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Love for the Holidays #1
Taming Scrooge
Ezra Stone wishes Christmas would go away.
Star Henley wants to save it.
When a desperate city council, panicked about losing their iconic main street, urges Star Henley to charm her way into developer Ezra Stone’s life, they hope to change his mind, unaware they could break his heart.
If the small town, Sanders Corners, can’t save its tree festival and protect their Main Street festivities, her father’s tree business and her Christmas shop will go out of business along with the rest of the town. She can’t let that happen, even if it means ingratiating herself into the cold, hard life of their town’s one and only billionaire nemesis. When a conniving city council forces them to work together on the festival of trees, the two clash as often as they connect, but everything could change on December 25.
Star Henley wants to save it.
When a desperate city council, panicked about losing their iconic main street, urges Star Henley to charm her way into developer Ezra Stone’s life, they hope to change his mind, unaware they could break his heart.
If the small town, Sanders Corners, can’t save its tree festival and protect their Main Street festivities, her father’s tree business and her Christmas shop will go out of business along with the rest of the town. She can’t let that happen, even if it means ingratiating herself into the cold, hard life of their town’s one and only billionaire nemesis. When a conniving city council forces them to work together on the festival of trees, the two clash as often as they connect, but everything could change on December 25.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2018
167 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Summers
83 books300 followersSophia Summers is an award winning author who just wants to relax a little and enjoy a great beach read. She lives in a quiet southern town brimming with an extra dose of hospitality and a whole lot of charm.
She writes historical romance under a different name. The Billionaire Royals is her first contemporary romance series.
She writes historical romance under a different name. The Billionaire Royals is her first contemporary romance series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 4, 2018
Cute Christmas story.
November 20, 2018
Short story.
Not enough pages for me to develop any connection with the characters.
It was just ok.
This is NOT a BAD review, but I actually have nothing more to say, other than, it was JUST OK.
December 11, 2018
A Christmas great style, I am new to Sophia Summers. love finding a newbie author and one who wrote a Christmas read, oh yeah!! so cool. love it! great wonderfully clean romance! HEA ending and includes an epilogue. a picturesque town, with quaint shops. novella. will definitely read more from Sophia soon enough. great writing style. great cover too. ( :
January 21, 2020
I know it’s January but I’m about always in the mood for a good Christmas book! I love the way this author writes her books! She’s really good at making the reader care about her characters. And her plots are great too!
I loved Star in this one. She’s so passionate about her store, and what she believes in. She’s passionate about Christmas and what it means to her, her family and her whole town. And then she gets Ezra dumped onto her committee for the Festival of Trees. Just what she needs, a scrooge.
I have to admit that through most of the book, Ezra annoyed me. As the plot goes on the reader learns why he is the way he is and I liked him better at that point. But it took a while.
I loved this one! It reminded me of a Hallmark movie.
I borrowed a copy of Taming Scrooge using my Kindle Unlimited membership. All opinions are my own.
I loved Star in this one. She’s so passionate about her store, and what she believes in. She’s passionate about Christmas and what it means to her, her family and her whole town. And then she gets Ezra dumped onto her committee for the Festival of Trees. Just what she needs, a scrooge.
I have to admit that through most of the book, Ezra annoyed me. As the plot goes on the reader learns why he is the way he is and I liked him better at that point. But it took a while.
I loved this one! It reminded me of a Hallmark movie.
I borrowed a copy of Taming Scrooge using my Kindle Unlimited membership. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2020
Awesome book
January 10, 2019
Very Sweet Novella!!!!!
I loved the way this book played out. It couldn't be any better. I loved how the characters enter after with each other. The ending though was very special. Great job Sophia. Thank you for being an author.
I loved the way this book played out. It couldn't be any better. I loved how the characters enter after with each other. The ending though was very special. Great job Sophia. Thank you for being an author.
December 27, 2018
Many Errors
The story was alright, quick, and charming; the editing errors were atrocious. Missing letters and punctuation made it rough thread. I wanted to take my English teacher "red pen" and edit the manuscript.
