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Christmas Gifts Collection
Fall in Love this Christmas with an Exclusive Holiday Box Set!
Three heartwarming stand-alone love stories full of romance and happy ever afters set in the stunning Canadian Rockies guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!!
Unexpected Gifts
Christmas represents everything Andi should have, but doesn't. Hiding out at Castle Mountain Lodge for the season seems like the perfect plan until she runs into Colin who is not only determined to make the most of the holiday, but make sure Andi does as well.
Holiday Gifts
Ryan is surrounded by couples falling in love at the Lodge, but he’s convinced it will never happen to him. That is, until he meets single mom, Julie. Julie’s daughter is determined to show her mom that love is possible, especially with a little festive help.
She's Making a List
Samantha is sure her fiancé Trent will never pop the question! So when her best friend announces that she’s finally set a date for her own wedding…only a week away—on Christmas Day, of course Samantha is excited. But she’s also a little envious…okay—a lot envious! Especially because the most romantic destination in the Rockies—Castle Mountain Lodge—is chosen as the venue.
Three heartwarming stand-alone love stories full of romance and happy ever afters set in the stunning Canadian Rockies guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!!
Unexpected Gifts
Christmas represents everything Andi should have, but doesn't. Hiding out at Castle Mountain Lodge for the season seems like the perfect plan until she runs into Colin who is not only determined to make the most of the holiday, but make sure Andi does as well.
Holiday Gifts
Ryan is surrounded by couples falling in love at the Lodge, but he’s convinced it will never happen to him. That is, until he meets single mom, Julie. Julie’s daughter is determined to show her mom that love is possible, especially with a little festive help.
She's Making a List
Samantha is sure her fiancé Trent will never pop the question! So when her best friend announces that she’s finally set a date for her own wedding…only a week away—on Christmas Day, of course Samantha is excited. But she’s also a little envious…okay—a lot envious! Especially because the most romantic destination in the Rockies—Castle Mountain Lodge—is chosen as the venue.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2018
807 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Elena Aitken
237 books1,000 followersElena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.
Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8
Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 21, 2020
Actual average rating: 2.17 Stars.
Reviewing this story collection is going to be hard because I had one scene in one story that drove down the average rating so far. Overall, this collection was pretty bland. I think only the first story had the fiery Christmas romance I was expecting and that one got a bit weird at the end. The second story was more realistic and didn’t show me enough to think the main characters were actually in love. The final story is the one that drove down the overall rating.
Unexpected Gifts--Rating: 2.75 Stars.
This story was a fiery--but sweet- one that included a woman with a rough romantic past and a man with a playboy past. It was cute and romantic and all of the fun stuff I was looking for (with plenty of Christmas), but the drama with the ex who couldn’t take a hint felt unnecessary and sloppy.
Holiday Gifts--Rating: 2.5 Stars.
This romance story was about a single mother meeting and falling in love with a manager at the hotel they’re staying at for Christmas. The conflict here felt really dumb and easy to get over so I don’t understand why it had to drag on for so long. Also, we were only told about their feelings and didn’t get to spend enough time with the characters for it to feel like they fell in love.
She’s Making a List--Rating: 1.25 Stars.
A girl becomes her best friend’s bridesmaid and is helping her plan her wedding while also feeling upset that her boyfriend hasn’t proposed yet (after a year of dating??). A lot of the things I didn’t like about this story were mostly the scenes where she is obviously planning her own wedding and not her best friend’s and she can’t see that? It ends up being a “surprise” wedding on Christmas. But, putting all of that aside, my main problem is a lack of consent during a sex scene. First, the author has had no real sex scenes in the stories up until now so that alone was a shock. But secondly they are a couple who are asleep when the boyfriend wakes up feeling frisky and just starts going to town on his sleeping girlfriend. I’m sure some people think waking up like that is sexy. I don’t. I know they’re dating, but that doesn’t mean her body is his to toy with any time he’s feeling it. This collection was put together in 2018 so I feel like this should have been caught in editing.
I think since I’m not usually a romance reader I have more problems with these stories than most people will. If you like cute holiday romances, these might be right up your alley. I would only suggest that you keep your critical thinking on while reading.
Reviewing this story collection is going to be hard because I had one scene in one story that drove down the average rating so far. Overall, this collection was pretty bland. I think only the first story had the fiery Christmas romance I was expecting and that one got a bit weird at the end. The second story was more realistic and didn’t show me enough to think the main characters were actually in love. The final story is the one that drove down the overall rating.
Unexpected Gifts--Rating: 2.75 Stars.
This story was a fiery--but sweet- one that included a woman with a rough romantic past and a man with a playboy past. It was cute and romantic and all of the fun stuff I was looking for (with plenty of Christmas), but the drama with the ex who couldn’t take a hint felt unnecessary and sloppy.
Holiday Gifts--Rating: 2.5 Stars.
This romance story was about a single mother meeting and falling in love with a manager at the hotel they’re staying at for Christmas. The conflict here felt really dumb and easy to get over so I don’t understand why it had to drag on for so long. Also, we were only told about their feelings and didn’t get to spend enough time with the characters for it to feel like they fell in love.
She’s Making a List--Rating: 1.25 Stars.
A girl becomes her best friend’s bridesmaid and is helping her plan her wedding while also feeling upset that her boyfriend hasn’t proposed yet (after a year of dating??). A lot of the things I didn’t like about this story were mostly the scenes where she is obviously planning her own wedding and not her best friend’s and she can’t see that? It ends up being a “surprise” wedding on Christmas. But, putting all of that aside, my main problem is a lack of consent during a sex scene. First, the author has had no real sex scenes in the stories up until now so that alone was a shock. But secondly they are a couple who are asleep when the boyfriend wakes up feeling frisky and just starts going to town on his sleeping girlfriend. I’m sure some people think waking up like that is sexy. I don’t. I know they’re dating, but that doesn’t mean her body is his to toy with any time he’s feeling it. This collection was put together in 2018 so I feel like this should have been caught in editing.
I think since I’m not usually a romance reader I have more problems with these stories than most people will. If you like cute holiday romances, these might be right up your alley. I would only suggest that you keep your critical thinking on while reading.
December 24, 2020
The first two stories are cute. The last one....holy crap. The stunt the guy pulls is in no way okay and is not romantic at all. How could anyone think that was a good idea??? I had other issues with it as well - keep reading for spoilers. The stars are just for the first 2 stories.
SPOILERS
Story 3: She's Making a List
So the basic plot of this story is that our leading lady is feeling left out because all her friends are getting engaged or having babies, and her relationship with her boyfriend isn't going anywhere, meaning he hasn't proposed, even though they've been dating a whole year (hopefully you read that extra dramatically in your head). One of her friends passes this info off to her boyfriend who then decides that the best idea is to have a SURPRISE WEDDING. Yes - you read that right. He gets her best friend (who is engaged) in on it and she pretends that it's her getting married and she just needs help planning everything. Oh also this wedding is happening in like 5 days. It's so obvious that this girl is planning her own wedding. Like her bff makes her try on wedding dresses....and then keeps asking, for every decision, well what would you do? But she real dumb and has no clue.
Other real big issue - boyfriend wakes up and is in the mood, so he just....begins that interaction while she's still asleep? Like...what? Maybe this is a thing they've discussed as being okay in their relationship, but it had some major consent issues for me and I was not a fan.
Oh also - the girl is just so happy this wedding is happening once she FINALLY figures out what's going on the morning of the wedding - and that's not a normal human reaction. I would be so freaking pissed. Even if I wanted to marry the guy - that's such a breach of trust. Don't start your marriage with that HUGE lie!
SPOILERS
Story 3: She's Making a List
So the basic plot of this story is that our leading lady is feeling left out because all her friends are getting engaged or having babies, and her relationship with her boyfriend isn't going anywhere, meaning he hasn't proposed, even though they've been dating a whole year (hopefully you read that extra dramatically in your head). One of her friends passes this info off to her boyfriend who then decides that the best idea is to have a SURPRISE WEDDING. Yes - you read that right. He gets her best friend (who is engaged) in on it and she pretends that it's her getting married and she just needs help planning everything. Oh also this wedding is happening in like 5 days. It's so obvious that this girl is planning her own wedding. Like her bff makes her try on wedding dresses....and then keeps asking, for every decision, well what would you do? But she real dumb and has no clue.
Other real big issue - boyfriend wakes up and is in the mood, so he just....begins that interaction while she's still asleep? Like...what? Maybe this is a thing they've discussed as being okay in their relationship, but it had some major consent issues for me and I was not a fan.
Oh also - the girl is just so happy this wedding is happening once she FINALLY figures out what's going on the morning of the wedding - and that's not a normal human reaction. I would be so freaking pissed. Even if I wanted to marry the guy - that's such a breach of trust. Don't start your marriage with that HUGE lie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2021
Duplicate
This is a book I purchased years ago but with a different cover. I hate when that happens. There should be a way to cross reference.
This is a book I purchased years ago but with a different cover. I hate when that happens. There should be a way to cross reference.
January 7, 2021
FIRST 2 BOOKS WERE GREAT, THE LAST ONE WAS AWFUL!
UNEXPECTED GIFTS - 5 stars
Such a sweet and heartwarming holiday book. Andi is not handling the upcoming holidays well after all she has been through this year. When her best friend and business partner notices her struggle she insists Andi take their promo invite for Castle Mountain Lodge and get away for the Christmas week. What she isn't expecting is the level of Christmas exploding from every corner of the lodge or issues with her reservation, nor is she expecting to see a familiar face when all she wanted was to escape for a few days.
After five years working in the Caribbean Colin Hartford is excited to be back in Calgary to experience a truly authentic, snowy Christmas. When he realizes he recognizes the woman checking in ahead of him he can't help but come to ber rescue. Now Colin is determined to change Andi's mind about Christmas and put a smile back on her face.
Unfortunately, neither Andi nor Colin are prepared for the expected Christmas surprise that will leave both of them more confused and unsure about their growing feelings for the other.
------------
HOLIDAY GIFTS - 5 stars
Julie Pitts has put everything into raising her daughter Shay and recently getting her business Crafty Creations off the ground. Fulfilling her daughter's big wish to stay at the Castle Mountain Lodge for the holidays, Julie was able to incorporate her craft classes at their holiday themed retreat. But it seems Shay has an interior motive Julie can't quite figure out.
Castle Mountain Lodge manager Ryan Morrison has always been perfectly happy with his single life until recently. When a teenage girl makes a suggestion that he check out her mom's craft class he's surprised he actually shows up, and even more surprised to find himself drawn to her.
As Ryan and Julie explore many of the holiday offerings of the lodge they both quickly develop feelings for the other. But when Julie finds out everything in their relationship was manipulated she is devistated. How would she ever be able to trust their love was real?
-----
SHE'S MAKING A LIST - 2 stars
This 3rd book felt like a rollercoaster ride, leaving me feeling happy one minute and then so sad the next, except the sad moments got more and more overwhelming even when it was obvious the direction the book was going. There was no way Trent's plan was a good one and if he truly knew Samantha he would have noticed how she was feeling throughout and made the changes necessary. AND DON'T EXPECT THIS BOOK TO BE CLEAN LIKE THE OTHERS.
Samantha is watching all of her friends marry and start families yet it seems her boyfriend Trent is perfectly content with the status quo of living together. Samantha thought so too until recently. She loves Trent so much but can she be happy with things staying the way they are?
Trent has been so busy with the resort he and his brother started that he has let other things go, including his relationship with the love of his life. But he's in no hurry to change the things that have been just fine for a year now. He's sure that a fun and romantic trip to Castle Mountain Lodge for their friend's wedding will make her happy.
When their good friend points out the obvious to Trent it seems he still really doesn't understand the depths of Sam's sadness and now his efforts may be to late.
UNEXPECTED GIFTS - 5 stars
Such a sweet and heartwarming holiday book. Andi is not handling the upcoming holidays well after all she has been through this year. When her best friend and business partner notices her struggle she insists Andi take their promo invite for Castle Mountain Lodge and get away for the Christmas week. What she isn't expecting is the level of Christmas exploding from every corner of the lodge or issues with her reservation, nor is she expecting to see a familiar face when all she wanted was to escape for a few days.
After five years working in the Caribbean Colin Hartford is excited to be back in Calgary to experience a truly authentic, snowy Christmas. When he realizes he recognizes the woman checking in ahead of him he can't help but come to ber rescue. Now Colin is determined to change Andi's mind about Christmas and put a smile back on her face.
Unfortunately, neither Andi nor Colin are prepared for the expected Christmas surprise that will leave both of them more confused and unsure about their growing feelings for the other.
------------
HOLIDAY GIFTS - 5 stars
Julie Pitts has put everything into raising her daughter Shay and recently getting her business Crafty Creations off the ground. Fulfilling her daughter's big wish to stay at the Castle Mountain Lodge for the holidays, Julie was able to incorporate her craft classes at their holiday themed retreat. But it seems Shay has an interior motive Julie can't quite figure out.
Castle Mountain Lodge manager Ryan Morrison has always been perfectly happy with his single life until recently. When a teenage girl makes a suggestion that he check out her mom's craft class he's surprised he actually shows up, and even more surprised to find himself drawn to her.
As Ryan and Julie explore many of the holiday offerings of the lodge they both quickly develop feelings for the other. But when Julie finds out everything in their relationship was manipulated she is devistated. How would she ever be able to trust their love was real?
-----
SHE'S MAKING A LIST - 2 stars
This 3rd book felt like a rollercoaster ride, leaving me feeling happy one minute and then so sad the next, except the sad moments got more and more overwhelming even when it was obvious the direction the book was going. There was no way Trent's plan was a good one and if he truly knew Samantha he would have noticed how she was feeling throughout and made the changes necessary. AND DON'T EXPECT THIS BOOK TO BE CLEAN LIKE THE OTHERS.
Samantha is watching all of her friends marry and start families yet it seems her boyfriend Trent is perfectly content with the status quo of living together. Samantha thought so too until recently. She loves Trent so much but can she be happy with things staying the way they are?
Trent has been so busy with the resort he and his brother started that he has let other things go, including his relationship with the love of his life. But he's in no hurry to change the things that have been just fine for a year now. He's sure that a fun and romantic trip to Castle Mountain Lodge for their friend's wedding will make her happy.
When their good friend points out the obvious to Trent it seems he still really doesn't understand the depths of Sam's sadness and now his efforts may be to late.
June 3, 2021
#1 Unexpected Gifts
She had had a year from hell. Losing her baby, and her boyfriend running away from the fact, and boy leaving her to cope on her own.
Christmas just wasn't going to be the happy time she had dreamed off. She needed to escape, so a couple of days at castle Mountains Lodge was just what she needed.
He was coming home to Canada after 5 years in the tropics and boy was he looking forward to a proper snow covered Christmas, with all the trimmings.
Only one catch, there was a muddle up with the bookings and there were two of them and only one villa and the roads had just closed.
#2 Holiday Gifts
He was the new customer liaison officer, she had a craft event happening. One glance and the magic was happening.
#3 She's Making a List
Sometimes waiting for the male partner to catch up to where the female partner is in a relationship is trying. Especially when it comes to marriage proposals and weddings.
However sometimes a little Christmas magic is what is needed to get the fire restarted.
She had had a year from hell. Losing her baby, and her boyfriend running away from the fact, and boy leaving her to cope on her own.
Christmas just wasn't going to be the happy time she had dreamed off. She needed to escape, so a couple of days at castle Mountains Lodge was just what she needed.
He was coming home to Canada after 5 years in the tropics and boy was he looking forward to a proper snow covered Christmas, with all the trimmings.
Only one catch, there was a muddle up with the bookings and there were two of them and only one villa and the roads had just closed.
#2 Holiday Gifts
He was the new customer liaison officer, she had a craft event happening. One glance and the magic was happening.
#3 She's Making a List
Sometimes waiting for the male partner to catch up to where the female partner is in a relationship is trying. Especially when it comes to marriage proposals and weddings.
However sometimes a little Christmas magic is what is needed to get the fire restarted.
December 8, 2020
Three sweet stand-alone short stories.
She’s Making a List lost the book one star for not fully consensual sex. Samatha is asleep during foreplay and penetration. Not half asleep and welcoming, fully asleep. Perhaps Ms. Aitken could have saved the scene with a thought in Trent’s head about how Sam enjoyed waking up this way. Instead, her clear statement that Sam was fully asleep until after penetration made the entire thing horribly cringey. To me this is unforgivable as is written.
She’s Making a List lost the book one star for not fully consensual sex. Samatha is asleep during foreplay and penetration. Not half asleep and welcoming, fully asleep. Perhaps Ms. Aitken could have saved the scene with a thought in Trent’s head about how Sam enjoyed waking up this way. Instead, her clear statement that Sam was fully asleep until after penetration made the entire thing horribly cringey. To me this is unforgivable as is written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2020
Two good stories, one a horror
The last story in this trilogy is based on one of the most disgusting premises I have read in a romance story. Sorry, Elena, you struck out at the end of the 9th with the game tied and bases loaded. I do not want to write a spoiler, but if any reader thinks this level of surprise is romantic, you are seriously warped.
The last story in this trilogy is based on one of the most disgusting premises I have read in a romance story. Sorry, Elena, you struck out at the end of the 9th with the game tied and bases loaded. I do not want to write a spoiler, but if any reader thinks this level of surprise is romantic, you are seriously warped.
December 3, 2020
Good holiday cheer but too steamy
The stories were entertaining and enjoyed the linked characters and setting I won't, however be looking for more books by this author. The first story had too much detailed steam. The third story had a detailed
sex scene which IMHO wasn't necessary or welcome. There are plenty of clean romances so I'll stick to them
The stories were entertaining and enjoyed the linked characters and setting I won't, however be looking for more books by this author. The first story had too much detailed steam. The third story had a detailed
sex scene which IMHO wasn't necessary or welcome. There are plenty of clean romances so I'll stick to them
December 5, 2020
Amazing
Wow, what can I say? I need to get myself to the Lodge! I was engrossed right from the first page and didnt stop til I had finished all 3 books! Thank you so much Elana for transporting me to a different world for a little while I look forward to reading more of your work and meeting even more awesome characters xx
Wow, what can I say? I need to get myself to the Lodge! I was engrossed right from the first page and didnt stop til I had finished all 3 books! Thank you so much Elana for transporting me to a different world for a little while I look forward to reading more of your work and meeting even more awesome characters xx
December 4, 2021
This trio of Christmas romance novellas wasn't quite it for me. I liked the first one, was ok with the second one, and had no interest in the third one which I eventually DNFed. The romances were ok and the writing wasn't the best. But they were readily available and easy enough to get through in an evening when I was in the Christmas mood. Just not stories that will last in my memory.
July 26, 2022
The first two stories are just as one would expect. They are sweet and nice. They are quick reads. The third book seems to go off the rails a little.
If a reader is seeking a trio of Christmas themed books, this is a set that will be enjoyed.
Nice people meet, nice people fall in love. What's not to like? The third book is a little unusual.
If a reader is seeking a trio of Christmas themed books, this is a set that will be enjoyed.
Nice people meet, nice people fall in love. What's not to like? The third book is a little unusual.
December 3, 2020
Christmas Gifts Collection: box set
These were like reading a Hallmark movie, very light and fluffy even for a novella. They need a more demanding plot and sub plot(s), more tension between the characters and within themselves. The last story was just annoying.
These were like reading a Hallmark movie, very light and fluffy even for a novella. They need a more demanding plot and sub plot(s), more tension between the characters and within themselves. The last story was just annoying.
December 11, 2020
Great stories
Loved all of this stories. The author’s books always have interesting characters with strong personalities. Can’t wait for more of the people who work in these communities.
Loved all of this stories. The author’s books always have interesting characters with strong personalities. Can’t wait for more of the people who work in these communities.
December 29, 2020
Lovely
Lovely set of sweet Christmas stories set at the castle Mountain lodge hotel. You could not help but fall in love with the setting, the characters and the romance intertwined throughout the stories.
Lovely set of sweet Christmas stories set at the castle Mountain lodge hotel. You could not help but fall in love with the setting, the characters and the romance intertwined throughout the stories.
December 29, 2020
Christmas Magic
What a beautiful love story about Trent and Samantha's love for one another. The surprised wedding planned by Trent for Samantha was truly a magical Christmas gift to show his undying love for Samantha who stole his heart. Warmed my heart.
What a beautiful love story about Trent and Samantha's love for one another. The surprised wedding planned by Trent for Samantha was truly a magical Christmas gift to show his undying love for Samantha who stole his heart. Warmed my heart.
January 13, 2021
Three crazy Christmas romances at The Lodge.
Three couples find their happily ever after , some as employees of The Lodge, some as visitors. The mountains and the snow of a perfect Christmas plus family and friends and a little bit of heat make these stories sweet and spicy.
Three couples find their happily ever after , some as employees of The Lodge, some as visitors. The mountains and the snow of a perfect Christmas plus family and friends and a little bit of heat make these stories sweet and spicy.
March 19, 2021
Three stories in one book, all set at the Castle Mountain Lodge retreat - very sweet, very romantic, with likeable protagonists, and not too long. A feel-good-read if you have some time to just get comfortable and enjoy.
Want to read
November 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/14/2020)! 🎁
November 22, 2020
Review of Christmas Gifts Collection
I absolutely loved this box collection. Elena is a wonderful writer and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels.
I absolutely loved this box collection. Elena is a wonderful writer and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels.
November 29, 2020
4.5/5 stars
These were very cute Christmas stories! I think that I like the first one the most best but I liked all of them. They were good too read in December!
These were very cute Christmas stories! I think that I like the first one the most best but I liked all of them. They were good too read in December!
December 10, 2020
Cute story
Love Christmas stories where everything seems to go right. The love abounds and everything is wonderful and everyone is full of love.
Love Christmas stories where everything seems to go right. The love abounds and everything is wonderful and everyone is full of love.
December 11, 2020
3 in 1
All three of the books in this collection were well written and I enjoyed reading them. I will look for more books from this author.
All three of the books in this collection were well written and I enjoyed reading them. I will look for more books from this author.
December 11, 2020
Good book enjoyed it from beginning to the end. Like a hallmark movie.
December 13, 2020
A nice series to read for the holidays.
December 14, 2020
Read the first 2 stories which were 3* Found out through other reviewers that 3rd story contains dubious consent. Therefore, I DNF'd after finishing second story.
I did enjoy the first 2 stories.
I did enjoy the first 2 stories.
December 15, 2020
An enjoyable collection of Christmas stories. Perfect for just relaxing and getting away from social media!
December 21, 2020
Christmas gifts Collection.
I really enjoyed these books. I fell in love with each couple. I would recommend these books. Once you start reading it hard to put them down.
I really enjoyed these books. I fell in love with each couple. I would recommend these books. Once you start reading it hard to put them down.
December 25, 2020
Great Set
If you like Christmas stories, this 3 book set is for you. Quick reading. Great characters, and the perfect setting.
If you like Christmas stories, this 3 book set is for you. Quick reading. Great characters, and the perfect setting.
December 31, 2020
Cute Christmas Story!
Easy, fun read! Put you in the Christmas spirit and put a smile on your face! Love to be in the Rockies!
Easy, fun read! Put you in the Christmas spirit and put a smile on your face! Love to be in the Rockies!
January 3, 2021
some were good, others just ok, but I love Christmas reads!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews