Love Notes in Reindeer Falls

Reindeer Falls #1

by Beth Labonte

When Caitlin Cook left the small town of Reindeer Falls, Tennessee to attend Harvard University, she left behind the burden of her parents’ slowly increasing hoard of antiques, a much younger brother, and Shane Mitchell—the boy who blindsided her with the news that he loved her on the night before she left. Eight years later, Caitlin returns to Reindeer Falls, and is shocked to find her childhood home in disarray, and her little brother in desperate need of his sister. Determined to make things right, Caitlin begins to rediscover her love for music, antiques, and possibly even Shane—who’s become a pillar of the community, rather than the carefree teenager Caitlin once knew. When faced with the choice of rebuilding her life in Boston, or giving love a second chance in Reindeer Falls, will Caitlin be able to decide on the true meaning of home?
This novel was previously published as Love Notes in Christmas Falls and was the Readers' Favorite 2018 Silver Medal Winner for Holiday Fiction. It is now a standalone novel with added content and an updated ending.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2017

About the author

Beth Labonte received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She worked as an administrative assistant for fourteen years, turning to writing as her creative outlet in an excruciatingly mundane corporate world. Beth now writes full-time and resides in Massachusetts.

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Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really want to know how to become an honorary member of this group of seven. The more of these books that I read, the more that I want to be a part of them. I'm feeling left out!

Caitlin has had some hard times, but she is very driven, especially as she tries to discover who she is deep down and what will really make her happy in life. Her parents situation was a little alarming and the way she deals with their circumstances and helps them is heartening. I love how she's willing to make changes in her life when she steps back to carefully observe and analyze.

Shane really does have a heart of gold underneath his jokes and charm. It's like he tries to hide that creamy, nougat center, and he definitely doesn't flaunt it, but rather tries to distract others from seeing it. The sparks immediately reignite as Caitlin and Shane banter, while they tentatively explore rekindling their friendship. I loved the romance--the sparks almost leapt off of the pages a few times. Just imagine--all of this started with just a simple question.

I haven't ever read anything by this author before, but I loved her style and the creation of these great characters. The story is full of decisions to be made and the emotion behind the choices is tangible. There is a nostalgic feel that is lightly threaded throughout the book, which is consistent with a small-town story. I love how each of these girls (so far) does something to make things better than they were before the girls came back to town.

Content: mild romance (swoony kissing, mild innuendo); one instance of underage drinking.

*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions.*

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Caity left Christmas Falls eight years ago to attend Harvard, she never imagined her life would end up the way it did. Upon receiving a letter from her childhood mentor, Miss Anna Cate, the newly single and unemployed Caity doesn't waste any time heading home to Christmas Falls.

Arriving at her childhood home, Caity can't believe the state it's in. It seems the insides have started spilling to the outside. But once she's inside she can see why. How long has this been going on? Her parents seem to have gone from collectors to hoarders. While she's home, she'll have to see what she can do to help get things back under control.

But first she needs to face Shane Mitchell, the boy who blindsided her with his confession of love the night before she moved away to college. It's been eight years since she has seen him. Will his feelings still be the same after all these years? Has he moved one? Will she be able to finally admit that she loved him too?

Spending time in Christmas Falls is just what Caity needs. She's able to reevaluate her life and figure out what she really wants. But an unexpected call from Boston has her floundering. Does she officially move back home to Christmas Falls? Or does she try to make a go of it again in Boston? And what about Shane? Now that both their feelings are out in the open, can she leave him again?

Life is never easy and there will always be some tough choices to make. But with the help of Miss Anna Cate, Caity will finally realize what she needs to do and where she needs to be.

*dreamy sigh* Love Notes in Christmas Falls is SO cute! I absolutely adored it! Shane has got to be one of the sweetest guys ever! And Caity, while she is a bit stubborn, she's pretty amazing too! These two are perfect for each other! <3

Another hit in the Return to Christmas Falls series! Can I tell you that I am SO glad these authors decided to team up and write this series! I'm secretly hoping they do it again! ;)

This is my first book by Ms. Labonte and if her others are anything like this then I will definitely be checking them out! :)

I just have to say that I love this casting! But I may just be bias... ;) Hehe.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters in this one! I related to Caitlin as the quiet one in high school, but with plenty of personality once someone got to know her. The theme of family and helping out during rough times is strong with Caitlin finally recognizing the needs of her brother to not get buried in her parents' "acquisitions." Shane and Caitlin have a great backstory and I loved their banter, especially their game of questions. There are great details and mannerisms that make the characters really come to life, and the romance is fabulous!

While some of the sassy innuendo is funny, I was disappointed by the pre-marital adult content the author chose to include, even though it was "behind closed doors." (The rest of the books in the series are clean, so it was unexpected).

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first taste of author Beth Labonte's writing and I have to say that I'm going to be looking for more. Her characters in this book felt like old friends and that's a happy place to be as a reader.

I loved Shane! He was a fantastic balance of tease and serious. I loved the way he wanted to help both Caitlin and his community. He brought fun and smiles to this story and to Caitlin- who at times really needed that.

Caitlin comes home faced with some serious situations. I loved how much she cared about her family and how gentle she was with them. She thought about things and then acted in a way that helped instead of hurt.

What a fun story! It's a great addition to this series that I am absolutely loving.

Content: Intimate relations behind closed doors with no details, some innuendo, kissing.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Caitlin head homes for Christmas to Reindeer Falls, she has no boyfriend and no job - she soon finds herself reconnecting with an old flame, and helping her parents out at home as their antiques business has spilled over to their home and created a hoarding issue. But despite loving being home, Caitlin thinks returning will be downgrading and she should stay in the city, even if it means being alone.

This was an enjoyable read as I've found other books by Beth LaBonte to be. I think she writes sweet, easy to read seasonal romances and stories and I think I will really enjoy picking her up with each new turning of the season and the weather. Her characters and dialogue are fun and witty, and make everything enjoyable to read - and I'm looking forward to returning to Reindeer Falls next year with Michelle, Caitlin's friend, who now has her own story.

While this book was pretty light with plot, I liked that it explored the idea of loneliness in a big city, and how coming home to your roots doesn't have to be a bad thing if it's something that makes you happy. Part of me feels like there is more that could have been done with her parents' hoarding as I always feel like hoarding that that is not just a physical issue but also a mental one, and I don't think we got that really with her parents.

I enjoyed this though and I will read more.

[Raven⚔️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pumpkin Spice Everything and Maple Sugar Crush both absolutely won me over. They were great, cozy, feel good Fall reads. When I wanted to pick up something Christmas themed I knew I could count on Labonte.

I loved this book! Beth is a fantastic author. Even though it’s on the shorter side you will still be enthralled, invested, and satisfied.

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Love Notes in Christmas Falls, which by no means affects my opinion of the novel.

Love Notes in Christmas Falls follows heroine, Caitlyn Cook, who left her hometown, Christmas Falls, for Harvard and Boston 8 years ago. All those years ago, she left behind her parents and their obsessive antiquing, a younger brother and outgoing bandmate, Shane Mitchell, who told her he loved her the night before she left. Now, she’s back in Christmas Falls for the holidays, unattached to her life in Boston, after receiving a distressing letter from a high school mentor and bad news concerning the community center, the place where she bonded with her closest friends all those years ago. While she’s back, she runs into Shane and as the two spend more time together and face how things were left between them, Caitlyn questions if she should return to Boston and focus on building a life there or give love and Christmas Falls a second chance?

I absolutely adored Love Notes in Christmas Falls! The heroine, Caitlyn Cook, is a true introvert – having faced questions, like “Why are you so quiet?” to opening up to select people to feeling drained when she talks for too long to preferring nights in as oppose to out on the town. She’s also quirky, funny and sweet. I loved her and completely related to her as an introvert myself. The romance was sweet and endearing, showing the leads relationship in their high school years to emphasize their romantic chemistry in the present. Shane Mitchell is a hero to swoon over – kind, funny, charming and supportive. And I loved him and Caitlyn together.

Overall, a wonderfully, clean romance with a natural pace and loveable characters. 5 stars.

P.S. Since this book is a part of a series, readers will experience character overlaps, such as Miss Anna Cate, who I imagine is a staple in each book because she is part of the reason they all return home. And Olivia, who is a side character in this story but has her own novel in the series as well as the other close friends of Caitlyn’s. Even so, this book can be read as a standalone but I’m definitely interested in reading the others.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opposites Attract

Caitlin comes back to Christmas Falls after losing her boyfriend, losing her job, and finding out that her former choir director is sick.

Almost immediately, she runs into Shane Mitchell. After being friends for four years, Shane told her that he loved her the night before she left to go to Harvard. She told him that she would call him, but she never did, and has regretted it for the past eight years.

I liked the banter between Shane and Caitlin. They had some pretty hilarious conversations now and back in high school. I also liked that Shane saw Caitlin, not just a shy woman.

Content: A little more PG-13 on this bookthan the rest of the series. There was teen drinking, innuendo, kissing, and fade to black intimacy outside of marriage.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this to review.

I enjoyed this book. It was a nice holiday romance book. Even though is was a short book it was still a wonderful story. It was nice that Caitlyn helped her brother when she came home. I felt bad for him because his parents had a hoarding problem and because of it he had no space of his own. I was happy that Caitlyn finally realized that she didn't need a fancy job in the big city to be happy. She also finally realized that everything she needed was right there in the small town she thought she needed to run from. So, she got her happily ever after. Which I love.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was basically a cute, cheesy hallmark Christmas movie in book form. It has all the tropes:

🎁a main character returns to her small town for the holidays;
🎁reconnects with a guy she liked in high school;
🎁a beloved community center is going to be closed after this final Christmas season;
🎁the main character has lived in the big city for several years but begins to see the charm of the small town once again…

You get the idea.

However, at under 200 pages, it wasn’t as flushed out as it could have been.

I also found the ending incredibly cheesy and convenient.

This was still a cute Christmassy read that will probably make you want to watch a Hallmark movie.

_______________________________________
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[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Return to Christmas Falls series.
Caitlin Cook left the small town of Christmas Falls, TN 8 years ago to attend Harvard and hasn't come back home too often since then. Within the span of a week she's lost her boyfriend and her job so she has no reason to stay in Boston when she receives a letter from Miss Anna Cate, her school choir director. She finds things at her childhood home have changed quite a bit from her last visit 2 years ago. Her parents antiquing obsession has overtaken the house and is spilling onto the front porch, and it's affecting her teenage brother, Nate, who still lives at home. Shortly after arriving back in town she runs into Shane Mitchell, the school band director and the boy who admitted he loved her right before she left for Harvard.

Poor Caitlin--She feels like she's on an episode of hoarders when she sees her parents house and it only got worse when she finally made it to her bedroom. Boxes of stuff from estate sales are everywhere--she has a hard time finding her bed, but when she finds out that her parents are also putting their antique finds in her younger brother's room and closet she realizes she's going to have to have a talk with mom and dad.

Shane Mitchell has cared for Caitlin for years but doesn't tell her until the night before she leaves for Harvard. She's been gone for 8 years and although he has changed, his feelings for her haven't. Shane is a great guy--he tunes Caitlin's piano so she can start playing again, he lets Nate do his homework in his office at school because of the hoarding situation at home, and when Caitlin talks to her parents about straightening up the house he helps out with that too.

I felt for Caitlin when she arrives home to find her parents have gone way overboard with buying things for their antique store. Growing up with the adage "a place for everything and everything in its place" I'm fairly certain I would've turned and run away, but Caitlin helps her parents see that it's hurting her brother who can't even have friends over.

I love the idea of the Miss Anna Cate having the girls exchange friendship bracelets in a ceremony and them staying in touch through the years. I also loved the advice she gives to Caitlin that helps her decide whether to stay in Christmas Falls or return to Boston. I understood Caitlin feeling the need to prove her Harvard education was worth something--she did work super hard to get a scholarship and keep it--but sometimes when we're trying to prove something we're just being stubborn.

I laughed out loud the two times Shane uses his dad's model skeleton to prank Caitlin by dressing it in clothes and leaving a note pinned to it. I would've been scared witless, but it was fun reading it happening to someone else.

This is my first book by Beth Labonte but I liked the characters in this book and the humor that was in the story even though it had some serious themes too. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Grant Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Love Notes in Christmas Falls by Beth Labonte is a continuation of a series built around the small Tennessee town of Christmas Falls. When Caitlin Cook graduated High School and headed off to Harvard, with a full scholarship, her future seemed to be lain out in front of her. Only one thing tinged her excitement at leaving town for the big city of Boston. On her last night, Shane Mitchell, the enigma of her teenage years had professed his love for her. After College, Caitlin worked for a textbook company for four years, but laid off from her job and recently broken up with her boyfriend, she feels she has achieved nothing after eight years away from Christmas Falls. Called back to visit by the illness of her teenage Music teacher, Caitlin herself must face the music and address the relationship between herself and Shane Mitchell, who has now returned to Christmas Falls and is now the music teacher at the school.

Although Love Notes in Christmas Falls is part of a series, it is a full story in its own right and one that you don’t have to have read any others to full enjoy. This is a simple, unpretentious, romance, that will do nothing to offend and fulfills its purposes well. Author Labonte posed many of the same questions, for the two main characters, that her readers will no doubt face in their own lives; how does one judge life’s success? Is love more important than anything else? What is it that draws two people together with such a strong connection? And What is our goal in life – happiness or success – or are they the same thing? I really enjoyed the characters and the story. Although not an avid reader of cozy romance, I am still able to gauge Labonte’s success at reaching her target audience. The story is well written, the characters well developed and within its genre a total success. I did enjoy the easy read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Notes In Christmas Falls
Beth Labonte
4 stars

This is my first read with Beth Labonte and it didn't disappoint. I love my Christmas reads and it was a good one. The characters are very well written and they served as a nice curl up by the fire and drift away ..

Shane and Caitlin are simply wonderful. Caitlin is home taking care of business and trying to balance the issues with her family. She was a amazing and compassionate for those that she loved. Shane was a great character. He was a perfect mix of sugar and spice. He brought a humorous mix to Caitlin's serious issues. This story line flows wonderfully and you will enjoy how everything pans out during their holiday.

Good quick and quite read. I recommend picking this one up.
Thank you for the ARC -- Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets!

[Asheley T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Pumpkin Everything and Maple Sugar Crush by this author, you will enjoy this too. Every business in the small town in the story is Christmas-themed, and the family is delightfully quirky. There is a sweet second chance romance between Caitlin and the local high school band teacher, Shane. This is a quick, fun read that was perfect for me to pick up in little snippets over the past few days while things have been busy around here.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little caught off guard by how forward Caitlin was. It didn't fit what I was expecting from Labonte. I would classify this one as a closed-door, where her other ones would be more sweet romance.

Overall, it was fine. It moved very quickly, which is expected in a novella of this length. I'll read the next one.

[Karan Eleni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on karaneleni.com

Fellow Whovian, Beth Labonte, has thrown the perfect snowball with LOVE NOTES IN CHRISTMAS FALLS, her new release and contribution to the Return to Christmas Falls series. Christmas Falls reminds me a LOT of the small town I grew up in, and Beth did an amazing job of making me want to return home and see if things have changed. I absolutely loved meeting Caitlyn and her family. It was a pleasure to follow along as she navigated her way back home to help her brother and reconnect with her friends and Miss Anna Cate (who made me tear up again). Beth threw an Easter egg in and made the whole story just a bit better!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was really good. Caity and Shane provide us with a sweet second chance romance. Their story was well written and kept me engaged. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Linda Buzard-Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Notes

This was a Cute and Fun Holiday story that took place in the Small Town of Reindeer Falls . I can't wait to read more of this series and revisit these great characters again.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love books by this author, sweet clean story, quick read

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Home for the holidays, Caitlyn runs into high school crush, Shane. Will the timing (paired with a little Christmas magic) bring them together this time?

This was a light, amusing, Christmas-themed love story, and I'd highly recommend it for fans of Hallmark movies. Music and marching band fans too will enjoy the roles played by both.

Location: Reindeer Falls, Tennessee

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written Christmas romance novel.

When I first picked it up, I read a few pages and it didn’t seem that interesting.

I’m glad I went back for a second try.

[Thalassophile_takemetotheocean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Beth Labontes books. They are clean, sweet romances that make you smile. This festive book is about Caitlin, a Harvard University graduate living in Boston. She comes back to Reindeer Falls, TN after receiving a letter from her role model, her ex-teacher. Caitlin has always been shy, quiet, and introverted. She runs into her old friend, Shane, when she attends her little brothers band concert at his high school. She learns that when Shane told her that he loved her the day before she left for Harvard, he meant it and still does. He's also not the same 17 year old kid that she remembered. 8 years have gone by.

Cailtin is torn between returning to Boston or moving back to Reindeer Falls. She lost her job and broke up with her boyfriend because he was cheating on her. She really has nothing to return to, but she doesn't want to feel like she is stuck with a degree from a prestigious college and hasn't done anything with her life. I can relate to this. In the end, she finds out that you don't need to go thousands of miles away to try to find happiness. It's right in front of you if you just open your heart and your eyes.

What I liked about this book was that the characters are relatable and the story is realistic. I liked the dialogue between Shane and Caitlin, as well as the flashbacks of them in high school. This was a cute Christmas read.

[M.L Slack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly FANTASTIC

This little Christmas read was everything I didn't know I needed to close out this epic failure of a year that is 2020. I really wasn't expecting all that much with a themed romance but I am honestly so delightfully impressed! It was funny and super relatable for a small town girl like myself. I fell in love with the characters, and I'm so glad to report that I didn't find it corny or over the top. It wasn't dripping with "dirty moments" which I was happy about because I mostly skim read those anyway, and I even shed a little happy tear at the end. I'm definitely going to be following up and reading the next in the series. Totally recommend. If you're contemplating buying this one- do it! You won't be disappointed.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caitlin is back in her hometown for Christmas after losing her job and her boyfriend. There's a sweet reconnecting with her high school crush, and a subplot about saving the community center from being permanently shut down.

The romance is sweet and fairly low angst, and I liked that there was some humor too (much provided by Caitlin's hoarder parents).

Caitlin's conflict about returning to her life in Boston seemed a little forced, she basically had years to make a life there and didn't, so her being so torn didn't quite ring true.

[Nikki Sekuloski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the characters in Beth LaBonte’s books. They are so relatable. Her books remind me of Hallmark movies but in a more realistic way. Can’t wait to continue reading more of her books.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Heart Full of Christmas

Love Notes in Christmas Falls brings Caitlin back home on an impulsive, last minute desperation visit. She’d left home to attend Harvard on a scholarship, her life was now in Boston… or what life she actually had. With a cheating ex-boyfriend, losing her job, and a letter from her mentor Miss Anna Cate all combining into the perfect storm – Caity headed home, for now at least. She had run from one situation into another and now she had choices to make. Discovering that the boy who had once said he loved her just before she left for college was now all grown up… and maybe still in love with her…was one of the biggest questions of her life.

I found Shane and Caity’s romance to be a sweet and sad adventure. Shane had gone on to build a life doing what he loved, but with no serious ties. Caitlin may have gone to Harvard, but Harvard shouldn’t define her or her life. She’s stuck in a mindset much like her parents are stuck in collecting. Something has to give and it’s up to Caitlin to make that choice.

I enjoyed my time with Caitlin and Shane, and watching the overall arch of the series continue. I’d recommend this story and this series for any Romance reader who loves the magic of Christmas and a really good love story.

I own an e-book copy of this story.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, but the plot was pretty light and there wasn't much to the storyline. I also didn't understand how quickly the MCs fell back into their routine and the way things were between them or even more. I did love the connection and friendship they shared, but didn't really see anything beyond platonic to the way they were so I couldn't really feel the emotions or spark/connection between them much. And even the questions game etc, I felt like a lot could have been done using that to the storyline like actually showing a glimpse into those notes that she had written etc. It just felt like we knew she was reading and going through them but we didn't really get to read along with her. I also felt that the way things started, the whole donation, her and friends performing, Miss Annabelle's treatment etc, in all these three I felt that the donation part was more focussed and the other two were rushed. I also felt that the way we were taken across timelines, it was a bit confusing and honestly could have been done more clearly and in a distinguished manner where we were taken back in time using "year stamps" or something.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is top 3 best romantic Christmas stories I've ever read. Lifetime or Hallmark should definitely turn it into a movie.

Caitlin's whole life has fallen apart. Then she gets a letter from a beloved mentor and goes rushing back home.

At home she realizes a lot of things. Her parents hoarding is out of control, she was never much of a sister, she lost contact with her best friends, and she never got over Shane.

One by one she goes through these problems trying to solve them. Also the community center is in crisis and she tackles that as well. Don't worry, it doesn't seem as Mary Jane as all that. Everything that happens it very plausible.

Shane and Caity are a once in a life time love. I guess some people would say a second chance at love, but to me it was like they never really let go of each other. They were each other's best friend.

This story had me smiling on every page. I love stories that lift my mood. So much goodness.

The "surprise" at the end actually had me in tears.

If you love holiday romances, this is the book for you!

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the first one of this series and then I got this one. They are not in order, but they don’t have to be read in order. It is about the same circle of friends and each book tells their story about how they end up back in Christmas Falls.

I loved how Caity finds herself after spending 8 years in Boston. She comes home only because her favorite high school mentor asked her to for one last performance with the circle of friends. She cannot refuse but has only been home once because of things she doesn’t want to deal with.

Shane is a man that knows exactly what he wants in a woman and who that woman is, so that nothing or no one else will take her place. He has made a name for himself after college by teaching high school music. He is very much a part of the community of Christmas Falls.

Will the two of them find happiness together or was that just a fairy tale and not real? You will have to read the book to find out.

[Debra Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every which way, but loose!

I gave this rating, because how realistic the characters lives in this story were.
From high school growing up in a small rural town, to going to college. Living
in Boston, graduating Harvard, and working. It's a hard knock life, when you're
quite and introverted. Hard making friends and keeping them, harder yet to go
all out to be noticed for job promotions. What I wasnt too fond of was how Caitlin was so hung up about going back to Bostin. Why couldn't she under-
stand it's not failing, people live and work their entire lives in huge cities, and
still dont make a lot of friends or get known. When a little old lady blasted her
to give her her wake up call, she finally got it. This is a great story about life,
family, friends, but most of all getting your act together and finding out your
Special person was right in front of you all the time. A great read.
Debra H.