The story was alright, quick, and charming; the editing errors were atrocious. Missing letters and punctuation made it rough thread. I wanted to take my English teacher "red pen" and edit the manuscript.
December 2, 2018
Ended too suddenly and the rest was just ho-hum.
December 7, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I had such fun with TAMING SCROOGE, the first story in the Love for the Holidays series. Ezra certainly has earned the reputation as Scrooge since he hates everything possible about Christmas and his piece of work father has only reinforced those feelings over the years. Profit is his bottom line and nothing is going to get in the way of the new resort his firm plans to build in this small town full of charm, traditions, and famous Christmas stores along Main Street. Absolutely nothing – except perhaps one woman who hates him on principle once he opens his mouth about his opinions on Christmas and exactly who he is. Trouble is, this woman is the first to set off sparks for him in… well, forever. Knowing you can’t have everything very well, Ezra will forge forward with the resort plans even as the town council plots to toss him and Star together in the hopes that he’ll change his mind – like that’s going to happen any time soon.
Star’s family Christmas tree business and farm along with her world-famous Christmas shop are on the line to be destroyed, along with the rest of quaint Main Street that is full of small shops, businesses, traditions, and everyday people. She’ll fight this developer and his plans as much as she can but she never expected to be attracted to the beast who hates Christmas and is determined to destroy the holiday and her town with his resort.
TAMING SCROOGE is a delightful journey to discovering Ezra’s true past, and saving, compromising to hold onto the charm of a small town while still keeping it profitable and livable for its residents and businesses. Ezra is rather unlikeable at first, for me, watching this proud, opinionated man slowly let the magic of Christmas and one very special woman into his heart to heal and change him is the type of story I never grow tired of. Star is strong, a bit stubborn yet not afraid to go after what she believes in, even when faced with difficult choices. I liked them individually and loved them as a couple struggling to find a way to work through issues toward a happy future. My bottom line? I had fun with TAMING SCROOGE and that’s all I ask from any story.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I had such fun with TAMING SCROOGE, the first story in the Love for the Holidays series. Ezra certainly has earned the reputation as Scrooge since he hates everything possible about Christmas and his piece of work father has only reinforced those feelings over the years. Profit is his bottom line and nothing is going to get in the way of the new resort his firm plans to build in this small town full of charm, traditions, and famous Christmas stores along Main Street. Absolutely nothing – except perhaps one woman who hates him on principle once he opens his mouth about his opinions on Christmas and exactly who he is. Trouble is, this woman is the first to set off sparks for him in… well, forever. Knowing you can’t have everything very well, Ezra will forge forward with the resort plans even as the town council plots to toss him and Star together in the hopes that he’ll change his mind – like that’s going to happen any time soon.
Star’s family Christmas tree business and farm along with her world-famous Christmas shop are on the line to be destroyed, along with the rest of quaint Main Street that is full of small shops, businesses, traditions, and everyday people. She’ll fight this developer and his plans as much as she can but she never expected to be attracted to the beast who hates Christmas and is determined to destroy the holiday and her town with his resort.
TAMING SCROOGE is a delightful journey to discovering Ezra’s true past, and saving, compromising to hold onto the charm of a small town while still keeping it profitable and livable for its residents and businesses. Ezra is rather unlikeable at first, for me, watching this proud, opinionated man slowly let the magic of Christmas and one very special woman into his heart to heal and change him is the type of story I never grow tired of. Star is strong, a bit stubborn yet not afraid to go after what she believes in, even when faced with difficult choices. I liked them individually and loved them as a couple struggling to find a way to work through issues toward a happy future. My bottom line? I had fun with TAMING SCROOGE and that’s all I ask from any story.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
December 14, 2018
Ezra Stone and his big corporation come to town wanting to build a ski resort and they need to destroy main street in Sanders Corners. They don't care who gets hurt. They manage to get the town council behind them. The shop owners are very upset over the deal.
Then Ezra meets Star Henley and he is smitten with her looks, her smile. her passion and all else about her. The town council deems that Ezra and Star should head the annual Christmas Festivities, which will probably be the final one for that town.
Then Ezra reconnects with his mother, who left when he was a small child. He thought she had abandoned him, but found out his father had not allowed her any contact with Ezra through the years.
The story gets really interesting as Star and Ezra's mother stop the wrecking ball from demolishing her store on Christmas day as the corporation (Ezra's father) had planned. Read the story and see how Sanders corner survived the wrecking ball and still gained the ski resort. Fun reading.
Then Ezra meets Star Henley and he is smitten with her looks, her smile. her passion and all else about her. The town council deems that Ezra and Star should head the annual Christmas Festivities, which will probably be the final one for that town.
Then Ezra reconnects with his mother, who left when he was a small child. He thought she had abandoned him, but found out his father had not allowed her any contact with Ezra through the years.
The story gets really interesting as Star and Ezra's mother stop the wrecking ball from demolishing her store on Christmas day as the corporation (Ezra's father) had planned. Read the story and see how Sanders corner survived the wrecking ball and still gained the ski resort. Fun reading.
November 15, 2018
ONE FANTASTIC READ!!!
Oh man, talk about butting heads. This is one exciting, interesting, steady paced, heart pounding, pulse racing, smooth flowing, page turning tale that captivates from the start. A whirlwind of emotions and events to sort through. All the twists and turns, unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises around every corner make for one entertaining experience. With so much drama, intrigue, heartache, Christmas miracles and a little suspense along with a stressful relationship that rocks the boat trying to find purchase. The characters are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. The scenes are so graphically detailed it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Sophia did an incredible job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Awesome job Sophia, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Oh man, talk about butting heads. This is one exciting, interesting, steady paced, heart pounding, pulse racing, smooth flowing, page turning tale that captivates from the start. A whirlwind of emotions and events to sort through. All the twists and turns, unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises around every corner make for one entertaining experience. With so much drama, intrigue, heartache, Christmas miracles and a little suspense along with a stressful relationship that rocks the boat trying to find purchase. The characters are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. The scenes are so graphically detailed it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Sophia did an incredible job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Awesome job Sophia, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
November 29, 2018
This is a sweet, clean romance between Star Henley, a Christmas store owner, and Ezra Stone, a rich businessman determined to build a resort in the middle of a small town, demolishing the downtown stores. Star is a true believer in the Christmas spirit while Ezra is the complete opposite. Their philosophies clash on every level, setting up the plot for this novella. Sophia Summers takes this idea and brings to life 2 characters that are relatable. The reason I did not give it 5 stars? I felt the ending was a little rushed as the author wrapped up the loose ends. I also felt that Ezra's father stepped out of character. It seems to me that anyone harboring that much hate would have acted somewhat differently.
All in all, an excellent Christmas story that reminds us that love is the best gift of all!
All in all, an excellent Christmas story that reminds us that love is the best gift of all!
November 24, 2019
Just an okay story - spoilers
The story itself was just okay. The poor proofreading and conflicting facts really bugged me. In chapter 4 his eyes are green and remind her of Christmas but then I think it's chapter 6 when his eyes are ice blue. Then I believe they climb into her truck with the bagels but when he gets mad he leaves and doesn't worry about the fact she'd be stranded..... Umm, she drove so he'd be the one without a ride. The whole timeline seemed rushed and off.
The ending with his father was completely unbelievable and felt rushed. After everything his father did to his mother and the fact that she was so terrified of him and then Ezra ruins his big celebration and his dad is just like, good for you son, see ya.
The story itself was just okay. The poor proofreading and conflicting facts really bugged me. In chapter 4 his eyes are green and remind her of Christmas but then I think it's chapter 6 when his eyes are ice blue. Then I believe they climb into her truck with the bagels but when he gets mad he leaves and doesn't worry about the fact she'd be stranded..... Umm, she drove so he'd be the one without a ride. The whole timeline seemed rushed and off.
The ending with his father was completely unbelievable and felt rushed. After everything his father did to his mother and the fact that she was so terrified of him and then Ezra ruins his big celebration and his dad is just like, good for you son, see ya.
January 14, 2020
My first read by this author. I enjoyed the story very much. The characters were likeable though Ezra was a little harsh in the beginning. He and Star made a nice couple and Ezra's past made him feel very badly toward Christmas. Star on the other hand is all about Christmas since she owns the famous Christmas Store in town and her father runs the Christmas Tree farm.
He is trying to build a ski resort in her area and it would require all the stores on Main Street being sold and bulldozed to make room for it. She is a holdout on the sale because her mother who had built the store herself has passed away and it is Star's way of hanging on to her mother's dream.
A good read even with the errors and leave outs.
He is trying to build a ski resort in her area and it would require all the stores on Main Street being sold and bulldozed to make room for it. She is a holdout on the sale because her mother who had built the store herself has passed away and it is Star's way of hanging on to her mother's dream.
A good read even with the errors and leave outs.
November 14, 2018
It was fun to read about this Scrooge's journey from "Humbug" to ordering and placing an important ornament on the town's giant tree. Star and Ezra are enemies to start because of competing business interests, but they can't fight that attraction. Both have family members that play crucial roles in the story. Star and Ezra are well developed characters; the plot has twists and turns; and the dialogue flows well. The setting is a small town that loves Christmas. I received an ARC. I choose to write a review and share my opinion.
November 15, 2018
Taming Scrooge by Sophia Summers
(3 1/2 stars)
A clean, quick read, easily fits into a busy holiday schedule ;-)
The story has insta-attraction, but because there are issues to work through, it’s needed to move the plot forward. They do get to know one another, though, so it’s not entirely based on attraction.
An HEA, but it came almost too fast to believe it would last, so I was grateful for the epilogue, which was dreamy.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
(3 1/2 stars)
A clean, quick read, easily fits into a busy holiday schedule ;-)
The story has insta-attraction, but because there are issues to work through, it’s needed to move the plot forward. They do get to know one another, though, so it’s not entirely based on attraction.
An HEA, but it came almost too fast to believe it would last, so I was grateful for the epilogue, which was dreamy.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
November 27, 2018
Star had always loved Christmas even thought she lost her Mom around that time of year. Now she is going to loose the store her mom had started to a developer of a new ski resort. Ezra is trying to sort out his fathers new ski resort but the town loves Christmas more than any other town he knew and he hated it with a passion. That is until he meets Star. I loved this story it has fiery passion for what they believe but an attraction that is unavoidable and a touching side that will grip your heart. great read.
January 13, 2019
Wow! I was all set to read a rendition of "A Christmas Carol" but was surprised to find this totally different. Goes to show how a books title can be deceiving. Ezra was painted with a brush to crush but even as a developer he has cracked the mold. Star was set to hate him because his idea was to completely demolish their beloved Main Street. The butt heads early on but were still drawn to each other. I won't say more or we are skirting spoilers so you need to read this for yourself. Kudos to Summers for her writing.
March 4, 2020
I received an ARC of this book and give my review voluntarily
Brilliantly written. Sassy, sweet and fast moving.mthis story will keep you turning pages.
When a small country town are on the verge of being taken over by a million dollar resort what are they going to do? Bring out the big guns that's what, in the form of one sassy and determined lady who not only wants to save her dads fir tree farm but her own business which was her mothers before that along with all the memories that go with her little town.
But sparks fly. A lovely story of love amidst a corporate take over. Very enjoyable
Brilliantly written. Sassy, sweet and fast moving.mthis story will keep you turning pages.
When a small country town are on the verge of being taken over by a million dollar resort what are they going to do? Bring out the big guns that's what, in the form of one sassy and determined lady who not only wants to save her dads fir tree farm but her own business which was her mothers before that along with all the memories that go with her little town.
But sparks fly. A lovely story of love amidst a corporate take over. Very enjoyable
November 13, 2021
I'm a big fan of Jen Geigle Johnson, and I've been meaning to read her as Sophia Summers for a long time, and I've finally done it. I was a little disappointed with this book. I didn't feel very connected to the characters, and I didn't really get a whole lot of chemistry and development of their relationship. It's an enemies to more trope, but it just felt like, "I hate his guts...I think I love him," simultaneously. Anyway, if you're a fan of cheesey Christmas romance, this brings the cheddar. It's clean, and it's based on A Christmas Carol.
December 1, 2018
Giving in to my reluctant scroogeyness
I almost gave this Christmas fairytale 4 stars because there's a lot to like, but much as I enjoyed the premise, I just couldn't buy into, not just how quickly Ezra & Star clicked, but also how quickly Ezra changed.
It's still Hallmark Christmas movie entertaining, though, so if you're looking for the Christmas equivalent of a beach read, it will serve.
I almost gave this Christmas fairytale 4 stars because there's a lot to like, but much as I enjoyed the premise, I just couldn't buy into, not just how quickly Ezra & Star clicked, but also how quickly Ezra changed.
It's still Hallmark Christmas movie entertaining, though, so if you're looking for the Christmas equivalent of a beach read, it will serve.
December 4, 2018
The story was sweet and the characters were well developed, but the relationship seemed a bit rushed to me. It was not quite as detail oriented as the books I’ve read by the author under her regency name, but it had some cute nods to the original story. It’s a good book to pick up if you need a quick and light Christmas read.
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December 18, 2019
Death and/or desertion have a different effect on different people, especially at the holidays. Ezra and Star were two of those people. He detested Christmas, she loved everything about it! Her store was even named "The Christmas Shoppe! When Ezra came to town to build a new resort, Star headed a protest to protect her shop and the others on Main Street. Their encounters will amaze you and keep the pages turning!
November 16, 2018
This is a nice story with a nice Christmas theme. Ezra and Star are instantly drawn to each other, but he's taking away her dream. Their romance is sweet and it is nice seeing Ezra change. My biggest problem with this book is the timeline was not realistic. I wish the book had been longer so the story could develop more, but even with the rush of events it was a sweet story.
December 11, 2018
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I really enjoyed this book. I guess I was in the perfect frame of mind for this to resonate so well with me. It is not a deep book and it does "reflect" some Scrooge characteristics (minimally), but it is just a feel good story. I would recommend this book - especially with the holidays so close. Vicki from Wyoming
I really enjoyed this book. I guess I was in the perfect frame of mind for this to resonate so well with me. It is not a deep book and it does "reflect" some Scrooge characteristics (minimally), but it is just a feel good story. I would recommend this book - especially with the holidays so close. Vicki from Wyoming
November 26, 2018
Love the new Scrooge
Truth and trust win out in this sweet romance with Scrooge getting his Star! I could picture this town and their quaint shops. Sophia Summers continues in her engaging writing style.
Truth and trust win out in this sweet romance with Scrooge getting his Star! I could picture this town and their quaint shops. Sophia Summers continues in her engaging writing style.
December 24, 2018
Scrooge gets a ❤️
Loved this book Ezra hard nosed business man who hates Christmas and Star a Christmas shop owner who loves Christmas 🎄!!!! Two total opposites who find each other and fall in love by melting Ezra’s cold heart great book Sophia !!!!
Loved this book Ezra hard nosed business man who hates Christmas and Star a Christmas shop owner who loves Christmas 🎄!!!! Two total opposites who find each other and fall in love by melting Ezra’s cold heart great book Sophia !!!!
December 28, 2018
Scrooge No More
Excellent Christmas love story!!!🎁🎄 Star, Ezera, and remaining cast of characters have an important part in this story. Ezra isn't really a active but not who was deviated one Christmas 20 years ago. Read this feel good story for the specifics.
Excellent Christmas love story!!!🎁🎄 Star, Ezera, and remaining cast of characters have an important part in this story. Ezra isn't really a active but not who was deviated one Christmas 20 years ago. Read this feel good story for the specifics.
December 29, 2018
This was a short, sweet, and romantic Christmas time story. A rich kid trying to please his dad and thinks his mom abandoned him. Cute little story and store owner warms his heart. A happy ever after ensues.
January 1, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book! I usually read longer more fleshed out stories but this book holds a really good story about people who do a great service for us and our country! I recommend this book to everyone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews