctant to trust Joseph.
With the aid of snow machines, they do get to spend some time with close neighbors, including the man who once broke Holly's heart. He is a musician named Rhett Burton, and Holly starts having confusing feelings. She once thought she and Rhett had a future together, but she has also started to help Joseph prepare for his wedding, because apparently his fiance has better things to do as a high-powered attorney.
Will this warm and inviting holiday season bring love and light into Holly's life? As I read this lovely book by Jenny Hale, I was drawn in by the coziness, sweet smells and lovely music. Most of all, I couldn't wait to see which man would snare Holly's heart.
As always, Jenny Hale has written another delightful, inviting story that readers will no doubt fall in love with. I look forward to her next offering.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Holly McAdams is looking forward to spending some time to during the Christmas holidays with her Nana at their family cabin. When they get there, not only do they discover that someone else is already there, Joseph Barnes, who was previously renting the cabin, but who has been snowed in. The three have no choice but to spend some time together. The best they can do is to make it work.
Holly learns that Joseph is engaged, an ultra millionaire, and ridiculously attractive. Of course, acting on her attraction is the last thing on her mind. Instead, Holly focuses on baking yummy treats and decorating the cabin. Meanwhile, Holly's grandmother is reluctant to trust Joseph.
With the aid of snow machines, they do get to spend some time with close neighbors, including the man who once broke Holly's heart. He is a musician named Rhett Burton, and Holly starts having confusing feelings. She once thought she and Rhett had a future together, but she has also started to help Joseph prepare for his wedding, because apparently his fiance has better things to do as a high-powered attorney.
Will this warm and inviting holiday season bring love and light into Holly's life? As I read this lovely book by Jenny Hale, I was drawn in by the coziness, sweet smells and lovely music. Most of all, I couldn't wait to see which man would snare Holly's heart.
As always, Jenny Hale has written another delightful, inviting story that readers will no doubt fall in love with. I look forward to her next offering.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
December 21, 2023
Soso a más no poder.
December 31, 2018
I'm going to round this one up to 3 stars.
As with most of this author's books that I've read, you need to check your common sense at the door and just go with the flow while reading it or else you will find yourself picking everything apart and listing all the implausible, eye-rolling things.
This is definitely much like the cheesy Hallmark holiday movies that have that life altering romance that takes place in the space of two hours and would never occur in real circumstances. Fortunately, I love the Hallmark cheesefest, so I made it through the book and even finished with a smile on my face, so I guess the book did its job.
This wasn't my favorite by this author, but if you don't mind the Hallmark cheese either, you will probably like this book.
As with most of this author's books that I've read, you need to check your common sense at the door and just go with the flow while reading it or else you will find yourself picking everything apart and listing all the implausible, eye-rolling things.
This is definitely much like the cheesy Hallmark holiday movies that have that life altering romance that takes place in the space of two hours and would never occur in real circumstances. Fortunately, I love the Hallmark cheesefest, so I made it through the book and even finished with a smile on my face, so I guess the book did its job.
This wasn't my favorite by this author, but if you don't mind the Hallmark cheese either, you will probably like this book.
December 27, 2018
2.5 Stars
I'm sure that this has an audience out there that would love this, but it's just not me.
I'm sure that this has an audience out there that would love this, but it's just not me.
December 29, 2019
It was okay nothing more
It was okay, but that was it, I was mostly a little bored?'and I didn't really like any of the characters too much.
It was okay, but that was it, I was mostly a little bored?'and I didn't really like any of the characters too much.
November 14, 2022
Холи Макадамс обича да прекарва коледните празници в семейната вила в Нашвил, но тази Коледа е различна... семейство й не се прибира, баба й все още тъгува след смъррта на дядо й, а човекът наел вилата не може да я напусне, заради свежната буря.
За първи път след смъртта на дядо й, Холи и баба й се връщат във вилата, която Холи е реновирала за отдаване под наем. Така се запознава с Джоузеф Барнс. Между двамата се долавят любовни искри, но има една малка подробност - Джо е сгоден.
Двамата прекарват времето си в приятни разговори и традиционни зимни занимания. До появата на важен човек от миналото на Холи и на нея й се налага да преусмисли всичко.
На всичкото отгоре Холи се заема с организарането на сватбата на Джо.
Ще се справили Холи с организацията около сватбата и с кого ще избере да бъде? .. Или може би ще остане сама?
Ако сте фен на коледните романи тази книга е за Вас 📚
За първи път след смъртта на дядо й, Холи и баба й се връщат във вилата, която Холи е реновирала за отдаване под наем. Така се запознава с Джоузеф Барнс. Между двамата се долавят любовни искри, но има една малка подробност - Джо е сгоден.
Двамата прекарват времето си в приятни разговори и традиционни зимни занимания. До появата на важен човек от миналото на Холи и на нея й се налага да преусмисли всичко.
На всичкото отгоре Холи се заема с организарането на сватбата на Джо.
Ще се справили Холи с организацията около сватбата и с кого ще избере да бъде? .. Или може би ще остане сама?
Ако сте фен на коледните романи тази книга е за Вас 📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2018
I am bit undecided about this book and I am not sure how to rate it.
I really enjoyed the snowy and christmassy atmosphere at the cabin. It felt cosy and homely to me but I couldn't really connect with neither the characters nor the story itself. Everything felt kind of distant to me and I couldn't dive into the story.
Holly was an ok character but to me she was kind of shallow and not a person I could easily imagine being friends with. Joe was a nice guy but also rather shallow. Rhett was absolutely annoying and I didn' really like him.
I also didn't like the forced triangle between the three.
The story had me entertained but unfortunately it won't be a book I will remember for a long time.
I really enjoyed the snowy and christmassy atmosphere at the cabin. It felt cosy and homely to me but I couldn't really connect with neither the characters nor the story itself. Everything felt kind of distant to me and I couldn't dive into the story.
Holly was an ok character but to me she was kind of shallow and not a person I could easily imagine being friends with. Joe was a nice guy but also rather shallow. Rhett was absolutely annoying and I didn' really like him.
I also didn't like the forced triangle between the three.
The story had me entertained but unfortunately it won't be a book I will remember for a long time.
December 31, 2019
Леле, тази година, лошите книги се редят една след друга.
Знам, че целта на този тип четива е да убиват мозъчни клетки, и обикновено на поднос си поднасям сивото вещество на такъв тип книги, защото ме оставят безмозъчно щастлива и доволна, но тази книга беше като електрически шок, който бавно и мъчително ти причинява болка без изгледи да спре, а напротив - усилва се с всяка дума, изречение и глава. Мъка, мъка.
Нямаше нищо хубаво в този боклук - героите бяха покъртително противни, историята беше непоносима, абсурдността на действието беше отвъд моето въображение. И да, знам че леко хейтя твърде много, но дадох пари - ще си хейтя, за да ми мине.
Денят, в който се науча да изоставам книги, които не стават за нищо, ще е велик ден в моята книжна история. :)
Знам, че целта на този тип четива е да убиват мозъчни клетки, и обикновено на поднос си поднасям сивото вещество на такъв тип книги, защото ме оставят безмозъчно щастлива и доволна, но тази книга беше като електрически шок, който бавно и мъчително ти причинява болка без изгледи да спре, а напротив - усилва се с всяка дума, изречение и глава. Мъка, мъка.
Нямаше нищо хубаво в този боклук - героите бяха покъртително противни, историята беше непоносима, абсурдността на действието беше отвъд моето въображение. И да, знам че леко хейтя твърде много, но дадох пари - ще си хейтя, за да ми мине.
Денят, в който се науча да изоставам книги, които не стават за нищо, ще е велик ден в моята книжна история. :)
October 26, 2018
Reading It Started With Christmas is like watching any Hallmark channel Christmas movie: saccharine and undeniably cheesy yet somehow heartwarming. This story hits the notes, but Hale's telling-not-showing style of writing put me off.
Holly and Joe's meet-cute is at Holly's family cabin. Joe's stuck up there in a snowstorm, and Holly has taken her grandmother there for the first time since her grandfather died a few years ago. They hit it off right away, and just when Holly finds herself falling for lonely Joe, she discovers that he's about two weeks away from getting married. To complicate things further, Holly's old friend is in town, and he's ready to show Holly just how much he's missed her.
I prefer my romance novels witty and smutty, and It Started With Christmas is neither. Sex doesn't exist in small town Tennessee, apparently. The best part of the book was the subplot with Nana, Holly's grandmother, who is coming to terms with the loss of her husband and rediscovering the magic of Christmas. With so many other tropes thrown in the book, Nana's arc really rings true emotionally.
It Started with Christmas was not my cup of cocoa, relying heavily on tropes and the magic of Christmas to hit emotional marks and distract the reader from its lack of true romance and generally poor writing.
Holly and Joe's meet-cute is at Holly's family cabin. Joe's stuck up there in a snowstorm, and Holly has taken her grandmother there for the first time since her grandfather died a few years ago. They hit it off right away, and just when Holly finds herself falling for lonely Joe, she discovers that he's about two weeks away from getting married. To complicate things further, Holly's old friend is in town, and he's ready to show Holly just how much he's missed her.
I prefer my romance novels witty and smutty, and It Started With Christmas is neither. Sex doesn't exist in small town Tennessee, apparently. The best part of the book was the subplot with Nana, Holly's grandmother, who is coming to terms with the loss of her husband and rediscovering the magic of Christmas. With so many other tropes thrown in the book, Nana's arc really rings true emotionally.
It Started with Christmas was not my cup of cocoa, relying heavily on tropes and the magic of Christmas to hit emotional marks and distract the reader from its lack of true romance and generally poor writing.
November 5, 2018
I had a hard time with this book. I felt like it was having an identity crisis! Almost like the author didn't really plot anything and just kept writing, For example; Holly was a waitress, apparently a phenomenal one! But she was also an interior designer. And a wedding planner, AND rehabbed old furniture! All so amazingly well. Joe felt flat to me. They had no connection in my opinion. And then we had Rhett, who just sort off popped in. I think he was supposed to be part of a "triangle" but there was also no connection there for me either. I won't even go into his part of the "plot". It made no sense. I would pass on this one.
December 14, 2020
Книгите на Джени Хейл са като подреждането на пъзели. Виждаш всички части, но единствено тези, които си принадлежат, се съединяват на правилните места. Погледът ти обхваща цялата картина, без изненади, но въпреки това е приятно да я разгледаш в завършен вид. Щастлива съм, че избрах да приключа годината именно с "Всичко започна на Коледа". Благодаря ти, Джени Хейл, че разпръскваш коледен дух в сърцата на читателите си!
January 21, 2020
Cassandra Gold - per RFS
.
Ben trovate mie Fenici! In un bellissimo e romantico chalet di montagna, immerso nel verde e sotto soffici fiocchi di neve, comincia la nostra storia. Una vicenda che cambierà, completamente, la vita dei nostri protagonisti.
Da quando il nonno era volato in cielo, la vita della nonna era stata una sequela di giorni grigi e senza più un briciolo di felicità. Holly aveva sacrificato tutto per lei, pur di vedere ancora la serenità sul suo viso. Era ormai la vigilia di Natale, e a fatica, era riuscita a ottenere qualche giorno di festa dal lavoro per riportare sua nonna nei posti in cui a lungo lei e il nonno, erano stati felici. Ma un luogo è solo un luogo e anche lì, la nonna non trovava pace. Alla fine del loro viaggio però, una sorpresa le attendeva.
Nello chalet di famiglia, che abitualmente davano in affitto, un loro ospite, bloccato da una brutta nevicata, non era riuscito a lasciare l’alloggio in tempo per il loro arrivo. Così, tra una cioccolata calda e un mobile da riparare, una festa di paese e un matrimonio da organizzare, il ritrovamento di un vecchio amico e la decisione di prendere la propria strada, la nostra Holly troverà finalmente il vero amore.
Un romanzo emozionante e delicato, profondo e intrigante. Dalla trama semplice, ma carico di quel sentimento di sincera amicizia e di un amore appassionato e struggente, che sino all’ultima pagina ci terranno con il fiato sospeso. In Holly convivono due anime: la brava ragazza ubbidiente, ligia al dovere e alla famiglia, avveduta e organizzata e l’intrepida esploratrice, bisognosa di spazi e di sperimentare esperienze in bilico tra l’arredatrice d’interni e la wedding planner. Lei scopre piano piano la strada che deve prendere ed è proprio il nonno, figura cardine di tutta la storia, con una lettera postuma, a farle capire che il modo migliore di aiutare la sua famiglia era di vivere finalmente la propria vita, seguendo quelle esperienze, che avrebbero caratterizzato la sua esistenza, nel modo più costruttivo possibile. Ho adorato la storia d’amore tra i due nonnini, colma di quella completezza che solo una vita insieme poteva portare. Anche oltre la morte il nonno trovava il modo di stupire la nonna, facendola sorridere e regalando loro delle emozioni uniche.
Consiglio questo libro, a tutte quelle persone che hanno bisogno di trovare una loro strada, perché certe volte, per capire qual è la direzione giusta da prendere, ci dobbiamo prima fermare.
Buona lettura a tutte e a presto.
.
Ben trovate mie Fenici! In un bellissimo e romantico chalet di montagna, immerso nel verde e sotto soffici fiocchi di neve, comincia la nostra storia. Una vicenda che cambierà, completamente, la vita dei nostri protagonisti.
Da quando il nonno era volato in cielo, la vita della nonna era stata una sequela di giorni grigi e senza più un briciolo di felicità. Holly aveva sacrificato tutto per lei, pur di vedere ancora la serenità sul suo viso. Era ormai la vigilia di Natale, e a fatica, era riuscita a ottenere qualche giorno di festa dal lavoro per riportare sua nonna nei posti in cui a lungo lei e il nonno, erano stati felici. Ma un luogo è solo un luogo e anche lì, la nonna non trovava pace. Alla fine del loro viaggio però, una sorpresa le attendeva.
Nello chalet di famiglia, che abitualmente davano in affitto, un loro ospite, bloccato da una brutta nevicata, non era riuscito a lasciare l’alloggio in tempo per il loro arrivo. Così, tra una cioccolata calda e un mobile da riparare, una festa di paese e un matrimonio da organizzare, il ritrovamento di un vecchio amico e la decisione di prendere la propria strada, la nostra Holly troverà finalmente il vero amore.
Un romanzo emozionante e delicato, profondo e intrigante. Dalla trama semplice, ma carico di quel sentimento di sincera amicizia e di un amore appassionato e struggente, che sino all’ultima pagina ci terranno con il fiato sospeso. In Holly convivono due anime: la brava ragazza ubbidiente, ligia al dovere e alla famiglia, avveduta e organizzata e l’intrepida esploratrice, bisognosa di spazi e di sperimentare esperienze in bilico tra l’arredatrice d’interni e la wedding planner. Lei scopre piano piano la strada che deve prendere ed è proprio il nonno, figura cardine di tutta la storia, con una lettera postuma, a farle capire che il modo migliore di aiutare la sua famiglia era di vivere finalmente la propria vita, seguendo quelle esperienze, che avrebbero caratterizzato la sua esistenza, nel modo più costruttivo possibile. Ho adorato la storia d’amore tra i due nonnini, colma di quella completezza che solo una vita insieme poteva portare. Anche oltre la morte il nonno trovava il modo di stupire la nonna, facendola sorridere e regalando loro delle emozioni uniche.
Consiglio questo libro, a tutte quelle persone che hanno bisogno di trovare una loro strada, perché certe volte, per capire qual è la direzione giusta da prendere, ci dobbiamo prima fermare.
Buona lettura a tutte e a presto.
December 4, 2020
More like 3,5 rounded up, because of how much I love Jenny in general. But this time, I was a bit disappointed. It was the first time ever that I didn't particularly care for the characters. Or for the story. I only loved the grandparents' narrative but that wasn't enough to keep me engaged. I didn't want to speak ill of Jenny, ever, but she missed it this time. It's OK, I have faith in her, she'll get it right next time!
October 26, 2019
This is an adorable Christmas story with lots of charm. It is DEFINITELY a Hallmark movie waiting to happen. I love the snowbound cabin and the two unattainable (or...???) love interests! So so sweet and another great story by Jenny Hale!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2022
Jenny Hales Bücher habe ich vor ein paar Jahren für mich entdeckt und daher habe ich mich echt gefreut, dass ein neues Buch erscheint. Ich muss jedoch zugeben, dass es anders als die anderen war und ich nicht diese Verbundenheit zu den Charakteren gefühlt habe. Dennoch fand ich es idyllisch und weihnachtlich. Die Geschichte war süß und ich mochte die Chemie zwischen Joe und Holly. Aber Nana ist eine wundervolle Frau und ich konnte ihre Vorurteile gegenüber Joe nicht verstehen, aber zum Schluss ergibt es einen Sinn. Kann es für die Weihnachtszeit empfehlen.
4 Sterne
4 Sterne
December 15, 2018
Holly is spending Christmas at her family’s cabin with her lovely Nana. This is the first Christmas they’ve spent there since Holly’s Papa died so it’s a difficult time for them and then when they arrive they discover a man there! Joe has been renting the cabin and due to the snow has had to stay on a bit longer. Holly and Joe are attracted to each other and the Holly’s old friend, the singer Rhett turns up and declares he still had feelings for her!
I’m going to be honest and say that this novel wasn’t as festive as I was hoping it would be. There is a build up to Christmas but then it felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. Having said that the beautiful romantic treasure hunt on Christmas morning was so gorgeous and really epitomised the festive spirit. Nana was a wonderful character and seeing her find her way through her grief to re-connect with the happy memories she has of her late husband was so moving.
I found the potential romance between Holly and Joe was really endearing. I really felt their connection and felt sad for Holly when it seemed it wasn’t meant to be. I didn’t warm to Rhett at all though and was hoping Holly wasn’t going to end up with him. It was in the balance for most of the novel how things would work out for her and I did enjoy the uncertainty around her romantic life.
All in all this was a sweet and romantic novel with hints of Christmas running through it. I do love Jenny Hale’s writing and will definitely look out for her Christmas novels in the future.
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
I’m going to be honest and say that this novel wasn’t as festive as I was hoping it would be. There is a build up to Christmas but then it felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. Having said that the beautiful romantic treasure hunt on Christmas morning was so gorgeous and really epitomised the festive spirit. Nana was a wonderful character and seeing her find her way through her grief to re-connect with the happy memories she has of her late husband was so moving.
I found the potential romance between Holly and Joe was really endearing. I really felt their connection and felt sad for Holly when it seemed it wasn’t meant to be. I didn’t warm to Rhett at all though and was hoping Holly wasn’t going to end up with him. It was in the balance for most of the novel how things would work out for her and I did enjoy the uncertainty around her romantic life.
All in all this was a sweet and romantic novel with hints of Christmas running through it. I do love Jenny Hale’s writing and will definitely look out for her Christmas novels in the future.
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
December 16, 2018
You know how there are super awful made-for-TV Christmas movies, but there are also ones that are cheesy but enjoyable? This book resembles the former. It’s trite and full of holiday tropes. It’s badly acted with terrible dialogue. It goes on a lot longer than it should. It has a “one year later” epilogue because it didn’t know how to wrap up the action without a hokey ploy. I don’t know how many times the author mentioned the leading man’s “spicy scent.” Gag. Like eating straight corn syrup. There are better fluffy Christmas romances out there.
December 14, 2019
Salve lettori del Confine!
Eccomi di nuovo qui a parlarvi di un romanzo rosa a tema natalizio.
Il titolo è “Iniziò tutto a Natale” di Jenny Hale, pubblicato dalla CE Newton Compton editori.
La protagonista di questa storia è Holly McAdams. Holly ha sempre passato le vacanze di Natale nello chalet in montagna con la sua famiglia, ma la morte del nonno ha messo fine alla tradizione, così come all’allegria della nonna Jean.
Così hanno deciso di rimodernare e affittare lo chalet ai turisti.
Ma dopo due anni, Jean decide di passare il Natale lì, dove il ricordo del marito è più vivido, così nonna e nipote affrontano una tormenta di neve pur di trascorrere le festività come voleva la vecchia tradizione.
Ad attenderle allo chalet c’è una sorpresa: Joseph Barnes. Joe è l’affittuario della settimana precedente che non ha potuto prendere il suo volo di ritorno per via della tormenta.
Holly, decisa a non farsi scoraggiare dagli imprevisti e a far passare un felice Natale a tutti, soprattutto alla nonna, passa il suo tempo a decorare lo chalet e a preparare da mangiare. A sconvolgere tutti i piani è l’arrivo in città di Rhett Burton, stella della musica country e migliore amico d’infanzia di Holly.
Tra vecchie e nuove tradizioni, amici di vecchia data e sconosciuti in casa, il Natale non è certamente quello che Holly aveva programmato per lei e la nonna.
“La vita è come il Natale. Chiunque guardi ai piedi del nostro albero di Natale vedrà solo un angolo spoglio, ed è la stessa cosa che spesso pensiamo della nostra vita di tutti i giorni. Sottovalutiamo le ricchezze che ci circondano, ma nella vita, se cerchiamo bene, troviamo tesori nascosti dappertutto, nei posti in cui meno ce li aspettiamo.”
Questa famiglia ha anche un’altra tradizione, quella di nascondere i regali in giro per la casa anziché tenerli sotto l’albero. Il motivo, e penso anche il segreto della felicità, è che non bisogna arrendersi se non si trova subito ciò che può renderci felici, perché forse lo stiamo cercando nel posto sbagliato.
Questa è una delle cose che ho imparato da questa lettura sotto molteplici aspetti. L’autrice tende a rimarcare piuttosto spesso il valore delle piccole cose, soprattutto quando si è così vicini al Natale.
Mi sono molto affezionata ai personaggi di questa storia: al loro senso di famiglia senza legame di sangue, alla loro profonda umanità nello sbagliare, nel rischiare ma anche nell’arrendersi.
Holly è il prototipo della ragazza capace di sacrificare tutto per il bene di qualcun altro, sempre e fino in fondo, quella disposta a dare infinite possibilità anche contro i suoi interessi, e sono stata felice di vederla crescere.
Nonna Jean è esattamente come mi immagino tra qualche decade, diffidente e con la convinzione di avere sempre ragione (forse perché sono già un po’ come lei).
Joe non vuole rischiare e preferisce restare nella sua “comfort zone”.
Rhett conquista in ogni suo particolare (è pur sempre un musicista).
Tutti gli altri, quelli che creano la cosiddetta “cornice”, sono, in fondo, la rappresentazione di chi ci circonda, basta guardarci intorno e li incontreremo tutti.
La storia è narrata in terza persona e procede piuttosto lentamente: vengono narrate meno di due settimane, dunque la narrazione appare piuttosto minuziosa, tuttavia mai stancante.
Mi è piaciuto molto questo libro e, soprattutto, come è stato affrontato il tema della morte di un caro, affrontando la perdita dai diversi punti di vista, suscitando più nostalgia che tristezza. Non crucciatevi, però, il libro è cosparso di ironia e battutine piuttosto “provinciali”, che scateneranno la vostra ilarità anche nei momenti più inaspettati.
E poi c’è la componente musicale che non si disdegna mai!
Vi consiglio dunque questa lettura a tema con il periodo e vi auguro buona lettura.
Alla prossima.
Voto:4.5
Eccomi di nuovo qui a parlarvi di un romanzo rosa a tema natalizio.
Il titolo è “Iniziò tutto a Natale” di Jenny Hale, pubblicato dalla CE Newton Compton editori.
La protagonista di questa storia è Holly McAdams. Holly ha sempre passato le vacanze di Natale nello chalet in montagna con la sua famiglia, ma la morte del nonno ha messo fine alla tradizione, così come all’allegria della nonna Jean.
Così hanno deciso di rimodernare e affittare lo chalet ai turisti.
Ma dopo due anni, Jean decide di passare il Natale lì, dove il ricordo del marito è più vivido, così nonna e nipote affrontano una tormenta di neve pur di trascorrere le festività come voleva la vecchia tradizione.
Ad attenderle allo chalet c’è una sorpresa: Joseph Barnes. Joe è l’affittuario della settimana precedente che non ha potuto prendere il suo volo di ritorno per via della tormenta.
Holly, decisa a non farsi scoraggiare dagli imprevisti e a far passare un felice Natale a tutti, soprattutto alla nonna, passa il suo tempo a decorare lo chalet e a preparare da mangiare. A sconvolgere tutti i piani è l’arrivo in città di Rhett Burton, stella della musica country e migliore amico d’infanzia di Holly.
Tra vecchie e nuove tradizioni, amici di vecchia data e sconosciuti in casa, il Natale non è certamente quello che Holly aveva programmato per lei e la nonna.
“La vita è come il Natale. Chiunque guardi ai piedi del nostro albero di Natale vedrà solo un angolo spoglio, ed è la stessa cosa che spesso pensiamo della nostra vita di tutti i giorni. Sottovalutiamo le ricchezze che ci circondano, ma nella vita, se cerchiamo bene, troviamo tesori nascosti dappertutto, nei posti in cui meno ce li aspettiamo.”
Questa famiglia ha anche un’altra tradizione, quella di nascondere i regali in giro per la casa anziché tenerli sotto l’albero. Il motivo, e penso anche il segreto della felicità, è che non bisogna arrendersi se non si trova subito ciò che può renderci felici, perché forse lo stiamo cercando nel posto sbagliato.
Questa è una delle cose che ho imparato da questa lettura sotto molteplici aspetti. L’autrice tende a rimarcare piuttosto spesso il valore delle piccole cose, soprattutto quando si è così vicini al Natale.
Mi sono molto affezionata ai personaggi di questa storia: al loro senso di famiglia senza legame di sangue, alla loro profonda umanità nello sbagliare, nel rischiare ma anche nell’arrendersi.
Holly è il prototipo della ragazza capace di sacrificare tutto per il bene di qualcun altro, sempre e fino in fondo, quella disposta a dare infinite possibilità anche contro i suoi interessi, e sono stata felice di vederla crescere.
Nonna Jean è esattamente come mi immagino tra qualche decade, diffidente e con la convinzione di avere sempre ragione (forse perché sono già un po’ come lei).
Joe non vuole rischiare e preferisce restare nella sua “comfort zone”.
Rhett conquista in ogni suo particolare (è pur sempre un musicista).
Tutti gli altri, quelli che creano la cosiddetta “cornice”, sono, in fondo, la rappresentazione di chi ci circonda, basta guardarci intorno e li incontreremo tutti.
La storia è narrata in terza persona e procede piuttosto lentamente: vengono narrate meno di due settimane, dunque la narrazione appare piuttosto minuziosa, tuttavia mai stancante.
Mi è piaciuto molto questo libro e, soprattutto, come è stato affrontato il tema della morte di un caro, affrontando la perdita dai diversi punti di vista, suscitando più nostalgia che tristezza. Non crucciatevi, però, il libro è cosparso di ironia e battutine piuttosto “provinciali”, che scateneranno la vostra ilarità anche nei momenti più inaspettati.
E poi c’è la componente musicale che non si disdegna mai!
Vi consiglio dunque questa lettura a tema con il periodo e vi auguro buona lettura.
Alla prossima.
Voto:4.5
November 6, 2018
Holly has spent the time since her grandfather’s death looking out for her grandmother. Nana is still grieving from her husband’s death, and looking for a way to make her smile, Holly thinks it’s the perfect time to head to the cabin north of Nashville for the holiday. While the cabin has been rented out since she redecorated, her grandmother had cleared the reservations, and the cabin is empty: Holly is hoping to recapture some of the magic from the family Christmases of past and off they go. Being worried for her grandmother and being at a bit of loose ends herself, Holly has hopes that a change of scene and place will help her find a new direction for her life, one where waitressing isn’t the be and end all. She planned to go to school for interior design but her grandfather’s death threw all of those plans into chaos, and she’s mired in self-doubt and questions.
With the storm, added complications in the form of Joseph, the most recent guest stuck in the cabin with the weather, and his own wedding coming soon, the connection between he and Holly is instant: and something her grandmother doesn’t seem happy with. It’s difficult being in the place where her grandfather’s memory is so present, and with the return of her best friend from his career in music on the road after leaving without a word, and his belief that he’s in love with Holly and they are meant to be together adds yet another complication. Constantly revisiting memories of her grandfather, torn between her feelings for Joseph and the shock at being asked to finalize the wedding plans, and helping Joseph find his own family connections, the story has plenty of sidetracks into emotionally fraught and tearful, all with a touch of joy and happiness attached.
When push comes to shove, and a box of presents left by her grandfather all bring tears and smiles to everyone, and the holiday arrives with choices for Holly to make for her future, an opportunity from her best friend turned singer Rhett becomes the chance she needs to move forward and find what she wants, without expectations, without influence and without worry. A story about being grounded in your past, reaching for your future, and finding out what is most important in this life.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
With the storm, added complications in the form of Joseph, the most recent guest stuck in the cabin with the weather, and his own wedding coming soon, the connection between he and Holly is instant: and something her grandmother doesn’t seem happy with. It’s difficult being in the place where her grandfather’s memory is so present, and with the return of her best friend from his career in music on the road after leaving without a word, and his belief that he’s in love with Holly and they are meant to be together adds yet another complication. Constantly revisiting memories of her grandfather, torn between her feelings for Joseph and the shock at being asked to finalize the wedding plans, and helping Joseph find his own family connections, the story has plenty of sidetracks into emotionally fraught and tearful, all with a touch of joy and happiness attached.
When push comes to shove, and a box of presents left by her grandfather all bring tears and smiles to everyone, and the holiday arrives with choices for Holly to make for her future, an opportunity from her best friend turned singer Rhett becomes the chance she needs to move forward and find what she wants, without expectations, without influence and without worry. A story about being grounded in your past, reaching for your future, and finding out what is most important in this life.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
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